🔥 Remembrance and Unity: Coatesville's Inaugural Selma March Reenactment on MLK Day

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🔥 Remembrance and Unity: Coatesville's Inaugural Selma March Reenactment on MLK Day

🚨 Downingtown Man Faces Prison for Online Solicitation of Minor in Sting Operation

💰 Tompkins Community Bank Joins 2024 Homebuyer Dream Program, Offering $20,000 Grants

❄️ Coastal Snowstorm: Eastern PA Braces for Several Inches in Winter Weather Advisory

📑 Villanova University Receives Original 'I Have a Dream' Speech on 58th Anniversary

🚨 East Goshen Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Norristown Man on Multiple Charges

⚖️ Renowned Attorney Ryan Jennings Joins TMACC, Fueling Sustainable Transportation Drive in Chester County

📆 Upcoming Local Events

Remembrance and Unity: Coatesville's Inaugural Selma March Reenactment on MLK Day

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024, Coatesville witnessed a poignant reenactment of the 1965 Selma March, with 500 participants retracing the historic route along Lincoln Highway. The march concluded at New Life in Christ Church, where 24 pastor reenactors shared their experiences and impact on history. The city's commemoration extended beyond the march, encompassing events such as preparing essential bags for veterans, unveiling a rehabilitated duplex for the homeless, screening a documentary on Bayard Rustin, and enjoying a soul food lunch.

The original Selma March, initiated by 600 participants in 1965, covered 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama. Motivated by the quest for voting rights and in memory of Jimmie Jackson, the march faced brutal attacks along the way. The subsequent passage of the Voting Rights Act removed barriers for Black voters. Organized by Rob Marshall, Roger Wayne, and Linda Lavender-Norris, the Coatesville event aimed to ensure remembrance of those who fought for their rights.

Downingtown Man Faces Prison for Online Solicitation of Minor in Sting Operation

A Chester County man, Tod Bennet Carr, has received a 2½ to 7-year prison sentence for engaging in online communications with undercover state agents. The charges, including unlawful contact with a minor and attempted statutory sexual assault, stem from Carr offering $100 for what he believed would be sexual contact with a 12-year-old girl in Lower Providence. Judge Steven T. O’Neill accepted a plea agreement, adding three years of probation consecutive to parole, resulting in a 10-year court supervision. Carr is subject to lifetime registration under Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act, with prohibitions on unsupervised contact with minors, monitored internet usage, and a social media ban during court supervision.

Tompkins Community Bank Joins 2024 Homebuyer Dream Program, Offering $20,000 Grants

Tompkins Community Bank is participating in the 2024 Homebuyer Dream Program, offering up to $20,000 to assist eligible first-time homebuyers. The program, facilitated by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, addresses down payment and closing cost challenges. Eligibility criteria include being a first-time homebuyer, having a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, and maintaining good standing with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Tompkins Community Bank will guide applicants through the process until August 20 or until funds are exhausted.

Coastal Snowstorm: Eastern PA Braces for Several Inches in Winter Weather Advisory

A coastal storm in eastern Pennsylvania is expected to bring several inches of snow, prompting a winter weather advisory until 1 p.m. Tuesday. Revised projections indicate 4 to 6 inches across the region, with northern and western areas likely to see the highest accumulation. While not a major event, it may break Philadelphia's two-year snow drought. Another system on Thursday night could bring significant snowfall, with cold temperatures prevailing.

Villanova University Receives Original 'I Have a Dream' Speech on 58th Anniversary

Villanova University has been entrusted with the original copy of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, announced by University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue on the 58th anniversary of the speech. The document, received by former Villanova graduate George Raveling directly from King, has been in his possession for 58 years. In appreciation, Raveling handed over the historic speech to Villanova, leading to a collaboration with the Smithsonian and the National Museum of African American History for public viewing. The original copy will be displayed at the museum as part of a long-term agreement with the university.

East Goshen Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest of Norristown Man on Multiple Charges

A routine traffic stop in East Goshen Township led to the arrest of Norristown resident Wilder Escobar, 27, on January 8, 2024. Facing multiple charges, including receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, Escobar's arrest followed the observation of an unmarked commercial vehicle by an officer from the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department.

Renowned Attorney Ryan Jennings Joins TMACC, Fueling Sustainable Transportation Drive in Chester County

Renowned attorney Ryan M. Jennings, Esquire, has joined the board of directors at the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC), bringing legal expertise and a commitment to sustainability. With his community ties and dedication to connectivity, Jennings' appointment is poised to enhance TMACC's advocacy for equitable, safe, and sustainable transportation in Chester County.

Upcoming Local Events…

• 2024 OIC Opportunity Fair - Jan 23rd, 11am-2:30pm

• Downingtown WINTER farmers market - Jan 13th, 27th 10am-12pm

• RWCC Ringing’-In Mingle @ Downingtown Country Club - Jan 13th 8:45am

• Business Showcase and Art Expo - Feb 17th, 11:30am-4pm