Media, PA June 2024

Donovan McNabbLeader

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IT’S CRITICAL TO BE FLEXIBLE IN THE FACE OF CHANGE.”

The world has changed tremendously since Joseph Pratt farmed his land in Gradyville in the 1700s. Yet centuries later, his farm still thrives, having evolved from a working family farm to a living history museum and an educational resource for Pennsylvania’s students and teachers.

Will your financial plan adapt to changing times?

MEMBERS’ WEALTH, LLC understands dynamic economic environments. Our team of professionals in investment strategy, financial and estate planning, taxation, and law work together to shape a comprehensive wealth management solution, and then we provide regular reviews and recommendations as circumstances and conditions change.

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

Talk

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

Men...We're Still Just Kids At Heart

The official first day of summer is June 20th and we’re already in summer full-swing. Dining Under the Stars, Rose Tree Park concert series, Media 5-mile race, Jasper Street Jam, State Street Car Show...the list goes on.  (Gotta love Media)

June is also the month we celebrate Father’s Day, the day that we take time to show our dads how much we love and appreciate them or just remember them.  Whether you have one or are one, this month is all about honoring the men who have made a difference in our lives. For me, I would give a pretty penny to sit down and problem solve with my own dad this Father’s Day.  Unfortunately, that’s no longer possible since his passing. I hope I’m making him proud with my efforts from the examples he set for me.

Speaking of men of influence, we caught up with Philadelphia’s own Donovan McNabb. Although the former Eagles star quarterback no longer lives in Philly, he continues to have an impact on our area with his philanthropic support.

There are many unique restaurants in Media, but we found one you might not know about.  Located on a small side street behind an office building you can find a Barking Dog Garden Patio.  Meet Chef Dan McKenna who has taken a concrete jungle and made a secret garden of dining delight.

Every young boy has probably purchased a pack (or hundreds) of baseball cards.  Looking for a prized favorite player and honing the skill of a seasoned negotiator. Jim DeCorso has taken that passion to the next level and spread the joy of sports card collecting to the next generation.

I assume that the garage is a guy thing, but honestly the garage is a reflection of the entire family - housing the kids' bikes, dad’s tools, and mom’s gardening accessories.  And, in most cases everything but the car (like my own garage.)  So we reached out to Apex Concrete Solutions to learn the latest in protecting this well used space or any concrete floor you’d like to protect make beautiful.

Last month we highlighted a number of very talented, dedicated and influential women in our area.  This month I’d like to say the same thing for the men.  These fathers, brothers, buddies, pals, guys, bros, amigos, chums, mates, and even my neighbor Adam get a great big shout-out!

Happy Summer guys and I’ll see you on State Street!

SCOTT DAVIDSON, PUBLISHER

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Cheyenne Forbes cheyenne.forbes@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Evan Mader | evanjmader@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Brendler, MSW, LMFT, Justin Speller

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Laura Paige

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

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

1: Batman and Captain America discuss lunch plans at Media Comic-Con 3: DC and Marvel comic book creator and fan favorite Mark McKenna showcases his work 4: Ash (Leo Stahl) and Pikachu (Kristen Gilia) from Pokemon 5: Retired Wonder Woman poses with young fan at Media Comic-Con. retiredwonderwoman.com 6: Claudia Wells from the original Back to the Future with Batman & Robin 7: G.I. Joe Team Commander and Sgt. Slaughter Photography by Evan Mader

1: Local potter Deanna Haldeman holds one of her many custom pieces at the show. DeramicsClayStudio.com 2: Contemporary oil painter Rick Phillips showcases his work at the Media spring art show. rickphillipsartist.com 3: Mixed media art from Delco artist Patrick Hay of Sixth Son Studios. sixthsonstudios.com 4: Abstract artist Kevin Koethe shares his vivid paintings. koetheart.wixsite.com/my-site 5: Watercolor artist Beth Palser stands by one of her paintings sold at the show. bethpalser.com 6: Unique up-cycled art from Shell Shocked Bots 7: Illustrator/ Wildlife artist Meg Lemieur with her unique and whimsical illustrations. meglemieur.com

1: Unique gifts including this centerpiece tray featuring real leaves and pine cones in epoxy. instagram.com/Harris_woodcraft_designs/ 2: Local artist Diane Mont displays her masterfully created artwork. dianemont.art 3: Lansdowne artist Erica Harney holds a little something she did for Media Theatre fans. ericaharneyartist.com 4: Local artist Trisha Flaherty with her colorful watercolor paintings. patriciaflahertyart. com 5: Jason Podlaski, designer/owner of Skate or Design displays his recycled skate deck stools. deckstool.com 6: Theresa Heidig Rooney with her series of oil paintings. TwoFishArt.com 7: Woodworker Michael Weinmann of MW Creations holds his custom made wine caddy.

1: Unique mixed media art from El Salvador native Salma Garcia Nolasco. salmagarcia.com 2: Seascape and nature photographer Chris Costa. costaphotoart.com 3: Stephanie “Steph” Untz with her hand painted cut out flower series. stephanieuntz.com 4: Becs Collins and Jacqueline Spain display their artisan matches and pressed flower frames. instagram.com/Frames_and_Flames 5: Andrew “Drew” Aarta, owner of local favorite Earth & State. earthandstate.com 6: Bill Hadden, self-proclaimed Master of the Zen Doodle. Ozzredd.art 7: Roni DeFalco and his Ronsters puppets. rondeeproductions.com

business monthly

Money Magazine Ranks Media as Top 50 Places to Live in U.S.

Money magazine ranked the top 50 cities and towns in the U.S. to live.  (OK, tell us something we don’t know.)  Based on thriving economy meets affordability, diversity and an exceptional quality of life, Media checked all the boxes. According to Money, “Media is an eclectic, renter-friendly borough of about 6,000 residents, is pretty hard to beat.”  Media lays claim to lower unemployment than better than average median income than the rest of the state.  money. com/best-places-to-live/media-pennsylvania/

Media-Upper Providence Library offers the latest Boundless Ebook Catalog

The Media-Upper Providence Free Library (MUPL) newly expanded collection gives library patrons free access to over 4,000 multi-user and featured eBooks.  The collection includes not only New York Times Bestsellers, but a wide range of Pre-K through 12th grade fiction and non-fiction titles. From crafts, cooking, gardening and science to history, comedy and suspense, this collection can help you and your family with eLearning or recreational reading. mediauplibrary.org

Media Upholstery Company Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Since 1924, Media Upholstery Company has been serving the Delaware County area with the highest quality upholstery and window treatment services. Providing reupholstery, furniture repair, custom window seats, cushions or custom decorative window treatments. mediaupholsteryco.com

DONOVAN MCNABB: LEADER OF THE TEAM

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CATHY CARDENAS -

We can all agree that a good leader is resilient, confident, and adaptable. A great leader, however, is authentic—able to show up as their best self and willing to hold themselves accountable. They know what is expected of them before giving others direction.

Donovan McNabb, former Eagles quarterback, is quite familiar with leadership.

“It’s the key position,” Donovan explains, “and I’ll be a little biased and say it’s the best position in football because we’re the extension of the coach.”

Often considered the leader of the offense, quarterbacks typically call the plays in a huddle. As Donovan puts it, they have control of what goes on out on the field.

“We’re trying to control all of the other 10 personalities and characters that are out there with us so that we all can kind of move on one accord,” explains Donovan.

For quarterbacks, leadership is something that is expected of the position. Donovan enjoys the position, saying that he thrives because he loves having the opportunity to help people know exactly what is expected of them. If they weren’t meeting expectations, Donovan motivates them, instilling the other players with confidence so that the team can be winners.

“When I was drafted to Philadelphia, everyone made it as if it was one of the hardest positions to play but I never fell into that trap,” Donovan explains. “I understood what it was that was expected of me and my goals that I had set for myself and that was the focus that I had all throughout my career.”

Donovan prides himself on never allowing others’ doubts or worries to dictate the things he wanted to accomplish. A quarterback is often the face of the franchise and he appreciates the responsibility.

INSIDE THE EAGLES' CIRCLE AND LOCKER ROOM

Nowadays, while Donovan looks back at his accomplishments, he doesn’t utilize as much of his stardom. “I don't go into that because I want people to understand a little bit more about me, the person, not just the football player,” he explains.

Donovan wants to give back. He founded the McNabb Foundation which allows him and his family to help others through charitable work. They’ve raised money for the American Diabetes Association to help spread awareness and have provided scholarships to students. The McNabbs are also passionate about youth sports. Donovan’s wife, Raquel, founded the Caris Sports Foundation which gives children the opportunity to participate in organized sports by removing financial obstacles.

Donovan also coaches quarterbacks in Arizona and girls softball, where he now lives, and absolutely enjoys it.

“I try to teach these kids about work ethic and determination—goal setting—because I believe that all kids have great ideas of what they want to do in life or what they want to accomplish, but they don't know how to go about it,” says Donovan.

He’s noticed that the kids are so worried about how other people perceive them that they don’t focus on the task at hand. This is why he likes to dig deep and talk to kids oneon-one so that he can help keep them on the path to achieve their goals.

“I think coaches, role models, example setters, talk to the masses, but they never really kind of pull out one or two and talk to them or pull out three or four and talk to them individually,”  he explains.

Talking to kids, listening to their thoughts and concerns, and helping them through adversities is how a leader earns their trust. Donovan states that when you make kids feel like you’re in their corner, they’re honest with you.

Donovan makes sure to talk about how school and home life are going for them, encouraging them to get a handle on homework and classes before they come to practice. He teaches them life lessons to prepare them for the future.

He told us that he has learned this from his own parents.

“My dad was an electrical engineer, my mom was a registered nurse. So my dad sometimes would work extra hours so that we can continue to make ends meet,” says Donovan. “He would always talk to me about hard work; like putting in extra work, sacrificing something to achieve another goal.”

Although being a leader is a serious and important job, a great leader is always celebrated within the Eagles' community. “I enjoyed the passion of the fans. I enjoyed the camaraderie from fans to players. I enjoyed the relationships that I built,” says Donovan.

He and his family love the Philadelphia area; the city, the restaurants, the monuments—all of it!

“Going back, it's like you never left,” says Donovan. “No matter when you play, how long you play, the fans truly remember you and they appreciate you.”

1999 NFL Rookie Trading Card

Daring time with fans

“NO MATTER WHEN YOU PLAY, HOW LONG YOU PLAY, THE FANS TRULY REMEMBER YOU AND THEY APPRECIATE YOU.”

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAN MCKENNA

and Fun French Cuisine

DAN BRINGS OUTDOOR DINING TO MEDIA WITH HEART

Dan McKenna

If you think about the words ‘fine dining’, a picturesque outdoor cafe in Europe might come to mind. The cobblestone streets paired with vibrant flora would make a beautiful atmosphere, and a fine meal prepared by a Parisian chef could only brighten the experience. Chef Dan McKenna, owner of Barking Dog Garden Patio, has brought that very experience here to Media!

In the restaurant business for almost 50 years, Dan’s continuous love and passion for cooking has never waned. He works to make sure his produce is fresh, his food is cooked to perfection, and that his customers enjoy the experience he provides.

“I get a great joy and pleasure out of preparing a meal that people really enjoy,” says Dan, “and I like it to be a unique experience.”

As Dan worked as a chef at It’s About Time Restaurant, the owner gave him the freedom to hire other chefs. Dan would hire people who were Parisian chefs working to obtain their green cards. In turn, he would learn what he calls “good, true French principles”.

While he loves to cook other types of food, such as Italian, Dan says, “I find the art of French cookery to be one of the finest aspects of culinary dining.”

The fine dining atmosphere Dan has created isn’t stuffy or strict. In fact, it’s quite open and welcoming as Dan refers to himself as a family man. At 14 years old, Dan started working in

Mascot Hangs Out

Having Fun

the restaurant business with his mother who was a waitress at the time. 49 years later, after a marriage and six children, Dan still butchers his own meat, prepares his own pasta and soups, and serves up wonderful meals for his customers. He even gets his vegetables from his own garden displayed right on location.

He also loves animals and owns two dogs. This is why Barking Dog Garden Patio is dog-friendly.

“My wife works with me. My oldest son, Dan, also is experienced in the restaurant business ‘cause he grew up in my catering business,” Dan explains, “he does work with me occasionally.”

Dan’s grandson who is currently in college will also be helping this season, waiting tables.

Dan lives in West Chester and has been doing business in Media for over 30 years. He has made a space for himself in the community. He finds that even after all these years, his old customers still love his food and seek him out.

“Last year, I had somebody call me and say, ‘Is this Dan McKenna? The guy that used to have Time Catering and was the chef at It’s About Time? Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re back! You catered my sister’s 40th birthday party back in 1983’. Now, they’re a regular customer.”

Dan likes Media because he has a good foundation and a lot of regular clientele here. In fact, he shared that he has become friends with most of his customers.

“My customers are not just customers. They’re people that enjoy fine dining, they enjoy good food. And they become friends.”

Collecting CARDS

MEDIA CARDS & SPORTS DUAL SKI SHOP AND SPORTSCARD STORE

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DAVIDSON

Owner Jim DeCorso

Autographed Bats

1952 Vintage Cadaco-Ellis Board Game "Bas-ket"

Baseball cards have been around since the late 1860s.

The Goudey Gum Company in Boston produced what is regarded as one of the most popular vintage sets back in 1933. We can thank the Topps Company for our more modern trading cards as they began inserting all types of trading cards into packs of bubblegum. Even Philadelphia’s Bowman Gum issued their first baseball cards in 1948.

Although card collecting can be lucrative if you’ve got multiple cards in pristine or mint condition, owner of Media Cards

and Sports, Jim DeCorso, says that card collecting is more of a hobby industry.

“Everybody starts by pulling out their collection—stuff you bought for the last 20 years,” says Jim. “And they’re like, ‘Oh, I’ll make good money’ because you bought it all those years ago. But once you sell through your initial collection, you go buy more cards because you need to sell again.”

Jim is a lover and a collector of sports trading cards. Jim recalls one summer when he was about 8 years old, while he was at camp in the Poconos for the first time, his mother sent him a care package of brownies including 3 packs of 1968 baseball cards.

Jim shared that he still reverts to collecting players of his youth. Not so much

the highly valued card, but those nostalgic players of his youth.

Since opening in 1993, Jim’s store has hosted all kinds of sports items from jerseys to balls and baseball bats; even sneakers! To add interest (and income) Jim added ski and snowboard rental to his shop, known as Media Ski & Snowboard.

Jim told us that buying to resell and buying to collect are two sides of the same card-collecting coin, however, those who are in it for the love of card collecting may be able to weather out the low periods just off of interest alone.

tinyurl.com/MediaCards

Early 60's Philadelphia Eagles Sonny Jurgensen

Collector Cards

Shaquille O'Neal monster sized shoes

Sports Clothing

Early baseball cards were smaller and had tobacco ads on the back

CEVICHE APPETIZER

ingredients:

• 2 U/15 dry-packed sea scallops cut in fourths

• 2-U/10 shrimp peeled, deveined, and split

• 2 Limes

• 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 Shallot finely diced

• Salt & pepper

• 1/4 Avocado slice

• 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

• 1 Fresh cayenne pepper diced

• 1 Tablespoon Chablis wine

• 3-4 Fresh scallion sliced

This shrimp and scallop ceviche appetizer looks great and tastes fantastic

steps:

Step 1. Season scallops and shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze in the juice of 2 limes and Chablis. Let marinate chilled for approximately two hours.

Step 2. Add olive oil, shallots, cayenne peppers, scallions, parsley and sliced avocado. Chill for an additional 2 hours.

Step 3. Serve well chilled on a bed of green leaf lettuce and garnish with sliced limes.

ARTICLE BY DAN MCKENNA, THE BARKING DOG PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAN MCKENNA

IN ONE DAY, YOU COULD HAVE LONG-LASTING BEAUTY, FUNCTIONALITY AND DURABILITY IN YOUR HOME, GARAGE, PATIO, BASEMENT, OFFICE, OR WAREHOUSE

Enduring Style

and Practicality

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE FORBES

Concrete is just concrete, right? And it chips and cracks and you try to fill it in, but what if there’s a better and more durable method?

According to Joseph Paul, owner of Apex Concrete Coating Solutions, applying polyurea coating to concrete is beneficial to your home or business in the long run. “You’re protecting the concrete, but at the same time, you’re beautifying the concrete as well; you’re making it unique,” explains Joe.

This 4-layer coating protects concrete from weathering while making it easier to clean. The Evolution Chip System is

used in residential, commercial, and industrial locations including restaurants, locker rooms, restrooms, laundry/ mud rooms, kennels, and more.

Apex excels in creating happy customers. “Love my new patio floor!,” exclaims customer Shari Waxberg Clarke. Joe adds, “The big thing that sets us apart from all our other competitors is we’re probably one of the only ones out there that offer a true lifetime warranty against chipping, peeling and delamination.”

apexconcretecoatingsolutions.com

JUNE 1ST

Summer Sizzler Block Party

MEDIA-UPPER PROVIDENCE FREE LIBRARY, 1 E. FRONT ST., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 12:00 PM

The Media-Upper Providence Free Library kicks off summer fun with its 2nd Annual Summer Sizzler Block Party.  Enjoy Live Music, DJ, Fun & Games for the kids, and special guest musical performance by the KyoDaiko community drumming circle.  This event is the kickoff to the library summer reading program..  mediauplibrary.org

JUNE 2ND

2024 Italian-American Heritage Festival

ROSE TREE PARK, 1671 N. PROVIDENCE RD., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 11:00 AM

Since 2010, the Italian-American Heritage Festival has drawn more than 30,000 people from the Greater Philadelphia region to enjoy a day celebrating Italian heritage and culture at Rose Tree Park.  Enjoy fine Italian food, live music, kids' games, Italian car exhibit, bocce tournament and more.  ciaodelco.org

JUNE 2ND

Annual State Street Car Show

STATE STREET BUSINESS DISTRICT, MEDIA, PA 19063 | 12:00 PM

Calling all car enthusiasts!  Enjoy some of the area’s finest classic, muscle, exotic, collectible and sports cars in the area showcased along State Street for the annual State Street Car Show. Hosted by the Media Business Authority (MBA) in partnership with the Historical Car Club of Pennsylvania (HCCP), and presented by Acts Retirement-Life Communities. Admission is FREE and open to the public.  VisitMediaPA.com

JUNE 14TH & 15TH

Jasper Street Jam Music Festival

JASPER STREET MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT, 26 R. JASPER ST., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 11:00 AM

MAC’s Summer Block Party! National and local bands, food trucks, and beer garden!.  It’s fun for the entire family.  Feel free to bring a lawn chair.  You’ll have a blast and we’ll see you there.  Enter a MAC on 11 E. St.  $15 General Admission (Children 13 and under are free!)  11am - 5pm  mediaartscouncil.org

Psychotherapy with Children and Families

Promoting Connection, Competence, and Creativity

Experts are seeing an epidemic of children who are sad, anxious, and angry and whose parents feel increasingly overwhelmed, guilty, frustrated, and depleted.  A parent might say, “I’m concerned that my child has ADHD or bipolar disorder, and needs therapy and an evaluation for medication.”  This reflects a common view that the problem lies within the child.

However, we therapists view children’s problems as difficulties in negotiating developmental challenges and relational conflicts. Children thrive best in relationships where they feel understood and respected. When they feel controlled or abandoned, they are more likely to lash out at others or themselves, sometimes in violent and self-destructive ways.

A prominent trend in the mental health culture is to prescribe medication with the belief that one is thereby treating an underlying disorder.  While medication can provide symptomatic relief, if prescribed without a holistic view of the child in their familial and community context, it can lead children to feel that there is something intrinsically wrong with them and can deter them from looking to their parents as resources in helping them

navigate their struggles. It can also lead parents to disengage from their children and relinquish their parental influence and responsibilities, which can intensify the child’s sense of disconnection in their family and increase the likelihood of symptomatic behavior.

Here are some crucial guidelines for parents:

• Speak simply and directly to your child

• Set clear and age-appropriate expectations for behavior and enforce them consistently and unemotionally, rather than trying to manage or control your child’s behavior

• Listen quietly, closely and respectfully

• Accept your child’s feelings unconditionally

• Play with your child and follow their lead

• Encourage their creativity and imagination

• Create space for uninterrupted interaction

• Be open to being surprised and delighted by your child

• Risk being vulnerable with your child

John Brendler, MSW, is the founder of Building Bridges. He appreciates the collaboration of Building Bridges’ colleagues, and in particular, Dr. Michael Silver’s contribution regarding clarity and content.

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

Now it’s time to think about your future.

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

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

Ask about our Veterans Discount! Let us serve YOU !

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.