The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— December 29, 2023 (101st edition) ——

Delaware County Council wishes residents a happy, healthy, and safe New Year! 

We are incredibly proud of the achievements we made this past year, thanks to the work of our dedicated and skilled County Team and we look forward to another year of passionately serving our community with dedication, enthusiasm, and integrity.

Wishing you a 2024 full of good health, peace, abundance, and joy.

As 2023 draws to a close, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office is proud to highlight a few of its accomplishments from the past year. 

"These accomplishments—thanks to the leadership and teamwork from the District Attorney’s office, local law enforcement, our community partners, and the support of Delaware County Council—help to make our County a safer and healthier community,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “We’re proud to have accomplished a great deal in 2023- and will continue our dedicated work in 2024."

Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods

The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office continues to work to achieve and sustain success in addressing gun violence in the City of Chester. Established in 2020 by the District Attorney’s Office, the Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods (CPSN) is a collaborative effort among the Chester Police Department, the Mayor’s office, Delaware County Council, and local nonprofits. 

Since its inception, CPSN has resulted in a 68% decrease in gun violence homicides, a 65% decrease in gun violence incidents, and a 64% decrease in non-fatal shootings. With funding provided from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the program includes a team of Violence Interrupters who work daily to stop violence before it happens. 

The CPSN program has also funded a summer and winter basketball league, as well as updates to Chester’s Concord Park. 

The Narcotics Task Force

The District Attorney’s Office has also achieved tremendous success through the work of the Narcotics Task Force. Under the leadership of District Attorney Stollsteimer, the Task Force has been empowered to use previously under-utilized techniques to investigate and prosecute individuals at the top of the drug trade, rather than targeting the smaller street-level dealers. 

In 2023, the Task Force arrested 93 people, and seized over a million dollars in cash, a dozen vehicles, 121 firearms, and a massive quantity of drugs. The Task Force is relentless in the pursuit of drug dealers seeking to sell illegal and lethal drugs throughout the county.  

The County is proud to recognize Intelligence Analyst Maria Cerino, who received an award at the 2022-2023 Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA Awards Ceremony (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), for her work in support of the Narcotics Task Force.

Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kemp Receives Recognition

Another highlight from 2023 was the recognition received by Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kemp for her work running the Special Victims Unit and the Child Abuse and Exploitation Task Force. 

In June, Deputy Kemp was invited to speak at the National Conference to Protect America’s Children. This fall, she also received a Guardian Award from Family Support Line for her tireless work on behalf of children. 

The work done by the Task Force and the Special Victims Unit is exceedingly difficult, and sadly absolutely critical to the well-being of Delaware County children. 

The County is extremely proud of the work done by Deputy Kemp and her excellent team of prosecutors and investigators and is grateful for the vital assistance provided by organizations such as Family Support Line. 

Alternatives to Incarceration

The District Attorney’s Office continues to work to expand alternatives to incarceration for certain types of offenses. 

In June 2021, the Diversionary Unit established the Delaware County Misdemeanor Diversion Program (DCMD), which provides individuals who have committed certain low-level offense a way to avoid a criminal record by completing the program’s requirements. 

To date, 221 people have successfully completed the program – and the program has a recidivism rate of less than 5%. The program maintains a list of community service opportunities from 60 local organizations for program participants, and also utilizes the National Association For Shoplifting Prevention Shoplifters’ Alternative course. 

Through this program, participants can work to better themselves and their communities while also avoiding the criminal justice system.

A Reputation for Courtroom and Investigative Excellence

The District Attorney’s Office has been recognized across the Commonwealth for courtroom and investigative excellence in seeking justice for victims. 

Under the leadership of First Assistant Tanner Rouse, Chief County Detective Jim Nolan, Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Wills, and Deputy District Attorney Catherine Kiefer, the staff of Assistant District Attorneys, supported by a team of paralegals, technicians, detectives, and administrators has made the District Attorney’s Office a leader in representing the Commonwealth in both trial and appellate litigation.

The Delaware County District Attorney's Office

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was proud to take home multiple awards from the recent 2023 Deputy Sheriff's Association of Pennsylvania’s 2023 Convention and Top Gun Shooting Competition held in Westmoreland County. Hosted by the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, the competition challenged participants from across the state in a variety of skills competitions.

“Thank you to Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert and his office for hosting a remarkable conference,” said Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr. “The numerous awards won by our deputies are a testament to the exceptional skill, dedication, and professionalism of the men and women serving the residents of Delaware County.”

2023 Deputy Sheriff's Association Competition Awards

Delaware County’s Individual Achievements:

• Top Gun: Deputy David Segich
• 1st Place Women's Division: Deputy Rasheeyda Horne
• 3rd Place Men's Division: Deputy Mark Ellis

Delaware County’s Team Successes:

• 1st Place 2-Man Team: Deputies David Segich & Mark Ellis 
• 3rd Place 2-Man Team: Deputies John Fitzsimmons & Jacob Amatucci

Delaware County Council congratulates Sheriff Sanders and his team for these achievements, which exemplify the professionalism, skill, and dedication inherent within the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. 

Pictured, left to right: Delaware County Sheriff's Office Deputies John Fitzsimmons , Rasheeyda Horne, Jacob Amatucci, David Segich, Mark Ellis, Edward Murphy and Tyrone Barringer 

In early 2022, Delaware County embarked on an ambitious and exciting plan to create a new state-of-the-art County park at the site of the former Don Guanella School, adjacent to Cardinal O’Hara High School in Marple Township. Once complete, the park will be the largest County park and the County’s first new park in over two decades. 

“The transformation of the Don Guanella site from a closed-off, private property at imminent risk of development into the County’s largest public park is a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect and preserve one of the last large tracts of open space in our densely populated county," said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer.

The 213-acre site, consisting of woodlands (Delco’s largest undeveloped forest), wetlands, meadows, creeks, and a wide variety of wildlife and bird species, includes a wealth of everything that a public park might need—except a name!

In September, Delaware County Council launched the “Name Our Park” contest, offering Delaware County residents an opportunity to have a lasting influence on the park's identity for generations to come. Residents were invited to submit suggestions for a fitting and inspiring name that embodies the theme of "Community in Nature"—a name that would resonate with the spirit of our community and foster a sense of belonging for all Delaware County residents.

During the Name Our Park’s six-week run that ended on October 31, over 500 unique names were submitted. Among the many great submissions, residents frequently included words that evoked nature, the local environment, and the regional heritage, such as “Woods,” “Forest,” “Don Guanella,” “Marple, “Lenape” (the Indigenous inhabitants of much of the Northeastern United States), “Whetstone” (a creek that runs through the park land), and of course “Delaware County” and “Delco”.

Dozens of contest submissions also sought to honor community heroes, Veterans, and beloved local figures, demonstrating the community's sincere interest in celebrating its diverse heritage. Park name suggestions included figures such as Ken Hemphill, the founder of Save Marple Greenspace (the community organization that has long championed the protection of the property from commercial development), late Delaware County Park Police Chief Scott Mahoney, recently deceased Delaware County historian and Marple native Richard Paul, and notable figures like writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau, essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, abolitionist Thomas Garrett, and renowned Delaware County naturalist and social reformer Graceanna Lewis.

Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce and Upper Darby actress and comedian Tina Fey were also found among the many submissions for a name, and the contest also included a variety of tongue-in-cheek submissions including Parky McParkface.

A thorough review of all Name Our Park contest submissions is underway, and the winning name will be announced by Delaware County Council in early 2024. 

Delaware County extends its gratitude to all participants for their imaginative contributions. Stay tuned as the decision for the winning name is just around the corner, ready to mark a new chapter in our county's rich heritage and natural beauty.

More Information about the New Park

For more information about the park, including project updates, timelines, planning materials, and the most up-to-date version of the evolving Park Master Plan, please visit the Parks and Recreation website at DelcoPA.gov/NewPark.

Delaware County's Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) is excited to present an opportunity for adults age 60 and older who want to be more active in 2024 but have struggled with traditional exercise programs and fitness routines.

Beginning on January 24, 2024, COSA will launch its 'Active Living Every Day' program, specially tailored for older adults seeking a manageable and realistic approach to physical activity — particularly those who have found traditional exercise routines challenging to maintain.

In the United States, physical inactivity is alarmingly prevalent, contributing to numerous health issues and chronic diseases. In fact, over 60 percent of Americans don’t get enough physical activity each year, and 25 percent almost completely sedentary. As many as 300,000 deaths in the U.S. are due to physical inactivity and poor diet.

Recognizing the critical need to address this widespread issue of inactivity, COSA's program is a comprehensive behavior change initiative. The evidence-based program is based on ground-breaking research that has resulted in important discoveries about physical activity and health. It’s aim? To integrate physical activity seamlessly into your daily life. No physical activity takes place during the class; participants exercise independently or outside of the class depending on their individual goals.

'Active Living Every Day' offers practical strategies for adopting an active lifestyle. The program is designed to counteract the risks associated with inactivity, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, while also aiding in the management of chronic health conditions. For people with chronic diseases, physical activity can help manage these conditions and complications. 

This engaging FREE program, led by trained instructors, will be conducted virtually via Zoom every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, January 22, 2024, through April 8, 2024.*

Registration is required, and there are limited spots for this program. To register, or for more details about Active Living Every Day, please contact Ellen Williams, COSA’s Health and Wellness Program Coordinator, via email at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or by phone at (610) 499-1937.

All participants will receive comprehensive resources, including program literature, and additional online support materials.

Embrace this new year with a commitment to your well-being!

* Note: Due to the observance of President’s Day, the Feb. 19 class will be held on Feb. 20.

Delaware County Council and Visit Delco, PA invite you to embrace the winter season in all its glory.  Winter in Delco is the perfect time to embark on new adventures and create lasting memories. From exhilarating outdoor activities to cozy indoor retreats, there's something for every winter enthusiast. Picture yourself trekking through sparkling snow trails, or perhaps enjoying the warmth of a local café while savoring seasonal treats. 

It's the season for winter wonderland fun, from enjoying a winter pastime, to participating in cultural experiences, or simply unwinding in serene, snowy settings. Visit Delco, PA is your gateway to a winter filled with enchantment and excitement, offering a multitude of options to ensure that your colder months are packed with joy and discovery.

For more ideas about how to enjoy Delaware County this winter, check out Visit Delco, PA’s Chill Out in Delco web page. Visit Delco, PA’s website has great information about where to stay, what to do, and more in Delaware County. 

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