Last night, on July 11, 2023, the Midtown Brandywine Neighbors’ Association held its first meeting of the new board year at the Little Church in our neighborhood. The primary objective of this meeting was to elect the Association’s office holders and committee chairs for the upcoming year.

We are happy to announce the results of the elections.

Joel Stango was re-elected as President. Joel’s unwavering dedication and passion for Midtown Brandywine have been instrumental in maintaining the quality of life for us all in the neighborhood.

Additionally, we congratulate Jessica Reed on her election as Vice President. Jessica’s principled perspectives and commitment to community engagement and ecology make her a valuable asset to our board.

In the role of Treasurer, we welcome back Jeff Mazzella. Jeff’s financial acumen and meticulous attention to detail have ensured the fiscal health of our Association. We are confident in his ability to manage our resources effectively and responsibly.

Natasha Poppe has been re-elected as Secretary, a position she has skillfully filled over the past year. Natasha’s organizational skills and attention to detail will continue to be an asset in ensuring the smooth operation of the Association.

We extend our appreciation to all the new and returning committee chairs who have accepted the responsibility of leading various committees within our Association. These dedicated individuals have stepped up to drive positive change in our community and deserve our recognition and support.

Simon Cousins, a 2022 board member and volunteer webmaster for midtownbrandywine.org, will take charge of the Freire Charter School neighborhood liaison committee. We expect that his effective communication skills will be helpful in maintaining and further improving our productive relationship with the school.

Joel Stango, in addition to his role as President, will lead the Hercules neighborhood liaison committee. With his extensive knowledge of the neighborhood, the who’s who of the city, and commitment to fostering positive connections, Joel will ensure open lines of communication with the Hercules executive team and ensure smooth relations with our longstanding corporate neighbor.

Jordan Barrett, pending confirmation, will oversee the events committee, which plays a vital role in organizing and executing various community events and fundraising. Jordan’s passion for community engagement and creativity will support another year of neighborly experiences of our residents.

Jessica Reed, in addition to her role as Vice President, will continue to spearhead the greenscape committee. With a deep love for the environment and a vision for enhancing the aesthetics, ecology and biodiversity of our neighborhood, Jessica will lead efforts to maintain and improve our green spaces.

John Stafford, as returning chair of the governance committee, will focus on refining and clarifying the Association’s bylaws. His attention to detail and dedication to ensuring transparency and efficiency will contribute to positive outcomes for Midtown Brandywine.

Jeff Mazzella will also assume the role of chair for the properties committee, responsible for addressing neighborhood property issues and fostering residential and commercial cooperation. Jeff’s expertise in administration will be crucial in ensuring the well-being of our community.

Bob Blanchard, a respected member of our community, will take continue of the public safety, parking, and traffic committee. Bob’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents, combined with his extensive knowledge of the neighborhood, will drive efforts to address any concerns in these areas.

Lastly, Simon Cousins will lead the public relations committee, responsible for maintaining the Association’s positive image and fostering strong relationships with the community. His expertise in communication and marketing will be instrumental in promoting the Association’s initiatives and enhancing community engagement.

We want to emphasize that every resident of Midtown Brandywine is invited to join the committees of their choice for the 2023/24 year. We value the input and contributions of our residents and believe that their participation is crucial to the continued success of our neighborhood. We welcome new committee members and their fresh ideas to further enhance the wonderful momentum that the Association has been able to build post-COVID quarantine. Please contact us if you have a passion for any of our committee subjects!

During the meeting, several committee chairs outlined their agendas for the year ahead, giving us a glimpse into the exciting initiatives to come. John Stafford, chair of the governance committee, presented his plans to improve Association efficiencies through refined and clarified bylaws. By ensuring clear guidelines and procedures, John aims to streamline decision-making processes and enhance transparency.

Jessica Reed, chair of the greenscape committee, shared her three key initiatives: “Bugs, Birds and Branches.” The committee aims to support butterfly populations by planting milkweed, create habitats for birds through the construction of purple martin houses near the Little Church, and explore neighborhood locations suitable for native plantings. These initiatives will not only beautify our community but also promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

As the chair of the public relations committee, I outlined the marketing initiatives for the new year. Our primary focus will be on further enhancing the Association’s website, making it more informative and engaging for residents to access important updates and resources. In particular, I’m excited to build out the upcoming history section of the website, as well as the ecommerce function for merch and fundraising. We also plan to expand our popular printed newsletter, delivering valuable news and views directly to residents’ doorsteps. Additionally, we will work to complete a neighborhood flags program to instill greater awareness of the Midtown Brandywine neighborhood.

Lastly, Joel noted that two board seats remain vacant, and we call on motivated and interested neighbors to express their interest in filling those seats. Joining the board provides an opportunity to have a direct impact on shaping the future of our neighborhood and fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

The Midtown Brandywine Neighbors’ Association is excited to kick off the new board year with such enthusiasm and commitment from our dedicated members. Together, we will continue to build upon the strong foundation we have established, creating an even more vibrant and inclusive community.

Stay tuned for updates on our various committee activities and initiatives. Let’s continue the positive momentum we have built as we move forward post-COVID quarantine. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in Midtown Brandywine and ensure its continued growth and prosperity.