Friday, July 30, 2010

Sphere Store, by Clear Communications opens in Media!

After a lot of hype, speculation and rumor, the Sphere (Clear Communications) store located on West State St. opened last night.  I had a chance to drop by today an checkout what they did.  The first thing you'll notice is the cosmic decor and the outlandish green theme that flows throughout the whole place.  It's pretty cool!

If you're a techie, you'll be quickly drawn to the hardware displays and HD TVs showing all sorts of wireless internet capabilities.  The store is not yet fully stocked, but it is the only one around of it's kind.  

Why should I stop in?  Well, if you haven't seen 3D TV yet, they have great displays of the technology which really gives the store a WOW factor.  They're for sale too!

As for the guys with the green hair on tricycles; I suppose they rode off into the sunset.

ROGER RICKER CONCERT AUGUST 18 AT MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'NO PREJUDICE'

 ROGER RICKER CONCERT AUGUST 18 AT MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'NO PREJUDICE'
 
For his fifth headlining concert at The Media Theatre, Roger Ricker takes on a theme of acceptance with the title "No Prejudice" on Wednesday evening August 18.
 
"The past concerts have been a mix of humor and inspiration, a blend of the silly and the serious," Ricker explained. "This year will be no exception to that, but will send the message that all people--regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation--should be treated with respect. It is not up to us to judge anyone else. We need only look at ourselves in the mirror and try to grow with dignity and integrity each day."
 
To that end, popular songs such as "Man In The Mirror" will be included in the cabaret style performance. "That song sends an important message and maintains its relevancy years after it was recorded," Ricker said.
 
Roger2010.jpgBroadway tunes will mix with more familiar pop standards. "Every number has some type of connection to the basic theme of the night," Ricker explained. "As a society, we have become way too concerned with what everyone is doing and how they live. Should I tell my neighbor to wear red instead of black or to eat meat instead of vegetables? No one has the right to do that. "No Prejudice" sums it up."
 
An ensemble of children and teens will join Ricker for several songs in his sixth fundraiser for The Media Theatre. His special guest will be Philadelphia actress Lois Sach Binder, who appeared in "Menopause, The Musical" and "Nunsense" at The Society Hill Playhouse, as well as several Media Theatre productions. 
 
Ricker looks forward to the event. "Please join us at the theatre on August 18," he said. "We need your support! We have a great season coming up directed by Artistic Director Jesse Cline with many wonderful actors."
 
All tickets to "No Prejudice" are $15. Call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org
 
Pictured: The Media Theatre's Roger Ricker prepares for his fifth fundraising concert on August 18  with the theme of "No Prejudice".
 
 
 


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Koffee Korner in Media. Not only a great place for Breakfast, but the best Mexican Food served on Wed. Thrus. and Fri. nights! BYOB too......Check it out!

Koffee Korner in Media.  Not only a great place for Breakfast, but the best Mexican Food served on Wed. Thrus. and Fri. nights!  BYOB too......Check it out!

I understand that they provide the Margarita's......if you provide the tequila.

 Now on Facebook and Twitter

Friday, July 23, 2010

Media Theatre's Garage Band Festival - R3 Band and the Broozers part of the line-up

Kudos to Media Theatre for this year's Garage Band Festival!  Be sure to drop by their site to see the line-up

I've been waiting years to see the R3 band play at the Media Theatre and I can assure you they won't disappoint on Friday, August 27th. Also, the Broozer's will be kicking the event off on  Friday, August 13th $12 a ticket.


Thanks to everyone in the community who put this together.  Great Job!




Summer camp at Media Youth Center

Great things happening a Media's Youth Center.

As posted by the Media Town Talk:
The Media Recreation Board is partnering with the Media Youth Center to offer Summer Camp for six one-week sessions at the Media Youth Center 9 to 3, weekdays.

Sessions will continue July 26-30, and Aug. 2-6. Cost is $125 per week for non-borough residents; and $85 for borough residents.

Field trips, swimming, games, art, and sports are included.

For information or to register, contact the Media Youth Center at 610-566-5877.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Media Boro. Councilman Jim Cunningham on local zoning and how it relates to the Boro.

It's great to see issues discussed by Borough Council outside of formal meetings. Councilman, Jim Cunningham took the time to explain Media zoning concerns and what it means to the Borough.

Recent developments at meetings of Media Borough Council can only give residents and property owners serious concerns about the future of residential protection and commercial development in Everybody's Home town.

It used to be that our zoning laws gave us a necessary "wall of protection" against the encroachment of incompatible and inappropriate development that would downgrade our quality of life and the residential environment of our lowest density and loveliest residential zones.
Now, as recently as last week, we witness the third case in five years of the allowable uses in our lowest density residential district, R-1, being modified by approval of a "change in use variance," permitting uses in that zone that the zoning code does not authorize or allow. This is being done by the unelected Zoning Hearing Board with the tacit approval of Media Borough Council and the planning commission.......read more at Media Town Talk online.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Who are those guys with the green hair riding tricycles up and down State St?

I was contacted by the local newspaper today for clarification on what exactly is, the new store,  that is being promoted by kids with green hair riding up and down State St on tricycles.  Well, its been rumored to be anything from a night club to an activist's meeting place, but the real occupants will be Clear Communications.  They are a broadband wireless service provider that will be using the store for retail and promotion demonstrations.

West State St.

Vacant Apt. Building between Monroe and Jackson on 5th St.

If you've driven by 5th St. (between Monroe and Jackson St.) you may have noticed the Apt. building below in what looks like a state of abandonment.   I inquired about the situation and was told by Borough Officials that they were trying to reach the property owner in order to find out more about the situation.

I haven't seen cars out in the front parking lot for months and the main entrance door is warped to the point that it won't open or close and is currently ajar.  Interesting.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Media Borough Welcomes Bi-Partisan Leadership!

Since Feburary  of 2010, I've made over 170 posts, almost one everyday,  about issues related to Media and the surronding area.  Today's might be the biggest!  Last night Pete Alyanakian, minority republican, was voted in as the new council president replacing Peter Williamson, the majority democrat.  People may be quick to take sides, but this isn't about one party manuevering around another, it's about working together in a bi-partisan way that will benefit everyone. Additionally, Monika Rehoric (D) was nomimated to vice president, replacing Monica Simpsom (D).

As a resident of the community and someone who has run for borough council; I have the utmost respect for Jim Cunningham, Dawn Roe, Monika Rehoric and Pete Alyanankian for putting politics aside in order to do what's right for Media.  There are looming budgetary and operational issues that will require tough decisions and cooperation from both parties.  I'm confident the new leadership will put an end to the complacency and poor communication that was so prevalent for so long. 

I look forward to your comments and encourage everyone to participate in making Media a better place for everyone......regardless of what party you support.

Congratulations Media Borough Council, you have my full support.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Breaking News: Media has a new Boro Council Pres

Moments ago, Pete Alyanakian was nominated President of Media Boro. Council. Looking forward to Bi-Partisan cooperation.......more to come!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

TIME CHANGE FOR MONTHLY MEDIA BORO. COUNCIL MEETINGS

TIME CHANGE FOR MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Please note that the monthly Council meetings held on the third Thursday of each month will begin at 7:30 p.m. (in lieu of 8:00 p.m.) in Council Chambers effective with the May 2010 meeting.

Media Farmer's Market: Serving the Community

I haven't had a chance yet to swing by, but I hear great things about the Media Farmer's MarketThe Media Town Talk has a great article on the popularity

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Delco Idol at the Media Theatre

The annual showcase and contest for singers aged 14 - 24. Wednesdays at 7pm, July 7 - August 4. $13-$16. The Media Theatre: 610-891-0100 / mediatheatre.org.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Bed and Breakfast Accomodations in the Media, PA area.

I don't think anyone disputes the need for a hotel in Media, but what about a bed and breakfast?  I had a chat last week with someone who was interested in opening one up and thought Media would be the perfect location.  I not only agreed, but was surprised to learn how few there are in the area.

 Alpenhof  Bed and Breakfast (Upper Providence)

Though not technically in the borough, the two closest and highly recommended include:  
For more information on area accommodations, visit the Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Suspect sought in Media bank heist

MEDIA – Police are asking for help identifying the lone robber who held up the Citizens Bank on East Baltimore Pike Tuesday afternoon.

The suspect entered the bank, located at 2 E. Baltimore Pike at about 4:20 p.m. He handed a teller what authorities are calling “a threatening demand note.”

Read more at the Delcotimes.com

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Where to watch the fireworks! - The Delaware County Daily Times : Serving Delaware County, PA(DelcoTimes.com)

No firework displays in Media, but here's a listing of what's going on in the county

Where to watch the fireworks! - The Delaware County Daily Times : Serving Delaware County, PA(DelcoTimes.com)

Historic Rose Tree Tavern to become HQ for Delco's Brandywine Visitors Bureau

When it was moved back in 2004, it wasn't clear what would become of the historic Rose Tree Tavern.  It now looks like it will officially be the headquarters for Delco's Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau.  You can read more about at the Media Town Talk site

Rose Tree Tavern (2004)

Friday, July 2, 2010

Open Space good for both Middletown, Media and others.

Middletown Township: Advocate for Open-Space
As reported in the Daily Times, it's great to see Middletown township as a major proponent of open space.  It's not only beneficial for Middletown, but also provides added value for surrounding municipalities such as Upper Providence and Media.  The middle of the map shows the area of the recently purchased open space, which is about 2/3 or the size of the whole Media Borough.

Middletown's strong leadership is making a difference!  Thanks


View Larger Map

Franklin Mint Development:
On the flip side, last Wednesday the Franklin Mint developers were on hand to show design plans and discuss the econonmic benefits of developing such a community.  I wasn't able to attend, but you can read the specifics as reported by the Daily Times.
 The planned community would include 1,253 residences, 235,200 square feet of office space, 798,000 square feet of commercial space, and a 225-room hotel.  Per reported by the Daily Times
I still think traffic is a major issue and the plans for the 150 acres is way too big.  I do, however, give credit to the developers for coming out and explaining their position. Either way, this will be a challenging decision for Middletown and area residents.


View Larger Map

There are two websites that are on opposite ends of this development:

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Media's First Keystone Bank is now Bryn Mawr Trust

As of today, July 1st, First Keystone bank has now become part of Bryn Mawr Trust.  I'm disappointed to see FK go, but have been assured by the FK staff that nothing will change and service and products will only improve.
For a complete run down of the merger and what to expect, please check out the merger website.

Bryn Mawr Trust, welcome to Media!

Media reviews event policy...can't make decision....ad hoc committee created

I find it ridiculous that Borough Council has to create an ad hoc committee to determine whether events should or shouldn't be extended by one block (West of Orange St.), but yet totally disregard their own health department recommendations when evaluating the farmer's market location and operation. 

Secondly, it's concerning that council seems so indecisive on an issue like this.  It almost seems like there are committees for committees!   It's a prime example of bureaucracy and a lack of communication towards getting things done.
However, there was a clear difference in understanding between Stein and Councilwoman Dawn Roe, chair of that committee.  “This (discussion) goes on every time,” Roe said of the mass gathering applications, “and I want it to stop.” Per Delcotimes.com

How long would it have taken to get recycling bins down at Barrall field?  Months?  Thanks to a concerned resident; Councilman, JIm Cunningham and Borough Manager, Jeff Smith bins were setup within 7 days of being requested.  Again, it goes towards illustrating a point of being proactive vs. reactive.

I agree with Councilman Pete Alyanakian, it should be handled by the Borough administrative office.

Come to think about it, back in April I submitted an email to borough council during their Thursday meeting regarding a budget question. Well, it's been three months and still no reply.