The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— October 11, 2024 (142nd edition) ——

The Delaware County Department of Human Services, Office of Drug and Alcohol, in partnership with the Delaware County Recovery Committee, hosted the First Annual Delaware County Recovery month event: Delco Hope - Recovering Together 2024. Held at Delaware County Community College, the event celebrated the strength and courage of individuals in recovery while offering support to families and friends in the recovery community. Over 250 attendees joined in for a day of connection, learning, and hope.

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was honored to attend the event, joining community members and organizers to support the cause. "This event demonstrates the power of community in the recovery process," said Dr. Taylor. "Recovery is not just an individual journey, but one that is strengthened through the support of families, friends, and neighbors. Thank you to our Human Services Director Angelique Hiers, Office of Drug and Alcohol Administrator Pamela Bell, and especially the entire Office of Drug and Alcohol team, including Joelle Williams, for their incredible work in planning and hosting this wonderful event."

Delco Hope featured an array of activities, including powerful stories of long-term recovery shared by speakers such as Dave Moran, Brian Corson, John “Patches” McFadden, and Jackie Perez. Attendees engaged in meaningful activities like signing a banner with their recovery dates and hopes for the future. The event also showcased artwork created by community members, offering creative expression as part of the healing journey.

Additionally, the event highlighted local recovery-owned and operated businesses from Delaware County, underscoring the strength and resilience within the community. Local food trucks, including LA Taco Bistro from Chester and Mr. Softee, added to the celebration, and a pet adoption event hosted by Rags2Riches further emphasized the event's theme of recovery and new beginnings.

A crowded house at DCCC

Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor engages in discussion with Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, Court and Community Connections Administrator, about recovery ideas.

The event spotlighted four individuals who shared their story of long-term recovery and how a sense of community can help bring hope to your recovery journey. Thank you to our speakers Dave Moran, Brian Corson, John “Patches” McFadden, and Jackie Perez. 

Thank You to our Delco Hope Vendors and Partner Organizations!

Special thanks to all the vendors and organizations that contributed to making Delco Hope Recovering Together a success, including the Department of Human Services, Delaware County Health Department, Rags2Riches, MVP Recovery LLC, The Shevlin Foundation, KeyStone Center, EricAyers.com Multimedia Solutions, American Treatment Network, U.D.T.J., Chimes Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems Prevention & Treatment, Community Care Behavioral Health, Child and Family Focus, Merakey, Way of Life Recovery, AIDS Care Group, GRASP (Grief Recovery After Substance Passing), Pennsylvania State Probation and Parole, Purposeful Canine, Child Guidance Resource Center, Pinnacle Treatment Centers, Spinsanity, Jean Harrington, Recovery Works PA Drug & Alcohol Counseling, A Different Way Sober Living, Ten-Ten Truth Yoga, High Focus Treatment Center, EDSI, the Opioid Crisis Action Network, and Seven Bridges Road Benefit Company.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of this year’s event, the Delaware County Recovery Committee is already planning the second annual Delco Hope: Recovering Together 2025. The committee will be seeking local recovery-owned businesses, speakers, vendors, food trucks, and more.

For more information or to get involved, contact Joelle Williams at williamsjk@delcohsa.org.

The Delaware County Controller’s Office has released a report detailing the successful internal audit of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds distributed to the County’s volunteer fire companies. The audit confirms that the $1.75 million grant program, created by Delaware County Council in 2022 to provide financial relief to fire companies impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, was effectively utilized.

The audit was conducted to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of ARPA funds. Under the direction of County Controller Joanne Phillips, the Controller’s Office stressed the importance of maintaining public trust in the use of taxpayer dollars, ensuring these funds were effectively used for equipment maintenance, utilities, fuel, and facility upgrades to improve the operational capacity of fire companies throughout the County.

Under the grant program, each eligible fire company in Delaware County was able to receive up to $25,000 to help mitigate rising operational costs and the loss of fundraising opportunities during the pandemic. The audit reviewed the grants awarded to 63 fire companies, with the vast majority of recipients demonstrating proper and appropriate use of the funds to support their critical operations.

Effectiveness of the Grants

“My office is pleased to present this report to County Council, summarizing our findings on the ARPA awards to Delaware County’s volunteer fire companies,” said County Controller Joanne Phillips. “This report details expenditures, response rates, total amounts awarded, and the work of our internal audit staff in gathering the information necessary to inform Council and County residents about the effectiveness of the grants.”

While concerns about transparency and misuse of COVID-19 relief funds have arisen on the national level, Delaware County’s audit stands as a model of accountability. The report assures residents that their tax dollars were spent responsibly and in line with the intended goals of the grant program.

The audit revealed that out of the $1.75 million allocated for the program, $1,564,974.15 was distributed to the 63 eligible fire companies. The difference between the allocated amount and the distributed amount reflects funds that will be returned to the broader ARPA program, available for future eligible uses. Based on the documentation received, the Controller’s Office verified that the funds received by responsive fire companies were appropriately used for operational costs, equipment, and other essential services.

"We are grateful to the Controller’s Office for their thorough and detailed report," said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “I’m pleased with the findings, which confirm that our fire companies used these funds appropriately to support their vital work in our communities."

Delaware County Council and the Controller’s Office extend their gratitude to the volunteer fire companies for their dedication and service to the community, especially during these challenging times. The Council also expresses appreciation to the Controller’s Office for its diligent efforts in conducting this audit and for the role it plays in ensuring the proper use of public funds.

For additional info or to view the audit report, contact the Controller’s Office at (610) 891-4441.

Delaware County Council Members Elaine Paul Schaefer and Christine Reuther present a $1.75M ceremonial check to members of Delaware County fire departments on May 4, 2023. 

As communities across the nation grapple with the increasing impact of severe weather events, Delaware County is stepping up its efforts to address local flooding challenges. Recent storms have reinforced the devastating potential of flooding, and while large-scale events like hurricanes grab headlines, localized flooding remains a consistent issue in Pennsylvania.

Notably, Pennsylvania is the most flood-prone state in the country, and Delaware County frequently experiences stormwater surges from Chadds Ford to Upper Darby and many neighborhoods in between. In response, the Delaware County Planning Department has proactively sought and secured several grants to implement a comprehensive three-pronged stormwater management strategy.

This plan ranges from addressing localized flooding to developing regional and countywide solutions and includes collaboration with neighboring counties and the City of Philadelphia to mitigate flood risks.

These efforts will be supported by grants that enable critical work across various areas, including localized flood solutions, large-scale watershed planning, and expanding public engagement efforts to ensure a safer, more resilient future for Delaware County.

A Three-Pronged Approach to Stormwater Management

Delaware County's approach to tackling stormwater challenges is built on three core components, supported by newly awarded grant funding:

• Localized Flood Solutions: The County will provide direct technical guidance to municipalities with significant flooding issues. This includes developing hydrologic models to better understand local conditions and tailor stormwater solutions to each area’s specific needs.

• Countywide Watershed Planning: By creating detailed hydrologic models across Delaware County’s watersheds, the County will be able to implement a proactive, large-scale approach to managing stormwater, focusing on prevention rather than reaction.

• Strengthening Technical Expertise and Public Engagement: The County will expand its technical resources and increase public outreach efforts. This will include educating the community about stormwater management while ensuring that everyone—especially residents in areas like Darby and Cobbs Creek—is involved in the process.

Grant Funding Drives the Effort

The significant efforts underway by the Delaware County Planning Department, under the leadership of Director Gina Burritt, are being made possible through the following grants:

• William Penn Foundation Grant: Provides essential technical guidance and modeling in flood-prone municipalities.

• PADEP Growing Greener Grant*: Funds large-scale watershed planning, contributing to a comprehensive countywide approach to stormwater management. 

• FEMA Direct Technical Assistance Grant: Expands technical capabilities, increases public outreach, and facilitates collaboration with Philadelphia to address flooding in the Darby and Cobbs Creek watersheds.

Delaware County is excited about the progress these grants will enable. They represent the financial support necessary to implement long-term solutions, and with the help of local partners, the County is committed to making sure its communities are better protected from future flood risks.

For more information, visit the Planning Department's Stormwater Plan web page.

* Note: Phase I of this grant has been secured, and a grant for phase II that will allow Planning to do stormwater modeling and prepare action steps will hopefully be awarded in late 2024.

Pennsylvania is the most flood-prone state in the country, with homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure at risk. Protecting low-lying areas is critical as flood risks increase.

Delaware County Park Police have taken an important step toward improving both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability with the recent addition of four electric bikes (E-Bikes), thanks to the collaboration between the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services and Park Police.

The new E-Bikes will be used to patrol County Government grounds in Media, Delaware County’s 14 parks—nearly 1,000 acres of recreational space—and its extensive trail systems, including the Chester Creek and Darby Creek Trails.

This initiative was spearheaded by Ed Beebe, Interim Director of Emergency Services, who identified that the Park Police would benefit from the E-Bikes’ increased mobility and sustainability. Recognizing the opportunity to enhance patrol coverage, Beebe reached out to Park Police Chief John Deihl and Executive Director Barbara O'Malley, resulting in the transfer of the E-Bikes to the Park Police.

Previously, Park Police relied on traditional pedal-powered mountain bikes, patrol cars, or foot patrols to cover these areas. The addition of the E-Bikes offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution, allowing officers to cover larger areas with greater ease.

“These new bikes provide our patrol officers with greater mobility and access to hard-to-reach areas,” said Chief Deihl. “The bikes also offer a more sustainable alternative to cars, aligning with Delco’s ongoing efforts to reduce the county’s carbon footprint.”

The cooperation between Emergency Services and Park Police underscores Delaware County’s commitment to ensuring public safety while promoting sustainability. The E-Bikes will allow for more frequent and visible patrols, improving both safety and the overall visitor experience in Delaware County’s parks and on its trails.

“The standard mountain bikes work well for patrolling the campus here in Media,” explained Beebe. “But for larger areas, the E-Bikes are quieter, produce zero emissions, and provide the flexibility needed to navigate everything from forest trails to park pathways. It’s a great step forward for our officers, and we’re thrilled to see them put to good use.”

Park Police officer Vincent Stavola checks out the new wheels

Emergency Services' Special Operations Division's Inder Bains oversees the transfer of the e-bikes to Park Police officers

Park Police Officers (left to right, in uniform) James Thompson, Dan O'Shea, Robert Cleary, Nick Frankenfield, Steve Costa, and Vincent Stavola with Emergency Services Interim Director Ed Beebe and Park Police Chief John Deihl.

The Delaware County Bike Patrol Division, launched in 2022, is comprised of nine officers who have completed a rigorous 40-hour bike certification through the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IMPBA), sponsored by the Upper Darby Police Department. This specialized training ensures that officers are prepared to handle the unique challenges of patrolling parks, especially in areas where traditional patrol methods fall short.

Delaware County Park Police play a critical role in ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. The department includes 86 sworn officers who provide 24/7 foot and vehicle patrols, ensuring coverage year-round. “Our department recognized that traditional patrol cars aren’t always the best solution for the type of coverage park police need to provide,” said Chief Deihl. “That’s why we created the Bike Patrol Division. Officers on bikes can access wooded areas and trails more quickly and efficiently than those on foot, making it easier to ensure that our parks and trails are safe for everyone to enjoy.”

The introduction of E-Bikes marks a new chapter in how Delaware County Park Police manage safety and accessibility across the county’s parks and trails. By adopting this innovative approach, the county is enhancing patrol capabilities while reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Delaware County Council extends its thanks to Interim Director Beebe, Chief Deihl, and Executive Director O’Malley for their leadership and cooperation in facilitating this initiative. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the department’s ability to provide effective, sustainable patrols throughout Delaware County’s parks and trails.

Officer Dan O'Shea takes the new e-bike for a patrol through Rose Tree Park

On Wed., Oct. 2, 59,700 mail/absentee ballots were delivered to the U.S. Postal Service. Since this initial mailing of mail/absentee ballots, an additional 15,053 ballots have been released, bringing the total number of mail/absentee ballots released by Delaware County Elections to 74,753.

As of October 11, 2024, a total of 18,195 mail/absentee ballots have been returned by voters, including 15,562 ballots returned via USPS and 2,633 returned via the drop box at the Delaware County Government Center Building in Media.

Mail/absentee ballots will continue to be mailed to voters who have requested a ballot through the October 29 deadline.

Delaware County voters who have requested a mail/absentee ballot but has not received their ballot within seven days should call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE (8683) or visit the Voter Service Center in Media, located at 201 W. Front Street (ground floor).

Voters can see frequently updated mail/absentee ballot totals—including ballots mailed by the Elections Department and returned by voters—on the County's Delco Votes! website, located at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote.

Voters visiting the Voter Service Center in Media can obtain voter registration applications and forms to update their registration details (names, address, party affiliation, etc.), apply for mail/absentee ballots, receive mail/absentee materials in-person, and have the option to mark and submit their ballot — all during the same visit.

The Voter Service Center, located on the first floor of the Government Center Building, is now open with expanded hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays through Election Day. Voter Service Center hours are as follows:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

On Monday, October 14, the County will open another three-dozen ballot drop boxes in communities across Delaware County, ranging from Chadds Ford, Glen Mills, and Radnor to Marcus Hook, Eddystone, and Sharon Hill. The 37 drop boxes will serve voters for the final three weeks prior to the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election when polls close at 8:00 p.m.

Information about Delaware County ballot drop boxes, including locations, hours of operation, and guidance on proper returns, can be found online at DelcoPA.Gov/Dropbox.

DCHD Perinatal Community Health Worker and Doula Pilot Program Contracts Awarded

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is thrilled to announce two exciting new initiatives aimed at reducing racial disparities in maternal health across the county. These programs are designed to provide critical support to mothers during pregnancy and childbirth, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need for a healthy birth experience.

"Addressing racial disparities in maternal health is a critical public health priority for Delaware County," said Interim Health Director Lora Siegmann Werner. "These programs will help ensure that we are providing culturally and congruently community-based support during pregnancy and childbirth.”

Delaware County Perinatal Doula Program: Growing and Diversifying the Doula Workforce

The first initiative, funded by a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, has been awarded to The Foundation for Delaware County. Their project, "Delaware County Perinatal Doula Program: Growing and Diversifying the Doula Workforce," aims to increase the number of doulas in our community while diversifying the workforce.

Doulas offer essential physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. With this funding, the Foundation will create the Delaware County Doula Collaborative, recruit and train new doulas, help them achieve state certification, and build a directory of practicing doulas to better serve families.

Joanne Craig, Chief Impact Officer at The Foundation for Delaware County, shared her thoughts: “We know that it takes a village of support to have a healthy pregnancy and good maternal and birth outcomes. Providing a platform that offers a directory of doula services will help Delco families find doulas who understand the unique challenges, experiences, fears, and concerns faced by birthing people and their families. We are grateful to the Delaware County Health Department for recognizing this need and look forward to launching the directory in early 2025.”

Delaware County Birth Companion Program

The second initiative, the "Delaware County Birth Companion Program," is led by Temple University and backed by a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This program will train nursing and health sciences students to become birth companions, giving them the skills to support local families throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care.

Students will receive hands-on experience through Temple University’s new state-of-the-art simulation center, ensuring they are well-prepared to assist mothers in Delaware County. The program’s goal is to reduce the risk of cesarean sections, improve birth experiences, and shorten labor times for the mothers they support.

Lauren Johnson, Assistant Professor and Grant Co-Principal Investigator at Temple University, expressed her enthusiasm: "We are very excited by this unique opportunity to partner with the Delaware County Health Department and serve birthing families in the local community! Our hope is that our birth companions will fill the identified gap in care by providing informational and emotional support throughout the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.”

Both programs reflect Delaware County’s commitment to addressing the disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes and creating a more supportive, equitable environment for all families.

The United States Navy will celebrate its 249th birthday on October 13, 2024. A quarter-millennium of unwavering commitment to defending our freedoms and safeguarding the nation’s values at home and abroad.

Over 50 Employers Actively Hiring Across Multiple Sectors

PA CareerLink® Delaware County, in partnership with Delaware County Workforce Development, is excited to announce the Fall Hiring Fest, scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Springfield YMCA, located at 194 W. Sproul Road, in Springfield.

The event is open to all job seekers, and walk-ins are welcome!

For those who prefer to pre-register, you can skip the manual registration line, receive reminder emails, and gain access to work-ready workshops and future opportunities. Job seekers will also receive a list of featured employers participating in the event.

Over 50 Employers!

The Hiring Fest will feature over 50 employers actively hiring for a wide range of positions, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities.

Participating employers include A Place At Home, Aloaye Home Healthcare Agency LLC, Always Best Care, American Wood Design, AmeriHealth Caritas, Army, Associates Home Care, Inc. / MCC Family Services, Inc., Bayada Home Health Care, Childcare Careers, Choice Party Linens, Community Integrated Services, Community Interactions, Connecting the Pieces, County of Delaware, Crozer Health Medical Group, Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Drexelbrook Catering, Dunwoody Village, Eagle Staffing Company, EDSI, Elle & Me Developmental and Behavioral Services, LLC, Elwyn, Emmaus Home, Inc., ESS, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, Garrett Williamson, GEHR Plastics, Inc., Granny’s Helping Hands, Hands From The Heart Home Healthcare, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Healing Helpers Home Care, Integrated Deicing Services, JP Mascaro & Sons, Lima Estates, Marquis Health Consulting Services, My Independence at HOME, Oliver Heating & Cooling, PA Department of Corrections, Quality Angels Home Care Agency, Rose Tree Media School District, Safe Corridors, Serenity Care Resources LLC, SERVPRO, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Smith Flooring Inc., Springfield Country Club, Substitute Teacher Service Inc., The Children’s Ark at St. George’s, Transwall Office Systems, TruMark Financial CU, TruVine Homecare & Staffing Services, Inc., and Upper Darby School District.

This is a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to connect with top local employers. Attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes, as on-site interviews may be held, and same-day hiring could occur for qualified candidates.

Job seekers interested in pre-registering click here: Job Seekers Registration. Walk-ins are welcome.

Employers interested in participating, click here: Employer Registration. The registration deadline is Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Don't miss this chance to find your next career opportunity and network with local businesses!

About PA CareerLink® Delaware County: Launched in 2012, PA CareerLink® is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s initiative to transform the landscape of how job-seekers find family sustaining jobs and how employers find the skilled candidates that they need. Through this initiative, a user-friendly, premiere job-matching system has been created to help bridge the gap that currently exists between job-seekers and employers.

Calling all little ghosts and goblins! Join us for a fun-filled, Not So Spooky StoryWalk® at Rose Tree Park on Wednesday, October 23, or at Little Flower Manor Park on Wednesday, October 30!

Kids 6 and under can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoy a delightful stroll through the park while reading Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson.

There will be three 30-minute sessions held at each location from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., and every family gets to take home the book Five Little Ghosts as a special treat (for children 6 and under)!

Registration is required and will be in 30-minute increments, so don't miss out! There is no rain date, but we’ll notify registered attendees via email the morning of the event if the weather isn't cooperating.

Event Details:

Rose Tree Park

1671 N. Providence Road, Media, PA 19063

October 23, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (3 sessions, 30 minutes each)

Little Flower Manor Park

Springfield Road, Darby, PA 19023

October 30, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (3 sessions, 30 minutes each)

Click here to register: StoryWalk® Event Registration

Come out and enjoy a Not So Spooky time with family and friends!

Some pictures from 2023's Spooky StoryWalk

Hallow-Read online reading challenge!

It's also time for our Hallow-Read online reading challenge! Get ready to monster mash, have ghoulish fun, or curl up with a chilling book.

Log your reading to earn eerie badges and tickets for book raffles all month long. More info in the Beanstack app or at https://www.delcolibraries.org/reading-challenge.

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Delaware County marked the 200th anniversary of General Marquis de Lafayette’s historic 1824 visit to Chester with a vibrant celebration held outside the 1724 Chester Courthouse. The event commemorated Lafayette’s Grand Tour of the United States and his significant role in both the American Revolution and the early history of Chester.

Delaware County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, Delaware County Planning Director Gina Burritt, America250PADelco Director Andrea Silva, and various members of the Delaware County team were joined by numerous local historical societies, including the Delaware County Historical Society, the Chester Historical Preservation Committee, the Friends of 1724 Chester Courthouse, and the American Friends of Lafayette, to honor Lafayette's legacy.

The festivities started with General Lafayette, portrayed by reenactor Michael Halbert, arriving in a ceremonial procession alongside General George Washington, portrayed by Dr. Frederick Magner, who together recreated their historic roles. Lafayette delivered remarks in honor of Chester’s significance in his life.

Following his address, Delaware County Planning Director Gina Burritt read a resolution on behalf of the County commemorating the anniversary of the Grand Farewell Tour of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, and his historic visit to Chester, Pennsylvania.

Lafayette’s 1824 visit to Chester featured a dinner held at 1:00 a.m., where he dined with local dignitaries and veterans. Representing First City Troop, Eugene Hough portrayed a soldier of that era, while Bob Quay played the role of the speaker who introduced Lafayette to the citizens of Chester.

As part of the evening’s re-enactment, children holding 3-foot-long candles, similar to those originally made by the women of Chester, lined Market Street to recreate Lafayette’s arrival from Richardson Wharf on the Delaware River. These candles were an integral part of his ceremonial welcome in 1824, as Chester’s children guided him along the path to the courthouse.

Lafayette’s ties to Chester run deep in American history. During the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, Lafayette was wounded while fighting alongside General George Washington. After retreating with Washington’s forces, Lafayette had his wounds treated in Chester.

Many years later, during his 1824 Grand Tour, Lafayette returned to Chester to reunite with old friends and visit the site where his life was saved. His visit was a symbolic moment, highlighting the town's significant role in the fight for American independence.

As part of the day's celebrations, Kate Clifford, Preservation Planner with the Delaware County Planning Department and the event’s primary organizer, led two tours of the courthouse, offering insights into its architectural history and ongoing restorations.

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is currently restoring the courthouse’s windows, with additional repairs funded by a National Park Service Semiquincentennial Grant. Clifford also discussed plans for further renovations in preparation for America's 250th anniversary in 2026.

Dramatic reenactment in the historic 1724 Courthouse (windows boarded up due to ongoing renovations)

General Lafayette surrounded by Delaware County friends spanning several centuries

Chester Historical Preservation Committee's Carol Fireng chats with attendees

18th Century soldier under the command of General Lafayette attempts to use Apple Pay

County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack pictured with General George Washington, General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, and a flag bearer for Lafayette's Light Infantry Division outside the 1724 Chester Courthouse.

The day concluded with a visit to the John Morton Monument at Old Swedes/Old St. Paul’s Burial Ground, where historian Eugene Hough shared stories of Lafayette’s connection to the region and announced an upcoming commemorative walk to Cambridge, MA, retracing General Washington's 1775 journey.

Delaware County Council extends its sincere thanks to the Chester Historical Preservation Committee, the City of Chester, the Delaware County Planning Department, the Delaware County Public Works, and the many organizations and volunteers who contributed to this meaningful event, ensuring that Lafayette’s enduring legacy of freedom and friendship continues to inspire.

Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots with Generals Lafayette and Washington at John Morton Monument at Old Swedes/Old St. Paul’s Burial Ground

Click to watch a recording of the festivities

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was delighted to join Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown, dozens of community organizations and small businesses, and over a 1,000 members of the community for the 7th Annual Upper Darby International Festival this past weekend.

The festival, which has grown into a signature event, brought together attendees from all over Delaware County and the region to celebrate the cultural diversity of Upper Darby, where over 100 languages are spoken, and nearly 20% of the population is foreign-born.

The festival featured a dynamic mix of global cuisine, arts, and performances, with over 50 vendors offering everything from handcrafted goods to delicious food from around the world. Children enjoyed a lively Kids Zone, complete with face painting, soccer, and street chalking. One unique highlight was a program that allowed children to see their names written in over 20 different languages, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation among the youngest festival-goers.

Families also had the chance to engage with interactive activities, and the performances on stage reflected the rich traditions of Upper Darby’s diverse communities. This year’s event showcased the growing impact of the festival, cementing its status as one of the most anticipated celebrations in Delaware County.

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