The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— May 31, 2024 (123rd edition) ——
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Delaware County Health Department Hosting Various Community Health Events in June | |
The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of all residents through comprehensive health services, education, and community programs. By providing essential health services and fostering engagement with residents, DCHD ensures that the community has access to vital resources and information that can positively affect their lives.
This June, DCHD is hosting a series of events, aimed at promoting public health and safety, ranging from vaccine clinics to CPR training and mammogram screenings. These initiatives underscore DCHD’s mission to support a healthier Delaware County.
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School Vaccine Clinic for Students (7th and 12th Grade)
Get ahead of the new school year with a free vaccine clinic for rising 7th and 12th-grade students. The clinic will offer TDAP and Meningitis (MCV4) vaccines. Pre-registration is required. Students do not need insurance, but vaccine records must be provided prior to the event. If the student is under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.
Date: June 8, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Yeadon Wellness Center, 125 Chester Ave., Yeadon, PA 19050
To Register: Call the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
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CPR Certification Training
Join us for a free CPR certification training through the Delco Revive program. This training session is essential for anyone looking to learn lifesaving skills.
Date: June 10, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Delaware County Wellness Center, 125 Chester Ave., Yeadon, PA 19050
To Register: Go to DCHD's CPR Certification Training Registration Form or visit the Delco Revive program website at DelcoRevive.com for more program details.
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Mammogram Screenings in Chester
In partnership with the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, DCHD is offering free mammogram screenings to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection. Appointments are limited, and registration is required.
Date: June 11, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Delaware County Wellness Center, 151 W. 5th Street, Chester, PA 19013
To Register: Call the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us. Registration is quick and easy, and all registered individuals will receive a confirmation call.
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In addition, DCHD provides weekly and bi-weekly STI and immunization clinics at both Wellness Centers in Yeadon and Chester. For dates, times, and availability visit DCHD's Community and Clinic Event Calendar on the DCHD website.
For more information about these events and other health services, please visit the Delaware County Health Department website at DelcoPA.Gov/Health.
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Delaware County to Hold Pride Flag Raising in Recognition of Pride Month on June 6 | |
In recognition and celebration of Pride Month, Delaware County will raise the Progress Pride flag on June 6 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the Delaware County Courthouse, located at 201 W. Front St., Media, PA.
Pride Month is dedicated to recognizing the need to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQIA+ Americans. Pride Month, celebrated in June, commemorates the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, a pivotal event in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. Raising the Pride flag honors this history and the progress made since then.
The Progress Pride flag is a symbol that the County respects, recognizes, and celebrates the lives of Delaware County residents and employees in the LGBTQIA+ community and is a reflection of the progress we have made as a nation to cultivate a more accepting and loving society.
The community is invited to join Delaware County Council and various members of the County Team in raising the flag to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and diversity, equity, and inclusion in Delaware County. The Progress Pride Flag will fly outside of the Delaware County Courthouse and the Government Center through the month of June.
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Local Paramedic John Goddard honored as Pennsylvania 2024 Advanced Life Support Practitioner of the Year! | |
Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was honored to present a proclamation to John Goddard, a longtime paramedic for Riddle Emergency Medical Services—Main Line Health’s EMS team—who was honored recently as the Pennsylvania 2024 Advanced Life Support Practitioner of the Year for his lifelong dedication and service to the field.
John Goddard has dedicated 28 years to serving as a first responder, bringing invaluable experience and expertise to his role as a prehospital paramedic. In this position, he delivers critical care to patients during their most urgent moments, before they reach the hospital. His exceptional leadership skills are evident in his role as an operations supervisor. Beyond his ground-based duties, Goddard has also excelled as a flight paramedic, providing advanced medical care to patients requiring swift helicopter transport to specialized tertiary hospitals.
John’s commitment to the future of emergency medical services is demonstrated through his work as an educator, where he has been instrumental in training and mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals. Through his relentless dedication, John has significantly elevated the standard of care within our community. His unwavering commitment to excellence in service exemplifies his dedication to helping others. John’s numerous accolades and letters of commendation are a testament to his outstanding service and dedication to the EMS community. Highly respected by his peers and colleagues, John embodies the qualities of an exceptional paramedic: professionalism, compassion, expertise, and leadership.
Congratulations to John Goddard – Pennsylvania 2024 Advanced Life Support Practitioner of the Year!
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Delaware County Residents Invited to Help Plan America’s 250th Celebration in Delco | America’s 250th anniversary isn’t just a party thrown FOR us, it’s a party thrown BY us! | |
On July 4, 2026, Delaware County and counties across the nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States—the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebration. This provides counties all across the nation, and communities right here in Delaware County, a unique opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and envision our future.
Delaware County and America 250PADelco is calling on residents, organizations, and community leaders to contribute their energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to ensure this celebration is memorable and truly represents the spirit and diversity of our community.
To help ensure the success of this celebration in Delaware County, America250PADelco is recruiting partners and collaborators to help develop the ‘Delco Semiquin Celebration Plan’.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us to come together and create a celebration that reflects the unique history and vibrant future of Delaware County,” said America 250PADelco Director Andrea Silva. “We invite everyone to share their ideas and be a part of this historic event.”
Organizations, clubs, businesses, community groups, historical societies, and educational institutions are invited to partner with the County to make America250 an inclusive celebration in American history.
A wide variety of planning events will take place in the coming months, with additional events and sites identified throughout the year.
Interested? Please register at America250PADelco.Org/Events. If you would like to host a planning event in your community, please contact America250PADelco Director Andrea Silva by email at Andrea@america250padelco.org.
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Delco Semiquin Celebration Plan:
Service & 250th Commemorations
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Date: June 5, 2024, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: 490 Darby Paoli Rd., Willows Park Preserve, Villanova, PA
Interested partners and collaborators who want to organize programs, events, or activities to boost civic engagement or make 2026 a special commemoration are invited to participate in an interactive workshop to shape the ‘Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan’.
American democracy thrives on active participation, voicing opinions, and making a difference through volunteering and public service. This journey toward the 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and envision the future we want for the next generation and beyond.
How will your Semiquincentennial program help build the future of Delco?
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Delco Semiquin Celebration Plan:
Hidden History & Under-Represented Narratives
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Date: June 6, 2024, 12 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Location: 1837 Township Dr., Cheyney University, Cheyney, PA
We are excited to host this meeting at Cheyney University, the first historically black college and university (HBCU) in America! Interested partners/collaborators who want to honor the contributions of ALL Americans are invited to help inform the “Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan” through this workshop.
American Democracy is defined on our founding ideals – universal principles of equality and liberty. Our goal is to be the most inclusive commemoration in American history that honors the contributions of ALL. Stakeholders who want to organize programs, events or activities that promote the stories of traditionally marginalized groups, or are recovering and preserving sites, documents, and narratives important to the fuller history/story of Delco are invited.
How will your program ensure we celebrate and amplify lost voices or the underrepresented people and history of Delaware County in America’s 250th?
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Delco Semiquin Celebration Plan:
1724 Courthouse & Historic Waterfront
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Date: June 27, 2024, 12 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Location: 515 Avenue of the States, Downtown CAAT Center, Chester, PA
Interested partners/collaborators who want to organize programs, events, and other activities along the Delaware River historic waterfront or in the Chester History Hub are invited to participate in an interactive workshop to find ways to include this area in the “Delco Semiquincentennial Celebration Plan”.
From Marcus Hook to Tinicum, Delaware County's riverfront is 'Where Pennsylvania Began'. This area of Delaware County has major historical importance, from the Declaration of Independence to the Underground Railroad, through World War II. Chester drove economic growth and American innovation from the PA’s founding to the Modern Age. Held in coordination with the Chester Economic Development Authority, participants will also learn about the Chester Creek Connector plan and its overlap in Chester History Hub.
How will residents and visitors engage with our Delaware River waterfront historic sites, parks and trails in our 2026 celebration and commemorations?
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School’s Not Out for Summer! Delaware County’s School Based Assessment Program (SBAP) Remains Accessible Through Summer Months
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Delaware County reminds parents, caregivers, and students that the recently launched School Based Assessment Program (SBAP) that a provides vital behavioral health* support to Delaware County students will remain fully operational throughout the upcoming summer months when schools are not in session.
SBAP, part of the County’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative, is dedicated to the early identification and intervention for behavioral health issues among Delaware County students. By providing essential mental health and substance use resources, the program fosters strong collaboration among schools, families, and students.
So, while the arrival of summer means ‘no more pencils, no more books’ for the majority of school-aged children, this critical school-based program will still provide essential support to young people in need of behavioral health resources.
Continuous Support Through Summer
Despite summer school closures, SBAP’s resources and support systems remain accessible. The dedicated Program Coordinator, a behavioral health professional, will continue to be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Additionally, treatment linkage, education, support, and resources will still be provided after hours, coordinated by the MVP Recovery 24/7 Peer Support Team. This ensures uninterrupted assistance for students and families, maintaining a stable support system year-round. MVP Recovery’s School Based Assessment Program and their 24/7 Peer Support Team can be reached at 1-855-MVP-2410.
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How SBAP Works
Launched in September 2023, SBAP is a collaborative effort involving District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Council, and the Delaware County Department of Human Services. The program aims to radically improve the delivery of proactive, preventative mental health and substance use services for school-aged children.
SBAP operates by deploying a Program Coordinator who conducts in-person assessments and provides support within schools, throughout the community or at one of the 3 MVP Recovery Centers in Delaware County. This approach, known as the ‘Warm Hand Off’ strategy, ensures that the diverse needs of students are met with sensitivity and flexibility. By addressing issues proactively, SBAP helps to create a culture of well-being within educational institutions and the wider community.
“Our focus is on proactive and preventative intervention and support,” said Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, Court and Community Connections Administrator for the Department of Human Services, who also oversees the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative. “And that support does not end with the last school bell in June. We understand that having continuous behavioral health resources available for concerned families throughout the summer helps ensure that students receive uninterrupted care and are better prepared for the upcoming school year.”
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Purpose and Impact
SBAP was created in response to the mental health challenges highlighted by school superintendents during the pandemic. Poor attendance, violence, and substance abuse were common concerns, prompting the launch of the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative. SBAP has since provided critical support for youth, connecting numerous school-aged children to immediate inpatient treatment, mental health services, and community supports such as Big Brothers / Big Sisters.
Brian Corson, Founder & CEO of MVP Recovery, emphasized the importance of continuous support: "Providing 24/7 access to a Peer Support Team, including certified peer specialists, offers substantial recovery and mental health support for both students and families throughout the County. Maintaining operations during the summer ensures that students can find help even when schools are not in session."
* Behavioral Health refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms. Behavioral health care refers to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of those conditions.
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Some Simple Steps to Support Your Child’s Mental Health
As we enter the summer months, the absence of school routines and structured activities can impact your child’s mental health. Here are a few ways to recognize and support their emotional well-being during this unstructured time, helping them navigate challenges and maintain balance throughout the summer.
- Set a summer schedule and routine. While the school year’s schedules of drop offs, pick ups, and projects can feel exhausting and time consuming, the daily structure and predictability is extremely beneficial to a child’s mental and physical health.
- Maintain a sleep and wake schedule. One sign that an individual is struggling with mental health can be sleep issues or patterns. Without a regular schedule, it is difficult for parents, caregivers, and loved ones to see this as a possible warning some of bigger issues happening in a child’s life. A teenage individual is recommended to sleep around 9 hours a night, however, studies show the average teen is only sleep 6-7 hours a night. Lack of sleep can lead to increased anxiety and decreases one’s inability to cope.
- Encourage physical movement. Due to the increased use of technology as a means of socializing and entertainment, children can go days without leaving their home. It is beneficial to do physical activities together as a family or unit of support. Not only does this increase physical movement, but also creates time for conversations, check-ins, and connection.
Irritability, seeking more alone time, and wanting to spend time with peers are normal parts of adolescent development. However, increased isolation, extreme mood swings, changes in appetite, and changes in dressing patterns can be some signs that your child might need to talk to someone, and MVP Recovery’s SBAP is one way to help children in need of support.
Parents, caregivers, and children can contact SBAP, with its 24/7 Peer Support Team, at 1-855-MVP-2410.
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Reminder: Delaware County’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs to Host Resource Fair on Tuesday, June 4 | |
Local Organizations Providing Services and Support to Veterans and Active-Duty Military Personnel Invited to Participate |
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.
Access to comprehensive resources can dramatically enhance the quality of life for Veterans and active military members, impacting their mental and financial well-being.
“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.”
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.
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
DMVA Vendors
Vendors include: Affordable Housing Center of PA, The Center City VET Center, Child Guidance Resource Centers, Coatesville VA Medical Center, Comcast, CompeerCorps, County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), Delaware County Department of Human Services, Delaware County Libraries, Delaware County Recorder of Deeds, Delaware County Transportation Management Association, DelGo Community Transit, The Entrepreneur's Source, Heroic Gardens, Joseph Dreams, Inc., the Keystone chapter of the National Federation Of The Blind, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, Mirmont Treatment Center, MossRehab Institute for Brain Health, the offices of Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, Recovery Centers of America, Right at Home Main Line, The Cohen Veterans Clinic, Veterans Multi-Service Center, UPS, Victoria’s Homecare, and Visiting Angels — with more to be added through June 4.
Space remains for additional vendors/organizations to participate. Please register online at DelcoPA.Gov/DMVA-Fair.
For more information, please contact Tierra Berry via email at berryt@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at (610) 891-4646.
We hope to see you there.
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Three Delaware County Schools Receive the Governor’s Civic Engagement Award for Exceptional Voter Registration Drives | |
More than 3,300 eligible students in PA registered to vote through program sponsored by the PA Departments of State and Education | |
Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Board of Elections extend congratulations to three Delaware County schools—Chester High School, Haverford Senior High, and The Haverford School—for receiving the Governor’s Civic Engagement Awards in recognition of their exceptional voter-registration drive efforts during the past school year.
The Governor’s Civic Engagement Award (GCEA) is presented by the Pennsylvania Departments of State and Education to celebrate the efforts of Pennsylvania high school students to educate, engage, and inform their fellow students about the voting process.
During the 2023-24 school year, The Haverford School won a Gold Level Award for helping to register more than 85% of eligible students.
Chester High School and Haverford Senior High School, which helped register more than 65% of their eligible students to vote, won the Silver Level Award.
“The culture of voting starts at home,” said Delaware County Board of Elections Chair Ashley Lunkenheimer. “In Delco, that culture clearly extends to our campuses where we see that student leaders and instructors are promoting the importance of registering to vote. We congratulate the three Delaware County schools where students and staff helped to make sure 65% or more of their eligible students were registered to vote before summer break.”
“Delaware County Council is immensely proud of these students for their commitment to civic duty,” said Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther. “Their efforts in promoting voter registration are a testament to their leadership and community spirit.”
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Across the Commonwealth, a total of 18 schools won Gold Level GCEAs for registering at least 85% of their eligible students, and 18 schools won Silver Level GCEAs for registering at least 65% of their eligible students.
In total, about 160 students helped register more than 3,300 of their peers, earning gold or silver level awards for their schools.
“These prestigious awards celebrate the efforts of Pennsylvania high school students to register their eligible classmates to vote and to hopefully launch them on a lifelong habit of voting,” Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said. “Engaging the next generation of voters is crucial to the future health of our representative democracy.”
GCEA: Looking Ahead to the 2024-25 School Year
Schools are encouraged to participate in the Governor's Civic Engagement Awards during the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
Registration details and helpful materials, including printable paper voter registration forms, a "Quick Guide," and guidance for faculty to incorporate GCEA voter registration curriculum into classroom activities, can be found on the Governor's Civic Engagement Award web page on the PA Department of State’s Voting & Election website.
For more information about voting and the upcoming election, visit the Delaware County election website, Delco Votes!, at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote.
| Click to watch the Shapiro Administration's GCEA Winners Announcement |
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Delaware County Attends Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Media Borough | |
Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr., Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, State Senator Tim Kearney, State Representative Jennifer O’Mara, and Media Mayor Bob McMahon were honored to participate in the 2024 Media Borough Memorial Day parade and ceremony, joining hundreds of area Veterans and retired Police Chief Joe Daly, who served as the parade's Grand Marshall.
Media Borough’s Memorial Day Parade serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by the brave members of the military who served our nation. It is a time to pause and reflect on the profound impact of their selflessness, courage, and unwavering dedication to defending our freedoms.
Thank you to Media Borough, the U.S. Veteran’s Legacy Project, the Penncrest High School Marching Band, and the countless Veterans organizations, law enforcement offices, volunteers, and members of the public for making today’s parade and ceremony at the Courthouse a success.
We are deeply grateful to all those who participated and supported this event. Your efforts ensure that the legacy of our veterans and their contributions to our country are honored and remembered.
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County Council’s Regular Public Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday, June 5 | |
Delaware County Council will hold its next Regular Public Meeting on Wednesday, June 5, at 6:00 p.m. in the County Council Public Meeting Room, located on the 1st floor of the Government Center at 201 W. Front Street in Media.
Delaware County Council holds recurring bi-weekly public meetings at 6:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month to 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. In addition to the County Council members, the Executive Director, County Controller, County Solicitor and County Clerk are typically present during these meetings.
Each Regular Public Meeting is preceded by a related Preliminary Agenda Meeting, scheduled one day prior to the Regular Public Meeting on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. The preliminary Agenda meetings are intended to ensure that ordinances, contracts, resolutions, and other items to be discussed and potentially subjected to a vote by Council are given appropriate consideration and preparation.
Both meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend and provide in-person comments on any topic related to the County.
Meetings are also live-streamed and made available for later viewing on the County’s website at DelcoPA.Gov/Meetings. Meeting agendas can be accessed online, and meeting minutes are posted shortly after the conclusion of each meeting.
| | Pictured, left to right: Delaware County Council Members Richard R. Womack (Vice Chair), Christine A. Reuther, Dr. Monica Taylor (Chair), Elaine Paul Schaefer, and Kevin M. Madden. | |
Encouraging Civic Participation
Your voice matters! Attending these meetings is a valuable opportunity to stay informed about County affairs, participate in local government, and contribute to the decision-making process. Whether you attend in person or follow along online, your engagement helps shape the future of our community. Join us and make a difference!
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