November 8, 2023

Forestry management is an ongoing priority in Anson B. Nixon Park. The Kennett Area Park Authority would like to acknowledge Janice Taylor, past president and former board member of KAPA. Her dedication to the park and the community spans decades. With her generous financial support, 32 fine native specimen trees were planted near Pavilion 3 and the edge of the disc golf course in October. Through her years of volunteer service and continued engagement with the board and staff, Janice has had a profound impact on park operations, KAPA’s environmental stewardship, and the facilities & recreational resources that enhance Anson B. Nixon Park, enriching the entire community.

Another 50 native saplings were planted near the disc golf course and in the riparian buffer. Those trees from the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance and Chester County Conservation District are part of their “Tree For All” program, which falls under the Keystone 10 Million Trees partnership that has a goal of planting ten million trees by the year 2025.

Earlier this year KAPA’s Chairperson, Richard Lyon helped staff and volunteers plant four fine native specimen trees in the new Honorary / Memorial Glade located by the new pedestrian entrance and a tributary of the East Branch of the Red Clay Creek. Those trees were planted to honor Janice Taylor and other past board members: Pam Carter, Prissy Roberts, and Eva Verplanck (deceased). The E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation made a financial contribution to that project and a fifth tree was planted in honor of Bill Stullken who served for many years as the Dockstader Foundation’s board president. Their steadfast support and generous grant awards over the years have assisted with environmental stewardship and capital improvements in the park. Bill has been a true friend of the park.

Other projects currently underway include the Ash Grove Reforestation, in line with Chester County’s Climate Action Plan. In 2022, nearly 300 trees in the former Ash Grove were felled, due to the emerald ash boring beetle. With funding from the Chester County Parks + Preservation Partnership Grant Program, the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Healing the Planet Grant Program with support from The GIANT Company, and in part by a grant from the Brandywine Creek Greenway Mini Grant Program administered by Brandywine Conservancy. So far, KAPA has replanted the area with 325 native specimen trees, including the Pawpaw.

For more information about our valued community partners and to learn how you can support the Kennett Area Park Authority’s mission, please visit the park website: AnsonBNixonPark.org

While not yet verified, it appears that Democrats maintained control of both Chester and Delaware county councils, while Republicans mostly held their own in the townships. Democrats also took all seats in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District races.

Republican Timotha Trigg earned her seat on the Chadds Ford Board of Supervisors by running unopposed. She will replace Noelle Barbone who chose not to seek another term.

Also running unopposed in their respective townships were incumbent Republicans Wendell Fenton in Pennsbury and Dan Hill in Birmingham. Also running unopposed were three incumbent Republicans on Concord Township Council, John Crosson, Larry Mutschler II, and Vinita Deshmukh.

In other supervisor races, Newlin Township incumbent Republican Robert Pearson topped Democrat Michael Vorauer, 303 votes to 254, but incumbent Democrat Ricki Stumpo held off a challenge by Republican Andrea Gosselin. The votes were 688 to 578.

In East Marlborough Township, incumbent Republican Supervisor Burling Vannote note is out as Democrats Ellen Sosangelis and Jake Elks topped Vannote and Danielle Chamberlain. Vannote garnered 1,285 votes, the fewest votes of the four candidates. Sosangelis was the top vote-getter in the race at 1,575 votes.

In West Marlborough Township, Incumbent Democrat Jacob Chalfin ran unopposed for reelection in West Marlborough Township.

School director seats were up in all three regions. in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. In Region C, which includes Chadds Ford and Pennsbury townships, Democrats Erin Talbert, Jody Allen, and Brian Schartz defeated Brian Lamb, Madeline Werner, and Britain Hammell. Talbert, an incumbent, was the top vote-getter with 1,723 votes.

In Region A, Rashi Akki, an incumbent Democrat won reelection defeating Isabelle Romine by 1,464 to 1,146.

Current director and board President Victoria Baratta defeated incumbent Bob Sage. Sage had been appointed to the board after Mabel Yu resigned. However, he ran for a full term against Baratta, losing 1,838 to 1482.

Filling the remaining years of Yu’s term is Mary Kate Loomis who beat out Lori Peters 1,843 to 1,470.

Democrats will hold onto all their seats on Delaware County Council. Winning reelection were Monica Taylor, Elaine Paul Schaefer, and Christine Reuther. They defeated Republican challengers Joy Schwartz, Jeffrey Jones, and William Dennon. For Chester County Council, incumbent Democrats Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz won reelection, and they will be joined by former Republican state Rep. Eric Roe.

In other races, incumbent Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer won reelection by defeating Republican Beth Stefanide Miscichowski by a wide margin, 90,030 votes to 58,305.

Chester County will have a new district attorney. Democrat Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe defeated Ryan Hyde. Barrena-Sarobe takes over for Deb Ryan who won a seat on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. Also going to the bench is former Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox. The new sheriff will be Democrat Kevin Dykes.

All votes are unofficial until verified by the boards of election in the counties.