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  • 🏈 St Joe's Sports Equipment Drive | 🌳 Native Tree and Shrub Sale | 🚉 SEPTA Regional Rail Service Changes

🏈 St Joe's Sports Equipment Drive | 🌳 Native Tree and Shrub Sale | 🚉 SEPTA Regional Rail Service Changes

Downingtown Local Pulse Issue #503

Author

Chesco Sean
18 Aug

***Limited Summer Posting Schedule***

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

🤪 Joke of the day 😆

What did the ocean say to the beach?

(Answer Below…)

Community Sports Equipment Drive Returns to Downingtown This September

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — St. Joseph CYO, in collaboration with the nonprofit Sow Good Now, will hold its second annual community sports equipment drive in Downingtown on September 20 and 21. The drive, taking place at 332 Manor Avenue during weekend Masses, encourages families to donate gently used or outgrown gear. The collected items will be distributed to young athletes through Sow Good Now’s GiveBack events, which aim to reduce barriers to sports participation while promoting sustainability through the reuse of equipment.

Penn State Extension Launches Native Tree and Shrub Sale

COATESVILLE, PA — Through August 27, Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Stewards program is offering native trees and shrubs for fall planting as part of its annual sale. The selection includes a variety of hard-to-find native species aimed at supporting local ecosystems. Pickup for Chester County residents is scheduled for September 27 at Hibernia Park, and for Delaware County residents on September 26 at Smedley Park. With 29 pickup locations across the state, the program aims to make native planting more accessible while fostering environmental stewardship.

More info on the sale online here.

SEPTA to Cut Regional Rail Service by 20% and Raise Fares Amid Budget Shortfall

PHILADELPHIA, PA — SEPTA just announced it will implement a 21.5% fare increase on September 1, followed by a 20% reduction in Regional Rail service beginning September 2. Bus and Metro cuts will take effect August 24–25. The changes, driven by a lack of new state funding, will lead to fewer trips, longer commutes, and more crowded trains and buses. Riders are encouraged to use SEPTA’s website and app to plan accordingly. Officials warn that without new funding, even deeper service cuts could come in early 2026, including the elimination of entire rail lines and dozens of stations.

Two New Ways for Local Businesses to Shine in the Downingtown Local Pulse

Downingtown is built on the strength of its small businesses — the shops, restaurants, services, and makers that give our community its unique character. Now, there are two new ways for those businesses to get in front of thousands of engaged local readers through the Downingtown Local Pulse.

We’re introducing two promotional programs designed to give businesses year-round visibility and meaningful connections with our audience:

1. Partner Program

This package gives businesses a featured listing in our Local Business Directory, making it easy for residents to find and support you. Partners also receive:

  • A monthly Business Spotlight article that tells your story.

  • A pinned article on our website for maximum visibility.

  • Exposure to our massive Facebook audience, with each feature shared across our highly engaged social channels.

2. Patron Program

For businesses ready to take their visibility to the next level, the Patron Program includes everything in the Partner Program plus:

  • A top-level ad placement one issue a month, ensuring your brand stays front and center.

Both programs are built to keep your business in the local conversation month after month — not just as an ad, but as a valued part of the community’s story.

Whether you’re a family-run shop, a growing startup, or a well-established local favorite, these programs offer an affordable way to boost your visibility while supporting the Downingtown Local Pulse’s mission to celebrate the people and businesses that make our town special.

Chester County Nonprofit Brings Therapy Within Reach for Children in Crisis

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — On the latest episode of Good 2 Know in Chester County” Jenny Leigh sits down with Leslie and Jacquie from “A Child’s Light”

A Child’s Light, a nonprofit based in Chester County, provides trauma-informed therapy to children ages 2 to 18 who have experienced abuse or other severe emotional distress. Founded by Leslie Holt just before the onset of COVID-19, the organization has since matched over 200 children with consistent, long-term mental health care. Therapists work on a sliding scale to allow children to continue treatment for up to a year, and services include equine, art, music, somatic, and talk therapy. The model is cost-effective and scalable, aiming to address a growing mental health crisis affecting tens of thousands of children across the region. A Child’s Light also engages with schools, law enforcement, and local families to raise awareness and remove barriers to care. Find more info at ChildsLight.com and more great local content at ChesterCounty.TV

Upcoming local events…

Free Summer Concert: The Flying Komorowski Brothers (West Bradford) - Aug 21, 6pm

Bug Camp for Kids: Flowering Plants & Insects (Springton Manor Farm) - Aug 23, 12:30pm-2pm

Garden Tour in Downingtown Boro (Downingtown) - Aug 23, 4pm-6pm

Chester County Catalina Wine Mixer (East Goshen) - Sept 6, 2pm

Corn Hole Benefit for Vets (Downingtown) - Sept 13, 1pm

Road to LionCage (Downingtown) - Sept 30, 4pm-7pm


House Cleaning

🤪 Joke of the day 😆

What did the ocean say to the beach?

Nothing, it just waved 🌊 👋

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