🪖 CCIU Receives Grant for Veterans

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

🪖 Chester County Intermediate Unit Receives Grant for Veterans

💰 Fred Beans Donates $500,000 to Community Causes

❤️ Chester County Unites for Cardiovascular Wellness With YMCA of Greater Brandywine

💸 New Tax Collector for Upper Uwchlan Township

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Chester County Intermediate Unit Receives Grant to Boost Veterans' Transition to Civilian Careers

The Chester County Intermediate Unit is one of three recipients of grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, totaling nearly $200,000, for its workforce development project. The initiative, titled "Heroes Rising," seeks to empower military veterans by providing education and employment opportunities. The broader context of these grants involves the Veterans Employment Program (VEP), which aims to facilitate the smooth transition of veterans, Reserves units, and the Pennsylvania National Guard members into civilian employment.

The program addresses the unique challenges faced by veterans entering the job market by translating their military skills into the language of the civilian workforce. In addition to Chester County Intermediate Unit, two other projects, NuPaths LLC and Veterans Leadership Program, have also received grants of $199,998 and $200,000, respectively. NuPaths LLC will expand access to entry-level technology career training for Pennsylvania veterans, while the Veterans Leadership Program focuses on decreasing veteran unemployment rates through certificates, training, and financial assistance in 28 Pennsylvania counties.

Chester County Organizations Benefit as Fred Beans Donates $500,000 to Community Causes

The Fred Beans Automotive Group has reaffirmed its commitment to community support with a substantial donation of $500,000 to 16 regional organizations. The funds, allocated through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, aim to bolster initiatives related to scholarships, educational services, and innovative school programs. At the conclusion of 2023, the automotive group selected 12 organizations to receive $25,000 each and four others to benefit from a more substantial $50,000 grant.

Notably, two Chester County entities, the West Chester Library and the Chester County History Center, secured grants of $25,000 each. Victoria Dow, director of the West Chester Library, expressed gratitude for the tangible impact of EITC funds, particularly in bolstering the Summer Reading Program. Dow highlighted the program's significance, especially for the youngest readers who recognize and benefit from its importance.

This generous donation of $500,000 marks a significant increase from the previous year, reflecting the company's commitment to community support. Beth Beans Gilbert, Vice President of Fred Beans Automotive Group, attributed this augmented contribution to the recent approval of a $150 million increase by the Pennsylvania legislature for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs.

Gift of Heart Health Week: Chester County Unites for Cardiovascular Wellness

Chester County gears up for the Gift of Heart Health Week from Feb 5 - 12, a collaborative effort by local organizations to promote cardiovascular wellness. In partnership with Keystone First and Keystone First Community HealthChoices, the initiative offers free access to YMCA facilities, health screenings, seminars, and heart-healthy giveaways for the community.

Keystone Collections Group Now Tax Collector for Upper Uwchlan Township

Residents of Upper Uwchlan Township, your real estate tax bills are on the way, and there's a change this year—the Township has enlisted Keystone Collections Group as the new tax collector. Don't overlook the letter inside the envelope explaining this change, especially if your mortgage company handles tax escrows. For more information, visit the Township's website or contact them directly. Payment deadlines include a discount period until March 31, 2024, a face period until May 31, 2024, and a penalty period beginning on June 1, 2024.

Newly Listed Homes:

226 Clarkdale Lane, Gilbertsville, (Boyertown SD, $450k)

365 Donofrio Drive, Downingtown, (DASD, $325k)

165 Livingston Lane, Exton, (WCASD, $639k)

505 Rock Raymond Road, Downingtown, (DASD, $375k)

Upcoming Local Events…

• Benefits of Virtual Learning for Student Athletes - Feb 8th, 7-8pm

• #IHEARTDTOWN Happy Hour - Feb 13th, 5-8pm

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

• Home Composting Workshop - Feb 24th, 10am

• Kennett Winterfest - Feb 24th, 12:30pm-4pm

• Attatoba Clayworks: Night of Music - Feb 24th, 7pm

• OCHS Presents - The Thorndale Coal Wharf - Feb 25th, 2pm