By HaLeigh Abbott

Contributing Writer

Kennett Square Borough Council swore in a new junior council member and a new police officer during its meetings in July. End-of-summer and fall events were also presented, including a repelling fundraiser, National Night Out, and the Red Clay Park Project.

Juan Luis Garcia Tafolla is the council’s first junior member since 2015, and was unanimously welcomed by council members. Tafolla graduated from Kennett Square Consolidated School District and will serve a non-voting position on the Borough Council through March 31, 2024. Council member Mayra Zavala said there is excitement to have “another diverse voice on the council.”

Officer Nicholas Matty was sworn in to the Kennett Square Police Department by Chief of Police William Holdsworth. Matty graduated from Cabrini College with a bachelors degree in criminology in 2019, and then from the Delaware County Police Department in 2021. He began his law enforcement career with the Folcroft Police Department in Delaware County, and will be a part-time patrolman for Kennett Square Borough.

National Night Out, an event promoting community building between police departments and residents, will be returning this year on Sept. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Kennett Square Police Department requested permission to use the Borough Hall parking lots for the event, which was previously held on Linden Street. Usage of the Borough Hall lots will create easier access for all borough residents to attend. Vendors, music and food trucks are planned for the event.

Camp Dreamcatcher received approval for their repelling fundraiser, Over the Edge, to be held Sept. 29 at the Franklin Center building. Participants are required to raise $1,000 for the nonprofit, which provides a camp for children ages 5-17 who have been affected by an HIV or AIDS infection of a loved one, or themselves. Repellers will be harnessed and descend down the 5-story building into Apple Alley. Borough Council President Doug Doerfler noted that he will be participating and accepting donations.

A new pocket park at the corner of Cypress and Dalmation needs the public’s help to name it. Kennett Trails Alliance presented plans for the park, which will have nature play and a creek beach accessible for all mobilities. The project is funded by Square Roots, and costs nothing for the borough or residents. Names for the park can be submitted on the Kennett Trails Alliance website (https://www.kennectivity.com/name-the-pocket-park), and should reflect the natural, geological or other features of the park, such as wildlife or plants. Names can be submitted in English or in Spanish, and should be easily translated into both.

An application requesting approval to close Apple Alley for weekend outdoor seating was approved for Kennett Brewing Company. The closures will occur Fridays 5 to 10 p.m., Saturdays noon to 10 p.m., and Sundays noon to 8 p.m. The concept proved successful during COVID restrictions from 2020 to 2022 and borough council considered it safe since State Street will remain open during the times of closure. Council member Bob Norris noted that he loves “the vibrancy of town when people are out,” when he spoke in support of the closures.