The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— July 26, 2024 (131st edition) ——

As the 2024 Summer Olympics kick off with the Opening Ceremonies in Paris on July 26, Delaware County is extremely proud to be represented by 11 remarkable local athletes competing on the world stage.

During this year's games, an estimated 10,500 athletes from 206 countries will compete in 45 different sports (329 medal events!) over a two-week period from July 26 to August 11.

The United States will have the largest presence at the Olympics with 594 athletes. Trailing the U.S. are France, with 572 athletes, and future Games host Australia, with 460 athletes.

From Delaware County, an amazing four athletes are graduates of Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, and four soccer players are alumni of YSC Academy in Chester!

These exceptional individuals have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, hard work, and commitment. Their journey to Paris is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence. Good luck!

Good luck from Delaware County Council to...

The YSC Academy in Chester is proud to have 4 alumni on the US Men's Olympic Soccer Team!

✪ Paxten Aaronson '22: Originally played with Phila Union and now plays for Eintracht Frankfurt

✪ Nathan Harriel '19: Currently plays for the Philadelphia Union 

✪ Jack McGlynn '21: Currently plays for the Philadelphia Union 

✪ Caleb Wiley '23: Was just transferred from Atlanta United to Chelsea Football Club (FC)

In addition to the exceptional athletes who are competing in the 2024 Olympics, Greg Meehan, O'Hara Class of 1994, will be an Assistant Swim Coach. He was the Women's Swim Head Coach in the 2020 Olympics and currently coaches at Stanford University. 

These athletes have trained tirelessly, pushing their limits and overcoming countless challenges to earn their place among the world's best.

As they prepare to compete in Paris, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to each of these Olympians. Your accomplishments inspire us, and we are incredibly proud to have you represent Delaware County on such a prestigious stage. Your journey is a source of immense pride for our entire community.

As you step onto the global stage, know that Delco is cheering you on. We are incredibly Delco Proud!

Click to watch a short slideshow presentation of our Delco athletes!

As part of the innovative Delco Revive Program, members of Delaware County's Facilities Management Department were given lifesaving CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training by the County's Health Department.

The July 25 training provided the County’s Facilities staff with the knowledge and skills to save a life during an emergency at the Courthouse and Government Center and in the community. 

The Delaware County Health Department’s recently launched program offers Delaware County residents, organizations, schools, and businesses a variety of essential resources, including NARCAN® nasal spray (Naloxone), an overdose-reversing medication, Xylazine and Fentanyl test strips, and wound care kits. The program also provides free CPR certification and ‘Stop the Bleed’ tourniquet training.

All Delco Revive program materials are available at the three DCHD office locations, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon, 125 Chester Ave., in Yeadon
• Delaware County Wellness Center at Chester, 151 W. Fifth St., in Chester
• DCHD Eddystone location, 1510 Chester Pike, Suite 700

Free CPR certification and “Stop the Bleed” training appointments are available through the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100.

For more information about Delco Revive, visit DelcoRevive.com, call the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100, or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

Ali Fequiere, Community Health Emergency Preparedness Planner for the Delaware County Department of Health, leads the day's training

Boiler Operator Kostas Adamidas (center), Project Manager Scott McNeil, and Maintenance Mechanic Nick Kohler practice chest compressions

Custodian Moises Farrell-Malinconico and AV Technician Shawn Rush practice using artificial manual breathing unit (Ambu) bag valve masks

Learning to save lives, one compression at a time. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Active members of the United States Coast Guard, Coast Guard Veterans, their families, and members of the community are invited to join County officials in the raising of the United States Coast Guard flag on Friday, August 2 at 12:30 p.m. in front of the Delaware County Courthouse located at 201 West Front Street in Media. 

The flag will be raised to commemorate the anniversary of the United States Coast Guard, which was established on August 4, 1790. It will fly from the flagpole in front of the Courthouse and the Government Center complex throughout the week.

Throughout the year, the County raises flags in honor of all branches of the military and invites active military and Veterans to join in the flag raisings. Military flags are raised at appropriate times throughout the year in observance of the anniversaries of the United States Army on June 14, 1774; the Coast Guard on August 4, 1790; the Air Force on September 18, 1947; the Navy on October 13, 1775; and the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775. 

Council extends its gratitude to all of those who have served or are serving, protecting our country.

We hope you can join us in honoring Coast Guard Veterans and active members of the Coast Guard on August 2!

After an impressive 34-year tenure with Delaware County Parks and Recreation, Marc Manfre is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and transformation. Marc's journey with the County began as an intern, a humble start that evolved into a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to the community.

Marc's unwavering dedication and commitment to park preservation and restoration have greatly enhanced the enjoyment of outdoor spaces in Delaware County. Over his three decades of service, he has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership, ensuring that the County's parks and recreational facilities are developed, maintained, and improved to the highest standards.

Under Marc’s leadership, the Parks and Recreation team successfully manages 855 acres of open space, two circuit trails, two community centers, the County’s public golf course, an amphitheater, the County’s dog park, 25 playing fields, community gardens, and picnic groves. Marc also coordinated cherished traditions such as the Summer Concert Series and the Festival of Lights in Rose Tree Park, bringing joy and a sense of community to residents year after year.

In 2023 alone, several major capital improvement projects were completed under Marc's leadership, including the renovation of Upland Park, the opening of the Destination Playground at Rose Tree Park, and Phase I improvements to the Little Flower property. These projects stand as a testament to his vision and commitment to enhancing public spaces for future generations.

As Marc embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we acknowledge and honor his outstanding contributions and dedicated service to the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department. His efforts have greatly enhanced the quality of life for all residents through the preservation and restoration of our cherished public spaces.

Marc is looking forward to spending more time with his family, especially his new grandson James. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Marc for a fulfilling and joyous retirement. Thank you, Marc, for your exceptional service and the lasting impact you’ve made on our community!

Four generations of the Manfre family!

Left to right: Peter Williamson, Assistant Director of Planning (and former Parks and Recreation Board member); Anne Stauffer, Deputy Director, Delaware County Parks and Recreation; Phil Welsh, Director, Office of Housing and Community Development; Christine Keck, Director, Delaware County Human Resources; Marc Manfre, Director, Parks and Recreation; Beth Chapman, Marketing & Communications Manager, Parks and Recreation, and John Deihl, Chief of Police, Delaware County Park Police

Treatment upgrades will enhance drinking water quality for Delaware County residents 

Aqua Pennsylvania broke ground at its Crum Creek Water Treatment Plant in Springfield on July 24. Aqua leadership joined elected officials and community leaders, including Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, to kick off a construction project that will ensure safe drinking water for customers in Delaware County.

The plant upgrades will improve service and water quality and is the latest example of Aqua’s ongoing commitment to its customers.

"Our mission of protecting and providing the earth’s most essential resource is exemplified in the proposed improvements to our Crum Creek water treatment plant which will proudly serve customers for generations," said Marc Lucca, president of Aqua Pennsylvania. "Every infrastructure investment we make is a strategic step, ensuring a future where safe, reliable drinking water resources are a cornerstone of the communities we serve. We're proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Springfield and the Delaware County community."

While the source of drinking water in our region comes from rain running into streams, rivers, lakes and recharging our groundwater, in its natural state it is unsuitable and even unhealthy to drink without treatment. The proposed project provides that treatment, complies with regulations and makes the water suitable for drinking water at homes and businesses across the region.

The $14.3 million project includes a new concrete pretreatment sedimentation basin along with upgrades to existing mechanical and electrical equipment in the three existing basins. These improvements will ensure exemplary treatment of drinking water for decades.

The project, which is expected to be complete at the end of 2025, is one of several across the region to enhance water service and quality.

"Today’s groundbreaking showcases Aqua’s commitment to our community and we commend their efforts to improve water quality and the dependability of their service," said Dr. Taylor. "Efforts to ensure clean access to water are crucial for improving public health, promoting sustainable development, and protecting the environment and I am proud to be among this group of leadership today to support and champion those efforts."

One of several projects across the region to enhance water quality

Breaking ground!

Residents are invited to attend a public hearing to discuss the County Human Services Block Grant Plan. The 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.

We will be holding two public hearings in the County Council Public Meeting Room at the Delaware Government Center, located at 201 W. Front Street in Media.

Meetings are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 [Click for livestream] and Wednesday, July 31 [Click for livestream].

Residents can email their public comments in advance, or during the hearings. Emails must be submitted with the same information that is requested at a public meeting including the person’s name and address. Emails may be sent to HS_BlockGrant@delcohsa.org.

Note: On the subject line, please type "COMMENTS."

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.  

Planning for the County Human Services Block Grant Plan Fiscal Year 24/25 is currently underway, and a summary will be available on the Human Services’ website upon completion. The plan must be submitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by August 12, 2024.

We look forward to seeing and hearing from residents and organizations who are interested in the process and the work provided by the Block Grants. 

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 at 7:30 p.m.

The complete schedule can be found on the Parks and Recreation website.

Upcoming Performances: July 25 - August 4

Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available.

For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website. 

For more information—including recorded messaging about cancelations that may occur to inclement weather or air quality concerns—please call (610) 891-4455.

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