Delaware County Council was proud to join District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Chief Administrative Officer Marc Woolley, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre, the County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Lauren Footman, and other County leaders to raise the Juneteenth flag in Rose Tree Park in Media on June 15. 

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States and it’s important that communities celebrate the day. 

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.

In 1980, Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a holiday. Since then, most other states, including Pennsylvania have declared Juneteenth a state holiday. In 2019, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Act 9, formerly House Bill 619, which designates June 19 as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” in Pennsylvania.

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. As residents see the flag soaring in the wind—our hope is that it’s a reminder and reflection of what we have struggled through and what we have achieved as a nation. It also reminds us of the work that still needs to be done.

The Juneteenth flag will be raised at the Delaware County Courthouse and Government Center, as well as at Rose Tree Park, which will be the site of the County’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration being held from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19. 

The celebration, hosted by the County, will feature a headline performance by Philly Gumbo, as well as artistic performances from local students. The celebration will also showcase some of Delaware County’s local business owners selling artwork, jewelry, crafts and more, various food trucks, and resources from local organizations across the county. 

The event is free for residents of all ages and will be held rain or shine.

Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden was honored to attend the annual Flag Day Ceremony hosted by the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association on June 14. 

The celebration, held at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square, commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. Our flag has since become a universal symbol of freedom and liberty. 

Whether we look at our nation’s flag to check the direction of the wind, during the Pledge of Allegiance, or while listening to the National Anthem, we feel a sense of pride to be an American. Being an American means belonging to a land of democracy, freedom, and opportunity and we are indebted to our nation’s military who have put their lives at risk, or made the ultimate sacrifice, to serve and protect our country. Their sacrifices enable our safety, promote our progress, and support the growth of our democracy.

Thank you to Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association President Joe Daly and the entire Board, and founding member and a major benefactor, Claude de Botton for creating and maintaining the memorial. The memorial, built in 2013, serves as a place to learn about war and conflict in U.S. history, a place to reflect upon the bravery and sacrifice of our local Veterans and a place to honor those who have served to defend our rights and protect our freedoms.

Delaware County held a public Town Hall on June 15 at Delaware County Community College to discuss strategies to best utilize funding that the County will receive in a multi-state opioid settlement.

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.

The Town Hall, hosted by Delaware County Council, was held to engage community members around the opioid settlement funds that the County will receive and gather information about how to best utilize the funds.

It’s 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.

Future Opioid Settlement Town Halls are also being scheduled to be held at locations across the county.

Residents are also invited to provide feedback via an online survey. Let us know how Delaware County should use these funds to address the opioid epidemic.

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!

The Delaware County Health Department and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University are partnering to offer free prostate cancer screenings on June 21, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Wellness Center in Yeadon, located at 125 Chester Avenue. No appointments or insurance are required to participate. Screenings are private, confidential, and free to all residents. 

The prostate screenings are being held to raise awareness about prostate cancer and increase access to essential services for our community. Prostate cancer is the leading cause of new cancers identified among men of all races and ethnicities in Delaware County and in Pennsylvania.

The screening will involve a simple blood draw and will be conducted by skilled healthcare professionals from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Delaware County Health Department.

Prostate Cancer in Delaware County

From 2016-2020, there were 1,824 cases of invasive prostate cancer among men of all races and ages in Delaware County. 

“We know that men sometimes avoid getting screened because of misconceptions or hesitancy,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “But we are encouraging all men to prioritize their health, get screened, and receive potentially lifesaving information.” 

Prostate cancer is a serious health issue, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. The Delaware County Health Department recommends residents who fit the following criteria consider getting screened for prostate cancer:

Age 40: Men with a family history of prostate cancer

Age 45: African American men

Age 50: All men

For additional information about the event or if you have other questions, please contact the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100. Alternatively, you can reach out to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University via email at SKCscreeningvan@jefferson.edu.

Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) Director Barbara Nicolardi and Parks and Recreation Director Marc Manfre joined County staff, volunteers and senior athletes at Rose Tree Park on Monday, June 12, to kick off the 33rd annual Delaware County Senior Games.

The games encourage older residents to stay socially and physically active throughout the year and achieve their personal best. The games also foster friendships among the athletes. 

This year, 522 senior athletes have signed up to compete in a variety of events including Track & Field, Swimming, Golf, Miniature Golf, Bocce, Table Tennis, Corn Hole, Horseshoes, Shuffleboard, Pickleball, Bowling, and Wii bowling at venues throughout the county. 

“We look forward to hosting the Senior Games every year,” said Director Nicolardi. It is a privilege to host the games, which brings so much fun and happiness to our senior community.” 

The games kicked off with over 50 participants competing at Bocce at Rose Tree Park, followed shortly after with dozens of competitors playing Pickleball at the Brandywine Youth Club in Concord.

Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded in every age category and all participating seniors and volunteers receive a free Senior Games t-shirt.

Physical activity, even moderate, helps improve mental capacity, prevent disease, promote healing, improve balance, and increase life expectancy. 

The Delaware County Senior Games are sponsored by Delaware County Council, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and COSA, with additional help from Aetna, Always Best Care Senior Services, American Safety Options, Cigna, Clover Health, Edmacy Home Care, Geras Home Care, Health Partners Plans, Humana, Independence Blue Cross, Keystone First VIP Choice, Main Line Health, PA Health and Wellness, Patina Health, Prestige Health, Putt-Putt Fun Center, Senior Community Services, Surrey Services for Seniors, TCF (The Community’s Foundation) and Victoria’s Home Care.

Good Luck to this year’s athletes!

Let the games begin!

Our hosts: COSA Director Barbara Nicolardi and Parks & Recreation Director Marc Manfre

Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded to the 2023 Champions in 13 sports

Staff and volunteers for the opening Bocce games

Delaware County hosted its 2nd Annual Sustainability Conference on Thursday, June 8, at Widener University, bringing together over 300 concerned citizens, experts, scientists, government officials and sustainability practitioners for an exciting day of networking, information sharing, and collaboration.

Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer, Delaware County Chief Administrative Officer Marc Woolley, Widener University Provost Andrew Workman, and Senator Tim Kearney opened the conference by recognizing the strides Delaware County is taking toward a more sustainable future.

Following introductory remarks, Keynote Speaker Justin Harris, the Principal Senior Advisor of the Climate Equity Collaborative addressed global climate equity issues and highlighted what his organization is doing to address the challenges faced. Additional speakers touched on innovations in Green Chemistry, the link between gun violence and illegal dumping, and the power of composting.

The Conference also presented three panels of experts from organizations such as Boeing, Johns Hopkins, the Penn State Extension, the Foundation for Delaware County, the Clean Air Council, and the PA Department of Environmental Protection that engaged in meaningful discussions with participants around issues of air quality, sustainable organizations, and the importance of partnerships and resources.

Conference participants also had the opportunity to network and engage with over 30 exhibitors such as the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, PECO, the Delaware County League of Women Voters, and the Darby Creek Valley Association, displaying information and resources on a variety of relevant issues including air quality, energy efficiency, Zero Waste, and more.

The Delaware County Office of Sustainability also recognized exemplary individuals and organizations practicing sustainability leadership in Delaware County. Awardees included Swarthmore College, Brittani Hales of the Delaware County Planning Department, and M. Weatherly, G. Zamonski, and the 5th graders of Stetser Elementary in Chester City.

Delaware County Chief Sustainability Officer Francine Locke had this to say about the event, "We are pleased to see so many community advocates, businesses, and professionals come together to connect and be inspired by experts and everyday sustainability heroes. With this year’s conference having more than double the participants than last year, we are incredibly proud of the progress that is being made towards becoming a more sustainable community. We hope that the momentum from this conference will continue to bring positive change." 

Thank you to the Office of Sustainability for an inspiring event that is building the foundation for a more sustainable Delaware County and a brighter future for our community.  

If you were unable to attend the conference, all of the sessions are available for viewing on the County’s YouTube channel, linked below.

Delaware County's 2nd Annual Sustainability Conference

June 8, 2023. Running Time 7:28:00

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer were proud to celebrate Pride Month during U.D.T.J.’s Delaware County Pride 2023 Festival in Upper Darby on June 10. 

The day-long celebration of the LGBTQQIA+ community in Delco included vendors, music, dancing, face painting, and kid-friendly activities. 

"Council commends U.D.T.J. for organizing this wonderful festival,” said Dr. Taylor. “They worked to create an inclusive and positive day not only for LGBTQQIA+ residents, but for all members of our community.”

“We are so proud of our community’s support of the LGBTQQIA+ population in Delaware County,” added Vice Chair Schaefer. "It's important that we not only recognize our diversity, but celebrate it. Diversity is what makes our community strong."

In addition to County Council, the Delaware County Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Delaware County Health Department, the Citizens Corps of Delaware County, and the Medical Reserve Corps also participated, providing information and support materials for the LGBTQQIA+ population.

Thanks to U.D.T.J.—a local organization whose mission is to fight for equality and justice based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and across all intersectional identities—for hosting this wonderful event.

More about their organization can be found at https://udtj.org.

The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation annual Rose Tree Park Summer Festival concert series officially kicks off next week on Wednesday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m., with the Delaware County Symphony—the beloved community orchestra established in 1971, followed on Thursday by perennial favorite The Fabulous Greaseband! 

After this exciting kick off, nearly 50 free concerts will be held throughout the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays, at 7:30 p.m. (a few children’s concerts will be held at earlier hours).

Upcoming performers for this week include: 

• Delaware County Symphony. A symphonic concert for the whole family! Orchestral favorites by Elgar and Hanson, alongside Prokofiev’s beloved Peter and the Wolf. Enjoy uplifting and rousing classics. [Wednesday, June, 21]
• The Fabulous Greaseband. A perennial summer concert favorite! Enjoyable for all ages, this entertaining show spans the best of fifty years of Oldies, Classic Rock & Pop nostalgia. [Thursday, June, 22]
• Matt Santry Bands. 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]

In addition, the Summer Concert Series has an unofficial kick off Monday, June 19, when Philly Gumbo—described by the Philadelphia Inquirer as the “the area's finest musical ragout of New Orleans parish-based soul, blues, reggae and dense funk”—plays its party-hearty, dance-inducing jams for the County’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website (linked below).

Admission and parking are free. Blankets and chairs for seating are encouraged. Light concessions will be for sale, and picnics are welcome. Handicapped parking is available.

Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. If a show can go on safely, it will. For more information, including updates on weather-related cancelations, please call (610) 891-4455. 

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website