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The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— April 5, 2024 (115th edition) ——
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Delaware County Recognizes Public Health Week at Delaware County Health Department’s 2nd Anniversary Celebration | |
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Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, and Council Member Kevin Madden had the honor of presenting a resolution recognizing April 1-7 as National Public Health Week to Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) Director Melissa Lyon and her team at the DCHD Wellness Center in Yeadon on April 2.
The presentation was a part of a celebration commemorating the 2nd Anniversary of the establishment of the County's Health Department on April 2, 2022.
“Council commends the Delaware County Health Department Team for their commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all residents by continuing to create a greater understanding of public health practices and offering resources which contribute to healthy outcomes for the community, said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “The members of the Delaware County Health Department have a passion and dedication for helping their community and are committed to the residents that they serve, and we thank them for keeping Delco healthy!”
During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health workers and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.
Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work, and play, and public health workers promote healthy behaviors, prevent injury and disease, and ensure and promote optimal health for all people.
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“The heart of any successful organization lies in a dedicated staff, and I’m so proud of our DCHD team for what they bring each day,” said Director Lyon. “We are public servants, and we are people serving people, and I’m so proud of that and the good that we do in our community.”
County Council commends the DCHD Team for their unwavering commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all residents. Their efforts to foster a greater understanding of public health practices and to provide resources that contribute to healthy outcomes for the community are truly commendable.
Our 1st Community Health Assessment is Complete: More to Come Next Week
DCHD has just completed its first Community Health Assessment.
During the assessment process, DCHD identified key health assets, needs, and disparities in Delaware County through comprehensive data collection, research, and analysis.
The aim? A better understanding of the public health issues affecting Delaware County communities and a acquiring accurate data that can be used to develop strategies to improve the health of Delaware County.
Public comment on the Community Health Assessment is open through Friday, April 19, 2024, via the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
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Congratulations to Director Lyon and the entire DCHD Team on this significant anniversary! | |
Delaware County Invites Residents to Participate in Earth Day Events | |
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Delaware County is finalizing an exciting lineup of events for the 54th Earth Day celebration in 2024, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability, open space, and improving the quality of life globally and here in Delaware County. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has been an important annual event, driving awareness of the fragile state of our environment, the needs for expanded conservation and preservation efforts, and the collective passion and concern shared by individuals eager to mitigate our impact on the planet.
We invite the community to join us in commemorating Earth Day, with several events scheduled in the coming weeks!
Delaware County Office of Sustainability Tree Planting and Park Clean Up
On Saturday, April 20, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. the Delaware County Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Delaware County Council, the City of Chester, the Chester Shade Tree Commission, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, will be hosting a Tree Planting and Park Clean Up at William Penn and Ethel Waters Parks in Chester, PA.
- Saturday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Registration Begins at 8:45 a.m.)
- Meet at William Penn Park (2nd Street and Penn Street, Chester, PA 19013)
- Registration: DelcoPA.Gov/EarthDay
This event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to learn how to plant trees and participate in beautifying the historic landing site of William Penn. Gloves and planting materials will be provided.
Registration is required. For additional information and volunteer registration details, please visit DelcoPA.Gov/EarthDay or contact Sustainability and Resilience Manager, Becca Yurkovich, at yurkovichr@co.delaware.pa.us.
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Stream & Plant Health Event at Delco Woods
On Monday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department, Delaware County Conservation District, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards and Penn State Extension Master Gardeners will be hosting a Stream & Plant Health Event at the newly named “Delco Woods” in Broomall (the former Don Guanella property).
- Monday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Meet in the Reed Road Parking Lot (across from the Home Depot).
- No Registration Required.
This event will kick-off with educational programming regarding stormwater runoff and streambank stabilization. Volunteers will assist in a shrub and live stake planting to help prevent erosion and reduce creek pollution.
Registration for this event is not required. Interested participants should meet in the Reed Road Parking lot. For additional information, please contact DelcoParks@co.delaware.pa.us.
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Read All About It!
Delaware County Libraries and the County's Department of Parks and Recreation are featuring an Earth Day book selection for Storywalk® in Rose Tree Park. “The Earth Book” by Todd Parr will be featured during the month of April. Stroll through our beautiful Rose Tree Park and celebrate Earth Day!
Learn more about StoryWalk®: www.delcolibraries.org/storywalk.
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Additional Earth Day Events and Activities in Delaware County
In addition to the County-sponsored events, The Delco Office of Sustainability and the Delco Sustainability Board have compiled a list of Earth Day & "Earth Month" events and activities that will be celebrated throughout Delaware County in the coming weeks.
Events include the Darby Creek Valley Association Watershed Clean Ups (multiple days, multiple locations), Friends of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Earth Day Creek Clean Up (April 13, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge), the Clean UPper Darby Earth Day Clean Up (April 21, Upper Darby), the Sun Village Park Clean Up (April 6, Chester), a Pulling Together - Invasive Plants Hike (April 18, Ridley Creek State Park), Haverford Township Earth Day (April 20, Havertown), the Media Borough Earth Day Clean Up (April 20, Media), Rutledge Borough Earth Day (April 20, Rutledge), the PRC Recycling and Waste Reduction Webinar (April 22, online), and the Hoffman Park Earth Day Festival (April 20, Lansdowne).
Go to DelcoPA.Gov/EarthDay/Communities for all event details. For more information about the Delaware County Office of Sustainability, go to DelcoPA.Gov/Sustainability.
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Reminder: Delaware County is Hiring! | |
Delaware County Career Fair to be held Thursday, April 11 in Morton | |
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Delaware County is excited to host its first Career Fair of 2024 on Thursday, April 11, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, located at 200 Yale Avenue, in Morton, PA.
This Career Fair is more than just a hiring event; it's an opportunity for Delaware County residents to explore potential careers that offer fulfillment and the chance to contribute meaningfully to our community. A wide range of Delaware County departments will be participating, actively seeking dedicated individuals for various full-time positions.
Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the County Recruitment Team to discuss open positions and gain a better understanding of the job duties and the benefits offered, and have the team review their resumes and skills to help determine the best fit for available positions.
We encourage attendees to bring their resumes and be prepared for the possibility of on-the-spot interviews. This is a unique chance to make a personal connection with our Recruitment Team, learn about the roles that may intrigue you, and even receive immediate feedback on how your skills and experiences align with the County’s needs.
For more details, including a full listing of available positions, please visit our website at DelcoPA.Gov/Jobs. Even if you cannot attend the fair, we still encourage you to explore and apply for open positions online.
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“Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” Program Now Available for Delaware County Job Seekers | $50,000 in Funding Approved by Delaware County Council for 2024 | |
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Delaware County Council has approved the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program for 2024, providing $50,000 in assistance to Delaware County parents and caregivers looking to return to the workforce.
The popular program, first launched in 2021 by the Delaware County Office of Workforce Development and the Delaware County Commerce Center, provides unemployed residents up to $1,000 in financial credit towards the cost of a child’s summer camp — which can be applied towards attendance fees and other fees charged by the camp — so that parents and caregivers are better able to focus on their search for employment and return to work.
The program allows unemployed caregivers seeking employment and transitioning back to the workforce the peace of mind knowing their children are safe and in a positive environment. The program not only benefits caregivers, but also the children who are provided with rewarding and enriching summer experiences.
“Searching for a job during the summer months when children are home from school can be a challenge” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “That’s why we’re so happy to renew this program for a fourth summer, and we’re glad that we can help families who need those extra hours for their job search.”
As of April 5, participating summer camps include Boys & Girls Club of Chester, Chef Dad's Table, Colonial Plantation, Darlington Fine Arts Center, Delaware County Community College Kids Camp, Media Arts Council, and the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County (with camps at the Lansdowne, Ridley, and Springfield branches). Additional camps are expected to participate in the coming weeks.
| How Unemployed Caregivers Can Apply for the Program | |
Unemployed residents of Delaware County with children under the age of 15 can register.
To register for a camp, visit the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” page on the PA CareerLink Delaware County website and review the list of camps. Caregivers are responsible for contacting camps, confirming dates and times, and completing the registration process.
Once registered, the Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution program will work directly with the camp to cover attendance costs and other related fees, up to $1,000 per caregiver. Caregivers may only participate in the program one time; residents who participated in previous years are not eligible.
How Camps Can Still Sign On
Camp organizations throughout Delaware County are encouraged to participate. To become a participating camp, please send an email to Delaware County Workforce Development at WorkForce-Camp@co.delaware.pa.us and a member of the team will be in contact to discuss program details.
For additional information of interest to job seekers and employers, please visit the PA CareerLink of Delaware County website at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org.
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Fair Acres Celebrates 100th Birthday of Eleanor Kolajtowicz | |
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Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther joined Fair Acres Director Bill D’Amico, State Rep. Lisa Borowski, and Fair Acres residents and staff members to celebrate the 100th birthday of Fair Acres resident Eleanor Kolajtowicz, who turned 100 years young on March 31.
Eleanor's milestone birthday, celebrated with warmth and enthusiasm in the community room of Fair Acres’ Building 8, included cake and ice cream, with live acoustic guitar music provided by local musician Andy Maher. Laughter and stories filled the air, painting a vivid picture of Eleanor's rich life and the bonds she has formed over the years.
Eleanor, who was born on March 31, 1924, in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia, has led a life marked by resilience, love, and an unwavering dedication to her family and career. Her professional journey spans significant roles at the Philadelphia Mint, Plumb Chemical, and Mellon Bank, reflecting her versatile talents and strong work ethic. Beyond her career, Eleanor’s passion for cooking, knitting, and shopping highlights a zest for life and a commitment to making the most of every moment.
Together with her husband Theodore Kolajtowicz, Eleanor built a nurturing home for their two children, Patricia and Eleanor, weaving a family story of love, support, and cherished traditions. The centennial celebration was a reflection of that enduring love and a life well-lived, and the deep connections she continues to foster within the Fair Acres community.
|  | Musician Andy Maher entertains the room | |
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Her daughter, Patricia, who attend the Centennial party, was touched by the gathering. “My mom has reached an amazing milestone and this celebration was very touching for her and for me,” said Patricia. “Her longevity is a testimonial to a good diet, staying physically active, and being fiercely independent.” Patricia noted that her mom was in awe of all attention being given to her since turning 100. “She is not used to this, but deep-down she appreciates ALL the effort that went into making her feel so special.”
More than just a party, the celebration was a tribute to a remarkable woman whose life has been characterized by a deep commitment to her family, her work, and her community. Here's to Eleanor Kolajtowicz—may her story continue to inspire and bring joy to all who have the pleasure of knowing her.
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Christine Reuther reads a proclamation honoring Ms. Kolajtowicz for her centennial birthday! | |
The staff at Fair Acres filled with birthday spirit | |
Fair Acres residents enjoying some music and cake! | |
PA State Rep. Lisa Borowski and Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther | |
Eleanor gets a birthday kiss from her daughter Patricia | |
Delaware County Libraries and Delaware County Council Celebrate National Library Week | Annual week of appreciation to take place April 7-13 | |
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Delaware County Council is excited to join Delaware County Libraries and the American Library Association (ALA) in recognition of National Library Week, celebrated this year from April 7 – 13 by more than 16,000 public libraries across the country.
In addition to the county’s 26 member libraries, National Library Week will be celebrated by over 117,000 libraries nationwide, including public, private, and higher education school libraries, government libraries, and armed forces libraries.
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the ALA and is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.
During National Library Week, Delaware County Libraries are hosting events across the county to celebrate.
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On Wednesday, April 10, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Delaware County Libraries is hosting Read at Rose Tree at the amphitheater at Rose Tree Park in Media, PA.
Residents of all ages are invited to bring a lawn chair or a blanket, a book (or two), and a picnic dinner and read with us!
The event is weather permitting (check DelcoLibraries.org for updates). Library card signups and a pop-up library with materials for checkout will also be available.
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National Library Week Photo Content | |
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Delaware County Libraries will also be holding a fun photo contest during National Library Week. Photos can be submitted in two categories:
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Library Buildings - Inside and Out. Showcase the architecture of any of our 28 locations.
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Libraries in Action. Show us how you’re using items you’ve borrowed or services and resources we provide.
Photos must be submitted online or via email April 7-13. Details can be found at www.delcolibraries.org/Photo-Contest.
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StoryWalk: Enjoy the Earth Book + Solar Glasses | |
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Families are invited out to StoryWalk® in Rose Tree Park on Monday, April 8, at 10:00 a.m. Free copies of The Earth Book by Todd Parr, this month’s StoryWalk® selection, will be given out in celebration of National Library Week.
We'll also have solar eclipse glasses to give away to help you safely watch the Solar Eclipse that will happen on Monday, April 8 at approximately 2:00 p.m. To register, visit the Delco Libraries website at https://delcolibraries.libcal.com/event/12172712.
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Delaware County Elections Completes Mailing of Mail/Absentee Ballots for April 23, 2024 Primary Election | |
Delaware County’s drop boxes to open Monday, April 8 | |
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The Delaware County Bureau of Elections completed the mailing of more than 34,800 mail ballots on Thursday, April 4, for the upcoming April 23, 2024 Primary Election. All mail/absentee ballots requested by registered Delaware County voters through Monday, March 29 should be received by voters by no later than Tuesday, April 9.
If you requested a mail/absentee ballot before March 29, 2024, and do not receive it by Tuesday, April 9, please call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE (8683) or visit the Voter Service Center in Media (Mon., Tue., Thur., Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. / Wed., 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. / Sat., 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon). Approved mail/absentee ballots that have been requested between March 29 and the April 16 deadline will typically be processed, mailed, and received in less than one week.
The deadline for registered voters to request a mail/absentee ballot is Tuesday, April 16, and the last day for eligible citizens to register for the first time or update their registration name or address must complete the registration by Monday, April 8, 2024.
Delaware County Secure Drop Boxes Open April 8
Beginning Monday, April 8, voters will be able to return their mail/absentee ballot at any of the more than three dozen Delaware County ballot drop box sites located in municipalities across the county. Most drop box sites will be open 24/7. The complete list of sites, including hours of operation, are available at DelcoPA.Gov/DropBox.
Delaware County voters who are casting a mail/absentee ballot can also return their completed ballot immediately through USPS (either through their mail carrier or at any USPS postal office), and voters can also cast their ballot immediately at the ballot drop box located on the ground floor of the Government Center Building, located at 201 W. Front Street in Media. The drop box is open 24 hours a day.
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Returning Your Mail/Absentee Ballot
As a reminder, voters must only return their own ballot. The only exception is to assist a disabled voter or an emergency absentee voter, which requires a declaration form (available on the Delco Votes! website) signed by the voter and by the person returning the ballot. Ballots must be properly marked, sealed, and returned to ensure that they are counted.
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Important Reminder! Whether you are returning your ballot by mail, ballot drop box, or in-person at the Voter Service Center, please be sure to place your voted mail-in/absentee ballot in the secrecy ballot provided to you, seal it, and then place this envelope within the larger return envelope. Then fill out, sign, and date the declaration on the outside of the return envelope. If your ballot is mailed without the secrecy envelope or your return envelope is not signed your vote will not be counted.
All ballots must be received by the Delaware County Bureau of Elections by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, April 23.
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Honoring a Delaware County Hero: Morton resident and Tuskegee Airman Lieutenant William E. Rice Honored | |
Delaware County’s Military and Veterans Affairs Director Colonel Arthur Jenkins was honored to participate in the posthumous renaming of the intersection of School Street and Walnut Street in Morton Borough, to William E. Rice Way. The renaming was in honor and dedication to Lieutenant William E. Rice; a longtime Morton resident and Tuskegee Airman.
Lieutenant Rice passed away on November 27, 2022 at the age of 98, but his legacy and life will forever be remembered in Morton Borough, which he called home. Lieutenant Rice’s career began in 1943 when as a part of the 332nd Fighter Group, he flew 34 combat missions in a P-51 plane. The Lieutenant received a Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 for his service during World War II.
During the street naming ceremony, one of his daughters, Ms. Janice Robinson, gave poignant remarks about her late father and the pride she still feels from having grown up in Morton. COL Jenkins presented Ms. Robinson with a “Delco Strong” challenge coin as well as one of his Commander’s coins from Operation Allies Welcome in dedication to her father.
Congratulations to the late Lieutenant Rice and his loved ones on this well-deserved tribute.
Our humble and heartfelt thanks are shared with all of our county’s military heroes and trailblazers who bravely serve and protect our nation.
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Spring has sprung and cherry blossoms are in bloom in Delco!
While Washington, D.C., gets all the notoriety for the annual appearance of its beautiful cherry blossoms, Delco has quite a few places to enjoy the blooms and captures some gorgeous photos.
If you are looking for peak viewing destinations in and around Delco, the Visit Delco, PA website suggests a few local spots that won’t disappoint. Check out these sites before the bloom fades!
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