🎨 Malvern Teen's Art Nonprofit | 🏛️ County Modernizes Deed Access | 🏦 Coatesville's Last Bank Acquired | 🤝 Chamber Hosts Networking Lunch

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🎨 Malvern Teen's Nonprofit Offers Creative Outlet to Elementary Students

🏛️ County Modernizes Access to Deeds and Property Records

🏦 Norwood Financial Acquires Coatesville's Last Bank for $55 Million

🤝 Chamber of Commerce Hosts First Networking Lunch of Year

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Your Business Featured in Downingtown Local Pulse!

Is growing your business on your to-do list for 2026? Here at DLP we have new affordable options for showcasing your message in the most prominent and popular daily newsletter in Downingtown! You can check out our sponsorship options at our online storefront or just reach out by hitting “replay”

Let’s make 2026 your best year yet! 🍾🥳

Malvern Teen's Nonprofit Offers Creative Outlet to Elementary Students

GREAT VALLEY, PA — Faridah Ismaila, a 15-year-old sophomore at Great Valley High School in Malvern, has launched A Paint-full of Promise, a nonprofit providing free monthly art classes to elementary students in her district. The initiative evolved from YouTube tutorials and garage workshops into a formalized organization that held its launch event last month. A former Pennsylvania winner and national finalist in the 2022 Doodle for Google competition, Ismaila uses art to process emotions and wants to give younger children the same creative outlet before middle school's challenges arise.

Chester County Modernizes Access to Deeds and Property Records

WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Recorder of Deeds office has modernized its property record system with enhanced search functionality and expanded digital services. The updated database allows users to locate documents more efficiently using name and document type searches, streamlining a process that previously presented challenges for residents and professionals.

A major addition to the system is the ability to purchase and print official, certified copies of documents directly through the online portal. This new feature provides immediate access to property records without requiring a trip to the county office, though in-person pickup remains an option for those who prefer traditional methods.

Norwood Financial Acquires Coatesville's Last Bank for $55 Million

COATESVILLE, PA — Norwood Financial Corp. has completed its $54.9 million acquisition of Presence Bank, Coatesville's last remaining bank. Founded in 1919 as Coatesville Federal Savings and Loan, the institution has undergone multiple name changes while serving as a link to the city's steel town history. The deal, announced in July and closed this week, brings Norwood into Chester and Lancaster counties through four new branches and increases the combined company's assets to $2.9 billion.

Downingtown Chamber of Commerce Hosts First Networking Lunch of Year

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Local professionals will have an opportunity to expand their business networks next week when the Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce holds its opening networking luncheon of the year. The event takes place Thursday, January 15, at 11:30 a.m. at LaSponda, a Downingtown restaurant.

Chamber organizers have made clear that attendance is open to anyone interested in connecting with the local business community, not just current chamber members. This inclusive approach reflects the organization's broader mission to strengthen professional and community relationships across the Downingtown area. Register at https://dtownchamber.com

Upcoming local events…

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Jan 10, 10am-12pm

Repair Café (Downingtown) - Jan 10, 10am-2pm

Monday Night Trivia at Lione’s (Downingtown) - Jan 12, 7pm-9pm

West Chester Networking Happy Hour (West Chester) - Jan 13, 5pm-7pm

Monthly VRA Realty Investors Meetup (West Chester) - Jan 14, 6:45pm-8:30pm

Monthly Connection Exchange Networking (Thorndale) - Jan 15, 9am-10am

Chesco Networking Happy Hour (Exton) - Jan 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Jan 24, 10am-12pm

West Chester Professionals Social Networking (West Chester) - Jan 28, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Monthly VRA Realty Investors Meetup (West Chester) - Feb 11, 6:45pm-8:30pm

WCU Live! presents the Sharpe Family Singers $ (West Chester) - Feb 13, 7pm

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Feb 14, 10am-12pm

Catch up on previous issues…