April 23, 2025
WEST CHESTER, PA (April 23, 2025) – Improvements and upgrades are coming to the childcare and early learning facilities at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), thanks to new state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The $50,000 grant awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education will support environmental upgrades at childcare and early learning classrooms at the Oscar Lasko YMCA in West Chester and the Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn.
“Having a strong and healthy start is important for every child. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine helps ensure that our young people are prepared for lifelong learning, opportunity, and success,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “I have personally seen the benefits of the YGBW’s programs for families across our community and I am proud to help this investment in childcare and early education.”
With the funding, YGBW will be able to increase the Keystone STARS rating at their facilities, a program of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) that assesses the quality of early learning programs in the Commonwealth.
“At YGBW, we are committed to excellence in every program we offer—especially in our Childcare and Early Learning programs,” said Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “This funding will empower our team to elevate our Keystone STARS ratings and ensure that every child in our community has access to safe, high-quality and enriching educational opportunities. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Carolyn Comitta for her support in securing this funding. Her dedication to advocating for our community’s youngest learners is truly commendable – and we appreciate her continued commitment to their success.”
Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) is a quality rating system that promotes quality improvement in early learning and development programs and school-age childcare. Early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS can earn a quality rating score from a STAR 1 to a STAR 4. At each level, programs must meet certain quality standards in four key areas: staff education, learning environment, leadership/management, and family/community partnerships
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is the largest provider of licensed childcare in Chester County, providing care and early learning programming to more than 5,000 children each year.
To learn more about YGBW go to ymcagbw.org
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April 17, 2025
DOWNINGTOWN, PA (April 17, 2025) – To help seniors apply for or renew their Free SEPTA Senior Key Cards, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Representative Danielle Friel Otten are hosting a sign-up event at Downingtown Borough Hall on Thursday, May 15th from 10 a.m. to noon.
“Whether going to a doctor’s appointment, visiting loved ones, or taking a day trip, the SEPTA Senior Key Card helps our residents get where they need to go,” said Comitta. “I hope to see you at our sign-up event so you can take advantage of this great program available to seniors in our community.”
The SEPTA Senior Key card is available for free to all seniors aged 65 and older. With the card, seniors can ride all SEPTA buses, trolleys, subways, and regional rail lines for free within Pennsylvania. Trains to and from New Jersey and Delaware using the senior card are charged at half fare. SEPTA’s Senior Free Ride Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery.
“SEPTA Senior Key Cards are a lifeline for many seniors and are without a doubt one of the most popular services our district office provides,” Otten said. “Seniors rely on public transit for transportation to jobs, medical appointments, and cultural and sporting events in the city and along the Main Line. I look forward to hosting this event with Senator Comitta, and I encourage all seniors to stop by and take advantage of this valuable free service.”
To apply, seniors must bring a form of identification that verifies their age. This includes a driver’s license, photo identification card, birth certificate, passport, or Social Security statement of age.
Downingtown Borough Hall is located at 4 West Lancaster Avenue.
Understanding the value of public transit for our residents and our regional economy, both Comitta and Otten support the Governor’s budget proposal for state funding to support SEPTA’s operations and prevent service cuts to the Paoli-Thorndale Train line and bus routes servicing Chester County.
For more information on the SEPTA Senior Key Card, visit septa.org/senior or contact Senator Comitta’s office at 610-692-2112 or Representative Otten’s office at 484-200-8259.
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April 17, 2025
BERWYN, PA (April 16, 2025) – Chester County’s third annual Earth Day Festival features a variety of family-friendly activities on Saturday, April 26 – thanks to the efforts of State Senator Carolyn Comitta and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. All in the community are invited to enjoy a day of fun at the Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY) in celebration of Earth Day.
Hosted on the 54-acre campus of UMLY, the festival includes a variety of free activities from 10 am to 1 pm such as canoeing, tree-planting, woodworking and much more. The event concludes with a keynote presentation from renown author, entomologist and University of Delaware professor, Dr. Doug Tallamy. Guests should register to attend Tallamy’s keynote, which will be held from 1:30 – 2:30 PM and costs $10 per person.
Committing to a Bright Future
“The Earth Day Festival is a tradition in Chester County. It’s an event that I, along with so many children, families, and organizations, look forward to each year,” shares State Senator Carolyn Comitta. “I ran for office to secure a cleaner, brighter future for all Pennsylvanians – and being good stewards of our natural resources is a big part of fulfilling that promise. I am proud to join team YGBW again this year – and hope you will join us for a fun and meaningful event.”
Comitta serves as co-chair of the Pennsylvania Climate Caucus and is the minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. She is dedicated to protecting our land, air, and water throughout Chester County. “We are grateful to have support from Senator Comitta as we understand that ensuring the health of our environment is key to building a strong, healthy community where all can thrive,” says Brian Raicich, Executive Director of UMLY. “And we are especially proud to host this important event on our 54-acre campus, which includes an Environmental & STEM Education Complex, farm animals, nature trails, the headwaters of Darby Creek and Pennsylvania’s first conservation easement.” Shreiner Tree Care serves as the title sponsor for the event and has served as the arborist for UMLY’s campus and Cassatt Preserve for more than 30 years. The team from Shreiner will be leading tree-planting during the festival. Guests are encouraged to bring a shovel and join in.
In addition to tree-planting, the event will feature more than 30 vendors who are committed to ensuring a sustainable future in Chester County, including the Department of Environmental Protection, regional non-profits such as Natural Lands, French & Pickering Creek Trust, and Brandywine Conservancy, and local businesses such as Mother Compost and Green Mountain Energy.
Biodiversity in your Own Backyard with Dr. Doug Tallamy
Renown author, entomologist and University of Delaware professor, Dr. Doug Tallamy, closes out the Earth Day Festival with a keynote presentation from 1:30 – 2:30 PM. In his talk, “Homegrown National Parks” Tallamy discusses how you can increase biodiversity with simple changes to what you plant in your yard. Tallamy is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research and as the author of several influential books, including “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard” and “Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens”. In addition to his academic and literary contributions, Tallamy is co-founder of the Homegrown National Park initiative. He inspires all to take part in conservation efforts and champions practical approaches to restore biodiversity and combat the decline of native wildlife populations.
Healthy Kids Need a Healthy Home
Chester County’s Earth Day Festival will be held in conjunction with the YMCA’s national Healthy Kids Day event which inspires kids and families to focus on healthy habits throughout the summer and beyond. Together, the events highlight the connection between environmental health and public health, encouraging habits such as enjoying and exploring nature, spending time away from devices and connecting with family and friends.
Both events are open to the community and free to attend. Activities include bird-house building, canoeing, art, tree-planting, stream studies, face painting and live music performed by the Itchy Dog Singers.
To learn more about the Earth Day Festival: https://ymcagbw.org/events/community-events/upper-main-line-ymca/chester-county-earth-day-festival
To register for Dr. Tallamy’s Presentation: https://ymcagbw.org/events/homegrown-national-park
To learn more about Senator Comitta’s Work in the Pennsylvania Legislature: https://www.pasenatorcomitta.com
To learn more about Environmental Education at YGBW: https://ymcagbw.org/nature-and-environmental-education-programs-ymca
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April 11, 2025
April 11, 2025
WEST CHESTER, PA (April 11, 2025) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta issued the following statement on SEPTA’s impending budget crisis, proposed fare hikes and services cuts, and the need for state investment in public transit.
“Chester County residents depend on SEPTA and their bus and train routes to get to work or school, go to their doctors’ appointments, visit their loved ones, and get to wherever they need to go. These bus and train routes are not dispensable but are an essential service for our communities and our economy.
As SEPTA faces a budget shortfall following the pandemic and a lack of sufficient state funding, the system may soon be forced to raise fares and completely shutter the Paoli-Thorndale regional rail service, which runs right through the heart of Chester County and into Center City, plus numerous bus lines that connect our communities.
This will leave our residents stranded, keep our students and employees at home, and bring our local economy to a screeching halt.
SEPTA is essential and we must ensure the transportation system our residents rely on is properly funded and running efficiently, so we can get to work, go to school, and keep our economy moving.
I will continue to stand in strong support of a well-rounded and complete transportation system and that includes a strong and well-funded SEPTA. I call on the Senate majority to properly fund our public transit systems here in Chester County and across Pennsylvania.”
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April 10, 2025
West Chester, Pa (April 8, 2025) The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County will offer mental health programs, workshops, and support groups thanks to a state investment secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The Equality Alliance, a nonprofit organization, will use the $50,000 in funding to support programs that address the unique mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, promoting resilience, self-acceptance, and a sense of belonging.
The majority of the grant money will go towards a new program, the Mental Health Shortfall Fund. This fund will help cover the costs for members of the LGBTQ+ community who need mental health care services but cannot afford the premiums. The grant, which was secured through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, will also allow The Equality Alliance to offer mental health support groups in other parts of Chester County, beyond the group that is already hosted in its Phoenixville office.
“At a time when members of the LGBTQ+ community are facing increasing threats, intolerance, and discrimination in our communities, state legislatures, and court system, I hope these programs will help people heal and reinforce the message that ‘you are here, you are welcome, and you are valued Chester Countians and Pennsylvanians,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.
“The Equality Alliance could not be more thankful to Senator Comitta and her office for fighting for this grant. Proper mental health care is crucially important for the LGBTQ+ community, and this grant will help us expand and enhance our mental health programming in Chester County,” said Carrie Stare, Board President.
“The Equality Alliance is honored to receive this grant, which will enable us to expand our support groups and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in Chester County. With LGBTQ+ individuals facing suicide rates 3 to 6 times higher than the general population, these initiatives will provide crucial support by fostering community, reducing isolation, and connecting individuals to life-saving resources,” said Cailey Crusemire, Board Member.
As a member of West Chester Borough Council in 2006, Comitta helped lead the effort to make West Chester the first municipality in Chester County — and among the first in the Commonwealth — to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
In the state senate, Comitta continues to be a strong supporter and vocal advocate for legislation to ensure that all LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians are treated with respect, fairness, and equal rights under the law. That includes measures to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination, protect LGBTQ parents from discrimination in the foster care system, update our laws to reflect the rights of same-sex couples to marry, and more.
Founded in 2015, LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County fosters inclusivity, well being, and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and provision of safe, supportive spaces. For more information on LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County, visit www.lgbteachesco.org.
April 9, 2025
West Chester, Pa (April 9, 2025) – Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. was awarded $30,000 in state funding to develop a comprehensive plan of targeted investment, development, design, and implementation strategies through the Pennsylvania Main Street Matters program.
“As a former Mayor, I know just how important our town centers are in economic development, supporting small businesses, attracting visitors, and creating the unique sense of place that makes our Chester County communities so special,” said Comitta. “Oxford has done a tremendous job recovering from a devastating fire in its downtown less than two years ago. I applaud and support OMI for pursuing Main Street designation.”
The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), supports community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and safety and security enhancements.
Oxford Mainstreet (OMI) was awarded the funding to develop a Strategic Plan for Main Street Designation. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs, according to DCED.
“Oxford Mainstreet has long been dedicated to revitalizing and enhancing downtown Oxford for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. We are so grateful to receive this funding which will allow us to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that reflects the immediate needs and future goals of our community. OMI is focused on the future in the aftermath of the September 2023 fire and we couldn’t be more proud of the work being done along with our community partners to make Oxford even more amazing,” said Leslie Sleesman, OMI Board Chair.
OMI was one of 81 community projects across the Commonwealth awarded more than $20 million in total state funding through the Main Street Matters Program.
“Every community in our Commonwealth ― rural, urban, or suburban ― has a Main Street, and I’ve seen firsthand how critical they are to local economies.” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Our Main Streets are the beating hearts of our communities ― and the economic strength of our towns and cities is directly tied to the success of small businesses and our Main Streets. That’s why my Administration has made investing in our Main Streets a priority, and today we’re delivering a historic amount of support for dozens of projects across the Commonwealth. Every Main Street matters ― and I’ll continue bringing people together to invest in and improve our communities.”
Main Street Matters is a key part of the Shapiro Administration’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy. DCED received more than 200 applications requesting over $43 million through the Main Street Matters Program, underscoring the demand for strategic investments in Main Streets across Pennsylvania.
“Governor Shapiro created the Main Street Matters program because he understands that main streets are the heartbeat of their communities ― helping to retain and attract residents, businesses, and visitors,” said DCED Secretary Siger. “This program is an exciting funding tool that will help main streets and downtowns across our Commonwealth achieve their full potential as economic hubs. The Shapiro Administration is focused on making these types of bold, meaningful investments to provide a higher quality of life for Pennsylvanians as well as to our growing businesses and thriving communities.”
In addition, Senator Comitta supports the governor’s plan calling for an additional $20 million for the Main Street Matters program in this year’s state budget.
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March 31, 2025
March 25, 2025
March 25, 2025
