Politics & Government

County Council Talks Car Theft, Summer Concerts

The Summer Festival at Rose Tree Park starts June 15.

The approved the renewal of the Auto Theft Prevention, Education and Prosecution Program from the PA Auto Theft Prevention Authority at its meeting on Tuesday. The year-long program was renewed through June, 2011 for $273,968.00.

The goal of the Authority is to "combat auto theft through tough laws, improved enforcement and administration, effective prosecution, and public education," according to its website.

It was established by the Pa. General Assembly in 1994 "to establish, coordinate, and fund activities in (Pennsylvania) to prevent, combat, and reduce automobile theft..."

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It does not use tax dollars, but rather raises funds through annual assessments paid by about 400 auto insurance companies doing business in Pennsylvania.

According to the Authority, vehicle thefts are on the decline in Delaware County.

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From 2004 to 2009 the numbers of stolen cars in the county has gone from 1,206 to 751, according to the Authority.

Representatives of PECO presented the county council with a rebate check for nearly $275,000 at the meeting for its energy conservation measures.

According to the county, it updated facilities with the most energy efficient and modern lighting, energy management controls and other equipment and measures which yielded reductions of 20 to 25 percent in energy use and costs.

As a supplemental benefit to the energy project, Provident Energy Consultants coordinated an application process under PECO’s Smart Ideas program, which  resulted in the rebate, according to the county.

At its meeting Tuesday the council also announced the 2011 Delaware County Summer Festival at

The annual free festival runs June 15 through August 14 at the park on Providence Road in Upper Providence Township. It features performances Wednesdays through Sundays starting at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of two morning concerts for children.

This year’s season kicks off with the Rose Tree Pops, a 50-member orchestra that will perform music from a variety of genres including light classical, film scores, show tunes, pop, big band, and jazz.

Last year more than 75,000 people came to watch the shows over the 10-week period, according to Marc Manfre, director of the county’s parks and recreation department.

According to the organizers, there are no rain dates for summer festival concerts that are cancelled due to inclement weather. Cancellation decisions are made right up until show time.

To check if a show has been cancelled, call 610-891-4455.

See the PDF attached to this article for the season’s schedule. Also attached is the agenda for Tuesday's meeting.

The county is also warning its residents of possible heat waves throughout the summer.

The County Office of Services of the Aging (COSA) has a "heat plan" that includes a Heat Information Line, extended hours at senior centers, and educational information on heat safety tips, dehydration, and safe use of fans.

The Heat Information Line at (610) 872-1558 is a 24-hour phone service that typically runs June 1 through September 30, providing residents with heat advisory updates and information. COSA enacted the Heat Line Tuesday in response to the National Weather Service’s heat advisory.

People who need additional assistance can contact the COSA Information and Assistance service at (610) 490-1300.

"When the weather service issues an excessive heat warning, it’s important for our elderly residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses," said County Council Chairman Jack Whelan. "People who are 65 and older are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and we ask that residents check on their elderly family members and neighbors."

The National Weather Service describes a heat wave as three or more days when the temperature is 90 degrees or higher.


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