Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Dining under the Stars tonight in Media

Dining under the Stars....tonight 5 to 10pm

YouTube Video

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Media's own 'Dining Under the Stars' on CBS Channel 3

It's great to see Media in the spotlight and there was no better place to see this than on a recent interview hosted by Channel 3 CBS.  Chef, IInuma from Azie and Chef, Barnieu  Picasso/ La Belle Epoque went on to discuss the concept of dining under the stars, as well as, what it means to the community and attendees.

Media is lucky to have these high caliber restaurants and the forward thinking needed to make this a great event for all.

Penncrest named by Newsweek as one of the top high schools in the nation

As an alumni, I'm proud to hear that Penncrest was recently recognized by Newsweek magazine as being one of the top high schools in the nation.  It was a fun school and provided me with a great educational and social foundation that I still appreciate to this day.

You can read about it in Newsweek

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A great start for PPL Stadium, the Fans and the CIty of Chester

I didn't have a ticket, but that didn't stop me from taking a drive down to Chester to check out the new PPL stadium and opening festivities for the Union soccer team.  Sunday was rather hot, but there where plenty of people (18,000+) about having a good time while supporting their team and the city of Chester.

Had I known, I would have caught up with Stefan Roots the C-City Blogger to tag along while he took this video.  He's a fellow blogger that covers Chester and is really showing the city in a positive light that you don't often find in the local coverage.  Great job Stefan! 





Video done by Stefan Roots (Chester City Blog)

Monday, June 28, 2010

SUE SERIO IS 'DELCO IDOL' EMCEE AT THE MEDIA THEATRE


SUE SERIO IS 'DELCO IDOL' EMCEE AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

The region's popular vocal contest "Delco Idol" has a new host for season six. FOX-TV's "Good Day Philadelphia" weather anchor and roaming reporter Sue Serio will emcee each Wednesday night at The Media Theatre, adding her charm and vibrant personality to the competition. She will share the stage each week with the theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who once again will sit just a few feet away from the contestants as they sing their hearts out for audiences and judges.

"We are so fortunate to have Sue Serio with us this summer," Cline said. "She brings with her  much audience familiarity which will assist in making the audience and the vocalists feel at ease right from the start. She will create a new feel for the entire competition."

"I look forward to Delco Idol," Sue stated. "This should be fun! I am honored to be a part of the summer's big event on State Street."

"Good Day Philadelphia" will capture some of the excitement each Wednesday night, with updates on the morning program as to who is creating a 'buzz' in "Delco Idol". "The contest is named after Delaware County only because it takes place in Media", Cline said. "But it's really open to anyone between the ages of 14-24 within a 55-mile radius. So any of these contestants, from around the region, can go home the winner."

Cline is the one constant judge throughout, and he is joined by a rotating panel who assist in choosing the eventual Idol for 2010. Idol-hopefuls are rated on Vocals and Stage Presence. "This means we listen for song interpretation as well as 'pitch' performance and notice everything from what they are wearing to how they deal with the entire situation in front of an audience," Cline explained.

"Delco Idol" with Sue Serio takes place on Wednesday nights at 7pm July 7-August 4. A contestant list can be found online at www.mediatheatre.org where votes may be placed for 'Idol Favorites' at $2 each. The contestant heading into each week's competition with the most votes gains 5 extra points toward their total score.

Iron Workers Bank is the "Delco Idol" sponsor for 2010. Andrew Deichman, who played Mark in The Media Theatre's "RENT", will emcee the "Junior" version of the singing contest on Sunday evenings. For tickets or more information, call 610-891-0100.

(PICTURED: SUE SERIO)

Sunday, June 27, 2010

What's Best in Media: A Media Local's point of view

A lot of people ask me where's the best "this" or where's the best "that" when it comes to food in Media.  Okay, here's my run-down in no particular order.  You asked, I'll tell.  If you have something you'd like to add, feel free.

  • Best Burger: Picasso's, no one's even close on that one.
  • Sushi: Margret Quo's, check out "chef" he's the best.  Azie a close second.
  • Wings: Sligo
  • Cheesesteak:  This may come as a surprise, but it's the Plumstead Inn.
  • Ice Cream: O'Malley's
  • Beer: Sligo's for Guinness, Quotations for selection, Plumstead for $2 buck Chucks
  • Wine and ambiance: Picasso/La Belle Epoque, Azie
  • Mexican: Koffee Korner (serve Mexican menu Wed. Thurs, Fri. evenings.)
  • Breakfast: You'll see me most often at Koffee Korner, but I like Courthouse Diner, Mrs. Marty and Fast and Fancy
  • Hoagie: Planet Hoagie (Rocco w/ sweet peppers)
  • Chicken Cheesesteak: On a Roll
  • Entertaining a group: Azie or Townhouse
  • Coffee: 7 Stones Cafe
  • Live Music: Coffee Club (Friday's and Saturday's)
  • Karaoke: I hear John's Grille or Joclyn's
  • Sports Bar: Plumstead, Quotations, Joclyn's and Sligo's upstairs. (When it's open, Sligo's has a 10ft. HD screen)
  • Salad: Lotus and Salad Stop
  • Night Life: Stephen's
  • Cigars: Rose's
  • Pizza: Apollo's
  • Brew Pub: Iron Hill
  • Best Place to get away from it all: Locust Crest (I know it's not in Media, but it's worth mentioning)
  • Brunch: Azie and Generations
For hours of operation and locations to these places and more, swing by www.mediarestaurants.com for a full comprehensive list.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Rose Tree Park Summer Festival Concert Schedule

A very big area attraction is the Summer Festival Concert series held at Rose Tree Park .  Check out the schedule for 2010 Shows begin at 7:30 unless noted

Possible rain cancellations will be handled via recorded message on the park's phone (610-565-7410)

Media's very own Leroy Hawkes and the Hipnotics will be performing
Saturday, July 10th.

Rose Tree Park Amphitheater
(Route 252 and Rose Tree Road)

Thursday, June 24, 2010

PA Symphonic Wind Band concert at Media Theatre

The Pennsylvania Symphonic Wind Band (PSWB), one of the leading amateur civilian wind bands in Pennsylvania today, will be performing 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 26 and 4 p.m., Sunday, June 27 at the Media Theater.

For more information visit the Media Town Talk website

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Two cars and items stolen from within Media Boro.

In an earlier post I reported that a rash of thefts were reported within the borough which included items taken from unlocked cars.  This information mostly came from last week's borough council's meeting and a article done by the Media Town Talk.  I've come to learn yesterday that TWO cars were also stolen and the area of the incidents included  Edgmont St., E. State St. and N. Orange St.

Unusual to say the least because I can't remember the last time I heard of cars being stolen out of the boro.  Isolated events?  Possibly, but what really exposes the disconnect with this type of information is that it wasn't conveyed better to the area residents.  Borough Council addressed it at their council meeting, but if you weren't there and didn't read the meeting minutes, which won't be release until their approved by next month's meeting, you most likely didn't hear about it.



It was briefly touched upon by an article in the Media Town Talk on June 22nd that covered the council meeting, but in this day and age, it should come much quicker.  I have to at least give credit to Councilman Jim Cunningham for taking the time to explain and verify the situation.


If I can sit here and write about it in a few paragraphs on a blog, then by all means your elected officials should too!  Community leadership and responsibility isn't just a campaign slogan!!!!


Tedman O'Hara



Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Generations Restaurant - Outdoor Patio Now Open!

  
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Outdoor Patio is now Open!

Media: Solar Powered Recycling Bins And Maybe New Parking Meters Too!

RECYCLING and STATE STREET:
Based on comments made at last week's Boro. Council meeting, it looks like the grant from State Rep. Tom Killion's office is finally going through with delivery of the five Big Belly solar bins expected in July.  Per Councilman Alyanakian, the placement will include Barrall Field, the courthouse, Plum St. Mall and perhaps the Media Elementary School.

Another interesting concept brought up at the meeting regarded the removal of the parking meters that line State St. and replacing them with kiosks.  This has become popular in urban areas and lessens the clutter on streets.  The current meters were upgraded a few years ago, but could be resold to cover a portion of the costs.

PUBLIC SAFETY:
It was also reported at the meeting that a rash of car burglaries have been reported to police.  Items have been taken from cars that were unlocked.  It wasn't clear what section of Media these thefts occurred, though I'll look into it.

For more information check out Media Town Talk News online

Monday, June 21, 2010

Take out food and restaurant delivery options in Media

A Media resident recently contacted me regarding restaurant delivery options in Media....or lack thereof.  This person is on to a good point and believes there is more interest than people might think and suggested I use their poll to see just how much of a market there really is.

Perhaps this may turn out to be a collaborative effort with www.mediarestaurants.com and the residents of the area.....stay tuned.

It's always great to get people involved.  I'm glad they reached out.

Please check out the POLL

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Media Boro. in the Shadows of Proposed Franklin Mint Development

After what seems to have been a lengthy lull in the discussion of the fate of the Franklin Mint property, it appears things are picking up in Middletown based on last  week's planning commission meeting.  The issue at hand is whether current property owners/developers of the Old Franklin Mint and adjacent properties can facilitate a zoning change in order to proceed with the development of a “walkable community” of places to live, work, shop, eat and play.  Think of  a commercialized, less charming and much less authentic "Media Borough" built within Middletown Township at the site of the proposed development.  Okay, that might be a stretch, but you get the point.  Add on to the fact that traffic challenges currently experienced now would only be exponentially worse.  I've seen the conceptual drawings of the development, but have yet to hear solutions regarding traffic planning.

Critics will be quick to point out that something has to be done with the site and a scaled down proposal of what was presented at the planning commission is better than nothing.  However, a lot of residents think otherwise based on their vocal comments and attendance at the meeting.  It's not a bad plan, but does it work shoehorned into this area at the expensive of open space, traffic congestion and quality of life?  That's for the residents of Middletown to decide, but I wouldn't support it even as a Media resident.  Sleighton Farms had a similar predicament, but that was later left as open space.

At this point, it may be years before anything gets decided, let alone built. For more information, the developer has created a website at: http://www.planningfranklin.com/





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Monday, June 14, 2010

Registration for the Media 5mle race is closed, 1,400 signed up.

Registration for the 31st Media 5 Miler Race is closed after hitting the cap of 1,400 racers.  Walk-in registrations will not be accepted.

See you on the streets this Friday!  Race starts at 7pm with a forecast of warm, but clear weather.

For more info. swing on by the Media 5 miler race site


Thursday, June 10, 2010

Media's State Street Blues Stroll - 10th Anniversary

June 12, 2010

State Street, Media, PA
7:00 PM to 1:00 AM
RAIN OR SHINE
FREE PARKING!

For event details and performers:
www.statestreetblues.com/

DELCO IDOL 2010’ CONTESTANTS ANNOUNCED FOR MEDIA THEATRE’S POPULAR SUMMER EVENT


DELCO IDOL 2010’ CONTESTANTS ANNOUNCED FOR MEDIA THEATRE’S POPULAR SUMMER EVENT
The Media Theatre held its sixth annual Delco Idol auditions June 7 and 8 with the largest number of hopefuls the contest has seen.  From the approximately 180 who auditioned, 70 were chosen to become a part of the actual 2010 competition.  The theatre’s Artistic Director Jesse Cline held the auditions.
“We have 35 talented performers in Delco Idol ,” Artistic Director Jesse Cline said. “We also have 35 youngsters in the Junior version of the franchise. There is a lot of great talent to showcase this year. Hopefully the contestants will remember that, although someone walks out of the theatre in August as the ‘winner’, this is a format for each of them to develop what it is they do. It allows them to bring their unique personality on to a professional music theatre stage in front of large audiences.  Each of them will gain performance experience and be given an opportunity to be adjudicated in an environment that will assist them in understanding more about themselves.”
Cline continued, “The Media Theatre is Delaware County’s only professional music theatre.  That is why the contest is entitled “Delco Idol”. When you put that into perspective, everyone who performs here is already a ‘winner’. ”
The popular “Delco Idol” vocal event brings an energy and excitement to State Street in Media for five Wednesday evenings as audiences have the option of browsing Media’s shops or having dinner outdoors at Dining Under The Stars prior to “Idol” at 7pm. The Junior “Idol” takes place on Sunday evenings, creating a weekend buzz. “The contest assists foot traffic in town,” Cline stated. “Many theatre patrons visit the restaurants and are able to see firsthand what the borough has to offer.”
The “Delco Idol Junior” contestants, between the ages of 7-13, are: Alexandra Billotta, Springfield; Lili Burgerlentz, Media; Christopher Clark, Glen Mills; Aidan Cole, Wallingford; Emily Chressanthis, Media; Mimi Dambro, Glen Mills; Taylor Debello, Springfield; Brendan DeSanto, Radnor; Jessica Fala, Garnet Valley; Dominique Franco, Drexel Hill; Lauren Grajewski, Newtown Square; Gabby Hanes, Morton; Jade Holman, Wayne; Gillian Keener, Aston; Mason Kelly, Folsom; Carlie C. Lopez, Upper Darby; Paul Mariani III, Ardmore; Brianna Mazzola, Glen Mills; Paige Mazzola, Glen Mills; Noah Mendell, Wallingford; Makenna Mink, Glen Mills; Zackary Mokary, Linwood; Danny Murphy, Havertown; Jessica Nardo, Drexel Hill; Jacqueline Ranieri, Media; Keely Renninger, Glen Mills; Teanna Rico, Essington; Joesi Rider, Newtown Square; Paige Romano, Morton; Ally Schneeman, West Chester; Victoria Sellers, Thornton; Emily Smith, Media; Gregory Smith, Media; Lexi Suydam, Havertown; and Valerie West, Collingdale.
Vocalists ages 14-24 will take the spotlight in the “Delco Idol” contest. They are:  Sara Abo-Harb, Havertown; Rebecca Alexander, Newtown Square; Jason Berger, Chadds Ford; Kyleigh Bleacher, Ridley Park; Fiona Bradley, Havertown; Renee Cannon, Downingtown; Kelly Delduca, Moorestown; John Diferdinando, Cheltenham; Theresa Dorsch, Essington; Tre Fountain, Prospect Park; Elizabeth Gallagher, Springfield; Brian Giebler, Phoenixville; Amanda Hewitt, Philadelphia; Amanda Houlihan, Morton; Ben Iffrig, Springfield; Christopher Infantino, Media; Carly Katz, Broomall; Julie Keyes, Garnet Valley; Lindsay Laborda, Media; Aine Lafferty, West Grove; Amber Lallo, Glen Mills; Albert Legg, Philadelphia; Mark Morano, Prospect Park; Maggie Molen, Garnet Valley; Brianna Moses, Garnet Valley;  Lindsay Nave, Royersford; Jordan Robbins, Malvern; Ashley Robertson, Chester Springs; Lindsay Ronaldson, Aston;  Katie Stecklair, Southampton; PJ Syfrit, Glen Mills; Denzel Thomas, Media; Danielle Trofa, Boothwyn; Alex Wolfe, Blue Bell; and Bridget Yingling, Springfield.
Anyone involved in the competition must reside within a 55-mile radius of The Media Theatre. “It was terrific seeing so many newcomers to the theatre at the audition,” Cline explained. “We don’t have a huge percentage of repeat contestants, although there are a few. It’s nice to know that this summer event is still reaching beyond the borders of Media into the entire region.”
Cline is the one constant judge throughout both contests.  Guest judges fill out ballots each week on a rotation basis and the votes are tabulated, with five vocalists asked ‘not to return’ the following week until 15 of the original line-up remain for the Finals in August in both the Idol and Junior versions.  The judging is complimented by online voting, which is now live on The Media Theatre website (www.mediatheatre.org). The general public may vote for their favorite contestant ($2 per vote). The contestant in each contest with the most votes garners 5 extra points toward their overall judging tally heading into the competition.
Tickets to both “Idol” competitions are now on sale. Purchasing reserved seats in advance is suggested for this popular contest. Call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org.
 (pictured: Teana Rico, 11, of Essington, auditions for the Delco Idol Junior competition at The Media Theatre. She was one of the lucky contestants who was chosen to move forward beginning in July.)

Monday, June 7, 2010

Vaccination and Microchip Clinics are Back at DELCO SPCA

Great things going on at the DELCO SPCA.  Check out this evenings special!
For more info. visit: Delco SPCA

  
Vaccination and Microchip Clinics are Back
1St or 2nd Monday of each Month, April through October: 4:00 to 7:00 pm

April 5th
May 3rd
June 7th
July 12th (due to the 4th of July Holiday)
August 2nd
September 13th (due to the Labor Day Holiday)
October 4th

$10.00 per vaccination
$25.00 per microchip

Dogs must be leashed - Cats should be in carriers.
Please bring your pets' medical records, if available.
Please be in line before 6:30 p.m.

Media's Old Borough Hall fails to receive any bids for purchase or lease

I'm not sure if it was the appraisal price ($900K), the marketing (unknown website) or the crippling economy that has affected so many......perhaps it's a factor or all three.  Either way, there was not one single bid received for Old Borough Hall on State St. since it's debut on the market in February 2010.

This may not only take a long time, but could get expensive at a monthly loss of $6,000 dollars in lost rent.  Additionally, the legal fees needed to recovered the unpaid rent from the last tenant are quickly adding up to the amount the borough was trying to recover in the first place.  

The Daily Times also reported on this story:


 

Friday, June 4, 2010

Media Inn to be torn down at the end of June

As it looks now, the Media Inn will be razed at the end of June.  It's not clear what, if any inconviencne willl occur to the Baltimore Pike and Providence Rd intersection, but I'll include a post if there is any update.

Future plans are still to be determined, but there will not be a super Wawa built on the site as rumored by some.

Media Inn 6/3/10

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Delaware County Council Helping to Perserve the Environment BIG TIME!!!!!!

You don't know what you have until it's gone, especially when it comes to land and open space.  Based on County Council's approval of Resolution 2010-7, the swath of land (mineral hill) in the amount of 40+ acres between Media and the Granite Run Mall on Baltimore Pike, won't be going anywhere.  The resolution allows for Middletown Township to purchase the land from Elwyn Institute in order to retain it for passive use.  Elwyn deserves a lot of credit for their generosity in offering a price that was way below market value.

I hear a few fields may be put in, but overall, it'll remain much like it is today.  Thanks to Elwyn, Middletown and County Council for making this happen.   Media and the surrounding townships just wouldn't have been the same if this land was developed into box stores, pharmacies and tract housing.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Court House Diner Getting New Addtion for Bathrooms

If you've driven past the Court House Diner on Baltimore Pike in Media, you may have seen a lot of construction going on, especially in the back of the property.  What's it all about?  Due to the challenging stair case that leads to the current bathrooms in the basement, the diner has moved forward with an addition that will now allow the bathrooms to be on the same level as the dining area.

To many this might not mean much, but to a few this will make a world of difference.

The Court Diner Restaurant is a Media home-town tradition. Established in 1963, we serve many fresh, home made items. Famous for our hearty breakfasts and comfort foods, we continue to offer our traditional favorites and have added many new items; wraps & pitas, whole wheat pancakes, breakfast "Pillows" TM & fresh fruit smoothies.