Delaware County Council will host a Town Hall on October 19, in coordination with the Delaware County Immigrant Affairs Commission and the Delaware County Black Caucus, to engage community members and discuss strategies to best utilize funding that the County will receive in a multi-state opioid settlement. The Town Hall will be held on Thurs., Oct. 19, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the One Center in Upper Darby. 

The County will receive funds as part of a $26 billion multi-state opioid settlement with Johnson & Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson. Delaware County will receive $63 million in 18 annual payments. The funding will be used to tackle the devastating opioid epidemic affecting Delaware County residents, their loved ones, and the community. 

To ensure that settlement funds are used to aggressively combat the opioid crisis by funding high-performing health and service-focused organizations experienced with evidence-based treatments of opioid-affected populations, Delaware County formed an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary Task Force last fall to provide recommendations to County Council for short-term remedies, immediate uses, and long-term programming.

In recognizing the crucial role of community input and collaboration, Town Halls represent a vital step in the County's commitment to transparency and community-driven solutions. Previously, the County has held Opioid Settlement Town Halls at Delaware County Community College in June and Widener University in September.

It is critical that Delaware County move quickly to put the new funding into use, because every day is another day that someone struggles with addiction and its devastating impact on their lives, the lives of their loved ones, and the community. 

Details on the Opioid Settlement Town Hall:

The One Center

Upper Darby Township Building

100 Garrett Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082

Thurs., Oct. 19, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Parking will be available across the street. Registration is not required. 

Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther, Delaware County Military and Veterans Affairs Director COL Arthur L. Jenkins Jr., were honored to join U.S. military Veterans James Augustin, Rob Yannuzzi, Charlie Duffy, Herb Hays, Stynor Carter, and Naval Reserve Officer Joanne Rodriguez in raising the U.S. Navy flag on October 13 outside of the Delaware County Courthouse in Media. 

The flag raising was held in honor of the founding of the Navy on October 13, 1775. The U.S. Navy flag will fly from the flagpole in the courtyard of the Government Center and Courthouse complex for a 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. The last military flag will be raised later this year in observance of the Marine Corps, on Nov. 10, 1775. The Army flag was raised in June, the Coast Guard flag was raised in August, and the Air Force Flag was raised in September to commemorate the anniversaries.

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

A final reminder: The Delaware County Health Department is partnering with the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Mon., Oct. 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for a ‘Day of Breast Cancer Awareness,’ providing women with free mammogram screenings at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon.

All women ages 40 and over, with and without insurance, and with no prior diagnosis of breast cancer, are eligible to register. Limited appointments for mammogram screenings are available, and registration is required. Registrants will also be able to speak with DCHD staff, tour the Wellness Center, and discuss other health services that are offered by DCHD to Delaware County residents.

“Although most of us likely know someone affected by this disease, Delaware County is united as one in the fight against breast cancer,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “And early detection and prevention is done one Mammogram at a time.”

To register for the screening, call the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100, or request an appointment by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us. Registration takes only a few minutes, and all registered individuals will receive a confirmation call back.

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is committed to protecting our community from seasonal respiratory illnesses and other dangerous infections by helping ensure that all residents have easy access to critical life-saving vaccinations ahead of the winter season.

As part of this commitment, DCHD will be holding three drive-thru vaccination clinics for 

residents ages 3 and up. Drive-thru clinics are free; no appointments or insurance needed.

“We can’t stress enough how important preventing serious infections is, especially for our seniors,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “Flu season will be here before we know it! And the best way for folks to prepare is by getting their annual vaccinations before it starts.” 

Drive-Thru Community Flu Clinics (Ages 3+):

Tuesday, Oct. 17, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Broomall Fire Company

1 N. Malin Rd., Broomall, PA 19008

Thursday, Oct. 19, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Tinicum Fire Company

99 Wanamaker Ave., Essington, PA 19029

Sunday, Oct. 22, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The DCHD Wellness Center at Yeadon

125 Chester Ave., Yeadon, PA 19050

Residents are asked to wear short sleeves to ensure that flu shots can be administered easily. In the event of inclement weather, please be aware that drive-thru flu clinics may be canceled.

Please note, DCHD will only be offering the Fluarix Quad 2023 influenza vaccine in our flu clinics; high dose flu vaccines for residents 65 years of age and older will not be available. 

Standing DCHD Immunization Clinics:

These flu vaccinations are in addition to the standing immunization clinic hours held weekly at the Delaware County Wellness Centers in Chester and Yeadon. 

DCHD provides a variety of vaccinations (including flu and coming soon the new 2023 COVID-19 vaccines) to underinsured and uninsured residents at our standing clinics. We encourage residents to call our Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100, or visit the DCHD Clinical Services web page, at https://delcopa.gov/health/clinicalservices.html, to check for hours of operation, eligibility, availability, and make an appointment. 

Note: The new COVID-19 vaccine is now available at local pharmacies in Delaware County. Residents are encouraged to visit www.vaccines.gov for more information. 

Delaware County Council and the County’s Department of Human Services and Community Support held a Grandparents Resource Fair on Thursday, October 12, at the Media Borough Community Center to connect grandparents raising grandchildren or great grandchildren to a variety of departments and organizations that provide resources for older caregivers. 

An array of resources, including counseling, support groups, legal assistance, and financial aid, were on display for Delaware County grandparents seeking assistance in their pivotal role as caregivers.

Participating organizations included the Delaware County Department of Human Services and Community Support, the Delaware County Office of Services for Aging (COSA), Children and Youth Services, Delaware County Libraries, the Early Learning Resource Center, and representatives from Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon’s Office and Senator Tim Kearney’s Office.

“We know that so many grandparents have stepped up here in Delaware County to provide care for their grandchildren, and often their great-grandchildren," said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. "Their selfless dedication to the most vulnerable is inspiring, and we're committed to providing these grandparents with the support and resources they deserve to ensure brighter futures for all.”

Grandparents continue to play a significant role as caregivers for children across the nation and here in Delaware County. In response, both communities and organizations have come to acknowledge the imperative for dedicated support services customized for these caregiving grandparents. Such circumstances can bring about emotional, financial, and legal challenges for older adults, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive support programs and policy initiatives to cater to the distinctive needs of these families.

“We know that our older residents benefit from these resources,” said Sandra Garrison, Director of the Delaware County Department of Human Services and Community Support. “I’m happy that we could host this event and help connect so many families with what is available to them.”

Thank you to all the organizations that participated on Thursday.

Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer and Council Member Christine Reuther were delighted to attend the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia's fundraising gala on September 28, 2023. During the event, they proudly accepted the 2023 "Connect the Circuit" award, which recognizes the County's steadfast commitment to expanding trails in Delaware County and fostering regional connectivity.

Delaware County Council has been a longstanding advocate for trail expansion and the enhancement of on-street bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure, providing safer and more accessible options for residents and visitors alike. The Council expressed deep gratitude for this prestigious acknowledgment.

Elaine Paul Schaefer further emphasized the collaborative spirit of the efforts, stating, "There are so many commendable organizations working in unison to expand trails and create opportunities for interconnecting our greenways and open spaces. It's a testament to the power of passionate action and shared vision.”

The gala, held at the Ridgeland Mansion in West Fairmount Park, celebrated numerous agents of change in the cycling community and raised funds to support the group’s ongoing mission to promote bicycle advocacy, education, and philanthropy. 

Other honorees included physician, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Keith Leaphart for his impact in our community in education, fitness, and youth development; Bicycle Coalition Youth Cycling champion Ryan Oelkers, and Sarah Clark Stuart who was celebrated for her long tenure and outstanding accomplishments as BCGP’s outgoing leader. 

What are the “Circuit Trails”?

One of America’s largest trail networks is located right here in the Greater Philadelphia region: the Circuit Trails — a vast regional network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails that is growing in size each year. The “Circuit” connects our local communities, providing endless opportunities for recreating and commuting. 

Over 500 miles of Circuit Trails are already connected, with a goal of eventually connecting more than 800 miles in our region. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation’s premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities, and the region as a whole.

For more information about the Circuit Trials, visit the Circuit Trails website, and for more information about the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, please visit their website. Both sites are linked below.

Pictured: Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther and Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer

Connecting the Circuit 2023 Award

Gala attendees at the Ridgeland Mansion in West Fairmount Park

The Sterling Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center was the site of a graduation party held for residents Kathleen Fanelli, Barbara Carroll, Mary Robinson, Paul Ruckle, and Al Williams — the most recent graduates of the Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) 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 solving concerns before they become larger problems. 

“We’re excited to have this new PEER group here at Sterling,” said COSA Director Barbara Nicolardi. “The residents at Sterling are really going to benefit from their advocacy and leadership.”

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, training 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.

In total, the County now has three PEER groups, with Brinton Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation graduates completing the program in August to join the original PEER class from Broomall Manor.

“This Sterling PEER group — including Kathleen, Mary, Al, Paul, and Barbara — has demonstrated leadership, passion, dedication, commitment, and patience throughout our time together,” said Bec Jacobs, one of four Ombudsmen serving Delaware County. “Throughout their sessions, they learned how to navigate and best address concerns that may occur living in a skilled nursing facility. They are now prepared and ready to put their knowledge into practice. I'm really proud of them and I look forward to their achievements as 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.

Pictured: PEER Graduate Al Williams and Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther

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.

Pictured: Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther, Sterling PEER graduates Kathleen Fanelli, Mary Robinson, Al Williams, Barbara Carroll, and Paul Ruckle, and COSA Ombudsman PEER Coordinator Beca Jacobs. The graduation was held at Sterling Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Media.

COSA Director Barbara Nicolardi serving up hot pizza

Council Member Reuther with PEER Graduate Barbara Carroll

Pictured: Maya Palmer, Ombudsman Supervisor; Barbara Nicolardi, COSA Director; Bec Jacobs, Ombudsman; Aferdita Agolli, Ombudsman; Gabi Weisfeld, Ombudsman; and Kandy Schreffler, PA Regional Ombudsman Coordinator

The PA CareerLink® Delaware County, in partnership with Delaware County’s Office of Workforce Development, is hosting a job fair on Thursday, October 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Springfield YMCA, located at 194 West Sproul Road, in Springfield, PA.

The job fair will feature 50 businesses located in Delaware County and the surrounding area looking to fill hundreds of full-time and part-time jobs, internships, and seasonal help. All job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with Human Resources professionals from small and large companies. 

Representatives from various industries will be in attendance including healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, manufacturing, transportation and more.

Job Seekers: Bring Your Resume!

Job seekers are to dress professionally and to bring copies of their resume. On-site interviews and hiring may occur for some positions. Job seekers can also visit the Resume & Resource Table for help with resumes, job search, and interview tips.

Employers: Join Our Wait List! 

All the tables for the job fair have been reserved. Employers interested in joining the wait list can email Tanya Harris at TanyaHarris@edsisolutions.com. There are no fees to participate; employers will be provided with one table and two chairs. You will be notified if a table becomes available.

Current Slate of Employers

There are currently 50 business registered for the job fair. Employers include:

• Allied Universal 
• Always Best Care 
• Amazon 
• American Wood Design 
• Astound 
• Boothwyn Fire Co. 
• Brightside Academy 
• ChesPenn 
• Community Integrated Services 
• Community Interactions Inc. 
• CritiCare Home Health and Nursing Services 
• Crozer Medical 
• DCIU 
• DCTMA 
• Delaware County 
• Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health 
• Drummond Scientific
• EDSI 

• Education Staffing and Management Solutions 
• Federation Early Learning Services (FELS) 
• Giant
• Granny's Helping Hands 
• Great Valley Pool 
• Hands from the Heart Home Care 
• Healing Helpers 
• Hoffman's Exterminating Co. 
• Home Instead 
• Horizon House
• Jefferson Health 
• Liberty Coca-Cola 
• Main Line Health 
• Marquis Health Consulting Services 
• Mustang Expediting Inc. 

• My Independence at Home 
• Oliver HVAC 
• PA Office of Administration 
• Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) 
• Prestige Healthcare 
• Ranstad 
• The Sub Service 
• Swarthmore College 
• The Foundation for Delaware County 
• Trinity Health 
• U.S. Medical Staffing 
• Upper Darby School District 
• UPS 
• U.S. Army 
• Villanova University 
• Wawa 
• Wayne United Methodist Church 
• The YMCA

The Fair Acres Geriatric Center will hold a fun-filled Fall Fest on Wed., Oct. 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on its Lima campus. 

The Fall Fest is a day of fun, food, and socialization for the residents, their families, community, friends, and staff, and helps raise funds for the Residents' Special Aid and Entertainment Fund. This fund is controlled and administered by the residents and is used to enrich their lives by financing trips, entertainment, ice cream socials, specialized clubs, bingo prizes, sporting events, parties and more.

The Fall Fest will feature:

• Mini Flea Market. Local vendors and Fair Acres residents will be selling everything from plants and local honey to jewelry, artwork, and household knickknacks and tchotchkes.
• Food Trucks. Tons of great food, featuring Tones Spot BBQ, Dos Gringos, Cousins Maine Lobster, Mister Softee, and more.
• Clothing Drive. Attendees are welcome to bring clothing, accessories, shoes, and linens (all items should be tied in plastic bags). If you are cleaning out your closets, please consider bagging up your items and bringing them to the Fall Fest in tied plastic kitchen trash bags. We have a company that will pay us by the pound for everything we collect, and 100% of those proceeds will go to the residents' fund.
• Job Fair. Fair Acres is looking to hire high performing, caring, and qualified individuals for a number of open positions. Positions include RNs & LPNs (FT and per diem), Nursing Supervisors, Unit Managers, CNAs (FT, starting at $21.05/hour), Dieticians, Food Service Workers, and a Healthcare Recruiter.

Positions offer great benefits, competitive pay, paid vacation and holidays, tuition reimbursement, and provide an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our residents, who thrive with high quality care, companionship, and support. 

Fall Fest Details

Date and Time: Wednesday, October 18, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Fair Acres Geriatric Center, 340 N. Middletown Rd., Lima, PA 19037

For more information, contact Sue Harrar, Director of Therapeutic Activities/Volunteer Services

at (610) 891-5770 or harrars@fairacres.org.

About Fair Acres

Fair Acres, located in Lima, provides long-term care for adults, young or old, with a demonstrated need for 24-hour-a-day nursing care and offers short-term rehabilitation and respite care as well. It is the largest skilled nursing facility in Delaware County and has been in operation and providing quality care to the residents of Delaware County for over 200 years. Fair Acres also serves as a geriatric training site for local colleges, universities, and nursing schools.

All Delaware County residents invited to name new park at site of the former Don Guanella School

Just over two weeks remain for the “Name Our Park” contest that invites Delaware County residents to share their creativity and submit their suggestion for the official name of the new 213-acre park being planned for the former Don Guanella School site in Marple Township.

The challenge to residents is simple yet incredibly fun: Name our brand-new park! 

The contest, which began on Sep. 22 and runs through Tues., Oct.31, aims to find a fitting and inspiring name for our new park that embodies the theme of “Community, in Nature.” and offers Delaware County residents a unique opportunity to have a lasting influence on the park’s identity for generations to come, by providing a name that will resonate with the spirit of our community and foster a sense of belonging.

In addition to the naming rights and the satisfaction of providing the park’s official name for decades to come, the resident who submits the winning name will also receive $250 and be honored at a future unveiling showcasing the name on the official park signage. 

How to Enter the Contest 

To submit a name for consideration, go to DelcoPA.gov/NameOurPark, and complete the short entry form — including your suggested name, your reason for the name, and your contact information. The entry form takes less than five minutes!

Submissions must be received no later than Tues., Oct. 31, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. 

The contest is open to Delaware County residents of all ages. All submissions must be submitted online. Entries should reflect the values of our community, celebrate our County's rich heritage, culture, and natural resources, and inspire a sense of inclusivity and togetherness. All submissions must be received online and only one submission per resident will be accepted. Complete contest rules can be found online at DelcoPA.gov/ContestRules.

We look forward to hearing from you. Good luck!

Whether your idea of fall fun is picking apples and decorating pumpkins or descending into the terror and mayhem of a first-rate Halloween attraction, Delaware County has something for you this October.

Check out just a small sample of the many fun Halloween things to do this season, courtesy of Visit Delco, PA! 

Get ready to have fun, get spooked, get scared, and get into the Halloween spirit — right here in Delaware County!

For more great ideas about what to do and where to go in Delco, check out the Visit Delco, PA website — you may think you know Delco, but you may find a few surprises!

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website