🎖️ Birchrunville Resident Awarded Silver Star for Vietnam Heroism | 🚧 Work Zone Speed Cameras Now Permanent

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🎖️ Birchrunville Resident Awarded Silver Star for Vietnam Heroism

🦻🏆 Downingtown Native Wins Oticon Focus On People Award

🥁 👘 WCU Welcomes Back Tamagawa University for Spectacular Taiko Drumming and Japanese Dance

🚧 👷 Work Zone Speed Cameras Now Permanent

🎹 🎤 Chester County Youth Center Residents Get New Creative Space

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Long-overdue Recognition: Birchrunville Resident Larry Liss Awarded Silver Star for Vietnam Heroism

Vietnam veteran Larry Liss, a longtime Birchrunville resident, was awarded the Silver Star by Four Star General Daniel R. Hokanson at a moving ceremony at Valley Forge Military Academy and College. The Silver Star, the third-highest military combat decoration, was bestowed upon Liss for his gallantry during the "Rescue at Ceu Song" in 1967. U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan played a pivotal role in securing the well-deserved honor for Liss.

During the ceremony, Houlahan, Hokanson, and other attendees emphasized the award's significance and Liss's overdue acknowledgment. Liss, who piloted helicopters for over 650 combat missions and logged 4,500 flight hours in Vietnam, was celebrated for his courage on May 4, 1967, during the "Rescue at Ceu Song."

Risking his life, Captain Liss used an unarmed Huey helicopter to cut through dense thicket to rescue more than 80 soldiers. The mission, which earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valor, was recounted during the event. Liss's remarkable actions on that fateful day finally led to the presentation of the Silver Star, highlighting his commitment to duty and exceptional heroism.

Downingtown Native Yaduraj Choudhary Clinches Oticon Focus On People Award for Advocacy in Hearing Health

Downingtown native and University of Pennsylvania student Yaduraj Choudhary secured the 2023 Oticon Focus On People Award in the Student Standout category after garnering over 14,000 votes. Choudhary, recognized for his efforts in destigmatizing hearing loss and promoting hearing health, received the award at the OticonNext Conference. As the founder and president of 3 Tiny Bones, a student-led nonprofit, Choudhary aims to mainstream hearing loss education and prevent hearing issues in youth. The accolade comes with a $2,500 prize, a $1,000 donation to a charity of his choice, and a pair of Oticon hearing aids.

WCU Welcomes Back Tamagawa University for Spectacular Taiko Drumming and Japanese Dance

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce announced his retirement after a stellar 13-season career. The emotional retirement ceremony at the Eagles' NovaCare Complex saw Kelce reflecting on his journey, wearing an Eagles T-shirt and fighting back tears. Known for his underdog story and pivotal role in the team's Super Bowl win, Kelce's retirement marks the end of an era. The 36-year-old's charismatic off-field persona, including podcast hosting and public antics, complements his on-field legacy, having made 156 straight starts and earning six All-Pro Team selections.

Pennsylvania's Ongoing Commitment to Safety: Work Zone Speed Cameras Now Permanent

PennDOT, in collaboration with the turnpike commission and state police, has commenced the enforcement of the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and state interstates. This initiative utilizes electronic speed timing devices mounted on vehicles to record violations exceeding work zone speed limits by at least 11 mph. The program, now permanent after a successful pilot, aims to enhance safety for both workers and motorists by curbing speeding and altering driver behavior.

Creative Hope Studio: A New Creative Haven for Chester County Youth Center Residents

Chester County Youth Center introduces Creative Hope Studio, a facility equipped for music production, book readings, graphic design, and video editing. Developed in collaboration with Creative Hope Studios, the Lancaster-based program utilizes hip-hop and creative arts to engage juveniles in the justice system. The studio offers a healing outlet for youth, funded by a Title I grant.

Catch up on previous issues…

Newly Listed Homes:

1238 Isaac Way, West Chester, PA

901 Valley Drive, West Chester, PA

11 Deer Run Lane, Malvern, PA

258 Buchanan Court, Downingtown, PA

Upcoming Local Events…

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

• Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour - March 7th, 5pm-7pm

• Joe Conklin Night of Comedy For Our Heroes - March 8th, 6-10pm

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

• Downingtown Repair Café - March 9th, 10am-2pm

• St. Matthew’s Consignment Sale - March 15th 5pm-8pm, 16th 8am-12:30pm

• Uwchaln Twp Spring Cleaning First Event - March 16th 8:30am-10:30am

• UUT First Aid / CPR Training Class - March 16th, 2pm-4pm

• Upper Uwchlan Egg Hunt - March 23rd, 11am

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

• Thorndale Fire Co Blood Drive - April 2nd, 1pm-6pm

• West Bradford Easter Egg Hunt - April 7th, 10am

• Uwchaln Twp Spring Cleaning Second Event - April 14th 8:30am-10:30am

Catch up on previous issues…