🚽 Vandalism at Uwchlan Township Park 🌳

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse
*Limited Summer Posting Schedule*

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

📚 Dr. Gabriel Savage Named Principal of Pocopson Elementary School

🚽Vandalism at Uwchlan Township Park

📱Community Voices Concerns Over TikTok Harassment at School Board Meeting

👨‍🚒Volunteers Needed for 2024 Firefighter Challenge

🗝️ Discover East Whiteland’s Historic Village of White Horse

🪴Native Plant Initiative Neighborhood Walk

💧Best Wooder Boy in the Business!

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Dr. Gabriel Savage Named Principal of Pocopson Elementary School

POCOPSON TWP — The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District has announced the appointment of Dr. Gabriel Savage as the new principal of Pocopson Elementary School. The decision, which is pending approval by the School Board of Directors, follows a rigorous selection process.

Dr. Savage, who previously served as Principal of Wallingford Elementary School in the Wallingford Swarthmore School District, brings nearly a decade of administrative experience to his new role. His career in education began in the Radnor Township School District, where he served as an Assistant Principal and Music Teacher.

Dr. Savage’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Music Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s degree in Education Media Design & Technology from Full Sail University, and a Doctorate in K-12 School Leadership from Wilkes University.

His appointment at Pocopson Elementary is set to begin on September 16, 2024. The school community will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Savage at a Welcome Party on July 30.

Vandalism at Uwchlan Township Park Under Investigation

UWCHLAN TWP — On the evening of July 4, 2024, a consumer-grade aerial rocket was detonated inside a portable bathroom at the township park located at 220 Dowlin Forge Road, next to Target. The Uwchlan Township Police Department is actively investigating the incident and believes it may have been recorded and circulated on social media. To aid in identifying those responsible, the police are requesting information from the public. Anyone with pertinent information is urged to contact Detective James Alderfer at 610-363-6947 Ext. 151. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.

Community Voices Concerns Over TikTok Harassment at Great Valley School Board Meeting

MALVERN, PA — Amid rising concerns, the Great Valley School District tackled the issue of online harassment at a school board meeting. Superintendent Daniel F. Goffredo responded to reports of middle school students creating fake TikTok accounts to negatively depict 22 teachers. Goffredo highlighted steps to protect staff and improve the district’s social media conduct, including policy reviews, curriculum enhancements, and increased community engagement. Around 200 attendees, including many teachers, voiced their concerns about the lack of accountability and safety for students. Nikki Salvatico, President of the Great Valley Education Association, called for teachers to have a voice in the process and emphasized the need for action.

Volunteers Needed for 2024 Firefighter Challenge in Exton

EXTON, PA — The 2024 Firefighter Challenge League Northeast Classic is calling for community volunteers to support the event in Exton, PA. Known as the "Toughest Two Minutes in Sports," this event features over 100 firefighters competing in physically demanding tasks such as climbing a five-story tower and dragging a 175-pound "victim." The TFT® Firefighter Challenge Championship Series, a nonprofit organization, has organized this event for over 30 years to highlight firefighter skills and inspire future firefighters. Volunteers, including companies, civic groups, and churches, are essential for the event's success, assisting with competition tasks and resetting between races. All volunteers will receive a Firefighter Challenge shirt and onsite training. Sign-up here

Discover East Whiteland’s Historic Village of White Horse on July 18

EAST WHITELAND TWP — The Chester County Planning Commission is marking the 30th anniversary of its Town Tours and Village Walks program, which highlights the historic preservation achievements of various municipalities. This year’s program began on June 6 and will conclude on August 15, featuring tours of significant structures, villages, and landscapes that reflect the county's rich history.

One notable tour is scheduled for July 18 in East Whiteland's Village of White Horse. Mapped and settled since the early 18th century, White Horse became an important military and supply center during the Revolutionary War, particularly during the Battles of Brandywine, Clouds, and Paoli in 1777. The tour offers insights into the village’s agricultural and limestone mining past.

Participants do not need to preregister for the tours. They can register onsite at the advertised starting points. For the East Whiteland tour, parking is available at 969 and 967 E. Swedesford Road, Exton, with volunteers to assist with parking and registration.

Support Downingtown’s Native Plant Initiative with a Neighborhood Walk

DOWNINGTOWN PA — Downingtown's Restore Our Roots and the Shade Tree Commission are hosting a fundraiser to promote pollinator-friendly landscapes. The event includes a guided neighborhood walk showcasing street trees and creative home gardens. Donations support local wildlife habitat restoration. Registration is limited to 24 participants, with a deadline of July 18th. A rain date is set for July 21st. More info here

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Best Wooder Boy in the Business!

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39 Lahawa Drive, Downingtown, PA ($495,000)

302 W Pennsylvania Avenue, Downingtown, PA ($350,000)

296 Prospect Avenue, Downingtown, PA ($639,000)

16 Raleigh Drive, Downingtown, PA ($450,000)

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