Shanahan High School wins STEM Excellence, Boro Launches Toys For Tots, and DMWA Hydrant flushing

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🔬 Shanahan Earns National STEM Excellence Certificate

🧸 Boro Launches Annual Toys for Tots Drive

🚰 DMWA Announces Hydrant Flushing

👨‍⚖️ John Hall Elected as President Judge for Chester County

🥾 Caln Township Unveils Plans for Beaver Creek Trail's Segment 5

🚜 Pennsylvania Reserves Farmland Including Chester County From Development

🚒 Saint Agnes Parish Honors First Responders at Annual Blue Mass

⚾️ Phillies Beat D-Backs in Game 1 of NLCS

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Bishop Shanahan High School Earns National STEM Excellence Certificate

Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, has been awarded the prestigious National Certificate for STEM Excellence by the National Institute for STEM Education. Not only is it the first school in the state to achieve this recognition, but it also boasts six teachers with STEM Teaching Certificates. To celebrate this achievement, the school community will host an event featuring displays of impressive STEM projects and awards, reflecting their dedication to cutting-edge education. This accomplishment underlines the school's commitment to providing top-tier STEM education, setting a benchmark for Chester County and inspiring innovative thinking in its students.

Downingtown Borough Launches Annual Toys for Tots Drive

Downingtown Borough is spreading holiday cheer by launching its annual Toys for Tots drive. From now until December 4, 2023, new, unwrapped toys can be donated at the Borough Hall lobby and the Police Department lobby on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This heartwarming tradition aims to bring smiles to children in need during the festive season and encourages community members to participate in this charitable cause.

Downingtown Municipal Water Authority Announces Semi-Annual Hydrant Flushing Schedule

The Downingtown Municipal Water Authority is preparing for its semi-annual hydrant flushing to maintain high-quality water service and ensure the functionality of fire hydrants in our distribution system. During this process, you may experience a temporary reduction in water pressure or notice some discoloration. If the water appears discolored, we recommend waiting until it runs clear before using it. If you have medical reasons that require a constant water supply and cannot tolerate any interruption, please contact our office promptly at 610-269-5362. Hydrant flushing will take place between 8 AM and 3 PM on the following days:

• Tuesday, October 17th: Flushing will cover areas from Brandywine Ave and move eastward.

• Wednesday, October 18th: Flushing will include the Borough Hall area and extend westward.

• Thursday, October 19th (if needed): Additional flushing areas to be determined

John Hall Elected as President Judge for Chester County

John Hall, a native of Chester County, is set to become the new president judge for the county, following his election as a Common Pleas judge in 2004. With the support of his fellow judges, Hall will take on the task of overseeing Common Pleas judges, Magisterial District Court judges, and various court-related departments. His collaborative approach and commitment to making difficult decisions, when necessary, will be valuable assets as he faces the challenges of handling an increasing caseload with fewer judges than required. The transition comes as President Judge Jacqueline Carroll Cody's five-year term concludes. Hall's appointment continues a tradition of local president judges for Chester County, with his strong legal background and dedication to serving the community.

Caln Township Unveils Plans for Beaver Creek Trail's Segment 5

During the recent Caln Township Board of Commissioners meeting, an initial plan was presented for Segment 5 of the Beaver Creek Trail project. Once the entire trail is finalized, it will establish a multi-use trail connecting Lloyd Park to Municipal Park/ Segment 5 is the initial focus as it solely traverses township-owned property. The proposed trail will run along the northern boundary of the dog park, enter the wooded areas, cross Beaver Run, and exit on the southern side, leading into Downingtown. For more info CLICK HERE

Pennsylvania Reserves 1,336 Acres of Farmland Across 13 Counties, Including Chester County, From Development

Pennsylvania has taken a significant step in preserving its agricultural heritage by safeguarding 1,336 acres across 18 farms in 13 counties, including Chester County. This protection ensures these lands will forever remain untouched by residential or commercial development. The investment, totaling over $3.1 million in state funds and $433,433 in county funds to secure land development rights, is a vital measure to protect prime farmland. This initiative aims to guarantee that Pennsylvania's farms can sustainably continue providing for families and contributing to the state's economy in the years to come.

The preservation process involves partnerships between the state, counties, local governments, and nonprofits to acquire development rights. This ensures a prosperous future for farming and strengthens food security. By selling development rights, farm owners commit to preserving their lands as productive farms, preventing them from falling into the hands of developers.

In Chester County, the following farms have been preserved:

• The Matthew G. and Carmela D. Hershey Farm in West Fallowfield Township, a 51-acre crop and livestock farm.

• The Jeffrey D. and Tamela J. Smoker Farm in West Fallowfield Township, a 101-acre crop and livestock farm.

Saint Agnes Parish Honors First Responders at Annual Blue Mass

Saint Agnes Parish in Chester County celebrated its annual Blue Mass, honoring and thanking first responders for their dedicated service. Approximately 350 students from Saint Agnes, along with first responders, dignitaries, and parishioners, attended the Holy Mass led by Rev. Louis Bellopede, who emphasized the importance of peace and unity. Following the service, first responders paraded their vehicles past the parish, receiving cheers from the community. State Senator Carolyn Comitta also attended, expressing appreciation for the vital work of emergency first responders, especially in responding to various emergencies in the past year.

Phillies Beat D-Backs in Game 1 of NLCS

The Phillies clinched Game 1 of the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, starting with a bang. In the opening inning, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper blasted consecutive home runs, and Nick Castellanos added another homer in the second. Trea Turner's double in the third extended the lead to 4-0. The game was even more special as it coincided with Harper's birthday, making him the fourth player ever to hit a birthday homer in the playoffs.

Zac Gallen's two wild pitches allowed Harper to score in the fifth, extending the Phillies' lead to 5-0. However, the Diamondbacks made a comeback in the sixth when Geraldo Perdomo homered while Evan Longoria was on base, scoring their first two runs.

The game grew tenser in the seventh as Alek Thomas's fly to right field allowed Christian Walker to score, bringing the score to 5-3. The Phillies managed to maintain their lead and won 5-3, with a nail-biting ninth inning.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park.