The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— September 13, 2024 (138th edition) ——

Delaware County Council and District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer were honored to join Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders, County Controller Joanne Phillips, Register of Wills Vincent Rongione, Military and Veterans Affairs Director COL. Arthur Lee Jenkins Jr., Interim Director of Emergency Services Ed Beebe, various local elected leaders, and first responders from across the county during the County’s annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held at Rose Tree Park on September 11.

This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, a tragic day when nearly 3,000 people were lost in a cruel, violent terrorist attack on American soil. Some in the Delaware County community lost loved ones on that horrific day, and our nation was forever redefined by the events of September 11th, 2001. The attacks changed how the government operates, how the country is protected, and forever altered how life is lived and the world is viewed.

The ceremony, hosted by Delaware County Council and District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, honored those who lost their lives on September 11th and honored the County’s First Responders who selflessly and bravely serve our community. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Theresa Agostinelli, Delaware County's Law Enforcement Chaplain, along with law enforcement, EMS personnel, and County Council, placed memorial wreaths in honor of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, and the victims of September 11th.

“Each year, we return to this beautiful memorial to remember, reflect, and express our deepest gratitude to those who must never be forgotten,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “In the face of profound darkness, we also witnessed the best of humanity. In New York, Washington, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, countless police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and military members ran toward danger with courage and selflessness.”

“The incredible sense of unity that this country demonstrated in the days and weeks afterwards should continue to inspire us,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, noting the sense of unity that the Country felt after 9/11. “It was a time when we felt enormous pride in being an American, and in our shared values. We knew then – and should remember now – that there is so much more that unites us than divides us.” 

Highlights from the ceremony can be viewed on the County's YouTube channel, linked below.

Click to watch the Delaware County 911 Remembrance Ceremony at Rose Tree Park

Delaware County Election officials are aware of inaccurate reports that Pennsylvania counties must begin mailing ballots 50 days before Election Day (Sep. 16).

Sep. 16 is the deadline for counties to begin processing applications, not the deadline to mail them. The deadline for mailing the ballots is in mid-October.

Court cases over candidates are still pending before the PA Supreme Court. As a result, the Department of State cannot certified the ballot candidate list yet. Delaware County can begin printing and mailing only after the candidate list is certified and then only after tests of the database can be performed.

Delaware County anticipates mailing ballots by early October, hopefully sooner.

The drop box at the Government Center in Media will open when mailings begin. All other drop boxes will open Mon., Oct. 14.

For more election information, including details about the mail/absentee ballot application process, visit the Delco Votes! website at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote.

Delaware County Council is excited to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. Each year, Americans observe this month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

“National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for Delaware County to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community,” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The influence of this vibrant community continues to shape and enrich the fabric of our county.”

By promoting and participating in Hispanic Heritage Month activities, Delaware County foster inclusivity, deepen our understanding of one another, and strengthen the bonds of unity in our diverse society. This is an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate together.

The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting each year on September 15 and ending on October 15. 

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.

Delaware County Children and Youth Services (CYS) Social Worker David Dillard has been honored with the Permanency Professional Recognition Award at the 32nd Annual Pennsylvania Permanency Conference, hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). The award recognizes professionals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to finding permanent homes for children in the child welfare system, through adoption, formal kinship care, or permanent legal custodianship.

The Pennsylvania Permanency Conference, held earlier this summer, brings together child welfare professionals, foster and adoptive families, kinship care providers, and other stakeholders to collaborate and share strategies to support children and families through the adoption and permanency process. The event also highlights individuals across the state who have made significant contributions to helping children find safe and stable homes.

“David is the reason many children over the years have found their ‘forever home,’” said Angelique Hiers, Director of the Delaware County Department of Human Services. “David truly deserves this recognition, and he exemplifies our mission of ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of the children and youth of Delaware County.”

As a caseworker in the Adoption Unit of CYS's Placement Division, Dillard is one of three caseworkers responsible for guiding children, youth, and their foster parents through the adoption finalization process. This critical phase ensures that both legal and emotional permanency is established, and involves coordinating with courts, completing legal requirements, and offering support to families as they transition into adoptive roles.

Delaware County Children and Youth Services plays a vital role in protecting children from abuse and neglect, while working to ensure that every child in its care has a permanent, timely, and legally assured plan—whether through family reunification, adoption, or legal custodianship. CYS focuses on meeting the emotional, physical, educational, and mental health needs of children, whether at home or in foster care.

“David’s work is a shining example of the dedication and compassion found within Delaware County’s CYS,” said Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther. “His efforts, and those of his colleagues, help ensure that children in our community find the stability and love they deserve.”

Delaware County Children and Youth Services' David Dillard accepts the Permanency Professional Award from Laval Miller-Wilson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Human Services, at the 2024 Pennsylvania Permanency Conference Recognition Banquet

Since January 1, 2024, the Placement Division of CYS has facilitated 38 adoptions—a record high since the pandemic. This achievement reflects the County’s commitment to providing permanency for children in need. Statewide, the Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN), established in 1992, has facilitated over 58,000 adoptions, with Pennsylvania averaging more than 2,000 finalized adoptions from the child welfare system each year.

There are more than 13,600 children in Pennsylvania’s out-of-home care system every six months, with nearly 3,000 of them in need of permanent, loving homes.

“Every child deserves a childhood in a loving home with a supportive family, and each of us has a vested interest in ensuring that happens,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “Through the collaborative efforts of DHS, county-level partners, foster and adoptive parents, and child welfare professionals, more than 58,000 children in Pennsylvania have found their forever homes. If you have room in your heart and home, I urge you to consider adoption.”

For more information on foster care and adoption services in Delaware County, please visit the Delaware County Department of Human Services website, call (610) 713-2115 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., or send an email to humanservices@delcohsa.org.

Delaware County's Department of Emergency Services wants to ensure residents are prepared for emergencies and disasters

September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s theme is “Start a Conversation”. Families and businesses can be better prepared and bounce back quicker when they understand and plan for the potential hazards, disasters, and emergencies that are most likely to impact them.

Start by Asking Key Questions

• What types of disasters are most likely to occur where I live or work, floods, tornados, earthquakes, wildfires, etc.? 
• How do I safely turn off the gas and electricity in an emergency?
• If I need to evacuate immediately, do I have essential items packed and ready to go? 
• What important documents should I take with me, and how should they be safely stored? 
• Do I have enough supplies to shelter in place for an extended period?  
• Where are the nearest shelters located?
• Does my family have a designated meeting place in case we are separated?

These are just a few questions to help start those important conversations. Being prepared for the “what if’s” can reduce feelings of helplessness, fear, and anxiety. It helps build stronger, more resilient families, businesses, and communities, ultimately leading to quicker recovery. 

Delco Alert System

To stay informed and receive emergency alerts for your area of Delaware County, please sign-up online at DelcoPA.Gov/DelcoAlert.

To learn more about emergency preparedness and to plan for disasters, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready.Gov website.

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