♻️ Volunteer Named ‘Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful's Volunteer of the Year’ | 📱 Rep. Chrissy Houlahan Votes For TikTok Ban

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

♻️ Volunteer Named ‘Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful's Volunteer of the Year’

📚 Downingtown Library Gears Up for Spring Used Book Sale

📱 Rep. Chrissy Houlahan Votes For TikTok Ban

🥛 Milk Truck Overturns in Chester County

🎸🥁 End of an Era: Sam Ash Music Stores to Shut Doors

🐏 West Chester University Exceeds Fundraising Goal in Fourth Annual Day of Giving

🦖🦕 'Jurassic Quest' Roars Back to Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Chester County Volunteer Named Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful's Volunteer of the Year

Kelly McDowell was honored by Chester County Commissioners for her exceptional volunteer work, receiving the title of Volunteer of the Year from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. McDowell, spearheading the efforts of "People Who Use Trash Cans," has been instrumental in organizing the Great American Cleanup of PA – Chester County since 2017. Her initiative has mobilized considerable volunteer support, with cleanup activities occurring every weekend from March through May.

McDowell's commendation acknowledges her significant impact on community cleanliness and aesthetics. Beginning with a litter clean-up along Route 1 in southern Chester County in 2013, McDowell's efforts have escalated, resulting in the collection of over 11,100 bags of litter and 430 tires to date. Her annual cleanup events routinely attract between 50 to 100 volunteers, indicative of her unwavering dedication to environmental preservation.

The Volunteer of the Year Program, overseen by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and its local affiliates, aims to honor individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment and passion in community service. McDowell's recognition highlights the pivotal role of grassroots initiatives in upholding and enhancing local environments.

Downingtown Library Gears Up for Spring Used Book Sale

Spring heralds the return of the much-loved Spring Used Book Sale at Downingtown Library, organized by the Friends of the Downingtown Library. Running from April 12th to 14th, this event promises to offer a treasure trove of literary delights for book enthusiasts.

To ensure the success of the sale, community members are encouraged to contribute their gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles. Donations will be accepted inside the library from March 18th through April 8th. The library extends its heartfelt appreciation to the community for their continued support, emphasizing the crucial role of these contributions in making the Spring Used Book Sale a memorable event.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan Supports TikTok Ban Amidst Security Concerns

Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) has thrown her support behind the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, HR 7521, aimed at severing TikTok's ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, citing national security imperatives. Houlahan's decision underscores concerns over the potential threats posed by TikTok data accessible to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), signaling a broader debate on safeguarding individual privacy and national interests.

The proposed legislation seeks to curtail app store availability and web hosting services for ByteDance-controlled applications, mandating their separation from foreign adversaries to mitigate security risks. However, critics caution against potential government overreach, citing implications for individual livelihoods and technological innovation in the tech sector.

Truck Carrying Milk Overturns, Prompting Cleanup in Chester County

Highland Township in Chester County witnessed a truck accident on Thursday as a vehicle carrying milk overturned on Limestone Road (Route 10) near Borough Line Road. The incident, occurring around 4:30 p.m., resulted from the driver's loss of control, leading to a collision with a pole and subsequent overturning.

While details about the driver's condition are yet to be disclosed, the accident has caused some of the spilled milk to seep into a nearby creek, necessitating cleanup efforts. As crews work to mitigate the spill and clear the area, the vicinity near the scene remains closed. Chopper 6 footage of the spill available here

End of an Era: Sam Ash Music Stores to Shut Doors in Philadelphia Mills, King of Prussia Mall

Sam Ash Music Stores revealed plans to close its Philadelphia Mills and King of Prussia Mall locations by late May as part of a broader restructuring initiative affecting 18 stores nationwide. The impending closures signal the end of an era for Pennsylvania, with both shops conducting liquidation sales in the coming weeks to clear inventory of musical instruments and gear.

Established in 1924 by Sam Ashkynase, an Austrian migrant and violinist, the company has navigated the music industry's evolution through four generations, expanding its offerings from sheet music and violins to guitars, drums, amplifiers, recording equipment, and beyond.

While specific reasons for the closure of the Philadelphia area stores were not disclosed, Sam Ash Music reiterated its commitment to maintaining a robust physical store presence while bolstering its online sales platform. As Sam Ash commemorates its 100th anniversary, the remaining stores will offer discounts to mark the occasion, signifying both a celebration of the company's legacy and a strategic shift in its business operations.

West Chester University Exceeds Fundraising Goal in Fourth Annual Day of Giving

West Chester University celebrated the success of its fourth annual Day of Giving, which exceeded its fundraising target of $180,000 by collecting $237,165 in donations. The event, known for its 24-hour duration, witnessed a notable surge in participation, with 1,767 donors contributing—a remarkable 125% increase from the previous year.

Of the funds raised, $104,637 has been earmarked for the university's sports programs, underscoring the community's commitment to supporting various facets of university life. Noteworthy contributions were made to diverse interests within the WCU community, including Women’s Rugby, Lacrosse, and the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band Fund.

A watch party hosted by the West Chester University Foundation served as a platform for attendees to witness the fundraising milestone being achieved and surpassed in real-time. University President Chris Fiorentino expressed gratitude for the generosity displayed by the Golden Ram community, emphasizing its profound impact on shaping the university's future.

'Jurassic Quest' Roars Back to Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

'Jurassic Quest' is set to make a triumphant return to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in mid-April, promising families across the Delaware Valley an unforgettable journey into the world of dinosaurs. From April 19th to April 21st, attendees can immerse themselves in a captivating experience featuring animated and lifelike dinosaurs meticulously recreated to offer a realistic glimpse into the prehistoric era.

The event offers a range of interactive activities, including the opportunity to witness photorealistic dinosaurs showcased in lifelike scenes, some of which feature movement and roaring effects. Attendees can also engage in hands-on experiences such as riding dinosaurs, participating in science and art activities like fossil digs, and exploring a soft play area tailored for young explorers.

New additions to this year's event include "The Quest," a self-guided scavenger hunt activity, and a video tour featuring popular "dinosaur trainers" Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Prehistoric Nick, and Park Ranger Marty. Exciting attractions introduced since the last visit include "Raptor Run" races and "Rope-a-Raptor," offering kids the chance to lasso stray dinosaurs with professional help.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase online in advance, with general admission providing access to the dinosaur exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. Additional rides and activities may require onsite ticket purchases or can be accessed through an upgraded "Kids Unlimited Ticket," touted as the best value for children aged 2-10. Admission is free for children under 2 years old.

Catch up on previous issues…

Newly Listed Homes:

200 Winding Way # J25, Downingtown, PA

127 Culbertson Run Road, Downingtown, PA

1144 S Red Maple Way, Downingtown, PA

1238 Isaac Way, West Chester, PA

Upcoming Local Events…

• 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

• West Bradford Open Space Event - April 8th, 7pm

• Cars and Coffee at RE/MAX ACE REALTY - April 13th, 9am-11am

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

Catch up on previous issues…