Media, PA October 2023

The Legendary Margaret Kuo

ENTERTAINMENT

BUSTED SADDLE MOBILE BARS

EDUCATION

CHEF DAD'S TABLE

FOOD + BEVERAGE

MEDIA THE FIRST FAIR TRADE TOWN IN THE US

The Most Experienced Real Estate Team

Gary and his team are obsessed with making each client's experience the best that it can be. Your negotiations are personally handled by YOUR realtor, not an assistant. The Scheivert team does things the old-fashioned way with results that prove it works time and time again.

Gary Scheivert knows Media - basketball at Media Youth Center, football at Rose Tree Colts - and even his mom was crowned "Miss Media."

Welcome to Our Food & Drink Issue

October is here at last!  Have you put out your autumn and/or Halloween decorations?  Harvest wreaths, bales of hay and a pumpkin (later to be carved into a jack-o-lantern)?  This time of year changes the mood of everything.

Does cooler weather give you a bigger appetite? With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with the restaurateur Margaret Kuo of Margaret Kuo's Kitchen in the Granite Run Promenade.  If you lived in the area for any length of time, you know that Margaret is a living legend in the local food scene and in the community at large.

This month we covered a lot of ground. Connecting with Tina Johnson the owner of Busted Saddle mobile bartending service.  We learned about Scott Noye of Chef Dad’s Table and how he shares his passion for food with kids. We even take a dip into the subject of water and its importance.  We also highlight Media's title of “America’s First Fair Trade Town”, something we’re very proud of here in Media. And of course some tailgating tips to boot.  (GO BIRDS!) I also had a chance to share some food finds in our Local Taste Great guide...try the coffee.

We all agree that food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

As always, thanks for reading, and we'll see you on State Street.

SCOTT DAVIDSON, PUBLISHER @MEDIACITYLIFESTYLE

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jayne Toohey | Jayne@Jayne2e.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christina Cheser, Scott Davidson, Jayne Toohey, Fred Shamlian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Scott Davidson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Some 60 years ago, woodlands and meadows along Ridley Creek were purchased with Project 70 conservation funds. Today, Ridley Creek State Park provides a protected oasis of open space that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

It’s equally important to preserve your assets.

MEMBERS’ WEALTH, LLC can help. Our team of professionals in financial and estate planning, investment strategy, taxation, and law work together to craft a comprehensive wealth management solution designed to preserve your assets today and grow them for the future.

With decades of experience, we offer all the financial planning resources you need. As long-time Delaware County residents, we’re focused on helping our community’s individuals, families, and institutions thrive.

Let’s talk about safeguarding your financial future.

DANE CZAPLICKI, CFA Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer COLLEEN MAHONEY Director of Client Experience MARIE FEINDT, JD Planning Specialist Estate Attorney

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @mediacitylifestyle

1: Rose Tree Park concert - Robb McCall of Reggae Thunder 2: Rose Tree Concert - Pauline Houston of Reggae Thunder 3: Josie Bainbridge playing music The School of Rock at the Media Arts Council Jasper Jam 4: Mary & Bill Clinton dancing to the music at the Jasper Street Jam

5: Watching in the rain at the Media Arts Council Jasper Jam 6: The Blues Reincarnation -Jeffrey Attakorah at the Media Arts Council Jasper Jam 7: Greg Brady running sound at the Media Arts Council Jasper Jam Photography by Jayne Toohey

Dr. Bob

Dr. Alexa

Dr. Dan

Dr. Jarred

business monthly

Rosetree Fire Department Announces New Ladder Truck

The Rose Tree Fire Company No. 1 announced the purchase of a new E-One HR 100 aerial ladder truck.  The new truck will feature a 100’ vertical reach, 500 lb. tip load ladder with pump, tank and hose bed, all packaged on a tandem rear axle chassis.  The new truck is slated for delivery in late 2024.  The truck will replace the department’s current 73’ ladder truck, which will by then have been in service for more than 21 years. RoseTreeFire.com

Media Little League All-Stars Crowned Mid-Atlantic Champions

Congratulations to Mid-Atlantic Division Champions, Media Little League AllStars.  Sweeping through the Mid-Atlantic Tournament with an impressive 3-0 record, Media is only the third club from Delaware County to play in the Little League World Series tournament.  Unable to advance from the elimination round, Media returned home to a deserved hero’s welcome.  The entire community salutes the players, coaches, and supportive families for an outstanding season well played. medialittleleague.net

Media Theatre Promotes Christian Ryan to Artistic Director

Christian Ryan has spent the past three seasons as associate artistic director. He now takes on the role of artistic director.  Starting at the theatre in 2017, Christian has since amassed an incredible list of credits on 25 Media Theatre productions, as director, choreographer, stage manager and actor. Most recently, he directed “Elf the Musical” and “The Sound of Music,” setting records as the third and fourth best-selling productions in theater history.  mediatheatre.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Media

Photography Little League International

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Food is her Love Language and She has a Lot of Love

Peking Duck

THE LEGENDARY MARGARET KUO

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA CHESER AND CHEYENNE FORBES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAYNE TOOHEY

The residents of Delaware County know Margaret Kuo as a great chef and restaurateur; her warmth and compassion for her community are conveyed through her dishes earnestly. For well over 40 years, Margaret has been serving the community by sharing her heritage through the culinary arts. Although her skills in the culinary world are to be revered, Margaret knows more than just her way around the kitchen.

When you visit Margaret’s, she loves through feeding people. Be prepared to be loved.

Born to a family of scholars who value both education and community, Margaret worked to achieve both academic and humanitarian goals. In her youth, she was chosen as Outstanding Youth and won many math and oratory contests in Taiwan. Margaret graduated from Taipei Institute of Technology with a degree in chemical engineering, working as a research chemist while teaching math and science.

After coming to The United States, settling down with a family of her own, and opening a restaurant, Margaret went back to school in 1996, attending Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy’s School of Government.

She graduated with a masters degree in public administration. Margaret took on the role of an advocate, dedicating much of her time and effort to many community organizations in Philadelphia. She served on boards such as the Literacy Committee of the Media Foundation, the Rose Tree Media Education Foundation, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, and more.

Margaret has additionally received awards for many of her accomplishments, recognized both locally and nationally. On a statewide level, she was recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s Fifty Best Women in Business by the Department of Community and Development. She was also recognized twice as a Paul Harris Fellow and a member of Rotary International. In 1993, she earned the Shining Star award from Pennsylvania’s governor. Nationally, one of Margaret’s most outstanding awards was a Texaco scholarship to attend the National Association of Women Business Owners in Washington D.C. in 1998.

While known for her passion for cooking, she also devoted much of her time to ballet where she would perform on stage both on live

Margaret and son, manager Mark Kuo

Margaret’s team prepares signature dishes.

Classic Sushi

television and in several colleges. Raised in a culture that holds the culinary arts to the same level of prestige as other mediums of art, Margaret wholeheartedly expresses this appreciation through food, as evidenced by the elegant and intricate presentation of her dishes. Not only do the meals served at her restaurants appear elaborate and aesthetically pleasing thanks to Margaret and her team of chefs, but they are filled to the brim with immense love.

“What’s important to me is making them feel happy and fulfilled,” Margaret stated when asked about why she cooks for others. She expressed that food is her love language and the best way for her to convey that love to her family and community is by giving them food straight from the heart. Margaret devotes her life to providing support to her community through her cuisine and roles as a businesswoman and advocate. margaretkuo.com

Visiting with Customers

Mobile Bars with Flair

Tina Johnson at Busted Saddle is Passionate about Offering Mobile Bars and Services

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA CHESER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAYNE TOOHEY

When asked what inspired her to begin her journey in running her own business, Tina proudly answers, “I wanted to start something of my own so I could show my son, who is ten years old, that if you put your mind to something, you can do it.”  What prompted the idea of having it be a mobile bar business was a dive bar known as Kix over in Sea Isle which had a car trailer where people could buy frozen drinks. “That’s so cute!” Tina thought. Upon applying for an LLC and deciding what to name her

business, she purchased a dilapidated horse trailer. The “rusted and busted” state of the trailer, as well as having a horse trailer, inspired the name “Busted Saddle.” After some renovation work with the help of her husband and friends, Bustled Saddle was successfully launched in May 2022. Busted Saddle offers services for all kinds of events. Tina enjoys them all because of how unique the atmosphere is for each party, as well as the many friends she makes along the way.

Bartending at a birthday party

Horse Trailer Bar

THE HYDRATION FOUNDATION UNDERSTANDS QUALITY WATER

Clean water isn’t just water free from contamination, it is water that delivers nature’s electricity through electron donation. The secret part of hydration, the invisible work, is the delivery of electromagnetic charge, the actual life force for living and healing. Truly clean water is organized, some call it structured, to zip efficient energy into all your cells.

WHY OUR WATER IS IMPORTANT FOR HEALTH

ARTICLE BY GINA BRIA

COURTESY THE HYDRATION FOUNDATION

The Hydration Foundation is the leading resource on the new science of water.  As a nonprofit, we offer free education and initiate projects to better hydrate people, animals, plants and soils.

When water molecules are disorganized or disrupted, water can’t purify our bodies as efficiently as we need.  We get gunked up just like pipes do, and our health and cognition suffer.  Unfortunately, water has been profoundly affected not only by pollution, but water treatment technologies and the interruption of nature’s very processes.

Did you know that even 2% dehydration leads to measurable cognitive decline?  We are meant to have tissues fully hydrated and buoyant.  We’ve come to see that hydration runs all our body’s systems, cleaning up as it goes, from circulation to waste removal, there is nothing hydration doesn’t touch.  Even our eyesight depends on a well hydrated eye socket and eyeball.  Every one of our cells, every function to remain alive, requires good hydration.

Tap water has been chemically washed and pressurized in such a way that it disorganizes electron sharing. These treatments were done with good intention, to clean up water from contaminants, but the new science now recognizes we disrupted water’s ability to transfer its electricity to us. The same with bottled water, which so often sits for long periods of time in plastic containers. That interrupts water’s need to move in order to generate electricity.

Structured water refers to water’s organized state, passing electrons rapidly to all our tissues, cells and organs. The Hydration Foundation’s job is to find and support technologies that recover the natural state of our water.  Spring Aqua is a company that does just that, using natural processes to return water to a coherent state.  I have worked alongside Kenny Lu, Spring Aqua’s CEO, for sometime now, even discussing how they can bring their technology to help recover soil through highly charged water.  These kinds of collaborations, good companies with good leadership, are the way we will regenerate our beautiful earth and our own human health.  I’m optimistic about our future if we restore water.

Gina Bria is the founder of the Hydration Foundation.  She is an anthropologist who studies desert communities to record how they hydrate, as well as co-author of Quench: Your 5-Day Plan to Optimal Hydration

PHOTOGRAPHY

without Guzzling. Her TEDx talk: How to Grow Water, has helped change the conversation on what water actually is.

There are several world-famous mountain springs that attract millions of people annually because of the healing properties of the water.  Lourdes Springs is home to one of the most famous healing shrines in the world, it receives 4-6 million visitors a year. Many of the visitors seek cures they believe come from drinking or bathing in the water. Scientists have studied this spring water since the late 1800’s hoping to unlock the mysteries and documenting these miraculous results. Spring Aqua has developed our own version of Lourdes water through mimicking the rock layers, geology, and other properties outlined in scientific studies. As a result, we have created a complete water hydration technology that you can have right in your own home. We call it an Ecosystem in a Box.

Transform your Tap Water

Gina Bria, Hydration Foundation Founder

Chef Dad's Table is Awesome

A LOVE FOR COOKING AND CHILDREN CREATES A GIVING BUSINESS

As a single father of three, I was the head chef in our household. My children gave me that nickname.  It didn’t hurt that I went to Culinary School many years ago.

The Corona Pandemic created unprecedented challenges for parents and educators. With schools shut down, and activities completely curtailed, parents struggled to find ways to help their children learn, engage and thrive in that environment.

ARTICLE BY CHEF DAD - SCOTT NOYE PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTESY OF CHEF DAD

During that time, I was a teaching assistant at Widener University, a PA Certified Substitute Teacher, and a culinary instructor at Lavner Summer Camps. I immediately answered parents’ needs for homeschool assistance and tutoring and began working in “Pods”. While working with my students, I also discovered that everyone was struggling to find non-traditional learning activities that were Covid-safe, yet interesting and fun. My love for cooking and my culinary training led me to develop cooking and baking classes for children. And thus “Chef Dad’s Table” was born.

Our students are toddlers through adults with the average ages being 5-10.

Being able to interact with our students and transfer some of my knowledge to them is an amazing feeling. The skills we learn in our classes are pieces of information that they can use all their lives. Watching the kids build confidence in the kitchen and gain self esteem is super rewarding to our students and to me. We also offer special events such as birthday parties and workshops for the Girl and Boy Scouts...what’s NOT fun about parties??

Chef Dad’s Table provides the students enrolled in our classes the opportunity to learn to be savvy consumers and acquire kitchen skills that they carry with them throughout life. We educate about food insecurity with the hope that we can help alleviate this hardship that affects so many. We partner with houses of worship and work in the community to help those

Chef Dad - aka Mr. Scott

We do all this while making sure our classes are fun and our students enjoy themselves. Besides educating, our classes provide a warm and captivating opportunity for our students to build friendships and learn to work in teams.

who are food insecure. We do all this while making sure our classes are fun and our students enjoy themselves. Besides educating, our classes provide a warm and captivating opportunity for our students to build friendships and learn to work in teams. We have talented and knowledgeable instructors that work closely with and mentor our students. Our classes offer an inclusive opportunity for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).   We do offer scholarships and financial arrangements and we work with various organizations to facilitate donation drives.

Learning a skill set and having the necessary knowledge helps individuals make better informed and educated decisions that will affect their life. We want to help children, teens, and adults make great decisions regarding their Food, Family, and Consumer Science choices. And let’s not forget, our classes are super fun, delicious, and we get to eat all the time!!  chefdadstable.com

MediaGlobally Connected

Pursuing profit over people and the planet has so many devastating consequences, a group of people rose up and said “Enough.” The late Hal Taussig, a Media resident, was a long time supporter of Fair Trade. His own travels helped him see the importance of the livelihoods of the producers of the goods we consume. In 2006, Media met the criteria established by the British Fairtrade Foundation to become a Fair Trade town.  The cause is to get poor farmers and artisans paid fairly “Fair Trade.” It’s easy to confuse Fair Trade with Free Trade. After all, both seek access to world markets. But Fair Trade is not about trade barriers. Its aim is economic justice (fair pay), a healthy planet and a livable standard of living, including education, health care, equal opportunity for women, and the end of child labor.

Many Fair Trade farmers practice premium shade-growing methods, painstakingly drying the ripe red cherries in the sun. This skilled, labor-intensive process requires an enduring commitment to the land, and to superior coffee. Year after year in global competitions, many of the Top 10 Coffees are Fair Trade certified. Over 50% of all Fair Trade coffee is also certified organic. The alternative to this sustainable, eco-friendly approach? Industrial coffee farming, which has historically exploited native people and their lands, polluting rivers, eroding the soil and devastating wildlife, leading to the massive deforestation of once lush rainforests.

FAIR TRADE TOWN

Your support of Fair Trade coffee connects you, and Media - America’s First Fair Trade Town - in a powerful, positive way with farm communities worldwide. With one conscientious purchase, you can uplift lives, defend endangered environments, preserve traditional farms and honor the spirit of Everybody’s Hometown. Together, we are making a lasting difference for others. Taste how sweet life is when small farmers receive a living wage. Learn more and get involved at MediaFairTrade.org.

Fair Trade is a highly-effective initiative which aims to build long-term partnerships between farmers and buyers.

• Media lists 18 Fair Trade shops

• Seek out Fair Trade Certified and fairly traded products everywhere you go.

• Ask for Fair Trade and fairly traded items at your favorite stores, and make sure that they know you’d like to see more of these goods on their shelves.

• Supporting local producers and locally owned businesses of all kinds, by doing so, you can live your consumer global awareness, keeping local. That’s why we always say: Buy Fair ~ Buy Local! mediafairtrade.org

FAIR TRADE IS A HIGHLY-EFFECTIVE INITIATIVE WHICH AIMS TO BUILD LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN FARMERS AND BUYERS.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DAVIDSON

Local Tastes Great!

We love shopping local…Discovering new foods made by local artisans passionate about their crafts.

1. SPICY PEPPER CREEK FIRE:  Media’s Chef CJ signature blend of locally sourced fresh jalapeno & habanero peppers - first the sweet, then the heat! Use as a sauce or spread. cedarcreekcatering.com

2. DAN GOOD JERKY: Hand cut artisan craft beef jerky.  Made here in Media. U.S.D.A. Black Angus beef using no preservatives. 6 Flavors to choose from. dangoodjerky.com

3. NOLAN'S POUR HOUSE COFFEE: From a small idea in 2009, to a coffee company geared to support all of our Emergency Service and First Responders.  Based in Media, purveyors of specially roasted coffees.  nolanspourhouse.com

4. UNRULY NATURE GRANOLA: Local small batch granola producer Kim Bernaus uses all natural, preservative free ingredients. Organic ingredients, gluten free and vegan. Buy locally or online. unrulynature.com

5. BYRSA ORGANIC OLIVE OIL: These natural olive oil compounds are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to provide numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and boosting the immune system. mediterra.us

6. BUMBLEBERRY FARMS HONEY: Bumbleberry Farms takes great pride in making goods that are crafted by bees and by hand, and the owners look forward to bringing their goods to honey loving customers. bumbleberryfarms.com

A self-proclaimed foodie, Scott Davidson has loved all things food related.  Noting Bobby Flay as his biggest influence (sorry Mom), Scott is an avid cookbook collector, enjoys taking cooking classes, loves his Big Green Egg, and has a penchant for fresh oysters on the half shell.

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A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 22NDOCTOBER

Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride

THE BATES MOTEL (ARASAPHA FARM) 1835 N. MIDDLETOWN RD., GLEN MILLS, PA 19342

The Bates Motel & Haunted Hayride is sure to be the best (and most frightening) adventure this Halloween season.  For 30+ years, visitors from near and far are discovering why CNN Travel calls this the “The Best Haunted House in America”. For tickets: thebatesmotel.com

SEPTEMBER

27TH -

OCTOBER 15TH

The Philly Fan

THE HEDGEROW THEATRE, 64 ROSE VALLEY RD., MEDIA, PA 19063

Philadelphia’s own Bruce Graham tackles his celebrated tour de force in a newly updated version performed by the playwright himself. The Philly Fan offers an unapologetic perspective of a hardcore sports fan through a lifetime of experience with the soaring highs, crushing lows, and inherent emotional baggage that comes with Philly fan-dom. Pull up a barstool.  hedgerowtheatre.org

SEPTEMBER

Media Fright Night Fest

MEDIA COMMUNITY CENTER, 301 N. JACKSON ST., MEDIA, PA 19063

Spend The Day with Your Ghoulish Fiends—we Mean Friends, At Media Fright Fest’s All-Day Celebration of Everything Horror, Gothic, And Macabre!  Featuring Movie Shorts, 20+ Delco Arcade Of Unearthly Delights Vendors, Food, Music, Raffles, and more.  For tickets:  mediaartscouncil.org

Rediscover True Hydration

Turn your tap into a spring

OCTOBER 8TH

The Prom

MEDIA THEATRE, 104 E. STATE ST., MEDIA, PA 19063

Step into a world of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable melodies as The Media Theatre proudly presents "The Prom"! Get ready to be swept off your feet by this sensational Broadway hit that will leave you dancing in the aisles and singing from the heart. Join a band of Broadway Veterans as they hightail it to a small Indiana town to teach the lessons of love & acceptance. For tickets: mediatheatre.org

Media State Street Fall Festival

MEDIA BUSINESS DISTRICT, STATE STREET, MEDIA, PA 19063

Mark your calendars - the Media Fall Festival is back by popular demand! Enjoy a wonderful day filled with food, music, artists, crafters, and special kids fun zone.  Tons of fun for the whole family!  11:00am – 5:00pm (Rain date Oct. 15th) VisitMediaPA.com

OCTOBER 28TH

Media Halloween Parade

MEDIA BUSINESS DISTRICT, STATE STREET, MEDIA, PA 19063

The Media Borough Recreation Board continues the long standing tradition of this classic hometown parade.  Cheer on local marching bands, community groups, children (and adults) of all ages dressed in spirit for Halloween.  Parade starts at 11:00am (Rain date Oct. 29th) VisitMediaPA.com

The Art of Tailgating

SPORTS, FRIENDS AND FOOD

ARTICLE BY RENEE PATRONE RHINEHART

Tailgating is a fun way to enjoy an event with your friends and family. Here are some ideas: MAKE A THEMED MENU: Match your food and drinks to the event. Decorate your table and plates with the colors and logos of your favorite team or artist. PLAY GAMES: Cornhole, ladder toss, beer pong and more. CREATE A PLAYLIST: Songs related to the event, or just fun. MAKE SOME SIGNS: Make some relevant signs or banners.

DRESS UP: Jerseys, accessories, retro or face paint.

Book  Party Host Helpers for all your tailgate needs! We can assist with setup, serving, and cleanup!  Our staff will ensure your guests are well taken care of, including you!

You Make the Memories, We Make the Moments

DIRECT: 484.432.7202

A LIFESTYLE You’ve Waited For!

Education, business meetings, maintaining a home, raising a family, making sacrifices…you spent a lifetime doing it all to get where you are today.

Now it’s time to think about your future!

With amenities and services that include weekly housekeeping, home maintenance, a dining plan that gives you access to four restaurants and a full-service bar, state-of-the-art fitness center, transportation, our Lifecare contract and so much more; Riddle Village may be the perfect fit for your next chapter in life.

You give us 60 days; we give you the future you deserve!

Reach out today to learn more about our apartment renovation program and how we can have you living your best life in just 60 days.