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The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!


—— December 9, 2022 (46th edition) ——

Delaware County’s Festival of Lights and the Delco Holiday Village at Rose Tree Park are Open for the Holiday Season!

Delaware County’s cherished annual Festival of Lights and the 2nd annual Delco Holiday Village at Rose Tree Park are now open!


Delaware County Council and the County’s Parks and Recreation team, led by Director Marc Manfre, were thrilled to join Santa Claus, the Springton Lake Select Choir, State local elected officials, and hundreds of residents to celebrate the opening of the 2022 Festival of Lights and the 2nd annual Delco Holiday Village at Rose Tree Park in Media on December 2. 


The 2022 Festival of Lights in Rose Tree Park runs 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly through Sun., Jan. 1 at Rose Tree and the Delco Holiday Village, with a changing line-up of local vendors and food trucks, will be open on the following evenings:


  • Fri., Dec. 9 & Sat., Dec. 10
  • Fri., Dec. 16 & Sat., Dec. 17


Each night will feature different vendors and food—Residents are encouraged to visit the Holiday Village multiple times this season!


Thank you to District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Register of Wills Rachel Ezzell Berry, Senator Amanda Cappelletti, and State Representative Mike Zabel for helping to kick off the festivities, and a big thank you to Delaware County Commerce Center Director Laura Goodrich Cairns and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Trish McFarland and their hard-working teams for spearheading the Delco Holiday Village. And of course, thanks to the entire staff of the Parks and Recreation Department for once again out-doing themselves in creating a winter wonderland and bringing this year’s festival to life! 


“The Festival of Lights has been a treasured Delco tradition for more than four decades for residents across the County and we are thrilled to be holding the second annual Holiday Village this year as well,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Rose Tree Park is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the beautiful displays, shop local, and enjoy some local cuisine.”


Rose Tree Park is located at 1671 N. Providence Road in Media. Parking and admission are free!


For more information, including weather-related updates, please check out the Delco Holiday Village website at www.holidayvillagedelco.com.


We are so excited to once again have this amazing event in Delco!

Visit the Delco Holiday Village Website

First Annual Update from Delaware County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

During County Council’s December 7 public meeting, the County's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Lauren Footman presented the 2022 Impact Report, detailing the significant progress being made toward the county's DEI goals in 2022. 


The creation of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer was a priority of Council and Lauren Footman was brought into the county in the spring. The office has a broad mandate to review current government operations, including, but not limited to operations of the County’s new health department, guidance to the County’s Human Resources Department and the Purchasing Office, support for Parks and Recreation, and support to criminal justice. 


"In the last nine months, Delaware County has begun the long-overdue process of ensuring that every community has equal access to opportunity and that county services are being delivered in an equitable and accountable way," said Lauren Footman. "I am excited about the progress that has already been made and our County's collective commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are on our way to making Delaware County a place where everyone can succeed." 


The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office is dedicated to: 


  • Supporting the development of a workforce that encompasses the diversity of the communities we serve while cultivating a culture that is rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
  • Facilitating the creation of shared frameworks to ensure equity is considered in all aspects of our operations, including but not limited to program development and implementation, budgeting, procurement, and community engagement
  • Providing insight on training, coaching, and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to supporting working groups
  • Strengthening relationships with our community partners, to ensure they are reflected and respected within our operations and have equitable access to services and resources.


In its first year, the office's work has been focused around improving the diversity of the County’s workforce through greater outreach and recruitment efforts, expanding opportunities for purchasing and vending by collaborating with Central Purchasing and Public Works to establish a supplier diversity program and expanding awareness of the County’s goals across every agency of government.  


Next year, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will continue to build on this year's progress to develop a 3-year DEI Roadmap, partner with the County's Personnel Department to expand training and professional development, collaborate with Procurement and Public Works to implement a supplier diversity strategy and continue to deepen and develop partnerships with other community stakeholders.


“Creating a more inclusive and equitable county is a priority of Council and we are pleased with the progress that the newly created Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office has accomplished in less than a year,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We have much more to do, of course, but this new Impact Report shows what can be done in a short amount of time and lays out an ambitious roadmap for moving forward.” 


For more information about the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office and its work to dismantle the historic and contemporary barriers that prevent all members of our community from accessing opportunities and experiencing safe and healthy communities, please visit the DEI website, linked below.

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Website

Delaware County's Chief Sustainability Officer Reports on 2022 Achievements

During County Council's regularly scheduled meeting on December 7, the County’s Chief Sustainability Officer Francine Locke presented the 2022 Annual Sustainability Report, highlighting the new office's accomplishments this year.


The Office of Sustainability, created in 2021, is responsible for operationalizing sustainability in an effort to reduce emissions that are causing the climate to change at an unprecedented rate. The office's work is done with the support of County Council, the Sustainability Commission, and community stakeholders.


"In only its second year, the Office of Sustainability quickly moved to translate plans to action to help create a stronger, cleaner, and safer environment for Delaware county residents, workers, and visitors," said Francine Locke, the County's Chief Sustainability Officer. "In 2023, we are going to build on this year's significant achievements to move toward truly sustainable, low-impact government operations."


With the guidance of the Office of Sustainability, Delaware County is incorporating sustainability into the County’s operations to reduce emissions from buildings, waste, and vehicle sources, and increase the amount of green space to absorb or offset carbon. 


Among the many sustainability-related successes of the County this year are:


  • Hosting the inaugural Delaware County Sustainability Conference
  • Being awarded the 2022 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
  • Receiving the Alternative Fuel Leadership Award
  • Awarding of Green Ways Grant Round III, providing almost $5 million to local projects
  • Continued Master Plan Development for the former Don Guanella Site


In 2023, the County will complete the County's first Sustainability Plan, hold the 2nd Annual Delaware County Sustainability Conference, publish a County-wide Zero Waste Plan and implement a pilot program to implement it.


"Delaware County is dedicated to making its operations more sustainable and resilient to the effects of climate change and building amenities that make Delco a more attractive place to live and work," said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. "With the ongoing commitment of County Council and the leadership of the Office of Sustainability and the Sustainability Commission, Delaware County will become a leader in the fight to reduce our impact on our environment and preserve it for future generations."

2022 Annual Sustainability Report

Delaware County Awarded 2022 Alternative Fuel Leadership Award

County Investing in Electric Vehicles as part of Overall Sustainability Plan

Delaware County has been awarded a 2022 Alternative Fuel Leadership Award from the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation (EP-ACT) for its commitment to deploying alternative fuel technologies. EP-ACT is one of nearly 90 coalitions in the United States sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Program that is tasked with reducing petroleum consumption within the transportation sector through partnerships with public, private, and municipal stakeholders.


The Alternative Fuel Leadership Award comes just months after Delaware County received a $600,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to expedite the replacement of its aging fleet of gas-based vehicles. The grant is being used to purchase 69 new electric vehicles and 22 new charging stations—29 of which will be dedicated to the County's Health Department. 


In 2021, the County received an Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) award from the DEP which was used to fund the purchase of 15 electric vehicles at $112,500 and install six charging stations at $35,740.


"Delaware County is taking concrete steps to reduce its reliance on gas burning vehicles as part of an overall plan to protect our environment and create an economic model built on sustainability," said Delaware County Sustainability Officer Francine Locke. “Thank you to the Department of Energy and to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for working with us to secure this critical funding that will allow us to make these necessary investments."


The vehicles purchased from both grants will displace 52,080 gallons of gasoline use per year and are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 262 tons per year. 


Transitioning to alternatively powered vehicles is just one part of Delaware County's overall sustainability plan. In addition to creating a Delaware County Sustainability Commission and Office of Sustainability, the County has begun examining government operations and engaging with the community to develop a long-term Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. The principles guiding the new plan include economic sustainability, education, equity, inclusion, and justice and governance. 


For more information, please visit the Office of Sustainability’s website, linked below.

Office of Sustainability Website

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor Named to the PA Board of Education

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was recently named to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. 


The Pennsylvania Board of Education, created by the General Assembly in 1963, engages in a constant review and appraisal of education in Pennsylvania and has the power to review and adopt regulations that govern educational policies and principles and establish standards governing the educational programs of the state, including the adoption of policies and master plans for institutions of both basic and higher education.


The Board of Education is comprised of 21 members, ten of whom serve as the Board’s Council of Basic Education and ten of whom serve as the Board’s Council of Higher Education, plus the PA Secretary of Education, who serves as the head of the Board.


Dr. Taylor will serve on the Board’s Council of Basic Education, which has the power and duty to develop a master plan for basic education throughout the Commonwealth. The Board also sets policy and promotes regulations regarding vocational and technical education in Pennsylvania.  


“I’m truly honored to serve on this impactful Board as a representative of Delaware County,” said Dr. Taylor. “I’m passionate about education and as a mother to three young daughters, I’m excited to use my experiences as an educator, a student, and a parent in the continued pursuit of providing accessible high-quality education to all Pennsylvanians.”


Dr. Taylor, in addition to serving as Council Chair, is a professor and program director in the Kinesiology Department at Temple University. A graduate of A.I. DuPont High School in Wilmington with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Dr. Taylor later, earned a master’s degree from East Stroudsburg University before working at the United States Military Academy at West Point, before going on to earn her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.


After moving to Upper Darby, she served on the Upper Darby School Board and Delaware County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors, spearheaded a project called Early STEAM working in local Philadelphia elementary schools to introduce young students to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM), and has continued to demonstrate sound leadership and an unwavering commitment to education. 


As the newest member to the PA Board of Education, she is unquestionably well suited to represent Delaware County and serve alongside 20 other members to help shape the State’s approach to education at all levels for years to come. 


For additional information, including current initiatives, meeting minutes, and recent board actions, please visit the PA State Board of Education website.

Pennsylvania State Board of Education Website

Remembering Tuskegee Airman Lieutenant William Elwood “Woody” Rice

A Delaware County hero was laid to rest on December 5, 2022. 

 

Lieutenant William Elwood “Woody” Rice was born in Media and graduated from Nether Providence High School in 1943. During his senior year, Lt. Rice enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, completed basic training at Keesler Army Airbase in Mississippi, and was then sent to Tuskegee Institute for preflight training and received his wings in 1944. 


The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces and are regarded with distinction for their honor and bravery in World War II. 

After his discharge in 1946, Lieutenant Rice returned to Delaware County where he raised a family and worked at Boeing for 41 years.

 

Delaware County extends its deepest condolences to Lt. Rice’s loved ones. Lieutenant Rice will be remembered as a distinguished hero, loving husband, father, brother, son, friend, and respected member of the community.

Lieutenant William E. Rice

Come on Out! Women Empowering Women Networking Event Scheduled for Dec. 14

The Delaware County Women’s Commission, in collaboration with the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and First Resource Bank, will host an exciting evening of inspirational discussion and connection building at a free Women Empowering Women Networking Event on Wed., Dec. 14.


The networking event provides a positive, supportive environment where Delaware County women—professionals, students, business owners, community leaders and civic-minded go-getters, executives, entrepreneurs and influencers—can meet and interact with other women who want to help foster success and are eager to share their resources and expertise to help Delaware County women take the next step in their personal and professional life.


“Despite significant efforts across industries and government in recent years, women often remain underrepresented in leadership positions, which has limited our influence and hindered diversity and equity goals,” said Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Networking events such as Women Empowering Women provide a great environment for collaboration and growth.”


The networking event will be held on Wednesday, December 14, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in Springfield.


Parking is free, and light refreshments will be provided.


Women Empowering Women Networking Event 

Wed., Dec 14, 2022, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce

1001 Baltimore Pike Suite 9LL

Springfield, PA 19064


Interested? Please RSVP in advance on the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce website.

Women Empowering Women Networking Event RSVP

More about the Delaware County Women’s Commission


The purpose of the Delaware County Women’s Commission is to evaluate the concerns and needs of women and girls residing in Delaware County and make recommendations to County Council about how to address those concerns and needs. 


Members serve together as the decision-making body with respect to actions needed to fulfill its mandate. The Commissioners are responsible for setting policies that guide the operation of its task forces, committees, and coalitions. 


For a schedule of publicly accessible meetings and to learn more about the Commission, please visit the Women's commission website at delcopa.gov/women.

Delaware County Awards $5 million in new Green Ways Grants to 24 Projects

Delaware County has awarded almost $5 million in new Delco Green Ways Grants, the third time the County has issued funding for projects and programs that advance the County’s 2035 Open Space, Recreation and Greenway plan goals: Conserve, Enhance, Connect.


The Green Ways program, authorized in 2016 and launched in 2019, makes funds available to municipalities and non-profit organizations working with municipalities, for projects that will improve the quality of life of county residents, workers and visitors. This year, 24 projects, representing 22 municipalities and two non-profits, will receive a total of $4,991,918 in funding for grants ranging from $33,667 to $500,000 and leverage an additional $5.84 million in funding.


"With this third round of Delco Green Ways Grants, Delaware County continues to invest in making our communities more vibrant, amenity rich places to live and work," said Gina Burritt, the Director of the Delaware County Planning Department. "The large number, scale and diversity of the proposed projects, and those that were funded, show just how important this program is and how even a little bit of help can go a long way.


For this third round of Green Ways Grants, forty-eight applications from thirty-nine municipalities and two nonprofits were received by the October 7, 2022 deadline, requesting a total of $10 million. The Evaluation Team members dedicated significant time to reviewing each application and additional time in group work sessions discussing the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities presented by each submission. The Team’s discussions and recommendations were organized around County Council’s funding priorities established earlier this year to support communities with a history of dis-investment and to ensure Green Ways Grant funds were leveraged to the greatest extent possible.


Green Ways Round Three recipients are listed below by Grant Type.

Grant Type: "Mini-Pros"

Municipality

Project Name

Grant Money

Aldan Borough

Aldan Borough Mini-Pros

$50,000

Clifton Heights Borough

Clifton Heights Borough Mini-Pros

$50,000

Thornbury Township

Thornbury Twp Comp PROS Plan

$50,000

Grant Type: "Planning & Design"

Municipality

Project Name

Grant Money

Radnor Township

Odorisio Park Comp Master Site Plan

$100,000

Aston Township

West Branch Trail Feasibility Study

$42,500

Eddystone Borough

10th St. Pocket Park

$100,00

Grant Type: "Connect"

Municipality

Project Name

Grant Money

Upper Darby Township

Newtown Square Branch Trail Sects 1 of 2

$100,000

Chester City

Chester Creek Trail - Parker Manor Connector

$500,000

Middletown Township

Chester Creek Rail - Trail Phase III Construction

$500,000

Haverford Township

Darby Creek Trail - South Extension

$500,000

Nether Providence Twp

Furness Park Trail Phase 2

$249,000

Grant Type: "Conserve"

Municipality

Project Name

Grant Money

Chester Heights Borough

Powell Property Acquisition

$500,000

Glenolden Borough

Glendale Park Acquisition

$350,000

Darby Borough

28/30 S. 5th St. Acquisition

$42,500

Grant Type: "Enhance"

Municipality

Project Name

Grant Money

Upper Darby Township

Observatory Hill Park Rehabilitation

$250,000

Yeadon Borough

Yeadon Community Park Improvements

$175,315

Darby Township

Studevan Plaza Upgrades

$250,000

Delco Skate Park Coalition (with Upper Darby)

Very First All-Wheels & ADA-Inspired Skatepark

$250,000

Marcus Hook Borough

Market Sq Memorial Pk Riverfront Enhancement

$211,025

Chester Township

12th & Yarnall Pk Rec & GSI Improvements

$220,000

Upper Chichester

Kingsman Road Park Improvements

$250,000

Media Borough

Phillip Green Park Rehabilitation

$126,911

CADES (with Swarthmore)

CADES Inclusive Playground Project

$91,000

Edgmont Township

Community Park Swing Canopy & ADA Improvements

$33,667

Green Way Grants Rounds 1 and 2


In October 2019, the inaugural Green Way Grants awarded $4.5 million –– leveraging $20 million in matching funds –– to the 26 municipalities who applied, totaling 38 grants. In 2021's round 2 there were 43 projects funded, including one non-profit and 38 municipalities. A total of $7,172,521 was invested throughout Delaware County and leveraged an additional $7,892,683.

 

For more information about this year's winners, as well as previous years', please visit the Delco Green Ways website, linked below.

Delco Green Ways Grant Program Website

The Perfect Gift for your Dog this Holiday Season: A 2023 Dog License!

If you own a dog in Pennsylvania, whether a Beagle or Bulldog, Dalmatian or Doberman, Saint Bernard or Shih Tzu, then you’ll need an up-to-date dog license for 2023 (it’s the law).


2023 dog licenses are available now! Licensing your dog prior to the new year will ensure that you start 2023 off on the right paw (ba dum dum).


All dogs three months or older must be licensed by January 1 of each year. Licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31, regardless of when the license was purchased. This means that if you purchased an annual license for your dog a few weeks or months ago, that license was a 2022 license and will expire on December 31. Your dog will still need a new license for 2023.


Prices range slightly, depending on whether or not the dog is spayed or neutered, with discounts for senior citizens and people with disabilities.


There is also an option to purchase a lifetime dog license (which requires the dog to be tattooed or micro-chipped). 


To purchase your dog license online with a credit/debit card or echeck, go to the PA Dog License website at www.padoglicense.com. After completion of payment, a proof of license can be printed, and the license and tag will be mailed to you the following business day. 


To obtain duplicate tags, license transfers, a printed application, and more, visit the Treasurer's Office page on the Delaware County website.

Visit PaDogLicense.com

To purchase your dog license online with a credit/debit card or e-check.

Visit the County Website

To obtain duplicate tags, license transfers, a printed application, and more.

Delaware County Libraries Receive Grant for Solar-Powered Charging Benches

The Delaware County Library System is excited to announce the recent installation of new solar-powered USB charging benches outside nearly a dozen Delaware County libraries.


The new solar-powered benches allow residents to charge their mobile devices while sitting outside of a library, providing a perfect complement to the already existing ability of residents to access the internet with outdoor Wi-Fi access. 


The benches were made possible as a result of a collaborative effort by the Swarthmore Public Library, Delaware County Libraries, and State Senator Tim Kearney to secure a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Program. 


“We are thrilled to have received this grant to provide solar charging stations to our libraries,” said Catherine Bittle, Director of Delaware County Libraries. “These charging stations will be a great addition to the services that our libraries already offer, including free Wi-Fi, hotspots, and computer access.”


Eleven Delaware County libraries, will now have one or more solar charging benches, giving library patrons a place to read a book, do homework or study, and enjoy the outdoors while powering up their laptop, phone, or tablet.


Delaware County Libraries is an agency of county government that provides support services for 26 independent member libraries. For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit the Delaware County Library System website, linked below.

Delaware County Library System Website

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

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Meet your Delaware County Council members

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The Delaware County Health Department website

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