D.E.F.Y.

It may be snowing outside, but The Weed and Seed of Upper Township, Inc is preparing for summer with Camp DEFY.


D.E.F.Y. is the acronym for Drug Education for Youth, a program which was developed by the Department of the Navy's Drug Demand Reduction Task Force staff.  The program targets at risk children from ages 9 to 12 and offers the tools they need to deter behavior such as drug and alcohol use; gang affiliation; and offers coping skills for children to positively shape their future.*


Weed and Seed once targeted the Sixth District of Upper Darby, but is now open to the entire Township.  Site Coordinator Joan Scanlon is excited to offer additional programs that all residents can benefit from.  One program is DEFY, which helps mentor children and is one that Scanlon is truly passionate about.


DEFY offers at risk children an opportunity to be a part of Township activities such as the tree lighting ceremony, open Community Festival Day, and attend sporting events.  The children also attend summer camp for a week.  The camp will be held from Monday June, 18 to Friday, June 22nd.  Activities will include swimming, fishing, and arts & crafts among other things.  The theme this year is the Wild West, so look for those sharp shooters and watch the cow pies.  


This year's summer camp will beheld at Fellowship Farm in Pottstown, PA.  Fellowship Farm is one of the nation's oldest education and retreat centers.  It's located on a 120-acre wooded site about 45 miles west of Philadelphia.  


In addition to the summer camp, DEFY offers a Writer's Club that will be held on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 in the new Municipal Library; a Wednesday Evening book club; and martial arts training with Andy Carr.  


DEFY currently needs about six young men who would serve as Junior mentors to the children.  Also, donations are being accepted for prizes and giveaways for the children and the camp.  Water bottles would definitely help along with other items to help the children enjoy a great week of fellowship and fun.


To volunteer, contact Joan Scanlon at 610-734-7793 or send an email to jscanlon@upperdarby.org.  For parents interested in having their children be a part of the program. they are encouraged to speak to the guidance counselor at their child's school or obtain additional information from Scanlon at the above number.





* Information taken from US Attorney Office, Michigan

Protect, Honor, and Serve

An information session was held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 for those interested in becoming part of the Upper Darby Police Department.

Superintendant  Chitwood addressing the audience,
 Councilman Nate Goodson

Superintendent Michael Chitwood led a power point presentation to explain what is needed to become a part of the department. Mayor Thomas Micozzie and Public Safety Chair, 7th District Councilman Nathaniel Goodson, were among those present as approximately 152 people filled the auditorium of Drexel Hill Middle School to learn the criteria for becoming part of the police force.

One goal the department has is to recruit more minorities to address the changing population of Upper Darby.  

Captain David Madonna explained the benefits of being an officer.  The base pay starts at $54,617.  Those officers who need to attend the police academy would receive an hourly rate of $22.58 until they successfully completed the training program.

Captain Anthony Paparo explained the various areas a person could use as a career path with the department.  This includes SWAT, K9, Investigations, and Motorcycle Patrol among others.  

Superintendant Chitwood explained the process to become one of Upper Darby's finest.  The way it works is that you must past each section before moving on to the next step of the application process.

• Physical Agility Test
• Written Exam 
• Oral Interview
• Polygraph Exam (which he stressed that no one should try to cheat this exam)
• Medical Exam
• Extensive Background check (meaning every nook and crany of your life will be investigated)
• Successful completion of the Police Academy if needed

However, it was stressed that applicants take all parts of the process seriously.  The first part is a physical agility test that will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 9AM.  The location is the main campus of Delaware County Community College.  There is a rain date of Saturday, March 3, 2012 same time and location.  The only thing that would force a rain date would be a weather anomaly like two feet of snow or a monsoon.  

Officer Amanda Klingensmith offered words of encouragement, again stressing the importance of taking the test seriously.  She spoke of the opportunities that she has gained by being a part of the force.  She expressed that she never felt any rejection, discrimination, or alienation as a woman on the force.

Hald and Rex

Officer Tom Hald brought his K9 partner Rex, and explained a bit about the K9 program.  Once again, the opportunities for growth in the department were expressed along with the close knit relationship he has with his canine partner as well as his two legged colleagues.

A representative from McCann Testing explained that there are tools available to assist with studying for the test.  Of course, your local library may have some resources, but McCann actually has practice exams and also study aids.

Interested parties can see Richard Nolan in room 107 at the Township Municipal Building located at 100 Garrett Road, for an application.  Applications are due NOON on February 17, 2012 along with a $65.00 fee.

The written exam will be held on Saturday March 10th at 9AM.  It was suggested that those taking the test plan to arrive at least an HOUR early so that they can go through the screening process and take a moment to compose themselves before the test.

For additional information, you can visit www.udpd.org or Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission Web Site.

Good luck and best wishes to those who decide that they are ready to protect and serve the residents of Upper Darby Township.

Sikh Parade, November 5, 2011

Follow the link for pictures of this past Saturday's parade.

Sikh Parade, November 5, 2011:

'via Blog this'

North of Garrett Recycling Reminder

Mayor Micozzie wants to remind residents that the 2012 recycling schedule will be changed to resolve the missed recycling collections during holiday weeks for Area 1 and Area 2 north of Garrett Road. Follow the link for a brief explanation to the revamped schedule.

North of Garrett Recycling Reminder:

'via Blog this'

Why I Love My School

Parents and students crowded tonight's council meeting, all full of smiles and pride. Tonight, awards were given to students who wrote essays and created beautiful posters to show what they loved about their school.

Students from across the district, both public and parochial, were represented from grades one to twelve. With the exception of two students who were ill, all awards were received to a round of applause and congratulations from Mayor Tom Micozzie.

Mayor Micozzie said it best when he remarked that because of the diversity in the township, he has "traveled to every country in the world without leaving Upper Darby."

It was delightful to see the variety of students who participated in the competition and the support of their parents!

Below are pictures of the art from the students.