The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— August 16, 2024 (134th edition) ——

Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Commerce Center are excited to announce the relaunch and expansion of the Delaware County Veteran & Active Military ID Discount Program. This enhanced initiative now includes active military members alongside Veterans, reflecting Delaware County's steadfast commitment to supporting those who serve and have served. 

Active military members and Veterans can use their military ID or Veteran ID cards to redeem discounts offered by participating businesses. 

A list of businesses, their discounts, and an online application for new businesses to sign up to participate can be found online at DelcoPA.org/Veteran-Program. Over 50 local businesses are currently participating, and all local businesses are encouraged to sign up to promote their business and provide benefits and discounts to both active military members or Veterans, or both. 

Participating in the Veteran & Active Military ID Discount Program offers numerous benefits for local businesses including increased foot traffic, enhanced community engagement, increased sales and repeat business, and promotional support. This promotional support includes a digital toolkit with updated materials for their website and social media, in addition to new window clings for participating businesses to proudly display in their storefront.

Veterans residing in Delaware County can obtain their Veteran ID card for free through the Delaware County Recorder of Deeds office. For details about how to obtain an ID, Veterans can visit the Recorder of Deeds website.

For more information on how to participate in the Delaware County Veteran & Active Military ID Discount Program and to view active discounts available at local businesses, please visit DelcoPA.org/Veteran-Program.

Office of Sustainability showcases local sustainability initiatives to visitors from Kaohsiung City

Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley, the Delaware County Office of Sustainability, the Delaware County Planning Department, the Delaware County Soil Conservation District, and the County's Parks and Recreation Department were honored to host an environmental delegation from Taiwan to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing international efforts to address climate change.

During their visit to Delaware County, the ten-member delegation from Kaohsiung City, Taiwan shared a presentation on Taiwan’s “New Generation Environmental Education” policy, developed by the Taiwan Ministry of Education, which guides local governments toward sustainability. The delegation emphasized the importance of instilling sustainability stewardship in the next generation. 

As part of their efforts, Taiwan has also implemented a universal education policy that integrates sustainability into the curriculum for all students from 1st through 12th grade, ensuring that environmental considerations are adopted at an early age while empowering children to be innovative in their decision making. 

“It’s inspiring to know that a global network of individuals and organizations is working together to address the challenges of climate change,” said County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “We know that we can’t do it alone, and it’s through these international partnerships that we can learn from each other and make meaningful progress.”

Delaware County’s presentation focused on the County’s sustainability plan, Sustain Delco: A Sustainability Plan for Delaware County. 

The County highlighted its efforts to engage the community and empower residents to drive the community-wide changes necessary to combat the increasingly severe effects of climate change. The County also showcased its ongoing community education and outreach initiatives, which introduced a new concept to the visiting delegation.

Sustainability discussions identified many opportunities for successes

Focus areas from the Pingtung County government detailed

Shikha Miglani, Philly-based consultant, shares her thoughts

Council Member Schaefer and County representatives listening

Interim Chief Sustainability Officer Rebecca Yurkovich and Delaware County Executive Director Barbara O'Malley have a meaningful dialogue, and share a few laughs

In addition to the formal presentations, the delegation toured the County’s ceremonial courtroom and participated in an informal discussion in the cafeteria, where Delaware County officials shared insights on their partnership with Capozzoli’s Café to reduce waste.

“It was an incredible experience meeting with the delegates from Kaohsiung,” said Interim Chief Sustainability Officer Rebecca Yurkovich, “Learning about how they are building sustainability stewardship in the next generation through comprehensive and hands-on education was truly inspiring.”

Also joining the two delegations were Justin J. Harris, WWF Climate Equity Collaborator, who facilitated the connection between the groups; Shikha Miglani, a Philadelphia-based consultant supporting WWF relations; and Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, who contributed valuable insights and engaged in thoughtful discussions.

For more information about Delaware County’s sustainability efforts, including the latest edition of the County’s sustainability plan, Sustain Delco: A Sustainability Plan for Delaware County, visit the Delaware County website at DelcoPA.gov/Sustainability. 

Exchanging ideas about sustainability!

Delaware County’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, COL. Arthur Jenkins was honored to join Veterans, active military, emergency services personnel, and organizations from across the county to honor Corporal Joseph F. Passaretti on his 106th birthday at Mission BBQ in Springfield.

The celebration was filled with pride and patriotism as fire department ladder trucks raised a giant U.S. flag overhead, and Corporal Passaretti was escorted on a red carpet, flanked by military personnel standing in full salute.

Corporal Passaretti, the oldest living Veteran in Delaware County, is a distinguished World War II Army Veteran. He heroically served our nation from 1942 to 1945 as a member of the 36th Infantry Division 133rd Artillery. He operated a 105 Howitzer cannon during significant military campaigns in Africa, Italy, France, and Germany, earning a Purple Heart and multiple medals for his bravery and dedication.

Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Corporal Passaretti worked at Curtis 1000 Publishing Company before transferring to the Broomall office. It was this move that brought him to Delaware County, where he met and married his beloved late wife, Margaret. Together, they settled in Collingdale, where Corporal Passaretti has resided for over 68 years.

His commitment to his community is equally commendable. As a charter member of the former Joseph Marshall-McDonald R. McCay VFW Post 5428 in Collingdale for over 50 years, and a respected member of the Darby VFW, Corporal Passaretti has touched countless lives with his service and dedication.

During the celebration, COL. Jenkins, presented a proclamation from Delaware County Council, honoring Corporal Passaretti on behalf of the County. Colonial Jenkins also presented Corporal Passaretti with a Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs Challenge Coin. 

"It is a profound honor to celebrate the 106th birthday of Corporal Joseph F. Passaretti, a man whose bravery and dedication have left an indelible mark on our nation and our community,” said COL Jenkins. “Corporal Passaretti's service during World War II exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an American soldier—courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. Today, as we stand together to honor his incredible legacy, we are reminded of the debt of gratitude we owe to all our Veterans.”

As Delaware County celebrates this extraordinary milestone, we are reminded of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of our veterans. Corporal Passaretti's life and legacy are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Here's to 106 years of a life well-lived and many more to come! Happy Birthday, Corporal Passaretti!

Corporal Joseph F. Passaretti arrives to a huge crowd at his 106th birthday celebration!

A hero's welcome!

55,710,000 minutes and counting!

Celebrating a century of service and sacrifice with fellow heroes

106 years and a legacy of honor, surrounded by those who continue the tradition

Happy Birthday from Delaware County!

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) hosted its first-ever Back-to-School Fair last weekend drawing over 500 parents and children. Held at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Yeadon, the event provided families with school supplies, backpacks, health-related resources, and more, helping Delaware County students get ready for a healthy and successful school year.

The fair received an overwhelming amount of school supply donations from residents, County employees, and partner organizations. These generous contributions, collected through DCHD Delivers’ month-long donation drive, will help ensure that students are fully equipped to thrive in the upcoming school year.

The Delaware County Health Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the community partners who played a crucial role in making this event a success.

"We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout and the positive impact this event had on our community," said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. "Our goal was to ensure that every child in Delaware County is healthy, prepared, and excited to start the school year, and we’re so grateful to all our partners for helping us achieve that."

The success of this event would not have been possible without the support of our incredible community partners, including Eagle Eye Mobile, ACME, Delaware County Libraries, Keystone First, Children First, The Line Up, Kids Smiles, The Foundation for Delaware County, the Franklin Mint, and Wawa. Their dedication to supporting our families is a testament to the strength of our community.

A huge turnout at the DCHD Wellness Center in Yeadon!

Hundreds of backpacks...

...and school supplies for the kids...

...even free haircuts to help kids prepare for the coming school year!

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and Vice Chair Richard Womack enjoying the fair and appreciative of the heavy turnout.

DCHD Deputy Director Lora Werner and County Council Vice Chair Richard Womack with parents and kids. School is just around the corner!

Highlights from the Back-to-School Fair:

• Health and Wellness Services: Students received essential Tdap and MCV4 vaccines, as well as vision and dental screenings, ensuring they start the school year in optimal health.
• School Supplies and More: Thanks to the generosity of our partners and the DCHD Delivers donation drive, students walked away with backpacks, school supplies, and even fresh haircuts.
• Family Fun and Resources: The fair featured face painting, and a variety of giveaways, creating a festive atmosphere while providing families with critical information and resources to support their children’s education and well-being.

For more information about DCHD, please contact the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or via email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

County Grant Program Provides Funding for Edgmont Township’s Newly Refurbished Park

Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer were excited to join Edgmont Township Board of Supervisors Ron Gravina, Lindsey Conan and Annie Thorne, Edgmont Township Manager Neil Vaughn, State Senator John Kane, State Representative Lisa Borowski, and local residents in Edgmont on August 3 to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished Edgmont Township Community Park.

Park renovations, made possible by a DELCO Green Ways grant, include the installation of a new swing set with a shade canopy, ADA accessibility improvements, new picnic tables, a bench, and the planting of shade trees and native plants that beautify the space while helping provide additional stormwater management and habitat for native birds and wildlife.  

A total of $98,000 in funding for the park improvements was provided by the DELCO Green Ways Grants Program, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Small Community Grant Program, and the PECO Green Region Open Space Program.

While the DELCO Green Ways Grant Program provided a relatively modest $33,667 for the Edgmont project the grant demonstrates how even minimal funding can have a significant impact when spent smartly.

“This project is a perfect example of how the Green Ways Grant Program can make a real difference in our communities,” said Council Member Schaefer. “By providing funding for projects both large and small, we’re helping to ensure that all Delaware County residents have access to safe, beautiful, and welcoming green spaces.”

Through such tailored investments, the DELCO Green Ways program continues to create greener, more vibrant spaces that benefit residents and wildlife alike, one project at a time.

Since 2019, the County has committed approximately $20.8 million in conservation, trails and recreation improvements through its Planning Department to communities across Delaware County, leveraging that investment with more than $38.78 million in outside funding, including grants from other public, non-profit and private funding sources.

Construction at the Edgmont Township Community Park, which began on June 12, was completed in less than a month by local contractor Albert G. Cipolloni, Jr. & Sons, Inc., of Morton.

Edgmont Township Supervisors cut the ceremonial green ribbon

The County's newest green space, courtesy of Edgmont Township, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PECO's Small Community Grant Program, and the County's DELCO Green Ways Program!

Delaware County Council congratulates all 592 U.S. Olympic athletes, including 11 from Delaware County, who proudly and honorably represented the United States at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris over the past several weeks.

These exceptional individuals showcased unparalleled dedication, hard work, and commitment, making their journey to Paris a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence.

Team USA concluded the 2024 Olympic Games with numerous record-setting performances, leading all nations with 257 medalists. The total medal count of 126 is the third-highest for a U.S. team and the most since the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Among the 257 American athletes who graced the podium, 65% were first-time medalists, and 44 athletes won multiple medals, including 13 who claimed multiple gold medals.

Delaware County is especially proud of Episcopal Academy graduate Nick Mead, who won gold in the Men's Four Rowing event. This victory marked the first time in 64 years that the United States claimed gold in this event, with Mead and his team edging out New Zealand by 0.85 seconds in a thrilling final. His incredible achievement serves as a shining example of the talent and determination found in our community. Nick was also selected to join 14x Olympic medalist Katie Ledecky as one of just two U.S. flag bearers during the closing ceremonies!

The other outstanding Delaware County athletes who represented Team USA admirably include David Abrahams from Havertown (Para-Swimming, Paralympics); Ivan Puskovitch, an Episcopal Academy graduate (Open Water Swimming); Shane Ryan, a Haverford High School graduate (Swimming); Jovana Sekulic, an Episcopal Academy graduate (Water Polo); Ashley Sessa, an Episcopal Academy graduate (Field Hockey); Allie Wilson, a Strath Haven High School graduate (Track and Field); and four alumni from YSC Academy in Chester, including current Philadelphia Union players Nathan Harriel ('19), Jack McGlynn ('21), former Union (and current FC Utrecht) player Paxten Aaronson ('22), and current Chelsea FC player Caleb Wiley ('23).

We are incredibly proud of the way the athletes represented Delaware County on such a prestigious stage. Their journey has been a source of immense pride for our entire community. Their presence in Paris not only earned them a place among the world's best but also brought immense pride to our community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of these Olympians for their outstanding accomplishments!

Delaware County is seeking to fill three vacancies to the Delaware County Heritage Commission. 

Commission members support the Heritage Commission’s mission to oversee the rich heritage of Delaware County and to support those organizations within the county that are promoting and preserving our cultural legacy. 

Commission members accomplish this mission through outreach within the historic communities of Delaware County, as well as providing a resource base for these organizations and individuals.

Delaware County encourages interested residents who can contribute their time, energy, and passion, to complete the brief online application. Applications will be accepted through Friday, August 23, at 4:30 p.m.

Duties include:

• Attending monthly meetings, usually on the first Tuesday of the month 
• Organizing and attending annual educational seminar
• Making recommendations to County Council for Community Development Block Grant Funding
• Organizing and attending Annual Preservation Awards
• Advising County Council on County-owned historic resources
• Acting as liaison between County Council and historic organizations in the County

Qualifications: 

Heritage Commission Board members must be Delaware County resident with an interest in history, and preferably possess professional experience in architecture, engineering or preservation and be computer literate.

Heritage Commission Board members are appointed for a term of three years.

For more information, including the online application, visit DelcoPA.gov/Board-Vacancies.

Delaware County is excited to announce the launch of its Memory Lane Gallery Project in recognition of National Senior Citizens Day on August 21. This project, a collaboration between the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), the Delaware County Libraries, and the Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation, aims to celebrate the rich experiences of Delaware County seniors by inviting residents to share their photos and memories, encouraging connections between generations, and highlighting the invaluable contributions seniors have made, and continue to make, to our communities.

Submissions will be featured in the Memory Lane Gallery, which will be displayed at various Delaware County Libraries’ locations later this year.

The project officially kicks off with a festive in-person event on National Senior Citizens Day, Wednesday, August 21, at 1:30 p.m. at the Redwood Community Center at Upland Park in Brookhaven. Seniors from across the county are invited to stop by, share memories, enjoy light refreshments, and connect with others in a warm and welcoming environment.

Although the kick off event promises an opportunity for connection and socializing, seniors are also encouraged to contribute their cherished memories and photographs through the Memory Lane Gallery Project’s online form or by email to hmorgan@delcolibraries.org.

We invite seniors to share their stories, moments of insight, wisdom, and joy, or any memories they would like to pass on to their fellow Delaware County residents. This is a chance to preserve the experiences that have shaped your lives and contribute to a collective celebration of our community's history and legacy.

Redwood Community Center

Upland County Park

280 6th Street

Brookhaven, PA 19015

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

More about National Senior Citizen Day 

National Senior Citizens Day has been observed annually on August 21 since it was officially established by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. National Senior Citizens Day encourages all of us to support seniors in living their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible. Delaware County proudly uses this day to honor and thank the older adults in our community.

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