Concise reports on what’s happening around Chester County. This morning:

YMCA Volunteers Reach Out on MLK Day

Honoring Martin Luther King Day, YMCA volunteers spent several hours on the chilly afternoon helping the community by donating their time and energy to help tidy up Chester County.

The volunteers, who are part of the Upper Main line’s YMCA’s Earth Service Corps, work every year on clearing invasive plant species, volunteering in the YMCA’s vegetable garden, and cleaning up the trails that run throughout the 54 acre campus.

While the chilly weather might have somewhat reduced the overall turnout at the Berwyn location, it certainly did not affect the volunteers dedication and enthusiasm. All YMCA’s across the county held similar service events, making for an impressive total of around 200 volunteers taking part in this important activity.

“We are proud to be a part of this nationally recognized day of service and excited to know that volunteers from across the county will be joining to help us with the work we do,” said Denise Day, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.

CCPC Begins Work on Chester Valley Trail Extension Study

The Chester County Planning Commission has started work on the Chester Valley Trail Extension Study. The study will examine the possible best alignments for the extension of the Chester Valley Trail from its current terminus in Exton into the Borough of Downingtown.

The trail extension, which will add around 3.5 miles to the existing 13.5 mile trail, will secure connections to the existing Struble and East Branch Brandywine Trails in the Downingtown area.

Six Chester County municipalities, Caln Township, Downingtown Borough, East Bradford Township, East Caln Township, West Bradford Township, and, West Whiteland Township will be included in the project study area. The Project Steering Committee will include a representative from each of these municipalities, as well as representatives from other stakeholders.

For more information on the study please contact CCPC’s Trails & Open Space Planner, Brian Styche, at 610-344-6285 or bstyche@chesco.org.

LGBTea Dances’ to Hold “For the LOVE of Art” Fundraiser Event

LGBTea Dances’ will organize the “For the LOVE of Art” fundraiser aimed at supporting artists in local LGBTQA community on February 21st at the Franklin Commons Gallery at 400 Franklin Ave in Phoenixville.

The event will bring together LGBTQA artists, musicians, photographers, authors, as well as other creative individuals from Chester County and the surrounding area.

Attendees of the event will be able to enjoy music from Christine Havrilla, Andrea Nardello, local youth acapella group Vocal Fusion, as well as the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. Local authors, including Rae Theodore and Jess Branas, will also be available for book signings.

Tickets for the event cost $25, and include wine samples from Black Walnut Winery and Stable 12’s beer, Innovative Catering Concepts’ light fare, and refreshments.