The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— May 10, 2024 (120th edition) ——

Delaware County Council and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer were honored to attend the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation’s 26th annual “WE REMEMBER” Remembrance Ceremony on May 8 in Rose Tree Park.

The annual ceremony honors local police officers who tragically lost their lives while protecting the lives of those who they bravely served.

Law enforcement from around the county gathered to pay tribute to the 47 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community and whose names are now etched in the memorial at Rose Tree Park.

The annual ceremony honors local police officers who tragically lost their lives while protecting the lives of those who they bravely served.

Law enforcement from around the county gathered to pay tribute to the 47 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community and whose names are now etched in the memorial at Rose Tree Park.

The names of 47 fallen officers were read during the solemn ceremony, and loved ones were invited to place a rose on the stanchions dedicated to each officer.

Chester Detective Steve Byrne, East Lansdowne Police Officer Rob Meehan, and Lansdowne Police Officer Dave Schiazza, who were all wounded in the line of duty earlier this year, presented the remembrance wreath in honor of the fallen officers.

Thank you to all the members of law enforcement, and the survivors of fallen police officers who attended to pay tribute to our local heroes.

And thank you to active members of law enforcement for their dedication to protecting and serving the residents of Delaware County.

Thank you!

Delaware County Breaks Ground on Human Services' New Office Building 

Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Department of Human Services (DHS) joined Upper Darby elected officials and representatives from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, MCB Real Estate, and IMC Construction at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Human Services office building at the Drexeline Town Center in Upper Darby on May 8.

Located across from the recently built Shop Rite and adjacent to the PNC Bank, the new DHS office is poised to significantly enhance the delivery of services when it opens in the summer of 2025.

This new facility, set to replace the existing DHS offices near the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby, will not only centralize various departments but also improve accessibility for the community.

DHS will occupy a portion of the first floor, along with the entire second and third floors. This building will house members of the County team including Intellectual and Development, Housing, Early Intervention, Mental Health, Early Learning, Children and Youth Department and Administrative Services. 

Adding to this multifaceted hub, the new office will also include 15,000 square feet of office space for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which will share the building, fostering a collaborative environment for both organizations.

In January 2024, County Council approved a 20-year lease with MCBH Drexeline Plaza LP for approximately 43,260 square feet at 5100 State Road. 

“We set out to find a new location for our office with the goal of improving access to our services, especially for residents on the eastern end of the county,” said Sandra Garrison, Delaware County’s Chief of Human Services and Community Supports. 

County Council Member Christine Reuther expressed her enthusiasm during the groundbreaking ceremony saying, “This updated facility is not just a building; it's a beacon for enhanced community service and greater accessibility for all Delaware County residents."

Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther, Department of Human Services Director Angelique Hiers, and Chief of Social Services and Community Programs Sandra Garrison discuss the exciting benefits of Delaware County’s future state-of-the-art service facility.

The construction is being handled by Malvern-based IMC Construction, one of the largest minority-owned construction management firms in the country.

IMC Construction has an impressive array of regional projects, including the University of Pennsylvania Advanced Outpatient Care Center in Radnor; the 305,000-square-foot headquarters for Morgan, Lewis & Bockius at 2222 Market St. in Philadelphia; and the second phase of the Promenade at Granite Run.

Coming Summer of 2025!

The George W. Hill Correctional Facility, led by Prison Warden Laura Williams and Chief Deputy Warden Adam Smith, hosted an Awards and Recognition Ceremony attended by members of Delaware County Council, the Jail Oversight Board, the County Solicitor's Office, and GWH facility staff. The event, held on the facility grounds, honored the dedication and hard work of the staff during National Correctional Professionals Week, celebrated annually during the first full week of May (May 5-11).

“The contributions of our correctional staff are immense and often go unrecognized in the broader community,” said Delaware County Council Member Kevin Madden. “This ceremony not only highlights their dedication but also reinforces our commitment to ensuring their efforts are celebrated.”

The ceremony began with a service led by Chaplain Cokelia Dunn and concluded with a poignant moment as Raymond Richards played Taps. The service honored 43 staff members of GWH who have passed away during their tenure, including Sergeant Thomas Bowles who passed away earlier this year. 

The awards ceremony featured “Mission Hero Awards” that recognized employees who exemplify the agency’s 14 core institutional values—Integrity, Courage, Ethics, Honor, Respect, Service, Duty, Professionalism, Innovation, Transparency, Accountability, Sustainability, Equity, and Correctional Excellence.

In addition to the 14 core value-based Mission Hero Awards, Warden Williams recognized GWH’s “Supervisor of the Year,” and two additional awards—the GWH "Correctional Employee of the Year” and “Correctional Officer of the Year” named in memory of Deborah Dunlap and Kevin Regan, two highly respected and beloved staff members who died during their tenure at GWH.

The nominations were provided by employees of the institution who took the opportunity to recognize role models at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.

2024 Mission Hero Award Winners

• Integrity: Correctional Officer Briana Artis
• Courage: Correctional Officer Briana Allen
• Ethics: Video Court Services Supervisor Raven Haggerty
• Honor: Lieutenant Jesse Moody
• Respect: Correctional Officer Aliyah Enix
• Service: Administrative Assistant Kaitlyn May
• Duty: Correctional Officer Hope Garman
• Professionalism: Correctional Officer Qunita Warren
• Innovation: MIS Manager Bryan Held
• Transparency: Case Manager Michael Heneghan
• Accountability: Correctional Officer Bryant Wilmer
• Sustainability: Grievance Coordinator Susan Sendall
• Equity: Correctional Officer Augustine Sieh
• Correctional Excellence: Correctional Officer Dylan Dunne
• Correctional Employee of the Year (In Memoriam of Deborah Dunlap): Records Technician Beth Curry
• Correctional Officer of the Year (In Memoriam of Kevin Regan): Correctional Officer Keshana Marshall
• Supervisor of the Year: Lieutenant Jarred A. McCafferty

Council extends congratulations and gratitude to the award recipients. These skilled law-enforcement professionals work outside the daily attention of the general public, but their work is vital in maintaining a safe correctional facility for those in our custody and in ensuring the public safety at large. 

The Delaware County Office of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA) is proud to host a Veterans Resource Fair on Tuesday, June 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Springfield YMCA.

The Resource Fair is an opportunity to support Delaware County Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families by providing easy access to services, programs, and information, and underscores the County’s dedication to ensuring that our Veterans are respected, appreciated, and supported in tangible ways that reflect their invaluable contributions to our nation.

“Our Veterans and our active military personnel have dedicated their lives to our safety and freedom,” said Delaware County Military and Veterans Affairs Director Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins Jr. “This Resource Fair is our way of giving back, ensuring they and their families have seamless access to the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives. We are committed to transforming our appreciation into action, reinforcing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten nor taken for granted.”

Veterans and active military personnel often face unique challenges, from navigating health care and benefits to finding employment and educational opportunities. By bringing together various organizations under one roof, we aim to bridge these gaps, ensuring our heroes and their families have the tools and information needed to thrive.

Access to comprehensive resources can dramatically enhance the quality of life for our Veterans and active military members, impacting their mental and financial well-being. Strong, community-driven support systems are crucial, helping to alleviate common pressures and ensuring that no one who serves our country has to navigate these challenges alone.

DMVA Resource Fair Details

Date: Tuesday, June 4

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon

Location: Springfield YMCA, 194 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA 19064

Attendees can look forward to a variety of resources and services tailored to their needs. The fair will also feature a complimentary lunch provided by Mission BBQ and a raffle.

Free parking is available to ensure accessibility for all.

Vendor/Organization Registration: We Need You!

We call on vendors and organizations that offer information, services, and support to the military and veteran communities to participate in this crucial event. This is a fantastic opportunity to reach out directly to those who need your services the most.

Please register online at DelcoPA.Gov/DMVA-Fair.

The preliminary vendor/organization lineup includes: Coatesville VA Medical Center, CompeerCorps, County Office of Services for the Aging, Delaware County Department of Human Services, Delaware County Libraries, Delaware County Recorder of Deeds, Delaware County Transportation Management Association, DelGo Community Transit, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, Mirmont Treatment Center, MossRehab Institute for Brain Health, Recovery Centers of America, Right at Home Main Line, The Cohen Veterans Clinic, and Victoria’s Homecare, with more being added every day.

For more information or if you have questions about registration, please contact Tierra Berry via email at berryt@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at (610) 891-4646.

Supporting our military community is not just about gratitude; it's about active engagement in ensuring these men and women have the ongoing support necessary to maintain and improve their quality of life. This dedication to service extends beyond simple acknowledgment—it's about creating a sustainable network of resources and support that fosters long-term well-being for our veterans and their families.

We hope to see you there!

The Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast Pennsylvania (SEPSPA) — a group composed of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties — has announced that it is awarding a five-year contract to WGL Energy to coordinate the purchase of retail electricity that will power the four counties’ operations.

SEPSPA was established in 2020 to explore pathways to purchase renewable energy operations for its four member counties. Through this partnership, the counties work together with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to develop renewable energy strategies, access low and stable energy prices, and use resources more efficiently. SEPSPA has been committed to a competitive retail market approach to purchasing electricity for its county operations.

WGL Energy, a licensed retail supplier and energy risk manager with a long history of serving Pennsylvania, won the contract that grants SEPSPA the option to renew the contract after the first five years.

“SEPSPA set out to explore pathways to power county operations that reflect our collective passion in supporting the environment and lower electricity costs,” said Jamila Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “WGL Energy’s proposal to manage our portfolio aligned with our interest in increasing access to low and stable energy prices, future renewables, and efficient use of resources.”

During the competitive bid process, energy strategist Enel X advised SEPSPA on procurement practices to find an electricity supplier with the flexibility and experience to best meet its broader energy goals of low-cost electricity, long-term price stability, increased transparency, and the integration of renewable energy.

“WGL Energy is honored to have been selected by SEPSPA, and we look forward to supporting the group’s energy goals and objectives,” said Mike McGinn, Vice President of Sales for WGL Energy. “We applaud SEPSPA for empowering counties to make cost-effective and sustainable choices in energy purchasing through its dedication and leadership.”

Collaborating with WGL Energy, SEPSPA has implemented a contract structure allowing for the wholesale purchase of competitively bid fixed-rate blocks of energy in the generation supply market, supplemented by energy sourced from hourly markets. This approach provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness, enabling access to low, transparent, and stable electricity prices.

“We are excited to announce that we have selected a provider for our purchase of electricity,” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “This will allow our counties to work together to create a more sustainable future for residents across our entire region and generations to come.”

“The Sustainable Energy Partnership has taken an important step towards achieving its mission; DVRPC applauds the counties' commitment to action to realize their renewable energy targets,” said DVRPC Executive Director Ariella Maron. “This program exemplifies the power of regional partnerships, proving we can tackle large challenges, and lower costs, when we work together.”

The Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA has been working together since September 2020 to explore pathways to purchase renewable energy to power operations in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. In October 2023, the four counties adopted a Memorandum of Understanding to form an Energy Board that will oversee the Partnership in order to achieve the shared goals of meeting renewable energy targets, lowering energy costs and budget risk, growing partnership membership, establishing a framework for ongoing energy procurement, and avoiding overextending county resources. SEPSPA is coordinated through the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Delaware County is excited to announce its 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration on Wednesday, June 19 at Rose Tree Park, located at 1671 N. Providence Rd, Media, PA. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, activities for kids and families, food, resources for the community, talented local vendors, and much more!

Delaware County’s Juneteenth Celebration will feature a headline performance by Philly Gumbo as well as artistic performances from local residents and groups. 

The celebration will also showcase some of Delaware County’s local business owners selling artwork, jewelry, and crafts along with, food trucks, and resources from local organizations across the county. The event is free for residents of all ages and will be held rain or shine.

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce the County’s third annual Juneteenth Celebration in Rose Tree Park,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Our Juneteenth celebration serves as a day for residents to celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States and an opportunity for our entire community to learn more about African American history, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped African Americans and our country.”

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, which had legally freed slaves on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier. Many slaves, particularly in Texas and other southwestern states, were not informed of the Emancipation Proclamation until General Granger’s announcement.

The holiday received its name by combining June and 19. The day is also sometimes called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”

Delaware County’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration Schedule:

• 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Vendors and Food Trucks
• 5:30 p.m. Ceremony in the Mall area
• 7:30 p.m. Headliner, Philly Gumbo Performs on the Main Stage

Some moments from Delaware County's 2023 Juneteenth Celebration

Delaware County is proud to recognize May 6-12 as National Nurses Week. This year's theme, "Nurses Make the Difference," honors the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in the work they do each day.

National Nurses Week was created in 1991 to serve as a time to reflect on the important contributions that nurses make to provide high-quality healthcare and compassion to the patients they care for. Nurses serve on the front lines, risking their lives to treat and care for injured and sick people during times of strife, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.

They represent the largest component of the healthcare profession, with studies showing that when nurse staffing levels increase, the risk of patient complications decreases.

Delaware County is extremely proud of the nurses who are part of the County Team at various departments across the county including, The Delaware County Health Department, the Department of Emergency Services, George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Fair Acres, and the Chester and Yeadon Wellness Centers.

Thank you for the work you do each day and the compassionate care you deliver to the residents of Delaware County.

And we would also like to recognize and commend ALL of the nurses across the county, from school nurses to ER nurses to our nurses at assisted living facilities. THANK YOU for your dedication and compassion. 

Thank you Delaware County Health Department nurses...

...thank you Fair Acres nurses...

...and thank you George W. Hill Correctional Facility nurses!

Thank you!

Some may not have heard of “period poverty.” It’s more than just a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and education- it’s a barrier that disproportionately impacts mental well-being and can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of shame and inadequacy. Menstrual product inequity is a rarely discussed issue that affects roughly 25% of women, particularly low-income individuals. Those affected can experience physical, emotional, educational, and economic impacts because of their inability to easily access menstrual products.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, the Delaware County Women’s Commission (DCWC) is hosting its annual, “Breaking the Cycle” Mental Health and Period Poverty Awareness Event on May 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (800 Manchester Ave., Media, PA.) This transformative health and wellness resource fair aims to shine a light on the important connection between mental health and period poverty. 

The Resource Fair will offer a wealth of local resources, information, and opportunities designed to boost the well-being of women and girls across the county. Period products will be collected and distributed to local schools within the county, ensuring students have access to essential supplies allowing them to focus on their education without the worry of period poverty.

Registered is not required but is appreciated.

Delaware County Heritage Commission Hosts 46th Annual Preservation Awards

Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, Delaware County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley, and Delaware County Planning Department Director Gina Burritt were honored to join Heritage Commission Chair Barbara Marinelli and members of the preservation community at the 46th Annual Heritage Commission Preservation Awards on Sunday, May 5, at the Redwood Community Center in Upland Park. 

The Heritage Preservation Awards, inaugurated in 1978, celebrate National Preservation Month every May by acknowledging individuals and groups devoted to safeguarding Delaware County’s landmarks, as well as its rich written and oral history. The Heritage Commission’s mission is to oversee Delaware County’s diverse heritage and to bolster organizations within the County that champion and conserve its cultural legacy.

During the Awards Ceremony, Council Member Schaefer presented a resolution proclaiming May as Historic Preservation Month to the Commission and joined Heritage Commission Chair Marinelli in presenting awards to seven outstanding individuals and organizations recognized for their contributions to historic preservation in Delaware County in 2024.

2024 Heritage Commission Preservation Awards Winners

Site Preservation (Residential Rehabilitation): Ellis P. Yarnall House in Concord Township; Robert and Ronald Little

Site Preservation (Restoration): Middletown Preparative Meeting and Burial Ground; Suzanne and Bob Redfern and the Middletown Township Historical Society

Publication: "The Battle of the Brandywine" Video by Dr. Patricia Robinson-Linder. Video Link

Leedom B. Morrison Award: "The Missing Piece: Rediscovering the Underground Railroad in Chester, PA" by Yusef Miller and Twyla Simpkins. Video Link

Legacy Award: Delaware County Supply in Upper Chichester (marking its 100th anniversary)

A. Richard Paul Lifetime Achievement Award: Angela Hewett, for her lifelong contribution to Delaware County history

A. Richard Paul Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert Seeley, for his lifelong contribution to Delaware County history

Members of the Heritage Commission, the Planning Department, and Delaware County officials

Congratulations to the 2024 Heritage Commission Preservation Award Winners!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the members of the Delaware County Heritage Commission, the dedicated team at the Delaware County Planning Department, as well as the local municipalities, historical societies, and passionate individuals from the community. Your commitment to preserving and honoring the historic sites across our County is truly commendable.

About the Heritage Commission

Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, May is recognized as National Preservation Month. Throughout the month, local preservation groups, historical societies, and business and civic associations participate by holding events that promote the social and economic benefits of preserving historic places and celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country.

Click to watch the 2024 Heritage Commission Preservation Awards on our YouTube channel.

Delaware County Govt Official 2024 Calendar

Meet Your Delaware County Council Members

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