The Delaware County Weekly

Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!

—— May 17, 2024 (121st edition) ——

Over 60 centenarians from Delaware County were honored at Delaware County’s 22nd Annual Centenarian Birthday Celebration hosted by the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA), on May 16 at the Drexelbrook Event Center in Drexel Hill.

From the roaring twenties to witnessing the rise of jazz, flapper fashion, and the first-ever edition of Time Magazine, the lives of our centenarians have been woven into the rich tapestry of history. Many of the centenarians were born or were babies in 1924 when a loaf of bread cost just a few cents, a gallon of gas was a quarter, movie tickets were a mere dime, and $250 could buy you a new car!

This year, Delaware County was again fortunate to celebrate Herman Whilby, the oldest male celebrant now 106 years young! Herman was born on April 22, 1918, in Jamaica, and came to America with his mother in the early 1920s. Herman worked many jobs over his lifetime and retired from the machine shop of James Peters and Son. His secret to longevity, he says, is that he doesn’t drink alcohol or smoke and lives a “normal life.” He also offered some words of wisdom: “Treat everybody good and, as you go along in life, do the best you can.”

Sarah Narvell, the eldest female celebrant was also celebrated again this year. Sarah, born in Chester on February 9, 1920, is now 104 years young. As a teen, Ms. Narvell attended school in West Chester where she learned to ride horses. An avid reader, she enjoyed traveling and camping, and enjoys her summer house in Maryland. She attributes her longevity to good living and takes a lot of vitamins and supplements to keep her healthy.

Four U.S. Veterans were in attendance as well. Nicholas Lucas, 100, of South Philadelphia; Henry Marini, 103, of Glen Mills; Newton Meade, 100, of Thornton; and Bruce Schwartz, 100, of Media. 

The festive atmosphere was enhanced with live music from the Legends Band of Delaware County.  

Barbara Nicolardi, Director of COSA, was joined by Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Council Members Christine Reuther and Richard Womack, Delaware County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley, Delaware County Controller Joanne Phillips, Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr., Delaware County Military and Veterans Affairs Director Colonel Arthur L. Jenkins Jr., and Delaware County Chief of Human Services and Community Support Sandra Garrison in congratulating the attendees.

During the celebration each of the honorees were presented with a ceremonial proclamation of exemplary citizenship, cake, a fresh flower corsage, and souvenir photos. 

Each Centenarian received a personalized Certificate of Exemplary Citizenship from our Delaware County presenters.

Herman Whilby, the eldest male celebrant, and Sarah Narvell, the eldest female celebrant, reminisce about another exciting year and promise to meet again in 2025.

“Older adults play vital, positive roles in Delaware County — as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more,” said Barbara Nicolardi “Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits us all.”

County Council Chair, Dr. Monica Taylor in her congratulatory remarks spoke warmly of the incredible lives of our centenarians, “The past century has been a historic and interesting time to live, and we are incredibly fascinated by so many of your stories and inspired by your wisdom and grace. It is truly an honor to share this day with you.” Dr. Taylor added, “Your experiences are a testament to the ever-evolving world around us, and your wisdom continues to inspire us all.”

Cutting the Birthday Cake!

The luncheon, held annually each May, is part of COSA’s Older Americans Month. Delaware County is home to over 150 residents who are 100 years of age or turning 100 in 2024.

Centenarians who were unable to attend will be visited by COSA staff and presented with a proclamation.

Delaware County Council congratulates the County’s centenarians on their milestone birthday and wishes them continued good health and prosperity.

The County of Delaware was proud to partner with Upper Darby Township, Visit Delco, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia, and the Delaware County Office of Workforce Development to host the First Annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month Celebration on May 10 in Upper Darby.

The celebration honored the diversity of Delaware County’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and celebrated their past, present, and future.

The free, family-friendly celebration included a variety of exciting and inspiring performances including Korean Drummers, Giddha- Punjab folk dance, and Zoe Erianna from America’s Got Talent.

The program kicked off with welcoming remarks by David Oh, President of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, who expressed how Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is “a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in our Nation’s history and the individuals who make our nation more vibrant through the diversity of culture, languages and religions.” 

“It is important to recognize and celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions AANHPI communities have made in Delaware County,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Through the richness of their diverse cultures, traditions, and talents, they have not only enriched but also woven vibrant threads into the tapestry of Delaware County, leaving an indelible mark on our community.”

County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor having fun emceeing despite the steady rain.

Throughout the remainder of the afternoon, attendees were treated to a diverse array of performances, each showcasing the unique talents of the AAPI community. 

Lauren Yeremian, an instructor at Aloha Style, brought the enchanting rhythms and movements of Hawaiian hula dance to the stage. Photo by Jay Byun/Philly Talks.com

With colorful costumes and lively choreography, University City Bhangra brings the joy and vitality of Bhangra to audiences while spreading the cultural richness of Punjab. Photo by Jay Byun

Stephanie Sun, former Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on AAPI Affairs, along with a participant, enjoys a performance. Photo by Jay Byun

URIOL, a traditional Korean percussion ensemble based in Philadelphia, captivates the audience with their mesmerizing performance on stage. Photo by Jay Byun

A demonstration by Cheng's Martial Arts School impressed the audience. Photo by Jay Byun

Sandra Lin, an inspiring educator from Penncrest High School, proudly showcased the remarkable talent of her students through poetry honoring Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander legacies. With passion and creativity, these young minds took center stage, captivating the audience with their powerful words and unique perspectives.

Amidst the festivities, Ms. Sandra Lin was honored during Teacher Appreciation Week. A beacon of dedication and passion, Ms. Lin was celebrated for her unwavering devotion to enriching her students' understanding and admiration of AAPI culture.

Sandra Lin, with students from Penncrest High School, entertained attendees with poetry

From traditional dances to contemporary music, the celebration was a testament to the richness and diversity of the AAPI culture. We're looking forward to 2025's Celebration already!

Own your health, be informed, stay protected, and get tested! 

The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is proud to announce the opening of its new Teen STI Clinics. These clinics will be held every other Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting May 28, at the Delaware County Wellness Center in Chester, located at 151 W. 5th Street.

Offering convenient after-school hours, the Teen STI Clinics will provide sexual health information, free condoms, and confidential STI testing services. DCHD’s team of experienced and compassionate healthcare professionals is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment. This initiative ensures that teens have a confidential place to discuss sexual health, emphasizing the importance of privacy and respect.

Available on a walk-in basis, these clinics do not require appointments, reflecting DCHD’s commitment to promoting and safeguarding the sexual health of the community’s youth.

"At the DCHD Teen Clinic, teenagers will find a supportive environment where their health and well-being are our paramount concerns," said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. "We invite teenagers to understand the importance of sexual health by visiting DCHD’s Teen STI Clinics for information, testing, and free condoms. Your health is our priority, and DCHD is committed to assisting you every step of the way."

For those who need it, DCHD’s regular STI/HIV clinic hours remain available for all residents, as detailed on the DCHD STI web page.

For more information about the Teen Clinic and its services, please contact the Delaware County Wellness line at (484) 276-2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.

Delaware County Council recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month and May 7-13 as National Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week during the May 15 public Council Meeting. 

National Mental Health Awareness Month is designated to create awareness and promote acceptance of mental illnesses and work to remove the stigma associated with mental illness.

Children’s Mental Health Day, recognized on May 9, was created to bring attention to the mental health needs of children and young people.

Children and young people in the United States are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis. There has been a continued rise in the number of adolescents diagnosed with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. An estimated one in five youth has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder – yet many do not receive the help they need. These mental health challenges can significantly impact their ability to learn and develop.

With early and effective interventions, people with mental health conditions can lead full and productive lives. Raising awareness about mental health can help to reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues.

In Delaware County, we are fortunate to have an extensive System of Care, through the Department of Human Services and Office of Behavioral Health and Department of Emergency Services that help residents access the services and resources they need to address the mental health needs of residents of all ages across the county.

Members of the Delaware County Conservation District, led by the newly appointed Executive Director Karen Wilwol, were excited to join members of the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department along the banks of Whetstone Run in Delco Woods this week to address streambank erosion through the innovative repurposing of Christmas trees saved from last December’s Festival of Lights and Holiday Village at Rose Tree Park.

The team anchored approximately two dozen Christmas trees along Whetstone Run’s streambank to compliment streambank restoration activities that took place three weeks ago on Earth Day. During the Earth Day event, volunteers, including Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer and Senator Tim Kearney, installed live cuttings of native shrubs, called live stakes, along the stream in an effort to revegetate the area and stabilize the eroding streambanks.

The innovative Christmas Tree Streambank Revetment Program, developed by the Delaware County Conservation District and the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department and now in its fourth year, uses Christmas trees to combat streambank erosion—a growing concern in local parklands—by stabilizing the streambank and also protecting the waterway from sediment and debris carried by stormwater runoff.

Trees are strategically placed to slow down water flow, trapping leaf litter and other natural debris which eventually aids in rebuilding the eroded streambanks. Beyond their functional benefits, these trees blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, offering an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly solution.

This year's focus on Whetstone Run, a tributary of the Darby Creek, is particularly significant. The recent acquisition of Delco Woods has provided a unique opportunity to extend the program's reach to protect areas in the lower Darby Creek, which are heavily affected by flooding and pollution due to upstream development.

“This simple yet effective program is a fantastic way for us to be stewards of our land,” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, praising the initiative. “Thank you to our Conservation District’s Executive Director, Karen Wilwol, and her team for their hard work and for bringing this project to Delco Woods."

Originally launched at Glen Providence Park, the program has proven effective in protecting vital waterways and has since been a model for other municipalities and organizations. Most recently, Upper Darby Township installed Christmas trees along Darby Creek at the Swedish Cabin.

Karen Wilwol noted the program's inception, “The idea sprang from a combination of local expertise and community commitment. Norm Bennett, former Parks Superintendent, brought valuable experience with similar projects, while Ed Magargee, former Conservation District Executive Director, and I worked to bring this vision to life starting in 2021. The new Parks Superintendent, Donny DeMutis, has been on-site for each of these efforts over the years and was instrumental in leading this year’s project from start to finish with ease and efficiency.”

The program's expansion to Delco Woods is part of a series of environmental stewardship initiatives planned for the year, including extensive tree planting and invasive species removal events.

Volunteers, including Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, Senator Tim Kearney, and Haverford Township Ward Commissioner Gerry Hart learn how to install live cuttings of native shrubs, called live stakes, in an effort to revegetate the area and stabilize the eroding Whetstone Run streambank.

Carefully securing the Christmas Trees along the streambank

The success of the Christmas Tree Streambank Revetment Program in Glen Providence Park, with cooperation from the Friends of Glen Providence Park and its replication in Upper Darby Township along Darby Creek, underscores the project's adaptability and effectiveness. Other communities are encouraged to adopt this low-cost, high-impact approach to environmental conservation.

This type of project requires a Chapter 105 General Permit which is coordinated locally by the Delaware County Conservation District. Municipalities or volunteer groups interested in adopting a similar program for local waterways are urged to coordinate with the Delaware County Conservation District (linked below) for guidance and support. 

As Delaware County continues to face environmental challenges, this program stands out as a beacon of community-driven innovation and practical conservation efforts, showcasing how recycled materials can play a crucial role in environmental stewardship.

Merry Christmas Delco Woods!

Registration Now Open for Delaware County’s 2024 Senior Games

Games to begin June 10; Registration open through May 31

The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and the Delaware County Parks and Recreation Department are calling on all residents aged 50 and older to sign up for the 2024 Delaware County Senior Games, the popular Olympic-style competition that offers senior athletes and active older residents a chance to display their athletic prowess and compete for medals in various sporting events.

The Senior Games, which run from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, promote social and physical activity among seniors, encouraging them to achieve their personal best. Each year, hundreds of athletes aged 50 and older from across the county participate. Competitions include track and field, swimming, golf, bowling, table tennis, bocce, corn hole, horseshoes, and pickleball. 

Register Today!

Registration is open now through Friday, May 31, and is required for all events. A registration fee of $15 is required for Delaware County residents 50 and older ($20 for non-residents). 

Registration forms, schedules, and additional information are available at the Parks and Recreation Office in Rose Tree Park, local libraries, senior centers, and online at DelcoSeniorGames.Org.

Medals are awarded in every age category, and all participants receive a complimentary Senior Games t-shirt. All participants will be invited to the Winner’s Circle Luncheon in July. 

For more information or to register, residents can call the Parks and Recreation Department at (610) 891-4663 or COSA at (610) 490-1300.

We hope to see you there!

No games scheduled on Wednesday, June 19, in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday.

Register for the Delaware County Senior Games by May 31!

Delaware County, in partnership with the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, will hold a free Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Saturday, May 18 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at Rose Tree County Park, located at 1671 N. Providence Road, in Media, PA.

Registration is required. Delaware County residents must register online in order to access the location and dispose of waste. Please note that this event is offered as a community service to the residents of Delaware County and is not open to businesses, institutions, or industries. 

Acceptable waste includes, but is not limited to:

Oil-based paints, spray paint, paint thinners, paint strippers and removers, stains, varnish, shellac, turpentine, kerosene, adhesives/solvents, fire extinguishers, batteries (including lead, rechargeable, lithium, Ni-Cad, and button batteries), swimming pool chemicals, weed killers mini propane tanks, pesticides, chemical fertilizer, roof cements, transmission/brake fluid, acids, caustics, solvents, antifreeze, gas, oil, grease and rust solvents, lead, flammables, oxidizers, reactives and mercury containing devices (including thermostats, thermometers, and fluorescent tubes).

Items NOT accepted include:

Latex paint, explosives, ammunition, marine flares, medical and infectious waste, prescription drugs, tires, electronics, helium, BBQ tanks, gas cylinders, asbestos, radioactive waste, alkaline batteries, appliances and freon, PCBs, smoke detectors. No 50-gallon drums will be accepted.

Residents are reminded to double-check the reminders and instructions on the website during the registration process and print out the ticket that must be displayed on the dashboard during drop off.

For additional information regarding hazardous waste disposal, residents should contact the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority at (610) 892-9627.

To register, visit the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority website, linked below.

Delaware County Govt Official 2024 Calendar

Meet Your Delaware County Council Members

Delaware County Weekly Sign Up & Past Editions