Ten Veterans Commemorated and Local Author honored

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🎺 Chester County Coroner's Office to Commemorate Ten Unclaimed Veterans

📔 Jason Wingard, Accomplished Educator and Author, Inducted into Henderson Hall of Fame

👩‍⚕️ Barclay Friends Innovates CNA Recruitment with Paid Training Program

🎓 Pennsylvania State Universities See Freshman Enrollment Rise, But Overall Enrollment Declines

🏈 Coatesville School Board Discusses Grants and Emotional Learning Program

📖 West Chester's Hoopes Park Introduces StoryWalk for Outdoor Reading and Recreation

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Chester County Coroner's Office to Commemorate Ten Unclaimed Veterans

The Chester County Coroner's Office is holding a ceremony on October 26 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery to honor ten unclaimed veterans who passed away in Chester County. The event will include full military honors, with a rifle salute, live Taps, and the presentation of the flag by the Pennsylvania Military Honors team. Each veteran will have their own columbarium engraved with "Proudly Served." The ceremony aims to commemorate these veterans' service and ensure they receive a dignified final resting place.Share Downingtown Local Pulse

Jason Wingard, Accomplished Educator and Author, Inducted into Henderson Hall of Fame

Jason Wingard, an accomplished educator, author, and businessperson, was honored as the 13th inductee into the Henderson Hall of Fame. Wingard, a West Chester native, attended local schools and pursued a distinguished career in academia and leadership. He currently serves as a visiting professor at Harvard University, holds executive roles, and has authored a book challenging traditional higher education.

Wingard's accomplishments were celebrated at the induction ceremony, where he shared his experiences and insights, inspiring students to overcome challenges and exhibit leadership. His diverse educational and professional background has contributed significantly to education and leadership development.

Wingard's induction into the Hall of Fame recognized his outstanding achievements, including his contributions to education, leadership, and societal impact.

Barclay Friends Innovates CNA Recruitment with Paid Training Program

Barclay Friends, a senior living community in West Chester, Pennsylvania, has successfully introduced a paid training program for certified nursing assistants (CNAs). This innovative initiative aims to remove financial barriers and encourage more individuals to pursue CNA careers. Since launching in October 2022, the program has seen 13 participants, with nine achieving CNA certification and six remaining employed at Barclay Friends. This strategic approach addresses the ongoing CNA workforce shortage and is supported by Kendal Charitable Funds.

Pennsylvania State Universities See Freshman Enrollment Rise, But Overall Enrollment Declines

Pennsylvania's state universities have witnessed a positive trend in rising freshman enrollment for the second consecutive year, with a 3.4% increase in first-time students. However, overall enrollment across the state system declined by 2.2%, reaching 82,688 students. While some universities experienced growth, particularly East Stroudsburg and Indiana, others, especially those formed by recent mergers, saw significant drops in enrollment. Despite these challenges, system leaders are optimistic about the potential for growth through affordability and program alignment with job demands.

Coatesville School Board Discusses Grants and Emotional Learning Program

The Coatesville Area School Board made decisions and presentations during its September 26th meeting. They accepted an $8,065 grant from CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Sciences for the district's athletics and activities office, primarily for summer program positions. Principal Maria Stauffer presented the "Zones of Regulation Program" at Rainbow Elementary School, focusing on social and emotional learning to help students manage emotions and behavior. The program categorizes emotions into four zones and teaches students to use calming techniques to return to a balanced state. Upcoming meetings will include a technology department presentation and an update on the district's master facilities plan.

West Chester's Hoopes Park Introduces StoryWalk for Outdoor Reading and Recreation

Hoopes Park in West Chester has introduced a StoryWalk initiative, offering families a chance to read a book while enjoying a stroll in the park. Nineteen signboards along a .29-mile path feature an illustrated story that changes periodically, encouraging outdoor activity and literacy among children. The project, costing around $6,000, was made possible through collaboration between the Chester County Health Department, the Borough of West Chester, and the library. Community leaders and residents gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the initiative, emphasizing the benefits of combining outdoor exercise and reading for children. StoryWalk was originally conceived in Vermont and has become a popular way to promote literacy and physical activity.