Downingtown/Exton /townlively
MARCH 25, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: FORUM SEEKS NOMINATIONS page 2
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXII • NO 6
Thank You
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Restore Our Roots Is Downingtown’s Newest Environmental Group By Francine Fulton
Nature lovers who reside in the Downingtown area are invited to join Restore Our Roots, a new environmental group that is dedicated to beautifying local parks and promoting native planting. An official sub-committee of the Downingtown Borough Parks and Recreation Commission, Restore Our Roots formed in the fall of 2019. “I knew of a garden group in West Chester, but I asked if there was a garden group in Downingtown. I emailed the (Downingtown board), and they invited me to a meeting and asked me to start a (group) myself,” said Matthew Gisondi, who works at the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, a nonprofit environmental organization that monitors freshwater systems. “Right now the group (includes)
co-workers of mine and a few new people who have joined, but our group is separate from (Stroud). We wanted to do something outside of work.” With outreach as one of its major goals, group members were present at several local events in 2019, such as Boo Bash, a costume contest held by the Parks and Recreation Commission at Kerr Park. The club gave out candy, hot refreshments and seed packets to all the attendees. “We hosted our first event in early December 2019, attracting a dozen interested locals in clearing out invasive plant species in the woodlands of Kerr Park,” Gisondi reported. “The group was able to clear out an acre of Amur honeysuckle and Oriental bittersweet along Brandywine Creek.” Assisting in the project were members of the East Branch Green Crew. Next up will be a native planting and See Restore Our Roots pg 4
By Francine Fulton
Aware that more individuals and families may be in need of its services in the near future, the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB) notes that it is prepared to handle each situation. The CCFB recently named Phoebe Kitson-Davis the COVID-19 emergency
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response director, and the food bank remains open, providing food, including fresh produce, to its various food cupboard partners. “Our partners are our shining stars heroes on the ground. They are staying open as they are able and as they are allowed by their municipalities,” she stated. “We are sourcing them with See Food Bank pg 6
Youngsters Encouraged To Cheer Up Nursing Home Residents
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Members of Restore Our Roots, a new environmental group in Downingtown, shown with the historic John Hershey tree at Downingtown Friends Meetinghouse, include (from left) Calen Wylie, Zak Hawk, Tara Muenz, Matt Gisondi and Katie McNeill.
Fishing Licenses Available For Food Bank Continues To Serve The Community Opening Day Of Trout Season
Lakes and streams throughout Chester and Berks counties will be open for trout fishing starting on April 18. Fishing licenses and permits are now available for purchase. State Sen. Andy Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, recently announced that fishing licenses and permits are
now available for purchase at www.gonefishingpa.com. All fishing licenses and permits purchased are valid for up to 13 months. See Fishing Licenses pg 2
By Francine Fulton
A local health care worker is inviting youngsters who are currently not in school to brighten the lives of elderly residents who reside at Brandywine Hall, a nursing home in West Chester, by sending them messages through the mail.
“We are on lockdown at this time, which stops all visitors who are not essential workers and family members from coming into the building,” explained Liz Linder, a certified occupational therapy assistant. “(Brandywine Hall has) suspended activities, and (the residents) must stay in their rooms for See Residents pg 2
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A Sincere To Our Community Of Heroes!