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The Delaware County Digest
Your source for the latest news from Delaware County | October 10, 2025
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Visit Delco Shares Update on Inaugural Delco 10-Miler, Highlighting Countywide Collaboration and Strong Participation
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During the October 8, 2025, Delaware County Council Public Meeting, Council heard an update from Visit Delco, PA on the success of the inaugural Delco 10-Miler, a new community running event that drew nearly 1,200 participants, connected multiple municipalities, and showcased the best of Delaware County.
Rob MacPherson, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Delco, presented the recap, joined by Steve Burns, Executive Director; Diana Shacklock, Director of Special Projects; and Kevin Nolan, volunteer Race Director.
MacPherson opened by thanking the many partners and volunteers who made the event possible, including County Park Police, local municipalities, and community organizations. “It was an amazing day,” MacPherson said. “We launched registration in May, sold out by early September, and could have easily added another 500 to 1,000 runners. The response was incredible.”
From Park to Pitch — A Countywide Celebration
Held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, the inaugural Delco 10-Miler took runners on a scenic 10-mile journey from Rose Tree Park in Upper Providence to Subaru Park’s Union Yards in Chester — a “park to pitch” route that highlighted the diversity and vitality of Delaware County’s communities.
The course was the brainchild of Councilmember Christine Reuther, who first proposed the idea last year after realizing the route’s perfect distance. “I was vaguely surprised that someone took me seriously when I said, ‘How about a 10-mile run?’” Reuther joked during the meeting.
The event drew runners from 13 states, including participants from as far away as Montana, with about 60 percent between ages 30 and 59. Over 250 volunteers staffed water stations, handled logistics, and cheered runners along the route.
MacPherson praised the teamwork that made the event possible. Upper Providence, Media, Nether Providence, and Chester all provided police and logistical support, with Upper Providence donating both its police and public works teams. Delcora, Widener University, and the County’s Sustainability Team assisted with barriers and course cleanup. “This was truly a County-wide partnership,” MacPherson said. “Everyone came together to make it happen.”
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Community, Sponsors, and Celebration
Visit Delco credited a long list of sponsors and partners for helping bring the event to life. The Presenting Sponsors — Rafferty Subaru and Subaru Loves to Help — joined Founding Partners WSFS Bank, Nolan Painting, and The Running Place, which hosted bib pick-up for four days leading up to the race. Supporting sponsors included Upper Providence Township, 2SP Brewing Company, and Wawa, all contributing to what MacPherson called “a true Delco celebration.”
The post-race festivities at Subaru Park featured live music, local brews from 2SP Brewing, Wawa soft pretzels, Delco Steaks, and plenty of Delco pride. “Sunday was a great day, and the Delco 10-Miler felt uniquely Delco from start to finish,” Reuther said. “The 10-Miler is not only our answer to the Broad Street Run — it’s part of building a better future for Delaware County, a legacy from Council that we hope will endure for years to come.”
Giving Back and Building for the Future
The inaugural Delco 10-Miler raised $36,000 in proceeds, with $12,000 donations benefiting each of three local organizations — the HEADstrong Foundation, Delaware County Parks & Recreation youth programming, and Delco Arts, aligning the race with the kickoff of Delco Arts Week.
MacPherson noted that the event’s success came from extensive community engagement and a passionate steering committee of residents and local partners. “We had a dozen people step up to help us plan and execute this first-ever event,” he said. “The feedback from runners and sponsors was overwhelmingly positive, and everyone’s already asking about next year.”
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Looking Ahead to 2026 and America 250
Planning is already underway for the 2026 Delco 10-Miler, which will expand in conjunction with America 250, PA250, and Delco 250 celebrations. The goal is to double participation to 2,500 runners, symbolizing the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor commended the Visit Delco team for organizing a first-year event that exceeded expectations. “People were so excited, and I think you could have gotten another thousand runners,” she said. “It was a beautiful day, a wonderful course, and a great experience. I look forward to being part of it next year.”
Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer added, “I watched how much thought and work went into this over the last year, and it really paid off. Just rave reviews from everyone who participated — and I pledge to run it next year.”
Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, who joined County Controller Joanne Phillips at Subaru Park to distribute medals to finishers, praised the team’s coordination. “I didn’t make it to the starting line, but I did make it to the finish line,” he said with a laugh. “It was a great event, and we look forward to doing it again next year.”
| Vice Chair Richard Womack and Controller Joanne Phillips handing out medals to the finishers | |
Visit Delco’s Vision
Looking ahead, MacPherson said Visit Delco plans to build on this success to promote health, tourism, and community engagement throughout the region. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the runners, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who made the very first Delco 10-Miler such a success,” he said. “This event was a true reflection of Delaware County’s heart and spirit, and we are excited to build on this tradition for years to come.”
For race results, photos, and updates on next year’s event, visit Delco10Miler.com.
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Fair Acres Geriatric Center Shares Update with County Council, Celebrating Recognition as One of America’s Best Nursing Homes for 4th Consecutive Year
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At the October 8 public meeting, Delaware County Council received an update from Fair Acres Geriatric Center Director Bill D’Amico, who shared recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives at the County-owned and operated nursing facility in Lima. D’Amico described how the facility continues to evolve while maintaining its mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care for residents across Delaware County and beyond.
Delaware County’s Fair Acres Geriatric Center, owned and operated by the County of Delaware, has once again been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes, marking the facility’s fourth consecutive year on the national list. Fair Acres continues to earn national recognition, maintaining a five-star CMS rating and receiving Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes distinction for 2023, 2024, and 2025—with confirmation just this week that the facility has been recognized again in 2026.
For 2026, Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes ranking highlights the top 1,200 nursing homes in the United States, selected from among 14,752 facilities analyzed nationwide. The evaluation is based on four pillars: performance data, peer recommendations, accreditations, and resident satisfaction. Fair Acres placed No. 22 in Pennsylvania, up from its already impressive 26th place last year, and continues to stand as one of the state’s leading examples of publicly operated long-term care.
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A Leader in County-Based Skilled Nursing
Fair Acres, located in Lima, is the largest skilled nursing facility in Delaware County, accommodating up to 774 residents at any given time, and has been providing quality care to the residents of Delaware County for over 200 years. The 210-acre campus employs more than 700 staff, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and support personnel dedicated to providing long-term, short-term, respite, and hospice care.
The facility is certified for participation in Medicare and Medicaid, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and serves as a training site for local colleges and universities. In addition to its core medical and nursing services, Fair Acres offers on-site pharmacy, radiology, and laboratory support; personalized nutrition and rehabilitation programs; a robust calendar of resident activities; and computer lounges that help residents stay connected with family and friends.
Fair Acres provides long-term care for any adult, young or old, with a demonstrated need for 24-hour-a-day nursing care, and also offers short-term rehabilitation stays for those recovering from illness or surgery.
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Continued Investment in Modernization and Quality Care
During his presentation, D’Amico outlined several major projects underway at Fair Acres that represent a significant investment in both resident care and facility modernization. A new, state-of-the-art kitchen and meal delivery system, scheduled to open in spring 2026, will enhance food quality, efficiency, and service by introducing modern equipment and streamlined processes to better meet residents’ individualized dietary needs. The new electronic health record system, expected to go live in December 2025, will improve coordination of care across departments, allow staff to securely access and update resident information in real time, and strengthen clinical accuracy and compliance.
D’Amico noted that both projects are part of a long-term effort to modernize operations while maintaining Fair Acres’ commitment to compassionate, person-centered care. He also shared that the County is exploring future initiatives, including an on-site health clinic to expand access to primary and specialty care for residents and staff, and the potential development of senior housing options on or near the campus to create a more integrated continuum of care for Delaware County’s aging population.
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Council Commends Staff, Care, and Commitment
Councilmember Christine Reuther, who serves as Council’s liaison to Fair Acres, praised the staff and leadership team, stating, “It’s a terrific facility—because of the staff, the training, the procedures, and the care that’s given. You see residents smiling, staff who know everyone by name, and a real sense of community. It’s an amazing place that provides critical care for some of our most medically fragile and needy residents.”
Reuther also emphasized that about 95 percent of Fair Acres’ residents are Medicaid recipients and roughly 30 percent come from outside the County, making state aid essential to maintaining operations.
Councilmember Elaine Paul Schaefer praised the ongoing modernization efforts, noting, “There is a long-term plan to update the entire facility, and as that happens, it’s becoming one of the nicest nursing homes in the area. The new floors are stunning, and hopefully we’ll get to the point where it’s all updated and the nicest place in Delaware County.”
Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor also commended D’Amico and the entire Fair Acres team for their continued excellence, adding, “They really make it the home that it is—a place our residents love to be. It’s a testament to your leadership that you’ve been ranked among the nation’s best for four years in a row. Congratulations to you and your team, and thank you for the care and dedication you bring to this community every day.”
| Smiles and creativity shine as Fair Acres residents bring art to life. | |
D’Amico expressed gratitude for the recognition and the continued support of County Council. “I’m so proud of the Fair Acres team,” D’Amico said. “Their compassion, professionalism, and commitment to our residents make all the difference. Every day, our staff goes above and beyond to provide Delaware County seniors with the respect, dignity, and care they deserve.”
Residents interested in more information about Fair Acres, including enrollment requirements, can visit their website at fairacres.org.
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St. Joseph’s University Prevention Academy Presents County-Funded, Opioid-Supported Prevention Education Reaching 10,000+ Students
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During the October 8 Delaware County Council Public Meeting, Council heard a presentation focused on youth substance-use prevention and early intervention from Kiersten Simon, Executive Director of the Saint Joseph’s University Prevention Academy. Joined by Assistant Director Taylor Moran and Senior Prevention Specialist Erin Ryan, the team outlined how the Academy’s school-based prevention education program, launched with Delaware County’s opioid settlement funding, is helping students, educators, and families build healthy decision-making skills, strengthen protective factors, and reduce risks associated with substance use.
Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor introduced the presentation by noting that the Prevention Academy is one of the programs funded by Delaware County’s opioid settlement dollars, created “from scratch” to strengthen prevention and early education. “It’s been incredible to see how this program has grown and how deeply it’s impacted our schools and communities,” Dr. Taylor said.
An Upstream Approach to Prevention
Simon explained that the Prevention Academy operates as a school-based prevention education program, primarily serving grades 7 through 12. The program’s mission, she said, is rooted in cura personalis —care for the whole person— promoting health, wellness, and strong decision-making while equipping students with the skills to handle peer pressure and risk.
“When we talk about prevention,” Simon said, “we’re really talking about an upstream public health model. Just as we fluoridate our water or vaccinate our children, we need to educate students early about risk factors, protective factors, and how their brains develop. When kids understand those things, they start making healthier choices—and even advocate for their friends.”
Ms. Ryan shared that in the program’s first year, she visited 26 schools across eight districts, reaching more than 10,300 students between September and April. “We meet kids where they are,” Ryan explained. “We have those classroom conversations that are emotionally safe, age-appropriate, and focused on helping them think critically about themselves and their choices.”
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Reaching Students, Parents, and Educators
Simon emphasized that the Prevention Academy’s reach extends beyond students. “We also work closely with parents, guardians, and faculty,” she said. “We’ll hold meetings in the morning, after school, hybrid, or evening—whatever the community needs. When teachers understand teen brain chemistry and risk factors, they start listening differently and supporting students in new ways.”
The program has also developed an Empowered Resource Library and the Choices Unfiltered podcast for parents and teachers, alongside Teen Talk and Tween Talk series that feature young people speaking directly to their peers. “We’ve tried to reach every population possible,” Simon said. “Schools are thrilled, kids are thrilled, and we’re thankful to have this opportunity to serve Delaware County communities.”
Simon also announced that the program recently hired an intern to translate all parent-facing materials into Spanish as part of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, a step toward making prevention resources more accessible to families across the county.
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A New Model for Prevention Education
Dr. Taylor praised the program’s rapid growth. “I remember the first proposal—the goal was to reach five to ten schools that first semester,” she said. “In your first year, you’re in eight districts, 26 schools, and reached over 10,000 students. It has far exceeded what we were hoping for. Kids are responding, schools are reaching out, and your youth-centered approach is giving them the tools to navigate these situations.”
Councilmember Kevin Madden added that prevention efforts like these save lives in ways that are difficult to quantify. “It’s easier to measure outcomes on the treatment side, but every day your work prevents addiction and saves lives,” he said. “Just when we think we’ve gotten one emerging drug under control, something new appears. That’s why prevention is critical and why we have to keep supporting this work.”
Councilmember Christine Reuther commended the program’s modern, research-based approach and compared it to the outdated DARE model that once dominated drug education. “When my kids were in school, the prevention program was ‘the drug talk,’” Reuther said. “If there’s a program now that approaches students differently—one that says, ‘Here’s what you can do, here’s good information, you’re a person with a brain, and we’re going to respect that’—that’s a huge improvement. It sparks real, constructive conversations at home and helps families stay connected.”
Simon closed by expressing her gratitude to County Council for their early investment and trust in the program. “Our goal is to keep kids healthy and engaged—to empower them to make good choices and help their peers do the same,” she said. “We’re proud to partner with Delaware County to make prevention education a lasting part of community wellness.”
Dr. Taylor thanked the team once again, calling their work “a model for prevention education that’s both evidence-based and deeply human.”
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Opioid Settlement 2025 Grant Funding Opportunities
Vendors, nonprofit organizations, and community groups interested in launching or expanding opioid prevention, treatment, or recovery programs are encouraged to apply for the next round of Delaware County Opioid Settlement Grant Funding, now open through October 31, 2025.
Delaware County’s historic $62.5 million opioid settlement, announced in 2022, stems from the County’s legal actions against major pharmaceutical distributors and will provide annual funding over 18 years to combat the devastating impacts of opioid addiction. Funds are reserved exclusively for remediation efforts, including prevention programs like the Prevention Academy, Naloxone training and distribution, medication-assisted treatment, family support services, and recovery housing.
Three new 2025 grant initiatives have been announced:
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Continuity of Care: Supporting coordination between treatment levels and developing a comprehensive County-wide data system for recovery services.
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Scholarships for Persons in Certified Recovery Programs: Offering financial assistance to individuals pursuing recovery certification.
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Support for Families: Providing aid to grandparents and caregivers raising children affected by the opioid epidemic.
Through its interdisciplinary Opioid Task Force, Delaware County continues to evaluate proposals and fund evidence-based programs that strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery for all residents.
More information and links to the downloadable RFPs can be found online at DelcoPA.Link/Opioids.
| | Take Part, Spread the Word, Stay Connected | | |
Navy Flag Raising Ceremony — Tue., Oct. 14 at Noon
Join Delaware County’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the Navy Flag Raising Ceremony on Tuesday, October 14 at 12:00 p.m. in front of the Delaware County Courthouse, 201 West Front Street, Media, as we proudly celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary and honor all who have served.
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Not So Spooky StoryWalk Returns October 24
Families are invited to join Delaware County Libraries on Fri., Oct. 24 for the Not So Spooky StoryWalk® featuring The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming. Enjoy fun activities, giveaways, and story time with beloved librarians and our local ELRC 15.
Registration required (10:30 | 11:00) — each family receives a free book!
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Free Drive-Through Community Flu Shots Oct. 13
Reminder! Delaware County Health Department will host a Free Drive-Through Community Flu Shot Clinic on Monday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tinicum Fire Company, 99 Wanamaker Ave., Essington. Open to all residents ages 3 and up—no appointment or insurance needed.
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Revolutionary Reads: Explore the American Revolution Through Literature
Revolutionary Reads returns with The Painter's Fire by Zara Anishanslin, this year’s Community Read selection. Join Delaware County Libraries and partners for book clubs, library programs, and a free public author event on Wed., Oct. 15, 6:30 PM at Widener University. Copies available at your library. Click Here to Learn More.
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