The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— October 27, 2023 (92nd edition) ——

Delaware County Council wishes all Delaware County residents a spooktacular and safe Halloween! As the night falls, a reminder — please be extra vigilant on the roads, for little ghosts and goblins will be venturing out for tricks and treats.  

Halloween's Origins: Did you know?

Halloween, celebrated each year on October 31st, is a holiday with deep historical roots, dating back over 2,000 years! 

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to ancient Celtic traditions, particularly the festival of Samhain. This Gaelic festival marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. The Celts believed that on the night of Samhain, the boundary between the world of the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest, allowing the souls of the dead to return to Earth. In an effort to ward off malevolent spirits, the Celts lit bonfires and donned costumes.

As the centuries passed, Halloween evolved. The festival, with its penchant for costumes and the supernatural, found its way to America through Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th century. It gradually incorporated various elements, including the carving of pumpkins and the telling of spooky stories.

The practice of trick-or-treating, where children don costumes and go from door to door asking for treats, emerged from the old custom of "souling," where individuals would visit homes to receive food in exchange for prayers for the departed.

Many countries throughout the world celebrate similar holidays, featuring commemoration of the dead, masks, candy, celebrations, and parties. In Mexico, Los Dias de los Muertos, or the Days of the Dead, is a time when people celebrate the return of spirits of loved ones to visit the living. It's a vibrant and meaningful celebration of life and death, is a popular holiday that has recently spread to the United States as yet another layer of the Halloween celebration.

While Halloween's roots are steeped in ancient traditions, it continues to evolve, offering a fascinating blend of history, superstition, and contemporary revelry, and remains a time for people to embrace their playful, spooky side and to enjoy the thrill of the season.

No bones about it, it's Halloween time!

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and Delaware County Council joined Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Haverford Police Chief John Viola, Upper Darby Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt, emergency responders, and mental health experts to discuss the effectiveness and next steps of the County’s Mobile Crisis Unit Pilot Program. 

The County’s pilot program, launched in May 2023, dispatches mobile crisis experts to assist police officers in situations where a person may be suffering from a mental health emergency. 

The crisis teams, comprised of trained mental health professionals from Elwyn, work with Haverford and Upper Darby police officers to assist in calls where a person may be suffering from a mental health crisis. Through the pilot program, members of law enforcement in Haverford and Upper Darby can request assistance if they determine mental health services are needed. 

In May 2022, Congresswoman Scanlon announced that she had secured $650,000 in federal funding to enable Delaware County to create a Mobile Crisis Unit pilot program to enable law enforcement to respond quickly and appropriately to mental health emergencies.

“On behalf of law enforcement, I want to express my appreciation to Congresswoman Scanlon for funding this important pilot project. The expertise available through these mobile crisis units provides vital assistance to police officers responding to residents experiencing a mental health crisis,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “Delaware County law enforcement in the 21st century recognizes that a lot of the people that we’re required to go out and deal with when we go out on calls are people who are suffering from mental health issues, and we don’t always have the tools to deal with them appropriately.” 

The program consists of a Crisis Co-Response team staffed by mental health professionals and certified peer specialists from Elywn. 

Lisa Noe, Director of Crisis Co-Response Services for Elwyn, stated “as a Behavioral Health organization that represents shaping distinctive and meaningful lives for individuals in our community, we are proud to be a part of this collective initiative in providing Crisis Co-Response services and believe that our relationship with Law Enforcement will provide a powerful dynamic for positive changes. While aiming to create a culture of shared social responsibility, support, authenticity, and hope, we are committed to transforming the face of behavioral health as a united force and are grateful to be able and assist our police departments in this impactful and exciting endeavor.” 

During the round-table discussion, members of law enforcement shared that mental health crises are one of the most consistent issues police officers face throughout the country.

The program allows members of law enforcement to be proactive and gives them the tools they need to respond to calls that involve people who are suffering a mental health crisis. The program also assists the person and their family in receiving the help they need. After the initial interaction with the person, a mental health professional follows up to discuss resources, and care.

“Unquestionably, this program can improve the lives of our residents, said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Families may be hesitant to call the police when a loved one is in crisis, and they may not know where to turn to get assistance. These mobile crisis units point those families and individuals toward needed resources at the moment of their greatest need.”

Delaware County Council members Christine Reuther and Kevin Madden, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, and Sheriff Jerry Sanders were honored to participate in a Domestic Violence Survivor Vigil on October 26 in front of the County Courthouse. The vigil hosted by the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County (DAP) was held to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Since 1981, October has been recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with the goal of educating communities, individuals, and families about advocacy services and community resources that can help prevent and raise awareness of domestic violence.

During the vigil domestic abuse survivors shared their emotional and powerful journeys and urged people who may be experiencing abuse of any kind- physical, sexual, or emotional- to speak up, seek help, and empower themselves. 

The vigil also remembered 104 domestic abuse victims in Pennsylvania who were killed in 2022, including four victims in Delaware County. 

Sadly, one in four women, and one in seven men in the United States suffer severe physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations. 1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to the violence. Homicides in Delaware County have been directly related to domestic violence. 

Last fall, Council worked with District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer to form the Delaware County Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force, dedicated to the prevention of domestic abuse, and assisting survivors. The Task Force’s mission is to increase coordination and resources among key stakeholders who share a common interest in serving survivors of domestic violence in Delaware County.

Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther

GOALS OF THE TASK FORCE IN THE NEXT YEAR INCLUDE

Expanding the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) Training

LAP is an evidence-based assessment tool used by law enforcement officers responding to intimate partner violence calls. The tool uses a series of questions to determine if the victim is at an increased risk of lethality and helps connect the victim directly with services through DAP.

Police Departments who have received the training and who use the LAP tool consistently have stated its helpfulness in knowing what to ask and what to look for, how to better assess domestic violence situations, and how to better document calls so they can provide DAP with information that allows them to best serve the victims with whom they are helping.

Currently, approximately 435 officers across 44 police departments in the county have received LAP training.

Creating a County System-wide Education Session on Domestic Violence and Victim Experience

The Taskforce is working to create an education session for all County departments and stakeholders, including law enforcement and the courts, who are involved in the experience of a victim of domestic violence.

The training will include information on domestic violence such as misconceptions and data. The training will also look at how a victim navigates our systems so that we can come together to identify how to best serve victims while providing an experience that recognizes their trauma, rather than adding to it.

Creating school-aged programs to offer prevention and support for parents and guardians, educators, and students

DAP and the Victims Assistance Center are working to create materials and potential education sessions for schools in Delaware County to provide information to parents, guardians, educators, and students. The information is being designed to help identify and prevent domestic abuse as well as supporting students and staff with age-appropriate information and guidance.

During the vigil, Council Member Reuther presented the Domestic Abuse Project (DAP) with a resolution proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Delaware County and commended DAP Executive Director Michelle Brown and her team for their work, dedication, and compassion serving the community.

Empowering survivors of domestic abuse and domestic violence prevention are core to DAP’s mission and accomplishments. Annually, thousands of survivors of abuse and their children are supported through a 24/7 hotline, emergency safe shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy. County Council recognizes these vital services and commends the DAP staff for their dedication and compassion towards domestic abuse survivors. 

Information and resources offered by DAP can be found at https://dapdc.org.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a feasibility study for the construction of a levee in the Eastwick section of Philadelphia, to reduce flooding risks. The proposed levee would be 1,400 feet long and would be built along the eastern bank of the Cobbs Creek. 

The levee could have potential impacts on Delaware County, including:

• Increased flood water in Delaware County
• Impacts on the environment, such as disrupting wildlife habitat

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a draft report [Click here] for the Eastwick Flood Risk Management Study.

The draft report outlines a ‘Tentatively Selected Plan,’ which includes an approximately 1400-foot levee along the left bank of Cobbs Creek within the Eastwick Regional Park and Clearview Landfill. The levee plan is designed to reduce the risk of flood damages to homes, property, and public infrastructure.

The Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment details extensive engineering, economic, and environmental analyses conducted to date as part of the study. 

The study is still ongoing, and the final plan may change. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the plan so that the concerns of all stakeholders can be addressed.

The deadline to submit feedback is November 30, 2023.

Feedback from the public will help Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Planning Department develop a response to the levee proposal and potential future work to address flooding in the county.

Here are some ways the public can provide feedback:

• Attend the Open House: November 9, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Academy Park High School located at 300 Calcon Hook Road, in Sharon Hill.
• Submit comments by email: PDPA-NAP@usace.army.mil
• Submit comments by mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
• Take the Survey (see button)

Slide from draft study showing water level differences during a 100 year flood event

As part of Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) urges residents to learn to recognize the signs of lead poisoning in children and be aware of sources of lead that may be in the home or in a child’s environment. 

Most children who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick. The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is to get a blood lead test. Ask your healthcare provider to test your child for lead. If you don’t have a provider or need help locating one, please reach out to the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100.

“The best way to ensure our children grow in lead free environments is to get them and our homes tested,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. “Since most children do not show symptoms, testing is the only way for parents to have peace of mind.”

Black and Hispanic children are disproportionately poisoned because they are more likely to live in older properties with deteriorated lead-based paint. Black or Hispanic children are found to have lead poisoning six times more than Caucasian children.

What is Lead Poisoning?

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body and can affect people of all ages. Even at low levels, lead can cause serious harm, especially in children under the age of 6 and pregnant women.

Signs of Lead Poisoning Include:

• Irritability
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Loss

• Fatigue
• Abdominal Pain

• Development Delays
• Learning Difficulties

Lead-based paints were banned for residential use in 1978, however, homes built in the U.S. before 1978 are likely to have lead-based paint. The median year of houses built in Delaware County is 1956.

For more information about sources of lead, how to test for lead, how to deal with lead in the home and workplace, and how to prevent lead poisoning, residents can visit the DCHD Lead Poisoning web page.

Blood Lead Levels of Children by Municipality in Delaware County

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD), in collaboration with the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services and volunteers from the Citizen Corps of Delaware County, concluded a successful series of October drive-thru flu vaccination clinics held in Broomall, Tinicum, and Yeadon. 

Hundreds of residents ages 3 and up participated in the free clinics held at the Broomall Fire Company, Tinicum Fire Company, and the Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon. All County residents had access to a free flu shot without needing to provide insurance or book an appointment.  

DCHD, under the leadership of Director Melissa Lyon, is committed to providing accessible vaccination clinics and other health services to all Delaware County residents.

“We are profoundly grateful to our exceptional staff, our dedicated volunteers, and to our residents for participating in these clinics,” said Director Lyon. “A well-vaccinated community alleviates sickness, reduces community spread, and saves lives.”

Delaware County Council extends its gratitude to the dedicated County staff and volunteers for making the clinics a resounding triumph, reminding us that, together, we can meet health challenges and build a stronger, healthier future for Delaware County.

Want to watch a short video of the flu clinics in action? Click here!

DCHD encourages everyone to take steps year-round to help reduce the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses and limit their impact on our families and community. Stay up to date on vaccinations. Practice proper handwashing. Stay home if you are sick. Get tested. And, seek medical advice and care if you have severe symptoms.

Respiratory Illnesses Web Page

For more information about identifying common symptoms for flu, RSV, and COVID-19, please visit the new DCHD Respiratory Illnesses web page.

Delaware County voters have until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, to apply for a mail/absentee ballot for the upcoming Tuesday, November 7 Municipal Election. As a reminder, mail/absentee ballots are sent only to those voters who complete an application (signed with a valid form of ID) after January 1, 2023. Voters who voted by mail in previous years do not receive mail/absentee ballots automatically.

Voters who want to vote a mail/absentee ballot and who have not yet applied may download the form at the Delco Votes! Website at delcopa.gov/ballot-request or visit the Delaware County Voter Service Center. The Voter Service Center is on the ground floor of the Government Center Building at 201 W. Front St. (Orange Street entrance), in Media.

Voter Service Center hours are:

• Saturday, October 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon
• Monday, October 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If the voter lacks valid ID, the voter may receive a ballot but the Bureau of Elections must receive valid ID no later than Monday, November 13 for a returned ballot to be counted.

Voters who are unsure if they are registered to vote with a mail/absentee ballot, or filed for a mail/absentee ballot and have not received it, may check their status at delcopa.gov/ballotstatus. Voters may also contact the Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE with questions, or to discuss how to proceed if the voter’s ballot-return envelope is missing, damaged or not submitted properly.

As a reminder. registered voters from all political parties (Democratic, Republican, Independent, Unaffiliated, other third parties) are eligible to vote at the Nov. 7, 2023 Municipal Election.

Sample Ballots and the List of Candidates

Delaware County voters can view sample ballots and the official candidate lists are available at the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/sample. To view, voters enter their municipality, ward and precinct to see the lists unique to each address. Note that sample ballots presented online are NOT official ballots and cannot be submitted in person or by mail.

Voters not sure of their ward and precinct can find their location by entering their address information through the PA Voter Services’ “Find Your Polling Place” lookup tool.

Returning Mail/Absentee Ballot

Completed mail/absentee ballots can be returned at any of the County’s three dozen ballot drop boxes through 8:00 p.m. on Election Day* on Tuesday, November 7. For an up-to-date list of ballot drop box locations and hours of operation, visit the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/dropbox.

Ballots returned through the US Postal Service must be received by the Elections Department no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, regardless of postmark. Delaware County ballot-return envelopes are postage paid.

Voters who are casting a mail/absentee ballot must mark their ballots in blue or black ink. Once the ballot has been completed, voters should place the ballot into the smaller of the two envelopes (marked Official Ballot Envelope), seal that envelope, and then place that into the larger postage-paid return envelope. Voters must then complete the voter declaration section on the back of the return envelope, being sure to include their signature and the date of that signature.

A lack of a signature or an improper date (such as a date with the wrong year) will disqualify the ballot.

Flawed Mail/Absentee Return Envelopes

The Delaware County Bureau of Elections is responsible for reviewing all mail/absentee ballot envelopes that are returned before those envelopes may be opened on Election Day for the ballots to be counted. Mail/absentee envelopes with legal flaws are segregated, and the Bureau attempts to contact voters to give the voter a chance to obtain a new ballot at the Voter Service Center or request a replacement mailed ballot, if time permits, or to cast a provisional ballot on election day. 

Any mail/absentee ballot envelope with a legal flaw is disqualified. These flaws include unsigned, undated, improperly dated, unsealed, or not placed in the “secrecy envelope,” which then must be –placed in the “Ballot Return Envelope.” Under Pennsylvania law, election officials are not allowed to process ballot return envelopes with these flaws.

Voters who receive notice that the ballot envelope had a flaw must correct the ballot in-person at the Voter Service Center, located on the 1st floor of the Government Center Building, at 201 W. Front St., in Media, PA. If time permits, the voter may ask for a replacement ballot to be mailed. The last option is for the voter to cast a provisional ballot in the voter’s precinct polling place on Election Day.

Voters who included an email address on their applications should check their inbox (or spam box) for notification.

* The Chadds Ford ballot drop box closes at 4:00 p.m. on Election Night.

The Delaware County Heritage Commission is offering a free 90-minute seminar on Saturday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for non-profit organizations to learn how to best manage the financial aspects of running a successful small non-profit organization.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn from local legal and financial experts about topics ranging from starting, merging, and dissolving a non-profit, to annual financial reporting to the IRS, tax forms (Form 990 and 1099), State Financial reporting (Bureau of Charitable Organizations), record retention requirements and best practices, accounting software, bylaws, changes to board members, raising money (donations, fundraising, and raffles), and more! 

Participants can submit questions for discussion during the sign-up process, or during the live Q&A session.

Registration is required: DelcoPA.Gov/Non-Profit

Presenters include Ted Perkins, BA, JD, LLM (Tax), Attorney at Law at Gibson & Perkins PC, and Linda Scafiro, Partner, Audit & Assurance at Brinker Simpson & Company.

For more information, contact the Heritage Commission by phone at (610) 891-5223, or by email at delawarecountyheritage@co.delaware.pa.us. 

Feedback sought for new action plan aimed at making county streets safer for all residents

Delaware County continues to work towards a safer transportation system for our county through the adoption of an innovative new strategy called Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries and ensure safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all residents. 

While traffic injuries have trended down in recent years, the total number of traffic accidents have trended up. Since 2016, over 24,000 traffic accidents have occurred — with nearly 1,000 accidents involving pedestrians — and with over 67% of all accidents resulting in injury. Vision Zero aims to address these numbers and make Delaware County a safer place to drive, bike, and walk. 

The Delaware County Planning Department is developing a comprehensive Action Plan to make Delaware County streets and roads safe and encourages Delaware County residents to share their ideas and suggestions.

Community Engagement: We Want to Hear from You!

Over the past several weeks, representatives from the Planning Department have been in the community — at the Chester City Food Truck Festival, the Haverford Township Day, the Upland Fall Festival, the Upper Darby International Festival, and the Bike Rodeo at Eyre Park — providing information about Vision Zero and gathering feedback. 

Although data-driven, a significant part of the Vision Zero Action Plan is also robust community engagement and collaboration with County residents. We invite residents to provide input and share their priorities to address traffic issues that they are experiencing across our county.

The Delaware County Planning Department out in the community

What's Next? Folcroft's Trunk-or-Treat Community Day

On Saturday, October 28, from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., the Planning Department will participate at Folcroft Borough’s Annual Trunk-or-Treat Community Day (to be held on Delmar Drive and School Lane in Folcroft).

The fun five-hour event will feature food trucks, moon bounces, fireworks, and more. Please stop by and speak to the staff and find out if you can help make Delaware County streets and neighborhoods safer.

Delaware County residents can also share their ideas by participating in the Vision Zero Community Engagement Survey online at DelcoPA.gov/VisionZeroDelco.

All Delaware County residents invited to name new park at site of the former Don Guanella School

Delaware County’s “Name Our Park” contest, launched in September, will close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31, allowing residents only a few days to submit a name for the new 213-acre park being planned for the former Don Guanella School site in Marple Township.

Delaware County Council is searching for a name that embodies the theme of “Community, in Nature” and resonates with the spirit of our community, fosters a sense of belonging, and creates an inspiring identity for the park for generations to come.

The resident who submits the winning name will receive $250 and be celebrated at a future unveiling, showcasing the name on the official park signage and materials. 

How to Enter the Contest!

To submit a name for consideration, go to DelcoPA.gov/NameOurPark, and complete the short entry form. The entry process takes less than five minutes! Just provide your idea for a park name, an explanation for your choice, and your contact information. 

The contest is open to Delaware County residents of all ages. All submissions must be submitted online. Entries should reflect the values of our community, celebrate our County's rich heritage, culture, and natural resources, and inspire a sense of inclusivity and togetherness. Please note that only one submission per resident will be accepted. You can find the complete contest rules online at DelcoPA.gov/ContestRules.

We look forward to hearing your ideas!  

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

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