Delaware County Holds Annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Delaware County Council and District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer were honored to join Delaware County Executive Director Howard Lazarus, Delaware County’s Director of Emergency Services Tim Boyce, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, various local elected leaders, and first responders from across the county during the County’s annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony held at Rose Tree Park on Sept. 9.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the attacks. We will never forget that tragic day, when almost 3,000 people were taken from us in a cruel, violent terrorist attack on our land. Some in our community lost a loved one on that horrific day. Our nation was forever redefined by the events on September 11th, 2001. The attacks changed the way that our government functions and how it protects our great country and it forever changed how we live and view the world.  

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. 

“While it’s painful to remember, we must keep the memory of these victims alive for generations to come,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “It’s important to share the stories with our children and grandchildren who may not remember or may not have been born yet when the attacks occurred, so we can keep the legacy of these heroes alive. And we must keep returning for this solemn ceremony.” 

The ceremony included the laying of memorial wreaths in honor of law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and the victims of September 11th. 

“The anniversary of the 9-11 attacks reminds us that evil exists in this world and we need heroes, like the men and women of our Delaware County law enforcement and first responder communities, to protect us and our way of life,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. 

This week, Aqua Pennsylvania sent a misleading political mailer to every household in Delaware County regarding County Council's opposition to the last-minute, no-bid sale of DELCORA, the County's wastewater treatment facility. Aqua Pennsylvania also posted a factually incorrect statement on a campaign-style website, as part of its effort to force the County to accept a purchase price well below what it offered to purchase Bucks County's sewer system — a bid that was unanimously voted down by the Bucks County Commissioners.

Here are the facts:

• The sale of DELCORA was never approved by the County and Aqua Pennsylvania wants to prohibit the County from having a say in the sale. The approval of the DELCORA sale was made possible by a last-minute change enacted by three departing members of Delaware County Council to DELCORA’s charter in 2019. There was no public bidding process and only minimal public discussion. The proposed sale was never brought to Council or approved by Council. The new Council majority, elected in 2019, quickly took action to reverse the sale and the Administrative Law Judge of the Public Utilities Commission found that the DELCORA deal would provide no benefit to ratepayers. Aqua Pennsylvania has argued in its court filings that County Council should have no voice in the sale of the public asset.

• Delco and DELCORA’s ratepayers are being shortchanged. Aqua Pennsylvania offered roughly 25% of what it offered to purchase Bucks County's system. Although DELCORA serves more customers than the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA), Aqua Pennsylvania offered $1.1 billion to purchase BCWSA, but only $276 million for DELOCRA in its no-bid deal. Bucks County taxpayers were going to get a $700 million windfall under the proposed deal while putting only a small part of the proceeds towards rate stabilization. Aqua’s deal for DELCORA requires all of the sale proceeds to be used to offset its rate increases. BCWSA services 75,000 customers while DELCORA provides service to approximately 165,000. The sale of DELCORA would be Pennsylvania’s largest privatization ever of a public water or wastewater system.

• Administrative law judges at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recommended rejecting the DELCORA sale. Last year, a panel of administrative law judges at PUC recommended the sale of DELCORA to Aqua be rejected, stating that it found no evidence that the sale would be in the public’s interest.

• Aqua Pennsylvania intends to use sale proceeds due to taxpayers to offset its higher fees. In its misleading campaign-style website and mailer, Aqua wrote that it “is committed to using $200 million from the sale to keep customer bill increases at no more than 3% annually for 10 years.” In other words, the money that Aqua is paying for DELCORA’s assets is the money Aqua expects to be used to offset its rate increases that occur from purchasing assets, whether from DELCORA or another municipality. However, the $200 million in sale proceeds are funds that legally should go to the County and taxpayers. If Aqua gets its way, taxpayers will give up control over a public asset and subsidize a private company’s rates at the same time.

• Aqua’s cost of capital is higher than a municipal entity’s. As a municipal government, the County’s borrowing costs are lower than Aqua’s, so the required investment in upgrades and expansion at DELCORA would cost less if the County oversees these.

• The costs to separate from Philadelphia are the same for the County or Aqua. In its mailing, Aqua laments that some portions of Delaware County’s wastewater are treated in Philadelphia and DELCORA is required to end that process by 2028, incurring costs. However, the costs to separate from Philadelphia’s Water treatment are the same whether DELCORA remains a municipal asset or is purchased by Aqua.

• No publicly traded company simply covers costs — they pass them onto ratepayers. As part of its public relations campaign, Aqua has stated that “Aqua – not taxpayers – will invest nearly $1 billion on DELCORA’s sewer system in purchase price and capital through 2028.” But as the company itself makes clear with its statement that it will use taxpayer funds to hold down ratepayer costs, any investment Aqua makes in DELCORA will be passed along to ratepayers and taxpayers.

Aqua's tactics are unethical and misleading to Delaware County residents. As a public company that has recently endured several legal defeats and public condemnation, Aqua is undoubtedly feeling the pressure to meet its commitments. But the pressure the company feels doesn't change the fact that the DELCOA deal is a bad one for Delco ratepayers and taxpayers. 

The County is considering its next steps.

Delaware County Elections continues preparations for the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election. Final polling site assignments, ballot preparations, ballot mailings, and equipment testing are proceeding, and staff and volunteer training activities are well under way in anticipation of increased voter requests for services and information during the final weeks before Election Day.

Offices on the ballot will include U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor & Lieutenant Governor, State Senator (in even-numbered districts), and State Representative (in all districts). A special election also will be conducted to fill the vacancy for 1st Ward Commissioner in Haverford Township.

Mon., Oct. 24 is the deadline for new voters to register – and for existing voters to file name or address updates. The deadline for voters to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot (either a no-excuse mail-in ballot or a traditional absentee ballot) is Tues., Nov. 1. Election Day itself is Tues., Nov. 8, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (which is also the cut-off for the County to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots). The last day for the County to receive Military and Overseas Absentee Ballots is Tues., Nov. 15.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment, including masks, by poll workers and voters will be optional.

Voter Registration

To register to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age by Election Day, and have been a resident in your precinct at least 30 days before Election Day. You may register:

• online at delcopa.gov/register2vote, or
• by submitting the mail-in form at delcopa.gov/registerbymail
• or in-person at the Voter Service Center on the first floor of the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front Street in Media.

In-person registrations are due by 4:30 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 24, and on-line registrations are due 11:59 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 24. If you are not sure of your status, check your registration at delcopa.gov/regstatus.

Vote-by-Mail Ballots & Drop Boxes

Delaware County vote-by-mail ballots requested by Sat., Oct. 1 will be mailed by Sun., Oct. 9. Vote-by-Mail ballots are sent only to those voters who have submitted signed applications in 2022, complete with valid ID. Voters who have not yet applied for a vote-by-mail ballot must complete the application process by Tues., Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. Vote-by-Mail applications also may be submitted on the Votes PA website at delcopa.gov/vbm-app.

Delaware County Elections will open more than three dozen ballot drop boxes across the county by Mon., Oct. 24. The drop boxes are operated under video surveillance, and all but two are open 24/7. A list of sites and hours will be provided with the mail-in ballot. Before Oct. 24, voters may use the drop box in the Government Center in Media, located inside the Orange Street entrance. Learn more about drop boxes at delcopa.gov/dropbox.

Additional Resources: The Election Hotline, Voter Service Center and the Delco Votes! website

Delaware County voters have several resources available to help simplify the voting process. The Delaware County Election Hotline (610-891-VOTE) is available Mon. through Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Delaware County Voter Service Center provides a variety of in-person voter services and is available Mon. through Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., (with expanded Wednesday evening and Saturday morning hours in the weeks before each election), and on Election Day only, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Delaware County’s election website — Delco Votes! — provides news, information, sample ballots, ballot drop box locations, polling location information, access to downloadable and online forms, livestreams and recordings of Board of Elections meeting at delcopa.gov/vote.

Active members of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Veterans are invited to join County officials in the raising of the U.S. Air Force flag on Friday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Courthouse located at 201 W. Front Street in Media. 

The flag will be raised to commemorate the anniversary of the U.S. Air Force which was established on September 18, 1947. It will fly from the flagpole in the courtyard of the Government Center and Courthouse complex throughout the week.

Throughout the year, the County raises flags in honor of all branches of the military and invites active military and Veterans to join in the flag raisings. 

Military flags will be raised at appropriate times later this year in observance of the Navy, on Oct. 13, 1775; and the Marine Corps, on Nov. 10, 1775. The Army flag was raised in June and the Coast Guard flag was raised in August to commemorate the anniversaries.  

Council expresses a deep gratitude to those who have served or are serving in the military protecting and defending our country.

The Delaware County Women’s Commission was founded in 1985 by Delaware County Council to serve in an advisory role to County Council on issues impacting women and girls within the county. The DCWC has a 15-member board appointed by County Council. The Commission explores current issues affecting women and girls through networking events and guest speakers at monthly meetings. Each March, the Commission honors select Delaware County women in honor of National Women’s History Month at a breakfast. The Commission also arranges networking events in the fall and spring of each year. The Commission operates on a September through August year and meets on the first Thursday of each month from September to June and holds an annual retreat in August.  

In addition, the Commission connects with key stakeholders to learn about current issues affecting women and girls. These stakeholders include local colleges and universities, social service organizations, the District Attorney’s office, community-based programs, and grassroots foundations. The Commission works closely with the non-profit Friends of Delaware County Women’s Commission to sponsor events such as WOMENOMICS and to publish the Women’s Resource Guide.  

Delaware County is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Delaware County Women’s Commission. The term is for three years. Board members must be residents of Delaware County.

Apply at https://delcopa.granicus.com/boards/forms/654/apply/

Newlin Grist Mill is partnering with the Delaware County Planning Department to host an Archaeology Festival on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., in Glen Mills.

The annual festival features a variety of exhibits of archaeological materials from local excavations that illuminate the County’s rich heritage. Professional archeologists and historical organizations from Delaware County and the surrounding region will be on-hand to bring the findings to life and share their knowledge of the region’s history with the public. 

A variety of family-friendly activities are planned. Attendees will be invited to assist archeologists on-site with actual excavations, including cleaning artifacts, and younger visitors will get to participate in a “Kids’ Dig” and pottery assembly activities. 

This year’s festival will also feature the unique opportunity for visitors to see the excavation of the original waterwheel pit in the floor of the 1704 section of the Grist Mill.

Admission and parking are free, and food vendors will be onsite throughout the day. 

For more information, visit the Newlin Grist Mill website at www.newlingristmill.org or call at (610) 459-2359.

About Newlin Grist Mill

The Newlin Grist Mill offers visitors insights into the vanished life of the rural eighteenth century. The site and the surrounding 160-acre park is a place for exploration of both history and the environment, featuring a working grist mill and twelve historical structures, a variety of public programs, and over 8 miles of nature trails that serve as a refuge for plants, animals, birds, and the people of Delaware County. 

Newlin Grist Mill’s ongoing archaeology program seeks to evaluate archaeological resources and explore research questions concerning the development of the Newlin Grist Mill historic complex while enhancing public knowledge and providing opportunities for the public to participate in the archaeological process.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention findings indicate that every 20 minutes an older adult in the U.S. dies from a fall and that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury.

The National Council on Aging notes that falling is not a part of normal aging. Seniors, and others with balance issues, can significantly reduce falls by doing the right exercises, making safety adjustments to the home, getting regular health checkups, and more.

To help raise awareness of the dangers of falls and the impact on a person’s health and vitality, the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) is providing free access to a variety of in-person and Zoom-based fall prevention programs—with an emphasis on injury prevention and strength building—in conjunction with National Fall Prevention Week, recognized this year September 18-24.

Residents age 60 and over are urged to sign-up for one of COSA’s evidence-based fall prevention programs that use proven approaches to help prevent falls. Programs are offered in collaboration with Crozer Health and the PA Department of Aging.

Registration is required for all programs. Registration details are listed below.

A Matter of Balance Program

Participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

Free 8-session in-person program

Wednesdays, Sep. 7 - Oct. 26 (Limited late registration availability may be possible)

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Delaware County Recreation Department’s Redwood Center 

280 6th Street, Brookhaven, PA 19015

Registration required

To register, contact Ellen Williams by email at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at  (610) 499-1937. Please provide your name, address, phone number and email address, and indicate which program your are registering for.

Healthy Steps Program

Participants will reduce their risk of falls and address fears of falling while educating and equipping them with the right tools to make a difference in their lives. Research has found that adults who completed the Healthy Steps workshop lower their risk of a fall significantly by 15%.

Free 2-session virtual program held via Zoom

Thursday, Sep. 15 and Friday, Sep. 16

1:00 p.m.

Registration required

To register, contact Ellen Williams by email at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at (610) 499-1937. Please provide your name, address, phone number and email address, and indicate which program your are registering for.

Arthritis Walk with Ease Program

COSA and the PA Department of Aging are sponsoring the nationally recognized Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program for those 60 and older who need relief from arthritis pain or just want to remain active. This evidence-based program is proven to reduce the pain of arthritis; increase balance, strength and walking pace; build confidence in one’s ability to be physically active; and improve overall health.

Participants will receive the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease Guidebook and will walk 3 times a week on their own using the program’s 5-Step Walking Plan in this self-directed version of the program. Each walker will begin walking at their own level and will set their own goals and rewards. Participants share and receive support, encouragement, information, and direction at weekly online group meetings and through weekly e-mails.   

Free 6-session virtual program

Mondays, Sep. 12 - Oct. 17

10:30 a.m. 

Registration required

To register, contact Ellen Williams by email at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at  (610) 499-1937. Please provide your name, address, phone number and email address, and indicate which program your are registering for

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website