Media, PA May 2024

If you are looking for a Realtor with extensive knowledge of the real estate market and a stress ee experience (whether buying or selling ) Gar y Scheivert is the one! Gar y has listed and sold several properties for me and my family over the past several years. His professionalism and dedication to personal service is be yond measure. Gar y is a pleasure to work with. - D. S antole

“ PRESERVING OUR RESOURCES IS THE BEST PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE.” DANE

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.

Call 267-367-5453 or scan here to get started.

In Celebration of Women

I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our wives, mothers and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives. In my case, it’s my lovely and talented wife Karin, aka editor of Media City Lifestyle.  Karin and I have worked together in our own businesses, side-by-side, for over 23 years. (Longer than we’ve been married).  Without her sup port, this magazine would not be possible.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

It goes without saying there are countless women in our area deserving of our admiration. They are movers and shakers, builders, makers and even Olympians. This month we had the opportunity to showcase just a sampling of women business owners in our community.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Media’s women entrepreneurs.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

And don’t forget to support DELCO Gives this month!

SCOTT DAVIDSON, PUBLISHER @MEDIACITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com

Cheyenne Forbes cheyenne.forbes@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Evan Mader | evanjmader@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carly Spross, DELCO Foundation, Katy Lichtenstein

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Laura Paige

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

N A N O B R O W S

P O W D E R B R O W S

C O M B O B R O W S M A N B R O W S

M I C R O B L A D I N G

L I P B L U S H

L I P N E U T R A L I Z A T I O N F R E C K L E S L A S H E N H A N C E M

Just for you.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS

1: Media Farmers’ Market regular Susan Garrison came to shop! 2: Robin Hill Organics farm team member Steven Gausch setting up for Sunday Farmers’ Market. robinhillorganics.com 3: Staff member Chris Schmidt from Saint Rocco’s “5-ingredient” dog treats. saintroccostreats.shop

4: Co-owner Brian Coble of Madi’s on A Roll signature product, homemade hand-rolled egg rolls. madisonaroll.com 5: Rajus Korde, co-founder of AAJI’S (means grandma) poses with his family’s classic Indian Tomato Lonsa. aajis.com 6: The Inn at Grace Winery brand ambassador Cory Ruggiero offers of select vineyard wines. gracewinery.com 7: Jeanne LeVasseur owner of Shellbark Hollow Farm proudly displays her farm fresh eggs, cheeses, and milk. shellbarkhollow.com

This year, maybe you want to learn about...

business monthly

Media Borough Designated as a Bird Town PA

Bird Town is a statewide program that recognizes municipalities for their commitment to stewardship. Bird Town Media is part of the Borough's ongoing work to increase green living, promote a culture of conservation, and provide positive social, economic, and ecological outcomes.  “Birds are natural indicators of ecological health. Small steps in a backyard can increase the diversity of birds and at the same time create a healthier living environment for people and pets." Heidi Shiver, Bird Town Pennsylvania program.

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Three Potato Four Is Sprouting Again

Owners Stu Eli & Janet Morales of Three Potato Four have opened a second location in Media just steps away from their popular State Street store.  Greatest Hits Records + Books offers curated new and used vinyl and books.  “There's a unique kind of magic in finding a story or song that seems to have been waiting just for you. Greatest Hits Records + Books is our love letter to those timeless moments” shared Janet.   greatesthitsofficial.com

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Hot Ticket – Cooking Demonstrations at MediaUpper Providence Free Library

The Media-Upper Providence Free Library (MUPL) has always been a source of knowledge.  Now it’s aroma and flavors.  MUPL launched a series of themed cooking lessons featuring recipes paired with books.  Reference & Technical Services Librarian and now cooking instructor, Sarrah Deets, host monthly demonstrations with recipes like Gingerbread Cake paired with books like Gingerbread Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke for literary food play. Seats are limited and classes fill up fast.  Registration required. mediauplibrary.org

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Back on Track…Off the Rail Reopens

After a short hiatus, State Street hot spot Off the Rail Bar & Grill is back.  Boasting a larger, more open redesigned dining room and updated bar, “OTR” continues to offer classic pub fare like wings, burgers and tacos.  Not to worry, the outdoor deck is still the crowning jewel, primed and ready for summer fun featuring a massive 30 ft. projector screen for big game watching.  offtherailmedia.com

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Recycling Day: Anything with a Plug

Middletown, Upper Providence, and Edgmont Townships in cooperation with eForce Compliance Recycler, are hosting “Anything with a Plug” Recycling Day on Sat. May 11th.  Some fees do apply to TVs, computer monitors, and other items.  Items will be accepted at the Middletown Township Roosevelt Community Center at 27 N. Pennell Rd.  Preregistration is required. (No smoke detectors, large appliances or projection screen TVs)  Details available on registration website.  tinyurl.com/Anything-With-A-Plug

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Tyler Arboretum Reopens 11.5 miles of Trails

Tyler Arboretum has reopened a section of its trails to the public. Tyler’s trails were closed after over 1,400 dead and hazardous ash trees were identified in its 550 acres of natural areas that lie outside the deer exclusion fence. The death of the trees was related to an invasive pest, the emerald ash borer. Tyler expects the balance of the trails to be open by the end of 2024. Tree removal costs to date have reached over $450,000. tylerarboretum.org

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ARTICLE BY KARIN DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVAN MADER AND COURTESY OF MEDIA HISTORIC ARCHIVES COMMISSION

Trailblazers of Entrepreneurship: Celebrating Incredible Women-Owned Businesses

Eva Winters

MEDIA CITY LIFESTYLE APPLAUDS SOME OF MEDIA'S LOVED BUSINESSES

Brittany Forman

Brittany Forman is Media’s Borough Manager.  She loves living, working, and raising a family in Everybody’s Hometown.

“My favorite thing about Media is that it has everything I need in one convenient location – access to great restaurants, local retail, fantastic schools, public transportation, and more.  I can walk to anything I need in 15 minutes.”

Her background is in community and economic development and is driven that every child should have access to opportunities. Brittany holds a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government, has served as a Presidential Management Fellow and budget analyst with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and helped lead the area as a Director at ESI, an economic consulting firm. She serves on the Delaware County Authority, and Villanova University’s MPA Advisory board. She loves shopping on State Street, reading light-hearted murder mysteries, and rooting for the Eagles.

mediaborough.com

owned Winters Moving for almost 50 years, from 1940 until she sold it in 1988

“Low vision rehabilitation is not a field that the general public is aware of. Most patients are referred by their optometrists or ophthalmologists who realize that all medical interventions have been completed and the patient still has vision that is reduced,” explains Dr Astorino. “I employ occupational therapists that train patients on all of the devices prior to them obtaining them which ensures they are able to use them in real-life settings.  The therapists also address any daily activities affected by the reduced vision therefore caring for the person’s entire daily list of needs affected by reduced vision.  I chose Media because of the reputable eye doctors in here who have always understood the value of helping patients with reduced vision...and mentioned to me during my schooling/internships/residencies that they would find great value for their patients if a full scope low vision clinic was available in the Media area.”

astorinovisionrehab.com

Carly Spross Dr. Jean Astorino

Carly Spross is the managing partner and chief creative officer of Flashlight Marketing, a boutique creative marketing agency. Despite a client base that extends nationwide, Carly’s true passion lies in collaborating with local entrepreneurs. “I’m from Delaware County, have chosen to raise my family in Delaware County, and own and operate a business in Delaware County,” she explains. “When I can assist other local business owners and nonprofits in growing and thriving, it’s a win-winwin situation for me.”

Carly’s commitment to her community is palpable in her approach. She understands the unique challenges and opportunities that local businesses face and tailors her strategies accordingly. Her deep roots in the area give her a profound understanding of the local market, enabling her to craft campaigns that resonate deeply with the community. Through Flashlight Marketing, Carly is not just driving business growth; she’s fostering a thriving local ecosystem.

A journey from Morocco led Loubna to studies, marriage and relocation across several East Coast cities, landing in Media. Her heart runs deep in a culture of blending flavors and hospitality; this created her desire to enrich the community through food. While in nursing school, a chance visit to an empty plaza inspired a vision of the possibilities. Although La Cannelle’s renovations proved challenging, her determination held as Media neighbors rallied. Over the years, the menu’s home cooking grew into a new focus on providing for families and the pandemic strengthened the heart of the operation - fresh, homemade dishes. She says relationships define the restaurant, where regulars feel like family and each meal connects neighbors. Loubna expresses her love for the area, “Oh, I love it so much. Everyone feels like a family. And people are very, very supportive.”

lacannellecafe.com

Steph's Pet Sitting Loubna Lemgard

“As the owner of Steph’s Pet Sitting in Media, I take pride in caring for all types of pets and running a successful operation with a team of dedicated employees. Collaborating with like-minded individuals who share my passion for animals amplifies our impact on our community. Together, we ensure that every pet receives personalized attention and love, maintaining the high standards our clients expect. Guiding and supporting my team members as they grow professionally and personally brings me immense satisfaction. Witnessing their enthusiasm and commitment to our furry clients reaffirms my love for what I do. By fostering a positive work environment built on trust and respect, we create a seamless experience for pets and their owners, further solidifying our reputation as the go-to pet-sitting service in the Media area since 2006,” Steph reports.

stephspetsitting.com

Nichole Missino spent her first 12 years applying her talents to women’s hair styling.  After the birth of her first son, she began exploring the barbering side of business with an in-depth apprenticeship with 3 master barbers to get her barber’s license, and went on to work another 4 years in shaving - mastering the art of shaving. After extensive research and citing that Media Courthouse alone brings in thousands of people a week, not to mention the events, Dining Under the Stars, parades and other community activities, Nicole opened Giovanni’s Media Barbershop in 2016. The shop is named after her son.  “It’s a great family town, a great community and I’m from Delco…so yeah, there we go,” said Nicole. Giving back, she sponsors a Media Little League Team and takes care of their haircuts.

giovannismediabarbershop.com

Kristen Wilson & Kathy Dixon Nichole Missino

Kristen and Kathy felt that patients deserved to feel like more than a number.  Their solution was Action Potential One-on-One Physical Therapy. Their dedicated therapists at their one-on-one physical therapy offices in Media, Glen Mills, and Kennett Square understand the importance of providing individual attention to help clients meet their goals. As a result, their clients experience paramount customer service as they get back to doing what they love. Whether to address pain or pelvic incontinence, as well as a variety of other conditions, the therapists at AP go above and beyond.  “Coming to PT at Action Potential is more than just having your body treated. We provide every client with tools that help them physically and emotionally reach their highest potential,” they responded.

reachyours.com

OLYMPIC ARCHERY LESSONS FROM OLYMPIANS THEMSELVES FOR ASPIRING CHAMPIONS

Mastering the Bow

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVAN MADER

Cindy (left) & Dawn (Right)

It has taught me a lot of patience, understanding, dedication, mindset, goal orientation and time management too. I have been able to use these skills throughout my life.

What makes an Olympian?

It's not just athleticism. A sharp and focused mind is an important tool, especially in the world of archery. As Coach Cindy Gilbert-Bevilacqua from Middletown Archery puts it, “It’s a lot of mind control, blocking the rest of the world out of you.”

Cindy picked up archery at only 5 years of age and began competing when she was 10. She was trained by Olympic coach Hal Henderson during her first year at Arizona State and now has about 40 years of coaching experience,

“You get a lot of exercise with [archery], you get the upper body strength and everything with pulling back the bow because the recurve—it gets harder as you pull back. Same with the bare bow,” says Cindy. “It's a great stress reliever of frustration. It just kind of lets you get rid of the outside world… and the stress or the frustrations.”

“I think archery allows me to be me. It's up to me to put the practice in. It's up to me to determine how far I want to go,” says Cindy. She took a bit of a break from archery in high school. The break only made Cindy realize how much she missed the sport.

One of Cindy’s first students, Dawn Altomonte, also works as a coach. Dawn was a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California.

The two became best friends. “I was in her wedding and godmother to both her children and it just seems like we've always been part of the family together,” says Cindy. She is now my best friend.

Cindy feels that she and Dawn share the same sentiments, “It's a sport that we can't live without.”

Dawn adds, "More than anything, Archery has given me more than I ever thought it could.

I have traveled our beautiful country and that of many foreign countries. I have made some of the best lifelong friends. The kind that if you don’t talk daily like I do with Cindy, the friends that we pick up right where we left off.  This is what I love most about the sport. Along with coaching and seeing our youth do the same as me, practice, win, lose, pick themselves up and keep going all with the same mindset, and positivity that we are teaching them."

They coach a high school student who uses a wheelchair due to muscle deficiencies. “She used to shoot prior and then took a little leave of absence. I call it ‘going incognito for a while’ but she's back and enjoying it,” says Cindy. “I have seen tremendous dedication and success with her and growing her control of her body and her breathing too.”

Cindy notes that archery takes a lot of stamina and endurance; it’s not as easy as it looks. The school coaches a program called Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) and has taught a multitude of students aspiring to compete. They held a parent archer tournament where students had a month to get their parents in tip-top shape for the competition.

The first purpose was for the parents to realize that it’s not as easy as it looks. “The second part that came out of it that kind of enlightened me was when the archers were trying to coach their parents,” says Cindy. “They're like, ‘They don't listen to me, they don't do this, they don't pay attention, or they don't get it.’ I was like, yeah, welcome to my world sometimes,” she laughs. “But it gave them a different appreciation for what we try to do.”

middletownarchery.com

If I can give them some of the same fun and love of the sport like I have then I would say I am doing well as a coach.

Stress-Free Entertaining

Hosting a Party Doesn’t Need To Be Exhausting. Let Someone Else Do the Work!

Renee Patrone enjoys hospitality and helping people celebrate life in the way that is most authentic to them.

“I always said that I wanted to be a wedding and event planner,” says Renee. Even her friends and counselor from high school knew of the big dreams that Renee always had.

After a 10-years of event coordination and planning, she founded Events By Renee in 2007. Renee credits much to publisher Sally Holub from Main Line Today. “I was like 23 years old and my publisher was dragging me around to events,” says Renee with a laugh. “I didn’t know what the hell I was doing! But I did it.”

It gave her the confidence to dive into the industry and start her own business.

“As an entrepreneur, I was thinking, ‘Okay, what can I start that won’t have me working on my feet every weekend as a wedding planner?’” Renee thought about gathering experienced staff to help hosts with throwing their parties.

“I was also able to give people opportunities that were like me; that enjoyed

hospitality, that like serving others. We all hustle and I’ve hustled my whole life.”

That became Party Host Helpers. They allow the host to enjoy their own party while the helpers take care of serving, cooking, cleaning, bartending, and more. Whatever party you’re having, Renee wants to help you celebrate and enjoy it.

Party Host Helpers has branched out to over 40 cities in the US! “I know we’re nationwide, but 50% of my business is in the tri-state Philadelphia area. We have an incredible team,” says Renee.

She and her team have helped with anything from the BMW PGA tour to backyard barbecues, to dinner parties, to the Haverford school.

For the past 11 years, Renee has been doing as much as she can to help her community flourish. Making sure clients can celebrate their parties while helping people obtain quick gigs for extra cash are both something she knows helps her community, and she takes great pride in that.

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAYNE TOOHEY AND COUTESY OF RENEE

Renee has been doing as much as she can to help her community flourish.

CINCO DE MAYO!

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Reportedly margaritas have been around since the 1930’s.  According to cocktail historian David Wondrich, the margarita is related to the brandy daisy remade with tequila (margarita is Spanish for “daisy.”)

They are often associated with Mexico so we bring you a great margarita from Media’s La Catrina with bartender Miriam Wallauer.

May 5th and Margaritas

All Around! Or Anytime!

La Catrina Margarita

Dip a glass top in tequila and then in a saucer of black salt, add ice. In a shaker combine:

• 1.5 oz Tequila

• .5 oz triple sec

• .5 oz fresh lime juice

• 2.5 oz Blood Orange San Pellegrino

• Splash of Agave

• Pour and enjoy!

lacatrinamedia.com

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARIN DAVIDSON

Miriam Wallauer pours a La Catrina Margarita

Delco Gives Day

DISCOVER OVER 200 LOCAL NONPROFITS THAT NEED OUR SUPPORT

ARTICLE BY DELCO GIVES

Delaware County is gearing up for a big event this spring - the inaugural Delco Gives Day on May 8-9, hosted by The Foundation for Delaware County. The Foundation was founded seven years ago to encourage and promote philanthropy in our county. They have been helping donors connect to the causes they care about through donor-advised funds, scholarships, and endowments for nonprofits. Their goal is to help connect donors to the nonprofits working in our community. This year, they’re going all in on an initiative to do just that, in a big way – Delco Gives –  a community-side celebration of collective impact.

WHAT EXACTLY IS DELCO GIVES DAY?

Delco Gives Day is a 24-hour day of giving that will kick off at 7:00 p.m. on May 8 to 7:00 p.m. on May 9. - a golden opportunity for residents of Delaware County to rally behind the organizations dedicated to enhancing our quality of life.

ACCESSIBLE GIVING, AMPLIFIED IMPACT

You can donate through delcogives.org from a computer, smartphone, device, or in-person drop-off site. With more than 200 participating nonprofits, each with its own profile page, donors can explore and learn more about the causes close to their hearts. Every donation will be matched with bonus funding from the Foundation and generous sponsors, multiplying the impact of every contribution.

“Delco Gives Day offers a great platform for people to support organizations they already care about, as well as discover a few new favorites doing great work. Giving Days are very successful around the country, spurred by a collective effort from local residents who care. Lancaster Gives has realized more than $92 million for hundreds of nonprofits. We think the local Delco community will embrace this idea as enthusiastically.” Frances M. Sheehan, President.

A DAY OF FESTIVITIES

The excitement doesn’t end with online donations. Delco Gives Day will be marked by a series of community celebrations across the county, and Media is right in the middle of the action. From the Dining Under the Stars kick-off event to the Rose Tree Park grand finale, there will be plenty of opportunities to come together and celebrate our collective spirit of giving.  A special live stream event from Subaru Park on May 9th will connect participants from all corners of the county, reinforcing the sense of unity and shared purpose.

LOCAL BUSINESSES PAY IT FORWARD

The success of Delco Gives Day wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of local businesses and sponsors. Power Home Remodeling leads the charge as the presenting sponsor, joined by a host of other companies known for their community involvement and support, including Aqua, Brinker Simpson, The Boeing Company, Burns’ Supermarkets, Springfield Country Club, and Courtyard and Fairfield hotels, Citadel Credit Union, Comcast, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, The GIANT Company, The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, Harrah’s, The Haverford Trust Company, Wilbur C. & Betty Lea Henderson Foundation, Independence Blue Cross, Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington; Vicinity, National Realty Corporation, Philadelphia Union, State Farm – Ed Hanway, TD Bank N.A, Visit Delco, Wawa, WSFS Cares Foundation and more. Through their sponsorship, businesses, large and small, help fund the bonus pool and cash prizes awarded to nonprofits on May 9.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Foundation for Delaware County is incredibly grateful to the businesses, sponsors, and community members whose support has brought Delco Gives Day to fruition. May 8-9, 2024, come together to be part of something big. delcogives.org

With more than 200 participating nonprofits, each with its own profile page, donors can explore and learn more about the causes close to their hearts.

TEACHERS APPRECIATION WEEK

E. Bal more Pike, Media

2024 Dining Under The Stars Begins!

STATE STREET BUSINESS DISTRICT, MEDIA, PA 19063

Every Wednesday night, May through September, is Dining Under the Stars.  Media’s State Street closes down for traffic and opens up for al fresco dining from Jackson to Orange Streets.  Great for groups, couples, and families.  Live music all along State Street and dozens of restaurants participating in this seasonal event.  Dining reservations are highly recommended, but not required.  VisitMediaPA.com

MAY 4TH & 5TH

Tyler Arboretum Annual Plant Sale

TYLER ARBORETUM, 515 PAINTER RD., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 9:00 AM

Tyler Arboretum, one of the nation’s oldest and largest arboreta and public gardens, is excited to welcome the public to its annual plant sale. Featuring a wide variety of plant choices in a beautiful outdoor venue, with knowledgeable staff and volunteers, and ample parking. tylerarboretum.org

MAY 5TH

Terry Reid & The Cosmic American Derelicts

THE MEDIA THEATRE, 104 E. STATE ST., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 7:00 PM

Terry Reid first came to the public's attention back in 1965 when he was asked to be the opening act for the Rolling Stones on their UK Tour.  Terry has released eight albums over the course of his 50-year star-crossed career. Terry’s show isn't just a concert, it is an adventure! Come see why Terry's nickname is Superlungs! mediatheatre.org

Delco Gives Day

DELAWARE COUNTY (COUNTY-WIDE) NONPROFITS

Delco Gives Day is a 24-hour county-wide day of giving/community celebration, where people will make a donation to their favorite nonprofits (or peruse new ones).  Each donation is eligible for bonus money provided by The Foundation for Delaware County. Search from over 200 local non-profits for your favorite organization to support at delcogives.org

Building Bridges Open House

BUILDING BRIDGES, 36 & 42 E. FRONT ST., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 5:00 PM

Building Bridges, a center for healing arts, invites the public to an Open House on the porches of their Front Street buildings to celebrate 25 years of promoting healing and change.  Meet staff therapists and learn more while enjoying light refreshments. Building Bridges provides family, individual, couples, and group therapy in addition to bodymind work, nutritional counseling and equine healing.  RSVP – mail@buildingbridgesmedia.com

2024 Annual Memorial Day Parade

STATE STREET BUSINESS DISTRICT, MEDIA, PA 19063 | 10:00 AM

The Veterans Legacy Project in cooperation with the Media Borough is proud to present the 2024 annual Memorial Day Parade. Parade begins at 10am at Barrall Field and progresses along State Street, turning right onto Orange Street, and ending at the Courthouse for a short ceremony to honor those who gave their lives to protect us. veteranslegacy.org

experienced

your cat

Empowering Literacy for Over 120 Years

Media's Library Was Founded by the Women's Club in 1901

In 1894, The Woman’s Club of Media started as a literary society with 13 women. The women felt they had a moral duty and responsibility to transform public policy through outreach in the community.  The chapter quickly outgrew meeting at the home of the first President, Rebecca L. Smith, growing to 175 members.

The women sponsored classes in Literature and American History. During Clara B. Miller’s tenure as President (1897-1900), Club topics included commitment to open a Media Library.

In 1901, during President Susanna M. Gaskill’s tenure, the Club opened The Media Free Library, in a room of the combined Borough Hall and Firehouse building, with 700 books. The Library quickly became overcrowded spreading into the Council Chambers. The Club set about the task of building a library.

ARTICLE BY KARIN DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY COUTESY OF MEDIA HISTORIC ARCHIVES COMMISSION

In 1907, under President Alice H. Janeway, the Club held fundraising events, community soliciting campaigns, and land was provided by the Media Borough.  In 1908, they raised enough money to open The Media Free Library Association on the corner of Jackson and Jasper Streets (adjacent to what was the old Post Office and previous Borough Hall, now Spasso Italian Grill).

In 1954, it went to the former home of the Sprogell School on the corner of Jackson and Front with an addition in 1966

Marking the library’s 115 anniversary, a brand new library was opened to the public in 2016.

Started by a small group of dedicated local women with a sense of civic responsibility, and spanning a period of over 120 years, the Media-Upper Providence Free Library continues to serve our community. mediauplibrary.org

The Media Librarian may be Rebecca Smedley. (circa 1918)

Rebecca L. Smith

Your Next ADVENTURE Starts Here!

With new experiences and worry-free living, moving to Riddle Village is just the beginning of an amazing future.

What will this next chapter look like?

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; the lifestyle at Riddle Village opens up your world so you can focus your energy on doing what you love.

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.