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- 💪 Handi-Crafters Secures Historic Donation | 🎭 DASD Launches Theater Season | ⛺️ Valley Forge Prepares Tourism Strategy for 250th
💪 Handi-Crafters Secures Historic Donation | 🎭 DASD Launches Theater Season | ⛺️ Valley Forge Prepares Tourism Strategy for 250th
Downingtown Local Pulse Feb 4th, 2025
Chesco Sean
04 Feb
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In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…
Handi-Crafters Secures Historic Donation as 65th Anniversary Approaches
Andrew Bentley, third from right, presents a check to Handi-Crafters representatives (from left) Samuel Arena, Cathy King, Denny Howell, April Ennis-Pierson, Joseph Howard, and Madison Chambers.
THORNDALE, PA - Handi-Crafters, a Thorndale-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving adults with disabilities, has announced a $100,000 donation from philanthropist Andrew Bentley, marking the largest individual contribution the organization has received in the past decade and the third-largest in its 65-year history.
The organization provides comprehensive services to more than 250 individuals with disabilities throughout Chester County each year, including vocational job training, competitive employment placement, community socialization programs, and essential support services. The donation will directly fund these person-centered programs, which aim to help participants achieve greater independence and meaningful community engagement.
Bentley, 41, represents a younger generation of donors who prioritize organizations that reflect their personal values and experiences. His decision to support Handi-Crafters stems from friendships with individuals who participate in the organization's programs, giving him firsthand insight into how employment opportunities can build confidence and foster independence.
Five Schools, Five Shows: Downingtown District Announces Theater Schedule
DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Area School District has unveiled its spring 2026 musical theater season, with all five secondary schools preparing productions that will run from early February through late March. The district-wide initiative involves hundreds of student performers and crew members across middle schools, high schools, and its STEM academy.
The season begins with Downingtown Middle School's production of "Annie," scheduled for February 6 through 8. Strong community interest has already resulted in sold-out performances for all three shows. Lionville Middle School will follow with "High School Musical" in early March, running from March 6 through 8.
The district's high schools have selected contrasting productions for their spring offerings. Downingtown High School East will perform "Mamma Mia!," the ABBA-inspired musical, from March 12 through 15, with tickets available online beginning at $14 for students and seniors. Downingtown High School West will close out the high school season with "Chicago," running March 26 through 29, with tickets going on sale March 1.
Valley Forge Tourism Board Prepares Strategy for 250th Anniversary Surge
VALLEY FORGE, PA — The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board has developed a comprehensive six-part strategy to position Montgomery County for what officials anticipate will be a transformational year for regional tourism, driven by the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations and a series of major sporting events in the greater Philadelphia area.
President and CEO Mike Bowman outlined the organization's approach, which centers on leveraging the dual anniversaries of America's founding and Valley Forge National Historical Park's designation as a national park, both occurring on July 4. The region will also host or benefit from NCAA March Madness, the PGA Championship, FIFA World Cup matches, and the MLB All-Star Game.
The tourism board's strategy balances protecting traditional economic drivers with pursuing new opportunities. While anticipating more than one million visitors, the organization has worked to maintain youth sports tournaments and group travel business that sustains hotels, meeting venues, and sports facilities. Simultaneously, the board has invested in data analytics partnerships to better understand visitor behavior and preferences, informing targeted marketing campaigns.
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Upcoming local events…
Chester County Networking Monthly WC Happy Hour (West Chester) - Feb 10th, 5pm-7pm
Monthly VRA Realty Investors Meetup (West Chester) - Feb 11, 6:45pm-8:30pm
Barks, Brews, and Baked Goods (Chester Springs) - Feb 13, 7am-9:30am
WCU Live! presents the Sharpe Family Singers $ (West Chester) - Feb 13, 7pm
Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Feb 14, 10am-12pm
Downingtown Repair Cafe (Chester Springs) - Feb 14, 10am-2pm
StrongHER: Women's Self-Defense Seminar (West Chester) - Feb 28, 10am-11:30am
Momprenuers of Chester County Walk & Talk (Exton) - March 7, 7pm-8pm
Coatesville Star Party (Hibernia Park) - March 7, 6pm-8pm
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