The County of Delaware and Prospect Crozer have reached a mutually amicable agreement to settle pending litigation regarding the provision of behavioral health services in Delaware County. The honorable Judge Kelly D. Eckel of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas approved the agreement on August 10. 

Per the agreement, Prospect Crozer has agreed to discontinue any plans to pursue closures of behavioral health facilities, including those located at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and the Crozer-Chester Medical Center Community Campus and agrees to provide uninterrupted service to patients. The Delaware County petition regarding the proposed closings has been withdrawn, and the hearing that was scheduled for August 22, 2022, has been dismissed and removed from the Court’s calendar. 

“We’re very pleased to reach an agreement with Crozer Health, and we want to thank our Chief of Human Services and Community Support, Sandy Garrison, and our Solicitor’s Office, under the direction of William Martin, for reaching this agreement with Crozer Health,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “This will ensure that critical behavioral health services will be provided uninterrupted and that our residents will continue to have access to the high-quality care that Crozer Health has provided to Delaware County for years.”

“Our leadership team maintained consistent contact with Delaware County Council, and we’re pleased that we could achieve a fair resolution and maintain vital services for our patients,” said Crozer Health CEO Anthony Esposito.

Per the agreement, in the event that any issues or special circumstances temporarily require individuals to be relocated or diverted to other locations within the Crozer Health network, timely notice is to be provided by Prospect Crozer to the County prior to such a temporary relocation. The agreement also confirms Prospect Crozer’s compliance with the County’s recently passed ordinance, which requires notice of a planned sale of a hospital or the closure of a hospital, or specified departments, including a behavioral health unit.

The County will continue to work to expand behavioral health and mental health providers to offer residents a greater depth of resources. Under the direction of County Council, the County is pursuing all options to ensure that residents have the care they need.

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor will join State Senator Tim Kearney as a panelist at the upcoming “Reproductive Healthcare as a Human Right” event scheduled to take place at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, located at 200 Yale Avenue in Morton, on Thursday, August 18, from 7 – 8 p.m.  

Other panelists include representatives from the Foundation for Delaware County, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc., and the Women's Centers.

This event will provide a forum for community conversations surrounding this critical public health issue in the wake of the United State Supreme Court’s recent decision to retract access to abortion. Many states, including Pennsylvania, have become embroiled in legal battles to preserve reproductive rights. Little more than one week ago, Governor Tom Wolf filed a lawsuit to ensure that safe and accessible abortion remain legal in Pennsylvania. 

The State’s recognition of a woman’s reproductive rights is in jeopardy, and public voices are vital. Pro-choice supporters are encouraged to come out to the event and hear from expert-matter panelists and elected officials who support a person’s right to choose.

Panelists will help attendees understand what the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade means for our Commonwealth, highlight reproductive rights resources in our area, and put out a call to action to the community.  

Masks are optional but strongly suggested for this in-person event.

This week, Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and Councilman Kevin Madden joined Tim Boyce, the Director of Delaware County Emergency Services, U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, State Rep. Craig Williams, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Deputy Executive Director Jeffery Thomas, and other disaster responders from Delaware County at the Brandywine River Museum of Art—home to the famous Wyeth art collection—for a flood recovery thank you event hosted by Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art CEO and Executive Director Virginia Logan.

Little less than one year ago, on September 1, flooding from Tropical Storm Ida caused extensive damage to the Brandywine's Chadds Ford campus. All ten of the Brandywine's buildings were damaged by the floodwaters from the adjacent creek, which crested at a record 21 feet—nearly four full feet above the record mark.

The so-called “once-in-200 years” flood broke through a thick lower-level window of the museum and quickly submerged 12,800 square feet of space to the ceiling moments after the museum’s maintenance staff had safely retreated from the lower level. The estimated damages due to the flood are nearly $7 million.

Despite the devastation, none of the museum’s invaluable works of art were damaged, thanks to combined efforts of Brandywine staff, volunteers, trustees, members, and various first responders and agencies that helped safeguard the artwork, dig out the mud-filled rooms in the weeks that followed, and secure funding and other assistance to re-open the popular site to the public. While a preliminary assessment concluded that the museum would remain closed for nine months, the well-coordinated efforts by the Brandywine, County and elected officials, and regional and State entities allowed the museum to open shortly after Thanksgiving. 

In addition to providing an opportunity to thank the various organizations and individuals that responded to the disaster, the event served as an opportunity to illustrate the ongoing efforts to address damaged structures, raise structures, and mitigate future flooding of the site. The event also served as a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the site’s new chiller building, a raised structure that now houses the new climate control units and electrical equipment that are critical to preserving the museum’s art collection.

Delaware County Council commends the efforts of the Department of Emergency Services, the Delaware County Planning Department, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, PEMA, and State and Federal elected officials for their efforts and praises the restoration efforts undertaken by the Brandywine to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this beloved Delaware County institution.

Wade Abnett, Brandywine’s Director of Facilities and Security, is pictured with members of the facilities team: (L-R) Bill McCole, Mark Davis, and Mike Greer.

Stephanie Armpriester, Brandywine Conservancy's Director of Conservation and Stewardship

Grant DeCosta, Brandywine Conservancy's Director of Community Services

Tim Boyce, Delaware County Director of Emergency Services, discusses his team's efforts at the Brandywine and throughout the County during Tropical Storm Ida.

(L-R), Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor; State Rep. Craig Williams; U.S. Rep Mary Gay Scanlon; Brandywine CEO and Executive Director Virginia Logan; Chadds Ford Township project consultant Maryann Furlong; Director of Emergency Services Tim Boyce

R. Thorpe Moeckel, Brandywine Trustee and Buildings & Grounds Committee Chair, conducts ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new elevated "chiller room."

The Brandywine Creek

Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) congratulate Deborah Burch, Julia Buckner, Colleen Kelly, Joyce Laws, Neva Holloway and Gloria Jordan, pictured below, who this week became the latest graduates of the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program here in Delaware County. 

What is the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program?

The Seniors Foster Grandparent Program is a program started in 1965 and run by AmeriCorps—a Federal agency connecting individuals and organizations to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges—that connects older adults with youth in a classroom setting to provide mentoring, tutoring, and life skills. The program provides a unique pathway for those looking to give back, in counties across the nation. In all, over 50 older Delaware County residents are now actively involved—but more are needed!

Foster grandparents can play an invaluable role in the life of a young person, guiding students to higher academic achievement, caring for children with disabilities, mentoring troubled teenagers and young mothers, and establishing a relationship that is enriching and rewarding for both the child and the adult.

To be eligible for this program in Delaware County, individuals must be a resident of the County, 55 years of age or older, able to meet income requirements, and be able to serve at least 15 hours per week. Benefits include a tax-free stipend of up to $500.00 a month, transportation, paid vacation, sick, holidays and personal days. 

Interested? 

If you would like to participate and be in the next graduating class, contact COSA Program Director Alisha Freeman at (610) 490-1498. The program typically graduates new classes several times per year, based on interest from the community.

More information about the program can also be found on the AmeriCorps website.

Congratulations to the latest graduating class of the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program

Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) reminds residents that Sunday, August 21, is National Senior Citizens Day—a day to let seniors in your life know how much you care and a great opportunity to recognize their accomplishments.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed this holiday to raise awareness about issues that affect senior citizens and their quality of life.

Seniors remain very active in our communities and continue to have a strong presence in the workforce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 78 million people aged 65 and older will reside in America by 2035. This figure will surpass the number of the population under the age of 18 for the first time in the nation’s history.

Some additional facts: Today, only 3.6% of people over the age of 65 live in nursing homes — older women are likely to live alone, while older men prefer living with a spouse; four in five seniors will battle at least one medical condition or illness (like arthritis or a heart disorder) and over 15 million senior citizens volunteer in some manner.

4 Ways to Observe National Senior Citizens Day

1. Donate to a nursing/retirement home. One of the kindest and most rewarding things one can do is to donate essential goods or gifts to a nursing/retirement home. Give your nearest facility a call and ask them whether they have a shortage of anything. Or simply drop off some chocolates, juice boxes, or any other treats. You can really make a difference in someone’s life.
2. Reach out to a senior family member. Do you have a senior family member? Perhaps it’s a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle. Visit them and spend some time together. If you can’t see them in person, don't text — call! Let them hear the warmth in your voice when you tell them how much you appreciate them.
3. Have fun! Are you a senior citizen yourself? Well, today is all about you! Live it up and treat yourself. Spend time with your favorite people, go shopping — do whatever you like. This could be the day you finally try that one thing you never have time for or perhaps it's a perfect day to chill at home. You’ve earned this time, so enjoy it!
4. Check out the many services and programs available through the COSA website. COSA provides a wealth of information, assistance, and services for seniors, including community-based long term care services, such as adult day services, caregiver support, mental health counseling, protective services, home delivered meals, senior centers and health and wellness programs and so much more. And COSA hosts the Delco Senior Games each summer, with over dozen sports ranging from Bocce and Bowling, to Table Tennis and Track & Field!

In honor of the upcoming National Senior Citizen Day, please visit the COSA website for details of the many services provided to residents of Delaware County, or visit the National Senior Citizens Day website. 

The 2022 “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program set aside $100,000 in assistance to Delaware County parents and caregivers looking to return to the workforce during the summer of 2022. 

The popular program, first launched in 2021 by the Delaware County Office of Workforce Development and the Delaware County Commerce Center, covers up to $1,000 in summer camp enrollment fees and related costs so that parents are better able to focus on their search for employment and return to work. 

The program helps reduce barriers experienced by families that are struggling to find work—a situation made more challenging by the summer closure of schools and the difficulty in finding adequate childcare to allow them the time and energy to conduct a successful job search. While caregivers seek employment or transition back to the workforce, they will have the peace of mind knowing that their children are safe and in a positive environment. 

With only 3 weeks remaining in the 2022 program, unemployed residents of Delaware County with children under the age of 15 are encouraged to act fast. The program ends September 4.

Please note that not all participating camps remain active this late in the summer. As of Friday, August 12, the following camps are still accepting applicants: Camp Garrett in Newtown Square, the Darlington Fine Arts Center in Garnet Valley, and the YMCA camps in Lansdowne and Ridley.

Program details, including application requirements, are available on the Office of Workforce Development's Summer Camp Solution web page linked below.

Delaware County’s popular, award-winning 2022 Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Delaware County Council and produced by the Parks & Recreation Department, is winding down this weekend, with three final performances set for the evenings of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

So, invite your friends and family—or just bring yourself—for a beautiful evening of music under the stars at Rose Tree Park.  

For those who may be unfamiliar with the amphitheater, there are a few basics to know before you go. Shows generally start at 7:30 p.m. The audience should bring blankets and chairs for seating. Picnics are welcome, and Rita’s Italian Ice is for sale in the concessions stand. Leashed, friendly dogs are allowed in the outer viewing areas on the hilltops and must remain outside of “the bowl.” 

The final shows, as with all concerts, are weather permitting, and there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited.

Final performances include: 

• Basic Cable. Four-piece powerhouse band with male and female vocals covering the biggest hits in rock, dance-pop, hair metal, synthpop & New Wave. Go ahead, say it: “I Want My MTV!” [Friday, 8/12]
• Lonnie Shields Band Featuring Jesse Loewy. Take Delta Blues man Lonnie Shields, add guitar sensation Jesse Loewy, plus a dynamite band, and it always equals an incredible night of Blues, Soul, and R&B. [Saturday, 8/13]
• Land of Ozz: The Ultimate Ozzy Osbourne Experience. A stunning visual and sonic experience of his solo material, focusing on the Randy Rhoads era, prime Jake and Zakk years, and classic Ozzy era of Black Sabbath. [Sunday, 8/14]

For more information, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website.

Delaware County Council holds a Regular Public Meeting at 6 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month to publicly discuss topics of interest to the County. County Council members and other attendees may make announcements, issue reports, discuss important developments, and review administrative matters such as County contracts, purchases, agreements, and amendments. 

These bi-weekly Regular Public Meetings are each preceded by a “Preliminary Agenda Meeting” that is held at 10:00 a.m. on the prior Tuesday. These meetings serve to familiarize County Council, other government representatives in attendance, and the public on matters before votes and other decisions may be undertaken by Council during the Regular Public Meetings.

The next scheduled meetings:

• Preliminary Agenda Meeting: Tuesday, August 16, 10 a.m.
• Regular Public Meeting: Wednesday, August 17, 6 p.m. 

Downloadable agendas, including key documents related to items enumerated on the agenda, are available for download from the County website linked below.

County Council meetings are open to the public and Council encourages public participation. Members of the public may discuss any matter listed the agenda at the beginning of the meeting, and any matter of interest to the attendee near a second public comment period held near the end of the meeting. Council meetings typically conclude by approximately 8 p.m. Masks are optional.

In addition to County Council members, the Executive Director, County Controller, County Solicitor and County Clerk are typically present during these meetings.

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website