






LIFESTYLE LETTER
![]()







LIFESTYLE LETTER
November invites us to slow down and take stock of the blessings that fill our days. As we reflect on gratitude this season, I’m reminded of the words of Meister Eckhart: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.”
What it means is that gratitude doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be about appreciating the everyday blessings, even the things that may seem mundane. And, of course, it can be about appreciat ing the extraordinary moments in our lives. In doing so, saying “Thank you” connects us to ourselves and the world around us.

Here in Media, we are the neighbors who give back in ways that strengthen our community. Among us are local businesses who support causes close to home, nonprofits who lift others up, and volunteers who quietly give their time. In this issue, we honor the legacy of Mayor Bob McMahon that has shaped Media.
We at Media City Lifestyle are especially grateful for the community and our readers. You are the reason this magazine exists, and the reason Media continues to feel like a true home.
As we gather together this Thanksgiving, let gratitude connect us all through warmth, delicious food, wonderful company, and more.
With love and thanks,

STEPHANIE HWANG, EDITORIAL
COORDINATOR
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Stephanie Hwang
stephanie.hwang@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Lauren Avellino Turton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Scott Davidson
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle


FDA Approved
Reduces Appetite
Decreases appetite & food cravings
Slows Digestion
Promotes Significant
Weight Loss

Improves Metabolic Health
Non-stimulant
Improves Insulin Resistance
Complements
Lifestyle Changes
Convenient Treatment Options
Long-Term Weight Loss

















1: Media resident Tommy and daughter Audrey ham it up to sell their family canoe 2: Mary relaxes with her classic Christmas decorations for sale 3: (L-R) Friends Emily, Paige, and Maren donated their proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House 4: Think BBQ season is over? Not according to Julia 5: Jen assures us painting will make your house look bigger 6: United Women of Faith group use Media Yard Sale to raise money and awareness 7: Cindy shares a special gnome in her yard sale Photography by SCOTT DAVIDSON




















Discover Glimmer, Media's newest retail boutique and gift service, offering curated treasures for every occasion. From chic bags and accessories to gourmet pantry favorites, children's toys, crafts, and stylish home décor, Glimmer owner Lisa Zahn makes thoughtful gifting effortless. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or everyday appreciation, Glimmer is your destination for meaningful, beautifully curated gifts. Celebrate life's moments with Glimmer—where creativity, connection, and the love language of gift-giving come together. glimmergiftshop.com
Upper Providence Township announced the acquisition of over 8 acres of land on Rose Tree Road. The land was donated by residents Andy & Ginger Lewis. The property was named “Upper Providence Preserve” and will be used as open space for the benefit and enjoyment of local residents. The land features a rich natural landscape, including a serene pond, walking trails, wetlands, diverse habitat for birds and wildlife, native plant species, and large mature trees. upperprovidence.org
Wonder, the innovative dining experience redefining how families enjoy meals at home, has opened new locations in Newtown Square, West Chester, and Ridley. Partnering with 20+ award-winning restaurants, Wonder delivers chef-inspired dishes—from Greek to Thai—created by world-renowned chefs like Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson. The company is excited to announce its upcoming Media location at The Promenade at Granite Run, bringing even more convenience, flavor, and fresh, gourmet meals. Wonder.com.







THANK YOU, MAYOR BOB MCMAHON, FOR FAITHFULLY SERVING THE BOROUGH WITH DEDICATION AND VISION
There are many people in Media that have only known one mayor. For 33 years, Mayor Bob McMahon has faithfully served the Borough with dedication and vision. This January, he will pass the torch to new leadership and begin his well-earned retirement.
Over the course of his three-plus decades in office, McMahon has made tremendous strides in shaping the county seat into a popular destination for everyone -- to live, to work, and to play.
“Years ago, people would come in for jury duty then leave, so I took action to keep them here,” he says.
McMahon has built a reputation as a go-getter and a leader—someone who never hesitates to pick up the phone and get things done.
Public safety has always been at the heart of his service. In the early 1980s, as a member of Media Borough Council, McMahon chaired the Public Safety Committee, working closely with then-Mayor Frank Daly, the Police Department, and fellow council members to reduce crime and strengthen community trust.
He has been instrumental in building a vibrant business community. McMahon played a key role in bringing Fellini Cafe, Trader Joe’s, and Iron Hill to State Street, while also helping to transform the Media Theatre from a struggling movie house into the thriving musical theatre it is today.
An accomplishment near and dear to Mayor McMahon is his influence ensuring Media’s military veterans receive the recognition they deserve. In 1965, Bob had just graduated from St. Joseph’s University. His father, a World War II veteran, advised him to enlist in the Army. “He said that with my college degree in finance, I could become an officer,” he recalls.
In January 1968 McMahon left for Vietnam. On his very first night in Long Binh, his group came under attack and scrambled for bunkers. Immediately thrust into the Tet Offensive, he was uncertain of what his role would be.
“I was made a platoon leader,” he explains. “Our job was to go out on patrols, make contact with the enemy, and report back on their location.” His group was also assigned ambush duty a few times each week.
“Then, I got what I consider the best job of my life - I became a senior advisor living in three separate villages. My job was to help them get everything they needed, to train with them, to go on patrols with them, come up with ideas how they can protect themselves,” he says. “Vietnam taught me a lot. It taught me about the people that didn’t understand it, why we were there and what we did. For some reason, I was never afraid.”
After returning in 1969, McMahon says he put that chapter of his life behind him. “When I came home, I had nothing to do with veterans organizations, nothing to do with the military. I just went on with life and work,” he says. “Periodically, I would represent Borough Council as a veteran during parades, but nothing more than that.”
Until 1991, when Congressman Curt Weldon called on McMahon to help coordinate a farewell ceremony in Media for soldiers departing to Kuwait.
“In my brief remarks that day, I said, ‘When they come home, we should organize a welcome home, and it should be done by Vietnam veterans,’” he recalls. “Not realizing that I’d be organizing it.”
That year, the Hero Day Parade and Rally was billed as the biggest-ever rally in America to support U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf. The event featured a symbolic Passing of the Torch ceremony, in which Vietnam veterans handed American flags and POW/MIA flags to returning Desert Storm soldiers, formally welcoming them into the veteran community.
The Mayor’s role as parade organizer was sealed -- with the support of a carefully selected group of veterans, political leaders, celebrities, and notable community members.
“For 20 years, Harry Kalas was my partner broadcasting and announcing the Veterans Day Parade. I would whisper to him who’s coming next. Everybody was thrilled to have Harry Kalas announce their name. I learned how to announce too… well, sort of,” he laughs.
McMahon recalls 1999 as a particularly momentous year.
Senator Bob Dole attended the parade to receive a $2 million donation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, secured through the efforts of Governor Tom Ridge and Brigadier General John Patten.
“We consider that the reason for the PA Veterans Museum, the Veterans National Education Program, and the Veterans Legacy Project, the organization that puts on the parades,” says McMahon. “It was Governor Ridge’s vision. He said, ‘What we need is for vets to talk about our service, to teach children our history through the eyes of those who served.’ He was the inspiration for it and that’s what we still do today.”
Over the years, McMahon has recruited notable grand marshals and speakers, including Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden; Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey; Governor Ed Rendell; Dick Winters, whose heroism during D-Day is immortalized in the book and television miniseries Band of Brothers ; Tuskegee Airmen; WWII veteran and celebrity Ed McMahon; newscaster Tim Russert; Army










veteran and Phillies’ all-star Ritchie Ashburn; and Rocky Blier, Vietnam vet and four-time Super Bowl player with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As he prepares to retire as mayor, he says he will always look forward to the annual Veterans Day Parade in Media—held each year on November 11 at 11:11 a.m.—as a time to join the community in honoring the courageous men and women who served for our freedom.
Whether orchestrating parades to honor our heroes, celebrating the World Champion Phillies and Eagles, or joining countless hometown events and festivals throughout the year, Bob McMahon is cherished as a true mayor of the people.
When reflecting on what has made his tenure such a success, Bob’s answer is simple, “The most important thing to do is show up. Be there with the people.”

For 19 years, Lauren Avellino Turton has happily called Media home, and she truly loves everything about Everybody’s Hometown. A professional writer for more than 25 years, she finds joy in sharing stories that support and celebrate her community. Over the past five years, she’s enjoyed creating fun, engaging content for the Media Business Authority, running the Visit Media PA and Dining Under the Stars social media pages. You might also catch her name on KYW Newsradio. At home in Upper Providence, Lauren and her husband, Andy, stay busy with their two pups and a kitty— all proud alums of the Providence Animal Center.





















The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.



Meals on Wheels Delco provides nourishment and connection to isolated neighbors in need.

Meals on Wheels of Delaware County (MOWdelco.org) and its volunteers steadfastly deliver compassion in the form of a warm meal and a friendly face. This nonprofit has worked tirelessly to improve the health and quality of life for homebound seniors and disabled residents since 1972, for over 50 years. Today, Meals on Wheels continues to offer companionship and care to neighbors who need it most.
Adam Carliss, the organization’s current President and County Coordinator, was inspired by his wife, Cheryl. “Initially, Cheryl started volunteering and delivering while she was raising the kids before she was back to work,” Carliss fondly recalls. In 2008, he joined her on delivery routes when he was downsized during the market downturn. “I enjoyed it. I took the kids sometimes. The recipients were so happy to see my kids,” he says. The family activity soon grew into a calling. Encouraged by fellow volunteers, he stepped into leadership roles while working a full-time job. He eventually became the county’s coordinator and, later, its president.
Carliss explains that Meals on Wheels of Delaware County is structured into four service units: Media/Swarthmore, Aston/ Brookhaven, Haverford Township, and Marple-Newtown. Each operates semi-independently, often from senior or community
centers, but all fall under the countywide umbrella of Meals on Wheels Delco, Inc. “Each one of those units operates typically out of a close senior center or a hometown senior center or community center,” he says.
Each unit serves between 10 to 20 people with around 220 meals per month - provided Monday through Friday. “One of our units delivers five days a week, but the other three units deliver three days a week,” Carliss explains. To ensure clients receive enough food, drivers bring multiple meals per visit, including hot dishes, cold box lunches, or frozen options that can be stored for later. The Nutrition Group (BTC) designs the meals to be low in sodium and nutritionally balanced. “They are low in sodium, balanced protein, and balanced starch and greens, to meet the
nutritional needs of the receivers, who tend to rarely leave the house,” Carliss says.
The program brings comfort and connection to its recipients. “It’s fulfilling knowing that there is a compassionate, caring person for somebody to turn to regarding services for people that may not be food stable,” Carliss shares. He recalls one memorable case of a man who called him from Texas. “His dad was in Wallingford, and he said to me, I can’t help him because I’m so far away. I reassured him, yeah, just let me know. I’ll get him hooked up and set it up.”
Meals on Wheels’ service is possible thanks to an extensive volunteer network. They rely on roughly a total of 120 volunteers countywide, with each unit having 10-35 active volunteers. They are people who give their time weekly, monthly, or whenever they can. “Some of them might drive once a month. Some of them might drive once a week. Some people do all Wednesdays,”
Carliss notes. Recruitment happens through the website, referrals from Meals on Wheels America, and even church bulletins.
“It’s a collaboration of many teams, but just really the dedicated volunteers who help us get this done and perform these awesome tasks in support,” he says.
They are not without challenges. Certain areas of the county remain underserved due to lack of volunteers. During the COVID19 pandemic, one long-running unit in Ridley Park closed after its coordinator, who had undertaken a crucial role, stepped away in order to take a job. “When he left, nobody stepped up to run a unit because there’s a lot of organization involved,” Carliss explains. Behind the scenes, running a unit involves spreadsheets, phone numbers, billing, food orders, and financial oversight. Additionally, each unit has its own chairperson, coordinator, and treasurer. The dedication that keeps the program alive underscores that Meals on Wheels is a labor of love above all.
Funding itself is another hurdle. Unlike some programs, MOW Delco does not receive public funding. “While the delivery is entirely volunteer-driven, there is a food cost and we bill the recipients for it, because we are not publicly funded in any way,” Carliss says. He emphasizes that the organization doesn’t profit. They even make the billing process easier for seniors by sending the invoice in the mail with self-addressed envelope. They also refer those who qualify to free county programs through Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA).

As the organization looks to the future, Carliss hopes more people will become aware of the resource and step up to volunteer. Partnerships with senior centers remain critical, especially in Media, where Carliss works closely with coordinator Kathy Henderson. “She’s a godsend from the Hometown Senior Center here in Media,” he effuses. “She’s fantastic. She’s just phenomenal with the senior programs and offerings from the center. She helps me coordinate the volunteers specifically for Media’s unit.”
The fulfillment of helping others keeps Carliss motivated. “It’s fulfilling and enriching to know you can be a kind, gentle ear for people to speak with and get compassionate services of this nature,” he says.
As Delaware County prepares for the holiday season, Meals on Wheels is raising awareness and encouraging community participation. While the meals sustain the body, it is volunteers who sustain the mission. Each helping hand brings hope to another doorstep. Perhaps your hands may be the ones to help carry the mission forward.
Go to MOWdelco.org to volunteer or donate.











ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.

2 WEEKS BEFORE
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.

• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dustfree until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.








Cocktail
Ingredients:
• 2 oz tequila blanco
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz grapefruit soda (or 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice + 2 oz club soda)
• 1/4 oz agave or simple syrup
• Kosher or flaked sea salt for rim
A refreshing blend of tequila, grapefruit, and lime - perfect for sipping at any family celebration
Directions:
Salt Rim: Run a lime or grapefruit wedge along the glass/mug rim. Pour kosher or flaked sea salt onto a small, flat plate. Invert glass and rub rim into salt. Fill glass with ice.
Grapefruit soda: Add tequila and lime juice to a glass with ice. Top with grapefruit soda and stir.
OR fresh grapefruit juice: Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sweetener to a shaker with ice. and shake. Strain into glass and top with club soda.
ARTICLE BY KARIN DAVIDSON



















City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?




NOVEMBER 11TH
MEDIA BUSINESS DISTRICT, STATE ST., MEDIA, PA 19063
The Media Veterans Day Parade celebrates its 66th year, and Media honors all those who served in this time-honored tradition — complete with marching bands, color guards, floats, fire trucks, and more. The parade is followed by ceremony honoring all veterans on the steps of the Delaware County Courthouse. veteranslegacy.org
NOVEMBER 11TH
SPRINGFIELD COUNTRY CLUB, 400 W. SPROUL RD., SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064
Join the 11th Annual Freedom Medal Dinner hosted by the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association at Springfield Country Club. Enjoy dinner, honor this year’s medal recipients, pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, and support the Memorial. Sponsorships available. All proceeds benefit DCVMA. delcoveteransmemorial.org
NOVEMBER 26TH – DECEMBER 28TH
HEDGEROW THEATRE, 64 ROSE VALLEY RD., MEDIA, PA 19063
Step into the world of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—as they navigate dreams, love, and loss during the Civil War. Hedgerow presents the regional premiere of Kate Hamill’s fresh adaptation of Little Women, with live music. This holiday season, celebrate family, friendship, and timeless bonds in a heartfelt retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic. hedgerowtheatre.org
NOVEMBER 27TH
NETHER PROVIDENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 410 MOORE RD., WALLINGFORD, PA 19086
Kick off Thanksgiving at the 9th Annual Delco Turkey Trot™. Participants can choose between a spirited 5K road race, perfect for runners, walkers, and families, or the 1 Mile Little Drumstick Run, designed especially for younger participants. Strollers are welcome, but please leave your pets at home. Races start at 8:30 AM. Proceeds support the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization. tinyurl.com/DELC0-TURKEY-TROT
NOVEMBER 28TH - JANUARY 4TH
Media Theatre
MEDIA THEATRE, 104 E. STATE ST., MEDIA, PA 19063
“The Little Orphan Who Could” brings Annie’s inspiring story to life! Rescued from cruel Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, Annie finds hope and warmth at billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ mansion. As she captures hearts, a quest begins to reunite her with her parents. But Miss Hannigan, Rooster, and Lily hatch schemes of their own in this heartfelt, music-filled adventure for all ages. mediatheatre.org
NOVEMBER 30TH
MEDIA BUSINESS DISTRICT, STATE ST., MEDIA, PA 19063
Festivities kick off at 2:30 pm with a FREE Block Party - guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for the Media Food Bank or an unwrapped gift benefitting Toys for Tots. The Holiday Costume Contest is at 4:00pm, followed by the Fun Run/Walk at 4:15pm. The Santa Parade, featuring musical acts, Mummers, decorated floats, and lots of surprises, begins at 5:00 pm! santaparade.media

Riddle Village offers a comprehensive Lifecare contract, so our residents can embrace retirement living with confidence. With predictable costs for future long-term care, our community provides a plan for your future, allowing you to focus on living life to the fullest every day.
Enjoy luxury amenities and services, such as, weekly housekeeping, indoor garage parking, flexible dining plan with access to four unique restaurants and full-service bar, nine-hole putting green, 24/7 fitness center, indoor swimming pool and so much more.




