♻️ A.J. Blosenski Faces Backlash | Governor Shapiro Visits WCU | High Schooler Raises $6k for Food Bank

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

💸 Governor Shapiro Proposes Bold Blueprint for Higher Education at WCU

🚨 WC Authorities Seek Public's Help in Identifying Assault Suspects

♻️ A.J. Blosenski Faces Backlash as Trash Woes Continue for Local Residents

🥫 High School Freshman Raises $6,000 for Chester County Food Bank

🎷 WCU's Wells School of Music Hosts 34th Annual Jazz Festival

⏰ Don't forget to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Governor Shapiro Proposes Bold Blueprint for Higher Education at West Chester University

Governor Josh Shapiro's recent visit to West Chester University centered on unveiling his comprehensive plan for elevating secondary education. Flanked by key figures such as Kate Shaw, Chris Pielli, Marian Moskowitz, and WCU President Chris Fiorentino, the discussion revolved around the "new blueprint" for education. Emphasizing student empowerment, the governor reiterated the importance of allowing individuals to carve their own paths to success. The plan, unveiled in January, focuses on competitiveness, workforce development, and accessibility.

The blueprint proposes the creation of a unified public system for higher education, merging PASSHE universities and community colleges under a new governance structure. Affordability takes center stage, with a commitment to ensuring that Pennsylvanians making up to the median income pay a maximum of $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester at state-owned universities and community colleges. The plan also advocates for transparent funding formulas, aligning state dollars with the needs of the Commonwealth.

The governor's proposed budget, reflecting the blueprint, allocates $975 million to the new governance system, presenting a 15% increase in state investment for state-owned universities and community colleges. Financial aid enhancements aim to ensure that students from families making up to the median income pay no more than $1,000 in tuition and fees per semester, starting in FY2025-26. Additionally, the plan suggests a $1,000 increase in Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) state grants for eligible students, commencing in FY2025-26.

West Chester Authorities Seek Public's Help in Identifying Assault Suspects

Authorities in West Chester are actively searching for two suspects linked to a recent assault on West Gay Street. The incident, which occurred on March 2, left the victim with visible injuries. Descriptions of the suspects have been provided, and the public is urged to contact the West Chester Police Department if they have any information regarding their identities.

A.J. Blosenski Faces Backlash as Trash Woes Continue for Local Residents

Customers of A.J. Blosenski, a major local trash and recycling company, continue to face collection issues, with complaints stretching from Chester County to the Lehigh Valley. The troubles began after the company was acquired by Waste Connections in September 2022. Despite promises of improvement and restructuring efforts, customers report persistent problems, including uncollected trash and recycling. The company attributes the issues to recent rerouting and weather-related delays, leading to increased confusion and longer call wait times. A.J. Blosenski assures customers of ongoing efforts to address the situation and reduce hold times.

High School Freshman Raises $6,000 for Chester County Food Bank in Virtual Drive

High school freshman Mateo Alban, inspired by a family visit to Peru, initiated a virtual food drive for the Chester County Food Bank upon witnessing the impact of food insecurity. Determined to make a difference, Alban filmed a video showcasing the facilities and attached it to the virtual drive. The initiative successfully raised $6,000, contributing to the production of meals at the food bank. Chester County Food Bank's Senior Marketing Manager, Anne Shuniak, praised Alban's efforts, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in addressing local challenges.

WCU's Wells School of Music Hosts 34th Annual Jazz Festival Featuring Jazz Legend Bob Mintzer

West Chester University's Wells School of Music is set to host its 34th annual Jazz Festival from March 20 to 23, 2024. The festival, featuring renowned musicians like jazz legend Bob Mintzer and the Ron Thomas Trio, offers free performances open to the public. Highlights include an all-Mintzer concert with the Criterions Jazz Ensemble and a Saturday event featuring top regional high school jazz ensembles. For more details and the full program schedule, visit www.wcupa.edu/jazzfest.

Don't forget to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!

Catch up on previous issues…

Newly Listed Homes:

113 Jefferson Avenue, Downingtown, PA

1144 S Red Maple Way, Downingtown, PA

1238 Isaac Way, West Chester, PA

11 Deer Run Lane, Malvern, PA

Upcoming Local Events…

• 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…