Delaware County’s first-ever sustainability plan was presented and accepted by County Council during their August 16 public meeting. The plan lays the framework for a sustainable and resilient Delaware County that serves to protect residents and future generations from the impacts of climate change.

Sustain Delco: A Sustainability Plan for Delaware County comes following an extensive two-year planning process. "This is a plan created by the community for the community,” said Delaware County’s Sustainability and Resilience Manager Rebecca Yurkovich. “The County utilized a data-driven and community-informed approach laying the foundation for a more sustainable future in Delaware County.” 

“This is a momentous day for Delaware County to have this extremely valuable document finally finished and a way to formalize our commitment to sustainability” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “This is a commitment we are all making, in our government and with our residents, toward making our community more sustainable. This is a change in course for this County that will be positive for generations to come. I am very, very proud today.”

Under the guiding principles of economic sustainability, education, governance, and equity, inclusion, and justice, the Plan sets out specific actions to be taken (293!) and establishes achievable goals and targets across six focus areas:

• Climate Resiliency
• Natural Resources
• Transportation
• Energy and Efficiencies
• Zero Waste
• Health and Wellness

The Sustain Delco plan not only identifies actions guiding the County’s sustainability work over the next five years, but it also provides ongoing real-world examples of sustainability efforts and successes to inform and inspire the community. Each chapter of the Plan provides necessary background information explaining existing conditions and the importance of each topic mentioned.

More about the Six Focus Areas of Sustain Delco

Creation of the Sustainability Plan 

Recognizing that community input was integral to the creation of a successful and well-received plan, the Delaware County Office of Sustainability led a sweeping effort to engage residents, utilizing surveys, stakeholder meetings, and open houses to gain community feedback. Six subcommittees, one for each of the plan’s focus areas, also met over the course of eight months to identify the main goals, targets, and actions of the Plan. 

Participants in these groups represented a variety of backgrounds and organizations including PECO, SEPTA, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Clean Air Council, the Pennsylvania Resources Council, among many others.

Delaware County Council members commended the efforts of the County’s Office of Sustainability, under the direction of Francine Locke and the Sustainability Commission, noting it was collaborative effort with a shared goal and passion of a healthier and more sustainable county.

The Path to Successful Implementation

To implement this plan, Delaware County will continue to leverage community partnerships and expertise. Lead and partner organizations have been identified for each action, as well as a rough timeline for completion. 

Additional grants, fundraising, and county funds will also be utilized for implementation. 

Community organizations, businesses, educational institutions and more can find actions to take within their own organizations by looking at the “applicability” column of the implementation matrix. 

To see the completed plan and learn more about Sustainability efforts in Delaware County, visit the Office of Sustainability website, linked below.

Medicaid is a vital program that can help pay for health care, nursing home care, and home and community-based services.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) advise residents to be aware of recent changes to Medicaid that could affect coverage. 

What’s Changing?

As a way to assist people during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal government had allowed Pennsylvania and other states to continue Medicaid coverage (also known as Medical Assistance or MA) and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for most people even if they were no longer eligible for the programs.

However, effective April 1, 2023, Pennsylvania was required to revert to pre-COVID Medicaid eligibility rules. This means that Medicaid coverage may end for those who are no longer eligible or who do not complete their yearly Medicaid renewal. 

As a reminder, any Medicaid-participating individual who gets their health insurance from the state will need to complete their renewal every year when it is due to make sure that they are still eligible to receive Medicaid or CHIP. 

Renewals happen throughout the year. Medicaid-enrolled individuals will get a renewal packet in the mail when it is time to renew their state health coverage — No one should lose coverage without having a chance to complete a renewal or file an appeal.

Medicaid-enrolled individuals can also check their renewal date and see if they can renew now at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.

Tips to Keep Medicaid Coverage

• Be sure your address and phone number are up to date, so you get needed information about your coverage. Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or (215-560-7226 in Philadelphia) or use your COMPASS account to update your contact information.
• Read your mail and if you get a renewal form, fill it out and return it. It is very important to complete your renewal on time. COMPASS includes when to expect your annual renewal.
• Complete the renewal even if you think you are no longer eligible. This may help you avoid a gap in coverage or care.
• If you receive a notice that your Medicaid will end and feel it is not correct, file an appeal quickly to prevent a gap in your Medicaid coverage. You may also reapply for Medicaid at any time.

Medicare Options & Tips if Losing Medicaid Coverage

• If you did not enroll in Medicare Parts A or B when you first became eligible, you will have a time limited “Special Enrollment Period” to sign up with no late enrollment penalty, when you lose Medicaid.
• If you already have Medicare Parts A and B and lose Medicaid, review your plan options to be sure you have the coverage you need. For example, for a limited time you may join a Medicare health or drug plan or change your plan. 
• Pennsylvania is protecting consumers who are losing Medicaid coverage and missed their Medicare Supplement (Medigap) open enrollment period. For a limited time, Medigap policies will be sold in the same way and at the same cost as sold to new Medicare enrollees.
• To get free, unbiased help about these options, contact PA MEDI at 1-800-783-7067.

Four Ways to Complete the Renewal When it is Due

For more information about these changes, go to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website, linked below.

Delaware County Council unanimously appointed Andrea Silva as the Director of the America250PADelco. The role of the department will be to plan and promote celebratory events and activities in Delaware County, as part of the nation-wide effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

As Director of America250PADelco, Ms. Silva will coordinate efforts by local municipalities, non-profit organizations, and residents to help residents from Delaware County and across the region better understand and appreciate American history and the benefits of civic engagement.  

“I’m excited about this amazing opportunity to engage all members of the Delco community in our county-wide celebration,” said Ms. Silva. “Leading up to July 4, 2026, our entire nation is preparing for a diverse commemoration. We have a chance to pause and learn from our history, celebrate our achievements, and build an engaged community for a strong future in Delaware County.”

As Director, Ms. Silva will work to engage all members of the Delco community in a county-wide celebration that highlights 250 years of local American history, elevates diverse stories, inspires service, and invests in Delaware County. The community can visit www.America250PADelco.org to learn how to participate.

Ms. Silva brings a background in nonprofit leadership, diplomacy, fundraising, and arts education. She has been instrumental in cultural, education, and civic initiatives that engage volunteers, diverse communities, and high-level stakeholders in and around the Philadelphia region for over twenty years. She recently served as the Interim President and CEO of Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia region’s nonpartisan, public diplomacy, and international exchange organization, administering the City of Philadelphia’s Sister Cities Program and the U.S Department of State’s leadership exchange programs.

“Delaware County is very fortunate to have Ms. Silva, who is incredibly qualified to lead this effort,” said Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther. “She comes to this position with a perfect blend of expertise, and we’re really excited to see the County and America250PADelco showcase its role in the establishment of our nation as we approach 2026 and the Semiquincentennial.”

As a long-time resident of Wallingford, you’ll find her gardening and hanging with her Delco-native husband, two children, and rescue dog.

Congratulations, and good luck!

More About the America250PADelco Commission 

Delaware County also officially established the America250PADelco Commission on August 15, 2023. The new commission will work with community partners to facilitate the raising of funds to support commemoration efforts in conjunction with the America250PADelco Committee. 

Appointed by Delaware County Council, the America250PADelco Commission will include representatives from Delaware County Council, Visit Delco, the America250PADelco Committee and up to sixteen community leaders from a broad range of backgrounds and have a diversity of expertise and experience in tourism, economic development, museum, cultural, and historic sites, business, education, labor, charitable giving, government, civic and faith-based organizations, and Tribal affairs.

A coordinated, bi-state effort identifying options for reducing flood impacts from the Brandywine Creek and key tributaries

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor joined various elected leaders from Delaware County, Chester County, and the State of Delaware for Brandywine Conservancy’s announcement of the Brandywine Flood Study. 

In the past few years there have been more frequent and more extreme flooding events along the Brandywine Creek that have greatly impacted those with homes and businesses in our community. Two years ago, Hurricane Ida caused historic flooding that devastated the region. Dozens of homes and businesses in both Pennsylvania and Delaware in close proximity to the creek were destroyed. The storm caused significant threats to public safety and emergency services and $100 million in flood damages to public infrastructure in the region.

In response to the need to protect our community from the negative impacts of flooding, the Brandywine Conservancy will be leading the Brandywine Flood Study in partnership with the Chester County Water Resources Authority and the University of Delaware Water Resources Center. 

The flood study is a coordinated effort to better understand where and why flooding occurs along the Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania and Delaware so that we can identify the best approaches to protect our communities from future severe flooding events. The flood study is a coordinated, bi-state effort aimed at identifying options for reducing flood impacts from the Brandywine Creek and key tributaries to improve public safety and lessen property damage. The study partners will be evaluating the Creek’s flow regimes during intense storm events, along with the scale and potential impact of subsequent flooding.

The study is expected to be completed by June 2024. A series of public workshops will be held during key stages of the flood study process to engage with impacted communities and gather feedback. The partners also plan to form a flood advisory committee made up of key stakeholders along the watershed.

Once the flood study is completed, the partners are committed to working with impacted communities, elected officials, key funders and government agencies to implement the study’s recommendations so that the watershed and residents in both states are better prepared, protected and equipped to rebound from future severe flooding events.

Read more about the Brandywine Flood Plan on the Brandywine Conservancy website, linked below.

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and Council Member Christine Reuther were excited to join Delaware County Libraries on August 23 to celebrate the conclusion of the successful “Journey Across Delco” and “Beanstack All Together Now” summer reading programs.

The reading programs, created by Delaware County Libraries in partnership with the County’s 28 member libraries, offered children a variety of ways to stay engaged in reading and learning throughout the summer.

Children and their families who participated in the summer reading programs at any of the County’s 28 library locations or online were invited to a morning of fun at Rose Tree Park in Media. Several local libraries provided fun activities including arts and crafts, interactive learning, and free book giveaways. Children were invited to use their creativity and celebrate their love of reading.

Thank you to Helen Kate Furness Free Library, Marple Public Library, Media-Upper Providence Free Library, Middletown Free Library, Newtown Public Library, Rachel Kohl Community Library, Radnor Memorial Library, and Upper Darby Libraries for participating in the celebration and to Wawa for providing snacks and refreshments. And kudos to the children and their families who participated this summer! 

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging on the development of a 10-year Master Plan for Older Adults, and Delaware County residents are invited to participate.

Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults is a state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan that is intended to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians.

The Master Plan will reflect the needs and preferences of our population to help ensure they can live where they choose and access the supports that our older residents need to thrive and age in place. 

Several in-person and virtual listening sessions have been hosted by COSA and the PA Dept of Aging in August, with one final in-person listening session scheduled for Thursday, August 31, at 10:00 a.m., at the Friendship Circle Senior Center in Darby.

Delaware County residents are invited to contribute to what they think should be included in the plan’s priorities, goals, objectives, and initiatives to support the highest quality of life for older adults. Stakeholders, older adults — as well as people living with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and community leaders — are invited to hear an overview of the plan and why such a plan is needed for Pennsylvania, and attendees will have an opportunity to provide comments and input on the plan.

Final In-Person Listening Session Details

Date & Time: Thursday, August 31 – 10:00 a.m. 

Location: Friendship Circle Senior Center, 1515 Lansdowne Ave., Darby, PA

Those interested in attending the listening sessions can RSVP by calling 1-800-753-8827. 

Registration is NOT required, but residents who may need special accommodations can request sign language, interpretation services, and assistance with access if necessary. 

Can't Attend? Your Input is Still Welcome

Individuals who cannot attend the in-person or virtual sessions can still submit input on the master plan by emailing AgingPlan@pa.gov, or through an online form, or by sending feedback by mail to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, c/o Master Plan, 555 Walnut St., 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

PA Department of Aging Master Plan Website

The Department of Aging has created a website dedicated to the Master Plan for Older Adults, Aging.PA.Gov/MasterPlan, which provides information on why a master plan is needed, the core tenets, how the Department will gather input for the plan, resources, and more.  

Delaware County will be holding multiple job fairs and recruitment events over the next week, with over 40 open positions ready to be filled across nearly a dozen departments.

Delaware County 911 Center Recruitment Event

On Saturday, August 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services will host a comprehensive four-hour recruiting event aimed at enticing new talent to become 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators. There are several openings for this position, which provide competitive pay (starting $51K annual salary) and a great benefits package. 

People interested in pursuing a job at the Delaware County 911 Center will have the opportunity to speak directly with the team and get insightful information about the position and working for Emergency Services. Attendees will also get additional information about the upcoming Department of Emergency Services 2023 Fall Class of Public Safety Telecommunicators — a comprehensive 16-hour paid instructional class that provides new employees with the training and preparation they will need to succeed at the 911 Center.

Those who are interested are encouraged to RSVP to confirm their interest in attending, although walk-ins are welcome. To RSVP, or to ask general questions about the Recruitment Event and the upcoming Fall Class of Public Safety Telecommunicators, please send an email to Delco911Jobs@co.delaware.pa.us. The recruiting event will be held at the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services, located at 360 N. Middletown Road in Media.

Fair Acres Geriatric Center Job Fair

The Delaware County-operated Fair Acres Geriatric Center, recently ranked 25th in the United States and among the top 4 percent of nursing homes in the United States by Newsweek magazine and the largest skilled nursing facility in Delaware County, is hosting a job fair on Tuesday, August 29, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Fair Acres Campus Building #1, 340 N. Middletown Rd, in Lima.  

Job seekers are encouraged to come out and meet with hiring managers and recruiters to learn about the many opportunities available. Job seekers are asked to bring their resume; on-the-spot interviews will be offered.

Positions include RNs & LPNs (Full-time, part-time, and per diem), Nursing Supervisors, Unit Managers, CNAs (FT) – All shifts, with rates starting at $21.05/hour), RN Admissions Coordinator (FT), Food Service Workers, Dietitians, Housekeepers, and Laundry Truck Drivers.

Positions include competitive compensation, full benefits for full-time employees, two weeks of vacation to start, 16 paid holidays, pension plans, and tuition reimbursement.

For more information, visit www.fairacres.org or call (610) 891-8039.

Delaware County Human Resources Career Fair

The Delaware County Department of Human Resources will host its final Career Fair of the summer on Wed., Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, located at 200 Yale Avenue, in Morton. 

Multiple Delaware County departments, including the Health Department, the Department of Human Services, the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, Fair Acres, Park Police, IT, and Human Resources are looking to hire, with over 40 full-time positions open.

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 career fair. On-site interviews may be held for qualified attendees.

Just some of the current full-time positions include: Caseworkers (1 & 2), Clerk Typists, Social Services Aide, Court Officer, Court Information Officer, Domestic Relations Officer, Information Center Representative Administrative Assistant [Environmental Health Division], Disease Intervention Specialist [DIS, DCHD Personal Health Division], Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Inspection Supervisor, Logistics/Warehouse Coordinator, Medical Assistant-Direct Observation Therapy, Office Manager, Program Coordinator/Grant Management [Population Health Division]), Database Administrator, Help Desk Assistant (Phone Support), SAP Basis Administrator, Telecommunications Technician, Juvenile Probation Officer; Park Police Patrol Officer, Compensation Analyst, HR Advisor, Paralegal, Senior Transportation Planner, Correctional Officer [w/ $2,000 Sign-On Bonus], Correctional Sergeant, Deputy Warden of Security and Training Operations, Full and Part time, RN’s, LPN’s, NP/PA’s and MHP’s, Human Resources Labor Relations Generalist, Human Resources Manager, Lieutenant, Locksmith, Maintenance Technician, Sanitation Crewman, Substance Abuse Counselor, Wellness Instructor for Male Population, Assistant Public Defender, and Deputy Sheriff.

For an up-to-date list of open positions, or to submit an application, visit Delaware County’s Human Resources website at delcopa.gov/jobs.

In recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, observed on Wednesday, August 23, Delaware County Elections is calling on civic-minded residents to step forward to help their neighbors exercise the right to vote in the upcoming Nov. 7, 2023 Municipal Election.

Throughout Delaware County, over 400 polling places are staffed by voters who sign up to be poll workers in their own municipality or in a nearby community. 

Delaware County has streamlined its training programs and overall election operations Day to ensure that Election Day is a rewarding experience and that poll workers have the information necessary to ensure a successful election. In addition to serving the community and earning some civic-minded pride, Delaware County poll workers may earn between $140 and $320 for serving on Election Day, depending on the poll worker’s assignments and training.

To sign up to serve as a Poll Worker for the first time, please complete the Delaware County Poll Worker Staff Form. Delaware County-registered voters can also call the Delaware County Poll Worker Hotline at (484) 460-3750 to learn about open positions in our community.

More information can also be found on the County’s Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/pollworkers.

About National Poll Worker Recruitment Day

Established in 2020 by the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC), National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is a day of action with the goal of encouraging potential poll workers to sign up to Help America Vote. As a part of the agency's ongoing commitment to this important issue, the EAC also created Help America Vote in 2022 to address the needs of election officials. 

By encouraging more people to become poll workers in their communities, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day aims to address the critical shortage of poll workers, strengthen our democracy, inspire greater civic engagement and volunteerism, and help ensure free and fair elections in November and beyond.  

For more information, visit the United States Election Assistance Commission website.

Congratulations to the Media Little League team on a great summer: 2023 Pennsylvania State Champions, a Mid-Atlantic Region title, and a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport! 

This past weekend was tough ending to a brilliant season, but you made Delaware County proud.

Delco tip’s its cap to all of the Little League teams who played their hearts out this summer in leagues and tournaments held all across the County. 

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website