Sales of mushrooms are growing in the state, as apart from specialty mushrooms such as shiitakes, they reached a new record high of $570.48 million for the year ended June 30th. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pennsylvania’s mushroom industry centered in western Chester County, made up an astonishing 52 percent of total sales nationwide.

Thanks to the generous support of community members, the Barn at Spring Brook Farm, which provides animal-assisted activities for children with disabilities, will be able to celebrate its 10th anniversary in September. After nearly closing two years ago due to code violations that required over $100,000 in repairs, an outpouring of support from the community managed to raise the funds in record time. “Now, we’re better than ever and we’re really excited about it,” enthused Emily McClure, Barn at Spring Brook Farm’s manager.

In-demand baseball coach, Kevin Schneider, is wrapping up his successful three-season term at an East Passyunk Crossing high school and transferring to Immaculata University to serve as head coach for the Mighty Macs. “I will work to have guys buy in right away to my plan to make us champions,” said Schneider, adding that transferring to the college level is an amazing opportunity.