Delaware County Council has issued a Declaration of Heat Emergency on July 22 due to the ongoing heat wave affecting the region. Temperatures are forecast to remain in the 90s with high humidity for the next several days. 

Seniors, young children, or anyone with heart and lung conditions are advised to limit exposure outdoors. Please take the time to identify and check in on any at-risk or elderly loved ones and neighbors.

During periods of prolonged heat, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions are usually the first to be affected by the heat. The following are some preventative tips that can help residents cope with extreme heat:

• Dress appropriately by wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay indoors in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. If you do not have air conditioning, you can seek relief for some part of the day at a local senior center, a mall, a library, and a movie theater, or visit family who have air conditioning.
• If using a fan to keep cool, a window should be kept open to allow the hot air to escape. 
• Keep blinds and curtains drawn and spend as much time as possible on the first floor of the home.
• Protect skin and eyes by using sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses when outdoors.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Take cool baths or showers. Cool water temperature cools your body 25 times faster than cool air.
• If the following signs are experienced, you should call a doctor or seek medical help immediately: fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, and cramps.

As we experience the heat wave over the next few days, Council reminds residents of the County's Heat Plan, which includes additional tips and resources offered by the County to help vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly, stay safe during the summer season. The Heat Plan is available on the COSA website at delcopa.gov/heatplan.

Seniors over the age of 60 are reminded that they are eligible to receive no-cost box fans by calling COSA at (610) 490-1300 during normal business hours, Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or through their local senior center. During this heat wave, seniors can also contact the County’s Health Department Wellness Line this Sat. and Sun., from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at (484) 276-2100, to request a free box fan. 

Residents who received LIHEAP funding over the winter are eligible to contact Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) by phone at (610) 521-8770 to request an air conditioner or fan. CAADC may also provide assistance with repairs to central air conditioning systems.

During extreme heat, individuals experiencing homelessness are at particular risk. If you see someone in need of shelter, please contact the Delaware County Human Services Outreach Team at (267) 671-4357.

The County’s 24-hour Emergency Heat Information Line is now active at (610) 872-1558 and will remain available to residents throughout the summer. The information line provides heat safety tips and reminders and emergency information. Note that residents should call 911 in the event of an emergency.

Delaware County was proud to congratulate the nearly 500 athletes who participated in the 32nd annual Delaware County Senior Games during the Winner’s Circle Luncheon held at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center in Drexel Hill on July 19. 

Delaware County Senior Games Committee Co-chairs Marc Manfre, Director of Parks & Recreation, and Barbara S. Nicolardi, Director of the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) joined County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders Jr. and over 200 Delaware County Senior Games participants and volunteers to celebrate another successful year of the games.  

The games, held from June 13 to June 24 at venues across the county, concluded with the traditional final day of track and field events held at Garnet Valley High School in Glen Mills. This year’s games featured 471 athletes, ages 51-94, competing in 12 different sports, including Bocce, Bowling (singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team), Corn Hole, Golf (9 and 18 hole), Mini-Golf, Pickleball, Swimming, Shuffleboard, Table Tennis, Track and Field, and Wii Bowling.  

“The Senior Games provide a healthy and fun experience to our residents and Council commends Barb Nicolardi and Marc Manfre for another great year,” said Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. 

The total of 471 athletes represent a large increase from last year’s total of 331, a reduced number due in part to the limited nature of the 2021 games that were pared down to comply with COVID-19 guidance. “I think this shows the staying power and value of these games,” said Director Nicolardi. 

“Congratulations to this year’s participants. It was wonderful to attend the games and witness the camaraderie, athleticism and competition!” said Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer. 

The resident athletes in attendance at the luncheon were eager to thank the County for the popular event. Eighty-two-year-old Upper Darby resident Esteban Abarintos, a gold medalist in multiple sports including mixed doubles table tennis, was thrilled to be participate in the games. “I’m so grateful to the County and to the people who planned these games,” he said. “I was suffering from diabetes, but I began playing sports and now no more diabetes! These games are the best medicine.”

Delaware County Council thanks the many residents, competitors, volunteers, staff members, and host locations that made the 2022 games a success. A list of winners, along with pictures and information about the 2023 games, will be made available on the Senior Games website at www.delcoseniorgames.org in the coming weeks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that an older adult in the U.S. dies from a fall every 20 minutes, and that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury—but help is available! 

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), in collaboration with Crozer Health, is offering the evidence-based Healthy Steps program virtually for individuals aged 60 and older living in Pennsylvania. Research has found that adults who completed the Healthy Steps workshop lower their risk of a fall significantly by 15%. 

The Healthy Steps program is designed to raise awareness of falls, introduce steps on how to reduce falls, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of falls by helping participants address fears by educating and equipping them with the right tools to make a difference in their lives.

The program’s focus is on:

• Environmental & Home Safety
• Health Status/Disease States
• Nutrition
• Maintaining an Active Lifestyle
• Foot Health
• Social Connectedness
• Sensory Deficits (vision & hearing)
• Mental & Spiritual Well-being
• Side Effects of Medication
• Exercises to Increase Strength, Balance, and Flexibility

The two-session program will be held virtually on Zoom from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., on Monday, July 25 and Tuesday, July 26. Note that individuals are expected to participate on both dates to complete the program.

The program is 100% free; all program costs, including the Healthy Steps workbook, are covered by COSA! 

Register Now!

Please note that class size is limited, and registration is required. To register, contact Ellen Williams by email at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at (610) 499-1937, and provide your name, address, phone number and email address.  

Delaware County residents now have a new, easier way to connect to behavioral or mental health crisis services. 

Starting July 16, 2022, individuals who call, text, or chat with “988” from anywhere in the United States are now directly connected to the same trained, compassionate crisis response counselors that were previously accessible through the long-standing 10-digit* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, rebranded as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Modeled after 911, the new three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, or are considering self-harm or suicide—and people seeking crisis help for their loved ones—to access an enhanced network of trained compassionate professionals able to provide help with greater ease.

When 988 is contacted, individuals are automatically connected to a crisis call center in Pennsylvania, and crisis response professionals can help immediately by talking through the situation over the phone, sending help to provide in-person support, or connecting the caller directly to local resources, such as transportation for further evaluation, and referrals for relevant resources, ongoing care, and follow-up services.

By comparison, 911 works by dispatching fire, EMS, law enforcement to intervene and help the caller. With 988, the contact IS the intervention, and help can be immediate. 

Who can call 988?

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline services can be used by anyone, any time (24 hours a day, seven days a week), at no cost to the caller. 

For more information, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website linked from the button below. 

Delaware County residents can also find links for mental health services and resources from the Department of Human Services’ Office of Behavioral Health via the Delaware County Health Department website at delcopa.gov/mentalhealth.

* The previously available National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) provides the same services and will remain operational for the foreseeable future. 

Delaware County is getting a new park!

The County’s newest and largest park will be located on the former Don Guanella site in Marple Township. The 213-acre park will be focused on the woodlands that now serve as one of the county’s most extensive forests. 

Delaware County is seeking fifteen community leaders to join the new Master Plan Advisory Committee for the former Don Guanella property.  

Public input is a cornerstone of the project. The 15 members of the Master Plan Advisory Committee will guide key elements of the master plan (to be completed in the Spring of 2023) that will serve to identify long-term conservation, woodland protection, infrastructure, and recreation improvements for the future county park.

Click below for more information, and to apply to serve as a member of the Advisory Committee.

The stated deadline for submitting an application is Friday, July 22, but applications will continue to be accepted through Monday, July 25.

Delaware County’s Department of Human Services held a public hearing to discuss Block Grant Funding on Thursday July 21 and will hold a second hearing on Tuesday, July 26.

Links to both the recording of the July 21 hearing, and the livestream of the upcoming July 26 hearing, can be found below.

The block grant funds will be utilized to support Delaware County community members with special needs. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and/or submit information and suggestions.

Residents can give public comments in person at the hearings or by email. Residents can email their public comments in advance, or during the hearings. Comments must be submitted with the same information that is requested at a public meeting including the person’s name and address. Emails can be sent to HS_BlockGrant@delcohsa.org (Please write “COMMENTS” in the subject line).

Public comments will be accepted until each hearing is adjourned. The public comments will be read into the record during the hearing and the Department will respond if warranted. Emailed comments deemed inappropriate, or which do not contain the commenter’s name and address, will not be read into public record.

The County Human Services Block Grant Plan Fiscal Year 22/23 is currently under construction and a summary will be available on the Human Services’ website upon completion. The plan is due to the state August 19, 2022.

Thursday, July 21 at 6:00 p.m.

In-person hearing: County Council Meeting Room

201 W. Front St., Media, PA

Tuesday, July 26 at 6:00 p.m.

In-person hearing: County Council Meeting Room

201 W. Front St., Media, PA

Delaware County recently wrapped up its three-part public workshop series, held to gather community input for the formation of the County’s new 10-year Municipal Waste Management Plan, last updated in 2013. The new plan will guide the County’s transition to sustainable methods of materials management using Zero Waste practices while ensuring that the County has sufficient processing and disposal capacity for its municipal waste for the next decade.

In all, nearly 200 stakeholders, including residents, non-profits, businesses, institutions, and other stakeholders participated in the public workshops held in April, May, and June, providing ideas, insight, guidance and inspiration regarding the many aspects of waste management. 

The first of the public workshops was held on April 28 at the Sellers Memorial Library in Upper Darby Township, with nearly 50 Delaware County residents and stakeholders focusing on the development of clear goals and guiding principles for the plan. At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants had successfully agreed upon a working draft inclusive of a number of guiding principles.

On May 26, the second of public workshops was held at Norwood Public Library and featured a robust discussion of potential Zero Waste initiatives for reducing waste and increasing recycling and composting.

On Thursday, June 30, the third and final public workshop was held at the Chester City Hall Community Room, with close to 100 residents and representatives from various organizations, participating in-person and via Zoom. Participants reviewed the Guiding Principles and Initiatives and the draft implementation plan, providing robust feedback regarding a variety of waste and recycling-related topics.

All three workshops can be viewed in their entirety on the Office of Sustainability website, linked through the buttons below.

April 28

Sellers Memorial Library

May 26

Norwood Public Library 

June 30

Chester City Hall Community Room

Delaware County Municipal Waste Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled for Aug. 4

With the workshop series now complete, a preliminary Zero Waste Draft Plan has been compiled by County’s Office of Sustainability under the direction of Francine Locke and will be presented to the Delaware County Municipal Waste Advisory Committee during their August 4 meeting. The goal of the meeting is a thorough public review of the plan, with the intention of fine-tuning the plan before a final version is presented to Delaware County Council in the fall.

As with the workshops, registration is a requirement for participation. To register, visit delcopa.gov/workshops via the button below. The Zoom link and ID required for online participation will be provided upon the completion of the brief registration process.

The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation annual Rose Tree Park Summer Festival concert series continues, with free concerts scheduled throughout the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays, typically at 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming performers include: 

• Four Lean Hounds. This unique Grateful Dead tribute explores the preciously crafted Hunter/Garcia/Weir/Barlow gems in their most natural acoustic setting. [Friday, 7/22]
• Us & Floyd. Passionate recreations of the timeless music of the legendary rock act Pink Floyd. It’s a must-see show! [Sunday, 7/24]
• Reggae Thunder - Classic Roots Reggae. Relax and absorb all the positive vibrations. Reggae Thunder plays Caribbean classics and hits from Jamaica. [Wednesday, 7/27]
• Makin’ Music. Award-winning band of teachers/ performers plays an infectious mix of folk/pop family music with vintage dance songs that parents will enjoy as much as the kids! [Thursday, 7/28]

Please be aware that the Charlie Grace concert, scheduled for Saturday, July 23, has unfortunately been canceled.

For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website (linked below).

Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available. For more information, please call (610) 891-4455. 

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website