Downingtown/Exton /townlively
MAY 27, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: DASD DISTRIBUTES FREE MEALS page 3
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XXXII • NO 9
Making Masks For Chester County By Francine Fulton
Combining the power of social media and the dedication of volunteers who are willing to give their time and talents has resulted in the distribution of more than 3,300 homemade masks by the
Chester County Masketeers. Margaret Reif, the Chester County controller, had the idea to form the group, and the effort kicked off in early April. “I was aware of the need for masks for nonmedical essential employees and reached out to Rep. Carolyn
Comitta for her help,” Reif explained. “She brought in people that she knew to start a website and Facebook page.” The group then established drop-off locations where sewers could place homemade masks, as well as donations of fabrics. Most of the sites are at located at area police stations. “We now have 12 locations around Chester County, (including) police departments and some private residences,” Reif said. She explained that coordinators are assigned to each location to pick up and distribute the masks as needed. “In addition to the Facebook page, the police departments are also promoting dropping off masks,” Reif noted. Once the mask donations started, they were distributed in two phases. “Phase one was to get the masks to nonmedical essential county workers. Since I work for the county, I knew where the need was, so we initially started giving the masks to
the sheriff’s deputies, prison guards, the health department, Pocopson Home and different places like that,” noted Reif. “Once the county could procure masks, we were able to start moving into phase two, which was nonprofit organizations that are serving at-risk populations. We have been donating to Home of the Sparrow, The Garage in Kennett Square, the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County and a variety of nursing homes, senior centers and food banks. We coordinate with the directors of those organizations to determine the need.” Reif credits Comfort Care and Days for Girls, which donated masks and supplies to the group; Sew for PA, a partnering organization; local Girl Scout troops; the Chester County Sheriff ’s Department, which helps distribute the masks; and the police departments that were willing to keep the donation bins safe by having them at their locations. See Masks pg 3
The Chester County Masketeers have donated more than 3,000 masks to Chester County’s nonmedical essential employees as of early May.
Worshipping Online While churches and other faith communities are currently not open to the public, worship is still thriving thanks to live events that are offered on websites and Facebook pages. In addition to live streaming services, many facilities are also offering Bible studies, daily
devotionals and family game nights. “The church is not about a place where you gather - brick and mortar,” said the Rev. Jimmy Smuda, pastor of Trinity Assembly of God (AG) Church in West Chester. “It’s about the connection to one another and ultimately to God.” Trinity AG is currently offering live streaming of its Sunday service as well as online Bible See Worshipping Online pg 2
HIGH 5 Soccer Goes Virtual By Francine Fulton
When the Glenmoore Eagle Youth Association (GEYA) canceled the spring session of the HIGH 5 Soccer program for special needs players due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coaches Matt and Jenn Wagner were determined to find a way to engage the players
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Doe Run Names Transitional Student Pastor
on a weekly basis. During the time that HIGH 5 Soccer would ordinarily take place at GEYA’s Fellowship Field in Chester Springs, players are instead taking part in online soccer sessions via Zoom. The program began on April 11 and will run at 3 p.m. each Saturday through May 30. During See HIGH 5 pg 2
By Francine Fulton
While most newly appointed pastors spend the first few weeks getting to know members of the congregation during Sunday services and get-acquainted events, Gabrielle “Gabby” Kennedy has started her new position at Doe Run Presbyterian Church during a time when the church doors are temporarily closed. During Sunday services on March 8, the congregation welcomed Kennedy as the transitional student pastor. The Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes, Donegal’s executive presbyter, preached and then blessed Kennedy’s appointment. The church was closed to the public one week later. “My main duties would be creating and leading the worship services for Sunday morning and providing pastoral care to the congregation - visiting See Doe Run pg 2
Transitional student pastor Gabrielle Kennedy (right) was recently appointed to Doe Run Presbyterian Church by Donegal executive presbyter the Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes.
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