🚨 Golden Prius Shoplifter | 🦺 Caln Clean-up Events | 👮‍♂️ Blue Beards For Charity | 👻 Haunted History Tour | & more

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨 Police Seek Identity of Shoplifter Driving Gold Prius

🦺 Caln Clean Up Crew Wraps 2025 Season

👮‍♂️ Officers Grow Beards for Charity in Annual Fundraiser

👻 Educational Trunk-or-Treat and Haunted Hike

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Downingtown Police Seek Identity of Shoplifter Driving Gold Prius

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Over the course of two incidents — late on Sunday, September 21, and again on Thursday, October 2 — a man driving a gold Toyota Prius is reported to have entered the Wegmans grocery store in East Caln Township, loaded a shopping cart, and exited without paying. Both incidents occurred during evening hours, at approximately 8:45 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively.

Video evidence indicates the man makes no effort to conceal his identity. He is seen shopping with a tattoo sleeve on his left arm exposed, and his choice of a striking vehicle further suggests he does not wish to remain anonymous. The Downingtown Police are requesting assistance from the public. Anyone with information is asked to reach out via [email protected]

Last Chance to Volunteer: Caln Clean Up Crew Wraps 2025 Season

CALN TWP — As the fall season progresses, Caln Township is inviting community members to participate in its last two Clean Up Crew efforts of 2025. The first will take place on October 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Embreeville Road, followed by a second on November 1 from 10:00 a.m. to noon on North Bailey Road.

The events are designed to improve local roadways and green spaces while encouraging community interaction. Though safety personnel will be present, organizers note these events are best for adult participants. Registration is available via SignUpGenius, and all necessary materials will be provided.

Officers Grow Beards for Charity in Chester County’s Annual Fundraiser

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — “Blue Beards for Charity,” the annual fall fundraiser organized by Chester County police departments, is underway. Officers participating in the initiative donate to local causes in exchange for permission to grow facial hair during October and November. The campaign supports local nonprofits including Unite for Her, A Child’s Light, and the West Chester Food Cupboard, among others. Last year’s effort raised over $60,000, and funds from this year will be publicly awarded in late November. Organizers are extending the invitation to the private sector, encouraging individuals and businesses to make tax-deductible contributions.

Educational Trunk-or-Treat and Haunted Hike Set for Oct. 29

COATESVILLE, PA — Hibernia County Park will host a free Halloween celebration on Wednesday, October 29, courtesy of Chester County Parks + Preservation. Families can enjoy a ranger-led trunk-or-treat from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., offering educational tidbits about native species along with treats. At 6:00 p.m., a haunted history hike will take participants through the grounds and into the historic Hibernia Mansion for a flashlight tour. While admission is free, attendees are encouraged to register in advance at chesco.org/parkprograms.

Two New Ways for Local Businesses to Shine in the Downingtown Local Pulse

Downingtown is built on the strength of its small businesses — the shops, restaurants, services, and makers that give our community its unique character. Now, there are two new ways for those businesses to get in front of thousands of engaged local readers through the Downingtown Local Pulse.

We’re introducing two promotional programs designed to give businesses year-round visibility and meaningful connections with our audience:

1. Partner Program

This package gives businesses a featured listing in our Local Business Directory, making it easy for residents to find and support you. Partners also receive:

• A monthly Business Spotlight article that tells your story.

• A pinned article on our website for maximum visibility.

• Exposure to our massive Facebook audience, with each feature shared across our highly engaged social channels.

2. Patron Program

For businesses ready to take their visibility to the next level, the Patron Program includes everything in the Partner Program plus:

• A top-level ad placement one issue a month, ensuring your brand stays front and center.

Both programs are built to keep your business in the local conversation month after month — not just as an ad, but as a valued part of the community’s story.

Whether you’re a family-run shop, a growing startup, or a well-established local favorite, these programs offer an affordable way to boost your visibility while supporting the Downingtown Local Pulse’s mission to celebrate the people and businesses that make our town special.

Ready to join? Upgrade here to start reaching Downingtown’s most loyal readers.

Upcoming local events…

Coatesville Star Party (Coatesville) - Oct 10, 6:30pm-9pm

St. Pauls Pop-up Thrift Store (Exton) - Oct 11, 8pm-2pm4

The FANGtastic Life of Bats (Springton Manor Farm) - Oct 11, 9pm-10:30am

Food Truck and Music Festival (East Goshen) - Oct 11, 2pm-5:30pm

Downingtown Fall Arts Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 11, 3pm-6pm

West Bradford Family Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 11, 4pm-7pm

October Cruse for the Troops (Exton) - Oct 11, 5pm

Historic Yellow Springs Fall Festival (Chester Springs) - Oct 12, 12pm-4pm

Exton Park Fall Fest (Exton) - Oct 18, 11am-3pm

Caln Clean-Up Crew Litter Pick Up (Caln) - Oct 18, 1pm-3pm

Hibernia Dam Walking Tours (Coatesville) - Oct 23, 2 & 3:30pm, Oct 25, 9am & 10:30am

Caln Twp Halloween Party (Caln) - Oct 25, 1pm-3pm

Fall 4×4 Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 10am-1pm

CCCC Trunk or Treat (Caln) - Oct 26, 2pm-4pm

Educational Trunk-or-Treat (Coatesville) - Oct 29, 4pm-5:30pm

Haunted History Hike (Coatesville) - Oct 29, 6pm-8pm

Catch up on previous issues…