🛝 Parks Department Prepares for Nature Play Area | Library Appoints New Director | Officers Honored

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🛝 Parks Department Completes Demolition and Prepares for Nature Play Area

📚 Downingtown Library Appoints New Director

👮‍♂️ Caln Police Officers Celebrated at Thorndale Inn Awards Event

🎻 West Chester University Symphony Orchestra Prepares for Tribute Concert

💸 Homeowners Find Relief in Mobile Home Tax Reassessment Program

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Shamona Peck Playground Undergoes Transformation: Parks Department Completes Demolition and Prepares for Nature Play Area

The Shamona Peck Playground, undergoing a crucial transformation, sees the completion of its planned demolition by the Parks Department in January. The removal of the deteriorating structure sets the stage for a nature play area, marking a significant step in community revitalization. The project addresses safety concerns, stormwater issues, and soil quality, with a plea for visitors to stay off the marked area to ensure successful seeding.

Downingtown Library Positions Itself for Growth with Appointment of Director Jasmine Smith

Jasmine Smith is unanimously approved as the new Director of Downingtown Library by the Board of Directors. With a rich background in librarianship and a focus on technology and innovation, Ms. Smith is set to lead the library in implementing new initiatives and maintaining its role as a welcoming community space. Patrons are encouraged to welcome the new Director.

Distinguished Service: Caln Police Officers Celebrated at Thorndale Inn Awards Event

The Caln Police Department recently held an awards ceremony at the Thorndale Inn to celebrate remarkable achievements and acts of valor by officers throughout the year. Highlights included Investigator Tyler Reece receiving Officer of the Year, Corporal Jonathan Regan and Officer Samantha DiFrancesco earning the Valor Award, and Officer Travis Hodes receiving the Life Saving Award. The event also acknowledged teamwork, community service, and exceptional police service through various commendations.

West Chester University Symphony Orchestra Honors Legacy in Annual Tribute Concert

The West Chester University Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for a musical celebration on February 18 with the Annual Irving H. Cohen Memorial & Concerto Winners’ Concert. Directed by Paul Bryan, this free event at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in the Philips Memorial Building promises an evening of artistic brilliance.

The concert serves as a tribute to Irving H. Cohen, a revered WCU Professor of Music from 1969 to 1989. Cohen's enduring impact is channeled through a memorial fund that supports current music students with scholarships and other forms of assistance, ensuring his legacy resonates within the university community.

The memorial concert seamlessly intertwines with the Concerto Winners' presentations, featuring the outstanding musicians who triumphed in the Wells School of Music's annual Orchestra Concerto Competition. These talented winners will take the stage alongside a full orchestral performance of Gustav Holst’s masterpiece, The Planets, Op. 32, creating an immersive and memorable musical experience for the audience.

It will be streaming on Facebook and Vimeo.com/wsom

Downingtown Homeowners Find Relief in Mobile Home Tax Reassessment Program

Downingtown mobile home owners facing inaccuracies in tax assessments find relief in the United Way Mobile Home Tax Reassessment Program. Since 2019, the program has successfully aided over 1,000 appeals, resulting in substantial savings for homeowners. Now, in partnership with Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the initiative expands to assist all Chester County mobile home owners experiencing similar tax assessment challenges.

Newly Listed Homes:

17 Chestnut St, Downingtown (DASD, $400k)

423 Garfield Avenue, Downingtown (DASD, $320k)

122 Chandler Dr, West Chester (55+, $330k)

16 Morris Rd, West Chester (WCASD, $375k)

Upcoming Local Events…

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

• Family Hike to Marsh Creek Dam - Feb 19th, 12pm-2pm

• 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

• The Hidden History of Milford Mills - March 4th, 6pm

• Healthcare Hiring Event - March 6th, 11am-3pm

• Invasive Plant Clean-up at Broad Run Park - March 9th, 9am-12pm

• Wallace Twp Egg Hunt - March 23rd, 11:30am