Delaware County Lead Hazard Reduction Program Receives $150K to Remediate Lead Contamination in the County

Check presented to Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor

Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was excited to join Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Philip Welsh, Director of the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development, and leaders of the Delaware County Lead Prevention Coalition today at a press conference to receive an allocation of $150,000 dollars — dispersed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health — to the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program. This investment will go directly toward the continuation of vital lead remediation efforts.

“Every year, nearly 250 kids in Delaware County are diagnosed with lead poisoning — what’s worse is that these poisonings are preventable,” said Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware. “I’m so proud that we were able to secure this funding to continue remediation efforts that will improve the lives of our children, families, and communities.”

More than four decades after lead paint was banned in the United States, lead poisoning still robs nearly 8,000 Pennsylvania children of their future by causing irreversible brain damage — and there are not nearly enough resources to help suffering families. 

“The best way to protect children from lead poisoning is by removing lead from the home,” said Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “This new funding will allow Delaware County to immediately expand our ongoing remediation efforts.”

“Our Pennsylvania children are still being lead paint poisoned every year — robbing them of their intellect causing brain damage and behavioral and learning problems,” said Rosemarie Halt, Interim Health Policy Director at Children First on behalf of the Lead-Free Promise Project. “By investing in lead paint remediation now, we are not only keeping our kids healthy, but will also save Pennsylvania money in the long-term and reap the benefits.

“We thank the Speaker for her leadership and look forward to continuing our work with the General Assembly to finally get the lead out of all Pennsylvania homes and stop poisoning our children.”

Recently, East Lansdowne and the City of Chester passed lead safety ordinances, a step in the right direction toward the goal of zero poisoned children in Delaware County. Investments at the county level — like the one announced today — work to move the needle in the continued effort to, once and for all, combat this 100% preventable issue.

The Lead-Free Promise Project launched its over 60-organization coalition in 2020 vowing to remove lead paint-based hazards from homes and ensuring all children are screened for lead poisoning as part of a comprehensive wellness exam. Learn more on Lead-Free Promise Project website, linked below. 

Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the PA House of Representatives

Dr. Monica Taylor, Chair, Delaware County Council

Rosemarie Halt, Interim Health Policy Director at Children First on behalf of the Lead-Free Promise Project

Philip Welsh, Director of the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development

Donna Cooper, Executive Director, Children First

As part of the County’s efforts during Older Americans Month, Delaware County Council members Dr. Monica Taylor, Christine Reuther, and Richard Womack were excited to join Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr., Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) Director Barbara Nicolardi, State Rep. Leanne Krueger, and other elected officials and community leaders in assisting with meal deliveries to homebound seniors during a week-long celebration of Senior Community Services (SCS)—Delaware County’s oldest and largest provider of community-based and in-home services to the county’s older adults.

Each morning, officials and leaders gathered at various SCS senior centers throughout Delaware County to meet with staff and volunteers before heading out on delivery runs. Roughly 100 volunteers — many of whom are seniors themselves —contribute to SCS’ impressive program.

SCS Executive Director Arthur Weisfeld welcomed the extra helping hands, noting, “It is a pleasure to have Speaker McClinton, Rep. Krueger, Council President Taylor, Councilwoman Reuther and Councilman Womack with us as we kick off our agency-wide celebration of Older Americans Month. We urge everyone to do what they can to make Delaware County a great county where people can age in place.”

SCS provides roughly 125,000 free meals to Delaware County seniors each year, with roughly 500 residents participating in the program and receiving a varying number of meals each week. COSA, in-turn, provides funding for the program and SCS activities and programs (senior centers and associated activities look to COSA for approximately 50% of their spending).

Residents interested in applying for the meal program complete a preliminary intake process with COSA that assesses the individual’s finances, health, and ability to manage activities of daily living. If, at the end of that process, the individual is found eligible for meals, COSA notifies SCS and we put the person on the schedule and a route and begin deliveries within 24 hours. 

SCS works with a local caterer, BTC Foods/The Nutrition Group, to provide meals per special requests from consumers, such as kosher meals, low-salt meals, no pork/vegetarian meals, soft foods/puree meals, etc. SCS also has a nonprofit affiliate, SSMG, that manages the meal program county-wide, meeting the needs of Surrey Services’ Delaware County consumers, and consumers in Upper Darby.

Despite the impressive roster of volunteers, SCS currently has a need for drivers, packers, and runners. SCS delivers meals Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, typically between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Drivers/runners are eligible for a free lunch at the senior center after their drive, and SCS reimburses drivers of a per-mile basis for the use of their vehicles. Prospective volunteers are required to submit to a criminal background check prior to receiving training/assignments.

Delaware County acknowledges the hard work of the SCS staff, led by Arthur Weisfeld, Executive Director, Jamee Nowell Smith, Associate Director/Director of the Chester Senior Center, Karen Clark, Manager of Good Neighbor Senior Center, John Federico, Director of Advancement; Jessica Hadfield, Director of the Schoolhouse Center, and Christine Helmandollar, Director of the Friendship Circle.

For more information about SCS, visit the SCS website, linked via the button below.

Senior Community Services, Inc. was founded in 1977 with a mission of providing independent and meaningful living for older adults through direct services and programs in the home and community. SCS is a community-based organization that operates four nationally-accredited senior centers and an innovative Center Without Walls, provides nearly 150,000 congregate and home-delivered meals, and manages long-term care and caregiver support for nearly 2,000 older Delaware County residents annually.  

State-of-the-art campus to be located at the former Archbishop Prendergast High School

On Saturday, May 6, Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor joined U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black and other members of the community at a special groundbreaking ceremony for Delaware County Community College’s new community-centered, state-of-the-art Southeastern campus, to be located at the former Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill.

“This project will transform the former high school into a community-empowering, education and training campus that will benefit our entire region,” said Dr. Taylor. “Many of our residents attend the beautiful campus in Media, and this location will make it more convenient for residents in the eastern section of our county to attend college.”

The College is transforming the former Archbishop Prendergast High School property at Garrett Road and North Lansdowne Avenue into a comprehensive multi-use facility that will provide affordable, quality education and training to area residents in an easily accessible location. 

“This is about positively changing the lives of our students and residents in the communities served by the College,” said Dr. Gates Black. 

The College is renovating the 80,000-square-foot, main building along with a 30,000-square-foot new annex that will transform a seven and a half-acre portion of the 35-acre property into a full-service campus featuring academic and career training programs in high-priority occupations, including Allied Health, Biotechnology and Electronics, Early Childhood Education, Skilled Trades, including Carpentry, and more. 

The new campus will also include a Center for Workforce Development and Community Success, which will serve as a center of innovation for workforce training, a 17,000-square-foot Early Childhood Education Center that will provide much-needed childcare for both students and residents, as well as a learning lab for students in the College’s Early Childhood Education programs. The estimated project completion date is 2025.

For a preview of the new campus, go to www.dccc.edu/about/locations/southeast-campus

Delaware County Council, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr. and other officials were honored to attend the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation’s 25th annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, May 10, at Rose Tree Park. 

The ceremony honors the police officers from Delaware County who were killed in the line of duty. Law enforcement from around the county gathered to pay tribute to the 47 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community and whose names are now etched in the memorial at Rose Tree Park. 

This year Clifton Heights Borough Officer John F. Burke was honored. Officer Burke bravely served with the Clifton Heights Police Department for nine years and passed away in January 2022 due to complications from COVID-19. He is survived by his wife and two children. 

Delaware County thanks Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, and all the members of the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation for holding this annual Day of Remembrance, and we commend all members of law enforcement for their bravery and dedication in protecting and serving the residents of Delaware County.

Tuesday, May 16 is Election Day! Polls will open at all 250 polling locations at 7 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. Here is a rundown of things that Delaware County voters should know before heading out to the polls (or a ballot drop box!).

Primaries: Who Can Vote?

In most areas, only voters registered with the Democratic or Republican parties will be eligible to vote in the Primary Election. Independent and third-party voters will be able to participate only in the two areas with Special Elections: the 163rd State Representative District and Radnor Township Ward 4. In all other parts of Delaware County, only voters registered with the Democratic or Republican parties will be able to cast ballots in the Primary Election.

Two Special Elections Where all Eligible Voters may Participate

Pennsylvania holds special elections when there is a vacancy in an office and the law requires an election to fill the post for the remainder of that term.

Due to vacancies in office, voters in the 163rd State Representative District will be electing a new House Representative, and voters in Radnor Township’s 4th Ward (Precincts 1 and 2), will be electing a new Township Commissioner. In both special elections, voters should be aware that the winning candidates will take office shortly after the election. This is unlike the primary contests, where candidates are seeking the nomination to represent a party on the November ballots.

The Special Election for each of these offices will be at the end of the Republican and Democratic Primary ballots and will be the only item on “third-party” Special Election ballots for third-party/non-affiliated voters registered in the 163rd District and Radnor Ward 4. More information about Special Elections is available at on the PA Department of State website, accessible at delcopa.gov/special.

Sample Ballots, Candidate Lists, and Polling Places

Sample ballots, a candidate list and other resources are available at the Delco Votes! website at delcopa.gov/sample. Easy-to-use polling place resources, including an interactive map, downloadable list, and a lookup tool, are available at delcopa.gov/polls.

Where to Vote In-Person

While a small number of polling places change from election to election due to feedback from the community, construction, and other reasons, the vast majority of polling places typically remain unchanged. 

These new polling places include: 

• Collingdale 1, Harris Elementary School, 501 Sharon Ave
• Collingdale 2, Harris Elementary School, 501 Sharon Ave
• Eddystone North, Eddystone Elementary School, 1400 E 9th St
• Eddystone South, Eddystone Elementary School, 1400 E 9th St
• Nether Providence 4-1, Media (ACME) Shopping Center, 515 E Baltimore Pk
• Nether Providence 4-2, Media (ACME) Shopping Center, 515 E Baltimore Pk
• Tinicum 4, Tinicum Fire Co #48, 99 Wanamaker Ave
• Upper Darby 2-7, Primos Secane Fire Co (REAR ENTRANCE), 1005 Secane Ave
• Upper Darby 7-02, Upper Darby Municipal Bldg, 100 Garrett Rd
• Upper Providence 2, Rose Tree Elementary School, 1101 First Avenue
• Radnor 7-2, St John's AME Church, 930 Conestoga Rd (new name, same address)

As a reminder, by law, voters must go to their designated polling location to vote in-person on election day.

Don't Vote Naked!

Once a vote-by-mail 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 pre-paid return envelope. Ballots returned without the Official Ballot Envelope are called "Naked Ballots" and cannot be counted.

Voters must also complete the voter declaration section on the exterior of the return envelope, being sure to include their signature, printed name, address, and date. Incomplete or inaccurate voter information may disqualify the ballot.

Correcting Flawed Ballot Envelopes

The Delaware County Bureau of Elections is responsible for reviewing all vote-by-mail ballot envelopes that are returned in Delaware County before they can be counted. Vote-by-mail ballots that are reviewed and determined to be flawed are then 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. 

Any vote-by-mail ballot — whether mail-in or absentee — with a legal flaw is disqualified. Flawed ballots are those that are damaged, unsigned, undated, improperly dated, unsealed, or not placed in the “secrecy envelope” before being placed in the larger “Ballot Return Envelope.” By law, the Delaware County Bureau of Elections is prevented from processing the ballots from flawed envelopes.

Voters who receive notice that the ballot envelope is flawed 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 can ask for a replacement ballot to be mailed. Voters will have the opportunity to receive a replacement ballot and complete and return their ballot during the same visit. Voter's valid ID is required.

Election Day Issues

Voters who have concerns regarding voting irregularities can call the Delaware County Election Hotline at (610) 891-VOTE. 

Voters who witness what they believe to be criminal activity are asked to call the Delaware County District Attorney’s office at (610) 891-4192.

The Voter Service Center

The Delaware County Voter Service Center is open and will provide a variety of in-person voter services on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon. On Election Day only, the Voter Service Center will open at 7 a.m. and remain open through the close of polls at 8 p.m. 

The Voter Service Center is located on the Ground Floor of the Government Center Building, at 201 W. Front St., in Media, PA (accessible from the Orange Street or 3rd Street entrance).

• Saturday, May 13: 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon
• Monday, May 15: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 16: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Our Delco Votes! Website

For more election information, voters are reminded that the Delaware County’s election website — Delco Votes! — provides news, sample ballots, 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.

Hope to see you at the polls!

The Delaware County Office of Sustainability, in partnership with Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, and the Delaware County Bureau of Elections will again be holding an Election Campaign Sign Recycling Event at Rose Tree Park in Media, PA.

During November’s inaugural collection event, we were able to collect and divert over 2,000 pounds of plastic and an additional 2,000 of metal from the waste stream!

During this two-day event, all campaign signs (plastic-coated, cardboard, and vinyl signs) and accompanying metal stands will be accepted free-of-charge. All collected materials will be recycled.

Please note that signs do NOT need to be dismantled for collection. 

Hope to see you there. Please spread the word! 

Election Recycling Event – 2 Days!

Friday, May 19

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 20

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Rose Tree Park

1671 N. Providence Road

Media, PA 19063 | Map

For additional information about the recycling event, or to learn more about Delaware County’s sustainability initiatives, please visit the Sustainability website (linked below) or contact the Office of Sustainability by email at sustaindelco@co.delaware.pa.us. 

$50,000 in Funding Approved by Delaware County Council for 2023 

Delaware County Council has approved the “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program for 2023, providing $50,000 in assistance to Delaware County parents and caregivers looking to return to the workforce. 

The popular program, first launched in 2021 by the Delaware County Office of Workforce Development and the Delaware County Commerce Center, provides unemployed residents up to $1,000 in financial credit towards the cost of a child’s summer camp — which can be applied towards attendance fees and other fees charged by the camp — so that parents and caregivers are better able to focus on their search for employment and return to work. 

The “Delco Strong Summer Camp Solution” program helps reduce barriers experienced by families that are struggling to find work—a situation made more challenging during the summer months with the closure of schools and the challenge of finding adequate childcare to allow parents and caregivers the time and energy to conduct a successful job search. While caregivers seek employment or transition back to the workforce, they will have the peace of mind knowing their children are safe and in a positive environment.

The program not only benefits caregivers, but also the children who are provided with rewarding and enriching summer experiences.

“Finding a job can be a major challenge for anyone and finding a job while balancing the demands of family life and children is often a barrier that can’t be overcome,” said Delaware County Vice Chair Elaine Schaefer. “This wonderful program has helped many Delaware County families over the past two summers, and we’re excited that we can provide this program again to families in need in 2023.”  

As of May 1, participating camps include Boys & Girls Club of Chester, Chef Dad's Table in Broomall, Delaware County Community College Kids Camp in Media, the Media-Providence Friends School, the Greater Philadelphia YMCA (the Haverford branch, with camps at the Haverford Community Recreation & Environmental Center, the Haverford YMCA, the Torah Academy, the Haverford College), and the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County (with camps at the Lansdowne branch (including the Kindergarten Center in Upper Darby), Ridley, and Springfield branches). 

Unemployed residents of Delaware County with children under the age of 15 are encouraged to take advantage of this program. A complete list of participating summer camps, as well as applications for parents, caregivers is available at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/summer-camp/. Additional camps may be added in May.

Camp organizations that are not currently participating are encouraged to apply! To become a participating camp, please email Delaware County Workforce Development at WorkForce-Camp@co.delaware.pa.us. 

For additional information of interest to job seekers and employers, please visit the PA CareerLink of Delaware County website at https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/.

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 Thursday, May 18, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., on their Lima campus. 

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) (New grads welcome!)
• Nursing Supervisors
• Unit Managers
• CNAs (FT) – All shifts, with rates starting at $21.05/hour)
• Food Service Workers
• Dietitians
• Laundry Workers
• Laundry Truck Drivers

Fair Acres offers:

• Competitive compensation
• Full benefits for full-time employees
• 2 weeks of vacation to start
• 16 paid holidays
• Pension plans
• Tuition reimbursement

The Fair Acres Job Fair will be held at the Fair Acres Campus Building 1, 340 N. Middletown Road, in Lima, PA. Parking is free.

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

Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden and Delaware County Planning Department Director Gina Burritt were honored to join Heritage Commission Chair Barbara Marinelli and Vice Chair Karen Micka and members of preservation community at the 45th Annual Preservation Awards on Saturday, May 6, at the Redwood Community Center in Upland Park.  

The Heritage Preservation awards, first held in 1978, highlight National Preservation Month each May, through the recognition of individuals and groups who are dedicated to preserving Delaware County’s landmarks along with our rich written and verbal history. The Heritage Commission’s mission is to oversee the diverse heritage of Delaware County and to support those organizations within the County that are promoting and preserving the County’s cultural legacy. 

During the Awards Ceremony, County Councilman Madden presented a resolution recognizing May as Historic Preservation Month to the Commission and presented awards to attendees for projects in site preservation, publication, special projects, historic preservation planning, individual achievement, and legacy business. 

The A. Richard Paul Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the longtime Heritage Commission chair who died in December 2020, was awarded to Bev Rorer, a longtime Delaware County resident whose many accomplishments include a successful effort to stop the auction of the Grange Estate in Haverford Township and countless contributions to historic conservation-minded endeavors throughout the County.

2023 Award Winners

Site Preservation (Residential Rehabilitation) Awards

• Huston Homestead (John A. Mullen, Lindsey V. Mullen, Caramanico Brothers, BMK Concrete, Interiors by Tanyell) 
• Sharpless House (Mike Gaugler and Sharon Leonhard)

Site Preservation (Restoration) Awards

• Restoration to Village Green Schoolhouse (Dave Kelso, Carol Cannon, Williamson College of the Trades, Aston Public Works, Mike Archer, Steve King, Keith Flikinger)
• Restoration and Furnishing the 1739 Trimble House Kitchen and Pantry (The Newlin Grist Mill, The Winterthur Summer Institute, and Victorian Heritage, Inc.)

Publication Awards

• Learning our History, Celebrating Our Future (Shawn Rush, Dr. Monica Taylor, Councilman Richard Womack, Marc Woolley, Lauren Footman)
• Ridley Creek State Park 50th Anniversary of the Opening of the Park to Visitors August 1972 (Keith Lockhart and The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park)

Special Project Awards

• Metal Detecting at the Thomas Leiper Estate (Kevin Connell)
• ATHS Historic Art Collection Display (Artist Agnes Bakow, Historian John MacFarland, Technician Rick Kirkwood, Sheila Withelder, Aston Public Works)

Individual Achievement Awards

• Larry Fischer
• Pat Smith

Leedom B. Morrison Heritage Award

• Chester's Ruth L. Bennett (Twyla Simpkins (YES Center); Christopher Mele)

A. Richard Paul Lifetime Achievement

• Bev Rorer

Legacy Awards

• Griffith Funeral Chapel, Inc (125 years)
• Hedgerow Theatre Company (100 years)

About the Heritage Commission

Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, May is recognized as National Preservation Month. Throughout the month, local preservation groups, historical societies, and business and civic associations participate by holding events that promote the social and economic benefits of preserving historic places and celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country.

Thank you to the members of the Delaware County Planning Department, the Heritage Commission, local municipalities, historical societies, and individuals from the community who are dedicated to preserving and honoring the historic sites throughout our County.

Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr. is pleased to announce the arrival of a new deputy in town — a new K9 Deputy named “Ceca”. On Friday, May 5, K9 “Deputy Ceca” arrived at the Wilmington airport via private plane and met his new handler, Delaware County Sheriff Deputy Jake Redding. 

Ceca is a 2.5 year old high energy German short hair pointer-Labrador retriever mix that is trained in explosive detection. In the near future, K9 Ceca and Deputy Redding will attend K9 Medic School for training in precautionary measures in medical emergencies and will undergo rigorous training to establish and strengthen the bond between dog and handler. 

K9 Ceca comes to the Sheriff’s Office through the generosity of Charlie and Mitzi Nash of Irondog K9 International (IDK9I), an IRS registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. They have provided law enforcement agencies with K9s and handler training since 2015. Ceca originally came from Germany.

Deputy Ceca and Delaware County Sheriff Deputy Jake Redding have some big paws, and shoes, to fill. Current K9 Unit Captain Bob Adams and his partner, K9 Apo, are retiring after many years of exemplary service to the county and its residents. Thank you, Captain Adams and K9 Apo!

Sheriff Sanders noted, “We are happy to bring Ceca aboard to fill the gap left by Captain Adams and Apo’s departure. We wish them both the best and look forward to Deputy Redding and K9 Ceca coming fully active to assist in the safety of all the residents of Delaware County and the surrounding communities.”

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website