Delaware County’s cherished annual Festival of Lights and the newly created Delco Holiday Village debut this year on Friday, December 2. 

Santa Claus and the Springton Lake Select Choir will join Council, the Delaware County Department of Parks and Recreation, and hundreds of residents to celebrate the opening of the 2022 Festival of Lights at 5:00p.m. on Friday, December 2, in Rose Tree Park located at 1671 N. Providence Rd., in Media, PA. 

Following the opening ceremony, the 2nd annual Delco Holiday Village will be open for business. Residents are invited to shop and support local merchants at Rose Tree Park this holiday season. Local vendors and food trucks will participate in the Holiday Village on December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th. Each night will feature different vendors and food- so residents are encouraged to visit the Holiday Village multiple times this season.

Please check the website for updates regarding weather and possible changes in the schedule at www.holidayvillagedelco.com.

“The Festival of Lights has been a treasured Delco tradition for more than four decades for residents across the County and we are thrilled to be holding the second annual Holiday Village this year as well,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Rose Tree Park is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the beautiful displays, shop local, and enjoy some local cuisine.”

County Council commends Delaware County Parks and Rec Director Marc Manfre and his team who work for weeks to set up the beautiful display and Delaware County Commerce Center Director Laura Goodrich Cairns and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Trish McFarland for spearheading the Delco Holiday Village. We are so excited to once again have this amazing event in Delco! 

Delaware County Council is excited to announce the Dec. 1 opening of the Delco River Rink — a pop-up outdoor ice skating rink developed by Flight On Ice and hosted by Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack in Chester. 

The new ice rink, located along the Chester waterfront, will offer a season of budget-friendly skating and festive family fun, from December 1, 2022, through February 26, 2023.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have a waterfront outdoor ice skating rink right in our backyard,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Thank you to Flight Entertainment, Harrah’s and Visit Delco for sharing in the County’s vision to invest in the waterfront area and in the Chester community. This is a fun and festive experience for the whole community, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have in Delco!” 

“We are thrilled to add the Delco River Rink, our 6th and final area rink location for the 2022-2023 season, to the Harrah’s property and hope to create a memorable tradition for visitors to enjoy for years to come,” said Jon Schaffer, President of Flight Entertainment, a regional organization that also operates the Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink in Edgmont, the Ice at Pier Village in Long Branch, NJ, and several other successful pop-up rinks in the region.

Starting on Dec. 1 and running through Feb. 26, 2023, the rink will be open on Thursdays and Fridays, from 4 – 8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., with expanded holiday hours. The rink is located at 777 Harrah’s Boulevard (in front of the main entrance under the covered pavilion). 

Single general admission tickets to skate at the Delco River Rink are only $5, with $10 skate rentals (plus taxes & fees). Free Community Days will also be offered to residents, community groups, and organizations across the county.

The Delco River Rink also offers skating packages for birthday celebrations, special events, school fundraisers, class trips and corporate team-building days. Additionally, Harrah’s indoor Ice Garden (attached to the rink) is a uniquely decorated and spacious party space offering full-service food, beverage and catering operations, multiple bars with big screen TVs and a stage for entertainment - perfect amenities for that special corporate and private event. 

For reservations, information on how to book the rink for parties and events, and general information, please visit the Flight On Ice website at www.flightonice.com.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means many things to many people: family, friends, time off, time away, joy, fellowship… and of course, shopping.

While the day after Thanksgiving has long been known as Black Friday, a day during which we brave the shopping centers and big box stores and large crowds to seek out holiday gifts for our friends and loved ones, an effort has grown in recent years to down shift. Part of this effort is the recognition of Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday — a day that asks us to consider local entrepreneurs when looking for goods and services, encouraging us to buy from the many wonderful small businesses in our community.

It has quietly become a holiday shopping tradition, dedicated to supporting all kinds of businesses — from the corner store and locally owned dress shop to the small BYOB and neighborhood comic book shop — and everything in between! 

Started in 2016 as a modest effort to support small businesses during the 2010 recession, Small Business Saturday is now formally recognized by the U.S Senate and all 50 states, providing local businesses the spotlight and an increased opportunity to thrive and stay vibrant.

Significantly more of the money spent at locally owned and operated businesses stays in the community. According to studies, less than 20% of revenue from purchases at chain stores stays in the local community (mostly in the form of payroll), while close to 60% of money spent at locally owned businesses stays local.

Our Delaware County small businesses — shops, restaurants, service providers — grow and flourish with the support of our residents. By shopping or dining at local small businesses, residents provide invaluable support, help create jobs, and improve tax revues that support our local community. 

We hope you will consider “shopping small” during the post-Thanksgiving weekend and support our local economy.

Delaware County Council thanks the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, under the direction of Warden Laura K. Williams, for holding a nearly month-long food drive this November to collect food for the community.

In all, over 800 pounds of non-perishable food was donated by the George W. Hill Correctional Facility staff, contractors, and individuals from partnering criminal justice organizations, providing much needed food items for local residents experiencing food insecurity.

The St. Katharine Drexel Food Pantry, located at 1408 W. 2nd St., in Chester was the recipient of the donations.

Delaware County Council is grateful for the effort by all of the GWH employees and thanks Warden Williams, Deputy Warren Faly, and the entire GWH team for their contributions, with special recognition for the time and effort provided by George Rhoades, Keith Heyward, Sara Bowels, Nikki Miller, Katherine Miller, Dana Keith, WellPath, Captain McCarthy, Officer Wells and Officer Yates.

The Holiday Food Drive, an initiative of Warden Williams, is part of the overall goal of the facility to re-establish connections with residents and stakeholders, serve as a good neighbor, and build trust among members of the community. 

Thank you for going out of your way to contribute to this cause and give back to those in need!

Delaware County Executive Director Howard Lazarus and Board of Health Chair Rosemarie Halt presented a resolution on behalf of Delaware County Council on November 21 to recognize the hard work and dedication of the Delaware County Health Department in recognition of National Public Health Thank You Day. 

National Public Health Thank You Day is recognized each year to honor those in the public health field who play a critical role in the health and safety of the residents they serve. Public Health workers respond to situations that often put their own health and safety at risk and they have responded to many crises over the years, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, influenza, substance use disorders, and COVID-19. National Public Health Thank You Day was established to show appreciation to those who work in the public health field. 

The Delaware County Health Department was established in 2021 during an unprecedented pandemic that presented unique challenges for an extremely populated and diverse county. Since then, the Delaware County Health Department team, under the direction of Melissa Lyon, has worked to promote healthy behaviors, prevent injury and disease, and ensure and promote optimal health for all Delaware County residents. 

County Council expresses a deep gratitude to the Delaware County Health Department team and all of those in the public health field who tirelessly work to protect the health and well-being of Delaware County residents. 

The Delaware County Health Department reminds parents that RSV season is upon us, and now is the time to take preventive action to keep your child safe. 

Public health authorities are monitoring an increase in RSV detections and RSV-associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in multiple U.S. regions, with some regions nearing seasonal peak levels. 

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, known simply as “RSV,” is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States. Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.

While RSV can affect individuals of all ages (most people recover in a week or two), it can be especially serious for infants, children and older adults.

RSV Symptoms

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include runny nose, a decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.

These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.

While there is no specific treatment for RSV infection, there are steps that can be taken to relieve symptoms.

• Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to children!
• Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
• Talk to your healthcare provider before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.

Protect Your Child from RSV

Here are some simple steps to help protect yourself or your child from RSV.

• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Wash your hand often
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching your face and unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect surfaces
• If you’re sick, stay home

Serious Health Problems are Rare

Healthy adults and infants infected with RSV do not usually need to be hospitalized, but some people with an RSV infection, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated. 

To learn more about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), what the symptoms are, and how to prevent it, visit the CDC’s Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) web page.

Although COVID-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations are down significantly versus the past two holiday seasons, COVID has not gone away completely, and Delaware County residents continue to test positive for the virus.

To help keep residents safe this holiday season, the Delaware County Health Department is giving out free COVID-19 at-home test kits to Delaware County residents beginning in December. 

At-Home Test Kit Pick Ups

The at-home COVID-19 test kits will be available for pick-up (limit 2 per person) at the Delaware County Wellness Centers in Yeadon and Chester, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., on three consecutive Fridays in December: Dec. 2, Dec. 9., and Dec 16. 

Residents can pick up their test kits at their convenience at either Wellness Center. No registration is required, and parking is free.

Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon

125 Chester Ave., Yeadon, PA 19050

Delaware County Wellness Center at Chester

151 W. 5th St., Chester, PA 19013

When to Get Tested

Residents who are gathering this holiday season with individuals at risk for severe disease, older adults, or those who are immunocompromised are advised to test themselves for COVID-19 as close the time of the gathering as possible.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, the CDC recommends that you wait at least 5 days until after your exposure to receive reliable results from a test. If you test negative, consider testing again in 1 to 2 days after your initial test.

Residents experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea are advised to test themselves immediately.

More Information about Test Kits

Self-tests for COVID-19 give rapid results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms.

Note that self-tests do not detect antibodies which would suggest a previous infection and they do not measure your level of immunity.

Be sure that presents are the only thing you are giving your friends and family this holiday season!

While winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21, snow, sleet, and high winds will soon bring dangerous wintery driving conditions to Delaware County. 

Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) are asking drivers to take precautionary steps now, before storms and freezing cold make our Delaware County roads treacherous.

Whether you are embarking on holiday travel, running errands around town, or doing your daily commute, please be sure to keep winter weather considerations in mind — and be cautious!

That means leaving earlier when driving conditions are expected to be poor, driving slower, using your headlights, keeping greater distance between you and the car in front of you, wearing your seatbelt (always!), and thoroughly removing ALL snow and ice from your vehicle.

Prepare Your Winter Car Kit

Another great way to prepare for winter driving is to create a Winter Car Kit that you can keep in your trunk, inclusive of essential items for winter travel.

Here are 12 potentially life-saving items all drivers should keep in the car during the winter months:

1. Cat litter, sand, or rock salt. The cat litter/sand will help provide traction for a stuck vehicle and the rock salt will assist in melting the snow. Approximately two measures of cat litter or sand to every one measure of rock salt should suffice.
2. Blanket. Maintaining body heat is critical.
3. De-Icing fluid. In less extreme situations, de-icing fluids can be very useful to remove ice from your windshield.
4. Small folding shovel and ice scraper. You will need to dig out or scrape off this winter.
5. Multi-tool. Keeping this device in your glove compartment can make the difference between fixing your car yourself and waiting for assistance. A good multi-tool can function as a screwdriver, pliers and wrench.
6. Hand warmers. This is a safer option than using candles to stay warm. Some hand warmer models can last up to 10 hours and are air-activated.
7. Sleeping bag. Especially when traveling long distances, it’s best to have one if stranded for hours or overnight.
8. Flashlight (hand-cranked or battery-operated). The winter months are typically darker due to cloud coverage and fewer hours of daylight. A flashlight will be useful if stranded or lost.
9. Jumper cables. If you’ve lost power after dealing with issues like ice or a winter storm, it’s good to know that you just need a little bit of borrowed power from another car to get moving again. 
10. Cell phone charger. As long as you have power to your phone, you can call for help in the event of a disaster (such as a totaled car) or any set of disastrous weather conditions. 
11. Nonperishable snacks & bottled water. Emergency food should be easy to consume and have a distant expiration date. Energy bars, dried fruits, nuts and even chocolate are good options. Be sure when packing water in your winter car emergency kit to not fill the water containers up all the way, as water expands when frozen, which may cause your containers to burst.
12. First Aid Kit. Basic medical supplies like bandages, gauze, anti-inflammatory painkillers and scissors can tide you over until medical assistance arrives.

Let's be safe out there Delco!

Delaware County residents are invited to a free screening of the award-winning documentary film Aftershock, which powerfully examines the deadly maternal health crisis now facing women of color in the United States. 

The film explores the systemic reasons why Black and Brown women face significant health disparities and are three times more likely to die during childbirth. 

After the screening, a panel discussion with Shawnee Gibson Benton and Omari Maynard, two key individuals from the film who experienced devastating personal losses in their family due to childbirth, will be held to help attendees better understand the historical and current issues related to Black maternal mortality and the impact on the Black community, and work to develop strategies and ideas to implement change in perinatal care with regard to Black families.

Other local panelists include Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Desirée Israel, Co-founder, Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color; Dr. Jawanza Bundy from the Widener University School of Nursing; Onaje Muid, Fatherhood Coordinator from The Foundation for Delaware County; and Shanna Williams, Founder of S.W. Doula.

The event is presented by the Foundation for Delaware County and Baby’s First, and will take place on Fri., Dec. 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Widener University’s Alumni Auditorium.

Interested residents must register to attend (see button below). Light refreshments will be served. Physicians, nurses, therapists and social workers can earn Continuing Education (CE) credits.

We hope to see you there!

More about Aftershock

Directed by Tonya Lewis Lee and Paula Eiselt, Aftershock takes an eye-opening look at the maternal health crisis facing women in the United States and intimately follows the stories of black women whose deaths during delivery and postpartum were preventable. 

The film sheds light on the history of neglect and abuse towards women of color in America due to structural racism, and illustrates how the victims’ families, birth workers, activists and doctors are working to improve maternal care in the United States through legislation and changes to the medical system. 

Aftershock was awarded the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Impact for Change at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Visit the Aftershock website at www.aftershockdocumentary.com to learn more about the film, watch a preview, and get information about how to take action. The film is also available to stream via Hulu.

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website