Ridley Park hosts program on addiction
RIDLEY PARK » With deaths from substance abuse rising, Mayor Hank Eberle is hosting a “Don’t Be An Ostrich” program for parents, educators and anyone who works with teens and preteens at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Ridley Middle School, featuring Debra Delp, LPN, an experienced addiction counselor and certified nurse. The school is located at 400 Free School.
Delp educates parents and other concerned adults about some of the trends in substance use, as well as the various delivery methods of alcohol and other drugs. Her program includes a display of drug paraphernalia and a discussion on what the red flags of substance are. Delp has spoken to the U.S. Congress about youth drug issues and has been a guest on various national and local talk shows.
“Every time I see Deb, I learn something,” Police Chief Robert Frazier said at council’s October meeting.
Council President Bob Berger announced that non-perishable food items are being collected at borough hall for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry based at the Prospect Hill Baptist Church in Prospect Park, now through Nov. 21.
“This organization supports the Interboro and Ridley school districts (area),” Berger said.
In his financial report, Berger said the Public Schools Healthcare Trust, along with Gallagher Benefit Services Public Entity Team, a self-funded solution to 36 municipalities and authorities in Delaware County, notified the borough there will be no increase for medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage for 2018.
“This is going to go a long way toward another no-tax-increase (budget) for the borough,” Berger said.
In another financial matter, resident Andy Furman asked Berger what the state’s contribution is toward the $200,000 minimum municipal obligation for the police pension fund for next year and Berger said it is $128,000. The council president said the full amount had to be paid before the state reimbursement kicks in. The MMO for non-uniform borough employees is $16,971.
Grace Ogden, a senior at Ridley High School, was introduced at the meeting as the new junior council member. She will serve until the end of the school year. She said her interest in public service and politics led her to form a young conservatives group at the school. She also volunteered at the election day polling places.