The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— September 15, 2023 (86th edition) ——
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Delaware County Holds Annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony | |
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Delaware County Council and District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer were honored to join Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders, Military and Veterans Affairs Director COL. Arthur Lee Jenkins Jr., Director of Emergency Services Tim Boyce, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, various local elected leaders, and first responders from across the county during the County’s annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony held at Rose Tree Park on September 11.
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the attacks. We will never forget that tragic day, when almost 3,000 people were taken from us in a cruel, violent terrorist attack on our land. Some in our community lost a loved one on that horrific day. Our nation was forever redefined by the events on September 11th, 2001. The attacks changed the way that our government functions and how it protects our great country and it forever changed how we live and view the world.
The ceremony, hosted by Delaware County Council and District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer
honored those who lost their lives on September 11th and honored the County’s First Responders who selflessly and bravely serve our community.
“Each year, we return to this site to remember, to reflect, and to show our deepest gratitude for these heroes who should never be forgotten,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “While it’s painful to remember, we must keep the legacies of these victims alive for generations to come.”
The ceremony included the laying of memorial wreaths in honor of law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and the victims of September 11th.
“The attack on September 11, 2001 reminded my generation that the fight for freedom against the forces of tyranny and injustice is ongoing,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “Today that fight is being waged heroically by the people of my mother’s homeland: Ukraine. Their fight will be Ukraine’s finest hour as long as America stands with these patriots to ensure democracy does not perish from this earth.”
Video highlights from the ceremony can be seen on the County's YouTube channel, linked below.
|  | Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer |
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Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer | |
Delaware County Military and Veterans Affairs Director COL Arthur L. Jenkins Jr. | |
Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr. | |
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon | |
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Authorizes New COVID-19 Vaccine | |
Authorization of new vaccines comes amidst national uptick in COVID-19 cases | |
This week, the FDA authorized a new COVID-19 monovalent vaccine and the CDC recommended that everyone ages 6 months and up get the updated vaccine to protect against serious illness. The new vaccine (also referred to as a “booster” for those who have previously received a COVID-19 vaccination shot), targets the most common circulating variants and should be available at local pharmacies soon.
The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) recommends that everyone in Delaware County stay up to date with vaccines, including the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
Although the U.S. Government COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Program, which provided free COVID-19 vaccinations to all Americans, has ended, COVID-19 vaccines will still be free for most Americans through their health insurance plans. However, there are adults and children, including many in Delaware County, without insurance or whose insurance will not provide free COVID-19 vaccines after these products move onto the commercial market.
DCHD will provide COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured residents during regularly scheduled immunization clinics held each week at our Wellness Centers in Chester and Yeadon after the department receives its supply. DCHD does not yet have any of the new COVID-19 vaccine in stock. DCHD will provide new information as it becomes available.
To learn more about what vaccines are available at DCHD and your eligibility, and to schedule an appointment, please call the DCHD wellness line at (484) 276-2100.
For Wellness Center hours, and information about DCHD clinical services and immunization clinics, check out the Clinical Services web page, linked below.
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Delaware County Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15
| Annual month-long celebration begins September 15 | |
Delaware County Council is excited to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. Each year, Americans observe this month by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
This year, the County is collaborating with the Center for Hispanic Resources (El Centro), Centro de Apoyo Comunitario, the Philadelphia Union, and the County’s Library system to host several Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and will be participating in various community events, festivals, and parades to honor and celebrate the diverse contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community.
Through these partnerships and initiatives, the County is actively working to raise awareness, foster inclusivity, and strengthen the bonds of unity within our community
“Delaware County Council takes pride in acknowledging National Hispanic Heritage Month and illuminating the contributions of residents hailing from the myriad nations that cherish their Hispanic heritage,” said Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “The multitude of upcoming celebrations across our county serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Hispanic and Latinx individuals within our community.”
By promoting and participating in Hispanic Heritage Month activities, we foster inclusivity, deepen our understanding of one another, and strengthen the bonds of unity in our diverse society. Let's embrace this opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate together.
“We have an opportunity to not only celebrate the rich history, contributions, and traditions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals but also reaffirm our commitment to creating a more equitable County,” said Lauren Footman, Delaware County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. “We look forward to supporting local businesses, as we host events for our community and colleagues, to learn about institutions right here in our region.”
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Hispanic Heritage Festival / Fiesta Hispana
The Delaware County DEI Office, the Foundation for Delaware County, and the Philadelphia Union will be hosting an Hispanic Heritage Festival — Fiesta Hispana — on Saturday, September 23, at Subaru Park in Chester prior to the Union’s 7:30 p.m. game versus Los Angeles FC.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy this lively festival, starting at 5:30 p.m., featuring food, music, and fun family activities. Tickets are not required to attend the festival but are required to attend the game.
Ticket information is available on the Union website at www.philadelphiaunion.com/tickets.
Philadelphia Union Player Meet & Greet
The Philadelphia Union, the County of Delaware, and The Foundation for Delaware County will be hosting an Hispanic Heritage Festival — Fiesta Hispana — on Saturday, September 23, at Subaru Park in Chester prior to the Union’s 7:30 p.m. game versus Los Angeles FC. Residents are welcome to enjoy this lively festival, starting at 5:30 p.m., featuring food, music, and fun family activities.
Tickets are not required to attend the festival but are required to attend the game. Ticket information is available on the Union website at www.philadelphiaunion.com/tickets.
The County and the Philadelphia Union will also team up to host a Union Player Meet & Greet at The Center for Hispanic Resources (El Centro), located at 1350 W. 9th Street (Ruth Bennett Learning Center), in Chester on Monday, October 9, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Fans will the opportunity to meet, get pictures, and participate in a casual Q&A with a TBD member of the Union soccer team for an hour, then enjoy a resource fair with refreshments from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
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StoryWalk: Drum Dream Girl
Delaware County Libraries is also celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with this month’s StoryWalk selection: Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle, which tells the story of a young Cuban girl in the 1930s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there's never been a female drummer in Cuba.
StoryWalk is a free, fun, and interactive way for children to learn about the rich Hispanic culture. Located in the upper field behind the amphitheater stage, StoryWalk® is a children's story book (geared for children between the ages of 1-7) that is spread out page by page across 18 reading stations along an approximately quarter-mile trail, promoting promotes health and literacy in children.
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A Brief History of Hispanic Heritage Month
The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting each year on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, with the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.
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Active Members and Veterans of the U.S. Air Force Invited to Join Flag Raising on Sept. 18 | |
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Active members of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Veterans are invited to join County officials in the raising of the U.S. Air Force flag on Monday, September 18, at 12:30 p.m. in front of the Courthouse located at 201 W. Front Street in Media.
The flag will be raised to commemorate the anniversary of the U.S. Air Force which was established on September 18, 1947. It will fly from the flagpole in the courtyard of the Government Center and Courthouse complex throughout the week.
Throughout the year, the County raises flags in honor of all branches of the military and invites active military and Veterans to join in the flag raisings.
Military flags will be raised at appropriate times later this year in observance of the Navy, on Oct. 13, 1775; and the Marine Corps, on Nov. 10, 1775. The Army flag was raised in June, and the Coast Guard flag was raised in August to commemorate the anniversaries.
Council expresses a deep gratitude to those who have served or are serving in the military protecting and defending our country
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Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt Visits Delaware County Bureau of Elections as Part of 67 County Tour | |
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Delaware County election staff met recently with Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt, who has committed to visiting every election office in the Commonwealth to speak directly with election staff and listen to ideas about how to streamline and strengthen elections.
During the meeting, Secretary Schmidt took a tour of the Voting Machine Warehouse and the central-count facility in Chester, followed by a round-table discussion of possible election-administration reforms.
Schmidt echoed the staff’s desire for a law to allow pre-canvassing to begin before Election Day to allow for faster reporting of election results once the polls close. Delaware County staff and the Secretary also discussed options the state could pursue to streamline the process of updating and cleansing outdated voter records.
“We appreciate Secretary Schmidt reaching out to election staff in every county,” said Delaware County Elections Director James P. Allen. “It reflects his background in election administration and a desire to hear the needs of voters and election managers from jurisdictions large and small.”
For more information about the upcoming Nov. 7, 2023 Municipal Election, Delaware County residents are reminded that Delaware County’s election website — Delco Votes! — provides news, sample ballots, voter registration applications, ballot drop box locations, polling location information, access to downloadable and online forms, livestreams and recordings of Board of Elections meetings, and more at delcopa.gov/vote. The deadline to register to vote for the upcoming election is Monday, October 23.
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Pictured, left to right: Delaware County Elections Director James P. Allen
and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt
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George W. Hill Correctional Facility Job Fair Being Held September 20 | |
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The George W. Hill Correctional Facility is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the facility located in Thornton, PA. The on-site Recruitment Event is an opportunity for people to explore careers available at the prison.
Current open positions include: Correctional Officer, Correctional Sergeant, Deputy Warden of Security and Training Operations, RN’s, LPN’s, NP/PA’s and MHP’s, Investigator, Human Resources Labor Relations Generalist, Human Resources Manager, Lieutenant, Sanitation Crewman, Volunteer Coordinator, and Wellness Instructors.
Competitive benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans, pension plans, career advancement opportunities, and tuition reimbursement.
Requirements:
- Candidates must have a valid Driver's License and a reliable vehicle
- Candidates must be willing to work any shift (morning, mid-day, and overnight)
- Candidates should be aware that there is mandated overtime where needed
Registration is required. Click the button below to register.
Only those who have registered and have been approved to attend will be allowed on the property. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Isaac Brown- HR Specialist at BrownI@co.delaware.pa.us.
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Delaware County Celebrates Media Little League World Series Team with Parade in Media | |
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Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther was thrilled to join District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Senator Tim Kearney, Media Borough Mayor Bob McMahon, and other elected officials — and the Phillie Phanatic —on Saturday to celebrate the Media Little League 12U team’s phenomenal season with a parade along State Street and a ceremony at Barrall Park in Media, PA.
Media was packed with residents from across Delaware County, cheering the young athletes and their coaches for a season that saw them win the Pennsylvania State Championship, the Mid-Atlantic District Championship, and earn a trip to Williamsport to compete in the Little League World Series.
Although their World Series Championship dreams ended with a hard-fought loss to a strong Rhode Island team, the team played with heart, put Delaware County in the spotlight, and made fans out of residents and people throughout the region — even being honored by the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
The Media Little League team demonstrated unwavering dedication, extraordinary sportsmanship, and a true sense of community pride throughout their journey. It's not just about winning championships; it's about the character and camaraderie you've displayed on and off the field.
Your passion and commitment have inspired us all, and your season will be remembered as a shining example of what teamwork and determination can achieve.
Congratulations once again to the Media Little League team! Let's continue to support our young athletes as they inspire the next generation!
|  | Pictured (above) The Media Little League team parading down State Street; parade participants, including Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Senator Tim Kearney and MLL fans (below) | Congrats on a great season! | | | | |
