🥭 Inaugural Pawpaw Festival, Celebrating Native Fruit

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨🛹 Bam Margera Faces Legal Troubles Again

🚨 Man Arrested for Assaulting Officers in West Chester

🥬 Garden Program Grows Over 17,000 Pounds of Produce

🥭 Inaugural Pawpaw Festival, Celebrating Native Fruit

🍎 Cider Fest Returns to The Mill at Anselma

🏛️ WCU Hosts Reentry Simulation

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Bam Margera Faces Legal Troubles Again, Arrested for DUI

WEST CHESTER, PA — Bam Margera, the former Jackass star and pro skateboarder, has landed in legal trouble once again. Arrested for driving under the influence earlier this month in Fulton County, Margera violated the terms of his probation, which stemmed from a June plea deal related to a violent family altercation. As part of his probation, Margera was required to attend mental health treatment and submit to random drug testing. Following his arrest, he was taken into custody by Chester County officials and is currently being held in Chester County Prison.

Avondale Man Arrested for Assaulting Officers in West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — A 21-year-old Avondale resident, Dylan Novak, was arrested following a confrontation with West Chester police on September 7. According to authorities, the incident occurred on South High Street when employees of a local business requested police assistance to remove Novak from the premises. Novak allegedly refused to comply with officers’ attempts to detain him, resulting in a physical struggle.

During the altercation, Novak is accused of breaking a window, and two police officers sustained injuries while attempting to make the arrest. Novak now faces charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief.

Garden Program Grows Over 17,000 Pounds of Produce for Local Food Pantries

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The Chester County Youth Center’s raised bed garden program, established in 2013, has become a significant community initiative. With the support of Trellis for Tomorrow, a nonprofit focused on organic gardening and food security, the garden has produced more than 17,000 pounds of vegetables to date. These vegetables, grown in six raised beds and a self-irrigated hoop house, are harvested by the center’s residents throughout three growing seasons each year: spring, summer, and fall.

The vegetables are distributed to local food pantries such as the West Chester Food Cupboard and the Lord’s Pantry in Downingtown, helping to support food-insecure families. Additionally, the produce is incorporated into meals prepared by the residents in the center’s cooking program, which emphasizes healthy eating and hands-on learning.

The Mill Hosts Inaugural Pawpaw Festival, Celebrating Native Fruit

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Historic Bondsville Mill and Park in East Brandywine is set to host its inaugural Pawpaw Festival on September 28, an event celebrating the recent discovery and cultivation of pawpaw trees on the grounds. Over the past year, the Mill’s gardeners have nurtured two young pawpaw trees, which recently produced fruit, thanks to careful pollination efforts by caretaker Chris.

Pawpaw trees, native to the eastern United States, are known for their tropical flavor and custard-like texture. Despite their obscurity, pawpaws hold a special place in American history. Famously, the fruit is believed to have sustained the Lewis and Clark expedition during their journey westward. The upcoming festival will feature local resident and pawpaw enthusiast Vicki Stone, who will share insights from her own experience growing pawpaw trees.

The festival will give attendees the chance to learn more about this often-overlooked fruit, while also exploring the Mill’s own pawpaw trees, which are now being cultivated on site. More about the park and the program at the park’s website.

Cider Fest Returns to The Mill at Anselma for Fall Fun and History

CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — Following the success of last year’s event, the Mill at Anselma will once again host Cider Fest on September 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly celebration will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including children’s games, face painting, and raffles. Local vendors will be on hand, selling food and artisanal merchandise, adding a community element to the day.

Guests will also have the chance to explore the history of cider making with guided tours of the Mill, which has been a local landmark since the 18th century. Each admission comes with a complimentary cup of cider or an apple, inviting visitors to get a taste of the fall season while learning about traditional cider production. Admission to the event is priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors, while Mill members can attend for free.

West Chester University Hosts Reentry Simulation to Explore Life After Incarceration

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University is set to host a Reentry Simulation on September 24, offering participants a firsthand look at the difficulties faced by individuals transitioning from prison back into society. The simulation, organized by the Chester County Reentry Coalition and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sykes Student Union Ballroom.

The exercise replicates the first month of post-incarceration life, where participants are assigned a “life card” with tasks to complete, such as securing housing, finding employment, and attending probation meetings. Following the simulation, a panel discussion will provide additional perspectives from those who have lived through the reentry process, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the hurdles they must overcome to reintegrate into society successfully. The event is free, and refreshments will be provided.

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