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Author: Lisa Dukart

  • Carlino’s has your back following Di Bruno’s closure | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Carlino’s has your back following Di Bruno’s closure | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Missing Di Bruno’s? Don’t worry — we’ve still got Carlino’s Market. Also this week, a popular gluten-free bakery has opened in Bryn Mawr, a Narberth artist used the recent snow to craft Swedish-inspired sculptures, plus a new hotel with a tavern and rooftop terrace is opening this spring.

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    Carlino’s Market remains a Main Line go-to for Italian goods

    Alejandro Perez is the executive chef at Carlino’s Market.

    While Di Bruno’s recent downsizing left a hole in the Ardmore Farmers Market — and in some shoppers’ hearts — a longtime staple continues to serve Main Liners in search of Italian goods.

    Founded in 1983 in Ardmore by husband and wife Nicola and Angela Carlino, who immigrated from Italy, Carlino’s Market has grown over the years and expanded into wholesale.

    In the past two decades, the family-operated market, now led by their son Pat Carlino, has added a location in West Chester but continues to serve its core customers, some of whom Pat grew up with.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner checked in with the family on its measured growth plans.

    Gluten-free bakery Flakely opens in Bryn Mawr

    Lila Colello is the owner of gluten-free bakery Flakely.

    Main Liners can get fresh gluten-free pastries closer to home now that Flakely has opened in Bryn Mawr.

    The popular bakery held a soft opening for its new storefront this past weekend at the former Grand Middle East hookah lounge. The new space means more offerings than were possible at its previous home in Manayunk, including fresh gluten-free croissants.

    “It’s a totally different experience,” said owner Lila Colello, an Ardmore native and Shipley School alum.

    Read more about what you can find at the new bakery.

    💡 Community News

    • The Montgomery County District Attorney and the Police Chiefs Association of Montgomery County recently released a joint statement underscoring that they don’t enforce immigration action. Earlier this month, the LMPD released its own statement, reiterating that it doesn’t enforce or participate in immigration enforcement. The joint statement comes after recent ICE action in the area, including an arrest in Norristown that some local officials condemned.
    • Montgomery County commissioners covered a wide range of topics during their annual State of the County address last week, from potential federal funding cuts to immigration concerns. While the top officials remain divided by party lines, they did underscore some bipartisan achievements, like the 2026 budget, as well as upcoming goals like opening more shelters for those experiencing homelessness. The Inquirer’s Fallon Roth recaps the key takeaways.
    • The Ardmore Avenue Pool won’t be reopening in time for Memorial Day weekend this year. The township’s parks and recreation department said at a meeting that it expects the pool, which was closed last summer for construction of the Ardmore Avenue Community Center, to not open until late June or early July. The good news: Membership fees won’t be going up for the township’s pools this year, despite a proposal from the finance committee to increase rates at Belmont Hills by 4.25% for residents and 6.5% for non-residents. Commissioners decided against the increase for 2026, albeit not unanimously.
    • Narberth artist Emily Stewart used the lingering effects of last month’s snowstorm to craft icy sculptures in her yard, where three Swedish lanterns glowed. More than looking cool, these pieces of public art provide a “little communal social interaction” among neighbors.
    • A new hotel is coming to the Main Line. Brandywine Realty Trust plans to open a 121-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel at 165 King of Prussia Rd. that will be called The Brandywine. The $60 million Radnor hotel is expected to open in time for college graduations this spring and will have a ground floor tavern and a rooftop terrace.
    • A Lower Merion High School alum has thrown his hat into the ring to represent the 148th district after State Rep. Mary Jo Daley announced she will not seek reelection. Leo Solga, who graduated LMHS in 2022 and the University of Pennsylvania in December, is a criminal justice researcher at Penn’s Carey School of Law, and served on LMHS student council and Model UN. He will face Jason Landau Goodman, Andrea Deutsch, and Megan Griffin-Shelley in the May Democratic primary. (The Merionite)
    • Tuesday is the last day to submit responses to the township’s Montgomery Avenue safety study survey, which you can find here.
    • A note about last week’s newsletter: We’ve updated the photo accompanying details on the Montgomery Avenue safety study to better reflect the story.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Black Rock’s home-school association is hosting an ice cream social tonight and tomorrow Penn Wynne has a fourth grade social. Tomorrow is also “Panther Pride” day at Penn Valley and Tuesday is STEM Night at Black Rock. Next Thursday, the Lower Merion High School Black Student Union is hosting its fourth annual “Shades of Black” showcase, featuring dancing, singing, and spoken word performances. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • The 2026 Prom Boutique kicks off tomorrow at Lower Merion High School, where students attending prom can browse free dresses and accessories. It’ll be open tomorrow from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and again on Monday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. See all the upcoming dates here.
    • The deadline to submit applications for the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund has been extended one week to Feb. 27. To be eligible, recipients must graduate from a Lower Merion School District high school, have attended one of the district’s high schools for at least two years, have been a student in the district for at least four years, and be a full-time student at an accredited post-secondary education institution.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Middle Eastern restaurant Malooga opened its Narberth outpost this week at 203 Haverford Ave. This is the second location for the Old City Philadelphia restaurant that specializes in traditional Yemeni dishes like lamb fahsah, made with potatoes, okra, and herb fenugreek; and saltah, a potato and okra dish.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🧊 Bryn Mawr on Ice: Ice sculptures will dot Lancaster Avenue between Roberts Road and Bryn Mawr Avenue. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 20, 4-7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Downtown Bryn Mawr

    🔍 Best-Laid Plans: A Murder Mystery: Try your hand at sleuthing in this immersive whodunit at Stoneleigh’s main house. There will also be light food and drinks available. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21, 4:30-7:30 p.m. 💵 $75-$85 for standard tickets 📍 Stoneleigh

    📽️ Ordinary People: Catch a screening of the 1980 Robert Redford-directed film starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton in 4K. ⏰ Monday, Feb. 23, 7:15 p.m. 💵 $11.75-$16.25 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

    ☪️ Ramadan Crafternoon: Celebrate the holiday with themed crafts at this drop-in event. ⏰ Wednesday, Feb. 25, 3-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Gladwyne Library

    🏡 On the Market

    A four-bedroom Wynnewood home with a screened-in porch

    The home spans more than 3,700 square feet and sits on a half-acre lot.

    Built in 1952, this four-bedroom Wynnewood home blends past and present thanks to its classic stone exterior. The home’s first floor features a living room with a fireplace, a dining room, a home office with an exterior entrance, a family room with vaulted ceilings and built-ins, and an eat-in kitchen with an island and double ovens. The bedrooms are all on the second floor, including the primary suite, which has two closets and a bathroom with marble floors and a steam shower. Other features include a screened-in porch, a flagstone patio, and a finished walk-out basement.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $1.6M | Size: 3,724 SF | Acreage: 0.52

    🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Racism in a restaurant spurred a woman’s life mission | Inquirer Greater Media

    Racism in a restaurant spurred a woman’s life mission | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    The co-founder of Media Fellowship House is being recognized this month by the local branch of the NAACP. Here’s why. Also this week, Sheetz is looking to plant its flag in the heart of Wawa country, a new stir-fry and salads eatery is coming to Granite Run, plus, we’re keeping an eye on another potential snowstorm this weekend.

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    The local NAACP branch is remembering a woman who championed inclusion in Media

    A mural of Marie Whitaker and Dorothy James, co-founders of Media Fellowship House.

    It’s been 82 years since Marie Whitaker co-founded Media Fellowship House and 73 years since the organization opened on South Jackson Street, but its founding principles of inclusion, resilience, and courage live on.

    She and another woman, Dorothy James, launched the organization after Whitaker was denied service at the Tower Restaurant at the corner of State and Olive Streets. James, a white Quaker woman, witnessed the interaction and approached a worker there, who said the waitresses did not serve Black people. Whitaker and James left the restaurant soon after and became fast friends. They later formed the Media Fellowship as a place where residents of all races and religions could gather.

    Its mission has since expanded, but remains rooted in “bringing people together and having people speak across what seems now to be a chasm of our differences,” said Whitaker’s son, Bill, a 60 Minutes correspondent for CBS.

    Read more about Whitaker’s legacy and why the NAACP Media Branch is spotlighting her this Black History Month.

    💡 Community News

    • Cross-state rival convenience chain Sheetz is looking to enter the heart of Wawa country and has submitted a proposal to open a store just five miles from Wawa’s corporate campus. The Altoona-based competitor wants to put its first Delaware County location in the Village at Painters’ Crossing, with plans to build a 6,000-square-foot store at the site of the vacant Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Wells Fargo. Plans call for indoor and outdoor seating, two mobile-order pickup windows, and six gas pumps, but still require approvals.
    • Swarthmore’s planning and zoning committee will discuss Swarthmore College’s Cunningham Fields proposal at tonight’s meeting. The college is looking to redevelop its aging facilities at College Avenue and North Chester Road.
    • After dropping for four consecutive years, underage drinking offenses picked back up in Delaware County in 2024, according to the latest available data, which was released this month. The county had 192 offenses of individuals under 21 purchasing, consuming, possessing, or transporting alcohol in 2024, accounting for about 3% of the statewide total. It’s among the top 10 counties in the state with the highest percentage of offenses. Locally, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties surpassed Delco at 4% each, and Chester County had the region’s highest total, accounting for 8% of cases statewide.
    • Lingering snow from the storm a few weeks ago is melting, but there’s a chance for even more white stuff this weekend. Here’s what we know about a possible snowstorm on Sunday.
    • Five couples who live at Upper Providence Township retirement community Rose Tree Place renewed their vows last week. Each of the couples have been married for at least 50 years and some for over 70 years. 6abc’s Alicia Vitarelli spoke to two of them. See the segment here.
    • Swarthmore College has thrown its support behind Harvard University, which is suing the Trump administration for its efforts to block international students from enrolling at U.S. colleges and universities. Twenty-seven percent of Swarthmore’s latest incoming class consisted of international citizens, people with dual citizenship, or permanent residents. (WHYY)

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • In Rose Tree Media, there’s a districtwide technology presentation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight at Springton Lake Middle School. Tomorrow night is Penncrest High School’s choir cabaret, and Saturday is the high school’s sports fest and jazz night. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is hosting eighth grade orientation tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. It’s also the Strath Haven Middle School student-faculty basketball game. On Monday, there’s a board of education meeting at 7 p.m. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • Yan Weng, an eighth grader at Mother of Providence Regional Catholic School in Wallingford, won first place in the National Society Sons of the American Revolution’s Sergeant Moses Adams Memorial Brochure Contest for her design of the Bill of Rights. The contest was open to middle school students, who designed brochures based on the United States’ foundational documents. (Daily Times)

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • A new fast-casual restaurant is coming to the Promenade at Granite Run later this year. Honeygrow, the Philadelphia-born eatery known for its made-to-order stir-fries and and salads, plans to open at 1127 West Baltimore Pike this summer, a company spokesperson said. Honeygrow is looking to expand its footprint this year as part of a push to become a more national brand.
    • If this week’s great thaw has you hankering for summer, good news: Scooped Ice Cream & Gelato has reopened for the season, and it has more than just sweets on offer. The shop in the heart of Media has added an outpost of Backroom Records, which buys, sells, and trades vinyl records.
    • Taste and Sea is hosting a four-course winter wine tasting dinner next Thursday at 6 p.m. The meal at the Glen Mills restaurant is $99 per person.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🗓️ Lunar New Year Celebration and Lion Dance: Celebrate the Lunar New Year by catching a lion dance that will loop through the borough of Media. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21, 2-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Downtown Media

    🇨🇴 Colombian Festival: Learn more about Colombian culture through dancing, music, food, and crafts. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m. 💵 Suggested donation of $5 per person or $25 per family 📍Park Avenue Community Center, Swarthmore

    🎭 Rapunzel! Rapunzel!: See the classic fairy tale come to life on stage. ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m., and Saturday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 1, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 💵 $13.50-$18.50 📍Players Club of Swarthmore

    🌱 Winter Gardening: Vegetable Seed Starting: Learn how to get a jump-start on your vegetable gardening. Registration is required. ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 22, 1-2:30 p.m. 💵 $21.25-$25 📍Tyler Arboretum, Media

    🗓️ A Celebration of Black History Month: Delaware County Council is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with music, art, and a keynote address. Registration is required. ⏰ Thursday, Feb. 26, noon-2 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Towne House, Media

    🏡 On the Market

    A four-bedroom Media home with a covered porch

    The home spans over 4,700 square feet and sits on more than an acre.

    Built in 2006, this four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom Middletown Township home has had just one owner. It features hardwood across part of the first floor, including the foyer, a living room, and a dining room. It also has a family room with a gas fireplace, a home office, an eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a wet bar area in a hallway. The bedrooms are upstairs, including the primary suite, which has a walk-in closet, a jetted tub, dual vanities, and a separate sitting room. The home also has a partially finished basement and a three-car garage.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $800,000 | Size: 4,756 SF | Acreage: 1.02

    🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • How a 911 dispatcher helped a woman save her husband | Inquirer Chester County

    How a 911 dispatcher helped a woman save her husband | Inquirer Chester County

    Hi, Chester County! 👋

    A 911 dispatcher has been recognized for helping a Willistown woman save her husband’s life when he went into cardiac arrest. Also this week, work to rehab the Downingtown Trestle is set to get underway, a Netflix series with West Chester ties is getting a tax credit for its latest season, plus, Tredyffrin officials are addressing residents’ concerns about a Department of Homeland Security lease.

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    How a 911 dispatcher guided a woman through saving her husband’s life

    Chester County 911 dispatcher Kayla Wettlaufer (left) guided Terri Borzillo (center right) through CPR on the phone when Bob Borzillo (right) went into cardiac arrest in November.

    When Willistown residents Terri and Bob Borzillo returned from a trip to Barcelona last fall, neither had expected that Terri would soon be holding “the balance of his life” in her hands.

    But that’s what happened one November evening when Bob, 65, went into cardiac arrest. With guidance from county dispatcher Kayla Wettlaufer, Terri, also 65, was able to perform compressions on her husband of more than 40 years years while she waited for EMTs to arrive.

    Wettlaufer’s direction helped saved Bob’s life in an often fatal situation, earning her honors from the county this month.

    The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz spoke with the couple about the harrowing evening and why the experience made them proud to be longtime Chesco residents.

    ❤️ Plus, we’ve put together a guide for how to help someone in cardiac arrest.

    The Downingtown Trestle Bridge will be rehabbed, extending the Chester Valley Trail

    The Brandywine Valley Viaduct, better known as the Downingtown Trestle Bridge, will eventually help extend the Chester Valley Trail.

    The more than century-old bridge known as the Downingtown Trestle is set to be rehabilitated, a move that will eventually help extend the Chester Valley Trail. Work on the overall extension project is estimated to take five to seven years, with the design phase starting next year.

    The nearly 19-mile multi-use trail currently runs from Atglen to Exton and the trestle bridge is a “keystone” of the extension project, said Chester County’s director of facilities and parks department.

    Read more about how officials say the bridge and extended trail will benefit the community.

    📍 Countywide News

    • In case you missed it, an unknown number of annual mail ballot applications went out to county residents with the first and last names reversed earlier this month. Officials said the error won’t affect processing of the forms, but it comes at a time when some voters have expressed concerns after tens of thousands of independent and unaffiliated voters were left off November’s poll books.
    • In an address to the Senate floor, Sen. Dave McCormick used the county’s recent poll book blunder as an example of why there should be nationwide rules mandating proof of citizenship and photo identification for voters, like those outlined in the proposed SAVE Act. But the senator painted an incomplete and inaccurate picture of what happened in November and the SAVE Act wouldn’t have solved those problems, The Inquirer’s Katie Bernard reports.

    💡 Community News

    • Michael Phillips, a 44-year-old Coatesville man, was taken into custody last week after allegedly stabbing his 3-month-old son and then throwing him into the snow. The infant was taken to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for surgery and was later listed in critical but stable condition. Phillips faces charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault.
    • Tredyffrin Township officials have responded to community concerns after the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, leased about 10,000 square feet of space at the Westlakes Office Complex. In a statement, they reiterated that local law enforcement agents don’t enforce immigration orders or work with ICE. The space “will not house ICE agents or support their operations. It is strictly for back-office officials, such as lawyers and analysts,” a spokesperson for the property told Wired.
    • Last week, shareholders approved the merger of American Water Works and Essential Utilities, which serves customers in parts of Chester County, including Phoenixville and West Chester. More details about the merger are expected in the coming weeks.
    • There have been recent leadership changes at two area police departments. Brian Barber, who previously spent over 26 years with the Pennsylvania State Police, is the new deputy police chief of Caln Township. In Uwchlan Township, James Fisher has been appointed as the department’s new head following Chief of Police Scott Alexander and Lieutenant Maureen P. Evans’ recent retirements.
    • The Netflix comedy show Tires has been awarded $6 million in tax credits for production of its third season. The Shane Gillis-led show takes place in a fictional West Chester auto shop and is expected to generate $24 million in the local economy.
    • Alisan Road Mercantile, a new general store stocking Pennsylvania-made goods, is now open at 89 N. Main St. in Spring City.
    • A new bookstore opened over the weekend in Kennett Square. Located at 121 W. State St., Forage Books also offers a selection of gifts.
    • Heads up for drivers: There are several construction projects causing delays around the county. In Uwchlan Township, there will be traffic restrictions on Route 113 between Gordon Drive and Lionville Station Road today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for utility work. In East Pikeland Township, Rapps Dam Bridge will be closed today for maintenance. In West Whiteland Township, there’s a temporary new traffic pattern in effect for the next three weeks on Valley Creek Boulevard between Swedesford Road and the entrance of the Church Farm School. The southbound lanes will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for sewer line construction. In Easttown Township, Chester Road between South Fairfield and South Waterloo Roads is expected to be closed to non-local traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday for sewer improvements. And in and around East Marlborough Township, there may be delays on U.S. 1 between Schoolhouse Road and the Kennett Oxford Bypass tomorrow from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday as PennDot installs overhead signage.
    • After multiple power outages in East Marlborough and Pocopson Townships, Peco will be upgrading and installing new equipment as well as trimming trees over the next month. The $1.5 million project includes work along Folly Hill Road, East Doe Run Road, East Street Road, Brooks Road, Huntsman Lane, Schilling Drive, Windovr Way, Gideon Drive, and Valley Road.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Kennett Consolidated School District’s finance committee is considering a 4.17% real estate tax hike in its 2026-27 preliminary budget, which would cost homeowners of the average assessed home an extra $268 annually. The hike would help to fund special education and student services, according to the finance committee. The proposed hike requires a referendum exception and could change between now and June when the board is expected to approve the final budget.
    • A Westtown School teenager is balancing being a kid with a burgeoning collegiate athletic career. As Jordyn Palmer looks ahead to college ball, the 6-foot-2 junior guard who’s averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds this season, “has not even scratched her full potential,” one coach said. Joseph Santoliquito recently profiled Palmer for The Inquirer.
    • Palmer scored 19 points in Westtown’s victory over Friends’ Central on Friday, clinching the team’s sixth Friends Schools League title. Westtown’s boys’ team similarly won its game against Academy of the New Church, giving the Moose its first league title in four years.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • The Original Hot Bagels, a Delaware eatery specializing in bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and omelets, is opening its first Pennsylvania location in Landenberg. It will take over the former home of The Landenberg Store, at 100 Landenberg Rd., which closed in September.
    • West Chester Restaurant Week kicks off on Sunday and runs through March 1. Over two dozen restaurants will offer $40 to $60 specials during the eight-day event. See the full list of participating restaurants and their menus here.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🏠 Cabin Fever: This family-friendly event includes arts and crafts as well as a mobile zoo, where you can get up close to animals. Registration is requested. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21, 1-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Malvern Borough Hall

    🎤 The Best of Carole King and James Taylor: Listen and sing along to hits from these iconic musicians at this benefit for Marvin’s Home, an organization that supports youth after foster care. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. 💵 $15 📍 Steel City Coffeehouse and Brewery

    🎶 Mad Dogs and Englishmen: A 20-piece band will recreate Joe Cocker’s live album and tour, Mad Dogs and Englishmen. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m. 💵 $41.78-$83.18 📍 The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville

    🏡 On the Market

    A sprawling Paoli home with a wet bar and wine storage

    The home sits on a nearly 1-acre lot.

    This spacious five-bedroom Paoli home is a blend of classic details and modern amenities. Its first floor features a two-story foyer flanked by dining and living rooms; an office; an eat-in kitchen with cherry cabinetry, an island, and a butler’s pantry; and a family room with vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace. There are four bedrooms upstairs, including the primary suite, which has a sitting area, two walk-in closets, and a bathroom with a soaking tub. Other features include a finished basement with a wet bar, wine storage, a full bathroom, a fifth bedroom, and another office. Outside, there’s a fenced yard and a brick patio with a firepit. There’s an open house Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $1.55M | Size: 5,800 SF | Acreage: 0.94

    🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • 8 local happy hours to check out | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    8 local happy hours to check out | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋

    Looking for a great happy hour deal? We’ve rounded up eight spots to check out. Also this week, a bomb squad was called in after residents discovered a cannonball in their backyard, the school district is no longer planning to redraw enrollment boundaries for elementary schools, plus Mikado is looking to add a small bar.

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    8 local happy hours to check out

    The Farm and Fisherman Tavern has a happy hour special.

    Looking for a spot to score $3 tacos or $7 martinis? Luckily you don’t have to go very far, thanks to these eight restaurants’ happy hour deals.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner has rounded up eight spots in and around Cherry Hill with happy hour offerings, including the nostalgia-inducing Steak 38, neighborhood bar Kaminski’s, and farm-to-table eatery Farm and Fisherman ($8 P.E.I. Mussels, anyone?).

    See what’s on the menu at these eight happy hours.

    💡 Community News

    • Residents on Woodstock Drive South found an old cannonball buried in their backyard Friday, prompting street closures and evacuations as the Camden County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Unit removed it. It’s unclear where the cannonball came from or how long it had been there.
    • Cherry Hill residential property taxes rose 5.23% from 2024 to 2025, according to new data from the state, outpacing the statewide average hike of 4.7%. The average household paid $9,874 in residential property taxes, which is slightly less than the statewide average of $10,570. The average Cherry Hill residence was valued at $227,125 in 2025, a 0.03% increase from 2024. (NJ.com)
    • Speaking of taxes, today is the extended deadline for residents to pay their tax bills for the first half of 2026.
    • The landmark former Cherry Hill Diner could soon be demolished after construction permits were recently filed for the site, which will make way for a new Tidal Wave Auto Spa. A second Tidal Wave is planned for 2301–2311 Route 70 West. Yet another carwash is in the works at 1507 Kings Highway North, where Speeders Car Wash is taking over the former Route 41 Car Wash. (42 Freeway and A View From Evesham)
    • As iconic diners like the Cherry Hill Diner continue to disappear across New Jersey, legislators are searching for ways to keep these businesses afloat. Last month, a bill was introduced in the state Senate that would establish a registry of historic diners and restaurants and give them a tax credit of up to $25,000.
    • Archaeologists working at Croft Farm have discovered evidence that the historic property was an active part of the Underground Railroad. A dig to assess the property ahead of planned drainage improvements has turned up cuts of meat and crockery possibly used by people who moved through there. Residents can see the work up close this weekend (more on that below). (70 and 73)
    • The township is seeking feedback from residents 55 and older for its senior needs assessment. The survey, which is open through March 31, is part of a grant-funded study about how Cherry Hill can better support older residents, who make up about a third of the township’s population. Find the survey, which is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, here.
    • Registration for the township’s spring programs is now open. Programs include yoga, cardio kickboxing, golf, painting, and dancing.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • In case you missed it, the school district has decided against redrawing its elementary school boundaries to head off expected overcrowding in the coming years and instead is planning additions to Clara Barton Elementary School and Rosa International Middle School, which are anticipated to be the most impacted. The school board still has to approve the additions.
    • East’s boys’ and girls’ swim teams have advanced to the state semifinals after capturing their respective New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association sectional titles for South Jersey last week. The boys’ team defeated Gloucester County Institute of Technology 111-59, a victory that led to its 17th consecutive title. The girls’ team defeated Egg Harbor Township High School 91-79, marking the team’s second consecutive title. The boys’ semifinals take place today, with the girls’ slated for tomorrow. (NJ.com)
    • There’s a board of education meeting on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Mikado will ask the town zoning board this week for permission to turn its roughly 500-square-foot outdoor patio into an enclosed 10-seat bar and waiting area.
    • Indian Villa Restaurant reopened earlier this month in the Woodcrest Shopping Center, and introduced an updated menu featuring classic Indian dishes.
    • Looking for a great cup of soup? Hen Vietnamese Eatery has one of the best in the state, according to a new list from NJ.com.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🪏 Unearthing History: Archaeologists will be excavating part of the Croft Farm property, where 18th and 19th century artifacts, as well as earlier pieces of Native American history, have previously been found. The public can view the dig and ask questions at designated times. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Croft Farm

    🎹 A Time for Love: Vocalist and pianist Jay Daniels will perform some iconic love songs. Registration is required. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21, 2-3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Cherry Hill Public Library

    ❤️ Healthy Heart Big Fitness Event: Part of the JCC’s heart health programming for February, this event will take attendees through pilates and fitness dancing demonstrations, followed by snacks. The event is open to anyone 12 and older. ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 💵 $20 for members, $25 for non-members 📍Katz JCC

    🥐 Black Girl Magic Drag Brunch: VinChelle is hosting this drag brunch, which features performances by Mz Peaches, Cyrus K. Stratton, and Samara LaNegrá. ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 22, 2:30-5 p.m. 💵 $19.03 📍Vera

    ⛸️ LGBTQ+ Skate Night: Head to WinterFest Cottage at Cooper River Park for skating, a DJ, food, drinks, and access to local resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Registration is encouraged. ⏰ Monday, Feb. 23, 6-8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Cooper River Park

    🏡 On the Market

    This home’s primary suite has a jacuzzi with a built-in sound system

    The home spans nearly 4,000 square feet.

    Located in the Springdale Crossing neighborhood, this four-bedroom home has a modern interior, including new flooring. It features a two-tone, two-story foyer, a dining room, an eat-in kitchen with a waterfall island and stainless steel appliances, plus living and family rooms. The family room has vaulted ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. All four bedrooms are upstairs, including the primary suite, which has a jacuzzi tub with a built-in sound system, and a walk-in closet. Other features include a finished basement and a fenced backyard. There are open houses Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $925,000 | Size: 3,954 SF | Acreage: 0.3

    🗞️ What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • How would you improve Montgomery Avenue? | Inquirer Lower Merion

    How would you improve Montgomery Avenue? | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    A study is currently underway to identify potential safety improvements on Montgomery Avenue and officials are looking for feedback. Also this week, Suburban Square is looking to fill the hole left by Di Bruno Bros. at the Ardmore Farmers Market, plus Narberth has barred its police from assisting ICE with immigration enforcement.

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    Lower Merion and Narberth want feedback on how to make Montgomery Avenue safer

    Officials are seeking feedback on potential safety improvements to a seven-mile stretch of Montgomery Avenue in Lower Merion and Narberth.

    Lower Merion Township and the Borough of Narberth are seeking residents’ feedback on how they can make Montgomery Avenue safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

    At a recent community meeting, officials laid out safety issues like out-of-date pedestrian push buttons, sidewalk curb ramps, crosswalk lighting, as well as drivers speeding and weaving along the corridor.

    The push to increase safety along a seven-mile stretch of Montgomery Avenue is part of a broader goal to slash traffic fatalities.

    Here’s what to know about the safety study and how you can weigh in.

    Suburban Square eyes new tenants for Di Bruno’s space

    Suburban Square’s real estate partner is looking to bring in several new tenants to the former Di Bruno Bros. space.

    Suburban Square was left with a hole after Di Bruno Bros. closed its location at the Ardmore Farmers Market last week. The beloved Italian specialty grocer occupied more than half of the stalls at the market, which is now in search of new tenants.

    But don’t expect another big operator to take over. Instead, it will be reconfigured for multiple food purveyors, The Inquirer’s Michael Klein reports, possibly including chefs and restaurant groups in Philadelphia.

    “The idea is to break the space up into smaller units, create more cuisine diversity, and ideally replace the Italian specialty concept,” a real estate broker working with Suburban Square’s owner said.

    Read more about the future of Di Bruno’s Ardmore space.

    💡 Community News

    • Last week, Narberth’s borough council voted unanimously to bar its police from cooperating with ICE, becoming the latest Philadelphia-area municipality to take that stance. The resolution “lets the public clearly know where we stand on the issues,” Mayor Dana Edwards said.
    • In case you missed it, Saks Fifth Avenue is closing its longtime City Avenue location after the luxury retailer’s parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. A closing date hasn’t been announced yet.
    • The Lower Merion Police Department is reminding residents to lock their cars and remove any valuables from them. The push comes after the department reported 22 stolen vehicles, and 53 thefts and attempted thefts of items from motor vehicles in the fourth quarter of last year. At a committee meeting last week, Superintendent of Police Andrew Block said these are largely preventable, noting that LMPD has added patrols to areas where thefts have been taking place.
    • The community is mourning the death of Ann Harnwell Ashmead, a renowned classical archaeology researcher, writer, and museum curator, who died last month at the age of 96. A 1947 graduate of Lower Merion High School, Ashmead went on to earn bachelor’s, master’s, and a doctoral degree from Bryn Mawr College. She worked in the field and wrote extensively about international research documenting ancient ceramics.
    • A home on the 900 block of Delmont Drive was severely damaged in a fire that broke out late Tuesday night. No one was injured and the cause of the fire is under investigation. (6abc)
    • Three local students from Kohelet Yeshiva High School in Merion Station are part of the first cohort of a new Israeli immersion program, Nelech. The students, all from Bala Cynwyd, are spending the semester studying general academics and Torah in Israel, as well as going on field trips. (Philadelphia Jewish Exponent)
    • Mila’s Pup Tienda, a new pet boutique at 18 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore, is hosting a soft opening on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Reminder for families: There’s no school today through Monday, though staff will report today for professional development. The school board will host a meeting Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • Registration is now open for new students enrolling in kindergarten or first grade next school year.
    • There’s just over a week left to submit an application for the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund, which closes Feb. 20. To be eligible, recipients must graduate from a Lower Merion School District high school, have attended one of the district’s high schools for at least two years, been a student in the district for at least four years, and be a full-time student at an accredited post-secondary education institution.
    • Lower Merion High School senior Dylan Steinberg recently received All State Honors from the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association. The four-year varsity athlete scored over 70 goals and contributed to 53 assists during her high school career. She plans to continue playing soccer at Cornell University next year.
    • Friends’ Central School senior Ruba Abdelgalil has been named a 2026 Coca-Cola Scholar. She was selected from a pool of 107,000 applicants. The scholarship is awarded annually to seniors who have demonstrated leadership, service, and a “commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.” Abdelgalil plans to attend The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Two restaurants, Lassan Indian Traditional and Malooga, are set to open locations in Narberth this month. Looking ahead, PopUp Bagels is planning a March debut in Ardmore.

    🎳 Things to Do

    📱 Screenagers: This documentary explores the impacts of social media and screen time on teenagers. There will also be a panel discussion led by Delco Unplugged, part of an organization advocating for delaying smartphones for kids. ⏰ Thursday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m. 💵 $10 📍 Kaiserman JCC

    🎥 Roman Holiday: Catch a screening of the 1953 film starring Audrey Hepburn, for which she won an Academy Award. ⏰ Thursday, Feb. 12, 7:15 p.m. 💵 $17.75 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

    🍫 Yummy Valentine’s Day Treats: Kids ages 5 and up can create several edible Valentine’s Day-themed crafts. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 13, 10-11 a.m. 💵 $21.20 📍 The Candy Lab

    🎶 The Legwarmers: The ‘80s tribute band will briefly transport attendees back in time. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. 💵 $29.50-$67.28 📍 Ardmore Music Hall

    ❤️ Funky Brunch: Valentine’s Edition: Shop, dine, and listen to tunes from six-piece blues band Three Fourteen at this Valentine’s Day-themed event. ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Ardmore Music Hall

    🏡 On the Market

    A contemporary Penn Valley home with a spacious primary suite

    The exterior of the four-bedroom home has a two-tone color scheme.

    This four-bedroom contemporary Penn Valley home features a two-story foyer, a living room, a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, a formal dining room, and an eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and an island. Its primary suite has a walk-in closet, a bathroom with a jetted tub, and a dedicated office that leads to a private balcony. Other features include a finished basement with a half bathroom, as well as a fenced yard. There are open houses next Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon, next Friday from noon to 1 p.m., and next Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $1.395M | Size: 3,972 SF | Acreage: 0.41

    🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Swarthmore library ditches overdue fees | Inquirer Greater Media

    Swarthmore library ditches overdue fees | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Swarthmore Public Library has done away with late fees. Here’s why. Also this week, nonprofit organization Elwyn broke ground on its new $45 million school, a new golf simulator with a restaurant and bar is coming to Springfield, plus a Nether Providence Township woman believed to be missing was safely located.

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    Swarthmore says goodbye to overdue library fees

    Bookworms no longer have to worry about late fees at Swarthmore Public Library.

    Swarthmore Public Library is no longer charging overdue fees. Members of the library’s staff hope the action makes it clear that it truly is a free space, noting that overdue fees were counterproductive to that mission.

    Overdue fines make up about 1% of the library’s budget, and the library’s staff said they hope to close the $5,000 gap through fundraising.

    To ensure loaned items are returned, the library will assess a “lost” fee if something’s not returned within three weeks. Like the overdue fines, it’ll be erased once that item is returned.

    Read more about the library’s decision to eliminate late fees.

    💡 Community News

    • Swarthmore’s planning commission is meeting Wednesday to again review Swarthmore College’s Cunningham Fields proposal, which has been met with some community pushback. The school is looking to redevelop its aging athletic complex, including the facilities off College Avenue and North Chester Road, into new tennis courts, spectator seating, updated grass and turf fields, and a pavilion with restrooms and team meeting areas. If the commission issues an opinion following the meeting, council could then approve or deny the plan. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. (Daily Times)
    • A Nether Providence Township woman thought to be missing for more than two weeks was located on Tuesday afternoon and is safe, police said. Earlier this week, Nether Providence police received a report that 73-year-old Margaret Coyne was missing and hadn’t been seen since Jan. 22, prompting them to ask the public for help finding her. Coyne was staying with a friend nearby due to “cold weather conditions” at her home.
    • Elwyn, the nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, broke ground on its new school on Friday. The $45 million project is expected to be completed by August 2027 and welcome students shortly after. It will have two tracks, one for those expected to continue in a residential program there, and another for those who are more independent. The Middletown Township-headquartered organization is currently undertaking a 10-year, $100 million master plan to its campus.
    • X-Golf, an indoor golf simulator with a bar and restaurant, is planning to open a location at 751 W. Sproul Road in the Springfield Shopping Center, taking over the space currently occupied by Mattress Firm. On Tuesday, Springfield Township’s board of commissioners approved the operators to have a small kitchen in the space, which required conditional use approval. X-Golf will have a small lounge area with TVs, an eight- to 10-seat bar, and eight golf simulators, where it will also have leagues and clinics. The kitchen will serve bar food like chicken fingers, flatbreads, pizzas, and nachos, with a goal of partnering with area restaurants, such as Johnny Paisano’s. There are currently two other X-Golf locations in the region, one in Chester Springs and one at the Village at Painters’ Crossing Shopping Center. X-Golf Springfield hasn’t set an opening date yet.
    • Delaware County has a new interim chief of social services and community programs. The county council last week approved the appointment of Chris Welsh to the role. Welsh previously served as the county’s public defender. Taylor Dunn was appointed to take Welsh’s place as interim public defender.
    • Eddie Bauer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday and is beginning to wind down operations at its 175 remaining stores, which includes a location in The Shoppes at Brinton Lake in Glen Mills. It may not be the end of the road for the outdoor apparel retailer, though, which is seeking a buyer.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Rose Tree Media School District has early dismissals tomorrow for the elementary schools, and no school on Monday. There’s a student blood drive at Penncrest High School today and the three-day run of its musical, The Phantom of the Opera, kicks off tomorrow night. Next Thursday, Springton Lake Middle School is hosting a workshop at 6:30 p.m. on screen dependence and how to create a healthy balance. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • Wallingford-Swarthmore School District has no classes on Monday and Tuesday. The high school is hosting the Chris King Memorial Basketball Marathon tomorrow. See the district’s full calendar here.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • A new restaurant is planning to open at the Springfield Mall. Blue Sunday is taking over the Carrabba’s Italian Grill space, which spans approximately 6,700 square feet. Blue Sunday serves Asian-American cuisine, including rice, noodle, and seafood entrees, as well as Asian fusion dishes like General Tso’s Chicken. The restaurant is also seeking a liquor license. Blue Sunday plans to renovate the space this summer and open in September.
    • In case you missed it, Jackson St. Steaks opened yesterday, taking over the former House location in Media.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🥾 School Day Off Mini-Adventure Camp: Kids in kindergarten through third grade can explore Tyler Arboretum through hiking, games, and crafts at one of two mini camps on Friday and Monday. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 13, and Monday, Feb. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 $83.70-$93 for standard admission, with reduced and sliding scale options available 📍Tyler Arboretum, Media

    ❤️ Valentines For All Family Fun: Families will learn about the so-called mother of the American valentine, create poetry and origami, and enjoy snacks. Registration is required. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 14, 1-2 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Helen Kate Furness Free Library, Wallingford

    🍫 Fair Trade Chocolate Tasting: Sample chocolates you can find at shops around Media, and guess the cocoa content of a few others. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 14, 1-2:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Media-Upper Providence Free Library

    💃 Delco Dance Night: Valentine’s Edition: Adults can dance the night away at this BYOB event. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 14, 7-10 p.m. 💵 $20.50 📍Park Avenue Community Center, Swarthmore

    🏡 On the Market

    A 1930s Swarthmore home with a screened-in porch

    The four-bedroom home was built in 1938 and has a screened-in porch.

    Built in 1938, this updated Swarthmore home exudes historic charm thanks to its stone exterior and columns at its entryway. The four-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom home features a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, a dining room, and an eat-in kitchen. It also has a screened-in porch, a walk-up attic, and a walk-out basement, plus a detached two-car garage, and several systems have been updated in the last year, including the boiler and central air.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $549,888 | Size: 2,163 SF | Acreage: 0.32

    🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Roadside bakeries are gaining popularity | Inquirer Chester County

    Roadside bakeries are gaining popularity | Inquirer Chester County

    Hi, Chester County! 👋

    Microbakeries are popping up around the county. Here’s where you can find some. Also this week, a teahouse and community space is planning to relocate to Exton, a former Malvern business owner has been sentenced to prison for deceptive practices, plus a new jazz cafe is opening in Coatesville.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Roadside bakeries are filling a void across the county

    The Devon Road Made bakery cart is stocked with bread, cookies, and other baked goods.

    A small but growing number of home bakers in Chester County are looking to fill a void in the community — and in people’s stomachs.

    Microbakeries are slowly growing countywide, with 28 licensed as of last year. They’re selling goods like breads, cookies, cinnamon buns, and pancake mixes from stands outside their homes or through online ordering.

    While some of these bakers prioritize premium ingredients, many are also putting in something you won’t find on the label. “I like to put a lot of heart and soul into it,” said one baker. “I feel if you’re going to put good energy into that, people are going to feel that.”

    The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz recently visited some of these microbakeries.

    A teahouse and community space is relocating to Exton

    Koselig Nook is planning to relocate to Exton this month.

    A Coatesville business, whose name is inspired by the Norwegian term for contentment and coziness, is relocating to Exton this month.

    The goal of moving Koselig Nook is to ensure more Chester County residents have access to the teahouse, which also functions as a third space. Visitors can reserve a time in the relaxing atmosphere — which has a no-shoes policy — for select weekday or weekend slots.

    The idea is to give people a calming place to go between work or school that’s not a bar.

    Read more about what inspired Koselig Nook.

    📍 Countywide News

    • Residents expressed anger after Enforcement and Removal Operations agents allegedly made what some described to 6abc as “violent” arrests in Phoenixville last week. Video from the confrontation shows agents dragging a person from a vehicle before being taken into custody. Shortly after the incidents, the Chester County District Attorney and the Chester County Police Chiefs Association released a joint statement saying that no police departments in the county have been deputized to carry out ICE actions, nor do they enforce immigration orders. They also noted that they will investigate any major incident to ensure no local laws were violated, adding that “Chester County law enforcement is dedicated to protecting the public, regardless of their immigration status.”
    • In case you missed it, last week the county publicly presented findings from an investigation into the error that left independent and unaffiliated voters off November’s poll books. After the report, some residents called for greater accountability and noted it fell short of addressing problems that could happen again.
    • A Democratic campaign manager was charged last week in Chester County for allegedly filing fraudulent nomination petitions in the 2024 primary race for auditor general, including the forged signatures of a Chester County judge, Coatesville city council members, and the West Goshen Township supervisor.

    💡 Community News

    • The Winter Olympics are underway, bringing curling back to the global spotlight and a familiar face along with it. Taylor Anderson-Heide, who’s competing for Team USA tomorrow night, trained at the Philadelphia Curling Club in Paoli and graduated from Marple Newtown High School. Planning to catch the action? Here’s a primer to the sport.
    • A Downingtown dog involved in four attacks since 2023, including one that seriously injured a neighbor’s 4-year-old son, was euthanized last week after the case escalated to district court. The owner has several other dogs who’ve been accused of being aggressive, leaving the boy’s parents frustrated that additional action hasn’t been taken.
    • A Coatesville couple has been found guilty of third-degree murder in the death of their 8-year-old son, who died from ingesting fentanyl, morphine, and cocaine. Mousa Hawa, 43, and Holly Back, 42, were arrested in June 2024 after an investigation found drugs and drug paraphernalia near their son’s body.
    • A Massachusetts man was arrested and charged last week after an alleged armed robbery at the Santander Bank in London Grove Township. Nicholas Casaburri, 44, is accused of taking $11,350 before fleeing in a vehicle and eventually crashing on Clay Creek Road, where he was apprehended by state police. Casaburri’s charges include robbery, fleeing and alluding, and aggravated assault.
    • The former owner of Malvern furniture store M. Kaplan Interiors was recently sentenced to six to 23 months in prison and required to pay back over $530,000 in restitution for defrauding dozens of customers. Matthew Kaplan, 37, of Rydal, previously pleaded guilty to deceptive business practices and other charges for allegedly never fulfilling paid furniture orders.
    • Heads up for drivers: PennDot has approved a new four-way stop at the South Valley Road and East and West Circular Avenues intersection in Tredyffrin Township. Work to install the stop signs and road markings is expected to take place this spring.
    • Last week, Kennett Square borough council passed a resolution declaring a phorid fly infestation and hydrogen sulfide emissions emergency, noting they are dangerous to public health and the local economy. The council addressed the phorid fly issue in 2024, resulting in a quarantine order. The borough is now urging state and federal agencies to fund mitigation research and implement additional emergency steps to address the issues that impact mushroom farming.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Reminder for families: Most schools are closed Monday for Presidents’ Day and a few districts — Great Valley, Tredyffrin/Easttown, and Unionville-Chadds Ford — won’t have classes Tuesday in observance of Lunar New Year.
    • Students at Phoenixville Area High School staged a walkout Friday to protest ICE actions. A district spokesperson told NBC10 that with the help of staff and law enforcement, the district “monitored and supervised the walkout” and that students returned to class afterward.
    • Phoenixville Area School District is hosting a kindergarten information night on Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center.
    • Tredyffrin/Easttown School District will form a redistricting steering committee this spring as it gears up to make changes to its elementary school boundaries ahead of Bear Hill Elementary opening next summer. Applications for the committee are expected to open in April.
    • Coatesville Area School District middle school students are set to benefit from a new initiative at West Chester University that will work with seventh and eighth graders through their first year of college. The seven-year program is being supported by a $10.26 million federal grant and is aimed at boosting graduation rates, preparing students for college, and developing “essential” skills. The grant is expected to help more than 1,800 students, including in the Chester and William Penn School Districts.
    • Last week, Kennett Consolidated School District released a draft of its Comprehensive School Counseling Plan for 2026 through 2029, which would replace the guidance counseling model with a new one requiring more data-focused planning and outcome measurement. Changes include renaming guidance counselors as school counselors and hiring one elementary counselor next school year, followed by a second counselor the following year. Families can provide feedback through March 3.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • A new bagel shop is opening in Phoenixville on Saturday. Street Cart Bagels, which took over the former Boston Market at 240 Nutt Rd., specializes in malt-boiled, slow fermented bagels, which are available as singles or by the half-dozen or dozen. It also offers bagel sandwiches, melts, fish salads, and coffee. Street Cart is cashless and accepts credit and debit cards as well as mobile wallet payments.
    • A new jazz spot is officially opening next week. Andrea’s Jazz Cafe, located at 236 E. Lincoln Highway in Coatesville, is hosting its grand opening on Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m.
    • Victory Brewing Company has teamed up with Visit Philadelphia to launch a new beer celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Philly First is a crisp, 4.8% ABV ale with notes of citrus, floral, tropical fruit, and pine. The Downingtown-based brewery will offer it in its taprooms starting Sunday, including in Kennett Square and Parkesburg. It will then be available at other bars and liquor stores starting around mid-March.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🌿 Garden Glow: Explore Longwood Gardens’ conservatories and Main Fountain Garden after hours when they’ll be lit in ways that show off sometimes overlooked features. ⏰ Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Feb. 13-March 8, 5-10 p.m. 💵 $15-$25 for members, $25-$45 for non-members 📍 Longwood Gardens

    🎙️ America’s Sweethearts: The Andrews Sisters-inspired swing band will transport listeners back in time. ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 15, 4 p.m. 💵 $46-$60 📍 Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, West Chester

    🎶 Ruben Studdard: The American Idol winner and Grammy-nominated singer is bringing “The Masterpiece Tour” to town. ⏰ Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. 💵 $42-$96 📍 Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, West Chester

    🏡 On the Market

    A three-bedroom waterfront townhome in Berwyn

    The living room has vaulted ceilings and a fireplace.

    Located in the Daylesford Lake community in Berwyn, this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom, end-unit townhouse provides waterfront views and outdoor living space thanks to a wraparound deck. The home’s first floor features an open-concept two-story foyer, living room, and dining room; an office; and an eat-in kitchen, complete with an island, quartz countertops, and a butler’s pantry. There’s also a first-floor primary suite with deck access, a sitting or office area, a bathroom with a double vanity, and two walk-in closets. There are two additional bedrooms upstairs, and a partially finished walk-out basement downstairs. There’s an open house Friday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the townhouse here.

    Price: $895,000 | Size: 3,658 SF | Acreage: 0.06

    🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • A West grad’s ode to Eagles tailgates | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    A West grad’s ode to Eagles tailgates | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋

    A West grad’s latest project explores the religious-like experience of Eagles fandom. We take a peek. Also this week, we’re following the latest on the Kibitz Room closure, plus the former Lone Star Steakhouse is one step closer to being demolished.

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    A West grad explores the religious-like experience of Eagles fandom

    A photo of Eagles fans tailgating from Mike Cordisco’s “Sermon on the Lot.”

    The Eagles aren’t the reigning Super Bowl champs anymore, but a new photo project by a Cherry Hill native explores a question about our fandom: Is it akin to religious fervor?

    Photographer Mike Cordisco set out to document Eagles fans and their tailgates, going beyond the stereotypical rowdy image and leaning into the religious-like experience of “sacred Sundays.” He’s compiled them into a 98-page book called Sermon on the Lot, which showcases photos of fans outside the Linc between 2018 and 2025.

    “On Sundays, you go to Mass,” Cordisco said. “But in Philly, you go to the parking lot and tailgate an Eagles game.”

    Some of Cordisco’s work is on display at Unique Photo in Center City through mid-March.

    Read more about the West grad and what inspired his latest project.

    💡 Community News

    • Reminder for residents: The extended deadline to pay the first half of this year’s township tax bills is next Wednesday.
    • A Cherry Hill man is mourning the death of his father, who died in a fire at their Main Street home on Jan. 31. In the aftermath, Hazem Abdalla, 27, wants people to remember his father, Eid, for his life, not his death. Eid was born in Egypt, where he started a construction company before moving to New Jersey for his sons to get a better education. Eid, who was 69, had previously worked as a taxi driver and a chef at the former Cherry Hill Diner. A crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $40,000 for funeral and rebuilding costs. The cause of the fire, which also damaged a neighbor’s house, is still under investigation. (NJ Pen and Fox 29)
    • After being empty for nearly 20 years, the former Lone Star Steakhouse building on Route 38 is closer to being demolished. A court recently ruled that the derelict building qualified as abandoned and that an uncontested foreclosure could move forward. The roughly 5,700-square-foot building has been vacant since 2007. (Courier Post)
    • Skechers is gearing up for a mid-spring opening at Garden State Pavilions, a company spokesperson confirmed. The shoe and apparel retailer will open between Five Below and Staples, taking over 8,500 square feet.
    • The Cherry Hill Fire Department is hosting a child safety seat event on Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Deer Park Station.

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • About 500 East students walked out of school Friday morning as part of a student-organized ICE protest that lasted about one hour. “We need to make sure that ICE understands that we’re watching, we’re listening, and we’re not going to stop fighting back until they leave the innocent people in our communities alone,” one of the organizers said. (Eastside)
    • A settlement agreement has been reached between Cherry Hill Public Schools and the Zionist Organization of America, which filed a complaint in June 2024 on behalf of an East student. In the complaint, the Zionist Organization alleged that the school district retaliated against the Jewish student, who reported alleged antisemitic harassment. Under the settlement, the student’s disciplinary record is being expunged. (Philadelphia Jewish Exponent)
    • Reminder for families: Monday is a makeup day for one of last month’s snow closures. There’s no school for students on Tuesday for the Lunar New Year, but teachers will report for an in-service day. See the district’s full calendar here.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Two weeks after The Kibitz Room abruptly closed, former owner Brandon Parish said he is working to reopen the beloved deli “under a new entity.” An attorney for the deli, now owned by Brandon’s mom Sandy Parish, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on Friday.
    • Fast-casual takeout eatery Rice & Spud Station opened last week at 404 Marlton Pike East in Saw Mill Village. The Halal eatery serves loaded baked potatoes, rice bowls, and desserts.
    • In case you missed it, Bahama Breeze’s parent company last week announced the upcoming closure of all the remaining tropical restaurant’s outposts by early April, including at the Cherry Hill Mall.
    • Cherry Hill real estate developer Shamikh Kazmi is looking to expand his Yum Grills brand to 200 locations, largely in the Philadelphia area, with around 15 slated to open in the next few months. The expansion of the new fast-food eatery that serves smash burgers, cheesesteaks, and loaded french fries is expected to cost $60 million. It’s unclear if any locations will be in town. (Philadelphia Business Journal)
    • The owners of Old World Italian eatery Il Villaggio are gearing up to open Duo Restaurant & Bar in Westmont this month.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🏺 Galentine’s Pottery Class: Try your hand at ceramics at this intro class, which also includes sparkling cider, for anyone 13 and older. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m. 💵 $125 📍Hugs Ceramics

    💃 Valentine’s Social Dance: If dancing is more your style, this event kicks off with a group class before segueing into a social dance with a DJ and light snacks. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 13, 7-10 p.m. 💵 $20 📍Storm BDC

    ❤️ Valen-Wine Celebration: Yogi Berra Lodge No. 3015 is hosting a Valentine’s-themed event complete with dinner, dessert, and wine. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 13, 7-11 p.m. 💵 $45 📍American Legion Post #372

    🫖 Tea Party Fundraiser: Monday is the deadline to register for this library fundraiser, which includes afternoon tea, a Jane Austen movie, and a fascinator make-and-take. ⏰ Sunday, March 1, 1-4 p.m. 💵 $35 📍Cherry Hill Public Library

    🏡 On the Market

    A four-bedroom home with an indoor hot tub

    The home’s two-story family room has a hot tub, wet bar, and ample windows.

    Located in the Ridings of Fox Run, this four-bedroom home has had just one owner since it was built in 1978. Among its most unique features is a two-story family room with an eight-seat hot tub and a wet bar. A second-floor library looks onto the airy space. There’s also a dining room, a family room with a fireplace, and an eat-in kitchen with granite countertops on the first floor. Upstairs, the primary suite has skylights, a gas fireplace, and a jacuzzi. Outside, the wooded property has a deck and a koi pond.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $879,000 | Size: 3,467 SF

    🗞️ What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Why Di Bruno’s downsizing isn’t a huge surprise | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Why Di Bruno’s downsizing isn’t a huge surprise | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Di Bruno Bros. announced it was closing three of its stores last week, but the news wasn’t a surprise to some shoppers. Here’s why. Also this week, Narberth is home to one of the region’s under-the-radar romantic eateries, final construction on SEPTA’s Ardmore station is underway, plus one woman’s dismay at Lifecycle Wellness’ closing.

    We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Di Bruno Bros.’ downsizing wasn’t a huge surprise to some

    Di Bruno Bros. is closing three of its five locations, including at the Ardmore Farmers Market.

    Some Di Bruno Bros. shoppers were saddened last week to learn that the longtime beloved specialty grocery store was closing three of its locations, including at the Ardmore Farmers Market. But it didn’t come as a shock to everyone, with some who say there’s been a noticeable decline in quality in recent years.

    “Why am I going to pay upmarket prices for a midmarket product?” one former shopper told The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner.

    Some blamed the decline on Di Bruno’s new owner, Brown’s Super Stores, which purchased a stake in the stores in 2024. Its brand was later brought under the Wakefern Food Corp. portfolio. But Brown’s executive vice president said Di Bruno’s was “very distressed” and despite its efforts was unable to bring back lost business.

    Here’s what other shoppers had to say about Di Bruno’s shrinking footprint.

    💡 Community News

    • The final phase of construction on the Ardmore SEPTA station got underway on Sunday and is expected to continue through the next few weeks, though a SEPTA spokesperson said the agency doesn’t yet have a date for completion. Work will take place weekdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on weekends from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and will include finishing the roof, installing message boards, adjusting and testing elevators, making ADA-compliant adjustments, and painting.
    • Lower Merion police said two people were taken into custody by ICE during a vehicle stop Friday. In response to community concerns, LMPD yesterday reiterated that it doesn’t participate in programs deputizing local police as federal immigration agents. The department added that residents who see police activity but no marked LMPD presence can call 911 so it can verify the legitimacy, but added that officers will not interfere if federal agents are acting legally.
    • Lankenau Medical Center and Bryn Mawr Hospital both recently ranked among America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades. The rankings, released last week, are awarded to the top 5% of institutions in the nation for “overall clinical excellence.”
    • In an opinion piece, a local physician lamented the loss of Lifecycle Wellness in Bryn Mawr, which is closing its doors on Feb. 15 after facing financial pressure. Cara Lea Smith is one of the thousands who gave birth there and found comfort in its “homelike” setting. Read more about the physician’s experience and why she feels the closure is devastating.
    • A former Villanova University professor has filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was fired in 2024 after accusing the law school of racial discrimination involving one of her students. The Inquirer’s Susan Snyder delves into the details.
    • Main Line Today recently took a look inside a 1980s Gladwyne home that’s been updated with a timeless look, complete with a neutral color palette. The 8,000-square-foot home’s dining room has a hand-painted de Gournay wallcovering inspired by Japan’s Kiso Mountains and a large dressing room off the primary suite.
    • Philadelphia Jewish Exponent recently profiled Rabbi Daniel Levitt, the director of adult Jewish learning at Gratz College. The Bala Cynwyd resident reflected on his passion for connecting people to “Jewish intellectual heritage.”

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Lower Merion and Harriton won’t be merging their football teams anytime soon. Lower Merion School District’s board of directors last week declined to add a vote to merge to the agenda, keeping in line with Superintendent Frank Ranelli’s previous recommendation not to merge the teams.
    • Lower Merion High School’s winter drama, Eurydice, kicks off tonight and runs through Sunday. Penn Wynne is hosting its “Special Persons Dance” for second and third graders tomorrow evening. There are school board committee meetings Monday evening and home school association meetings on Tuesday. There are no classes next Thursday, which is a staff professional development day, and the district is closed on Friday. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • Students in third through eighth grade who have a sibling with special needs can join an upcoming “SibShops” Zoom, where they can connect, share experiences, and play games. The six, one-hour sessions will take place Wednesdays from 5 to 6 p.m., starting on Feb. 18. Registration is required.
    • Families interested in having a table at next month’s Taste of Penn Wynne must sign up by Feb. 7.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • Looking for a place to dine this Valentine’s Day? Coco Thai Bistro in Narberth is among the region’s under-the-radar romantic dining spots, according to The Inquirer’s food reporters. The menu at the tropical greenhouse-inspired BYOB combines homestyle Thai curries with street food, Beatrice Forman reports.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🐉 The Neverending Story: Catch a screening of the 1984 cult classic. There’s another screening later this month. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m. 💵 $6.75-$7.75 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

    🍪 Teen-Time Cookie Decorating: Teens 13 to 17 can decorate cookies then take some home. Registration is required. ⏰ Monday, Feb. 9, 7-8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Penn Wynne Library

    🐎 Lunar New Year Crafternoon: Celebrate the start of the Year of the Horse by making a themed craft at this drop-in event. ⏰ Wednesday, Feb. 11, 3-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Gladwyne Library

    📜 Remember the Ladies: The Legacy of the Women of Stoneleigh: This presentation will highlight some of the most impactful women who lived or worked at Stoneleigh over the centuries. ⏰ Thursday, Feb. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Snow date: Feb. 19) 💵 $2-$20 📍 Stoneleigh, Villanova

    🏡 On the Market

    A newly built five-bedroom Penn Valley home with an impressive wine cellar

    A living room adjoining the kitchen features coffered ceilings, built-ins, and a fireplace.

    This newly built home blends classic design with modern amenities. The first floor features two living rooms, both with fireplaces, a dining room, an office, and an eat-in kitchen with an island and high-end appliances, plus an adjoining butler’s pantry and a wine cellar. There are five bedrooms upstairs, including a spacious primary suite with an oversized walk-in closet outfitted with built-ins, and a bathroom with a double vanity, marble floors, and a soaking tub. It also has a rear patio and a three-car garage. There’s an open house Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $2.995M | Size: 4,830 SF | Acreage: 0.86

    🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

  • Joi Washington’s ‘whirlwind’ first weeks as mayor | Inquirer Greater Media

    Joi Washington’s ‘whirlwind’ first weeks as mayor | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    What have the first few weeks of Joi Washington’s time as mayor looked like? We recently caught up with her to discuss her path to the office. Also this week, the former Providence Village general store, which has since turned into a single-family home, is for sale, Media has one of the region’s most romantic under-the-radar restaurants, plus a new cheesesteak joint is opening.

    We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at greatermedia@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Joi Washington dives in headfirst as Media’s new mayor

    Joi Washington was sworn in as Media’s mayor last month.

    Joi Washington’s first few weeks as the mayor of Media have been a whirlwind. Less than three weeks after being sworn into office, the largest snow storm in years hit the region, forcing a snow emergency declaration and swift action on her part.

    While Washington might have had to dive into running the borough headfirst, she’s no stranger to Media or local government. Washington was elected to borough council in 2021 and is described by Media’s tax collector as being civically and politically engaged.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner recently caught up with Washington to talk about what drew her to Media and what the last few weeks have looked like.

    💡 Community News

    • A historic five-bedroom Media home that was once the Providence Village general store is on the market for $785,000. The couple who live there expected to stay far longer than two years, but when one of them landed a dream job, those plans changed. Spanning over 4,300 square feet and three stories, the home has a newly renovated kitchen and a formal dining room with built-ins and a fireplace. Take a peek inside.
    • The Delaware County housing market got a slow start to the year, with pending sales down 4% as of Jan. 25, compared to the same time a year ago, according to new Redfin data. While home sales were slow, prices were on the rise, with median sale prices in the county and Philadelphia up 10% from the same timeframe last year.
    • Riddle Hospital was recently ranked among America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades. The rankings, released last week, are awarded to the top 5% of institutions in the nation for “overall clinical excellence.”
    • Speaking of Riddle, the hospital is expanding its gastroenterology care this month, offering routine screenings, digestive issue care, and minimally invasive treatments.
    • Delaware County Council recently voted to increase the hotel occupancy tax for non-residents from 3% to 5% beginning April 1. The county projects the change will result in $6.4 million in revenue this year, funds which will be used to support the marketing of Delaware County elsewhere. The increase comes ahead of an anticipated influx of visitors to the region for events like the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, the PGA Championship, and celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday. The hike also puts Delco on par with neighboring Bucks and Chester Counties.
    • L.L. Bean is targeting an early May opening for its Glen Mills store. The apparel retailer is opening a 20,000-square-foot store in the Concordville Town Centre at 901 Byers Dr., taking over the former Staples space.
    • The future of the Eddie Bauer location at The Shoppes at Brinton Lake in Glen Mills is uncertain with the outdoor apparel brand’s parent company planning to file for bankruptcy. When it does, most stores are expected to close. (Retail Dive)

    🏫 Schools Briefing

    • Some Rutledge Elementary School students were left standing in freezing temperatures last week after a miscommunication over an earlier bus pickup time. Wallingford-Swarthmore School District said it has reviewed its protocols to ensure it won’t happen again. (Fox 29)
    • In the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, tonight kicks off performances of Strath Haven Middle School’s musical, The Music Man, which runs through Sunday. Tomorrow and Saturday, Strath Haven High is hosting the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 band festival, which includes a free concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
    • In the Rose Tree Media School District, Glenwood Elementary is hosting its Olympics opening ceremonies on Monday. There are Valentine’s parties for Indian Lane kindergartners on Wednesday and Media Elementary kindergartners on Thursday. The high school is also holding a student blood drive next Thursday. See the full calendar here.

    🍽️ On our Plate

    • After spending months converting the former House space at 110 S. Jackson St., Jackson St. Steaks is hosting its grand opening next Wednesday. Its menu includes cheesesteaks, pizzas, cutlet and focaccia sandwiches, grinders, and burgers, as well as drinks from Fishtown-based Meyers Brewing Co.
    • Looking for a great date night spot? La Belle Epoque in Media is one of the region’s under-the-radar romantic dining spots, according to The Inquirer’s food reporters. It has an extensive wine list, bistro-style entrees like steak frites, and a dining room befitting Emily in Paris. If you really want to impress your date, try the escargots de Bourgogne, pan-roasted duck, or bucatini, reporter Beatrice Forman suggests.
    • Amid shifting dining habits and increasing food costs, Harvest Seasonal Grill recently made changes that its leadership team said are paying off. Instead of raising prices, the restaurant, which has a location in Glen Mills, changed some of its meat and seafood sourcing and did away with garnishes to slash prices. The result has been an increase in visitors and revenue that founder Dave Magrogan said doesn’t sacrifice quality.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🩰 Ballet of Lights: Tickets are going fast for this take on Cinderella, which gives the classic fairytale a little extra shine thanks to dancers performing in glow-in-the-dark costumes. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 6, 9 p.m. 💵 $43-$69 📍The Media Theatre

    🎭 And Then There Were None: See the Agatha Christie classic come to life on stage. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 6-Sunday, Feb. 8, and Thursday, Feb. 12-Saturday, Feb. 14, times vary 💵 $21.50-$23.50 📍Players Club of Swarthmore

    🏛️ I Love Media Day: The borough event includes a scavenger hunt to find hidden hearts. There will also be board games, snacks, and bingo. Advanced registration is required. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Downtown Media

    ❤️ Galentine’s Brunch: Towne House is hosting a themed brunch that includes dueling pianos. ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 8, noon-3 p.m. 💵 $40; minimum purchase of four tickets 📍Towne House, Media

    💌 Dear Jack, Dear Louise: Catch the regional premiere of Ken Ludwig’s show about an unlikely courtship between two strangers exchanging letters during World War II. ⏰ Wednesday, Feb. 11-Sunday, March 1, times vary 💵 $20-$35 📍Hedgerow Theatre, Rose Valley

    🏡 On the Market

    A split-level Wallingford home with two family rooms

    The updated kitchen has an island with pendant lights.

    Located in Sproul Estates, this split-level home has hardwood floors throughout its main level, including the living room, eat-in-kitchen, and family room, which has a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace. It has an additional family room at ground level and three bedrooms upstairs. Other features include a walk-up attic, a patio, and a one-car garage.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $625,000 | Size: 2,219 SF | Acreage: 0.33

    🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.