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The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— March 1, 2024 (110th edition) ——
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March is Women’s History Month! | |
Registration Now Open for the Women's History Month Celebration Luncheon on March 23 | |
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March is National Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the vital role of women in shaping American history.
This year, we embrace the theme 'Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,' chosen by The National Women’s History Alliance.
This theme It highlights the collective efforts of women across the country who are tirelessly working towards a more equitable society and recognizes women throughout the country who continue to fight to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions.
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Join the Celebration: Women's History Month Luncheon & Annual Awards Presentation
To celebrate Women’s History Month, the Delaware County Women’s Commission (DCWC) is inviting residents to attend the annual Women's History Month Celebration Luncheon on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Lia's Ballroom in Boothwyn.
This celebration will provide a relaxed forum to honor trailblazing women, network with community leaders, and celebrate our collective achievements in fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The luncheon will offer an opportunity for engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and the presentation of the DCWC Annual Awards, recognizing women who have been instrumental in advocating for change, safeguarding rights, and pushing for meaningful legislation and policies in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
During the luncheon, the DCWC will recognize three distinguished women:
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Hall of Fame (Past): Honors the memory of a deceased woman leader
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Woman of Achievement (Present): Honors a current Visionary Leader from our community
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Woman of Achievement (Future): Honors a young woman who is making a difference today, all within the context of our theme.
Tickets and Registration
Secure your spot by March 8. To register, please visit the DCWC website and access the Sponsorship/Tickets Form, or use the direct link provided below for convenience:
For any inquiries about the luncheon, feel free to email the Delaware County Women's Commission at delcowomenscommission@gmail.com.
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Announcing the Results of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) in Delaware County | |
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced the results of the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) in Delaware County on February 28. LETI is a program that diverts individuals with a substance use disorder away from the criminal justice system and into treatment.
The Attorney General and District Attorney were joined by Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, who provided an update on the progress being made in addressing the opioid epidemic utilizing funds obtained from the opioid settlement funding. The funding - $63 million over eighteen years – was obtained through a settlement of litigation against opioid distributors initiated by both the DA and County Council.
“I have been to counties across Pennsylvania to help them launch their LETI programs, but today’s visit to Delaware County is my first opportunity to see how the LETI Program is working on the ground a few years after it began. These efforts must be done at the county level — it’s a necessity that local officials understand the importance of diversion efforts in combating the opioid crisis and that they utilize the resources provided through the state-wide opioid settlement money in the way that their communities need. It is truly rewarding and hopeful to see Delaware County finding success in this monumental endeavor,” said Attorney General Henry.
The LETI program was initiated in 2021 by then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro and has been adopted by 28 counties in the Commonwealth. LETI is a collaborative effort between law enforcement and treatment providers that enables individuals to be connected to treatment without a threat of arrest or prosecution. In addition to diversion initiated by police departments, the DA’s office, under the leadership of Deputy Salena Jones, reviews cases at the time of initial arrest and refers appropriate cases to MVP Recovery, the County’s designated provider for LETI participants.
|  | The first installment of opioid settlement funding was awarded in December 2023, and MVP Recovery received $861,640.00 to fund two projects: the MVP Recovery OTR Program (Opioid Treatment & Recovery Program), and the MVP Recovery EMPOWERED (Empowering Mothers for Positive Outcomes with Education, Recovery, and Early Development Program. The OTR Program will provide expanded MAT (Medically Assisted Treatment), specifically methadone maintenance services. The EMPOWER Program is focused on having targeted case management for pregnant women and women who have been diagnosed with substance use disorder who have children. |
 |  | “LETI is a true diversion program for non-violent individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system on account of drug dependency. Together with our Drug Treatment Court and the Second Chance Court, this is another tool in our toolbox to get people help that works,” said Stollsteimer. “As we have worked on the development and implementation of this program, we have been assisted enormously by the staff in the Attorney General’s office, particularly Agent Janene Holter, the coordinator of the LETI program, and we are extraordinarily grateful for that assistance. Our success with this program was only possible because of the close collaboration between my office and the staff at MVP Recovery, particularly CEO Brian Corson. Finally, We have also been gratified by the response this program has received from police departments across Delaware County. As we have continued in our efforts to expand LETI, we have received the enthusiastic support of Chester’s mayor, Stefan Roots and its police commissioner, Steven Gretsky, and that support is essential to the success of the program,” said DA Stollsteimer.
“The Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative can literally change the course of a person’s path,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Instead of being placed on a path that involves incarceration, residents can be placed on a path that includes recovery and one that includes a bright future. We need to attack substance abuse disorder at its root cause, and the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative does just that. We believe this program can be incredibly successful and powerful.”
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Celebrating a Centenarian! Happy Birthday to Navy Veteran Lieutenant Ralph Perkner! | |
Delaware County’s Military and Veterans Affairs Director COL. Arthur Jenkins was honored to join the community in celebrating the 103rd birthday of Navy Veteran Lieutenant Ralph Perkner on February 25.
To commemorate the celebration, COL Jenkins presented Mr. Perkner with a resolution from Delaware County Council and a “Delco Strong” challenge coin. Mr. Perkner served in both WW2 and the Korean War, serving in Japan, the South Pacific, and across the United States.
Mr. Perkner is a well-respected optometrist, who worked until the age of 90, and a much-loved member of the community who could often be found swimming at the YMCA and woodworking.
We wish him a very happy 103rd birthday!
| Delaware County Military & Veterans Affairs Director COL Arthur Jenkins joins WWII Navy Veteran Lieutenant Ralph Perkner in celebration of his 103rd birthday! |
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Celebrating Public Health Pioneer Joanne Craig | |
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In recognition of Black History Month, the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) has been celebrating the careers and accomplishments of selected Delaware County Black community members making a difference in public health. DCHD is shining a light on public health pioneers from Delaware County who support public health by promoting healthy habits and community well-being.
This week, Joanne Craig has been named as the Delaware County Black Public Health Pioneer. Congratulations Joanne!
It is not possible to address the progress made in maternal and child health services, racial equity, and policy change across Pennsylvania without mentioning maternal and child health champion in Delaware County, Joanne Craig. Joanne Craig is the Chief Impact Officer for The Foundation for Delaware County.
From the beginning of her career, Joanne set out to support the voices of the underrepresented. Almost 30 years ago, Joanne founded the women and the children’s services program for the Crozer-Keystone Health System by securing the county’s first Healthy Start grant in 1997. The Healthy Start program has been renewed multiple times since it first received funding 26 years ago. As a result of Joanne’s leadership and this program, the infant mortality and morbidity rate in the service area of Chester and the eight municipalities that surround the city has declined by almost half (from 23 infant deaths per 1,000 live births to the current rate of 14 infant deaths per 1,000 live births).
Joanne’s experience administrating family health programs has produced a range of distinctions and recognition for her efforts, including Advocate of the Year by Public Citizens for Children and Youth; the Athena Leadership Award from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce; the Delaware County Agency Director Award from the United Way of Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey; Generosity Magazine’s 2022 list of 45 Nonprofit Influencers; and the Health Equity in Public Service award from the March of Dimes. Joanne has also been named one of Main Line Today’s 2023 Power Women.
| Reducing the Disparity in Black Infant Mortality and Morbidity Rates | |
Joanne’s success in delivering supportive services that reduce the disparity in Black infant mortality and morbidity rates and improve maternal and birth outcomes in the Chester community earned her an invitation to establish a Nurse-Family Partnership in Delaware County at the Foundation.
As one of the most effective programs in the state, it is dedicated to supporting women and teens by promoting healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes. Building on this mission, Joanne added numerous programs, such as the Medical-Legal Partnership, the Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE), Cribs for Kids, Storks Nest, WIC, Healthy Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, Drug-Free Communities, Chester High School Health Resource Center programs and El Centro, which meets the needs of Spanish-speaking people in the Chester area.
Joanne is currently serving a second term on the Pennsylvania State Maternal Mortality Review Committee, where she has recently been appointed a co-chair. She also participates in the Pennsylvania Perinatal Partnership and national coalitions including the National Healthy Start Association and Nurse-Family Partnership Administrators Innovation Committee. She has been an active member of Delaware County advisory committees and boards including the Voices for Children Steering Committee for Delaware County, Delaware County Health Department Community Health Assessment Steering Committee, and the Health Care Improvement Foundation board.
Today and every day we thank Joanne Craig for the work she has done to improve the health of our community. The programs Joanne has fostered work to ensure no baby is born too soon or too small, every baby survives their first year of life, and that no mother dies due to complications from childbirth. Delaware County and the entire eastern region of Pennsylvania have benefited from the programs, projects, and services that she has implemented.
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Delaware County’s Recorder of Deeds Office Launches GovOS Cloud Search Tool | Adoption of powerful government records search engine is the latest modernization effort to be undertaken by Delaware County’s Recorder of Deeds Office | |
The Delaware County Recorder of Deeds Office, led by Director Robert A. Auclair, Esq., has become the third county in Pennsylvania to offer its residents GovOS Cloud Search—the most advanced government records search engine available. This platform is part of a multi-year strategy to modernize Delaware County’s land records system and enhance services for its residents.
Successfully soft-launched on February 1, 2024, this web-based tool has made millions of county public records more accessible by providing a Google-like search capability. It also allows individuals to purchase certified copies, documents, and index prints online.
Cloud Search complements the existing County Fusion land records platform, in use since 2020, offering the public two options for searching property documents. While Cloud Search is expected to be the preferred option for its intuitive interface, title searchers and others may continue using County Fusion.
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“GovOS Cloud Search’s advanced technology and user-friendly interface provide an unparalleled experience for residents searching land records,” said Director Auclair. “Integrating Cloud Search with our records system enables quick access to over 240 years of historical data without needing to visit our office, significantly benefiting Delaware County residents.”
“The modernization efforts have streamlined services, making them more accessible and efficient,” said Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther. “We regularly receive compliments from all stakeholders—title companies, real estate agents, developers, buyers, and sellers—on the improvements led by Director Auclair and his team, highlighting this as taxpayer money well spent.”
Enhancing Fraud Protection With “Property Alert”
The Delaware County Recorder of Deeds Office is dedicated to modernizing and enhancing fraud protection. The introduction of GovOS Cloud Search's Property Alert represents a significant upgrade over the previous FraudSleuth application available through the County’s Fusion platform. This user-friendly program, set to replace FraudSleuth in the coming weeks, offers enhanced features. Existing users of FraudSleuth will be informed about the change via email.
To use Property Alert, residents simply sign up for a free account with their email at the GovOS Cloud Search portal and immediately start receiving alerts for any property-related activities.
Registration is simple:
- Visit the GovOS Cloud Search portal and create an account.
- Once logged in, search for your name or Parcel ID to find documents linked to your property.
- Click the “PROPERTY ALERT” button found on the document page.
- In the pop-up box, confirm your Parcel ID by checking the box next to it. This action ensures you'll receive email notifications for any transactions involving your property.
Residents can register at the Delaware County Recorder of Deeds website at DelcoPA.Gov/RecorderOfDeeds or directly through the Cloud Search portal at DelcoPA.Gov/CloudSearch.
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County Council Attends Annual League of Women Voters Luncheon | |
Delaware County Council was thrilled to once again attend an annual luncheon hosted by the League of Women Voters of Delaware County on February 21 at the Springfield Country Club.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues.
The annual luncheon provides Council the opportunity to interact with the members and discuss important topics concerning our county and our residents. This year, the organization also invited key County leaders to participate including the County's new Executive Director, Barbara O’Malley, Director of Elections Jim Allen, and the Director of the County’s Office of Sustainability Francine Locke.
Among the many topics discussed were the County’s Health Department, open space, the County’s prison, the voting process, and sustainability.
You can learn more on the League of Women Voters of Delaware County website.
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Primary Election Day is Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Visit the Delco Votes! website at DelcoPA.Gov/Vote for the latest news and information.
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Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer Presents Resolution Declaring February 2024 as Career and Technical Education Month | |
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Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer was honored to attend the annual celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month at the Delaware County Technical School (DCTS) Aston Campus on Tuesday, February 27.
During the celebration, Council Member Schaefer toured the school and presented a resolution declaring February 2024 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.
The resolution highlighted the critical importance of providing local students with technical skills and education to enable students to enter the workforce prepared and confident.
Council’s resolution emphasizes the County's commitment to supporting vocational education and acknowledges the significant contributions of CTE programs and partnerships throughout the county. Council Member Schaefer, in her remarks, highlighted the vital role that CTE plays in building a competent, skilled workforce and the positive impact it has on students' lives, the local economy, and community development.
“CTE is not just about preparing our youth for the workforce; it's about empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to innovate and lead in their chosen fields,” said Council Member Schaefer. “This celebration is a testament to our collective commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals, and I am proud to stand with our educators, students, and community leaders in recognizing the vital role of CTE in building a stronger, more vibrant future."
|  | Dr. Maria Edelberg, Executive Director, DCIU receives the County's resolution declaring February as Career and Technical Education Month from Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. Also pictured, left to right, Tracy Karwoski, DCIU Board President; Ed Harris, DCU Board Vice President; and Dr. Stephen Butz, Director Career and Technical Education |
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The celebration showcased CTE programs, designed by the Delaware County Technical School and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and students and faculty spoke about the profound impact and value of CTE on their individual lives and the broader community
“As we look to the future, and as we continue to champion the cause of career technical education, let’s work together, let’s continue to expand opportunities, expand offerings, and ensure that every student is able to pursue their life-long careers, life-long dreams, and life-long interests,” said DCIU Executive Director Dr. Maria Edelberg.
DCTS offers a total of 22 programs, including early childhood education, engineering, computer science, biosciences, hospitality, tourism, cosmetology, culinary arts, carpentry, welding, construction, and more at two main campuses in Aston and Folcroft, as well as healthcare-related programs held at several partnering hospitals.
Students also created a short video, available on the DCIU YouTube Channel, linked below, to showcase the diverse range of programs and opportunities that DCTS offers and to share the experiences, projects, and impact that CTE has had on students.
Students and parents interested in learning more about CTE and the programs offered by DCIU can visit their website at www.dciu.org/cte.
|  | Click to watch a short video, DCIU Celebrates CTE Month at DCTS, from the students at the Delaware County Technical Schools | |
Delaware County Health Department Announces Health Priorities for 2024-2028 | |
Over 5,000 Delaware County residents contribute input as part of DCHD’s comprehensive Community Health Assessment effort | |
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The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) and its Community Health Assessment Steering Committee are excited to announce the County’s health priorities for 2024-2028. These priories were determined after an analysis of feedback and data captured from DCHD’s recent Community Health Assessment (CHA) effort, developed to identify key health assets, needs, and disparities in Delaware County through comprehensive data collection, research, and analysis.
These priorities are (in order of importance):
- Promotion of Whole Person Care and Prevent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
- Promotion of Maternal, Parental, and Infant Health
- Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Since its launch in May 2023, the Community Health Assessment (CHA) has been shaped through the participation of over 5,000 Delaware County residents through focus groups, community conversations, and detailed surveys. DCHD also collaborated with numerous community health partners to gain a complete understanding of the public health challenges affecting Delaware County communities and capture actionable data that could be used to formulate effective strategies to improve the health of Delaware County.
Over the next few months, DCHD and its community partners will set goals and objectives, guided by the two overarching themes:
- Promotion of Health Equity
- Improved Access to, and Awareness of, Health Care and Community Services
In all, over 60 community organizations participated in the process, including AIDS Care Group, Chester Chaplains Corporation, Chester City, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Delaware County Medical Society, Family & Community Service of Delaware County, the Foundation for Delaware County, Haverford Township, and Widener University. Delaware County agencies participating include the Departments of Emergency Services, Health, Human Services, Planning, and the Offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of the Medical Examiner.
"Over the last year, the Delaware County Health Department has learned so much about this community, its assets, and its needs,” stated Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “We are grateful to the individuals, groups, and organizations who helped us gather thoughts and ideas about health from community members. These efforts will help set the course for community health improvement strategies over the next 5 years.”
For more information, including detailed findings reported from health data, focus groups, community conversations, and the CHA survey, read the DCHD press release at DelcoPA.Gov/HealthPriorities.
The CHA report is expected to be shared for public comment in March 2024. Visit the County’s Community Health Assessment website, at DelcoPA.Gov/CHA, to stay up to date on CHA activities.
|  |  |  | Questions about the CHA process can be directed to the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us. |
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Delaware County Health Department and Keystone First Host Diabetes Prevention Cooking Class Initiative | |
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The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) and Keystone First, in partnership with the Share Food Program, are proud to announce the “Cooking for Wellness” initiative. This initiative is a series of healthy eating and cooking education classes aimed at reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes and other health complications.
Cooking for Wellness will provide residents with the opportunity each Wednesday in March to learn healthy cooking tips, create healthy meals, and get screened for diabetes. Participants will also receive free groceries to take home courtesy of Share Food Program donations. Sessions are conducted by a registered dietitian nutritionist and health professionals.
“Regularly making mindful food choices is a crucial part of preventing type 2 diabetes,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “Healthy eating and food preparation education is a major step forward in the pursuit of better well-being for everyone.”
Residents who are considered pre-diabetic are encouraged to attend these interactive cooking sessions to learn how they can lower blood sugars and prevent type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2. Symptoms of prediabetes include but are not limited to those who are overweight or suffer from obesity, age 45 or older, have immediate relatives with type 2 diabetes, and are physically active less than 3 times a week.
How to Register
Each session requires registration and will be held at the Keystone First Wellness and Opportunity Center at 1929 W. 9th St. in Chester.
To register, residents should contact the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line by phone at (484) 276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
Wednesday Cooking for Wellness Session Details
Keystone First Wellness and Opportunity Center
1929 W. 9th St., Chester, PA 19013
- March 6, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- March 13, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- March 20, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- March 27, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
We hope to see you there!
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Free Pop-Up Housing Fair Hosted by the Delaware County Women’s Commission on Sunday, March 3 | |
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The Delaware County Women’s Commission is proud to present a free housing resource fair on Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Academy Park High School, 300 Calcon Hook Road, in Sharon Hill.
Access to safe, stable housing is fundamental to our well-being and success. It provides more than just shelter; it is the foundation for families to thrive, children to succeed in school, and communities to grow.
Delaware County residents are invited to explore resources from housing organizations from across the county, and take part in impactful workshops on financial literacy, landlord tenant rights, children and youth services, resources for victims of domestic violence, first time homeownership, and more!
Organizations and advocates are also invited to attend, network, table, and share important resources related to equitable and safe housing. If you have questions or are interested in tabling, please email smithje@delcohsa.org.
Don't miss this great opportunity to access valuable resources and connect with your community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive housing environment for Delaware County!
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Reminder! Public Comment Period Open through March 20 for Aging Our Way, PA: A 10-Year Roadmap for Lifelong Independence for Seniors | |
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The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) announced last week that the 30-day public comment period has begun following the release of the preliminary draft of Aging Our Way, PA: A Plan for Lifelong Independence. The 10-year State-based strategic plan, a key initiative of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging over the past nine months, is designed to establish priorities, strategies, and tactics to promote health, well-being, and quality of life for all Pennsylvanians over the next decade and beyond.
The detailed master plan emphasizes a comprehensive approach to aging, with a focus on enhancing accessibility to healthcare services, affordable housing, and transportation, as well as increasing opportunities for social engagement and community involvement.
In all, the master plan identified detailed priorities, strategies, and tactics that aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for the aging population of Pennsylvania. These elements of the master plan are designed to address the multifaceted needs of older adults, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to live vibrant, independent lives.
Aging Our Way, PA also prepares the Commonwealth for a larger, longer-living older adult population and is designed to respond to changing needs, shifting priorities and available resources to ensure that older Pennsylvanians have the resources and support necessary to live independently and with dignity in their communities.
Public Comment Due By March 20
The 30-day public comment period is an opportunity for residents, service providers, caregivers, and stakeholders across Pennsylvania to contribute their perspectives, experiences, and suggestions to refine and improve the final plan.
COSA calls on our older residents and all stakeholders to review the master plan and provide public feedback prior to the deadline. Residents interested in providing public comment can do so by email at agingplan@pa.gov or by mail at:
Aging Our Way, PA
555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
For more information about the Aging Our Way, PA plan, visit the Department of Aging's dedicated website at Aging.PA.Gov/MasterPlan.
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