The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— October 21, 2022 (39th edition) ——
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Progress Report Presented on Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods
District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and Delaware County elected officials discuss successful program curbing gun violence
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Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, and members of Delaware County Council gathered on Thurs., Oct. 20, to provide a progress report on the work of the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods (CPSN) in curbing gun violence in the city.
District Attorney Stollsteimer announced that “Over the past two years, as a result of the work of my office, the Mayor’s office, the Chester Police Department, and Delaware County Council – with unwavering support from our partners Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon – CPSN has continued to have an extraordinary impact on the level of gun violence in the City of Chester.”
A few of the highlights include:
- A 59.7% decrease in non-fatal shootings since 2019
- A 60% decrease in gun violence homicides since 2020
- A 55% decrease in gun violence incidents since 2019
District Attorney Stollsteimer stated that “the progress that has been made in reducing gun violence in Chester is making a difference every day in the lives of City residents – and we would not have achieved these results without the support of all of our partners. We are particularly grateful to General Shapiro and Congresswoman Scanlon for their support of our efforts to obtain a $2 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to continue and to expand the work of CPSN.”
In October of 2020 the District Attorney launched CPSN, which is a deterrence-based program aimed at reducing gun violence premised on a data-driven model developed by Swarthmore College alum David Kennedy. The program, similar to ones implemented years ago in Boston and Philadelphia, works on a “carrot and stick” approach that begins by calling in influential people involved in crime, explaining that law enforcement knows who they are what they are responsible for, and giving them the ultimatum: “If you let us, we will help you; if you make us, we will stop you.”
The help may come in ways big and small, from simply getting a suspended license reinstated, or a present for someone’s daughter while they are in prison, to getting an offender into an educational or vocational program so they can improve their lot in life legally. With the financial support obtained through PCCD, additional staff will be hired to work with program participants.
With the support of County Council, a community resource specialist was hired in 2020, who works on the streets of Chester every day connecting at-risk individuals with needed services. With funding from PCCD, three additional community resource specialists will be hired, and recently the Green Family Foundation has added its support to CPSN by contributing the funding needed to pay the salary of one of the outreach workers.
“Delaware County Council is committed to the public safety concerns of our community, and we are committed to ensuring that every resident in every neighborhood feels safe and protected,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Today’s announcement demonstrates what can be achieved through genuine collaboration, and on behalf of County government, I’d like to commend those who are a part of the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods program and who have worked to reduce homicides and gun violence in the City of Chester."
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In addition to addressing gun violence, the CPSN Program has commenced investigations into multiple instances of illegal dumping, sponsored Summer Biddy Ball Camps in 2021 and 2022 at multiple city locations, and is launching a Financial Literacy Course for inmates at the County's George W. Hill Facility. | |
Delaware County Elections Reminds Voters of Upcoming Election Deadlines
Voter Registration Deadline is Mon., Oct. 24; The Deadline to Apply for Vote-by-Mail Ballots is Tue., Nov. 1
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Eligible U.S. citizens who intend to vote for the first time — or have previously voted but need to file a name change or address change to update their registration information — have until Mon., Oct. 24 to file a voter registration application to qualify to cast a ballot at the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election. Applications can be filed online or in person.
Voters who are already registered at their current address do not need to take further action. Voters can check their registration status on the PA Department of State website, accessible at delcopa.gov/regstatus.
To register to vote, voters must be a U.S. citizen who will be 18 or older on Nov. 8, 2022, and must have lived at their current address for at least 30 days before Election Day.
Voters can register:
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Online with a PA Department of Transportation (PennDOT) ID or driver’s license, accessible at delcopa.gov/register2vote, by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 24.
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In person at the Voter Service Center, located in the Government Center Building in Media, during the following hours:
- Sat., Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
- Mon., Oct. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Federal Postcard Applications (FPCAs) for absentee ballots from military and overseas voters must be received by the County by Mon., Oct. 24. FCPAs may be received by email at UOCAVA@co.delaware.pa.us or by fax at (610) 892-0641, as late as 11:59 p.m. Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov for details.
The deadline to file for a civilian Vote-by-Mail (mail-in or absentee) ballot is Tues., Nov. 1. Applications are available online or in person at the Delaware County Government Center. The Voter Service Center will be open Sat., Oct. 22 from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and weekdays next week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Wednesday through 8:00 p.m.). Voters can check the status of their ballot at delcopa.gov/ballot-tracker.
Questions? Call the Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE or visit delcopa.gov/vote.
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Quick General Election Reminders!
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More than three dozen Delaware County ballot drop boxes are NOW OPEN and accepting completed vote-by-mail ballots. Most drop box sites are open 24/7, with a few exceptions (Ridley Park, Chadds Ford, and Swarthmore). For site details, visit delcopa.gov/dropbox.
- All Delaware County drop boxes are secure and under video surveillance.
- Delaware County voters can use any Delaware County drop box or can return their vote-by-mail ballot via the US Postal Service.
- If using the US Postal Service, voters are encouraged to use the drop-offs inside the lobby of a local post office.
- Voters must return only their own vote-by-mail ballot. The only exception is to assist a disabled voter or an emergency absentee voter, which requires a declaration form signed by the voter and by the person returning the ballot.
- If a voter needs help or information on paperwork for assisting a disabled voter, voters may call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE (8683).
- If a mistake is made in completing and sealing the vote-by-mail ballot, voters may visit the Delaware County Voter Service Center in Media to receive a replacement ballot and envelopes.
- The Delaware County Board of Elections has scheduled a meeting for Tues., Oct. 25, at 9:00 a.m., to consider election-administrative items related to the preparations for the election. Visit delcopa.gov/vote to watch the livestream or recording.
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Ballot Drop Boxes are Now Open! | |
Delaware County Maps at a Glance | |
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Delaware County has created a website to house a new series of dynamic digital maps.
This new resource for provides links to a variety of maps that provide helpful visualizations of transportation services, county-wide electric charging stations, trail maps to locate places to walk, bike, and enjoy nature, and more!
New maps also include a historical aerial viewer and a map that details environmental features in the county including floodplains, wetlands, and natural heritage areas.
We invite residents to explore the page and learn more about the resources available in the county, places to explore, and learn a little more about Delco!
Click the "Delaware County Maps Website" button to explore!
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America250PADelco Announces its 2022 Revolutionary Reads Selection: The Boston Massacre: A Family History
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As announced in last week's edition of the Delaware County Weekly, Delaware County is joining with communities across the nation to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary on July 4, 2026!
As part of this build up to this exciting anniversary, each year the America250PADelco Committee will choose a single book for its Revolutionary Reads program, which will spotlight a single title examining the leadup to the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence. A free community reading event, discussion, and author visit will then be held for each book selected for the program.
The 2022 selection is The Boston Massacre: A Family History by Serena Zabin.
In this book, historian Serena Zabin, a professor of history and director of the American Studies program at Carleton College, weaves colorful stories from original sources, following British troops as they are dispatched from Ireland to Boston in 1768 to subdue the increasingly rebellious colonists.
Residents are invited to join Dr. Jordan Smith to discuss the book, which invites reconsideration of one of the iconic events leading to the American Revolution. Dr. Smith is an assistant professor of history at Widener University, where he teaches courses on colonial and revolutionary America, the Atlantic world, and public history. He received his PhD from Georgetown University in 2018.
Friendship Circle Senior Center Book Club
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Book Club
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
11:30 a.m.
1515 Lansdowne Avenue, Darby, PA 19023
All residents welcome! No registration required!
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Revolutionary Reads will culminate with a visit from the author. Dr. Serena Zabin, on Sunday, November 6, at 1 p.m. Dr. Zabin will discuss her 2020 book which invites a reconsideration of one of the iconic events leading to the revolution.
The event, hosted by Widener University, is free and open to the public.
Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a signed copy of the book and other fun swag!
Revolutionary Reads Author Visit from Dr. Serena Zabin
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Author Visit
Sunday, November 6, 2022
1:00 p.m.
Widener University
Address & parking info provided by email after RSVP. Click here to RSVP
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“Widener is excited to provide a public forum for this event, and to encourage a connection between Serena Zabin and the Delaware County community,” said Widener President Stacey Robertson. “Serena’s stories, and their rich historical details, will make for engaging conversation. We look forward to welcoming the public to this event.”
Revolutionary Reads also includes "Book Club in a Bag" totes for check out at Delaware County Libraries locations, book clubs hosted at libraries and organizations across Delaware County, topical lectures, and more.
"Delaware County Libraries is pleased to be a partnering organization for this program," said Catherine Bittle, Director of Delaware County Libraries. "We are excited to offer book clubs in libraries and 'Book Club in a Bag' totes for checkout to provide opportunities to explore this discussion-worthy book."
The Revolutionary Reads Community Read from America250PADelco is presented in partnership with Widener University and Delaware County Libraries. For more information about America250PADelco, how you can volunteer, and details about the author event, visit the America250PADelco website, linked below.
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A little more about America250PADelco
America250PADelco is a group of community members from throughout Delaware County who are interested in organizing events, projects, and partnerships to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Their mission is to engage all Delaware County residents in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by providing and supporting experiences, now through 2026, that ignite imaginations, elevate diverse stories, inspire service, and highlight the American founding and 250 years of American history through Delco’s unique lens.
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Small Business Credit Survey: Great Opportunity for Delaware County Small Business Leaders and Owners | |
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Small business leaders and owners in Delaware County, this is an opportunity for you!
The Federal Reserve has begun collecting confidential responses to this year’s Small Business Credit Survey.
This 10-minute survey is for for-profit businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. The Federal Reserve only provides responses to this survey collectively, no individual information is shared!
By taking the survey, business owners and business leaders contribute to data that directly informs the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—ultimately benefitting their business and other businesses like theirs.
We’re proud to help amplify the voices of US small businesses. Help us by taking this opportunity (or sharing it with others) today!
The survey closes November 4, 2022.
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Children First and Delaware County Health Department to Host Lead Prevention Panel Discussion on October 25 | |
Children First, in partnership with the Delaware County Health Department, is hosting a panel discussion focused on lead poisoning on October 25 at 9:30 a.m. at Lathem Hall at Widener University, located at 1300 E. Potter Street in Chester.
Delaware County ranks fifth in the state for the highest number of children who are poisoned by lead. Lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage to children and can cause learning, behavior, hearing and speech problems, sometimes requiring special education services, and is a risk factor for criminal behavior.
There is no cure for lead poisoning and the only way to protect children is by removing lead from homes.
An estimated 81% of homes in Delaware County have lead paint hazards so getting the lead out requires a collaborative strategy. Leading health experts, including Dr. Denise Johnson, Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, and Melissa Lyons, Director of the Delaware County Health Department, are joining Children First to release a five-year plan of action that will help protect children in Delaware County from lead poisoning.
Residents are invited to join the discussion and learn more about lead poisoning prevention and ways to keep their families safe. Register for the free seminar here below.
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More information about lead poisoning and prevention can be found on the CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention web page. | |
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Now Hiring | |
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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is now hiring Deputy Sheriffs.
The Sheriff’s Office provides a wide range of services to the county and its residents. Deputy Sheriffs are responsible for the security and protection of citizens as follows:
Sheriff’s Deputies are assigned to each criminal courtroom and are responsible for maintaining the custody of incarcerated defendants who are required to appear before the court. This includes the transport of prisoners to and from county, state and federal institutions for court appearances. The Sheriff’s Office has an Extradition Unit for the retrieval of fugitives who are captured out of state to return them to Delaware County for adjudication.
Deputies are also responsible for the safety of the Judge and all persons in the courtroom during court proceedings.
In addition, Deputy Sheriffs are likewise responsible for the custody of juvenile defendants (those under the age of 18) and their transportation to and from detention centers for court appearances, plus the security of the Judge and all persons in the courtroom during juvenile proceedings.
To qualify, individuals must be a minimum of 18 years of age (21 years of age preferred), a resident of Delaware County for at least 3 months, a High School graduate (or equivalent), possess a valid PA Driver’s License, and be able to pass a background check, physical test, and psychological and medical exams.
If interested, visit the Deputy Sheriff Job Listing on the County website for more details and to submit an application. Individuals can also contact the Office's Administrative Aide with questions by phone at (610) 891-4296, or by email at gallagherK@co.delaware.pa.us.
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Delaware County Celebrates Graduation of Six New Members of the PEER Program at Broomall Manor | |
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Broomall Manor was the site for a graduation party held for residents Vincent Coates, Nannette Olszewski, Peggy Zealor, Bill Haebel, Rachel Yarnell, and Charles Hobson — the most recent graduates of the Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) Program.
Congratulations!
What is the Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents program?
The Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents program, referred to as “PEER,” is a program that encourages a partnership between residents and facility staff to work together to solve concerns before they become larger problems.
PEER is a relatively new program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which is charged with resolving individual complaints involving long-term care service while working to improve and enhance the long-term living system for the residents and their families.
The PEER program was created to enlist residents directly to ensure that they have a direct voice in their matters. The program trains resident advocates to work with facilities, staff and other residents to enhance the quality of care and the quality of life for their fellow “peers,” and assists long-term care residents in volunteering their time and expertise to self-advocate issues for themselves and their peers.
The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) works directly with the Pennsylvania Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and has two full-time ombudsmen on staff that are responsible for the program and training of residents who wish to participate in the PEER program. These Ombudsmen are united through an impassioned commitment to listen, educate, investigate, mediate and empower through a visible presence and champion the right of Delaware County residents to achieve the highest quality of life and care wherever they reside.
Interested Delaware County residents, both LTC residents and their families, can contact call COSA at (610) 490-1300 for more information about the PEER program.
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Pictured: Vincent Coates, Nannette Olszewski, Margarette (Peggy) Zealor, William (Bill) Haebel, Rachel Yarnell, and Charles Hobson, the most recent graduates of the Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents Program. The program was held at Broomall Manor. | |
Attention Delaware County Businesses! Delaware County Relaunching an Enhanced Veterans’ Discount Program | |
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Delaware County is relaunching an enhanced Veterans’ Discount Program. The County will be providing Veterans with Photo ID cards that can be presented to participating businesses throughout the county to receive a discount in appreciation for the Veterans’ service to our country. Discounts may be a percentage of the sale, a specific dollar amount, or both.
If your business is interested in participating, please take the Delaware County Veterans Discount Program Survey, linked via the button below, and submit your business's information.
More information for Veterans will be released later this fall.
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