The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— January 5, 2024 (102nd edition) ——

Delaware County Council Members Dr. Monica Taylor, Elaine Paul Schaefer, and Christine A. Reuther, and District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer were sworn in to begin four-year terms during an Induction Ceremony held on January 2. Court of Common Pleas Judges Barry C. Dozor, Richard M. Cappelli, and William C. Mackrides were sworn in as reelected judges, as well as newly elected judge Rachel Ezzell Berry.

After the Induction Ceremony, County Council held its Organizational Meeting where Dr. Monica Taylor was elected as Chair and Richard Womack was elected as Vice Chair—making history in Delaware County! For the first time in Delaware County’s history, two people of color hold the titles of Chair and Vice Chair of Delaware County Council.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Delaware County Director of Military and Veteran Affairs COL. Arthur Jenkins, and the National Anthem was performed by Ridley Middle School Chorus member Ryan Cavalieri. 

President Judge Linda A. Cartisano presided over the ceremony in The Honorable John V. Diggins Ceremonial Courtroom at the historic Delaware County Courthouse in Media. 

During the standing room only Induction Ceremony, Council Member Dr. Monica Taylor was administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable Atinuke B. Moss, Court of Common Pleas Judge. Her introduction was by PA State Representative Heather Boyd, the presentation of the Certificate of Election was done by her husband Jason Taylor, and the Bible was held by her daughters Maya, Zoey, and Isabel Taylor. 

Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer was administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable Atinuke B. Moss, Court of Common Pleas Judge. Her introduction was by PA State Representative Lisa A. Borowski, the presentation of the Certificate of Election was done by her husband John Schaefer, and the Bible was also held by her husband, John.

Council Member Christine A. Reuther was administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable Stephanie H. Klein, Court of Common Pleas Judge. Her introduction was by her daughter Katherine Loiselle, the presentation of the Certificate of Election was done by her husband John M. Loiselle, M.D., and the Bible was held by her friend, Alexis Glass.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer was administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable Linda A. Cartisano, President Judge, Court of Common Pleas. His introduction was by George J. Badey, Esquire. The presentation of the Certificate of Election was done by Cheryl Gross, and the Bible was held by his wife, Judi, and children John and Sarah.

Court of Common Pleas Judge reelect Barry C. Dozor was administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable John P. Capuzzi, Court of Common Pleas Judge. His introduction and presentation of the Certificate of Election was by Sam S. Auslander, Esquire. The Bible was held by his wife, Rose M. Dozer.

Court of Common Pleas Judge reelect Richard M. Cappelli was administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable Dominic F. Pileggi, Court of Common Pleas Judge. His introduction was by the Honorable Anthony D. Scanlon, Court of Common Pleas Judge. The presentation of the Certificate of Election was done by his son, Andrew Cappelli, and the Bible was held by his wife, Cindy Capelli, daughter, Amy Cappelli, Esquire, Son-in-Law, John Mikus, and granddaughters Ella and Emma Mikus. 

Court of Common Pleas Judge reelect William C. Mackrides was administered the Oath of Office by the Honorable George A. Pagano, Court of Common Pleas Judge. His introduction and presentation of the Certificate of Election was done by his son Daniel G. Mackrides, Esquire. The Bible was held by his wife, Nancy Reagan Mackrides, and sons Daniel G. Mackrides, Esquire, and Nicholas W. Mackrides, M.D. 

Newly elected Court of Common Pleas Judge Rachel Ezzell Berry was administered the Oath of Office and introduced by the Honorable Robert J. Jonker, Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The presentation of the Certificate of Election was done by her parents Kenneth and Polly Sacco Ezzell. The Bible was held by her husband, Andrew Berry, and children, Benjamin, Michael, and Elijah. Her Robing was done by her parents Karen and Jack Bacon. 

Delaware County Council appointed Barbara O’Malley as the Delaware County Executive Director during the Organizational Meeting held on January 2.

Ms. O’Malley was selected after a nationwide search to fill the Executive Director position and chosen for her extensive experience and leadership skills within the county government sector. She most recently served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Montgomery County and brings over 25 years of experience in county government and public service to Delaware County, including experience in grant-funded county services and serving in leadership roles for Montgomery County Health and Human Services, the Montgomery County Health Department, and the Aging and Adult Services for Montgomery County.

“I am honored to have been selected to help lead Delaware County’s skilled and talented team,” said newly appointed Executive Director Barbara O’Malley. “I am passionate about serving in county government and looking forward to serving the residents of Delaware County.”

Marc Woolley, who had been serving as the interim Chief Administrative Officer, resumed his previous leadership role as Deputy Executive Director on January 2. Council extends their immense gratitude and thanks to Mr. Woolley for stepping in to serve as the interim Chief Administrative Officer for the past nine months.

“Council is thrilled to have Ms. O’Malley joining and leading the County Team as the Executive Director, bringing with her a great deal of experience, knowledge, and leadership in county government,” said Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We are excited to begin 2024 with the leadership of both Ms. O’Malley and Mr. Woolley guiding our hard working and talented County team.”

The County Executive Director is responsible for the administration and management of departments of county government not directly managed by County Council.

The powers and duties of Executive Director with respect to those departments and other entities include: 

• Supervision

• Authorization of expenditures of County funds for departments under the Executive Director’s supervision as well as accounting for such expenditures in accordance with budgetary limitations

• Preparation for submission to Council, in coordination with all departments of the county government, of the annual county operating and capital budgets including estimates of revenues, analysis of bond issues requirements, impact statements relating to effects on service delivery of budget disapprovals, and long-term five-year forecasts on spending requirements by capital budget program

• Execution and enforcement of all resolutions and orders issued by Council and pertaining to operations under his authority

• Conduct of intergovernmental liaison programs

• Provision of point of access for citizen and group presentation of requests and complaints relative to delivery of county services or execution of county business

The Executive Director serves a term of two years and is eligible for reappointment to an unlimited number of terms.

Delaware County is proud to partner with Widener University, the Philadelphia Union, the Downtown Cultural Arts and Technology Center, and America250PADelco to host the 2nd Annual Delaware County MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 15, 2024, in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Built upon the foundation of Dr. King's enduring principles of equality, social justice, and compassion, the Day of Service will include a variety of events created to inspire and engage the community. Emphasizing volunteerism and unity, each activity is designed to honor Dr. King's legacy by addressing current social issues, fostering inclusivity, and promoting a culture of peace and understanding. 

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues with community members and elected leaders, contribute to community improvement efforts, and reinforce the ongoing relevance of Dr. King's vision in today's world.

Activities include a breakfast and dedication at Widener University, a Peace March from Widener University to Chester City Hall, a cleanup on Avenue of the States, and other community building activities that aim to foster unity, sense of purpose, and shared responsibility among residents. 

Delaware County residents are invited to join the local tribute to a historic and inspiring legend and the opportunity to actively shape the landscape of the community in the spirit of Dr. King. 

MLK Day of Service Schedule: Monday, January 15, 2024

• Breakfast and Opening Ceremony: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Widener University’s Lathem Hall, 13th and Potter St., Chester, PA
• Peace March: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Widener University to Avenue of the States to Chester City Hall
• Acts of Service - Community Beautification: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Downtown Area of Chester and Memorial Park, 2401 W. 9th St., Chester. Clean-up groups will be assigned areas of the park and surrounding streets.
• Lunch and Community Building Activities: 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Downtown CAAT Center, 515 Avenue of the States, Chester, PA. After the cleanup, volunteers are invited to the CAAT Center to share lunch and paint collaborative community art pieces.
• Poetry for Peace: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Downtown CAAT Center, 515 Avenue of the States, Chester, PA

Residents are invited to register at DelcoPA.Gov/MLK. Registration is not required but highly encouraged to help organizers and volunteers appropriately prepare. When registering, please select the events you plan to attend.

About Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Established in 1983 as a federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day recognizes the pivotal role Dr. King played in advancing civil rights, promoting equality, and advocating for justice for all Americans. This day not only commemorates his January 15 birthday but also honors his legacy through acts of service and reflection on the principles he championed. It also serves as a call to action. The MLK Day of Service, initiated by Congress in 1994, transforms the holiday into a day of volunteer service in honor of Dr. King. It underscores his belief that 'Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.' 

This day invites individuals and communities across the United States to volunteer in ways that bridge divides, create solutions to social problems, and move closer to Dr. King's vision of a community united for the greater good.

Click to take a look at last year's MLK Day of Service.

Video courtesy of the Chester CAAT Center

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) completed the mailing of over 165,000 Deterra drug deactivation pouches in late December as part of its campaign to provide County residents with a safe, quick, and convenient process for disposing of unused, unwanted, and expired medications.

The purpose of the campaign, launched with the support of Delaware County Council, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Emergency Services, has been to reduce the potential for residents—especially children and the elderly—to have easy access to medications that could be harmful.

Residents who do not have unused, unwanted, and expired medications to dispose of are urged to keep their pouches for future use. If there is no immediate need for their use in the home, please store and save them for later use. The pouches do not have an expiration date. Residents who received but do not want to keep these pouches are asked to share them with family members or neighbors who can use them.

Recipients are strongly advised not to discard these pouches until they are needed.

Reminder: How to Use the Deterra Drug Deactivation Pouch

Recipients can deactivate drugs in an easy 3-step process:

1. Place the medication (typically up to about 45 pills) in the Deterra pouch
2. Add water and shake vigorously
3. Place the pouch in your household garbage 

Note that not all residents received a pouch in December. Deterra pouches and awareness postcards were shipped to 165,289 county residential addresses in randomly chosen zip codes—approximately 70% of all residential addresses in the county. DCHD plans to mail Deterra pouches to remaining addresses this year contingent on additional opioid settlement funding being designated for this purpose.

The campaign was funded as part of Delaware County’s use of opioid settlement funds.

How the Deterra Drug Deactivation System Works

The Deterra Drug Deactivation System consists of a pouch that is filled with pills and tap water, providing a non-toxic, organic, and safe alternative for proper disposal of unused, unwanted and expired medications. In a simple 3-step process, residents deactivate drugs by putting them in the Deterra pouch, adding warm water, shaking, and then throwing them away in the household garbage.

The Deterra pouches help protect the environment by preventing pharmaceutical drugs from contaminating water supply and landfills. The Deterra pouches and awareness postcards help destigmatize substance use disorders, reminding residents of resources for help in the county, and reducing avenues for drug abuse and addiction.

The Delaware County Office of Judicial Support provides select passport services to residents of Delaware County. 

Passport services are available Monday – Friday, from 8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., and 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon (with the exception of holiday weekends). 

Appointments are required for all passport services. Appointments can be scheduled by phone at (610) 891-4967 or by email at delcopassports@co.delaware.pa.us. When scheduling an appointment by email, please specify a preferred time during the hours listed above and a member of the staff will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time.

The Passport division is located in the Office of Judicial Support, Room 127 of the Government Center, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063. 

Please note that passport renewals for adults are not available through the County. To renew an adult passport, please visit the US Department of State website (linked below).

For more details regarding available services, please visit the Delaware County Office of Judicial Support web page (see button below) or visit the U.S. Department of State website (see button below) for clarification processes for submitting new passport applications, renewals (for expired passports) and replacements (for lost or damaged passports), acceptable forms of ID, photographs, all associated fees, and acceptable forms of payment.

Delaware County Council has finalized its 2024 public meeting schedule, including the bi-weekly Preliminary Agenda Meetings and Regular Public Meetings for the year. Preliminary Agenda Meetings are typically held on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m., and Regular Public Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. The schedule is adjusted to account for County holidays including Rosh Hashanah, Christmas, Juneteenth, and the Presidential Election.

The next Preliminary Agenda Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 16, and the next Regular Public Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 17.

County Council meetings are open to the public and Council encourages public participation. Meetings are held in the County Council Meeting room, on the first floor of the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front St., in Media, PA.

Downloadable agendas, including key documents related to items enumerated on the agenda, are available for download from the County website, linked below, as are full recordings of all County Council meetings. 

The website also includes a link to the live-stream of any County Council meetings in session.

Delaware County Govt Official 2024 Calendar

Meet Your Delaware County Council Members

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