Media, PA July 2024 by City Lifestyle

ARTS + CULTURE

TRAVEL THROUGH TIME IN MEDIA

EXPLORE YOUR INNER MUSICIAN

THE TREASURE OF LIVE THEATER

ENTERTAINMENT

SPLISH-SPLASH SUMMER FUN

Get Out and Explore

Get Out And Get Exploring!

The theme of this issue is "Explore." So much of our time is consumed by our to-do lists, paying bills, making money to pay those bills, cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, attending obligatory get-togethers, shuttling kids around, meeting deadlines, and more. It’s time to TAKE A BREAK, DEAR READERS! However, taking time for yourself and your family doesn’t always have to mean a trip to Aruba.

Exploration can be found in many forms. For instance, you can take music lessons at any age at Media's School of Rock. Take inspiration from Steph, a woman featured in last issue's article about local business owners. She started taking drum lessons and recently played her first gig. Alternatively, you could delve into our rich local history at the often-overlooked Delaware County Institute of Science in Veterans Square, which has been showcasing and preserving our scientific and historical treasures for nearly 200 years. Or splish-splash at a local waterpark or hop in the car and vacation at a stayover resort with indoor and outdoor water parks with all the amenities. Maybe planting is your relaxation. Try something different by asking assistance at nearby nurseries. Flowering Native Plants are a great choice for anyone’s yard. We give you list of local nurseries and photos in this issue.

Camp is a summer love. Have your kids tried Media Theatre’s camps? July offers lots of choices. Let’s help out our local icon while they help our community.

As the Editor, I am always thrilled how engaged business owners, staff and the community help each other smile and have a good time – whatever that means to you.

Get out there and EXPLORE our WORLD! (And Aruba is OK too.)

KARIN DAVIDSON, EDITOR @MEDIACITYLIFESTYLE

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cheyenne Forbes cheyenne.forbes@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Evan Mader | evanjmader@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stephanie Hwang, Christian Ryan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Scott and Karin Davidson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain Learn

Dating back to 1927, when it opened with a screening of The Jazz Singer, the Media Theatre was renovated and restored in 1994. A few years later, it began a new life under the auspices of the Society for the Performing Arts, and it endures by bringing Broadway-caliber productions to Media.

Does your business have financial staying power?

MEMBERS’ WEALTH, LLC can help you plan for today and for tomorrow. Our team of professionals in investment strategy, financial and estate planning, taxation, and law work together to shape a comprehensive solution for asset preservation, cash management, retirement planning, deferred compensation plans, and buy/sell agreements.

Take advantage of our decades of experience in all aspects of financial planning. As long-time Delaware County residents, we’re focused on helping our community’s individuals, families, and institutions thrive.

Talk to us about the heart of your business.

DANE CZAPLICKI, CFA Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer

COLLEEN MAHONEY Director of Client Experience

MARIE FEINDT, JD Planning Specialist Estate Attorney

TIM MACARAK, CFP ® Director of Wealth Advisory

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city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Media Mayor Bon McMahon and daughter,Vicki McMahon, at Delco Gives Kick-Off in Media 2: Flyers mascot Gritty pals around with U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon at Delco Gives 3: 6abc Meteorologist Cecily Tynon MC’s opening night in Media 4: Frances Sheehan, President of The Foundation for Delaware County rallies the community 5: Union mascot Phang and FOX 29 Jason Martinez celebrate donations 6: Citadel Bank team hamming it up at Delco Gives opening night in Media 7: Philly Phanatic greets newest fan

THE FOUNDATION FOR DELAWARE COUNTY

ELIZABETH LEITZELL

MICHAEL CHEUNG

SCOTT DAVIDSON

ELIZABETH LEITZELL

SCOTT DAVIDSON

city scene CONTINUED

8: Delco Gives unveils donation of $1,580,987 (Grand Total reported at 1.7 million) 9: Budding young talent from Media Theatre’s Seussical performing at Delco Gives 10: Newtown Square Fire Department is just one of hundreds of non-profits seeking support 11: City of Chester host one of many Delco Gives day celebrations 12: Attendees take a break for photo opt at Delco Gives at Rose Tree Park finale 13: Foundation board chair, Cyrise Dixon and foundation president, Frances Sheehan opening night in Media 14: Jim Myers, Manager of Community Impact of Power Home Remodeling, Delco Gives title sponsor

MICHAEL CHEUNG

SCOTT DAVIDSON

ELIZABETH LEITZELL

THE FOUNDATION FOR DELAWARE COUNTY

ELIZABETH LEITZELL

MICHAEL CHEUNG

Philadelphia Inquirer Names BGA&F one of the 2024 Delaware Valley Top Workplaces

Barsz, Gowie, Amon & Fultz (BGA&F), a full-service accounting firm with offices in Media and Chadds Ford was named one of the Delaware Valley’s Top Workplaces for 2024 by the Philadelphia Inquirer. The firm was ranked 9th among small business (under 149 employees) in the Delaware Valley. The firm was established in 2017 when Stegar Gowie & Company and Merves, Amon & Barsz – two respected accounting firms, teamed up to create BGA&F.. barszgowie.com

Photography by BGA&F

Explore Your INNER MUSICIAN

JEFF DULEMBA BRINGS SCHOOL OF ROCK TO MEDIA WITH AN ALTRUISTIC PURPOSE

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVAN MADER AND KARIN DAVIDSON

Owner Jeff Dulemba with Paige, a student

The School of Rock is where musicians of all ages and skill levels grow to become not only better musicians, but better versions of themselves. Through programs and music lessons, the school is dedicated to the School of Rock’s proprietary teaching education program to support students on their journey to becoming musicians—whatever that may look like to them.

While music is a big part of it all, the School of Rock is more than about making musicians. Jeff Dulemba, owner and manager at School of Rock, states, “We’re not here to make musicians. That will happen naturally through the programming. We are here to build community.”

Jeff wasn’t aware of that until after he enrolled his son, Ben, into the school and witnessed School of Rock’s tight-knit community in Downingtown. 13 year-old Ben has autism. He was bullied during school and summer camp for being himself.

“He gets bullied everywhere he goes because he makes his own clothes and he’s always been an individualist,” says Jeff. He and Ben tried robotics, sports, jiu jitsu—nothing stuck. In fact, Ben was even resistant to School of Rock at first.

When Ben first arrived at the school, he was asked, “Who made those fingerless gloves?” “Who made that hat?” Although he sensed it could be another setup for bullying, Ben answered truthfully that he made them himself.

“They’re like, ‘Dude, that’s the most rocking thing I’ve ever saw.’ [Ben] said, ‘Bye Dad,’ and I didn’t see him since,” says Jeff with a smile.

In just three months, Ben was on stage playing guitar. Nevermind that he couldn’t even hold one—yet. Jeff could see the confidence emanating from his son.

“It gave him a platform to be exactly who he wanted to be without having to impress anyone or think about anyone,” Jeff says, feeling moved by sheer gratitude. “They accepted him for who he was.They gave him a stage to be who he could be and brought out his best self.”

From there, Jeff began thinking about the ways in which he could give back to his own community. He’s always loved children and music—why not combine the two?

“My vision was always [to] build a School of Rock, impact the youth, and then turn the youth into volunteers and community citizens,” Jeff explains. “Let’s go plant grandma’s flowers every spring. Let’s go to the nursing homes and bring music to enjoy. Let’s go set up programs where we can take grandma shopping for groceries.”

On the hunt for the right community to build in, Jeff and his family felt right at home in Media. After breakfast at the Bittersweet Cafe, they followed the sound of music and found the Jasper Street Jam. Jeff recalled how welcoming the community was, and how quickly his children made friends with the other kids.

CONTINUED >

“Everyone had purple hair and rainbow socks and there was diversity everywhere,” he says with a smile. Media is diverse, and that, for Jeff, was the embodiment of School of Rock.

Being an entrepreneur for the past 10 years, Jeff had been looking for the perfect franchise to get into. With the help and support of his family, Jeff was able to run another business while simultaneously running a home with his wife, Monica.

Jeff met with his family, got their finances in order, and started to find a location. “I wasn’t doing this alone.” Jeff reflected, “I told my wife and kids if they weren’t 100% on board with building this family business together, I wasn’t interested.”

There were many challenges and delays throughtout the four-month construction. “ We were targeting May 15th to open, but weren’t able until August 29th. The process almost broke me,” says Jeff, “and I’m not easily broken, but these delays… almost broke me so many times.”

Jeff says he would retreat into a closet so his family wouldn’t see how difficult it was for him, second guessing himself.

Ben and Rachel (Jeff’s older daughter) always found him and encouraged him.

When they were drumming up interest in the school, Ben and Rachel would wake up at 5am, ready to attend community day events until it was time to go to bed at 11 at night, completely exhausted. Then, they would be up at 5am, ready to do it all again.

“I never understood what unconditional love meant until I went through this venture. But they lifted me every time I needed it,” says Jeff. “You would have all these doubters and all these people around me who loved me that wouldn’t validate me. But when the rubber hit the road, my kids were always there. My wife was always there. We built this business together.

Jeff recently retumed from Nashville where he was awarded the second fastest growing School of Rock in the entire program (350 schools in 17 countries with a total enrollment of 67,000 students.)

“Our family’s success is simple, explains Jeff, “We aren’t selling music lessons, that’s not our business. It’s safety, community and shows. We don’t teach music to put on shows, we put on shows to teach music.”

TRAVEL THROUGH TIME IN MEDIA

Passenger Pigeons obtained prior to 1914 when Martha, the last of the species, died in the Cincinnati Zoo

A Natural Historic Science Museum, Lending Library, and Free Lectures for Almost 200 Years

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVAN MADER & KARIN DAVIDSON

Considered one of the hidden gems of Delaware County by locals, the Delaware County Institute of Science (DCIS) holds great importance and history as a museum, library, and lecture hall! Current president, Geremea Fioravanti, states that their mission is to educate the public and school groups, and sharing their research with the broader public at large.

Dr. Anthony Lombardo with the 1847 Chesapeake Bay Bald Eagle

Red Shouldered Hawks, PA - bird displays donated in 1848 and 1905, lighting courtesy of the Orrin Elliott Memorial fund

President Geremea Fioravanti next to an 1845 lynx

A Show & Tell Hall of scientific and literary discussion for over 200 years

The Chinstrap, Adelie and baby penguins from Admiral Byrd’s Antarctic expedition 1939-41 by the ship's doctor

After relocating to Media with his family at 5 years old, Geremea and his mother discovered the museum on Veteran Square. His time in the museum prompted him to become a junior member, a membership category offered to children. He became so inspired that after going away to school and receiving his Master’s Degree in science, Geremea came back to volunteer before becoming president in 2020.

The museum, formed in 1833, is what Geremea calls “a cabinet of curiosities,” and has accumulated everything from glass bottles, technological instruments, books, academic specimen, brass microscopes, items for their “Please Touch Me” exhibit and more. They have an expansive collection of minerals and an herbarium,and mounted and taxidermied wildlife. Not too long ago, museums were the only source of visual history.

Free lectures, held from October to May each year, are open to everyone. Find a nugget of knowledge in this treasure trove of science and history! delcoscience.org

Erectedin1867thePhiladephia Dispensary alreadyacenturyold

DCIS was formed in 1833 by five Quaker men. Its mission has been to diffuse knowledge for the edification and improvement of the public. The current building was constructed in 1867, displaying thousands of artifacts, including shells, minerals, fossils, an herbarium, taxidermied animals, scientific instruments, and a large library.

Lacking both Neptune and Pluto (not discovered until 1845,) this rotating model is from the Sharon School for Girls Orrey

(L-R) Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, & Snowy Owl - Eight species of owls either nest or regularly visit Pennsylvania in winter, others are permanent residents

MaryMcNulty:

Mary Poppins; RonnieKeller:Bert

The Treasure of Live Theatre

Professional Programs, Broadway Shows, Performing Arts Education and Almost a Century of History

Live theatre has magic all its own. As Christian Ryan, Artistic Director from Media Theatre puts it, “Live theatre is something truly unique! It is an experience you share with family members, friends, loved ones, and even strangers by coming together and creating a connection like no other and making an unforgettable memory.” Christian says live theatre captures the essence of the human experience, offering something invaluable to the community.

At the heart of this vibrant cultural scene is Media Theatre, a cornerstone of State Street. For three decades, it has been a beacon for performing arts, and it’s on the verge of celebrating its building’s centennial in 2027. The theatre is not just about staging professional productions; it is also home to a vibrant performing arts education program. Children and teenagers from ages 6 to 18 find the space to express themselves through art. Additionally, the theatre hosts an array of community events and concerts

Media Theatre offers a wide range of activities for both adults and children. Their Broadway musical series

showcases professional actors, while the Youth Ensemble series features young performers from Delaware County and beyond, putting on professional-style shows designed for kids and families. The theatre also provides classes, lessons, and workshops in acting, singing, dancing, and piano. Community events are equally diverse, including comedy nights, performances by local and tribute bands, and collaborative events with other nonprofit organizations.

Unfortunately, Media Theatre has faced significant challenges due to the pandemic. The performing arts industry came to a standstill, deeply affecting operations. Despite these hardships, the theatre is committed to revitalizing the arts scene and strengthening its role as a community partner. They have launched an emergency fundraiser with the goal of raising $250,000 by August 1 to ensure covoring operational costs and the continuation of their next season, educational programs, and special events. Media community’s support is crucial to their success. No donation is too small at mediatheatre.org/fundourfuture

Media Theatre needs your help to continue its service to our community.

Lauren Krigel: Maria in Sound of Music

Patrick Ludt & the Ensemble of Bonnie & Clyde

Natalie Paynter: Cat in the Hat Saajan Lakhani: Jojo

Rajeer Alford: Collins in Rent

Adam McDowell as Dewey & Company in School of Rock

Kalahari ResortsSplash Down Safari

NEAR BY

Splish-Splash Summer Fun

Diggerland Construction Theme & Water Park: West Berlin, NJ 1hr.

The Water Main is designed to provide an amazing construction-themed water park experiencebaby pools, water slides, massive wave pool, crossing activity pools and more. diggerlandusa.com

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: Allentown, PA 1hr.10min.

Both an amusement park and water park. Wildwater Park has 17 water attractions. dorneypark.com

Sesame Place: Langhorne, PA 50min.

Featuring character-themed aquatic delights like a Rambling River, a 1,000 foot long float trip; a Splash Castle, with interactive elements like a tipping bucket, jet soakers and water wheels; and a set of winding flume slides. sesameplace.com/philadelphia

Hatfield Aquatic Center: Hatfield, PA 45min.

The Center has a Water Castle, Blue Otter 8ft long and 3-child wide water slide, water slides for the older kids, a Lazy River, an adult Hydrotherapy Pool , a Fitness Pool, a Green Drop Slide and more. hatfield.org/aquatic_center

STAY

AND PLAY

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions: Pocono Manor, PA 2hrs.

Kalahari offers indoor and outdoor water park attractions. It has about 220,000 square feet of swimming pools, 16 slides, and fun for all ages. kalahariresorts.com/Pennsylvania

Big Kahuna’s: West Berlin, NJ 51min.

Big Kahuna’s offers indoor surfing, outside pools, and even an arcade. bigkahunas.com/nj

Camelback Resort: Tannersville, PA 2hrs.

Voted one of the best water parks in America, Camelback Resort’s indoor water park has 13 slides and an interactive area for toddlers. There’s also an outdoor water park. camelbackresort.com

Great Wolf Lodge: Perryville, MD 1hr. 20min.

Great Wolf offers an indoor water park with 21 different attractions along with non-water related attractions, such as mini golf and ropes courses. greatwolf.com/Maryland

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KALAHARI RESORTS

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY KARIN DAVIDSON AND COURTESY OF NURSERIES

In Full-Bloom Indoors or Out

Love flowers and plants? Need some assistance in your choices for gardening? Want to visit professional garden attractions?

Here are seven plant nurseries and greenhouses in our area:

LINVILLA ORCHARDS – MEDIA, PA

Enjoying plants and flowers across a 300-acre family farm sounds like heaven on Earth. Dedicated to agriculture, education, entertainment, pick-your-own, events, hay rides, farm market and garden center and more. Bring the family! linvilla.com

Even Without a Green Thumb, You Can Have Living Beauty With These Nurseries and Greenhouses

Top Left: Colorful Options at Wolff's Middle: Wedgewood Gardens Staff Top Right: Linvilla Sunflowers Bottom Left: Miller Greenhouses’, Friendly Mascot Bottom Right: Mostardi Native Plant Garden Display

WOLFF’S APPLE HOUSE – MEDIA, PA

Family-owned since 1910, Wolff’s has been producing delicious fruit and vegetables for their community. Their large indoor and outdoor flower and plant nursery is known throughout Delco. Their indoor market offers locally grown produce from Farmers they know & trust. wolffsapplehouse.com

REDBUD NATIVE PLANT NURSERY – MEDIA, PA

Opened in 2002, Redbud focuses on native plants grown with love with Julie Snell and Lisa McDonald Hanes, landscape architects, running the nursery. Redbud has a diverse selection of plants for sale and provides expertise to help your own garden flourish. redbudnative.com

MOSTARDI NURSERY – NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA

Mostardi Nursery prides themselves on being “your community garden center.” It’s a family-owned business that has been in the community for over 40 years. They provide plants, lawn and garden products, and service with a smile. mostardi.com

MILLER GREENHOUSES OF WALLINGFORD –WALLINGFORD, PA

Founded in 1972 by Chuck Miller and Frank (Hank) Anthony, Miller Greenhouses is a family owned business providing plants year around. There’s even an adorable dog just waiting to greet you at the entrance! If it’s your first time there, just ring the bell for happy assistance. mghofwallingford.com

WEDGEWOOD GARDENS – GLEN MILLS, PA

The Wedge, wanting everyone in the community to enjoy flowers and plants, offers quality products with exceptional customer service. It doesn’t matter how far you are in your gardening journey, the Wedge is there to help! wedgewoodgardens.com

HILLSIDE NURSERY AND TURF FARM – CLIFTON HEIGHTS, PA

A wide variety of plants and gardening supplies for your home and garden. They work to have everything you need to make your outdoor spaces come alive. Expert staff helps you find the perfect plants for your needs. hillsidenurserypa.com

Top Left: Wedgewood's Outdoor Display Middle: Redbud partners Julie Snell and Lisa McDonald Hanes Top Right: Mostardi's Gold Medal Plants Bottom Left: Happy Gardener at Wolff's Apple House Bottom Right: Linvilla Orchards’ Garden Display

OFF THE RAIL'S RETURNS

Ingredients

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY KARIN DAVIDSON

Blooming in the months of May and June, the Elderflower clusters become a beautiful canvas of a summer countryside. They then transition into vibrant purple elderberries. Robert J. Cooper, launched St-Germain, the world’s first elderflower liquer in 2007. Inspired by Paris, France and its iconic St-Germain-des-Prés quarter, the iconic art district in Paris, each bottle contains the fresh essence of up to 1,000 hand-picked elderflowers, each with springtime natural sweetness and notes of honeysuckle and pear.

ingredients:

• 1.5oz Citron Vodka

• .5oz Elderflower Liquer (like St-Germain)

• .75oz White Cranberry Juice

• Fresh Lime Juice

• Curled Lemon Rind for garnish

directions:

Step 1. Pour all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, setting aside the lemon rind curl for garnish

Step 2. Cover and shake vigorously

Step 3. Strain into a martini glass or similar

Step 4. Hang the lemon rind (or a slice of lemon) on the edge of the glass for garnish

Step 5. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Off The Rail Bar & Grill at 109 W. State St, Media. offtherailmedia.com

Sean Brady, Off the Rail Bartender

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