The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— June 14, 2024 (125th edition) ——

Delaware County’s 2024 State of the County: Building a Stronger County

Delaware County Council was proud to present the annual State of the County on June 5 at the Llanerch Country Club in Havertown. Hosted by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the event provides Chamber members, business leaders, and members of the community the opportunity to learn about accomplishments, ongoing projects, and goals of County Council and County leadership.

This year’s theme, “Building a Stronger County,” focused on Council’s commitment to smartly investing in Delaware County and building a stronger county.

Where is Delco today?

Delaware County has more residents than it has ever had before—over 576,000. Our unemployment rate is lower than the state’s rate and our per capita income is higher that the state’s. We are healthier and safer than we were several years ago.

Highlights from the State of the County:

Implemented a broad array of health programs and services through the newly created Delaware County Health Department, vaccination programs for children and seniors, mammogram and flu shot clinics, lead poisoning prevention efforts, public health emergency preparedness initiatives, and much more.
Observed the fewest gun homicides in Delaware County in two decades and a 68% decrease in gun violence homicides since 2019, down from 32 to 10—the fewest in 20 years.
Secured a $2.5M grant to improving the safety and connectivity along 291 and improve the East Coast Greenways- a walking and biking trail that will span 3,000 miles when it is completed.
Implemented a Vision Zero Delco Plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries and ensure safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all residents.
Made significant investments towards long overdue repairs and replacements of major building systems and bridges, modernized the work environment to retain County employees and attract new talent, and invested in technology to make County operations expenditures more transparent and the delivery of services quicker and more efficient.
Opened a food bank to help those facing food insecurity, expanded treatment for people suffering from addiction, and increased resources and services for Veterans.
Formed a Housing Coalition to address the need for affordable and safe housing for all residents.
Reduced waste and increased recycling to better protect taxpayers and our environment. As part of their infrastructure improvement program, the Solid Waste Authority will discontinue the incineration of trash—a massive improvement for our environment and the health of everyone who lives nearby. Efforts are underway to update the transfer stations to include community recycling for all County residents.
Took tangible and measurable actions to reach robust goals identified in the Office of Sustainability’s first Sustainability Plan, including the reduction of electricity usage in the Government Center, an updated recycling program, composting at the Government Center, and much more.
Made unprecedented investments in expanding and improving our park system and open green space through the Greenways Grants program. Brought several major capital improvement projects to fruition in 2023, including the renovation of Upland Park, the opening of the incredible Destination Playground at Rose Tree Park, and Phase I improvements to the Little Flower property. The County continues to actively work on its plan to utilize the preserved space at Delco Woods.
Transformed its criminal justice system, addressing alleged abuse in the Juvenile Detention Center, and working to ensure incarceration is a time when people can reset their lives before returning to our community, which makes their lives better and our community safer.

The State of the County also included an update from the County’s Executive Director, Barbara O’Malley, who emphasized her responsibility on ensuring that the County has the resources necessary to carry out Council’s vision and provide Delaware County with the services and growth it needs to meet the future, while expressing pride in Council’s accomplishments and excitement for the future.

"Since joining the County in January, I have learned about the tremendous strides this Council has made in a short period of time,” said O’Malley. “They have taken on bold but necessary initiatives, ensuring the health of our residents by creating a health department in what was the largest county in the U.S. without one, deprivatizing a prison in a state with no other privately run facility, securing open space, improving recreation areas, and creating safer communities.”

A video presentation of Delaware County's 2024 State of the County presentation is available online at https://vimeo.com/954468067.

Delaware County Council and members of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce

Delaware County, like many counties across the United States, is experiencing a mental health crisis, and there is a desperate need to treat members of our community suffering from mental health disorders. Long-Term Structured Residences (LTSR’s) are licensed, highly structured, therapeutic residences to treat people with chronic mental health conditions who do not require in-patient hospitalization. This is an essential service that is in short supply in our county, particularly due to the closure of LTSR beds at Norristown State Hospital.

The County identified a provider for this service over 3 years ago but is still looking for a location. We have explored more than 25 possible locations over the past three years, most recently an existing building at the Delco Woods property. Earlier this year, as the County was still in the preliminary stages of assessing the viability of the location, Marple Township voted to re-zone the property as open space, which would prevent the County from utilizing the building located on the property.

During Marple Township’s April 15 Zoning Board Hearing, the County’s legal counsel submitted public comment and a five-page document detailing the County’s position to preserve its rights to use the space and buildings as it is currently zoned. The County was vocal and transparent in its position to potentially use three existing buildings – the space for the LTSR as well as two administrative buildings. Because our work was still in very preliminary stages when Marple Township announced a special zoning hearing, it was still undetermined if and how we would use the existing buildings on the property, so we included several buildings in our use permit. The potential use of multiple buildings was openly discussed at the April 15 meeting in front of over 100 attendees.

The County has always been committed to using the Delco Woods land to create a park and preserve open space, as indicated when the County committed $22M to prevent a private developer from buying the 213-acre property and clear-cutting much of the land for development. Using an existing building for an LTSR would not have affected the open space use or our plans to create an extraordinary County park with many amenities.

This week, having received more detailed reports on the building, the County has determined that the building located on the Delco Woods property is not a viable option for an LTSR due to its physical condition and the costs of renovation. The County continues to look at other locations in Delaware County to treat community members and address the mental health crisis in our community. Regardless of the feasibility of this particular site, the critical work of identifying an appropriate location to provide this essential service continues. We must also work to destigmatize mental health treatment.

The County intends to pursue the other challenges to the zoning ordinance to maintain its rights to the property as purchased. The County, however, is willing to work with Marple Township on amending their open space zoning to avoid further litigation and ensure zoning for the property meets the needs of the County in creating a park that serves all of Delaware County for generations to come.

Delaware County Recognizes the Anniversary of the United States Army

Delaware County’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, COL. Arthur Jenkins, Delaware County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, Council Member Christine Reuther, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Sheriff Jerry Sanders, County Controller Joanne Phillips, and many of the County Team were honored to pay tribute to the United States Army on June 14.

County leaders were joined by U.S. Army Veterans including Media Mayor Bob McMahon as well as Veterans from other Armed Service branches to raise the United States Army flag to commemorate the anniversary of the U.S. Army, which was established on June 14, 1775.

It will fly from the flagpole in front of the Courthouse and in the courtyard of the Delaware County Government Center and Courthouse complex for a week.

Military flags will be raised at appropriate times later this year in observance of the U.S. Coast Guard on August 4, 1790; the Air Force on September 18, 1947; the Navy on October 13, 1775; and the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775.

Council extends their gratitude to all of those who have served or are serving, protecting our country.

Pictured, left to right: Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Controller Joanne Phillips, County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Council Member Christine Reuther, Media Borough Mayor Bob McMahon, and Veterans.

DCHD and COSA Urge Heat Wave Readiness for Delaware County Residents

The National Weather Service Philadelphia / Mount Holly is forecasting hot temperatures for next week, with temperatures expected to soar into the 90s.

As a result, the Delaware County Office of Services and Aging (COSA) and the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) are urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay cool and safe during this period of extreme heat.

Here are some tips to help you beat the heat:

Stay Cool Indoors: Whenever possible, remain in air-conditioned locations. Whether at home, a local mall, or a public library, air conditioning is the most effective way to combat heat.
Hydrate Regularly: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or excessive sugar as they can dehydrate you further.
Check on Others: Be mindful of friends, neighbors, and especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to the heat. A quick check-in can make a significant difference.
Protect Children and Pets: Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car can escalate quickly, posing severe risks.

Support for Delaware County Seniors

COSA is stepping up again this year to support seniors, who are particularly at-risk during heat waves.

Seniors can contact Delaware County's 24/7 Informational Weather Line at (610) 872-1558 for support and information throughout the summer.

COSA is also making fans available to seniors at all COSA-funded senior centers and at COSA's Baldwin Tower office in Eddystone. To inquire about obtaining a free fan, call COSA at (610) 490-1300. Residents can also visit the COSA website at DelCOSA.Org.

Be Aware of the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses!

It is crucial to be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses and take action promptly

Heat Cramps. Symptoms include intense sweating, fatigue, and painful muscle cramps, especially in the legs, arms, and abdomen.
Heat Exhaustion. Symptoms include (in addition to the above) paleness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, weakness, dizziness, or fainting.
Heat Stroke. This is a medical emergency. Symptoms include a body temperature over 103°F, red, hot, dry skin, rapid pulse, and possible confusion, irritability, or loss of consciousness.

Delaware County residents can also reach the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100, and visit the DCHD website at DelcoPA.Gov/Health.

Hollywood Comes to Delaware County!

Lights, camera, DELCO!

HBO brought a slice of Hollywood to the Delaware County Government Center and Courthouse campus as they shot some of the series, Task, a follow up series to HBO's Mare of Easttown, which filmed numerous scenes in Delaware County and the surrounding region in 2019.

HBO crew members transformed Courtroom 15 in the Fronefield building into a Courtroom for pivotal scene featuring lead actor Mark Ruffalo.

During the film shoot, several County employees had a chance to meet Ruffalo who enjoyed lunch outside in the County Courtyard area in between movie shoots.

The crew from Task has been shooting various scenes across the county over the past few months and have been spotted in Ridley Township, Aston, Upper Chichester, Chadds Ford Township, and Marcus Hook.

Actor Mark Ruffalo on set at the Fronefield Building in Media

So, get ready Delco to see some local landmarks on the screen as our community transforms into a captivating backdrop for this thrilling production!

Crew and equipment in the Government Center Complex Courtyard

The Task camera crew at work in the Fronefield building.

A County staffer gets a selfie with Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo.

HBO's Task shoots a c0urt scene in Delaware County's Fronefield Building

Delaware County Council Recognizes June 2 as Italian American Day in Delaware County

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica was proud to recognize June 2 as Italian American Day in Delaware County at the 14th annual Italian American Heritage Festival in Rose Tree Park.

Delaware County is fortunate to have a diverse and vibrant community and Italian Americans have contributed to the rich heritage of the county.

The day was a celebration of Italian music, food, history, and heritage, filled with fun for all ages including an Italian car exhibit, a bocce tournament and Italian inspired food, desserts, and drinks.

Dr. Taylor presented a resolution to the Coalition of Italian American Organizations of Delaware County in recognition of their passion and dedication towards promoting Italian American heritage and culture throughout the region, including supporting a variety of scholarships and memorial programs.

Thank you to the CIAO Delco (the Coalition of Italian American Organizations of Delaware County) and the many local businesses and performers who participated in this year’s festival!

Ciao from the 2024 Italian American Heritage Festival—see you next year!

Reminder! Delaware County’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held June 19

Delaware County’s 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Wednesday, June 19 at Rose Tree Park, located at 1671 N. Providence Rd, Media, PA. The free, family-friendly event will feature live music, activities for kids and families, food, resources for the community, talented local vendors, and much more!

Delaware County’s Juneteenth Celebration will feature a headline performance by Philly Gumbo as well as artistic performances from local residents and groups. The celebration will also showcase some of Delaware County’s local business owners selling artwork, jewelry, and crafts along with, food trucks, and resources from local organizations across the county. The event is free for residents of all ages and will be held rain or shine.

The lineup for Delaware County’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration:

Vendors and food truck. Beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Ceremony on the mall area. 5:30 p.m.
Headliner, Philly Gumbo performing on the main stage: 7:30 p.m.

More information about Delaware County’s Juneteenth Celebration can be found online at JuneteenthDelco.com.

Moments from the 2023 Juneteenth Celebration

Delaware County’s Summer Concert Series Opens June 12!

Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer was thrilled to join hundreds of residents, Mar Manfre and the County’s Parks and Recreation team, and the Delaware County Symphony for the June 12th kick-off of the much-anticipated Rose Tree Summer Festival.

The 2024 concert series runs from June 12 through August 11 on Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Each evening will feature different entertainment with concert goers finding a wide variety of musical genres throughout the summer, including Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Reggae, Big Band, Brazilian Bossa Nova, and more.

Show times are typically 7:30 p.m. In addition, three special morning concert sing-alongs for children will be held at 10:00 a.m. on June 16, 14, 27, and July 3.

Printed schedules are available in Rose Tree Park, the Government Center in Media, and at Delaware County Libraries. The schedule is also available on the Summer Festival website at www.delcopa.gov/departments/parks/summerfestival.html.

The Rose Tree Summer Festival concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available.

Upcoming Performances: June 15 - June 21

Rose Tree Pops

Saturday, June 15

7:30 p.m.

Under the direction of Roberta Winemiller, this amazing 60-member orchestra performs memorable light classics and music from Big Band, hit movies, and Broadway.

Los Bomberos de la Calle

Sunday, June 16.

7:30 p.m.

Experience a performance of traditional Bomba y Plena music from Puerto Rico! It's a cultural celebration of vibrant, energetic, and soulful music and dance.

Philly Gumbo

Wednesday, June 19

7:30 p.m.

Our Juneteenth headliner! Featuring the powerhouse vocals of India Rex, the six-piece band plays a groovalicious jambalaya of R&B, Blues, Reggae, Funk and Soul that appeals to all ages.

Four Lean Hounds

Thursday, June 20

7:30 p.m.

Acoustic Grateful Dead Faves Philly-based, 8-piece tribute band features 2 guitars, mandolin, keys, bass, 2 drummers, percussion, and six vocals with strong harmonies.

James Day & the Fish Fry

Friday, June 21

7:30 p.m.

All Louisiana all the time! Enjoy the greasy gumbo grooves of authentic New Orleans music: Zydeco, R&B, Cajun, Mardi Gras, sizzlin Swamp Pop and featured harmonica..

Librarians Learn Life-Saving Skills Through Delco Revive

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) conducted a comprehensive life-saving training session for librarians at the Middletown Free Library this week as part of the Delco Revive Program. Delco Revive is the County’s new initiative that provides vital life-saving skills in administering NARCAN® Nasal Spray and conducting “Stop the Bleed” training, equipping librarians with the tools necessary to act during critical emergencies.

Librarians from across the county participated in the two-hour training session, with DCHD personnel demonstrating the application of NARCAN® nasal spray, a crucial intervention for opioid overdoses, and leading hands-on exercises for “Stop the Bleed,” a program designed to teach individuals to control severe bleeding and potentially save lives before emergency responders arrive.

This training is part of a broader effort to ensure greater community safety, providing more of Delaware County’s public service workers with the tools to save a life in the event of an emergency. Delaware County’s librarians interact with residents every day and are now better prepared to respond effectively to life-threatening situations.

The Delco Revive program is supported by Delaware County’s Opioid Settlement Fund and the Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), also known as the “Blue Army”—a collaboration that ensures that critical resources and training are widely accessible, enhancing the community's capacity to handle emergencies.

In addition to training, Delco Revive also provides free resources such as NARCAN® nasal spray, Xylazine and Fentanyl test strips, and wound care kits to residents, organizations, schools, and businesses.

For more information about the Delco Revive program’s free resources or to register for upcoming training sessions, visit DelcoRevive.com or contact the Delaware County Wellness Line by phone at (484) 276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

Delaware County Libraries are Going for Gold This Summer with their Journey Across Delco Summer Program!

As the Olympic games light up Paris this summer, the Delaware County libraries are bringing the excitement to Delco! Get ready to learn about the sports featured in Olympics through our special library spotlight series. Each of our libraries will highlight a different sport, so make visiting them all a fun summer challenge!

How to Join the Fun:

Grab Your Game Sheet: Pick up your game sheet at any of our 28 Delco libraries starting June 19.
Visit us! Visit our Libraries from June 19 to August 7, and journey through our spectacular libraries. Each one will display a different Olympic sports pictogram.
Fill in Your Game Sheet: Write down the library name next to the corresponding numbered pictogram on your sheet.
Earn Brag Tags: Collect a brag tag and complete the library scavenger hunt for added fun!

Come journey with us! Grab your game sheet and visit as many of our 28 spectacular Delco libraries as you can from June 19th - August 7th. Have fun learning about each sport. Choose a brag tag and complete the library scavenger hunt for more fun! At the end of the summer, turn in your game sheet to earn a special brag tag for visiting libraries:

Achieve Olympic Glory!

At the end of the summer, turn in your game sheet to earn a special brag tag based on the number of libraries you visited:

Bronze: Visit 5-10 Libraries
Silver: Visit 11-16 Libraries
Gold: Visit 17+ Libraries

Embark on this exciting Olympic journey at Delco Libraries and discover the wonders of sports while exploring our amazing libraries.

For more information, visit the Journey Across Delco web page or check out the Delaware County Libraries website.

See you at the finish line!

Delaware County is Hiring!

Delaware County to Host Two Career Fairs in June focused on Law Enforcement and Human Services

Delaware County will host two Career Fairs on Tuesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 27, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services, located at 360 N. Middletown Rd., in Media, PA.

These Career Fair are more than just hiring events; they are an opportunity for Delaware County residents to explore potential careers that offer fulfillment and the chance to contribute meaningfully to our community. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the County Recruitment Team to discuss open positions and gain a better understanding of the job duties and the benefits offered, and have the team review their resumes and skills to help determine the best fit for available positions.

A wide range of Delaware County departments will be participating, actively seeking dedicated individuals for various full-time positions. These Career Fairs will highlight roles in Law Enforcement and Human Services, Administration, and Health as these areas are essential to our community's well-being. Tuesday's fair will focus on Human Services, while Thursday's theme is Law Enforcement, though all departments will be in attendance both days, and job seekers can discuss and apply for all open positions on both days.

Departments include the Delaware County Bureau of Elections, the Delaware County Controller’s Office, the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), the Department of Emergency Services, Facilities Management, Fair Acres, the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, the Delaware County Health Department, Human Resources, Human Services, Information Technology (IT), Park Police, and the Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans' Court Division.

We encourage attendees to bring their resumes and be prepared for the possibility of on-the-spot interviews. This is a unique chance to make a personal connection with our Recruitment Team, learn about the roles that may intrigue you, and even receive immediate feedback on how your skills and experiences align with the County’s needs.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or entering the workforce, the County has opportunities that cater to a broad spectrum of skills and interests, with full-time positions including: Board Secretary, Cashier, CNA’s (FT), Correctional Officer, County Engineer, County Nurse, Custodian, Deputy Sheriff , Groundskeeper, Marriage License Clerk, Network Specialist, Office Manager, Plumber, Probate Clerk, Receptionist, RNs & LPNs, Telecomm Technician, Trial Team Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator, and more.

Positions offer competitive employee benefits as well as opportunities for advancement. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

For more details about the career fair, a full listing of available positions, and to apply online, please visit our website at DelcoPA.Gov/Jobs. Even if you cannot attend the fair, we still encourage you to explore and apply for open positions online.

Our door is always open to talent eager to make a difference. Don't miss this chance to embark on a rewarding career path with Delaware County. Your future awaits!

County Council Shifts Meeting Dates in Recognition of Juneteenth: New Dates Set for June 17 and 18

Reminder! Delaware County Council moved its next Regular Public Meeting from Wednesday, June 19, to Tuesday, June 18, at 6:00 p.m. in recognition of the Juneteenth federal holiday. The meeting will be held in the County Council Public Meeting Room, located on the 1st floor of the Government Center at 201 W. Front Street in Media.

Delaware County Council typically holds its bi-weekly Regular Public Meetings at 6:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month to discuss topics of interest to the County. During these meetings, County Council members and other attendees may make announcements, issue reports, discuss important developments, and review administrative matters such as County contracts, purchases, agreements, and amendments.

Each Regular Public Meeting is preceded by a related Preliminary Agenda Meeting, scheduled one day prior, to ensure that all preparatory considerations for ordinances, contracts, resolutions, and other items are thoroughly publicized and discussed beforehand.

Preliminary Agenda Meeting Also Moved Up One Day

To accommodate the Juneteenth holiday, the schedule for the Preliminary Agenda Meeting has also been adjusted. Instead of the usual Tuesday/Wednesday sequence, the meetings will be held on Monday/Tuesday, with the Preliminary Agenda Meeting on Monday, June 17, at 1:00 p.m.

In addition to County Council, participants at both meetings include the County Executive Director, County Controller, County Solicitor, and County Clerk. Both meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend and provide in-person comments on any topic related to the County.

Meetings are also live-streamed and made available for later viewing on the County’s website at DelcoPA.Gov/Meetings. Meeting agendas can be accessed online, and meeting minutes are posted shortly after the conclusion of each meeting.

Encouraging Civic Participation

Your voice matters! Attending these meetings is a valuable opportunity to stay informed about County affairs, participate in local government, and contribute to the decision-making process. Whether you attend in person or follow along online, your engagement helps shape the future of our community. Join us and make a difference!

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