The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— June 30, 2023 (75th edition) ——
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Happy Fourth of July from Delaware County Council! | |
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Delaware County Council wishes Delco residents a very happy and safe Fourth of July!
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the original 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to family gatherings and barbecues.
Delco has MANY family fun activities for residents this 4th of July. Below is a list of municipalities that are hosting fireworks displays or putting on parades or holding other celebrations. Enjoy!
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FIREWORKS IN DELAWARE COUNTY
Upper Darby
Friday, June 30th at dusk
Ridley Park
Saturday, July 1st at dusk
Parade, games & car show begin at 12 p.m.
Bethel Township
Monday, July 3rd at dusk
Aston Township
Tuesday, July 4th at dusk
Clifton Heights
Tuesday, July 4th at dusk
Parade and other festivities begin at 10 a.m.
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PARADE OR PATRIOTIC EVENT ONLY (NO FIREWORKS)
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
Saturday, July 1st, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, July 4th, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Swarthmore Lions Independence Run/Walk
Monday, July 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
Aldan 4th of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4th at 11:00 a.m.
Marple-Newtown 4th of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m.
Springfield Township 4th of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4th at 9 a.m.
Swarthmore Great Bike Race & Parade
Tuesday, July 4th
SRA Bike Race begins at 8:30 a.m.
Children's parade begins at 9:45 a.m.
July 4th parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
Thornbury Township July 4th Parade
Tuesday, July 4th at 10 a.m.
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PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Air Quality Alert Downgraded to Code Orange | Ongoing Canadian wildfires continue to affect regional air quality | |
The return of smoke and haze from ongoing wildfires in Canada affected Delaware County’s air quality again this week. The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a statewide Code Red Air quality alert for Wednesday, June 28 and Thursday, June 29, and a Code Orange for Friday, June 30.
While the air quality this week in Southeast Pennsylvania, including Delaware County, was not as bad as we experienced earlier in June, it was still be enough to make the air unhealthy.
The fires continue to burn and air quality in our area will change with different weather patterns. Friday begins a transition period of increasing chances for rain showers and thunderstorms. This expected weather pattern shift may change air quality conditions. However, our air quality may continue to be impacted by the wildfires going forward.
Residents can stay up to date via the AirNow website at www.airnow.gov and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's Air Quality Partnership at www.airqualitypartnership.org, and are urged to follow recommended protective actions as needed.
During Code Red Alert days, the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) recommends that residents take steps to reduce their exposure, including limiting the amount time you are active outdoors and choosing less strenuous activities when you are outdoors. At-risk groups such as those with lung disease (asthma), preexisting health conditions, children, and older adults should remain indoors and keep activity levels low.
Children, including teenagers, are at higher risk because they often play outdoors in warmer weather, they are more likely to have asthma, and their lungs are still developing. Older adults may be more affected by poor air quality, possibly because they are more likely to have pre-existing lung disease.
Contact your medical provider if you are experiencing new or unusual respiratory symptoms. Residents can help each other by checking on our older family members, friends, and neighbors safely or by phone.
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Delaware County Controller Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting | |
Controller Joanne Phillips and staff awarded prestigious recognition for governmental accounting | |
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The Delaware County Controller’s Office has once again been awarded the prestigious “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).
County Controller Joanne Phillips and her staff were recognized for their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is considered the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and finance reporting and attainment of the award represents a significant accomplishment for the Delaware County Controller’s Office. Phillips and her staff have earned the GFOA Certificate of Achievement each year since she took office in 2018.
“Each year the requirements to earn the award are made more difficult because new government accounting standards are added,” said County Controller Joanne Phillips. “Our staff has had to prepare well in advance to understand what is needed to provide a complete picture of the County’s financial condition. Moreover, only 15 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties earned the award, and I am proud that Delaware County is in this elite group.”
The GFOA commended the Delaware County Controller’s Office, noting their hope that Delaware County’s example would encourage other government officials in their efforts to achieve and maintain an appropriate standard of excellence in financial reporting.
A copy of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, along with other financial reports and audits, are available on the Controller’s Office website, at delcopa.gov/controller/reports.html.
The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement to encourage local governments to go beyond minimum accounting requirements to prepare comprehensive and transparent financial reports each year. These reports are filed with official agencies overseeing municipal finance and are used by many stakeholders—creditors, grantors, developers, rating agencies and business owners—to assess the county’s financial position.
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Delaware County Recognizes Gun Violence Awareness Month | |
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Every year, over 40,000 Americans are killed by gun violence, which does not include the nonfatal shootings and the communities who are forever changed by violence.
To remember those impacted and to raise awareness, June is recognized as Gun Violence Awareness Month.
Additionally, on the first weekend of June communities celebrate Wear Orange in remembrance of Hadiya Pendleton. A week after marching in President Obama’s second inaugural parade, Hadiya was killed on a playground in Chicago, at the age of 15. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s childhood friends decided to commemorate her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others.
In recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month, the County participated in Wear Orange, supported community-sponsored events, and produced a video to highlight how grassroots organizations, advocacy groups, and elected officials are collaborating to address the root causes of violence and the residual trauma it causes.
We hope you will join in our efforts, to end gun violence in all its forms.
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Uniting for Change Video: Running Time 38 minutes | |
The Delaware County Health Department Recognizes National HIV Testing Day | |
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The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) joined health departments and public health organizations across the country to recognize National HIV Testing Day on Tuesday, June 27. DCHD staff provided HIV testing information and distributed free condoms at the Delaware County Courthouse.
National HIV Testing Day is recognized on June 27 each year to raise awareness and encourage HIV testing. Knowing your HIV status is the first step in prevention and initiating treatment services that enable people to live long and healthy lives regardless of their status.
DCHD encourages everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 to get tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine health care. Those with certain ongoing risk factors—such as having more than one sexual partner since their last HIV test or having sex with someone whose sexual history they don’t know—should get tested annually.
DCHD encourages all residents to prioritize their health and well-being by including HIV testing as part of their routine healthcare. HIV testing is also available on an ongoing basis at both DCHD Wellness Centers in Yeadon and Chester.
STI/HIV Clinic Walk-in Hours:
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Mondays (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon
125 Chester Avenue
Yeadon, PA 19050
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Wednesdays (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Delaware County Wellness Center at Chester
151 W. 5th Street
Chester, PA 19013
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Delaware County is Hiring! | |
Second of Three Delaware County Career Fairs to be held Wed., July 5 | |
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Delaware County is excited to host the second of three planned Career Fairs on Wednesday, July 5, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, located at 200 Yale Avenue, in Morton, PA. This second Career Fair comes less than two weeks after the County’s first Career Fair of the summer, held on June 26, which saw a strong turnout of job seekers and several on-the-spot interviews and job offers.
Most open positions have not yet been filled. Multiple Delaware County departments continue to look at candidates, including the Health Department, the Department of Human Services, the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Fair Acres, Park Police, IT, and Personnel.
Positions offer competitive employee benefits as well as opportunities for advancement. 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.
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 a different position that might be a better match).
Full-time positions include: Administrative Assistants, Case Managers, Caseworkers, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Classification Coordinator, Compensation Analyst, Correctional Officer, Correctional Sergeant, Deputy Sheriff, Environmental Health Supervisor, Full and Part time RNs, LPNs, NP/PAs and MHPs, Internal Auditor, Laundry Coordinator, Lieutenant, Logistics / Warehouse Coordinator, Paralegals, Patrol Officer, Sanitation Crewman, SAP Basis Administrator, a Recruiter, and many more.
Delaware County Career Fair #2
Delaware County Intermediate Unit
200 Yale Avenue, Rooms 150-151
Morton, PA 19070
Career Fairs are a great opportunity for individuals to meet with the recruitment team and discuss positions; however, qualified individuals who are interested in open positions are urged to apply online immediately if they are interested in a position. Applications and resumes can be submitted online immediately—no need to wait!
For complete list of open positions or an application, visit Delaware County’s website at delcopa.gov/jobs.
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Delaware County Council Congratulates Penncrest High School for 1st Place Finish in 2023 Pennsylvania Envirothon | Environmental competition powerhouse moves on to International Competition in Canada | |
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Delaware County Council congratulates Penncrest High School students for their first-place finish in the 2023 Pennsylvania Envirothon. The annual state-wide environmental sciences competition featured over 300 students from 63 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. The victory marked Penncrest’s 16th first-place finish at the State level and their 30th consecutive victory at the County level.
Penncrest team members include Sophia Donnelly, Jordan Knox, Sophia Murphy, Leo Ouyang, and Zaid Salaria, and are advised by Mark Samilenko and Chrissa Kuntz. Well done team!
About Envirothon
The Envirothon is an environmental and natural resource conservation problem-solving, teambuilding and leadership experience and competition for high school students (grades 9-12 or ages 14-19) across the United States, Canada, and China, and is the largest high school environmental education competition in North American with over 25,000 students competing for victory at the NFC-Envirothon annual international competition.
Hosted by the National Conservation Foundation, the competition features a multi-level environmental competition (County, State, and International) that encourages students to think critically and creatively about the natural world, their place in it, and how to create inventive solutions to the complex local and global environmental and natural resource issues facing our world today—with awards and scholarships offered to the top teams.
Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles, experiential learning and hands-on outdoor field experiences, the Envirothon fosters student learning in the areas of Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils, Land Use, Wildlife, and current Environmental Issues.
Students are empowered to educate others, take action in their local communities, pursue higher academic study in environmental disciplines, and to work toward careers in the environment, natural resources and conservation.
Next Step: The NCF-Envirothon Annual International Competition
The students of Penncrest High School now move onto the 34th Annual NCF Envirothon competition to be held July 23 - 29, 2023, at Mount Allison University, in New Brunswick, Canada. At the competition, Penncrest and all competing teams will be tested and scored on their knowledge and performance on 5 different Station Tests and an Oral Presentation component.
Good luck Penncrest!
For more details about Envirothon and the upcoming NCF-Envirothon International Competition, visit the Envirothon website, linked below.
|  | Penncrest High School: 1st Place in Pennsylvania! |
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Delaware County Summer Concert Series Upcoming Performances (June 30 - July 6) | |
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The Delaware County Department of Parks & Recreation annual Rose Tree Park Summer Festival concert series continues, with free concerts scheduled throughout the summer, Wednesdays through Sundays, typically at 7:30 p.m.
Concerts are weather permitting; there are no rain dates. Admission and parking are free. Handicapped parking is available.
Upcoming performers include:
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AM Radio Tribute Band. '60s-'70s Radio Hits! If your Boots Were Made for Walkin', and you were Born to Be Wild, then Don't Be Cruel - Build Me Up, Buttercup & sing Sweet Caroline. I Got You Babe!. [Friday, June 30]
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Lonnie Shields Band. Delta Blues legend Lonnie Shields, guitar sensation Jesse Loewy and this dynamite band deliver a satisfying Saturday night jam, packed with Blues, Soul, and R&B. [Saturday, July 1]
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Gold Dust Woman. Stellar eight-piece band with a sparkling specialty: the chart-topping timeless music of Stevie Nicks' legendary solo career and Fleetwood Mac classic hits.. [Sunday, July 2]
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The Open Road Band. Recording artist Marge Miller's five-member country band features songs from Legends & Leaders: from Patsy Cline & Johnny Cash to Darius Rucker & Chris Stapleton. [Wednesday, July 5]
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Peter Moses. Kiddies! It's a Super Summer Singalong. [Thursday, July 6 (at 10 a.m.)]
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The Rockdale Boys. Traditional Bluegrass songs and vocal harmonies with toe-tapping banjo, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and bass. [Thursday, July 6]
For the complete schedule, visit the Rose Tree Summer Festival website (linked below). For more information—including recorded messaging about cancelations that may occur to inclement weather or air quality concerns—please call (610) 891-4455.
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Delaware County Council’s Preliminary Agenda Meeting Scheduled for Monday, July 3 in Observance of Fourth of July Holiday | |
The Regular Public Meeting scheduled for Wed., July 5 is unaffected | |
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A Reminder: Delaware County Council’s Preliminary Agenda Meeting will be held on Monday, July 3, instead of Tuesday, July 4, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. The meeting time will be unaffected, with a start time of 10 a.m.
The Regular Public Meeting, which typically is held on the day following the Preliminary Agenda Meeting will be held during the normal timeslot of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5.
What are “Preliminary Agenda Meetings” and “Regular Public Meetings”
The bi-weekly Preliminary Agenda Meetings, typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, serve to update County Council, other government representatives in attendance, and the public on matters of discussion pertaining to County Government before Council votes on agenda items at the Regular Public Meeting. During the Regular Public Meetings, typically held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, County Council members discuss County activities and important developments, make announcements, issue reports and resolutions, and review and vote upon administrative matters ranging from County contracts and purchases to agreements, ordinances and amendments to the County code.
In addition to County Council members, the Chief Administrative Officer, County Controller, County Solicitor, and County Clerk, invited speakers, and members of the public are typically present during these meetings.
County Council meetings are open to the public and Council encourages public participation. Meetings are held in the County Council Meeting room, on the first floor of the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front St., in Media, PA.
Members of the public may discuss any matter listed on the agenda at the beginning of the meeting, and any matter of interest during a second public comment period held at the end of the meeting.
Downloadable agendas, including key documents related to items enumerated on the agenda, are available for download from the County website linked below as are full recordings of all County Council meetings. The website also includes a link to the live-stream of any County Council meetings in session.
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