⚖️ Man Sentenced for Elder Abuse

Downingtown Local Pulse Issue #235

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

😎 Downingtown PA Weather

🌶️ F4 Steps Up as New Host of West Chester Chili Cook-Off

⚖️ Man Sentenced for Elder Abuse, Theft of Social Security Funds

🚒 WC’s Oldest Fire Company Marks Anniversary with Block Party

🧱 Commemorative Bricks for Sale at East Brandywine Community Park

⚓️ DARC Offers Boating Safety Course

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Fiorenza’s Food For Friends Steps Up as New Host of West Chester Chili Cook-Off


WEST CHESTER, PA — Fiorenza’s Food For Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to food recovery, is set to host the West Chester Chili Cook-Off on October 6 from noon to 4 p.m. on West Gay Street. Taking over from the Rotary Club of West Chester, the event will bring together more than 50 teams from local restaurants, businesses, community cooks, and nonprofits, all competing for the People’s Choice Award.

This year, the event will feature a new beer garden on Church Street between Gay and Chestnut Streets, alongside a stretch of Church Street dedicated to local nonprofits showcasing their services. Fiorenza’s Food For Friends aims to continue the cook-off's tradition of community building and charity while adding their unique focus on battling hunger.

Organizers are currently seeking competitors, sponsors, and vendors to participate. More details about the cook-off can be found by contacting [email protected]

Chester County Man Sentenced for Elder Abuse, Theft of Social Security Funds

A wooden gavel.

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — David Frame, a 38-year-old Chester County resident, was sentenced to county jail after pleading guilty to locking an elderly woman in her basement and stealing her Social Security funds. Frame received 11½ to 23 months in prison followed by three years of probation. The victim, 64-year-old Paula Diarcangelo, lived with Frame and Christopher Ruse, her grandson’s friend, until her death in January 2023.

The case unfolded in March 2022 when the victim’s daughter, Christina Diarcangelo, reported her concerns to police. Authorities discovered Paula confined in a basement with a broken toilet and raw sewage just feet from her bed. Frame and Ruse provided her with minimal food and had broken her cellphone, preventing her from reaching out for help. Frame was found to have used her Social Security funds for personal expenses, including renting luxury items and making insurance payments.

Ruse, 26, had also pleaded guilty but is currently missing after fleeing a drug rehabilitation center where he was awaiting sentencing.

West Chester’s Oldest Fire Company Marks 225th Anniversary with Festive Block Party

WEST CHESTER, PA — Celebrating 225 years of service, the First West Chester Fire Company, the oldest in Chester County and one of the longest-serving volunteer fire companies in the country, is hosting a community block party on September 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Church Street, near the site of its original firehouse. The celebration will feature live music, family-friendly activities such as a bounce house and balloon art, and a display of fire trucks that have been integral to the company’s storied history.

A key attraction of the event will be the West Chester Community Celebrity Dunk Tank, featuring notable local figures like Dana DiDomenico and Councilman Bernie Flynn. Proceeds from the event will support the fire company, highlighting the community’s ongoing role in sustaining the volunteers’ efforts.

Leave a Legacy: Commemorative Bricks for Sale at East Brandywine Community Park

EAST BRANDYWINE TWP — Residents of East Brandywine have the chance to leave a permanent mark on their community through the purchase of commemorative bricks at East Brandywine Community Park. These personalized bricks are available to memorialize loved ones, honor special individuals, or celebrate significant milestones such as anniversaries or other personal achievements.

The commemorative bricks serve as a thoughtful way for residents to connect with the park while creating a lasting tribute in its peaceful surroundings. Each brick, marked with a personalized message, contributes to the park’s evolving landscape and fosters a sense of community among those who visit.

Informational brochures detailing the process for purchasing and personalizing a brick can be obtained at both East Brandywine Community Park and the Township Building

DARC Offers Boating Safety Course with America’s Boating Club Valley Forge

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Dtown Rec has partnered with America’s Boating Club Valley Forge to provide a boating course that caters to a wide range of watercraft operators, including those who use powerboats, sailboats, paddle crafts, personal watercraft, and fishing boats. This educational program, approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the United States Coast Guard, offers essential training on safe boating practices and state regulations.

Completion of the course allows participants to obtain the Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate, which is recognized not only in Pennsylvania but also in neighboring states such as Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. This certification is a crucial requirement for boaters to legally operate their vessels in these regions and is a testament to the holder’s understanding of important safety protocols.

The course covers a range of topics from navigation rules and safety equipment to state-specific regulations, aiming to equip boaters with the knowledge and skills needed to enjoy their time on the water safely. It is suitable for both new and seasoned boaters who wish to stay up-to-date with current boating laws and best practices.

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Upcoming Local Events…

Bike Night Texas Roadhouse - Aug 30th, 6pm-10pm

Kids Day at East Caln Park at Bell Tavern - Sept 7th, 10am-2pm

Caln Community Day - Sept 7th, 3pm-8pm

UU 2024 Summer Concert - Sept 8th 4:30pm-7pm

Re-Entry Career and Resource Fair - Sept 10th, 10am-1pm

Drive Out Hunger - Sept 15th, 11am-4p

National Clean-up Day: Rt 100 - Sept 21st, 9am

ACS Relay For Life - Sept 28th, 3pm-9pm

Downingtown Fall Fest - Oct 6th, 11pm-4pm

West Chester Chili Cook-Off - Oct 6th, 12pm-4pm

Caln Meadow Park Seeding - Oct 10th, 3pm-4pm

West Bradford Family Fall Fest - Oct 12th, 5pm-8pm

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