Racist literature was distributed in Ridley Township over the weekend. The flyers directed recipients to internet pages promoting antisemitic and racist propaganda.

Disturbingly, this is not an isolated instance in our county. 

Delaware County Council and the District Attorney’s office condemn and denounce this disturbing act of racism and hate and issued the following statements.

A statement from Delaware County Council:

Delaware County Council is appalled and denounces any type of racist and hateful literature or acts in our community. Actions that spread hate, incite violence, or intimidate people are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. 

A statement from the District Attorney’s Office:

This office condemns in the strongest possible terms the sentiment expressed in the flyers, and we are committed to investigating the incident to determine if any laws have been broken. We pledge to all Ridley Township residents—as well as to all residents of Delaware County—that hate has no home here. If our investigation determines that laws have been broken, we will prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law. 

These acts are being investigated by The Delaware County District Attorney's Office and the Ridley Township Police Department. Anyone with information or video surveillance of the actor/actors is asked to please contact the Ridley Township Police Department, at (610) 532-4000, or Lt. William Wright, Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division, at (610) 891-4170. 

Summer officially began on June 21. While the first official day of summer was unseasonably cool, the County is prepared to help vulnerable residents during heat waves and days with high humidity this summer season.

Delaware County Council joined the County’s Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and PECO on June 21 to announce the County’s 2023 Heat Plan and plans to distribute cooling fans to residents in need.

COSA and the County Office of Adult and Family Services offer assistance to elderly and vulnerable residents throughout the summer. Several County programs are in place to help residents cope with hot weather and humidity which can cause dehydration and other health complications.

“While many of us enjoy the sunshine and the warmer weather during the summer months, the heat can be dangerous, especially for our vulnerable and older residents, and also our pets,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “The County’s Heat Plan details some precautions we can take, resources available, and also includes reminders to check in on loved ones and neighbors.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the County’s website to read the 2023 Heat Plan and learn about the resources the County provides during the summer season. Residents should also educate themselves on precautions during heat waves and high humidity and check in with elderly and disabled family members and neighbors who are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.

24-Hour Emergency Heat Information Line

A 24-hour Emergency Heat Information Line is now active through the summer. Residents can call (610) 872-1558. The information line provides weekly heat safety tips and reminders, emergency information, and locations where people can seek relief from the heat.

Cooling fans, home checks on vulnerable residents, access to transportation, and other resources are also available to residents during extreme temperatures. Many air-conditioned senior centers in the county have extended hours during a heat wave. Residents should check with their senior center to find updated days and hours.  

PECO’s Summer Fan Distribution Program

Each year, COSA purchases cooling fans to distribute to residents in need. In addition, PECO generously donates fans as part of PECO’s Summer Fan Distribution Program. PECO donates 500 fans each year through local organizations across southeastern Pennsylvania. The fans will be distributed to seniors in need.

For more information, call (610) 872-1558. Residents can also call their local senior center to learn how to receive a fan.

Delaware County was proud to host the County’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration in Rose Tree Park on June 19. Hundreds of residents joined the County team for a day of celebration, history, music, food, performances, shopping, and more—all in honor and recognition of Juneteenth. 

The celebration featured performances by The Chester Cultural Arts and Technology Center, students from William Penn School District, the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops, and a headline performance by Philly Gumbo. The celebration also showcased some of Delaware County’s local business owners selling artwork, jewelry, crafts, food trucks, and resources from local organizations across the county. 

“We created this annual event to be a celebration for ALL residents: Young and old, for families, for those who know of the rich history of Juneteenth, and for those who may not,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Juneteenth serves as a day for residents to celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States and an opportunity for our entire community to learn more about African American history, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped African Americans and our country.” 

“The second annual Juneteenth Festival at Rose Tree Park was truly a day to remember,” said Delaware County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Lauren Footman. “The event provided an opportunity to reflect on our collective history and celebrate the rich culture of the African Diaspora, which is an outward manifestation of the goals of Delaware County's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office."

Thank you to the talented local performers and vendors, the County’s Juneteenth Celebration Planning Committee, including Delaware County Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre and his team, the County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Lauren Footman, and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President Trish McFarland and her team who worked to bring creative vendors and delicious food trucks to our celebration.

The Origins of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, which had legally freed slaves on January 1, 1863, almost 2½ years earlier. Many slaves, particularly in Texas and other southwestern states were not informed of the Emancipation Proclamation until General Granger’s announcement. The holiday received its name by combining June and 19. The day is also sometimes called “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”

2023 Juneteenth Student Art Competition Winner: Lila Martel

The County was proud to recognize Lila Martel from Strath Haven High School for being selected as the winner of the County’s 2023 Juneteenth art competition. Her artwork was featured on the County’s official promotional items, including a banner that was displayed during the celebration. Congratulations Lila!

Delaware County Councilman Richard Womack, County Controller Joanne Phillips, Competition Winner Lila Martel, and Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor

Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Planning Department invite residents to an informative public meeting, where community-inspired concepts for the County’s largest park in Marple Township will be unveiled. Derived from comprehensive survey results and invaluable community feedback garnered during prior open house and pop-up events, these concepts mark a significant milestone in the park's development.

The public meeting will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., in the County Council Meeting Room at the Delaware County Government Center located at 201 W. Front Street in Media, PA.

Delaware County's journey to transform the 213-acre site at the former Don Guanella School into a vibrant and accessible public space has reached an exciting phase. The Master Plan for the new park incorporates the diverse ecology of the site, now one of the largest forests in Delaware County, and aligns with the community's needs and interests to embody the vision of "Community, in Nature."

The park project is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Delaware County residents, whose voices have been instrumental in shaping its future. The park is an essential asset for our community's health, economic growth, and ecological resilience as we navigate a changing climate, population growth, and evolving recreational needs.

The upcoming meeting will showcase the community-inspired concepts, giving residents an insight into the future of the park. This event is not just a presentation; it's a celebration of our community's active participation and commitment to developing a park that cherishes our shared values and preserves our natural resources.

Residents who are unable to attend in person can participate via livestream or view a recording of the meeting shortly after the meeting’s completion at delcopa.gov/park-meeting.

To learn more about the park’s draft master plan and to get details about the meeting, please visit delcopa.gov/park-master-plan or contact the Delaware County Planning Department at (610) 891-5200.

Join us in this exciting chapter of our community's development. Together, let us bring our shared vision, "Community, in Nature," to life!

Click image to view Livestream (Monday, June 26, 7 p.m.)

The Delaware County Office of the Medical Examiner (DCOME) is proud to announce the addition of Amber Weeks to its department. Ms. Weeks began her role as the DCOME’s Chief of Forensic Investigations on June 12, 2023.

Her credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She is also a certified Forensic Registered Nurse in PA and NJ, as well as a certified Diplomat level of the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (D-AMBDI). Ms. Weeks comes to Delaware County from the Southern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office of New Jersey, where she held the rank of Supervisor and has been conducting death investigations for the Southern Regional Office since 2016.

The Mission of the Delaware County Medical Examiner is to conduct expert medicolegal investigations into deaths that occur under statutorily prescribed circumstances. The findings of these investigations are then independently shared with members of the public and relevant agencies to improve public safety and health.

By having licensed practitioners and professionally trained staff who conduct medicolegal investigations and adhere to industry standards in a setting that is striving for industry accreditation, DCOME aspires to establish itself as a trustworthy source of accurate and scientifically supported assessments of deaths in our community.

Summer is finally here and that means it’s time for summer programming at Delaware County libraries. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of a variety of resources and events for a summer full of fun.

Join us throughout the month of June for special kick off events at each library. Be amazed by a magic show with magician Ed Schmitt. Or, laugh out loud at Andrew’s Big Show, a family friendly comedy circus show. Love music? Check out an instrument petting zoo or hear Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band play! There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The popular Journey Across Delco program launched on June 19. Visit all 28 participating locations to complete your game sheet and learn all about different musical instruments along the way. 

Be sure to check out our All Together Now online reading challenges in the Beanstack app. We offer something for all ages, from birth through adult. Log books, complete activities, and write book reviews to earn raffle tickets and enter to win prizes!

The 2023 Science in the Summer - Be a Physicist program invites children entering grades 2 through 6 to take on the role of scientists as they investigate different forms of energy and use the principles of physics to solve real-world problems. Participate at a local library or do the activities on your own at home. 

“Participation in summer library programming helps children to learn and grow in a fun environment and helps to decrease the summer slide,” said Cheri Crow, Youth Services Coordinator. “We also hope it will encourage them to visit the library all year long and discover everything we have to offer.” 

For more information about the various summer programs being offered, visit the Delaware County Libraries website at www.delcolibraries.org/

We hope to see you this summer! 

Click to visit the Delaware County Libraries Event Calendar!

The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation annual Rose Tree Park Summer Festival concert series continues, with free concerts scheduled throughout the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays, typically at 7:30 p.m.

Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available.

Upcoming performers include: 

• Matt Santry Band. Local treasure Matt Santry is a must-see! You’ve probably heard this award winning singer/songwriter’s music in commercials and TV shows on HBO Max & Peacock. [Friday, June 23]
• Rose Tree Pops. Under the direction of Roberta Winemiller, this 60-member orchestra performs memorable light classics and music from Big Band, hit movies, and Broadway.[Saturday, June 24]
• Chico’s Vibe. Feel the Vibe with Chico’s Vibe! All the best hit party music with the area’s premiere event band. The nine-piece orchestra with grooving horns is always a fan favorite. [Sunday, June 25]
• The Plants. Kids Show at 10 a.m.! Lyrical whimsy and catchy tunes turn into toe-tapping fun! Smiley songs about a snake wearing flip-flops and intergalactic insects. [Wednesday, June 28 @ 10 AM]
• U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus. Selected by highly-competitive audition, the finest musical talent in America! The internationally-acclaimed "Musical Ambassadors of the Army” are an inspiration. [Thursday, June 29]

For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website (linked below). For more information, please call (610) 891-4455.

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website