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Tag: Media

  • What will Media look like in 2035? | Inquirer Greater Media

    What will Media look like in 2035? | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Wonder what Media might look like in a decade? A new comprehensive plan lays out goals for the borough through 2035. Also this week, filming for the second season of Task — which just scored a handful of Emmy nods — gets underway, local coaches and players reflect on the significance of seeing Auston Trusty play in the World Cup, plus we round up area farmers markets to check out this season.

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    Media’s new comprehensive plan plots the next decade

    Media recently adopted a comprehensive plan that looks ahead to 2035.

    Media has adopted a new comprehensive plan designed to help shape the next decade of local land use, housing, economic development, traffic planning, and environmental decision making.

    Based on feedback from several hundred residents, “Media 2035” reflects the community’s desire to protect the borough’s “small-town feel” as well as concerns about housing affordability, parking, and traffic.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner delves into the four key takeaways intended to preserve the character of “Everybody’s Hometown.”

    💡 Community News

    • Good news for Task fans: The Delco-set HBO drama was scheduled to begin filming Season 2 this week, with shots planned around Manayunk. The filming comes around the same time the show and members of its cast scored a combined six Emmy Award nominations, including Mark Ruffalo’s “lead actor” nod.
    • Team USA’s World Cup hopes may have come to an end Monday night, but seeing Media native Auston Trusty on the field throughout this year’s tournament has meant a lot to those who played with or coached him back in the day. The Inquirer’s Alex Coffey spoke with some of them about how surreal it was to see Trusty compete on the global stage.
    • Heads up for drivers: A six-month Aqua Pennsylvania utility project is slated to get underway Monday on Providence Road in Nether Providence Township. Through the end of the year, expect weekday road closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between West Rose Valley Road and Providence Road’s intersection with Chester Road. Work will also take place on Leslie Lane. Other roadwork includes lane closures on Route 1 between Pennell and Middletown Roads in Middletown Township for resurfacing. Work is slated to start today and continue through next Friday, taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays.
    • Delaware County is investigating a hack of its network last month that resulted in service disruptions. Here’s what we know.
    • A new “outdoor lifestyle store” is opening in Media, taking over the space formerly occupied by Homesewn, which recently moved two blocks. Media Mercantile is targeting a late summer opening at 21 E. State St.
    • The pool at Timberwyck Swim Club in Upper Providence Township has reopened after undergoing an extensive renovation.
    • Middletown Township buried a time capsule last week to capture a snapshot of what the community looks like in 2026. It includes documents, photos, and memorabilia and is slated to be opened in 2061, when the township will mark its 375th anniversary.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Rose Tree Media School District will present plans for its proposed K-1 Early Learning Center at the Middletown Township planning commission meeting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Penn State Brandywine’s student union building to accommodate an anticipated increase in attendees.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸŽ¶ Rose Tree Summer Festival: The upcoming lineup features performances from local eight-piece band Four Lean Hounds tonight, Carlos Santana-inspired outfit Rumbaile tomorrow, Taylor Swift tribute Jexxa and the Antiheroes on Saturday, and event band Chico’s Vibe on Sunday. On Wednesday, Bon Jovi tribute Bad Medicine will take the stage. ⏰ Thursday, July 9-Wednesday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🍿 Movie Night: This month’s featured film is the Nicholas Cage classic National Treasure. ⏰ Friday, July 10, 8 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Media Borough Hall lawn

    đŸ« Blueberry Festival: Pick your own fruit, try your hand at a pie-eating contest, and get your face painted at this annual event. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (Rain date: July 12) đŸ’” Pay as you go 📍 Linvilla Orchards, Media

    🐉 Dragons Love Tacos: This kid-friendly show, adapted from the picture book of the same name, explores what dragons do and don’t like to eat. ⏰ Saturdays and Sundays, July 11-19, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. đŸ’” $13.50-$18.50 📍 PCS Theater, Swarthmore

    đŸŽ” Tribute to Fleetwood Mac: The Listeso String Quartet will perform some of the band’s greatest hits. ⏰ Saturday, July 11, 8:45 p.m. đŸ’” $42-$76 📍 The Media Theatre

    đŸ—žïž 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.

  • 5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Greater Media

    5 area Fourth of July events | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Communities throughout the region are pulling out the stops to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary this weekend. We’ve rounded up spots to catch the festivities. Also this week, the so-called Swarthmore 9 pleaded no-contest to noise violations, a local woman has been charged with the years-old execution-style killing of her parents, plus the battle over an area liquid natural gas facility continues.

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

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    Five Fourth of July events to check out in and around Media

    Media is celebrating the Fourth of July with festivities at Barrall Field.

    Celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial at one of these festive events, which are replete with parades, games, food, and music.

    • Lion’s Club Independence Eve 2.5-Mile Walk and 8K Run: Celebrate the holiday by hitting the pavement for a 2.5-mile walk or an 8K run. The run/walk may be postponed to Sunday in the event of extreme heat. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 7-8:30 p.m. đŸ’” $32.80 📍 Swarthmore town center
    • Swarthmore Fourth of July Festivities, SRA Bike Races, and Parade: The day kicks off with a bike race, followed by a children’s parade and then the community parade, with other activities to follow. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Swarthmore town center
    • Media Borough Fourth of July Celebration: There will be yard games, live music, food, and kids’ activities like water slides and face painting, in addition to a bike decorating contest. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-noon đŸ’” Free 📍 Barrall Field, Media
    • Rose Valley Borough Fourth of July Parade: The annual parade, complete with decorated bikes and wagons, will start at the Moylan-Rose Valley SEPTA station and end at Rose Valley Swimming Pool, where there will be a flag raising ceremony. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 2 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Moylan-Rose Valley SEPTA station and Rose Valley Swimming Pool
    • America’s 250th Birthday Celebration: To mark the Semiquincentennial, Upper Providence Township is hosting a Fourth of July event complete with games, contests, music, and food trucks. RSVPs are encouraged. ⏰ Saturday, July 4, 1-4 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🎇 See more area festivities here.

    đŸ‡ș🇾 Looking for other ways to celebrate the Semiquincentennial? Here’s what Delaware County has in store.

    💡 Community News

    • The so-called Swarthmore 9, a group of protestors charged with trespassing after refusing to leave a pro-Palestinian encampment at Swarthmore College last year, entered no-contest pleas on Monday to summary noise-violation offenses. As part of the deal, they’ll each undertake community service.
    • Last week, 33-year-old Michelle Zajko was charged with the first-degree murder of her parents, who the Delaware County district attorney says she killed execution-style inside their Chester Heights home in December 2022. Zajko, a member of the cultlike Zizians, has been a person of interest in the case for years, but maintains her innocence. The DA doesn’t believe she acted alone and is continuing to investigate. The Inquirer’s Vinny Vella explains how new information led to the charges.
    • A pair of environmental groups are readying to oppose a planned liquefied natural gas export facility in Eddystone. Local communities, including Media and Swarthmore, have stated their opposition to the nearby terminal.
    • Pepper Lee Boutique and Gina the Jewelry Lady are reopening today at their new storefront at 1176 N. Middletown Rd. in Edgmont Township, above the Country Deli. The boutique will be hosting a grand reopening celebration today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pepper Lee will be open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Gina the Jewelry Lady will operate Thursdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • The Delaware County Health Department identified this year’s first pool of mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus. The pool was tested on June 16 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Collingdale. No infections among people have been reported. The department suggests taking steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses by eliminating standing water, using appropriate repellents, and wearing protective clothing.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Miller’s Ale House has closed its Springfield location at 18 Baltimore Pike, but continues to operate an outpost at 1119 W. Baltimore Pike at the Promenade at Granite Run.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸŽ¶ Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: Tonight, Big Band from the Valley takes the stage, followed by Steve Pullara and His Cool Beans Band, which is performing a morning show tomorrow, and Smoke’s Ebonys and Raising Kane Band on Saturday. On Wednesday, Jimmy and the Parrots will perform, sampling from Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, and Bob Marley, among others. There’s no show on July 4. ⏰ Thursday, July 2-Wednesday, July 8, 7:30 p.m., except July 3, which is at 10 a.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    🍿 Family Movie and Craft: Catch a screening of Moana and make a tiki-themed craft. ⏰ Friday, July 3, 10:15 a.m.-noon đŸ’” Free 📍 Media-Upper Providence Free Library, Media

    🩋 Nature at Night: Pollinators: Learn about native pollinators at this after-hours event. ⏰ Tuesday, July 7, 6-7:30 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Tyler Arboretum, Media

    🏡 On the Market

    A Springton Reservoir home with a pool and spa

    The home is located near Springton Reservoir in Upper Providence Township.

    Located near Springton Reservoir in Upper Providence Township, this home can accommodate multi-generational living thanks to a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom main floor suite with its own kitchen. The rest of the main floor has living and dining rooms, a family room with a brick fireplace, and an updated kitchen with marble countertops and an island with a beverage refrigerator. There are three bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and dressing room. Out back, a deck overlooks a heated pool and spa. There’s an open house Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    See more photos of the property here.

    Price: $1.395M | Size: 5,356 SF | Acreage: 0.8

    📈 Greater Media market report

    Media

    • Median listing price: $812,500 (up $62,500 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $713,800 (up $238,800 from April) 📈
    • Median days on the market: 24 (up three days from April) 📈

    Swarthmore

    • Median listing price: $425,000 (up $55,100 from April) 📈
    • Median sold price: $370,000 (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 37 (up nine days from April) 📈

    Wallingford

    • Median listing price: $425,000 (down $202,500 from April) 📉
    • Median sold price: $448,000 (same as April)
    • Median days on the market: 27 (up six days from April) 📈

    This Greater Media market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for May from realtor.com.

    đŸ—žïž 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.

  • Media’s homegrown World Cup star | Inquirer Greater Media

    Media’s homegrown World Cup star | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Delaware County-born Auston Trusty is living it up on the U.S. Men’s National Team. Ahead of the World Cup match against Turkey tonight, learn more about the Media native’s local soccer roots. Also this week, a judge denied a motion to dismiss trespassing charges against the so-called Swarthmore 9, measles was detected in area wastewater samples, plus the county announced its cooling center locations amid summer heat.

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    ‘It’s just all meant to be’

    Media’s Auston Trusty (right) embraces Wayne’s Matt Freese after the U.S.’ win over Australia on Friday.

    Delco is on the international stage, thanks to some homegrown soccer talent.

    USMNT’s Auston Trusty was born in Media and played with the Nether United Soccer Club in Wallingford in his youth. He attended Penncrest High School, trained at the Philadelphia Union’s youth academy, and began his pro career with the Union.

    “When you’re a little kid, dreaming about the stadiums you play in and the atmospheres and everything involved, to play in a home turf World Cup, get minutes, it’s a dream come true,” the 27-year-old said after Friday’s shutout.

    Read Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald‘s dispatch to learn how Trusty and a fellow “Delco-head,” Wayne-born Matt Freese, are helping the USMNT make World Cup history.

    âšœ Plus: See Trusty’s sweet tribute to his local upbringing and career journey on Instagram.

    💡 Community News

    • A Delco judge on Monday denied a motion to dismiss trespassing charges filed against nine people for refusing to leave a pro-Palestinian encampment on Swarthmore College’s campus last spring. The decision sets the stage for the so-called Swarthmore 9 to face trial next week.
    • Main Line Health and UnitedHealthcare reached an “agreement in principle” on a new contract, Main Line Health said Wednesday. Their current contract was set to expire Tuesday, potentially disrupting service for 32,000 people who rely on the health system’s doctors and have insurance through United. Main Line Health owns Riddle Hospital in Middletown Township.
    • Measles was detected in wastewater samples taken in Delaware County on two days earlier this month, health officials said last week, though no one in the county had been officially diagnosed with the disease. Health reporter Aubrey Whelan has more.
    • Middletown Township’s manager, John McMullan, is leaving at the end of August for a new position with another municipality. McMullan shared the news at last week’s council meeting.
    • Roland Walter Bailey, a 64-year-old Media man, has been charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing today. (Daily Times)
    • The county announced its 2026 heat plan to bring relief to residents during periods of extreme heat. As part of the plan, 30 cooling centers will be open across Delco, including at the Swarthmore Public Library and at Helen Kate Furness Free Library in Wallingford.
    • Springfield Mall’s valuation continues to drop and had an appraisal value of $30 million recently, down 73% from when owners PREIT and Simon Property Group took out a loan for it in 2015. At the time, the mall was valued at $112 million. (Bisnow)

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • It’s not hard to find a quality hoagie in Delaware County. Delco.Today rounded up nine sandwich shops worth traveling for in the region, including A Cut Above Deli in Newtown Square and Boccella’s Deli in Havertown.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸŽ¶ Rose Tree Summer Concert Festival: The upcoming lineup features performances from Doobie Brothers tribute band Minute by Minute tonight, blues band Three Fourteen tomorrow, ‘80s tribute band Class of ‘84 on Saturday, and the Blackbird Society Orchestra on Sunday. Next Wednesday, the Chester County Concert Band takes the stage. ⏰ Thursday, June 25-Wednesday, July 1, 7:30 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media

    đŸŽ„ Death on the Brandywine: Catch a screening of this political murder mystery set in the Brandywine Valley. ⏰ Friday, June 26, 8-10 p.m. đŸ’” $19.50 📍 The Media Theatre

    đŸ‡ș🇾 A Celebration of Patriotic Sports Movies: Radio personalities Ray Didinger and Glen Macnow are teaming up to host this event looking at iconic U.S. sports movies. ⏰ Saturday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. đŸ’” $39 📍 PCS Theater, Swarthmore

    ✹ Nature at Night: Learn about fireflies while exploring the arboretum after dark. ⏰ Tuesday, June 30, 8-9:30 p.m. đŸ’” $10-$25 📍 Tyler Arboretum, Media

    🎂 Swarthmore’s 250th Birthday: The library is throwing a birthday party party in the lead up to the nation’s 250th birthday. ⏰ Wednesday, July 1, 2-4 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Swarthmore Public Library

    🏡 On the Market

    An updated three-bedroom Colonial in Swarthmore

    The home has undergone a number of updates, inside and out.

    Located less than a mile from the Swarthmore town center, this 1950 Colonial has been extensively updated for modern living. The home features a living room with a fireplace, a three-season room, and an eat-in kitchen with white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. There are three bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite and a bonus room. In addition to interior renovations, the home’s systems have also been updated, as have the roof and windows.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $850,000 | Size: 2,262 SF | Acreage: 0.24

    đŸ—žïž 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 Media became the nation’s first Fair Trade Town | Inquirer Greater Media

    How Media became the nation’s first Fair Trade Town | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    This year marks the 20th anniversary of Media as a Fair Trade Town. We delve into how it became the first in the U.S. Also this week, Swarthmore’s borough manager has been terminated, Media is home to a competitive Scrabble club, plus a monthslong utility project on Providence Road is set to get started.

    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.

    How Media became the country’s first Fair Trade Town 20 years ago

    Media displays its distinction as the country’s first Fair Trade Town on its signage.

    Two decades ago, one man’s vision and one woman’s email set into motion a first for Media as the pair worked to make the borough the nation’s first Fair Trade Town.

    The idea came from Hal Taussig, the late founder of travel company UnTours who wanted to see his hometown prioritize quality products and fair wages for farmers in developing areas. To be part of the global trading agreement, farmers and producers must use eco-friendly practices, invest in their communities, and provide safe working conditions. In exchange, they’re paid higher minimum prices for goods like coffee, chocolate, and produce.

    With a single late-night email to a man in England, Elizabeth Killough, who worked for Taussig, helped start the process. While major cities like New York and Los Angeles were working to establish themselves as Fair Trade hubs, Media beat them to it, and 20 years later, that ethos lives on.

    The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner delves into what it means for the borough today.

    💡 Community News

    • Swarthmore has a new interim borough manager. On Monday, borough council appointed David Unkovic to the role. He takes over for Sean Halbom, who has been terminated, according to Council President Jill Gaieski, The Inquirer learned late Wednesday night. Halbom began in the role less than six months ago, taking over for the outgoing manager Bill Webb in September.
    • Peco is aiming to begin a monthslong natural gas line replacement project on Monday in Media. Work will take place on Providence Road between Meetinghouse Road and Monroe Street on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-July. While most work will be outdoors, Peco will need access to impacted homes to relight gas appliances. Read more about the project here.
    • In other construction news, the Swarthmore Avenue project is getting closer to completion. Needed parts for the repair project are expected to arrive next week, and once they’re installed, closures on the road are expected to be limited to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for “a few weeks.” Construction on the project began in December and was initially anticipated to take eight weeks.
    • Monday is the deadline for Swarthmore residents to order a tree for or near their curb. Here’s how you can get one.
    • Riddle Hospital reported a 36% increase in patients after Crozer-Chester Medical Center closed last spring. With more patients, the hospital’s parent company, Main Line Health, reported an $8.7 million operating profit for the first half of fiscal 2026, which ended Dec. 31.
    • Riddle Village in Middletown Township has become a hub for some of the country’s top Scrabble players. The Delco Scrabble Club’s members range widely in age and come from all over the area, but meet weekly at one of the members’ homes in Media. “I casually hop on SEPTA and then I’m face-to-face with the best Scrabble players in the country. It’s kind of intimidating,” Mark Abadi, 35, said at one of the club’s recent weekly meetings. He and another member of the group, Will Anderson, 41, have competed in national tournaments and are putting their skills to the test on this season of the CW’s game show Scrabble.
    • A pair of sisters recently put their family’s Spanish-style Wallingford home on the market for $699,000. The ranch was built in the 1970s, and their parents purchased it 42 years ago. Take a peek inside.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Two Penncrest High School sports teams are having successful runs. The boys’ ice hockey team shut out Conestoga High School 4-0 last week to claim the Central League championship. And the boys’ basketball team kicks off its PIAA 5A championship efforts on Friday, when the Lions host York Suburban High School. See the full 5A bracket here.
    • Reminder for Rose Tree Media families: There’s no school today or tomorrow for kindergarten through eighth grade students due to parent-teacher conferences. On Saturday, Penncrest High School is hosting Carnival for a Cure from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be food, games, and prizes, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation Fighting Blindness. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is hosting a community meeting about the high school renovation tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Strath Haven High School library.
    • Also in WSSD, today is the Elementary Chorus Fest, and performances of Strath Haven High School’s musical, Alice By Heart, continue tomorrow through Sunday. On Monday, there’s a virtual meeting about navigating college admissions tests, and the spring book fair starts Tuesday. See the district’s full calendar here.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Fox 29’s Bob Kelly recently visited Bittersweet Kitchen in Media to sample some of its brunch offerings, including crĂšme brĂ»lĂ©e pancakes, apple cider fritters, and huevos rancheros. See the segment here.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸ•ïž School Day Off Mini-Adventure Camp: Kids in kindergarten through third grade can explore Tyler Arboretum through nature-themed crafts, outdoor play, games, and more. ⏰ Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. đŸ’” Standard daily camp admission is $83.70 for members and $93 for non-members 📍Tyler Arboretum, Media

    đŸ©° Sleeping Beauty: The classic fairytale gets a modern spin as Ballet of Lights dancers perform in glow-in-the-dark costumes. ⏰ Friday, March 6, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. đŸ’” $43-$57 📍The Media Theatre

    🎾 The Biscotti Boys: The Chester County party cover band will make its debut at Martinique Deux. ⏰ Friday, March 6, 8 p.m. đŸ’” No cover📍Martinique Deux, Media

    🏡 On the Market

    A three-bedroom townhouse in Franklin Station

    The open-concept first floor includes living and dining areas, as well as the kitchen.

    Located in Franklin Station off Route 1, this three-bedroom townhouse spans two floors, plus a finished basement, and has access to amenities including a clubhouse, pool, walking trails, and fitness center. The townhome’s open-concept first floor features living and dining areas, as well as the kitchen, which has an 8-foot quartz island, two-tone cabinetry, a herringbone backsplash, plus a walk-in pantry. The space opens onto a deck with a pergola. All three bedrooms are upstairs, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet, a double vanity, and a tiled shower. There are open houses Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.

    See more photos of the townhouse here.

    Price: $712,900 | Size: 2,727 SF

    đŸ—žïž 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.

  • Media, the nation’s first Fair Trade Town, marks 20 years supporting farmers in the developing world

    Media, the nation’s first Fair Trade Town, marks 20 years supporting farmers in the developing world

    Elizabeth Killough remembers the beginning of Media’s Fair Trade history as follows: She was sitting at her desk at UnTours, an unconventional Media-based travel company, next to her boss and UnTours founder Hal Taussig.

    Taussig, sitting in his beloved rickety desk chair, began to share a vision with Killough: What if his hometown of Media could become a hub for Fair Trade, a global trading system that prioritizes quality products and fair wages for farmers in the developing world? What if Media’s shops and restaurants could stock products made and sold with equity and respect?

    “I couldn’t even begin to imagine what that would be [like],” Killough remembers.

    To humor Taussig, she googled “Fair Trade towns” (the internet was remarkably slow in the mid-2000s, so it took a few minutes to populate the results, she said). An email for Bruce Crowther, the father of Fair Trade in Garstang, England, popped up. Killough sent him a note. Despite the fact that it was 10 p.m. in England, Crowther wrote right back. He wanted to help make Taussig’s dream a reality.

    In the months that followed, Taussig and Killough would help spearhead an effort to make Media the first Fair Trade town in the United States, a push that took the cooperation of local business owners, civic leaders, and borough council members. As Media marks 20 years of its Fair Trade Town status, Fair Trade products, and Taussig’s formidable footprint, can be found all over the Delaware County community.

    State Street, near Olive Street, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Media, Pa. Businesses that sell Fair Trade products dot Media’s main commercial artery, a sign of the enduring legacy of Hal Taussig and Media’s Fair Trade advocates.

    What is Fair Trade?

    Fair Trade is a global trading arrangement under which farmers are paid higher wages in exchange for assurances that they will use eco-friendly practices, ensure safe working conditions, and invest in their communities. The trading practice seeks to uplift producers in the developing world, where environmental exploitation and forced labor can be common in the agriculture business. Common Fair Trade products include coffee, chocolate, and bananas.

    Fair Trade guarantees farmers can charge minimum prices for goods, acting as a safety net against market instability. Some Fair Trade suppliers receive a “premium fund,” or an additional sum of money put aside to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, or business improvement products in their communities. In exchange for economic security, Fair Trade producers must provide workers with reasonable work hours, safe working conditions, and maternity leave, and are barred from using child and forced labor.

    Fair Trade products are certified through a collection of governing bodies, including Fairtrade International and Fair Trade USA.

    How did Media become a Fair Trade town?

    Killough’s email to Crowther set off a monthslong campaign to make Media the United States’s first Fair Trade Town, a moniker now proudly displayed on “Welcome to Media” signs on the borough’s outskirts.

    Taussig had been thinking about sustainability in the global economy for decades before Media’s formal designation. In 1992, Taussig and his wife, Norma, founded UnTours, an unconventional “slow travel company” that helped people connect to faraway lands through community engagement and sustainable tourism practices. Friends described Taussig as unique and empathetic. He was famously averse to making a profit, sharing UnTours’ returns with customers, staff, and, later, the UnTours Foundation, which invests in sustainable business ventures.

    Taussig, who died in 2016, was “a really sweet man that cared about the world a lot,” said Ira Josephs, the executive director of the Media Fair Trade Committee.

    Taussig and Killough began meeting with a group of stakeholders who shared the goal of bringing Fair Trade to Media. At the time, there was no organization overseeing Fair Trade communities in the U.S., so the Media group decided to “self-declare” under the criteria used by Garstang, the first Fair Trade Town in the world. They needed to persuade a certain number of Media retailers to sell Fair Trade-certified items and ask local schools and businesses to use Fair Trade goods. The guidelines also required Media to establish a Fair Trade committee; have an elected body pass a resolution supporting Fair Trade; and promote media coverage and education around Fair Trade.

    A number of stores in Media already carried Fair Trade products, and many of its churches and Quaker meetinghouses used Fair Trade coffee and sugar. The working group made a website and brought on board Monica Simpson, a borough council member who helped convince the governing body to pass a Fair Trade resolution. The borough council saw it as a way for “this local community to make an international connection,” Killough said.

    Once all of the criteria were met, “we just self-declared that we were the first Fair Trade town,” Josephs said.

    At the time, New York City and Los Angeles were working on their own Fair Trade proposals. Yet Media, a 5,000-resident borough in the heart of Delco, beat them to the punch.

    “It was rebellious,” Josephs said.

    On July 12, 2006, Media held a public ceremony unveiling its status as a Fair Trade town.

    Many of Media’s businesses got on board.

    When Tara and Brent Endicott, the owners of downtown Media’s Burlap & Bean, first got into the coffee business, they knew they wanted “to feel like we were making a difference,” Tara Endicott said.

    All of the coffee sold at Burlap & Bean is Fair Trade-certified and organic, a decision the Endicotts made in 2006 when they opened their first location in nearby Newtown Square, inspired in part by Media’s Fair Trade push.

    Though their coffee-industry friends told them they were crazy for stocking only Fair Trade products, which are more expensive and harder to source, the Fair Trade beans won over the coffee purveyors and their Media-area customers.

    Signage that reads, America’s First Free Trade Town, Media, PA., Wednesday, June 4, 2025. This sign is at N. Providence Road where it crosses N. Monroe Street.

    Fair Trade in Media, two decades later

    Fair Trade lives on in the stores, restaurants, and coffee shops that dot Media’s bustling downtown.

    All of the international products at Earth & State, a pottery and craft shop, are from Fair Trade groups. Bittersweet Kitchen, a pizza and brunch spot, serves Fair Trade hot chocolate and coffee. Mom-and-daughter-owned yarn shop Homesewn sells yarn from Fair Trade Federation members and other companies that follow Fair Trade principles. Even Trader Joe’s, located in Media’s old armory building, stocks Fair Trade coffee.

    On Valentine’s Day, the Media Fair Trade Committee hosted its annual Fair Trade chocolate tasting. The committee also hosts an annual juggling contest with Fair Trade soccer balls at Dining Under the Stars.

    Fair Trade’s future is not entirely certain.

    Fair Trade groups have come under scrutiny in recent years for corporatizing a once mission-driven practice. It has been hard at times to get businesses to splurge on Fair Trade goods, first during the 2008 recession and then again during the pandemic, Killough said. As rents rise in Media, there is a “constant turnover of store owners and restaurateurs,” Killough added, making it an ongoing effort to keep Fair Trade practices alive.

    “It’s going to continue to require a lot of work, a lot of commitment, and a lot of education,” she said.

    Last year was “the worst year financially that we’ve ever had,” Tara Endicott of Burlap & Bean said. Despite having the highest customer counts in Burlap & Bean’s history, high coffee prices and tariffs left the Endicotts taking home meager profits at the end of the day. They have thought about opening up their business to non-Fair Trade coffee but have not yet, relying on the hope that economic conditions will improve.

    Ultimately, Brent Endicott said, he and his wife are proud to be in Media and to be serving Fair Trade beans.

    “We’re thrilled to be able to do our part to help Media stay a certified Fair Trade town,” he said.

    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.

  • Wawa has grown — but has it changed too much? | Inquirer Greater Media

    Wawa has grown — but has it changed too much? | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    Wawa has experienced rapid growth in recent years, but it still takes its hometown fans seriously when it comes to changes. Some Inquirer staffers asked, though: Has a little of its magic been lost? Also this week, Delaware County Council has ended a disaster emergency related to Crozer Health’s closure, plans for a loop road in Middletown Township have been scrapped, plus Swarthmore College’s president is stepping down next year.

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    Wawa remains true to its local fans amid expansion

    Wawa’s corporate headquarters is located in Delaware County.

    Wawa’s stores and menu offerings look quite different than they did a couple of decades ago, but despite the many changes the Delco-rooted company has made over the years, leadership says it’s still taking cues from its hometown base.

    “For a lot of people, it’s their daily routine,” CEO Chris Gheysens told The Inquirer’s Erin McCarthy recently.

    While some bemoan the loss of freshly sliced meats (more on that below), other changes to Wawa have been consumer-driven, like introducing coffee, adding gas, and delivering protein-packed menu items.

    Read more about how Wawa continues to stay in tune with its hometown fans even as it grows and evolves.

    Yes, but is Wawa still good?

    Is Wawa what it used to be?

    Wawa has expanded to nearly 1,200 stores across 13 states and Washington, D.C., and some wonder if it’s lost a little bit of its luster all these years later.

    Three Inquirer staffers recently shared what they still love about the convenience chain and what they miss (including the freshly sliced deli meat and the spicy cherry relish).

    Read what they had to say and why they think locals remain so loyal to the brand.

    💡 Community News

    • The region saw widely ranging snowfall totals from the storm earlier this week thanks to heavy banding, but Nether Providence and Swarthmore topped the lists locally, according to figures reported to the National Weather Service. Both recorded a foot of snow, while Media clocked in at 7.8 inches. See a map of how much snow fell near you.
    • Middletown Township is not moving forward with plans for the proposed “loop road” that was intended to be built behind the Chick-fil-A and CVS to ease congestion near the busy intersection of Route 1 and Pennell Road. With PennDot planning to widen the road and add turn lanes, the project would be unnecessary. (Daily Times)
    • Delaware County Council voted last week to end a disaster emergency related to Prospect Medical’s closure of Crozer Health last year, including Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Council enacted the resolution last summer, allowing it to allocate funds that ensured residents had continued access to emergency medical services, such as ambulances. It also gave local municipalities time to establish their own EMS contracts, which, according to council, all have since done.
    • Swarthmore College President Valerie Smith announced this week that she will step down from her role in June 2027, when her contract ends. Smith has served as president since 2015, leading the liberal arts school through the pandemic, student protests, and funding threats from the federal government.
    • Eight Swarthmore College students face possible expulsion after distributing a “zine” criticizing seven members of the college’s board of managers for their ties to companies invested in Israel. The school says the students used imagery and language that “threatened, intimidated, and/or promoted potential violence on campus.” (WHYY)
    • Heads up for trolley riders: Trips on the D1 line, which starts at Orange Street in Media, could be up to 15 minutes longer after SEPTA launched a new safety system this week. The new system includes upgraded signals that require more gradual accelerations and decelerations, which are aimed at improving safety.
    • Media Mayor Joi Washington said she knows that her office carries weight beyond policy-making. The first woman and person of color to be mayor of Media, she said in a recent interview with CBS News Philadelphia, “What I want young Black girls to see, what I want Black residents to see, is that we’re still here. There are a lot of things that are stacked against us, but we can’t succumb to negativity.”
    • Swarthmore Borough residents can purchase a tree to go along or near their curb through March 9. Trees are $250 and include mulching and planting.

    📾 Local residents embrace the snow

    Josh Jordan and his 3 year-old daughter, Louise, took advantage of the snow earlier this week to build a snowman near their home in Media.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • On Tuesday, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District’s board approved a reorganization plan that would eliminate nearly 20 jobs as it looks to trim spending. The plan, which goes into effect in July, is expected to save the district about $2 million by eliminating five administrative positions, some instructional assistants, and other roles. The measure comes as the district faced a budget deficit for the 2027-28 school year.
    • WSSD is hosting a pair of community conversations today at Strath Haven Middle School at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to discuss the budget development for next school year.
    • Reminder for Wallingford-Swarthmore families: Tomorrow is the last day to register for next year’s morning/afternoon kindergarten lottery.
    • Also in Wallingford-Swarthmore, tomorrow is Strath Haven Middle School’s sixth and seventh grade dance, and Monday is the start of pre-season for spring athletics. There’s a policy committee meeting Tuesday night. See the district’s full calendar here.
    • In Rose Tree Media School District, there’s a school board meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Penncrest High School, and Springton Lake Middle School’s musical kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday. Tomorrow, there’s a pep rally and science fair at Indian Lane. There are early dismissals for elementary school students on Wednesday for parent-teacher conferences. See the district’s full calendar here.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Media Restaurant Week is just a few weeks away, and eateries are offering special pricing for the occasion. See the restaurants that have signed up so far here.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸŽ· Tino Serrano and His Latin Jazz Quintet: Hear the band play Latin jazz tunes as part of the Friday Night Live Concert series. ⏰ Friday, Feb. 27, 7-9:30 p.m. đŸ’” $10-$15 📍Community Arts Center, Wallingford

    😂 Delco Improv Night: ComedySportz Philadelphia returns for another unscripted night of comedy. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:30-9 p.m. đŸ’” $20.50 📍Park Avenue Community Center, Swarthmore

    đŸŽ” Rust: Hear tunes from the Neil Young tribute band. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 28, 8:30 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍Shere-e-Punjab

    🏡 On the Market

    A mid-century Media home with a three-season room

    The home also has solar panels.

    Built in 1950, this four-bedroom Media ranch has mid-century elements but has also been updated and expanded. Brick walls and original oak flooring give nods to the past, along with a brick fireplace that has space for wood storage, while stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a peninsula with seating give the kitchen a 21st-century feel. The home has a living room, family room with vaulted ceilings, a dining room with a dry bar area, and an office. There’s also a three-season room, a back patio, and a fenced yard.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $899,000 | Size: 4,010 SF | Acreage: 0.76

    đŸ—žïž 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.

  • 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)

    đŸ« 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)

    đŸœïž 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

    đŸ—“ïž 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. đŸ’” Free 📍Downtown Media

    🇹🇮 Colombian Festival: Learn more about Colombian culture through dancing, music, food, and crafts. ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m. đŸ’” 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. đŸ’” $13.50-$18.50 📍Players Club of Swarthmore

    đŸŒ± 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. đŸ’” $21.25-$25 📍Tyler Arboretum, Media

    đŸ—“ïž 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. đŸ’” 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

    đŸ—žïž 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.

  • In the 1940s, she was denied service at a Delco restaurant. She spent the rest of her life bridging racial divides in Media.

    In the 1940s, she was denied service at a Delco restaurant. She spent the rest of her life bridging racial divides in Media.

    When the Media-area NAACP was selecting a few Black figures to spotlight throughout Black History Month, adding Marie Whitaker to the list was a no-brainer, said Cynthia Jetter, president of Media’s NAACP chapter.

    Within the community, “I think most people know the story,” Jetter said.

    The story, that is, of when Whitaker sat down for a meal at the Tower Restaurant at the corner of State and Olive Streets with her baby in her arms and her sister by her side in 1943.

    No one waited on them.

    This bothered Dorothy James, a white Quaker woman who was dining at the restaurant. So she approached a worker there who explained that the waitresses did not serve Black people, James recounted in a letter she wrote a few days after the incident.

    Whitaker soon left the restaurant with her baby and sister and went elsewhere. Soon, James joined them, she wrote.

    Whitaker and James became fast friends and cofounded Media Fellowship House the following year. The goal was to bring together Media residents of all races and religions for events and meals. It grew over the course of its first decade, and in 1953, they raised enough money from community members to buy a property on South Jackson Street, where the organization flourished.

    Whitaker died in 2002, but the fellowship house lived on. In its 82 years, it has gone from hosting sewing circles and childcare events to helping Black people buy homes in restricted neighborhoods to now offering assistance to first-time homebuyers and helping those facing foreclosure.

    For Amy Komarnicki, who now runs the Media Fellowship House, the values Whitaker championed — inclusion, resilience, and courage — are always guiding her.

    “I think you have to move toward the injustice that you see and not ignore it,” Komarnicki said.

    That is especially difficult to do when you’re on the receiving end of the injustice, she added.

    “Being willing to accept an invitation to talk about it takes enormous bravery and trust,” Komarnicki said. “It’s good to be uncomfortable. It’s good to make people uncomfortable for the greater good. It opens up space for dialogue.”

    Whitaker’s legacy stretches beyond the bounds of Media. Her daughter, Gail Whitaker, once the infant with her at the restaurant where she did not get served, became the first Black woman to practice law in Delaware County and served on the Media Borough Council. She died in 2024. Her son, Bill Whitaker, is a 60 Minutes correspondent for CBS.

    Living in Media and going to Fellowship House growing up exposed him to people from all kinds of demographics and religions, Bill Whitaker said. And that was no accident; it was something his mother and Fellowship House helped lay the groundwork for.

    “She was resolute and knew what she wanted, not just for her family, but for her community and for her world,” Whitaker said. “She had a vision of what Fellowship House stands for, bringing people together and having people speak across what seems now to be a chasm of our differences — she wanted people to speak across that, to reach across that and come together.”

    As long as Fellowship House stands, that work, just as important now as then, will continue, Bill Whitaker said.

  • 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.

    đŸ« 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.

    đŸœïž 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

    đŸ„Ÿ 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. đŸ’” $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. đŸ’” Free 📍Helen Kate Furness Free Library, Wallingford

    đŸ« 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. đŸ’” 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. đŸ’” $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

    đŸ—žïž 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.

  • 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.

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    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)

    đŸ« 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.

    đŸœïž 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

    đŸ©° 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. đŸ’” $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 đŸ’” $21.50-$23.50 📍Players Club of Swarthmore

    đŸ›ïž 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. đŸ’” Free 📍Downtown Media

    ❀ Galentine’s Brunch: Towne House is hosting a themed brunch that includes dueling pianos. ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 8, noon-3 p.m. đŸ’” $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 đŸ’” $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

    đŸ—žïž What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:

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