SIDEWALK TALK - March 2026 - NEWSLETTER
If You Want to Help Us
This Spring …. Speak Up!
Attend one of these Board of Supervisors public meetings and TELL YOUR PERSONAL STORY!
EASY - Pick a Date – Click this link and REGISTER. https://www.walkablewillistown.org/about-us-mojave
EASY - Pick a Date – Click this link and REGISTER.
https://www.walkablewillistown.org/about-us-mojave
This is so easy to do! You show up at a public meeting and just speak up about where you would like to be able to walk or bike in our township! We all have a story about wanting to have our kids walk to school or to have our family ride bikes to get ice cream in Malvern borough. Let’s let our township leaders know where it makes sense to add walkability! We will help you to take action!! The residents shown in the photo were happy to help! And we need everyone to speak out - tell your personal story!
Supporting the Work of GVCO
The Great Valley Community Organization (GVCO) provides a wide range of programs and services that benefit residents throughout the region, including many families in Willistown Township. Through the dedication of its volunteers and staff, GVCO has become an important community resource offering recreation, education, and service opportunities for residents of all ages.
GVCO’s recreational programs include basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and Team-Up Gym, a program designed for children with special needs. In addition to athletics, the organization offers initiatives that strengthen the community, including:
A discovery program that helps autistic young adults transition into the workforce
Internship opportunities for local students
Walking programs that promote fitness and wellness
Computer literacy and online security classes that build important digital skills
These programs are made possible through a combination of program fees, charitable donations, grants, and support from the municipalities served by GVCO.
At a recent Willistown Township Board of Supervisors meeting, the Township approved a $100,000 grant to GVCO for 2026. During the public discussion, it was also acknowledged that the Township had previously provided $100,000 in 2024 and that the Board’s intent has been to provide three grants totaling $300,000 over several years, although that commitment was never formally memorialized.
In recognition of the tremendous work GVCO performs for the community—and particularly the extraordinary contributions of its volunteers—Willistown Township taxpayer and community participant Joseph Heenan has offered to contribute a $100,000 matching donation to GVCO, provided that Willistown Township increases its 2026 grant from $100,000 to $200,000 and affirms its intention to complete the originally discussed third $100,000 grant in 2027.
Mr. Heenan noted that GVCO’s success reflects the efforts of a large number of dedicated volunteers and supporters whose work directly benefits Willistown families. In 2025 alone, GVCO helped facilitate volunteer opportunities for 140 Great Valley students, demonstrating the organization’s impact in developing both community engagement and leadership among young people.
The continued growth and success of GVCO depends on the combined support of volunteers, donors, and the municipalities it serves. We extend our gratitude to Joseph Heenan for his kindness and commitment to the community.
SIDEWALK FACTS - Home Insurance Rates and Sidewalks
· A sidewalk in front of your house does not increase your property insurance rate.
· Homeowners’ insurance premiums are typically determined by factors such as location, value of the home and its contents, claim history, credit score, age and condition of the home.
· New sidewalks can signal a well-cared-for property, which insurers view positively.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
· Be sure to check out the upcoming Town Crier for announcements about public meetings for the Circulation Study.
· The Willistown Parks and Rec Department has a monthly listing of upcoming events on the Township websites, https://www.willistown.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/1981/Willistown-Parks-and-Rec-Event-Calendar-2026-?bidId=
· Check out the action at the Malvern Library: https://malvern-library.org/calendar