ARTS + CULTURE
BEHIND THE SCENES: A CORNERSTONE OF COMMUNITY LIFE
HEALTH + WELLNESS OUR PETS, OUR FAMILY, OUR LIFE
EDUCATION
KID CONNECTION: CELEBRATING FUN, COMPETITION, AND SKILL
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Ice Cream, Kids, and Pets: Our Ultimate Summer Trifecta
Hi-di-ho Neighbors!
This summer, I promised to show up for this community the way you all show up for each other. I tried to take in every moment—watching the Media 5-mile race, hunting for treasures at yard sales, sharing meals at Dining Under the Stars, and cheering at graduations. If there was a raffle, a food truck, or a stage, I was there, and my heart is full. Even as August rolls in, we still have 12 more concerts to share at Rose Tree Park. We are lucky to live where we never run out of ways to learn, laugh, and connect. If your summer felt too quiet, ask me; I have plenty of ideas.
Nothing brings our neighborhood family together quite like our annual Kids & Pets issue. It is pure joy—just add ice cream for the perfect summer trifecta.
My favorite part of keeping us connected is discovering the extraordinary passions of the neighbors we pass every day. Take Marie Thomas from Thomas Carpet Cleaning in Newtown Square. Marie teaches local kids and adults the art of playing marbles, preparing them for the historic annual National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, NJ. A great record for her team this year. It has been running since 1922, and seeing our neighbors keep that century-old tradition alive is exactly what makes this place special.
We also have our own local celebrities keeping our parks and recreation alive. They might not be on the NBC sitcom, but Jenn Meltzer (Media’s Recreation Coordinator) and Dustin Schrieber (Upper Providence Township’s Parks and Rec Director) are the real-life stars making sure our families have fun places to gather and play.
Of course, our neighborhood wouldn't be complete without our four-legged residents. With over half of our community welcoming pets, we wanted to highlight the hands keeping them healthy. This month, we catch up with Medical Director Dr. Marcie Wynkoop Dipaulo, who has spent nearly 20 years caring for pets at the Media Veterinary Hospital. We also visited Dr. Alisa Rassin, founder of the Exotic andSmall Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania, to ensure our unique, feathered, and scaled friends get love, too.
Finally, turn the page to meet national podcasters Trey and Katie Kennedy. They give us an honest look at marriage, parenting, and the messy, wonderful moments that never make social media.
As always, thank you for making this community feel like home.
See you on State Street!
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Cheyanne Forbes | cheyanne.forbes@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Dr. Alisa Rassin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Marie Thomas, Dr. Alisa Rassin, National Marbles Tournament
SCOTT DAVIDSON, PUBLISHER
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city scene
Photography by Scott Davidson
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Robert J. Spennato, DMD, Daniel P. Tibbetts, DMD, Jarred E. Gettes, DMD, Stephanie Haldy Kelly, DMD, Alexa N. Spennato, DMD, and Conor B. Campbell, DMD are proud to provide dental care upheld to the highest standards of excellence
Dr. Jarred Dr. Dan Dr. Stephanie Dr. Alexa Dr. Bob Dr. Conor
business monthly
Rocky Run YMCA Celebrates 25th anniversary,
The Rocky Run YMCA celebrated over two decades of serving southern Delaware County. Sparked by community volunteers, the branch opened in 2001, instantly shattering projections by welcoming 10,000 first-year members. Today, this vital community hub offers an indoor track, aquatics center, youth sports, gymnastics, pickleball, and child care, empowering individuals of all ages. “For 25 years, Rocky Run has been a true gathering place for the community,” said Shaun Elliott, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. philaymca.org
Candlelight Series Continues at Media Theatre
Throughout the month of August, The Media Theatre host 6 mesmerizing evenings bathed in gentle glow of candlelight as the timeless music of artist like Fleetwood Mac, Queen, The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Brandy & Monica, and more are reimagined on strings. Music comes alive like never before. These Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multisensory musical experience to concert-goers. tinyurl.com/CandlelightPhilly
Child Guidance Resource Centers Celebrates 70 Years
Founded in 1956, CGRC will celebrate its 70th anniversary in September. Initially founded in Media, it was originally called Child Guidance Clinic of Delaware County. The non-profit has grown through the years with offices in Havertown and southwest Philadelphia providing mental and behavioral health services to children, families, and vulnerable adults throughout Delaware County and parts of Philadelphia. The anniversary gala is planned for September 10th at the Ivy in the Ellis Preserve. cgrc.org
Photography by Listeso Music Group
Medical expertise with heart — a veterinarian devoted to every beloved patient’s wellbeing
MORE THAN MEDICINE
ARTICLE BY DR. MARCIE WYNKOOP DIPAULO AND KARIN DAVIDSON
Our pets give us unconditional love, and when they seem sick or not quite themselves, we want the best care possible. For more than 65 years, Media Veterinary Hospital (MVH) has been serving our community. We spoke with the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Marcie Wynkoop Dipaulo, about her journey and passion for helping our beloved animal companions.
Dr. DiPaulo holding Rigatoni
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A VETERINARIAN?
I was that typical five-year-old little girl that said she wanted to be a veterinarian when she grew up, and my plan never wavered. What started as a love of animals, grew into a love of science, medicine, and innovation. The veterinary field was that perfect combination.
WHAT WAS YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A VMD AND THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR AT MVD?
I went to Villanova University for my bachelor’s degree in Biology. I then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, I interviewed at many hospitals and ultimately decided to start my career at Media Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Menghetti mentored me, and when he retired in 2015 I became the Medical Director. I have been at Media Vet for the past 19 years. The staff, patients, and clients truly feel like home to me.
COULD YOU TELL US A STORY THAT PARTICULARLY TOUCHED YOU?
At my graduation from Villanova, one of my biology professors presented me with a small gift. The gesture was an unexpected surprise. It was a book by Anna Quindlen called A Short Guide to a Happy Life It was about enjoying the journey and not just the destination. This meant a lot to me at a time in my life when it felt like every step taken had a laser focus on the destination of getting my veterinary degree. It is so important for young, driven professionals to keep their goals in sight while remembering to stop, look around, and enjoy the journey. This book still serves as my “North Star” in many aspects of my life. To this day I don’t know if my professor gave gifts to many students, or what made her choose me, but this small gesture meant so much to me.
WHAT SHOULD PET OWNERS REMEMBER/KNOW?
Two important things you can do for your pet at home are keeping them lean and taking care of their teeth. Approximately 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the US are overweight. A study in dogs found that
maintaining a lean, healthy weight can extend their lifespan by almost 2 years. Obesity is associated with increased risk of arthritis, diabetes, pancreatitis, heart and breathing issues, as well as systemic inflammation. Many of us bond with our pets by loving them with food, but we can swap some treats for carrots or green beans.
Dogs and cats are very good at hiding oral pain. Periodontal disease has been associated with heart disease, kidney disease, and liver changes. Dental disease can be a source of chronic inflammation in the body. Many owners don’t even notice subtle changes at home until they are surprised to how much better their pet seems after a professional dental procedure. Pets can have increased energy, better appetites, more interest in interacting with their environment, and improved grooming (in cats) after dental procedures. I try to do at least one thing each day at home for my pets’ teeth, whether that be teeth brushing (the gold standard) or giving them a dental chew.
COULD YOU TELL US A WORK STORY THAT PARTICULARLY TOUCHED YOU?
One-story that comes to mind was an elderly chihuahua that presented for a spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defect. This little patient was particularly “spicy” and difficult to handle. He would try to bite anyone that came near his face including his owner. Treatment for his ulcer entailed a debridement procedure that we did in the office followed by eye drops multiple times per day at home. The owner lived alone and simply could not apply the drops without getting bit. Distraught, the owner was worried about treatment at home. If the eye didn’t heal, then he would be at risk of losing the eye. He also had other health concerns that made him an anesthetic risk for surgery. We devised a plan with the owner. She dropped him off every morning at the office and picked him up 12 hours later every evening. He stayed with us all day at the office, and we applied his eye drops multiple times per day. This went on for weeks, but the dedication of the owner and the staff paid off! The little guy kept his eye, it healed well, and he didn’t need to undergo surgery. We cheered when he was cleared at his last recheck appointment.
WHAT SERVICES DOES THE HOSPITAL OFFER?
We offer healthcare to dogs and cats from pediatrics to geriatrics. We offer preventive wellness care, medical and diagnostic care (including on-site and reference laboratory capabilities), imaging (digital radiography and dental radiography), both soft tissue and dental surgery, bathing, pain management, and end-of-life care.
WHAT ARE A FEW THINGS OWNERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT THEIR PET?
Did you know a dog’s nose print is unique to them just like our fingerprints? Tail wagging in a dog does not automatically mean the dog is happy. Dogs will wag their tails when they are excited, nervous, or ready to engage or interact with another animal or human. Adult cats do not typically meow to other cats. Meowing developed primarily
as a way to communicate with humans. Purring doesn’t just mean the cat is content; they can also purr when stressed, scared, or in pain. A cat’s purr has a low frequency vibration between 25-150 Hz. This frequency can stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce pain, and build or repair bone density.
Dr. Dipaulo with her daughters Carla (holding Garnet the Rabbit) and Bella (holding Olaf the Chinchilla)
Dr. Dipaulo checking a slide in Media Vet's microscope
Sofie saying Hi to Dr. Marcie, while Lauren Hetland while Hospital Manager Lauren Hetland on the right
Duke, the Weimaran, gets an x-ray with [L-R] Lauren Hetland, Jim Loftus and Dr. Wynkoop Dipaulo
HOW DO YOU AND YOUR STAFF FEEL ABOUT YOUR PATIENTS?
My staff and I truly love our patients. Your pets are the number one reason we get up and go to work in the morning. I wish pet parents knew just how excited we are to see familiar names on our schedule. We review cases, we worry about them, we wonder how they are doing, and we miss them when they move or pass away. We hold them in our thoughts even after you leave the exam room. For me, the most meaningful part of my work is being by your side for the entirety of your pet's life, guiding you through the complexities of the endof-life stage, and seeing your family again with that new puppy or kitten.
CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING WE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Outside of veterinary medicine, you will either find me supporting my daughters at a volleyball court or a track meet. I enjoy reading as well as going to museums, concerts, and Phillies games. I love to travel, when I can. I have a menagerie of pets at home: 3 dogs, 1 cat, 2 chinchillas, 1 rabbit, and backyard poultry.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
Lastly, I’d like to share that I am a proud Media resident. I have lived here for the past 17 years, and my husband is a DELCO native. In fact, my husband and I met at the Media 5 Mile Race many years ago. Media is such a great community and has much to offer. I think my children are so fortunate to grow up here. You may just see us some evening at Dining Under the Stars!
Note from Editor:
Your pets won’t tell you if they are sick.. but there are signs. As an owner, you can be able to decipher when things “aren’t right.” Please share them with your vet to see if you need to schedule an appointment. As a dog groomer since I was 18, I see the signs – and I ask the owner. The owners (you) know the truth and can help us figure out what is wrong.
Two important things you can do for your pet at home are keeping them lean and taking care of their teeth.
Cat (patient) getting an ultrasound with (L-R) Jim Loftus, Lauren Hetland, and Dr. Wynkoop Dipaulo
[L-R) Dr. Melinda Atherton, Dr. Lindsay Fabrizio, Dr. Marcie Wynkoop Dipaulo, and Dr. Amanda Henry
HOW ONE WOMAN HELPED KEEP AMERICA’S OLDEST KID-SPORT ALIVE
MARIE AND THE MAGIC OF MARBLES
Marie Thomas never expected that a simple childhood game would become the center of her life’s work. She didn’t grow up dreaming of coaching marble shooters or traveling to national tournaments. She certainly didn’t imagine she would one day help preserve a sport older than Little League baseball. But sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with a small moment — in her case, the day her seven-year-old son Tim asked, “Mom, how do you shoot marbles?”
Marie didn’t know the answer. But she was determined to find out.
That question set her on a path that would shape her family, her community, and generations of young athletes who learned not only how to shoot marbles, but how to believe in themselves.
Cadence Garcia & Violet Rossi representing Philly & Roxborough Marbles Clubs at Nationals
A MENTOR’S LEGACY THAT SPARKED A CALLING
Marie’s introduction to competitive marbles began with Jim Ridpath, whose childhood dream had never come true. Jim grew up in Nebraska, where he was a champion marble shooter. He longed to compete in the National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, NJ, but he never found a sponsor.
That disappointment became his mission.
Jim retired early so he could teach and sponsor children so they could attend the national tournament. He ran the Upper Darby and Lansdowne Marbles Clubs, organized competitions, and gave eight children the chance he never had. Marie admired his dedication and soon began helping him run the club.
In 1996, after years of working together, Jim asked Marie to take over. It was a passing of the torch — and she accepted with gratitude.
A FAMILY THAT SHOOTS TOGETHER
What began as one child’s curiosity quickly became a family tradition. Marie signed Tim up for the Upper Darby Marbles Club. Soon, all four of her children —
Today, the legacy continues.
Marie coaches alongside her daughter Michelle Garcia, and her grandson Isaiah Garcia is the 2023 National Boys Champion.
Tim, Michelle, Stefanie, and Michael — were attending practices and competing.
They didn’t just participate. They excelled.
Her youngest son, Michael Thomas, became the 1997 Boys National Champion, and her daughter Stefanie earned Girls National Runner-Up in 1998. The impact on her children inspired Marie to continue coaching long after her children aged out.
Today, the legacy continues. Marie coaches alongside her daughter Michelle Garcia, and her grandson Isaiah Garcia is the 2023 National Boys Champion. Three generations of mibsters — all because one little boy asked how to shoot a marble.
Marie Thomas, Trainer
Cadence Garcia with SemiFinals trophy at Nationals.
WHAT MAKES A MIBSTER?
A mibster is anyone who plays marbles. Decades ago, the word was widely recognized because marble shooting was one of the most popular children’s games in America.
Competitions were the first organized kids’ sport in the U.S., predating Little League baseball. In 1922, four cities sent their best mibsters to compete in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The event was so successful that organizers created an annual national tournament — and in 1923, the first official National Marbles Tournament was held.
The same game, Ringer, is still played today.
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION
Marie’s coaching blends technical skill, mental discipline, and community spirit - and how to think, focus, and support one another. Marble shooting is surprisingly technical. Players must master backspin, angle reading, and precision — skills Marie compares to billiards. Her practices include drills for every type of shot: 2-inch, 4 -inch, 6 -inch, up to 24 -inch distances. Kids learn to keep a knuckle on the ground, shoot straight with backspin, and keep their shooter in the center of the ring.
The goal is accuracy and control.
Marie and her grandson Isaiah Garcia, the 2023 national boy’s champion, coach the Philly and Roxborough marble shooting clubs.
MORE THAN A GAME
Marie teaches far more than mechanics. She teaches character.
She encourages kids to set goals, stay positive, eliminate distractions, and support one another. Marble shooting is an individual sport — like golf — and during
[L-R] Nate Garcia, Tommy Garcia (Philly Tournament), Jacob Gibbons (Roxborough Marbles Club), Cadence Garcia (Philly Marbles Club) & Violet Rossi (Roxbourgh Marbles Club). Kids who won in the local tournament and represent Philly & Roxborough in the National Tournament.
Isaiah Garcia 2023 Boy’s National Champ coaching his sister Cadence. Isaiah is a coach for the Philly Team.
MARBLES REQUIRES TECHNICAL SKILL AND MENTAL DISCIPLINE, WHILE BUILDING CONFIDENCE, INDEPENDENCE, RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT. MARIE ENCOURAGES KIDS TO SET GOALS, STAY POSITIVE, ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS, AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER.
games, coaches and parents cannot give advice. Kids must think for themselves and own their performance.
This builds confidence, independence, and resilience. And the friendships last a lifetime. As Marie says, “Kids who participate in our marbles club make lifetime friends around the country.”
THE ROAD TO WILDWOOD
Every year, Marie, Michelle, and Isaiah bring eight local champions — boys’ and girls’ winners and runner-ups — to the National Marbles Tournament in Wildwood, New Jersey. The four-day event is intense, with games beginning around 8 AM and no age groups.
Only two boys and two girls make the finals. Winners receive a $2,000 college scholarship and induction into the National Marbles Hall of Fame.
A COMMUNITY THAT SPANS GENERATIONS
One of Marie’s favorite events is the Tournament of Champions, where former champions — now adults — return to compete. She loves seeing young children referee for adults, laughing and learning together. It’s a reminder that marbles is more than a game. It’s a community. A bridge between generations.
WE WON!
This year’s National Marbles Tournament Champions Cadence Garcia, age 12, of our own Philadelphia team and coached by Marie Thomas, and Dorian Marlow, age 11, of team Allegheny Co., were crowned Marbles Queen and Marbles King at the 132nd National Marbles Tournament at Ringer Stadium in Wildwood, NJ.
National Marbles Tournament
Photo Credit: nationalmarblestournament.org
Vet Care Gone Exotically Wild
THE HEART OF EXOTIC ANIMAL MEDICINE: A LOOK INSIDE A PRACTICE TRANSFORMING CARE FOR UNUSUAL PETS
ARTICLE BY KARIN DAVIDSON AND DR. ALISA RASSIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EAHPHILLY.VET
Brenna with Marvin Cilantro, the lionhead rabbit
Strawberry and Marshmellow the White Tree Frogs
Dr. Rassin with Little Foot the Yellow Footed Tortoise
Exotic animal medicine is a field defined by curiosity, complexity, and constant discovery. For Dr. Alisa Rassin, the path into this specialty began with a simple realization: many exotic species were not receiving the level of veterinary care they deserved. That early spark has since grown into a thriving, women-owned, privately operated hospital dedicated to elevating the standard of care for birds, reptiles, small mammals, amphibians, and other non-traditional pets.
What has continued to stand out to her is the depth of the human-animal bond across species. Whether caring for a rabbit, parrot, or bearded dragon, she sees how devoted owners are to their pets and how often they become knowledgeable, engaged advocates for their care. ‘Owners are deeply committed to their pets and often become very knowledgeable advocates for them,’ she says. That shared commitment fuels her work and helps shape the compassionate, collaborative culture of the hospital she leads.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT EXOTIC PETS
One of the most common misconceptions she encounters is the belief that exotic pets are “low maintenance.” Many people assume that a small animal must require less care than a dog or cat, but the opposite is often true. Exotic species have highly specific environmental, dietary, and social needs. A slight change in temperature, humidity, UVB exposure, or diet can have dramatic consequences. As she explains, “small changes in temperature, UVB exposure, or diet quality can have a major impact on reptiles, birds, and small mammals.”
PREVENTABLE HEALTH PROBLEMS—AND HOW OWNERS CAN HELP
Because husbandry plays such a critical role in exotic animal health, many of the conditions veterinarians see are preventable. Nutrition-related diseases are common across species. Small herbivores frequently develop dental disease. Reptiles often present with metabolic bone disease due to improper lighting or diet. Respiratory disease is widespread among birds and small mammals.
Dr. Rassin emphasizes that “prevention truly starts with education.” Proper diet, species-appropriate housing, correct lighting and heating, and routine wellness exams can dramatically improve both quality and length of life. Her hospital invests heavily in client education, believing that informed owners are empowered owners—and that empowerment leads to healthier pets.
RECOGNIZING ILLNESS IN EXOTIC SPECIES
Because exotic animals mask illness so effectively, subtle behavioral changes often provide the earliest clues. In snakes, decreased appetite, incomplete sheds, or reduced activity may signal trouble. Birds may fluff their feathers, vocalize less, sit at the bottom of the cage, or show changes in droppings.
Lizards and bearded dragons may bask less, eat less, or show changes in body condition.
These nuances require a trained eye, but they also require owners to know what “normal” looks like for their pet. That partnership between veterinarian and client is essential to catching problems early.
For small mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas, even a brief change in appetite or fecal production—sometimes as little as eight to twelve hours—can indicate a medical emergency. As she notes, “across all species, small shifts in behavior are often the earliest—and most important—clues.”
We commonly see nutrition-related disease, dental disease in small herbivores, metabolic bone disease in reptiles, and respiratory disease across multiple species. Many of these conditions are preventable with appropriate husbandry.
A HOSPITAL BUILT FOR ADVANCED CARE
Surgery is a core part of the hospital’s services. The practice offers advanced soft tissue surgery, dentistry, reproductive procedures, mass removals, and emergency interventions. Their in-house diagnostics include radiographs, CT scanning, and bloodwork, allowing them to move efficiently from diagnosis to treatment.
Kevin Mosley with his chameleon patient
Peaches-Breaded
Millbee the hognose snake
Tortoise getting a lateral beam radiograph (x-ray)
Juniper (Juni) the kitten
Katie and Otic the Satin Angora
Daisy the rescue rabbit from PK rabbit program
Erin and 3 baby bunnies
Satchi the blue and gold macaw
Dragon with a splint
For more complex cases, they collaborate closely with United Veterinary Pet Partners (UVPP), a local specialty hospital equipped with advanced imaging and surgical tools. This partnership ensures that patients have access to the highest level of care while maintaining the personal, relationship-driven approach of the practice.
Dr. Rassin is proud of the hospital’s ability to mediate the cost of care. They work closely with owners “to balance gold-standard medicine with individual budget considerations whenever possible.” This philosophy reflects the hospital’s commitment to accessibility, compassion, and practical problem-solving.
A TEAM STRENGTHENED BY DIVERSE TALENTS
While the hospital does not assign formal specialties, each team member brings unique strengths. Kevin, one of the technicians, has a particular passion for reptiles and enjoys surgical support. Becca, Brenna, and Erin are well-rounded technicians with strong interests in patient care, nursing, and client education.
The hospital also collaborates with visiting specialists, including Dr. Meade, who provides avian-focused appointments, and Dr. Mundy, a veterinary ophthalmologist who sees ocular cases across species. This collaborative model allows the hospital to offer comprehensive care without losing the personal touch that defines their culture.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND EXOTIC PETS
Over time, Dr. Rassin has noticed patterns among exotic pet owners. Rabbit owners tend to be observant and detail-oriented. Bird owners are thoughtful and cautious, building trust slowly but deeply. Ferret owners, she jokes, are “efficiently unpredictable,” often scheduling appointments either very early or just in time. Reptile owners frequently juggle complex husbandry systems and busy schedules but are highly committed once care is established. Chicken owners fall on a spectrum from fully immersed flock managers to more casual caretakers.
Despite these differences, one common thread stands out: once trust is built, exotic pet owners are exceptionally engaged and rewarding to work with. That relationship, she says, “is truly at the center of good exotic animal medicine.”
ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE EXOTIC PET OWNERS
Her biggest advice is simple: research thoroughly before bringing an exotic pet home. Some species—such as certain small rodents, leopard geckos, or budgies—may be more beginner-friendly, but “easy” is always relative. Every species requires a long-term commitment to proper diet, housing, and species-specific veterinary care. If she could encourage owners to do one thing differently, it would be to prioritize preventive care from the very beginning. Many diseases are preventable, and establishing appropriate husbandry early can make a tremendous difference in long-term outcomes.
MEMORABLE CASES THAT CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF THE WORK
Exotic animal medicine is full of surprises. One axolotl (an aquatic salamander), suspected of swallowing a pebble, was found instead to have a rare intestinal tumor—successfully removed through surgery. A Sulcata tortoise with overgrown shell plates required specialized equipment, including a bone saw, provided through collaboration with UVPP. A bearded dragon that swallowed a rubber toy eventually passed it without surgery thanks to careful medical management.
And then there was the newly adopted rabbit whose thunderous thumping convinced the owner that an intruder was in the house—prompting a call to the police. It turned out to be nothing more than a very alarmed bunny adjusting to a new environment.
These stories illustrate the creativity, patience, and adaptability required in exotic animal medicine. They also highlight the joy and humor that come with the work.
WHAT MAKES THE WORK REWARDING
For Dr. Rassin, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing a sick or neglected exotic animal recover and thrive—especially when education and preventive care make a lasting difference. As a women-owned, privately operated hospital, the team is committed to elevating exotic animal medicine and ensuring that these species receive thoughtful, gold-standard care tailored to both their medical needs and their families’ circumstances.
Community education and rescue partnerships are central to that mission. The hospital sees itself not just as a medical provider but as an advocate for species that often lack representation in traditional veterinary settings.
A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE SCENES
Outside of work, Dr. Rassin describes herself as being in a season of building—not just a hospital, but a team and a culture. She invests heavily in creating an environment where people feel supported, trusted, and excited to grow. Team outings, from brunches to ziplining, help strengthen those bonds.
Her personal life reflects a similar theme of growth. Travel, once a major passion, has taken a back seat to raising children and running a hospital. Reading has reentered her life through helping her oldest child learn to read. She has also been “somewhat unsuccessfully but persistently” trying to grow a vegetable garden.
These glimpses reveal a leader - someone who brings the same dedication to her personal life that she brings to her practice.
eahphilly.vet
Exotic & Small Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania, located in King of Prussia, PA
DR. ALISA RASSIN
“I was drawn to exotic animal medicine because it combines medicine, problem-solving, and constant learning in a way that feels both challenging and deeply rewarding. Early in my training, I realized that many exotic species were significantly underrepresented in veterinary care, and I wanted to help close that gap.” — Dr. Rassin
Dr. Rassin and Barbie theduck
parks, play, and community: fun for everyone
Our Media and Upper Providence communities take pride in offering activities and events for all ages
When you talk about a great summer adventure, don’t forget our municipalities’ programs. Everything you need for a great time is in the heart of our community!
Parks and recreation experts are the glue that helps our summer opportunities. They plan and organize exciting activities for people of all ages as a way for those in the community to stay engaged, feel supported, and connect with one another. For Media’s Recreation Coordinator, Jenn Metzger, building community has always been a part of who she is.
Metzger has spent much of her time volunteering locally and is a big advocate for mental health awareness. She even started a non-profit with the focus of bringing mental health first aid to different communities.
“When I saw the Media Borough Recreation job opening, it felt like a natural progression which would allow me to blend my love for community-building with my professional skillsets — right in my hometown.”
Since becoming a resident in 1996, Jenn fell in love with the Media Borough as soon as she attended her first 4th of July Celebration at Barrall Field. She remembers spending it with her family, including her oldest child who was only 8 months old at the time. It is this type of feeling that Metzger wants to give back to her hometown.
ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MEDIA BOROUGH, UPPER PROVIDENCE AND KARIN DAVIDSON
Providing regular access to welcoming, friendly spaces while having events and programs for people to look forward to is paramount in keeping a tightly-knit community. “Recreation fosters hometown pride, reputation, goodwill, and care,” says Metzger. “Whether it’s working on bringing people together for opportunities to play, work out, or revel in a holiday… I’m always encouraged that whatever detail I’m working on, its end result is something positive for others.”
Within the previous three years of work, Metzger shares that there is much to be proud of. She has created new additions for long-standing traditions. She’s added live music, food trucks, yard games, and a photo station to the July 4th Morning Celebrations as well as eco-friendly eggs to our egg hunts. She’s also added more monthly programs such as Senior Dine Around, Maker Night, and Game Night. Her special events consist of the Eagles Championship Parade, Media’s 175th Birthday, and the Media Little League World Series Bus trips & Pep Rally.
Parks & Rec: Jenn Metzger (L), Dustin Schreibsye (R)
Knowing that she can’t do it alone, Metzger does give a big thanks to the Media Recreation Board. “Our collaboration and their willingness to volunteer time and talent at monthly Board meetings and throughout events makes our very full calendar possible. They are awesome.”
She also gives a big shout out to the Event Crew, which is made up of residents and non-residents who volunteer at specific events. Metzger urges anyone who feels inspired to get in touch with their local Recreation Group, “As individuals, we tend to be closed off or only concerned with our immediate bubble. When more people get involved to help, teach, and learn from one another, we see our lives enriched and abundant. We see positivity throughout each and every home.”
Dustin Schreiber, Parks and Recreations Director in Upper Providence Township, is grateful for the positives of Parks and Recreation. “Recreation oftentimes is a very positive interaction with government that people have - and there's unfortunately not many interactions with government that you're going in with a positive attitude,” he explains. “Going into a Parks and Recreation department, you get people involved in local government in a positive way. It's the same reasons you run a community day. The positivity around that allows you to do community outreach.”
“We can, as a municipality, affect families by offering camps and offering these sporting activities,” says Schreiber. “Those children are going to remember that. Those parents are going to
remember that; we're filling gaps that are needed in our community for those sporting camps, outdoors camps and other activities.”
Dustin, who received his degree in public administration with the goal of working in local government, understands this wholeheartedly. While he has only been at this newly created position in Upper Providence for about a month, Schreiber is excited that they’ve done so much in that time.
“We are what I like to call currently a contracts department. So, we contract out for summer camps and for smaller events,” he says. They have a sports contractor that is in charge of sporting camps, a fishing camp for summer, and even a “Mad Science” camp. For right now, they have many one-off activities that they are working into a consistent schedule.
Dustin also says that in gauging what types of programs people are interested in, they are looking into programs that they can find instructors for. “I don't know how to do yoga,” he gives as an example. “So, I need an instructor to do that, but I do know that there are a lot of instructors out there.” And not all programs need an instructor. Some just require a few volunteers. He says that is part of the job of Parks and Rec Director, to assess what is needed and to procure it.
Both Metzger and Schreiber ‘s goal is the same: to pull more people into community to adequately serve them. And they understand hobbies. Metzger is a mosaic artist; she reimagines pieces of broken glass and tile into something new and beautiful. CONTINUED
Volunteers & Staff: It Takes a Village
Community Day Winners in Upper Providence
Dustin checking the plant health at Ray Roche Park
Community in Upper Providence
Phillie Phanatic visits Jenn in her office pre-Little League Pep Rally
Porchfest - Borough wide music festival in September
Media's Fall Fest
“Some of my favorite pieces to work on are garden art & bistro tables,” says Metzger. "Recently, I had a small mosaic included in a visiting exhibit at the Corning Glass Museum in New York!”
For Schreiber, it’s curling. At first, it was just a weird sport that seemed fun to try. After his first experience, he kept going back to it. “It works the brain as well as physical. Curling is a lot of thinking. The curling community likes to call it chess on ice,” he says. “I prefer to call it physical activity that requires a lot of strategy.”
There are some amazing events happening for the month of August: In Media, there will be a movie night held on the Borough Hall Lawn on August first. On the 13th, game night will be hosted at the Parlor (Mansion) Room. Check mediaborough.com for more information and more activities. In Upper Providence, activities such as the Open Gym happen a few times throughout August, as does the Hooks and Needles Club. For more information, check upperprovidence.org. Schreiber states that suggestions are welcome. Dustin wants the community to know that he’s accessible, and for residents and event fans to feel comfortable sharing their ideas.
Mad Science Summer Camp in Upper Providence Township
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
JANIE
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 1ST & 2ND
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Media Theatre – No longer Bound, The Musical
MEDIA THEATRE, 104 E. STATE ST., MEDIA, PA 19063
A groundbreaking musical, written and directed by Kofi Asante, celebrates the journey from enslavement to liberation on Juneteenth, through music, dance, and storytelling. The production focuses on three essential documents: The Declaration of Independence, The Emancipation Proclamation, and General Order #3. More than just a story about June 19th, 1865…It’s a story of the spirit of a people. mediatheatre.org
AUGUST 9TH
7th Annual Car Show at Arasapha Farms
ARASAPHA FARMS, 1835 MIDDLETOWN RD, GLEN MILLS, PA 19342 | 10:00 AM
Arasapha Farms host its 7th Annual Car Show featuring the area’s finest classic, muscle, exotic, collectible and sports cars. Enjoy DJ music, food trucks, flea market, raffles and handmade trophies and car plaques for participants. Admission is FREE and open to the public. facebook.com/ArasaphaFarms
AUGUST 14TH - 23RD
Media Theatre Youth Ensemble Series – Mean Girls
MEDIA THEATRE, 104 E. STATE ST., MEDIA, PA 19063
Mean Girls is a Rock Musical adaptation of the 2004 film, focusing on Cady Heron, a teenager who moves to suburban Illinois after being homeschooled in Africa. She navigates the treacherous social hierarchy of high school, particularly the popular clique known as The Plastics, led by the manipulative Regina George, ultimately learning about friendship, betrayal, and self-identity. mediatheatre.org
AUGUST 21ST - 30TH
Shakespeare – A Winter’s Tale
PLAYERS CLUB OF SWARTHMORE, 614 FAIRVIEW RD., SWARTHMORE, PA 19081
The story begins and ends with reunion, punctuating a story of grief and merriment with the idea that we as people have a stubborn tendency to find our way back to one another. When a jealous king accuses his innocent wife of infidelity, his delusions bring disastrous consequences. Shakespeare asks us to consider how we love, how we forgive, and how we mend wounds. pcstheater.org
AUGUST 30TH
Media VFW Sunday Breakfast Buffet
MEDIA VFW POST 3460, 11 HILLTOP AVE. MEDIA, PA 19063 | 8:00 AM
The last Sunday of each month, the Media VFW hosts a breakfast buffet open to the public - featuring classic breakfast items like French toast, home fries, and made-to-order omelettes. Support our vets and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Bring your family and friends. 8:00 till 11:00am. vfw3460.com
AUGUST 31ST
Delco Overdose Awareness and Memorial Walk
SAINTS PETER AND PAUL CEMETERY, 1600 S. SPROUL RD., SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064
Join the Overdose Awareness Day to remember, without stigma, those who have died, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind and advocate to end overdose. After introductions at 6:30pm one mile walk will begin down the center of the cemetery and back. shevlinfamilyfoundation.org
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