E-NEWS EDITION - WEEK OF JANUARY 12, 2026 Happy Monday! We're delighted to bring you the latest updates, news and happenings around our community. From local events to important announcements, this week's newsletter is your guide to staying connected and informed about what's going on in Kennett Township. Don't forget to check the Township's website and Calendar for up-to-date information as well as Facebook. Enjoy your week ahead!
KENNETT FIRE & EMS COMMISSION The Kennett Fire & EMS Commission will hold a hybrid meeting on Tuesday, January 13th at 5:00pm in the Kennett Township Public Meeting Room. Items on the agenda include: Election of Officers, Financial Report, Approval of payments, Reports from the Administrator and Fire Chief/Regional Fire Department. The complete agenda and Zoom link can be accessed on our website.
PLANNING COMMISSION The Planning Commission will hold a hybrid meeting on Tuesday, January 13th at 7:00pm in the Public Meeting Room. Items on the agenda include: Reorganization for 2026, Director's report, Updates on Subdivision & Land Development. The complete agenda and Zoom link can be accessed on our website.
|
|
|
|
BOARD OF SUPERVISOR MEETING RECAP The Board of Supervisors met on Monday, January 5, 2026 for their annual organization meeting. This meeting is required by the Second Class Township Code to take place on the first Monday of January. Supervisor Michael J. Bailey was sworn into office. Pat Muller was elected Chair of the Board and Geoffrey Gamble, Esq. was elected Vice Chair of the Board. Watch the full meeting Here. Other items covered at the meeting included: 2026 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE ADOPTED The Board of Supervisors approved the 2026 Kennett Township Holiday Schedule at its January Organization Meeting. Township offices will observe designated holidays throughout the year, and residents are encouraged to review the full schedule on the Township website to plan ahead for office closures and service availability. The full list of the holidays can be found on the township website. 2026 PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED The 2026 Kennett Township Public Meeting Schedule has been officially adopted. All meetings will continue to be held in a hybrid format, allowing residents to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom. Meeting dates, times, and login information are available on the Township’s online calendar, making it easy to stay informed and engaged in Township business throughout the year. Additional information on Township Meeting Schedule can be found on the Kennett Township website. CONGRATULATIONS TO 2026 COMMITTEE & COUNCIL APPOINTEES Kennett Township extends its congratulations and sincere thanks to all Board, Committee, and Commission members appointed for 2026. These dedicated volunteers play a vital role in guiding Township initiatives, preserving our history, protecting the environment, and enhancing quality of life for residents. We are grateful for their continued service and commitment to the community. A full list of committee and council members can be found on the Kennett Township website. - Environmental Advisory Committee
- Ashley Gagne – Appoint as Chair for the year of 2026.
- Michael Estep – Appoint to a three-year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2028.
- Kennett Township Historical Commission
- Karen Marshall – Five-year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2030
- Denise Klein – One-year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2026
- Lori Stewart – Three-year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2028
- Kennett Township Trails & Sidewalks Committee
- Diane McGovern – Five-year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2030
- Richard Leff – Five-year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2030
- Zoning Hearing Board
- Robert Whipps – Five-year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2030
- Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway
- John Haedrich – One-year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2026
- Kennett Township Staff – One-Year term effective January 5, 2026, through December 31, 2026
PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING SUPERVISOR MICHAEL J. BAILEY!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kennett Township is pleased to welcome Michael J. Bailey as a newly elected member of the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Bailey was officially sworn in at the Township’s January Organization Meeting. We look forward to his service and leadership and thank him for his commitment to serving the residents of Kennett Township.
|
|
|
|
|
|
RAIN GARDENS & WHY THEY MATTER Learn About Rain Gardens: A Natural Solution for StormwaterKennett Township is pleased to sponsor a presentation—with Q&A—on rain gardens on January 27 at 6:30 PM in the Public Meeting Room.Rain gardens are a practical, low-cost way to reduce stormwater runoff while enhancing the health and beauty of our community. Designed to capture runoff from roofs, driveways, and streets, rain gardens allow water to soak naturally into the ground instead of rushing into storm drains, where it can contribute to flooding and pollution in local streams.Planted with deep-rooted native vegetation, rain gardens help filter sediments and nutrients, reduce erosion, recharge groundwater, and support pollinators. They also demonstrate how simple, nature-based solutions can effectively address everyday infrastructure challenges.Community members are encouraged to attend and learn how rain gardens can make a positive local impact.Don't forget to stay after the presentation for the first Environmental Advisory Council's Meeting of 2026. |
|
|
|
|
|
INTRODUCING THE PLANNING BRIEF The Planning Brief is a new twice-monthly feature in the Township E-news designed to provide residents and property owners with clear, practical information about planning, zoning, permitting, and property maintenance requirements. Each month, the column will include a Did You Know: Planning, Zoning, and Property Tips from the Township and a Code Corner: Helpful Reminders for Property Owners and Residents. The goal of The Planning Brief is to share proactive guidance, answer common questions, and help residents understand applicable rules before issues arise—supporting informed decision-making and consistent expectations across the Township. |
|
|
|
PERMITS VS ZONING APPROVAL Did You Know: Zoning approval and building permits are not the same thing – and some home improvement projects may require one or both. Zoning approval looks at how a property is used, like setbacks, height, and permitted uses. Building permits focus on how something is constructed to ensure it meets minimum safety requirements. Before starting a project, contacting the Planning Office can help determine what approvals are needed and avoid delays. Have questions? Please call at 610-388-1300 or email at kmorgenstern@kennett.pa.us Katelynn Morgenstern, PP, AICP, Director of Planning & Zoning
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LOCATION: The Kennett Township Recycling Center is located at the Township Maintenance Garage at 557 Bayard Road. HOURS: The Recycling Center is open DAWN to DUSK, Monday through Saturday and 10:00 am to Dusk on Sundays. For more information visit kennett.pa.us
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please be sure to review our updated rules to ensure compliance and avoid any violations. Located at 557 Bayard Rd. The Yard Waste Debris Center is open Monday -Saturday, dawn to dusk and on Sundays from 10 am to dusk. Additional information can be found HERE. - The Yard Waste Debris Center is for Kennett Township Residents only.
- All contractors must be accompanied by the property owner.
- No Bamboo
- No large stumps.
- No dirt, stones, brick or concrete.
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CLOSURE NOTICE In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Kennett Township offices will be closed on Monday, January 19. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 20. We honor Dr. King’s legacy of service, equality, and community, and wish everyone a meaningful day of reflection. |
|
|
|
|
|
INTRODUCING THE GATHERING PLACE AT KENNETT Formerly Kennett Area Senior Center, The Gathering Place at Kennett is designed for adults 55+ who want to connect, have fun, and stay engaged. They offer programs to entertain, inspire, and delight! Check out their wide range of activities and see what sparks your interest. Located in the heart of Kennnett Square, they're open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Come visit them at: 427 S. Walnut Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, (610) 444-4819. Additional information can be found on their website.
|
|
|
|
KNITTERS' MORNING AT THE LIBRARY Come hang out with fellow knitting enthusiasts every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m.! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, this relaxed meetup is a great way to share tips, learn new techniques, and enjoy some creative company. While you’re at the library, don’t forget to explore their extensive collection of crafting supplies and resources to inspire your next project. Additional information can be found on the Kennett Library website.
|
|
|
|
WHERE DO OLD BOOKS GO?-CREATIVE BOOK ART WORKSHOP The popular Where Do Old Books Go? workshop series is back! Help transform upcycled books into unique works of art with guidance from guest artists who share creative techniques and hands-on inspiration. Past projects have included origami, book folding, erasure poetry, papier mâché, and more. This month’s workshop features paper-folded apples and pears with guest artist Emily Baroni. Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 PM. More information about dates, times and registration can be found on the Kennett Library's website.
|
|
|
|
WINTER TREE IDENTIFICATION-WALK AT MT. CUBA CENTER Take a rare winter walk through Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens and learn how to identify trees by their subtle seasonal characteristics. This in-person program will teach you to recognize species by observing bark, buds, bud scales, fruit and seed remnants, fallen leaves, and overall tree form. You’ll also be introduced to key botanical terminology to build confidence in winter identification techniques—and gain a deeper appreciation for trees in the winter landscape. The event will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM (Rain Date: Saturday, January 24) in person at the Mt. Cuba Center. Additional information can be found on their website.
|
|
|
|
ROBIN HOOD & HIS MERRIE MEN By Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society 1/23 & 1/24, Kennett High School Help Us Celebrate our 25th Anniversary! Can Sir Guy de Gisbourne, aided by his fellow evil-doers the Sheriff of Nottingham and the Prioress of Hockessin, force Dame Lavinia to turn over Locksley Manner by kidnapping Maid Marion? Or can our heroes Robin Hood and his Merrie Men save the day? What role will Dobbin - Dame Lavinia’s faithful but mathematically challenged horse - play in all this? Join us in all the fun booing the baddies, cheering on our heroes, and singing along to the Hippopotamus song. Go to https://callkats.org/ticket/ for tickets.
|
|
|
|
DARE TO DECLARE WATCH PARTY Join the Chester County community for the Dare to Declare Watch Party on Tuesday, February 10, at Kennett Library. This special event premieres Declaration of Independence: Dare to Declare, a powerful film that brings the words of the Declaration of Independence to life through the voices of Chester County residents. What do Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness mean today? Come hear your neighbors reflect on these timeless ideals and celebrate the enduring spirit of our nation’s founding. February 10, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM, Kennett Library, Kennett Square. Free and open to the public. Arrive early to enjoy light refreshments and connect with members of the community. Additional details can be found on their website. Real Voices. Timeless Words. Chester County Dares to Declare.
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE-WINTERFEST IS COMING!!! Kennett Winterfest returns to downtown Kennett Square with an afternoon of exceptional craft beer, hearty food, live music, and warm winter camaraderie. This annual celebration not only brings seasonal cheer but also supports the community programs that help Kennett thrive year-round. Bundle up, gather your friends for a festive winter experience on Saturday, February 28th! Additional details can be found on their website.
|
|
|
|
KACS EMPTY BOWLS End Hunger. Feed Hope.
Join KACS for its 15th Annual Empty Bowls event on February 27, 2026, featuring lunch, dinner, and take-out options. Part of an international grassroots movement that began right here in Kennett Square, Empty Bowls is a beloved community tradition that raises critical funds and awareness for KACS’ mission. More information can be found on their website. Each month, KACS serves more than 3,500 individuals through its Food Cupboard, supports families with case management and social services, and advances affordable housing and educational programs that help individuals and families move out of poverty.
|
|
|
|
*This newsletter was made with the assistance of AI* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
