Delaware County Council joined Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon on May 4 to highlight $475,000 in federal funding to support a new micro-grant program in Delaware County. The Delaware County Community Partnering Program is specifically designed to provide outreach to historically underserved communities. 

“The $475,000 in federal funding we secured for the Community Partnering Program will empower neighborhoods and people that have been impacted by disinvestment for far too long,” said Congresswoman Scanlon. “I am thrilled about all of the projects we were able to support as part of the Community Project Funding process, and the unique thing about Delaware County’s new Community Partnering Program is that it puts these taxpayer dollars back into the hands of our neighbors. It will give Delaware County residents and organizations the chance to make decisions about projects that directly impact their communities and then provide them with the funding to execute their ideas.”

The Delaware County Community Partnering Program will empower neighborhoods and build communities through the deployment of micro-grants. The average grant is expected to be $25,000 — allowing the initiative to have a broad impact. Community groups, neighborhood groups, and organizations are eligible to receive a grant to help fund projects that are organized and sustained by neighborhood residents and community groups. Eligible projects can include (but are not limited to) community gardens, pocket parks, bicycle facilities, pedestrian enhancements, elder transport coordination, snow removal for physically restricted persons, or education initiatives such as energy awareness programs. The micro-grants can also be used to meet local cost-share requirements for other private and public grant opportunities.

The Community Partnering Program is specifically designed to provide outreach to historically underserved neighborhoods that have borne the burden of disinvestment for many decades. The program reduces barriers to accessing resources for community-based improvements and places a high value on participation from residents.

“We are excited to offer these grants to residents and we hope neighborhood and community groups will take advantage of the grants and utilize them for projects in their communities,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “These types of projects allow residents to work together to enhance the places where they live, work, play, and raise families. We are investing in neighborhood groups and organizations that are working together to invest their time and talent to better their communities.”

Applications for the Community Partnering Program are now being accepted. Additional information on how to apply is available at delcopa.gov/cpp. 

This week, Delaware County Elections finalized the list of polling places for the upcoming May 17, 2022 Primary Election. In total, Delaware County’s voters from 428 precincts will vote at 253 unique polling places, with many locations serving as a polling place for multiple precincts.

Voters can locate their polling place on the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/pollingplace. Polling places can be accessed through a look-up tool, an interactive map, and a list (available as a downloadable PDF). As a reminder, by law, voters must go to their designated polling location to vote in-person on election day.

While a small number of polling places change from election to election due to feedback from the community, construction, and other reasons, the vast majority of polling places typically remain unchanged. A total of 11 polling places for the May 17 primary have changed since the 2021 election.

These new polling places include: 

• Aston 2-W: PHCC of PA, 4072 Mount Road, Aston
• Chester City 1-4, 2-1: Chester Gateway Senior Apartments, 1115 Avenue of the States, Chester
• Darby 5-1, 5-2: Darby Township Municipal Building, 21 Bartram Avenue., Glenolden
• Haverford 2-1: Llanerch Fire Company, 107 W. Chester Pike, Havertown
• Marcus Hook 1-P: Alan McIlvain Company, 501 Market Street, Marcus Hook
• Middletown 4-1, 4-2: Middletown Township Annex (Old Library), 21 N. Pennell Road, Media
• Nether Providence 4-1, 4-2: Media (Acme) Shopping Center, 523 E. Baltimore Pike, Media
• Springfield 2-1, 2-3: Volkswagen of Springfield, 300 Baltimore Pike, Springfield
• Trainer LNX, LW, UP: Trainer Borough Municipal Building, 824 Main Street, Trainer
• Upper Darby 1-1, 1-2, 1-9: Bethany Evangelical Presby Church, 5 N. Concord Avenue, Havertown
• Upper Darby 3-6: Upper Darby Kindergarten Center, 3200 State Road, Drexel Hill 
• Upper Darby 7-4: Upper Darby Township Municipal Building, 100 Garrett Road, Upper Darby

Polling-place change notices were mailed to voters in these precincts.

Voters also are encouraged to review a sample ballot for their precinct before voting. Voters may bring notes with their picks to help simplify voting. Sample ballots are at delcopa.gov/sample.

Based on COVID-19 community-transmission data, social distancing is encouraged and wearing a mask is optional for both voters and poll workers.

Only registered Republicans and Democrats may participate at this Primary

There are only partisan contests on the 2022 Primary ballots, with no referenda questions. By law, that means that only voters already registered with the Democratic or Republican parties will be allowed to vote their respective party’s primary ballot.

Additional Resources: The Election Hotline, Voter Service Center and the Delco Votes! website

Delaware County voters have several resources available to help simplify the voting process. The Delaware County Election Hotline (610-891-VOTE) is operational Mon. through Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Delaware County Voter Service Center provides a variety of in-person voter services and is available Mon. through Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Wednesdays through 8 p.m.), Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon, and on Election Day only, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

The Delaware County’s election website — Delco Votes! — provides news, sample ballots, ballot drop box locations, polling location information, access to downloadable and online forms, livestreams and recordings of Board of Elections meetings, and more at delcopa.gov/vote.

A graduation ceremony was held for the first class of cadets enrolled at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility Training Academy since the facility was de-privatized on April 6 and placed under full operational management control by the County of Delaware. 

16 cadets from Delaware County and the surrounding region successfully completed the six-week Pennsylvania Department of Corrections-certified training curriculum and earned the title of Correctional Officer. All graduates are employed fulltime by the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. 

The co-ed class spent weeks in the Training Academy classroom and immersed in on-the-job training, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to implement the County’s institutional policies. 

Each new Correctional Officer will proudly represent the County’s values and will strengthen the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. They are joining an elite group of law enforcement that maintains the care, custody, and control of those in the County’s jail. They are trained to care for inmates objectively and maintain professionalism and humanity toward those in their care.  

Since the de-privatization of the County jail, the Training Academy has undergone restructuring and the curriculum has been updated under the leadership of Richard Leach Jr., a twenty-year veteran of the facility and new Major of Training Operations.

New classes of cadets will attend the George W. Hill Correctional Facility Training Academy each month until all vacancies are filled, with new classes scheduled to begin training on May 9, June 6, and July 5. Individuals interesting in attending the Academy and becoming a Correctional Officer can apply on the Delaware County website at delcopa.gov/jobs. 

The County is also holding a Spring 2022 Job Fair in Chester on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, where representatives of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility will be on hand to discuss employment opportunities.

Today, Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden and County Controller Joanne Phillips joined Prison Warden Laura K. Williams and dozens of new and long-standing employees on the grounds of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility for a Memorial Service held today as part of National Correctional Employees Week.

Correctional Officers are a sector of law enforcement that can often be unseen and forgotten behind the walls of the facilities where they protect and serve. These law enforcement professionals are tasked with maintaining the care, custody, and control of those in jails and prisons. They must care for inmates objectively and maintain professionalism and humanity in the course of their duty.

During this week, we strive to recognize and honor the hard-working professionals who serve at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.  

Today’s memorial was held to provide solemn acknowledgement of the efforts of those who have dedicated their lives to law enforcement and civil service, including those still serving and those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Delaware County thanks all who have served and continue to serve at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.

Each May, Delaware County Council embraces the opportunity to celebrate National Older Americans Month and shine a spotlight on the contributions of older residents across the County. 

Nearly one in every five County residents is a senior. County Council recognizes the contributions of seniors to businesses, volunteer organizations, veterans’ groups, places of worship, schools, and many other valuable organizations where they invest their time. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer and engaging in their communities. Seniors are striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. 

Older Americans Month was first created by President John F. Kennedy in May of 1963, a national month of recognition to be held each May to celebrate the vitality and achievements of older adults. The 2022 theme is “Age My Way,” an opportunity to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities, living independently for as long as possible and participating in ways they choose. Aging is unique for everyone; however, older residents are encouraged to consider some key elements to enhance their quality of life:

• Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
• Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
• Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
• Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.

During the month of May, County Council encourages seniors to attend a variety of events hosted by the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA). 

On Friday, May 6, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack in Chester, COSA held its the annual Senior Living Expo. The Expo featured entertainment, vendors, giveaways, raffles, refreshments, and even COVID-19 vaccination doses and boosters.

On Monday, May 16, Delaware County Council and COSA will honor residents 100 years of age and older at the annual Centenarian Luncheon to be held at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center. Any resident turning age 100 or older in 2022 is invited to attend with a guest for free (additional guests are welcome with the purchase of tickets for $25 per individual). Centenarians can register by contacting Debbie Hedgepeth at (610) 872-1406.

On Friday, May 20, and running for six weeks through June 24, COSA and the Delaware County Department of Parks and Recreation will be offering the free Steps to Healthy Living: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. This acclaimed, evidence-based program, developed at Stanford University, provides participants with self-care tools and life skills to support them in reaching their personal goals to manage their chronic conditions. The program will meet at the Redwood Center in Upland Park in Brookhaven on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Space is limited, and registration is required. To register, contact Ellen Williams, Health and Wellness Program Manager, at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or call (610) 499-1937.  

Finally, May 31 is the deadline for registration for the Delaware County’s 2022 Senior Games, scheduled to be held from Monday, June 13 through Friday, June 24. All Delaware County residents aged 50 and over are invited to participate. Pickleball, bocce, bowling, corn hole, shuffleboard, table tennis, swimming and track & field—even Wii bowling— are just some of the events that will be held! Light-hearted competition, an opportunity to connect with friends and your Delco neighbors, and an awards banquet are just some of the reasons to come out and participate. For more information and registration forms, visit delcoseniorgames.org or call (610) 490-1300.

Information on all COSA programs, events, and resources can be found on the COSA website at https://www.delcosa.org/.

Delaware County is hosting a two-day “Spring Job Fair” on Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Chester City Hall, located at 1 Fourth Street in Chester. The County has a large number of open positions and is actively hiring staff for multiple departments, including the 911 Center, Bureau of Elections, Central Purchasing, County Courthouse, Fair Acres, George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Health Department, Human Services, IT/Information Technology, Juvenile Justice Services, Medical Examiner’s Office, Park Police, Planning Department, Public Works, and the Sheriff’s Department.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the Recruitment Team to discuss open positions to gain a better understanding of the job duties and the benefits offered, and have the team review their resume and skill set to determine if they are a candidate for that position (or give recommendations for different positions that might be a better match).

Interested applicants are advised to bring copies of their resume and will have the opportunity to apply in person during the fair. On-site interviews may be held for qualified attendees.

Full-time positions include: 911 Systems Specialist, Academic Instructor, Accountant, Administrative Assistant to 911 Coordinator, Audit Manager, Autopsy Technician, Capital Project Manager, Case Manager, Caseworker 2 (Office of Mental Health), Clerical (multiple departments), Clerk Typist 2, Community Engagement Specialist, Conservation Technician, County Nurse, Correctional Officer ($2,000 sign-on bonus), Court Information Officer, Court Officer, Database Administrator, Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Warden of Security, Director of IT Project Management and Applications, Director of Planning, Domestic Relations Officer, Emergency Planner 1, Environmental Planner, Senior, Environmental Planner, Evidence Technician, First Assistant Administrator, Forensic Investigator, GIS Specialist, Health Department - Disease Investigation Specialist, Information Center Representative, Infrastructure Manager, IT Purchasing Agent, IT Security Analyst, Juvenile Probation Officer, Lead Emergency Planner, Leave of Absence Coordinator, Maintenance, Maintenance Clerk, Maintenance Technician, Master Mechanic, Mental Health Coordinator, Office Manager - Adult Probation, Orphans' Court Administrator, OST Planner, Park Police Officer, Pre-Trial, Bail and Diagnostics Service Director, Program Manager, Office of Community Justice and Rehabilitation, Property Portfolio Manager, Residential Youth Counselor, Senior GIS Specialist, Senior Transportation Planner, Sr. Financial Clerk, and Substance Abuse Counselor. Internship opportunities also exist.

Positions offer competitive employee benefits as well as opportunities for advancement. Interested individuals can also review open positions and apply online at delcopa.gov/jobs.

Delaware County Govt Official 2022 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website