CCIU College Fair | Preserve Funding | Gritty comes to Chester County

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🎓 Chester County College Fair: Navigating Post-Secondary Opportunities for Students

🌲 Natural Lands Secures Grant to Expand Sadsbury Woods Preserve

🚧 Caln Announces 2023 Road Paving Schedule

🏒 Gritty Comes to West Chester on Friday

⛽️ New Wawa Construction Faces Delays and Review

🥾 Walking Artist Ken Johnston Explores Chester County's History on 75-Mile Journey

🚨 Chester County Man Convicted

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Chester County College Fair: Navigating Post-Secondary Opportunities for Students

The annual Chester County College Fair, organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), is set for Monday, Oct. 16 at United Sports in Downingtown, running from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. This free event, sponsored by CCRES and Wegmans, offers high school students and parents the opportunity to interact with representatives from various colleges and institutions nationwide to explore postsecondary options. To manage the expected number of students, the fair will be held in three time slots based on last names. Attendees will learn about entrance requirements, financial aid, campus life, academic programs, and more. The fair includes a wide range of institutions, including four-year and two-year colleges, specialized schools, the armed forces, career and technical schools, and experts assisting students with special needs and disabilities. Local and out-of-state colleges and universities will be represented, including Drexel University, Immaculata University, Temple University, West Chester University, Purdue University, San Diego State University, and more. Additional details and a list of participating schools are available on the CCIU's website.

Natural Lands Secures Grant to Expand Sadsbury Woods Preserve

State Rep. Dan Williams has announced a $105,900 grant for Natural Lands to expand the Sadsbury Woods Preserve in Sadsbury Township. The grant, awarded under the Community Conservation Partnership Program by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will be used to acquire approximately three acres along Compass Road. Sadsbury Woods Preserve is a cherished natural area in Chester County known for its unfragmented woodlands, extensive hiking trails, and popular bird-watching spots. The grant will help preserve this beautiful natural landscape for generations to come.

Caln Announces 2023 Road Paving Schedule

Caln Township is committed to improving local infrastructure for the benefit of its residents. The 2023 Township Road Program is set to enhance various roads, ensuring smoother and safer travel. Below is the schedule for the upcoming road paving project:

• Friday, October 13 – Surface Milling on 17th Ave. and Oak Street

• Monday, October 16 – Surface Milling on Oak St., 16th Ave., and 15th Ave.

• Tuesday, October 17 – Completion of Surface Milling and Base Repair on all roads

• Wednesday, October 18 – Paving on 15th Ave., 16th Ave., and Oak Street between 14th Ave. and 15th Ave.

• Thursday, October 19 – Paving on Oak Street from 15th Ave. to 17th Ave. and Paving on 17th Ave.

• Friday, October 20 – Sealing Curbs, paving joints, manholes, water boxes, and inlets.

During these road improvements, traffic may be reduced to one lane with flaggers directing vehicles to ensure everyone's safety. It's essential to be cautious and patient while driving through these work areas.

Gritty Comes to West Chester on Friday

The excitement is building as the 2023-24 NHL season approaches, and fans of the Philadelphia Flyers are in for a treat as they bring the celebration to West Chester. On Friday, October 13, the Flyers and their beloved mascot, Gritty, will be back in town, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities.

The event promises an array of exciting activities for Flyers fans of all ages. Highlights of the event include free giveaways, lawn games, live music, thrilling inflatables, and, of course, a chance to meet and greet the one and only Gritty himself.

To show your support for the Philadelphia Flyers, be sure to don your best orange and black attire. The fun is set to kick off at 5 p.m. and continue until 7 p.m.. The event location is right in front of the West Chester Post Office on Gay Street.

New Wawa Construction at Parkway Shopping Center Faces Delays and Planning Commission Review

Progress on the construction of a new Wawa at Parkway Shopping Center in West Goshen Township has encountered delays. The planning commission at their recent meeting tabled the vote to recommend conditional use for the new Wawa, calling for a traffic review by the township traffic engineer. The project would involve demolishing Timothy’s restaurant, although preliminary plans require township approval. Wawa estimated it might take 2.5 to 3 years to open the new store. Timothy's owner expressed concerns about the negative impact on his business, while also mentioning the possibility of relocating. The planning commission chairman raised issues about existing traffic conflicts and the need to assess the overall parking usage within the shopping center. The proposed Wawa project includes measures to mitigate its impact, such as tree planting, impervious coverage reduction, stormwater management, and shielded lighting. Changes to the Route 202 South exit are subject to PennDOT's decision, and vehicle charging stations would be determined by charging companies, not Wawa.

Philadelphia 'Walking Artist' Ken Johnston Explores Chester County's Forgotten Black Community History on 75-Mile Journey

Ken Johnston, known as the Philadelphia "walking artist," embarked on a 75-mile journey through southern Chester County to explore the historical sites associated with free Black communities in the 19th century. His goal is to walk 10 to 15 miles each day, starting from Hinsonville, going through Downingtown, and concluding in Phoenixville. This walk aims to highlight the often-overlooked history of African-American communities who were farmers, entrepreneurs, and church builders, strategically aiding those escaping oppression. Ken Johnston, a passionate walker who commemorated Harriet Tubman's 200th birthday by walking from New York City to Canada last year, initiated this project to delve into this rich history.

Chester County Man Convicted of Child Rape and Sexual Abuse

Downingtown resident Marco Martinez-Garcia, aged 36, was convicted of raping a child and committing sexual abuse against a victim aged 4-11. He will be sentenced at a later date. The Kennett Square Police Department conducted a thorough investigation after the victim's mother reported the abuse. The child, aged 11, revealed that Martinez-Garcia had sexually abused them over several years. The abuse came to light when the child finally confided in their mother. Martinez-Garcia manipulated and isolated the child, telling them to keep the incidents a "little secret." Prosecutors Zachary Yurick and Kaitlyn Michalek handled the case