This publication is an effort to keep the community informed with what is actually happening in your area. For future editions, I welcome your thoughts on topics that affect the community. I'd be happy to publish your opinions on any relevant topics.
Do you have an event that you'd like to publicize? Let me know, and I'll do my best to incorporate your event into the newsletter.
This is your community. This is your home. Use this publication to share your thoughts and ideas with your neighbors. Are you ready to get involved in your community?
Wayne, PA 19087 Phone: 610-687-7698 www.waynebusiness.com
Wayne Senior Center
108 Station Road
Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 610-688-6246
www.wayneseniorcenter.com
610-265-6277 FranklinMaps@aol.com
RADNOR EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
The Radnor Educational Foundation celebrated an exciting 2024-2025 school year, working with 3,600 Radnor Township School District students, plus teachers and administrators. With more than $85,000 in grants funding for programs that included all five Radnor public schools, our students benefit from innovation in the classroom all year long! In the community, REF participated in Wheels of Wayne, Radnor summer concerts, the Radnor Fall Festival, and more! Donations of any size are always welcome via check, online donation, or Venmo. For more details about REF, to sign up for our newsletter, to volunteer, or to donate, visit: www.radnoreducationalfoundation.org
To learn more about the Radnor Educational Foundation,
A new heat press for ballcaps brings a smile to our Tech Ed students!
Radnor students enjoy petting rescue puppies during special “Wellness Wednesdays” aimed at better mental health.
Now Open! Metropolitan Veterinary Urgent Care and Specialty (MVUCS)
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates (MVA) is thrilled to announce the opening of our first Urgent Care and Specialty center. MVUCS is designed to better serve our pet owning community by focusing on urgent care cases, conditions that require prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening. While the main MVA location continues to serve as the destination for critical emergency care cases, this expansion ensures that pets receive the care they need when they need it, without long waits or unnecessary stress.
Providing the same trusted, compassionate care you've come to expect from MVA, our highly skilled veterinary team at MVUCS are the same emergency doctors you would see if your pet needed emergency care at MVA. With our streamlined approach, we'll minimize time apart from your pet, addressing urgent issues quickly and effectively
Our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility isn't just about urgent care it's also home to advanced veterinary specialty services. MVUCS brings MVA's board-certified specialists closer to you, with experts in Cardiology, Radiology, and specialty Surgery, to provide the highest level of care (Please call for availability). Whether it's urgent care or specialty consultations, we're here to support your pet's health every step of the way
We can't wait to welcome you and your pets to Metropolitan Urgent Care and Specialty Services, where
we're expanding access to the exceptional care your pets deserve. Our urgent care services will be available from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am 7 days a week, 365 days of the year
Choosing the Right Care:
Urgent Care vs Emergency Cases
When a pet needs medical attention, it's important to quickly determine whether the situation can be handled through Urgent Care or if it requires immediate escalation to the MVA Emergency Team. Urgent Care cases are typically non-lifethreatening conditions that still need prompt attention, while MVA Emergency cases involve more serious, life-threatening situations that demand rapid intervention and hospitalization.
The lists below outline common conditions seen in each category to help guide decisions and ensure pets receive the appropriate level of care.
Urgent Care (MVUCS)
Anal gland issues
Back pain
Coughing or sneezing
Ear infection
Facial swelling
Fever
Frequent or urgent urination (+/blood in the urine)
Intestinal parasites
Itching, skin rashes
Lameness or limping
Loss of appetite
Lumps and bumps
Mild constipation
Minor bite wounds, lacerations
Ocular discharge or squinting
Post-operative incision issues
Single seizure event
Skin abscesses
Torn or bleeding nail
Upper respiratory tract infection
Vomiting or diarrhea
Vaccine or allergic reactions with facial swelling or hives
Emergency/Critical Care (MVA)
Anemia
Difficulty or labored breathing
Heat stroke
Kidney failure
Euthanasia
Multiple seizures (clusters)
Pneumonia
Severe bite wounds or lacerations
Severe lethargy
Sudden collapse
Most Toxins
Unproductively straining to urinate
Vehicular trauma (hit by car)
MVUCS is located at 997 Old Eagle School Road in Wayne, PA.
For more information please visit: www.metro-vet.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Leading the Way in Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about one in five cancer deaths. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. But there are new options in lung cancer surgery being pioneered by Main Line Health specialists.
At the forefront of these innovations is Patrick Ross, MD, PhD, a nationally recognized thoracic surgeon specializing in robot-assisted treatment of chest cancers. Dr. Ross is one of a select group of experts chosen to evaluate the latest breakthrough in minimally invasive surgery: single-port robotic thoracic surgery
Minimally Invasive Robotic Techniques for Thoracic Surgery
“As someone who's done thoracic surgery for more than 30 years, I'm in awe of how far we've come,” says Dr. Ross. “We once had to create large incisions and spread the ribs to get to a tumor. Robotic surgery established the value of minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Now, we can use a robotic bronchoscope to detect and evaluate tumors, then reach the tumor through a 3centimeter incision that enters the chest below rather than between the ribs, and safely remove part of the lung — with the patient going home the next day. That's like Star Wars for thoracic surgeons.”
Dr. Ross and his team began performing single-port robotic thoracic surgery in November 2024. Since then, they have successfully removed lung tumors in both diagnosed patients and those with previously undetected cancer, with minimal complications. Most patients are discharged the very next day.
“Even our delightful 82-year-old was discharged the morning after her operation,” Dr. Ross says. “It truly has had a significant impact.”
Reducing Pain and Risks in Lung Cancer Treatment
Patients undergoing single-port robotic thoracic surgery have only one 3-cm to 4cm incision below the ribs, resulting in less postoperative pain, lower risk of nerve injury and quicker return to normal life or additional cancer treatment, Dr. Ross explains.
“When we combine single-port robotic thoracic surgery with robotic bronchoscopy, we can find and remove the tumor in a single operation, with only one anesthesia,” Dr. Ross adds. “Robotic bronchoscopy was a game-changer because it enabled us to locate and diagnose even the tiniest and most difficult-to-reach tumors. Now we can remove them with less risk and trauma to the patient. This technology is changing the outlook on lung cancer in a dramatic way.”
The importance of Lung Cancer Screening Low-dose CT lung cancer screenings are finding tumors earlier, when they are more treatable. If you are a current or former smoker, you may be eligible for this screening. A physician's prescription is required, so talk with your doctor if you are interested in getting screened. Once you have a prescription in hand, you can schedule a screening. At Main Line Health, we offer numerous lung cancer screening locations throughout the region.
Lung cancer screening is often covered by insurance. Check with your insurance company to see if lung cancer screening is covered by your plan.
Most lung cancers are caused by smoking, but not all. Your risk also increases if you have had long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos and other cancer-causing substances. Lung cancer also runs in families so you may be more susceptible if you have a mother, father, sibling or close relative who has or had the disease.
While there are known risk factors for lung cancer, there are people who get the disease who never smoked or had extended exposure to smoke in their lives. It's important to see your primary care clinician regularly and be mindful of symptoms including chest pain, difficulty breathing, hoarseness and coughing up blood.
Changing the Future of Lung Cancer Care Advancements like single-port robotic surgery and robotic bronchoscopy enable Main Line Health to provide safer surgeries, faster recoveries and better outcomes, even when it comes to lung cancer.
For more information on lung cancer care at Main Line Health, visit mainlinehealth.org/lungcancertreatments
Patrick Ross Jr., MD, Thoracic Surgeon and Chair of Surgery at Main Line Health.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Win an Eco-Friendly Yard Award!
Sven Dethlefs and Bess Yates from the Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) discuss the EAC's Eco-Friendly Yard Award (EFYA) Program:
Bess: Hey Sven,I heard you won an EFYA! Congratulations!! What is an Eco-Friendly Yard Award?
Sven: If you meet the EAC's six criteria, using eco-friendly planting and maintenance methods, the EAC will designate your yard with an “Eco-Friendly Yard Award.” See the handy checklist in Figure 1.
Bess: Got it! How much work was involved? Why is this important?
Sven: It's actually not that hard to do. You, your wallet, and Radnor Township will reap both economic and environmental benefits. Eco-friendly yards take less energy and water to maintain. They alsoprovide important habitat and food for birds and pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bees, and amphibians.
Bess: How did you let the EAC know about your eco-friendly yard?
Sven: It was easy. I contacted the EAC at this email address eac@radnor.org, and made an appointment for them to come visit my yard. We talked about what I have done to make my landscape more environmentally friendly. Once approved, they gave me this beautiful Eco-Friendly Yard Award banner!
Bess: How many Radnor residents have won this award so far?
Sven: 25! Check out the map I made with all the eco-friendly yards in Radnor Township (see Figure 2). And the EAC hopes to place even more stars on the map!
Please contact the EAC at eac@radnor.org if you think your yard qualifies to for a “EcoFriendly Yard Award” or if you have any questions about the program and making your yard more ecologically friendly. Or visit this website for more information: https://www.radnor.com/government/ boards-and-commissions/environmentaladvisory-council/eco-friendly-yard-program
Bess: Thank you, Sven!
RADNOR SHADE TREE COMMISSION
This past month, Wayne's Willows Park saw more than spring's telltale signs. It saw new additions of life into its already established forest.
The project was led by Naphtali Slaim, a Radnor Troop 284 Life Scout and high school student, seeking his Eagle Scout Rank. Naphtali's Eagle project sought to enhance the tree canopy of the park by planting 30 large container trees that stand approximately 12 feet tall and weigh approximately 80 pounds.
The idea took shape in January, inspired by Naphtali's interest in climate and environmental work. Wanting to make a real world impact, he saw tree planting as a practical and meaningful way to give back to his community and contribute to sustainability.
He began by reaching out to Tammy Cohen, Radnor Township's Director of Parks and Recreation. She then introduced him to Frank Perras and James Gibbons of the Radnor Shade Tree Commission. The three collaborated for the next two months to organize the project, from choosing where to plant to navigating township policies. Among the biggest challenges was finances. Container trees do not come cheap, so Naphtali approached tree companies in the area for help. Shreiner Tree Care and Pleasant Run Nursery both generously stepped in to cover much of the cost. To
cover the remainder, he organized a GoFundMe campaign that received strong community support.
When planting time arrived, the hours of planning were followed by hands-on activity. With the help of more than 30 volunteers from scouts and the community, the scouts crew watered and planted the trees over several weekends. Naphtali also installed signs throughout the planting area to inform visitors of the project and why preserving urban forests is important.
Though Willows Park already has a substantial forest, this project added to its
canopy and strengthened the ecosystem for years to come. It also aligns with the Radnor Shade Tree Commission's long-term vision to reforest portions of the township — an ambitious effort to promote environmental resilience and beauty across Radnor.
Naphtali's project is one small but meaningful initiative nested within that broader goal.
With his dedication and the labor of many hands, Willows Park has 30 new tall trees — a lasting addition to a landscape already full of life.
SOLARIZE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Ready to Stop Climate Change?
Battle climate change and get pay back in both cash and the satisfaction of knowing that you and thousands of your neighbors, businesses and Towns throughout the Delaware Valley are getting the job done! Some steps require no investment and some do. ALL can save you money. Web sites like https://haverfordclimateaction.org provide a one-stop shop for information on things you can do, upcoming webinars, videos and more. The biggest savings in energy is to use less; please consider an energy assessment if you have not had one done. Peco offers this for $49. For a limited time, PECO is offering Solarize Delco participants a special $10 discount for any home energy assessment. Please use the special promo code SOLARDEL25 on the website or call 888.573.2672 to schedule your appointment. Expires Dec 31, 2025
Solar the Easy Way
Solar PV Tax Credits NOW:
Home solar tax credits are 30% for 2025 but who knows what the future will bring. Nonprofits can now also get a direct 30% federal rebate for installed solar systems. PECO offers solar rebates: $500 for residential and first year production based for commercial. Grants and low cost leases are available for income eligible households. We are now evaluating for 2025.
Solarize DelCo Group Pricing:
Residents, non-profits and businesses in Delaware County Email us at solarizedelco@gmail.com with name, address and phone number and we can help you assess whether the Solarize Delco program with vetted vendors and a significant discount over market rates is right for you.
Low Income Grants and Leasing
Options: Income qualified homeowners can apply for a grant (up to $5,000) while funds last or take advantage of our partnership with a vetted leasing firm that can reduce monthly bills by a combination of Solar PV and weatherization. Solarize Delco can help you decide what is best for you.
Who are we? Your neighbors, an all volunteer non-profit providing education, unbiased information and an easier path to putting solar on your home, business or house of worship. We can help Houses of Worship and other non-profits find sources of funding as well. More info at www.solarizedelco.org. Search Solarize Philly and Solarize SE PA for programs outside of DelCo.
Ready to Solarize Now?
In Delaware County, PA — fill out a form on www.solarizedelco.org or Email us at solarizedelco@gmail.com with your name,
address and phone number and we can help you assess whether the Solarize Delco program with a selected vendor and a significant discount over market rates is right for you. In Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery County - Email solarizesepa@gmail.com
Are Tax Credits Gone? No!
Solar, EV, Heat Pump and Home energy efficiency tax credits are baked in to this year's tax code- but future changes are in the hands of Congress. Success in fighting climate change has always required consumers to buy lower carbon options and that will not change. The costs of power and regular cars are headed higher than ever. Solar and Electric Vehicle costs are lower than ever and will save you thousands of dollars over the life of their use. There is no time like the present to take action and claim your tax credits!
Climate Webinar Series Videos Watch these informative recorded Climate Action Workshops on Solar Home, adapting to Electric Vehicle use, Purchasing Renewable Energy, and others at https://www.youtube.com/@haverfordeac.
The Clean Energy Co-Op can help businesses and nonprofits go solar through education and solar development with the capital of local Co-op members. Contact info@cleanenergy.coop to learn more.
VOTING INFORMATION
The Rule of Law — You'll be the Judge!
This fall, you'll be voting for judges — from the bottom up. It is important to understand their roles and responsibilities. These include interpreting and applying laws to settle disputes and ensuring fair and impartial outcomes. They oversee court proceedings, assess the evidence presented, and ultimately decide cases — with or without a jury.
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania is best shown by this pyramid as illustrated by Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts. During this odd-numbered year, judges at all levels will be on November's municipal ballot.
At the base are the Minor Courts staffed in Delaware County by district magistrates. These individuals serve six-year terms and are not required to be lawyers. They settle disputes involving small amounts of money or property. Magistrates may also
conduct weddings, issue warrants, and decide bail and whether serious criminal cases go to the Court of Common Pleas or preliminary hearings.
The Courts of Common Pleas includes 439 judges who oversee trial courts within sixty judicial districts. Here cases appealed from the minor courts are heard, and decisions are made by juries or judges.
The nine-member Commonwealth Court and the fifteen-member Superior Court form the statewide Intermediate Appellate Courts. These courts generally convene as a panel of three judges. The Superior Court handles appeals in criminal, family, and civil cases from the Courts of Common Pleas. The Commonwealth Court deals with original civil actions brought by and against the Commonwealth and appeals from state agency decisions.
The seven-member Supreme Court is the final word on all matters appealed from lower courts' decisions and can intervene on requests in lower courts' proceedings at their discretion. However, some cases, such as those involving the death penalty or interpreting the Pennsylvania Constitution, require mandatory review. The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on interpreting Pennsylvania laws. It further supervises and oversees the operations of the court system and
the regulation of the practice of law in the Commonwealth. Redistricting rulings at this level have changed the shape of Pennsylvania politics.
Pennsylvania, like a handful of other states, has partisan judicial elections. In spite of the efforts of the League of Women Voters, judicial candidates are affiliated with major parties, hold campaigns, and even have committees that raise money. Such a process can lead to conflicts of interest. For all judges above the minor courts, their initial ten- year terms are followed by nonpartisan retention (Yes/No) elections. This process can help diminish concerns of partiality over time. Judges in Pennsylvania must retire at age 75.
The Leagues in Delaware County have recently completed a study of the federal judicial system. A consensus was reached to set a mandatory retirement age, reduce conflicts of interest, promote ethical behavior, and improve transparency at the Supreme Court level. Based on League studies throughout the nation, a position will be developed from which members can advocate for change.
To find out more about judges running for election in November 2025, go to the Pennsylvania Bar Association (pabar.org). To learn more about the League of Women Voters, go to PALWV.org.
WILLOWS PARK PRESERVE
Open Door Policy at The Willows Mansion
Ring a doorbell? — Not necessary.
Knock on the door? — Not necessary.
Schedule an appointment to stop by? — Not necessary.
The Willows Mansion has an “open door policy,” and by that we mean that the door is open. Literally. Just turn the handle, pull, and you are in. No advance reservation needed. No entrance fee. Just come on in with your cup of coffee, a muffin and a good book, plant yourself on the sofa in the wood-paneled library or on a bench on the flagstone terrace overlooking the pond, and relax. Make yourself at home. You ARE at home.
The Willows Mansion, located at the top of the hill in The Willows Park on Darby-Paoli Road, Villanova, has been owned by Radnor Township since 1973. For almost four decades the Township operated the mansion as a venue for revenue-generating private events such as weddings, graduation parties and a much-loved holiday craft show. Many, perhaps even most, long-time Radnor residents have fond memories of attending one or more of these events at the Mansion. Sadly, in 2013, the Township closed down the Mansion due to the high cost of maintaining the large, aging building. The Mansion stood empty and idle for several years until 2019, when the Township entered into a 25-year lease with the WPP, a newly-formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to restore the Mansion, use the premises for community-based programs and fundraising events and support the preservation of the premises as a historic, community resource.
Since that time, the WPP has made remarkable progress in its efforts to restore the Mansion, starting with replacement of the Mansion's roof and restoration of its original dormers. More recently, the WPP has upgraded two restrooms and added a third, renovated the kitchen to meet commercial standards, repainted the Mansion's exterior, restored the Mansion's fountain wall, installed a new HVAC system, water line and fire suppression system and
expanded the flagstone terrace, among other things. As for community programs and events, the WPP has hosted several Holiday Open Houses, Valentine's Day “Love and Chocolate” events, “Wellness at the Willows” events and summer Concerts in the Courtyard, in addition to numerous classes and lectures on a range of topics. Of course, none of these improvements and programs would have been possible without the support of generous donors and sponsors, dedicated volunteers, a state grant and Radnor Township.
The WPP is justly proud of its restoration and community programming accomplishments over the past few years, but there is one accomplishment the WPP is especially proud of: It opened the door.
Before Radnor Township acquired the Mansion, the prior owners, Alfred and Mary Zantzinger, often entertained guests at their home. A cheerful, pink and white, carved Mexican gate bore a sign that said “Paseustedpor favor. Esta es su casa.” (Please come in. This is your house.) The WPP has tried to recapture that welcoming spirit. During weekdays, unless a special event or program has been scheduled (e.g., a local business's office retreat, a civic organization's meeting or a garden club luncheon), the door to the Mansion is open. Any member of the community may enter and enjoy the beautiful interior and exterior terraces of this historic building that dates to 1910 and was built by the prominent Philadelphia architect Charles Barton. Charming wooden signs at the base of the Mansion's driveway and on the Mansion's door indicate whether the Mansion is open for drop-by visitors. Most days and most times it is. And most visitors will likely find themselves warmly welcomed by the WPP's Executive Director, Will Nord, who has the good fortune of working from an office on the Mansion's second floor, overlooking the Mansion's courtyard and its intriguing fountain wall. Ask him about the history of the Mansion and its fascinating architectural features and he will have the answer
Although the Mansion was used or visited by many Radnor residents over the four decades during which it was operated by the Township, the Mansion was never open for casual, unscheduled drop-in visits. Except during scheduled events, the doors were closed. This practice was no different from the practices at other publicly-owned venues in the area, such as Appleford (owned by Lower Merion Township), Hilltop House (owned by Newtown Township) and Waynesborough (owned by Easttown Township). Even today, these other historic mansions are open only during scheduled events for invited guests. In this regard, the Willows Mansion is unique.
The WPP encourages all members of our community to stop by and enjoy the Mansion, the crown jewel of the Willows Park. Sign up for a community program, book the Mansion for a private event, large or small, or just stop by to enjoy this
If you would like to host your next event at the WPP, register for a program, learn about volunteer opportunities, provide financial support, or simply want to learn more about the WPP, please visit our website: www.willowsparkpreserve.org or email us at: info@willowsparkpreserve.org
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Todd Scott and the Anthony Wayne Theater
For much too long, the imposing building at 109 Lancaster in Wayne has looked sad, barely a vestige of its former stature as the magical epicenter for movie lovers who luxuriated in plush velvet seats and, for a short time, were transported to the places and events projected on the giant screen. For generations, the Anthony Wayne Theater was the best of the Main Line. In the evening, its brightly lit marquee and two spires illuminated the art deco facade of the historic building.
Over the years, the big screen was overtaken by the small screen TV, and then by the technology that produced multiple entertainment options at the touch of the finger. The Anthony Wayne was a grudging holdout, and although it was showing its age, managed to keep its doors open until 2020 when it became a casualty of the COVID epidemic.
Since then, the community has waited for news about the building and its use. Rumors abounded, each far short of the high hopes the community had for the Anthony Wayne. The building was in disrepair, making it financially untenable for prospective operators to revive it. The future of the nearly 100-year-old structure was looking grim.
Until Todd Scott, (President of the Anthony Wayne Theater organization) saw an opportunity where others saw only daunting challenges. With a group of other enthusiasts, Todd has drawn up a master plan to breathe new life back into the Anthony Wayne Theater as a multipurpose community hub featuring first-run movies, live performances and other must-have attractions to entice patrons of all ages to the center of Wayne.
Scott joined independent producer Rick Anthony recently for an episode of 30 Minutes on Main Line Network (channel 21 in Radnor Township and in Lower Merion it's on Verizon 34 and Comcast 99). Scott hails from Pottstown and attended both the high school and college at the Valley Forge Military Academy. He currently lives in Wayne, less than a mile from the theater, as do many other members of the organization's board.
“Wayne means a lot more to me than just any other town,” Scott said. “It's an amazing home for me and my family and I think a lot of people get a lot of joy out of being downtown. I think there were so many people who had the idea for this theater… I would often drive by and ask myself 'how can that not be something?' It's just amazing to me that no one did it before I did - I just got lucky… really, really lucky that the owner was willing to work with us and the team I work with.”
Scott is the founder of Platoon Fitness. One day, he found himself driving down the street and thinking it was time to get into
shape. In the past, he'd been able to stay fit during his time at Valley Forge Military Academy and boot camp in Fort Knox, Kentucky. “That's the difference,” Scott said. “You need something that makes you show up and makes you perform to a certain level…you have to do the work, that's all (those military academies) care about.”
And so Scott developed an outdoor boot camp program, but quickly found that people didn't want to necessarily get up at 5 or 6 in the morning to train. In 1996, Scott began training people in a 300 square foot facility. “It was so small, it was in a little dry cleaner,” Scott said. “That blew up very quickly, so we had to get more space. Today, we're at a 10,000 square foot building and all we do is personal training.”
Speaking of doing the work, Scott also found himself driving down the street past the Anthony Wayne Theater and wondering if there was some way to help, even if just through a donation. “To me (the Anthony Wayne Theater organization) had to be a nonprofit,” Scott said. “In order for it to be 100% focused on the community instead of solely making money, I thought it was very important that this organization would be a 501(c)(3). That way, all the profits for it would be put back into it and benefit the entire community instead of just a person or corporation.”
Along with Scott, the nonprofit board's executive committee includes local businessmen Rory McNeil and Wade McDevitt. “I didn't have to convince anyone (to join the board) and Rory is a great example,” Scott said. “Without him, this wouldn't happen. He's a legend in philanthropy and has also done a lot with commercial development. Rory really started everything out… Wade does a ton of commercial realty work and worked with companies all over the country. Wade knows more about developing commercial real estate and doing this type of process in his fingernail than I've known in my entire life history and he's been instrumental as well.”
After forming the nucleus of the committee, the three started asking people locally, filling the board with industry professionals from related fields of expertise. Now the group includes Sydney Grims (Fearless Restaurants group), Nancy Campbell
(Wayne Art Center), Rebecca Cain (Main Line School Night), Jay Weber (investment firm executive), Lauren Addis (Wayne Fine Art & Custom Framing), Rich Mattis (Gryphon Café), and Ishana Night Shyamalan (filmmaker).
“This is going to take some of the biggest philanthropists in this area to get this done,” Scott said. “We've taken publicly available information for 501(c)(3) theaters in the world and used artificial intelligence to create a potential P&L for this theater…and that gives us an idea of a real time financial projection of what we can do.”
How will Scott define success with the revitalization of the Anthony Wayne Theater? “There's only one measure,” he said. “Are people using it? Not just five weeks from now, but are people using it twenty five years from now? Or is it sitting empty again?”
According to Scott, the plan for this iteration of the Anthony Wayne will still include firstrun, blockbuster movies. He's thought back to the history of the Theater first opening in 1928 with the feature film “Old San Francisco,” stars attending, and everyone in their best attire walking into one packed theater with 1,600 seats. “When you went to the movies, it was an event. It was a centerpiece for this area,” Scott said.
“As it sits today, there are five theaters in there. But in the future, my illusion will be that there won't be five. I don't think we need that number. I think we need event space in there of some type that would be an attribute to the community. Maybe a big screen theater and maybe a place where people can get refreshments (with a larger offering) than normal movie theater fare.”
In addition to first-run movies, Scott envisions also showcasing arthouse films, providing a place for live entertainment (music, etc.), maybe e-gaming, and an event space. “(So I envision the theater) will have multiple streams to affect the community, drive income, and perpetuate this for many, many lifetimes. I think the theater will mean a lot to the community because it's going to be broadly based... we're all responsible for what this becomes.”
To learn more about the organization or stay updated with the latest related news, visit anthonywaynetheater.org
Special thanks to Todd Scott, Rick Anthony, and Main Line Network for contributing to this article.
