Phils win NLDS | Rustin Screening | Bank Robber Convicted | Actress Addresses Bullying

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA

⚾️ Nick Castellanos Propels Phillies to NL Championship Series

✊ Chester County History Center Hosts Special 'Rustin' Screening and Exhibit

☀️ Interactive Tool Guides Skywatchers to This Weekend's 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse

💰 Chester County Man Convicted of Robbing Two Banks

🧮 CCEDC Resource Center Finds Permanent Home in Coatesville

🎯 Actress to Deliver Keynote Speech for Bullying Prevention Month

 📈 Chester County Launches Tax Rebate Program for Volunteer First Responders

🧤 DASD Plans Winter Clothing Drive with Special Guests

🚨 Authorities Investigating Animal Cruelty Incident

🦅 Kelce Nears Franchise Record With 145th Consecutive Start

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Nick Castellanos Propels Phillies to NL Championship Series

In a pivotal Game 4 of the National League Division Series, Nick Castellanos became the hero as he delivered back-to-back multi-homer performances in postseason history, boosting the Phillies to victory. Castellanos' first home run came in the fourth inning, tying the game, and he followed it with another in the sixth, sending Braves pitcher Spencer Strider out of the game. The Phillies secured a 3-1 win, clinching their spot in the NL Championship Series for the second year in a row. Game 1 against the Diamondbacks is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park. Castellanos' remarkable performance earned him a standing ovation from the crowd and showcased his dedication to the city.

Chester County History Center Hosts Special 'Rustin' Screening and Exhibit

The Chester County History Center is hosting a special event to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, featuring a screening of the Netflix feature film "Rustin" and an accompanying exhibit. The film portrays the life and achievements of Bayard Rustin, a civil rights leader and West Chester native. The event will include a cocktail hour and a screening of "Rustin" prior to its theatrical release.

The film provides a unique perspective on the civil rights movement, highlighting Rustin's essential role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington. The accompanying exhibit, running until November 2023, showcases Rustin's work and includes memorabilia from the historic march.

Colman Domingo, who plays Bayard Rustin in the film, emphasizes the importance of shedding light on lesser-known figures in the civil rights movement, while director George C. Wolfe sees Rustin as a role model for democracy and freedom.

Conor Hepp, President of the Chester County History Center, expressed the center's honor in partnering with Netflix for this event, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness of Rustin's life and contributions. This event is expected to be a special moment for Chester County and West Chester.

Interactive Tool Guides Skywatchers to This Weekend's 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse

NASA has launched an interactive eclipse explorer to help people determine when and what phase of the "ring of fire" solar eclipse they can experience on Saturday, October 14. The contiguous United States will witness a partial eclipse, with totality only occurring along a specific path. The tool shows the eclipse's trajectory and allows users to compare it to past and future eclipses. National parks in the path of totality are preparing for increased visitors. This event is the last visible annular eclipse in the contiguous U.S. until 2039. A total solar eclipse is expected in April 2024.

Chester County Man Convicted of Robbing Two Banks in Montgomery County

A Montgomery County jury convicts Chester County man for robbing two banks in Lower Merion Township within an eight-day span. John Charles Birchall, who listed an address along Blackhorse Hill Road, Coatesville, faces charges of robbery, theft, and other offenses for holding up the Wells Fargo Bank and the WSFS Bank in Bala Cynwyd Shopping Center in July 2022. The jury decided that Birchall placed bank employees in fear of serious bodily harm while demanding money during the robberies. Prosecutors aim to secure a substantial prison term for Birchall. DNA found on a discarded face covering outside one of the banks linked him to the crime. The sentencing hearing is pending.

CCEDC Business Resource Center Finds Permanent Home to Support Entrepreneurs in Coatesville

The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) has officially unveiled its new permanent home for the CCEDC Business Resource Center at 357 East Lincoln Highway in Coatesville. This center aims to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing free business coaching in areas like financing, human resources, and marketing. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was organized by the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce and attended by Coatesville officials, as well as key partners West Chester University and the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center. The CCEDC Business Resource Center plans to support the city's entrepreneur training efforts and promote access to capital and business resources. It has already benefitted 36 Coatesville business owners through programs like New Business Champions. The center offers one-on-one coaching, workshops, and access to the PA Catalyst Loan Fund. Services are provided by appointment to accommodate entrepreneurs' schedules.

Actress April Hernandez Castillo to Deliver Keynote Speech for Bullying Prevention Month in Downingtown

Downingtown Area School District (DASD) proudly presents actress April Hernandez Castillo as the keynote speaker for Bullying Prevention Month. The event will take place on October 25 at 6 p.m. in the Downingtown High School West High auditorium (445 Manor Avenue, Downingtown).

April Hernandez Castillo, renowned for her role in "Freedom Writers," shares her inspirational journey from Hollywood to conquering personal traumas. Her keynote speech, titled "Moving Forward," highlights resilience in the face of adversity and advocates against bullying.Share Downingtown Local Pulse

Chester County Launches Tax Rebate Program for Volunteer First Responders

Chester County Commissioners have approved a tax rebate program for volunteer members of local fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies. The Active Volunteer Real Estate Tax Rebate Ordinance offers tax incentives to volunteer first responders based on a point system. Activities like emergency response calls, training, meetings, public education, leadership roles, and fundraising events earn points. A maximum score results in a 100 percent property tax rebate. The ordinance, unique in southeastern Pennsylvania, aims to recognize and encourage the critical work of volunteer first responders and support their recruitment and retention efforts as the region experiences population growth. The program takes effect immediately, with eligible volunteers being able to claim real estate tax rebates for the 2024 tax year based on their service in 2023. County officials will communicate with eligible volunteer agencies regarding program criteria and the application process.

Downingtown Area School District Plans Winter Clothing Drive with Special Guests

The Downingtown Area School District (DASD) is organizing Project Warmth, a winter clothing drive scheduled for October 23 at Downingtown Middle School. The event will feature special guests, including Miss Pennsylvania, Olamide Zaccheaus from the Philadelphia Eagles, comedian ToppFlight, and Fox29's Drew Anderson and Ellen Kolodziej. Attendees are invited to participate by donating new winter clothing items, such as coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, which will benefit local organizations like The Lord's Pantry. Justin Brown, the DEI Director at DASD, emphasized the community-driven nature of the event, emphasizing community unity, positive impact, and enjoyment

Authorities Investigating Animal Cruelty Incident

The Brandywine Valley SPCA Animal Protective Services is calling for assistance in finding the individuals who left a deceased dog in a crate in the West Branch Brandywine Creek in Coatesville. This discovery was made when a dog crate was located near train tracks off Wagontown Road and East Glencrest Road, and upon examination, the animal was identified as an emaciated brown female dog wearing a camouflage martingale-style collar with a red leash. Further investigation revealed signs of long-term abuse and neglect. A reward of $1,000 is being offered by BVSPCA for information leading to an arrest in this case. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the hotline at 610-936-9402 or on the BVSPCA website under "need help."

Jason Kelce Nears Franchise Record With 145th Consecutive Start

Eagles center Jason Kelce is about to break franchise history with 145 consecutive regular-season starts, surpassing the previous record of 144 held by Jon Runyan. Kelce's remarkable durability is particularly impressive for an offensive lineman, and he has been a key part of the Eagles' success over the years. While Kelce remains tight-lipped about the streak, teammates praise his toughness and dedication to taking care of his body. He reflects on his 13 seasons with the Eagles and the valuable lessons he's learned from various coaches. Despite uncertainty about his future, Kelce's loyalty to Philadelphia and the Eagles is unwavering, and he is known for his unwavering dedication both on and off the field.

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.