The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— July 4, 2024 (128th edition) ——

PARADE OR CELEBRATION ONLY (NO FIREWORKS)

Aldan

Thursday, July 4th at 11 a.m.

Clifton Heights

Thursday, July 4th at 10 a.m.

Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation

Thursday, July 4th at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Glenolden 4th Parade and Festival

Thursday, July 4th at 11 a.m.

Lansdowne

Thursday, July 4th at 9 a.m.

Marple-Newtown 4th of July Parade

Thursday, July 4th at 10 a.m.

Media Borough

Thursday, July 4th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Parkside Borough

Thursday, July 4th, 12 noon - 6 p.m.

Prospect Park Parade

Thursday, July 4th at 9 a.m.

Ridley Park

Saturday, July 6th, 10 a.m. - 12 noon

Rose Valley Borough Parade

Thursday, July 4th, at 2 p.m.

Springfield Township

Thursday, July 4th, 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Swarthmore

Thursday, July 4th, 8 a.m. - 12 noon

Thornbury Township July 4th Parade

Thursday, July 4th, at 10 a.m.

DELAWARE COUNTY FIREWORKS

Aston Township

Thursday, July 4th at dusk

Upper Chichester

Friday, July 5th at 6:30 p.m.

Clifton Heights

Saturday, July 6th at 9:30 p.m.

Ridley Park

Saturday, July 6th at dusk

Harrah's Philadelphia

Saturday, July 13th at dusk

Delaware County Council is launching its new Junior County Council program, which offers local high school students a unique opportunity to explore local government, connect with leaders, and gain invaluable insights by participating as a Junior Council Member for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year.

As a Junior Council Member, students will have the opportunity to directly engage with County government officials, develop leadership skills, engage with stakeholders about real issues, gain firsthand experience in policy-making processes, contribute to community outreach and public service initiatives, and benefit from the mentorship of County Council Members and other County officials.

The goal? To help shape students into future community leaders.

Junior Council Members will also attend Delaware County Council’s bi-monthly public meetings (held Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.), where students will interact with Council, listen to public comments, observe decision-making processes, and gain an in-depth understanding of Council’s roles and responsibilities.

This immersive hands-on experience will equip participants with a deeper understanding of local government operations and a better understanding of how to make a difference.

Who’s Eligible?

The Delaware County Junior County Council program will select between two and four applicants each school year. Application requirements are as follows:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a Delaware County, PA school (students from both public and private high schools are eligible).
• Applicants must be either a rising junior or senior in high school.
• Applicants are responsible for their own transportation to meetings and events unless specified otherwise.
• Applicants MUST BE AVAILABLE for interviews from July 29 through August 2.

Application Deadline

To be eligible for consideration for the 2024/2025 school year, students must submit their application by July 12, 2024.

Program Start and Completion Date

The journey begins on August 28 with a comprehensive orientation and will continue through the end of the 2024/2025 school year.

Interested? We hope to hear from you!

To submit an application, go to DelcoPA.Gov/JuniorCouncil.

Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther and Delaware County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack joined Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and representatives from Darby Township and PennDOT on July 1 to hold a ribbon cutting to officially reopen the Tribbett Avenue Bridge. 

The newly built bridge, also known as County Bridge #237, runs across Hermesprota Creek and services a heavily trafficked road through Sharon Hill and Folcroft within Darby Township, and has a number of important safety and water management improvements.

The reconstruction of the Tribbett Avenue Bridge began in June 2022, replacing the original reinforced concrete slab bridge that was constructed in 1932. The scope of work for the bridge included:

• Replacement of a concrete slag with a composite prestress concrete adjacent plank beam, which carries all legal loads, including school buses and emergency vehicles. 
• Installation of sidewalk to provide a safe and continuous pedestrian walkway.
• Upgrades to the existing drainage facility by installing additional inlets and updating the drainage pipes.
• An increased hydraulic opening which will decrease the water surface elevation of the 100-year flood
• Relocation the PECO Gas main which was attached to the face of the structure has been relocated under the stream. 
• Upgrades to safety features, including the installation of a guide rail to current standards.

“Safe and reliable infrastructure is critical,” said Council Member Reuther. “Delaware County Council remains committed to investing in our bridge infrastructure. As noted in the transportation section of our County Comprehensive Plan, improving the safety and capacity of our transportation network is a key goal.”

The $1.75M million project was funded using federal and state funds.

“The County of Delaware is grateful to our funding partners and we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to investing in infrastructure that benefits county residents,” said Danielle Floyd, Delaware County’s Director of Public Works. “Today’s bridge opening represents the progress the County is making to prioritize replacement of structurally deficient bridges”.  

Pennsylvania has the ninth largest bridge inventory in the nation. Despite a 4.5% decrease in the number of poor condition bridges, Pennsylvania contains the second highest number of poor condition bridges among the 50 states. While the state has significantly reduced the number of poor condition bridges through traditional and non-traditional means such as Public-Private Partnerships, inadequate funding over the years has failed to address the ever-increasing repair deficit.

“This is why passage of the 2021 Bipartisan infrastructure Law was so important,” said Reuther. “Over the next four years, Pennsylvania can make advancements to offset the growing deferred maintenance backlog.”

Delaware County Public Works Director Danielle Floyd provides construction details, flanked by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Council Member Christine Reuther, Vice Chair Richard Womack, Darby Township Commissioner Racquel Holman, and PennDOT representatives.

PennDOT officials with pictures showing construction phases of the Bridge 237.

Of the 43 Bridges owned by the County, four bridges remain in poor condition. 

The county has three additional bridges under construction, two of which are scheduled to open by the end of the year, representing an investment of over $11M in 2024. 

Through the County’s bridge program, Delaware County continues to demonstrate good use of federal and state dollars to improve the safety of the County’s transportation network. The County remains committed to working with DVRPC, PennDOT, and our state and federal delegations to advocate for increased funding to invest in our roads, bridges, and highways on behalf of County residents and taxpayers. PennDOT in particular has been an invaluable partner in these efforts.

“Working with Delaware County, Darby Township, and Folcroft Borough officials has been a great experience, and we are excited and pleased to be able to restore this crucial connection for these communities,” said PennDOT Assistant Construction Engineer Robert Magee. “We’re especially appreciative of the work of McCormick Taylor, the Design Consultant; TPD, Inc., the Construction Inspection Consultant, and R.E. Pierson Construction Co., Inc., the Prime Contractor for their exceptional work on this project, which has been two years in the making.”

Delaware County Council thanks PennDOT, under the direction of Secretary Mike Carroll and District 6 Executive Din Abazi,; McCormick Taylor, TPD, Inc., and R.E. Pierson Construction Co., Inc., for their professional work reconnecting Tribbett Avenue for the residents of Darby Township.

County Council Member Christine Reuther cuts the ribbon with what is suspected to be the County's largest scissors. Well done!

Tribbett Avenue Bridge is open for business!

Explore the Critical Year Leading to Independence with Mary Beth Norton’s 1774:The Long Year of Revolution

Each year through 2026, the Revolutionary Reads Committee is selecting a title examining the lead up to the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence to be that year’s 'Community Read.' This year the committee has chosen 1774: The Long Year of Revolution by Mary Beth Norton.

Dr. Norton’s 2020 book take a fascinating look at the critical, and often overlooked, period when colonists traditionally loyal to King George III began their discordant “discussions” that led them to their acceptance of the inevitability of war against the British Empire.

Norton is a past president of the American Historical Society, as well as a Pulitzer Prize finalist. She is the Mary Donlon Alger Professor Emerita of American History at Cornell University. In this book, Norton traces the critical “long year” of 1774 and the revolutionary change that took place from the Boston Tea Party and the First Continental Congress to the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Revolutionary Reads will culminate with a visit from the author on Sunday, November 17 at 1:00 pm hosted by Widener University.

This event is free and open to the public.

“Widener is delighted to partner with Revolutionary Reads and host Dr. Norton on campus for her book discussion,” said Widener University President Stacey Robertson. “As a U.S. historian myself, I value Revolutionary Reads’ commitment to highlighting vital pieces of history through community and discussion as we approach the semiquincentennial of our nation’s founding in 2026. I am also a big fan of Dr. Norton and her influential and important contributions to U.S. history.”

Revolutionary Reads will also include Book Club in a Bag totes for checkout at Delaware County Libraries (DCL) locations, book clubs hosted at libraries and other organizations across Delaware County, and more. Check out a copy of the book today from your local library.

The title is also available in Libby, DCL’s eBook and audiobook library.

“We are thrilled to again be joining with Widener University and Radnor Historical Society for the third year of Revolutionary Reads,” said Anny Laepple, Director of Delaware County Libraries. “We hope to bring history alive for Delaware County residents through this author visit as well as book clubs and other events focusing on this important title by acclaimed historian Mary Beth Norton.”

The Revolutionary Reads Community Read is presented by Widener University, Delaware County Libraries, and Radnor Historical Society in partnership with America250PADelco.

More information can be found on the DCL Revolutionary Reads web page.

Delaware County is bidding farewell to a dedicated public servant as Anne M. Coogan, long-time County Clerk, retires after 21 years of exemplary service.

Anne began her career with Delaware County in 2003, initially serving part-time. Her exceptional dedication quickly became apparent, leading to a full-time role in the Data Processing Department on June 9, 2003. There, she played a pivotal role in implementing the Help America Voting Act (HAVA) and excelled as a project manager, showcasing her remarkable leadership and expertise.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Anne was promoted to Deputy Director in 2007. By March 1, 2008, she was appointed County Clerk and Open Records Officer, positions she has held with great distinction for over 16 years.

During her tenure, Anne has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication, making significant contributions to the efficient operation of the county and the transparency of its processes.

Anne’s efforts have been instrumental in making meeting minutes, agendas, and videos accessible online, greatly enhancing the transparency and accessibility of county operations. She has also worked diligently on open records requests, ensuring the process is as transparent and accessible as possible.

“Anne has been the heartbeat of the County, our rock, and has helped move this county forward in many ways,” Anne has been a pillar of strength and reliability for County Council,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor during the June 18 County Council Meeting at the Government Center. “Her commitment to transparency and excellence has set a high standard for public service.”

Reflecting on her time in office, Anne stated, "Our office has always strived to serve the public with the highest standards of professionalism, and for 16 years, we have consistently delivered on that promise. It has been an honor to be a part of this dedicated team, and I am proud of the service we have provided to the residents of Delaware County.”

Throughout her career, Anne served under seven different Council Chairs, worked with 18 total Council Members, five solicitors, and four County Executive Directors. Her legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to public service and her significant contributions to the county.

Judge William C. Mackrides, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Commerce Center Director Laura Goodrich Cairns, Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Veterans and Military Affairs Director COL Arthur Jenkins, Executive Director Barbara O'Malley, Solicitor Jonathan Lichtenstein, and former Solicitor William Martin were among the train of well wishers to see Anne off on Monday.

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Assistant County Clerk Sharon Scattolino, Council Member Christine Reuther, Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, and County Solicitor Jonathan Lichtenstein pose for a final photo with retiring County Clerk Anne Coogan.

During Anne's final Council Meeting on June 18, each member of County Council took turns expressing similar sentiment regarding Anne’s invaluable guidance and stewardship of the critical position. 

Anne's dedication and leadership have been truly inspiring,” said Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “She has made our time as Council Members easy, and frankly the Government Center won’t be the same without her institutional knowledge, sharp humor, and grace under pressure.”

“She epitomizes public service in a really difficult public-facing job,” added Council Member Christine Reuther. 

As Anne embarks on her well-deserved retirement, she looks forward to spending cherished time with her beloved family, including her husband Rich, her children Caitlyn (and her husband Brad), Rich (and his wife Emily), Sean (and his wife Lucia), and her six grandchildren Bradley, Madelyn, Andrew, Richie, Rosie, and Patrick. She also plans to travel and enjoy time with her close group of friends of over 40 years.

County Council commends and congratulates Anne Coogan for her exceptional service, dedication, and contributions to Delaware County. We extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering commitment and wish her joy, health, and fulfillment in her retirement.

Delaware County’s Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Director Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins Jr. and Commander Thomas Hermansen from North Penn VFW Post 676 were honored to join Army veteran and long-time Delaware County resident James Williams at the Brinton Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Glen Mills recently to celebrate Mr. Williams’ 104th birthday!

Born June 24, 1920, James served his country with distinction during a four-year tenure in the Army, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. 

James Williams has exemplified the spirit of service and dedication throughout his life,” said DMVA Director Jenkins. “His commitment to his country and community, and the enduring love he shared with his family, is truly inspiring. Thank you, James, for your remarkable service and a life well-lived.”

After his service, he settled in Sharon Hill before moving to New Jersey, where he lived for 55 years. Despite not having children of his own, James and his beloved wife, to whom he was married for 67 years, played a pivotal role in raising his nephew, Thomas Williams. 

The couple’s dedication to family and each other remains an inspiring testament to enduring love and commitment. Now, at 104, James continues to embody resilience and vitality, offering a living link to a bygone era while celebrating a life well-lived.

Mr. Williams has witnessed the world transform in ways most can only imagine. As a child, when gas was a mere 25 cents per gallon and a loaf of bread cost just 12 cents, James developed a love for the outdoors, spending countless hours engaged in yard work and gardening. These hobbies stayed with him throughout his life, providing solace and joy even in his later years.

Happy birthday Mr. Williams! Congratulations on a remarkable life and countless contributions to your community and country, and over a century of dedication and perseverance.

In the presence of 104-year-old Veteran James Williams, COL Arthur Jenkins shares words of gratitude and honor.

COL Arthur Jenkins and Veteran James Williams exchange salutes. Happy birthday James!

This week, Delaware County’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), the FCC-licensed volunteer amateur radio operator organization trained and managed by the County’s Department of Emergency Services, was excited to participate in the American Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) National Field Day exercise.

Held at the Radnor Township Municipal Building, the two-day National Field Day invited residents and local officials to rub elbows with ARES volunteers and DES staffers while learning about the invaluable role the two organizations share in the event of national, regional, or local emergencies. 

Licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and trained in the art and science of radio communication and basic electronics theory, ARES is designed to provide critical and reliable communications if the normal infrastructure is offline during times of disaster.

The purpose of ARRL Field Day is to simulate such a national-level disaster where normal communications infrastructure is impacted over a wide area.

During the exercise, ARES volunteers and hams (the informal name for amateur radio operators) from across the nation set up antennas and radios in the “field” and attempt to make as many radio contacts as possible with other hams across the globe in a 24-hour period—a fun opportunity for ARES and DES to engage with the public while showcasing the science, service, and skills offered by this dedicated volunteer community.

The exercise also provides ARES and DES the chance to showcase the County's new mobile communications trailer, introduce amateurs and members of the community to their work, and engage with residents of all ages.

The collaboration provides essential communication support, crucial for maintaining community safety and effective emergency response. 

“Field day is a great opportunity to develop skills that meet the challenges of emergency preparedness and to acquaint the general public with the capabilities of amateur radio,” said Department of Emergency Services Volunteer Manager Kelly Sides. 

“This yearly event allows our committed volunteers to showcase their talents which they use to offer support to our friends, neighbors, and communities every day, not just during emergencies,” said Tammi Maciolek, DES Emergency Management Specialist. “This exercise also allows those who have not yet obtained their radio licensure to get on the air with the ARES team,” added Maciolek.

Radio has gone high-tech—not your Father's HAM radio

Assistance Emergency Coordinator (and ARES Volunteer) Richard Caruth, Emergency Coordinator (and ARES Volunteer) Chris Kelleher, and DES Emergency Management Specialist Tammi Maciolek pictured with the youngest members of the Koerner family.

Richard Caruth and Tammi Maciolek demonstrating field day equipment and procedures

More About ARES

Amateur radio operators provide a critical public service for our community by providing reliable communications when the normal infrastructure is offline.

When regular communication channels fail such as the Internet or a cell phone network, hams under the direction of ARES are prepared to swing into action, assisting emergency communications efforts and working with public service agencies.

ARES extends its vital services to local, county, and state agencies, including the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during disasters and emergencies. Whether it's a public service event, a widespread health emergency, or an essential exercise and drill, ARES ensures that communication lines remain open and effective.

Delaware County ARES operates ten repeaters dedicated to emergency communications from five sites within the county. The locations of the repeater systems offer large radio frequency footprints providing excellent coverage for portable, mobile, and fixed radio communication throughout Delaware County and adjacent areas. With ARES, Delaware County stays connected, prepared, and resilient, no matter what challenges arise.

ARES is coordinated by volunteer Chris Kelleher who has a team of dedicated individuals who assist in the daily operations. Tammi Maciolek, the DES Emergency Management Specialist, is also the Delco ARES Liaison. Chris and Tammi work diligently to ensure that the ARES volunteer— dedicated, well-trained, and knowledgeable professionals—have everything needed to continue supporting our communities with the expert level of service they provide.

For more information on becoming a volunteer with ARES or any other entity of Delaware County Citizen Corps please visit www.delcocitizencorps.org or contact Kelly Sides sidesk@co.delaware.pa.us or ARES of Delaware County at www.delcoares.net/about-delco-ares. Information on the National Association of Amateur Radio (AARL) can be found at www.arrl.org/home.

About ARRL

Founded in 1914, ARRL (the American Radio Relay League) is the national association for amateur radio in the US. Today, with more than 161,000 members, ARRL is the largest organization of radio amateurs in the United States and the primary source of information about what is going on in the ham radio world.

The November 5, 2024 General Election is just four months away. Now is the perfect time to ensure you're registered to vote and that your information is up-to-date. Don't wait until the last minute—register now to make sure your voice is heard!

Eligible citizens who need to register for the first time or update their personal information (such as their address or legal name) must do so at least 15 days before the General Election. If you're already registered at your current address, no further action is needed.

To cast a ballot in Delaware County, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen (for at least one month before the election)
• Be a resident of Delaware County
• Be at least 18 years old before or on election day
• Not in prison or on parole for a felony

If you’ve moved since the previous election or changed your name legally (e.g., change in marital status), it's crucial to ensure your information is up-to-date. To check on your registration status, visit the State’s Voter Registration Status Finder website.

To register or update your information, you can register:

• In person. In-person registration occurs at the Voter Registration office in Media at the Delaware County Government Center. If possible, voters who register in person should present a PA driver’s license, state ID or the last 4 digits of the Social Security number. The registration office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• By mail. Residents find the downloadable form at DelcoPA.Gov/Registration. 
• Online. Residents are urged to register online through the PA Department of State website at DelcoPA.Gov/Register2Vote. Online registrations must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 21.

Ensure your voice is heard in this important election! For more election news and information, including voter registration forms, mail/absentee ballot applications, polling place locations, recordings of Board of Elections meetings, ballot drop box locations and more, visit the Delco Votes! website at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote.

Voters with questions may also call our Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE or visit the Voter Service Center, located at 201 W. Front Street, on the ground floor of the Government Center in Media. 

The Delaware County Health Department reminds residents to be safe during the 4th of July festivities, especially when dealing with food preparation.

High temperatures and prepared food can be a recipe for unhealthiness, food poisoning, and other foodborne illnesses. Follow proper food safety guidelines to ensure a happy and healthy holiday.

DCHD reminds residents to wash hands before and after preparing food and after using the bathroom; clean knives an utensils between uses, and to keep raw foods separate from cooked foods during preparation; to cook foods thoroughly at high temperatures; and to refrigerate perishable foods and leftovers within two hours (or within one hour if exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees).

More at Foodsafety.Gov/Food-Safety-Charts

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. (children's performances have day time hours). The complete schedule can be found on the Parks and Recreation website.

Upcoming Performances: July 5 - July 12

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.

Reminder: Young Delaware County students can escape the summer heat and embark on an interstellar adventure with Delaware County Libraries’ Annual Science in the Summer Program! 

This year’s theme, ‘Be a Space Scientist!’ provides an opportunity for children entering grades 2 through 6 to step into the shoes of real-world scientists and solve exciting space-related challenges. Imagine designing a rover to explore the Martian landscape, crafting a spacesuit fit for an astronaut, or building a rocket that could take you to the stars!

Each activity highlights an amazing career, like a Planetary Geologist, Robotics Engineer, Rocket Engineer, Spacesuit Designer, or Astrobiologist. Through engaging stories and hands-on projects, kids will see what it's like to work in these fascinating fields. 

“Science in the Summer provides fun and engaging experiences with science to spark kids’ interests in pursuing careers in STEM,” said Cheri Crow, Youth Services Coordinator at Delaware County Libraries. “We hope that families all across the county will take advantage of these free programs.”

Classes are held at local libraries, where friendly staff and volunteers are ready to guide your budding scientists through their space adventures. Each library offers at least four of the five career activities, so there's plenty to discover. Not only is this a fantastic learning opportunity, but it’s also a great way to beat the summer heat.

Sign Up Today!

Signing up is easy! Visit the Delaware County Libraries event calendar and search for "Science in the Summer." You'll know right away if you’ve secured a spot or need to join a waitlist. 

If your preferred library is full and you are placed on the waiting list, feel free to register at another library to ensure that you secure a spot.

Can't make it to the library? No problem! You can still participate from home with the Educator Guides and Lab Notebooks available on the Science in the Summer webpage. Just download the resources, gather your materials, and get ready for some space-tastic fun!

GSK Science in the Summer™ is proudly supported by GSK, led by The Franklin Institute, and brought to you by Delaware County Libraries. “We are pleased to be offering Science in the Summer again this year in conjunction with GlaxoSmithKline and the Franklin Institute,” said Anny Laepple, Director of Delaware County Libraries. “We hope that those who are unable to participate in person will take advantage of the resources provided online to complete the activities at home.”

Visit Your Library Today!

Delaware County Libraries provide a wealth of services and programs for all ages. To learn more about what your library offers, visit DelcoLibraries.org.

Join us for an unforgettable summer of science, stories, and space exploration!

Limited spots for this popular program still remain!

Delaware County Govt Official 2024 Calendar

Meet Your Delaware County Council Members

Delaware County Weekly Sign Up & Past Editions