“The transformation of the Don Guanella site from a closed-off, private property at imminent risk of development into the County’s largest public park is a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect and preserve one of the last large tracts of open space in our densely populated county,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer. “This incredibly important natural resource will provide both economic benefits and environmental benefits as it improves the quality of life for all Delco residents in the immediate future and for years to come.”

The Don Guanella Master Planning Process will include substantial public participation, including the creation of a Plan Advisory Committee, at least two public meetings and six focus groups in various communities, online public participation through website and public opinion surveys, and interviews with key professional and community leaders.

Members of the Plan Advisory Committee will include representatives from the Delaware County Park Board, the Delaware County Green Space Task Force, Delaware County Council, County employees, and members of the community. Information about how to apply to serve on the Plan Advisory Committee will be posted on the County’s website soon after the proposal is approved. 

For more details about the Master Planning Process, read our March 17 press release.

Delaware County Council was honored to recognize Prospect Park Police Officers Eric Davis and David Voorhees at the March 16 public meeting to commend their heroic actions and outstanding judgment which saved lives and prevented serious injury.

Prospect Park Police Chief David Madonna was also in attendance and detailed their heroic and life-saving actions. 

On January 10, 2022, Officer Voorhees was called to the scene of a shooting on 11th Avenue in Prospect Park. He saw a juvenile male lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his abdomen and immediately began applying pressure to the wound while also controlling a large crowd of bystanders creating a chaotic environment. The quick and efficient response by Officer Voorhees not only saved the victim’s life but also controlled a potentially riotous crowd. 

Officer Davis was called to the Eldorado Court Apartments in Prospect Park in response to reports of a fire on June 11, 2021. He and two other officers entered the building through heavy smoke conditions, risking their personal safety and their lives to ensure no one was trapped or injured. The officers quickly cleared residents and pets from the building and controlled an active fire in one of the units. Officer Davis endured dangerous and volatile conditions and his commitment to public safety saved lives and prevented serious injury to residents of the Eldorado Court Apartments. 

“Delaware County is fortunate to have exemplary members of law enforcement including Officer Davis and Officer Voorhees who selflessly and bravely protect our community,” said Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer. “They frequently place themselves in grave danger to protect lives and property and ensure the safety of residents. With deepest gratitude, we thank you for protecting us, our families, our businesses, our schools, and our communities.”

Council presented both officers with a resolution and commended them for selflessly and bravely serving and protecting residents of Delaware County. 

Pictured: Prospect Park Police Officers Eric Davis (left) and David Voorhees (right) with Prospect Park Council Member Mary Ann Shallet, Delaware County Executive Director Howard Lazarus, Delaware County Controller Joanne Phillips, Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer and fellow Council members Richard Womack & Christine Reuther.

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and Councilwoman Christine Reuther were honored to join the Delaware County Women’s Commission to recognize several local women who have profoundly influenced women and girls across the county. 

Congratulations to Karen Barnes, Desiree La Marr Murphy, Nicole Stephenson, and Ashley Dolceamore for being recognized as the 2022 “Women of Achievement” recipients!

The women were recognized during an annual Women’s History Celebration hosted by the Delaware County Women’s Commission in honor of Women’s History Month on March 12 at the McCall Country Club in Upper Darby. 

This year’s theme, “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” celebrated the women who have worked as frontline heroes in healthcare and as caregivers over the past two years during the pandemic. 

Council commends this year’s worthy recipients and thanks them for the work they have done and will continue to do across our county. 

PA CareerLink® Delaware County, in partnership with Delaware County Workforce Development, will host multiple job fairs in the coming weeks beginning with a three-hour “Job Fair for Adults” to be held on Thursday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Springfield YMCA. This adult-oriented job fair will be followed by two additional “Job Fairs for Youth,” to be held on April 28 and May 3, that will focus on summer work, internships, and other post-graduation opportunities.

The March 24 “Job Fair for Adults” will feature close to forty employers and representatives of multiple trade unions from the Delaware County region looking to fill hundreds of full-time and part-time positions. Positions offer competitive employee benefits as well as opportunities for advancement.

Job seekers are advised to bring copies of their resume. On-site interviews may be held for qualified candidates and same-day hiring may occur, at the discretion of the employers.

Job seekers will also have the opportunity to participate in a Resume Clinic, which will provide helpful resume critiques, as well as general job search advice and interview tips.

Participating Employers Include:

• Aramark
• AutoZone
• Bayada Home Health Care
• Beacon Group
• Carpenters Local #255
• Chester Community Charter School
• Child Care Careers
• City Wide Facility Solutions of Greater Philadelphia
• Community Interactions, Inc.
• Community YMCA of Eastern Delco
• The County of Delaware
• Defensive Driving Academy
• Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health

• Drexelbrook Catering
• EDSI
• Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
• The Geo Group
• The Giant Company
• Heron Home Health
• Main Line Health
• Maris Grove
• PA Agency of Nurses
• Riddle Hospital
• Substitute Teaching Service (STS)
• UPS
• Voice & Vision, Inc.

Note: Representatives of multiple trade unions will be in attendance. Additional employers continue to be added.

Delaware County’s Office of Sustainability is hosting a free, in-person, open-air Sustainability Conference on Thursday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Subaru Park in Chester.

This will be the first of what is expected to be an annual event for the Office of Sustainability, whose mission is to incorporate efficiency, sustainability and resiliency into all aspects of County government and to prepare the County for the effects of climate change.

The conference will bring together sustainability experts, non-profits, government agencies, vendors, and everyday sustainability heroes. Sponsors include the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, The Foundation for Delaware County, the Pennsylvania Resource Council, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Penn State Extension, and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Attendees will enjoy presentations, panel discussions, and plenty of opportunities for networking and learning.

The conference will include six primary areas of focus:

1. Health and Wellness
2. Climate Resiliency
3. Natural Resources
4. Transportation
5. Energy (Transition)
6. Waste (Zero)

A final itinerary of speakers and events will be published in the coming weeks.

This event is free, vegan, and zero-waste! Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks will be provided.

Space is limited for the conference. pre-registering is required. Those wishing to participate should register through our Eventbrite sign-up page linked above.

Check the Office of Sustainability’s website for conference updates. A final itinerary of speakers and events will be available in the coming weeks.

Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon provides a COVID-19 update with some very positive news, including a 57% decrease in reported cases and zero COVID-19 related deaths reported over the last 4 days. 

Despite the good news, we must remain vigilant, as the Omicron Variant, known as BA.2, has been identified in the Southeast part of PA. Masks are still recommended for immunocompromised individuals and at large gatherings. 

Director Lyon also provides updates regarding the approval of the Delaware County Health Department, which will begin operations on April 2, 2022.

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), in partnership with the Wayne Senior Center, is sponsoring the nationally recognized Arthritis Foundation's Walk with Ease Program for those 60 years of age and older who need relief from arthritis pain and 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 physical abilities; and improve overall health.

Participants will:

• Receive the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease Guidebook
• Walk three times a week on their own with assistance from a leader in this self-directed version of the program.
• Share and receive support from a leader and other walkers during weekly online group meetings that will occur at 10:30 a.m. each Friday, from April 1, 2022, through May 13, 2022 (with the exception of April 15, which is Easter weekend).
• Receive support, information, and direction through weekly e-mails.

Program costs are covered by COSA so the program is free. Registration is required and class size is limited, so interested individuals are advised to register early to ensure a place in the program.

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

You're Invited: AARP's March "PA Coffee Conversation with Elected Officials" Event

Delaware County preparations for the May 17, 2022 Primary Election—less than 2 months away—have accelerated now that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has approved new legislative maps. The court’s ruling has set in motion the long series of administrative tasks that the State’s 67 counties follow for each election cycle.

Ballots are being prepared, polling places are being finalized, updates to the County website are underway, and the hiring of temporary staff and volunteers is ongoing. The Delaware County Election Hotline and the Voter Service Center in Media, open year-round, will soon have expanded staff in place to handle the increased activity that occurs in the final few weeks of each election. 

Board of Elections Meeting Scheduled for Tuesday, March 22

On Tuesday, March 22, the Delaware County Board of Elections will meet in the County Council Room in the Government Center, at 201 W. Front St. in Media, to consider administrative items and judicial actions related to the upcoming May 17, 2022 Primary. The meeting is open to the public.

Registering is the first step to voting.

Voters can check their status on the PA Department of State website.

Candidates can visit the Delco Votes! website for downloadable nomination packets and more.

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Task Force's COVID-19 website