Nativity to hold community rally! Thurs. 3/1 6pm

#delcotimes
#delcocatholic
#mediapa
I was notified moments ago that there will be a community rally to support Nativity school. The event will be held tomorrow (3/1) @ 6pm in front of Nativity School.



Information will be posted as it becomes available.

Petitions to save Nativity can be picked up, dropped off and signed at the Plumstead Inn

I spoke to Chuck Margis, owner of the Plumstead Inn who told me they will be a distribution point for those in the community who would like to pick up petitions in support of keeping the Nativity school in Media.  You can also drop them off and sign individually.

In addition, window signs have been created and will be distributed to those in the community who request them. 

Tedman

Strong Community Support for Nativity's Petition Drive

#delcotimes
#mediapa
#delcocatholic

Despite all that's occurred in the last 48 hours stemming from Friday night's meeting with Father Bell, the Nativity families have started a petition drive to appeal to the Arch Dioceses.  Many signatures were collected at Sunday's Mass, but many more are needed to continue this effort.

Yesterday, I along with a parishioner went door to door in the area of the school, trying to get as many signatures as we could.  We had a petition for both parishioners and non-parishioners.  I was surprised by not only the amount of people who signed, but how outspoken the community was in saving this school.  Petitioning door-to-door is not an easy thing, but when people open the door, sign and say, "wait, let me get my family to sign," you know it's an important cause.

From what I've been told there will be a petition pick-up/drop-off setup at the Plumstead Inn.  I will confirm that and let everyone know.

Thanks

Tedman

Nativity families vow to keep fighting for their school!

#delcocatholic

#delcotimes

#mediapa

 

There were two great articles by both Gil Spencer and Susan Serbin in the Daily Times today breaking down the latest developments on the Nativity situation.  Through a petition drive this morning at Nativity church, it's apparent that the families of the school will continue the fight.  But make no mistake, the community and local leaders are also poised to get involved to save this school and a way of life that's been unique to Media for 100 years.

Nativity parishioner and republican committee woman of the southern precinct, Kristi Dick was quoted by the delcotimes.com Friday night stating she's ready to fight and to keep the school in Media.  That's not only leadership, but a message to the community that we help our neighbors in their time of need.  Whether it is Catholic, Quaker or any other denomination, it's important to know that these schools have the support of their elected officials.

Kudos to State Rep. of the 164th, Margo Davidson (D) for getting involved with a similar matter regarding Bonner/Prendie.  Here's her tweet from Friday:

Her news release goes on to say: "Davidson said, "Bonner-Prendie is a very important part of this community and the thought of it closing tore at the hearts of many parents, children and teachers in the Upper Darby-Lansdowne area. I'm very happy we were able to save it and hope to save it forevermore."

I've been in contact with both John Daly and our State Rep., Tom Killion (R) who is closely monitoring the situation and has offered to assist in any way he can. I understand Media Borough Council is involved in some regard, but I've seen no tweets, no public statements and no press release regarding the matter.  

Tedman

More Signage: Media showing support to save Nativity BVM

#delcocatholic

 

It's great to see the community showing support for Nativity school.  In the last 24hrs two signs displaying "Save Nativity School" are showing proudly at the Plumstead Inn and Pinocchio's Pizza.

Car fire on State St.

Tonight on State St., a car fire occurred outside of Fellini's restaurant that required attendance from the Media Fire Dept.

The smoke was thick and the odor of burning plastic was experienced up and down the street.

BREAKING NEWS: Nativity's Father Bell to host meeting tonight to discuss appeal

#delcocatholic

Tonight at 7:30pm, Nativity's Father Bell will be hosting a meeting in the church to discuss the latest developments over Nativity's future.  Nativity families and the community are encouraged to attend to show support for the ongoing fight to keep this school in Media.

Tedman

How do I get a job at Spasso's Restaurant?

Media Patch reports that Spasso's will be opening sometime this March. Based on the recent work being done to the building, it looks like they are finishing up the final details and will be on schedule for the grand opening.  Let's hope so, as people are tremendously excited to eat at this restaurant. 

Over the last few weeks I've been receiving a noticeable amount of traffic to this site looking for information on how to get a job with Spasso's.  It's not just this restaurant in particular, but whenever a new eatery is about to open, searches spike for employment to these establishments.

A couple things:  

1. I'm not sure what the process of employment is a Spasso's.  I would suggest maybe knocking on their door during business hours to see if management is there.  If I hear something, I'll post it.  
2. Speaking of employment, I did see a sign on the window of Picasso's looking for a bartender and wait staff.  This was a week ago, so I'm not sure if that's changed.  
3. The Media Business Authority should take a more proactive roll in the needs of employers and employee's.  I'm not sure if they have a weekly/monthly listing of available jobs or positions employers are looking for, but they should.  I know the employers do it through their own means (website post, flyer, sign on door) but it may be helpful to the community to follow up on doing a job bank.  This would not only include jobs but maybe volunteer opportunities.  I know the Media Theatre often has volunteer positions residents might like to participate in.  A lot of these opportunities go unfilled because people just don't know about them.  Again, there may be a local job board for these typse of position, but I'd like to help with it.  Getting a job can mean the world to someone.

Welcome Home the Troops Parade! Media - April 28th

On Tuesday this week Dom Giordano from 1210 WPHT announced on his show that Media will be hosting a Philadelphia region, "Welcome Home the Troops" Parade.  I also received a few emails letting me know of the date and how excited they are that this is being organized...me too.The date is Saturday April 28th with both a parade and event activities.
  
Everybody's Home Town is known for our parades and not many towns can pull this event off like Media can.  Mayor, Bob McMahon, Media borough council and Veteran's affairs do a great job with these parades and I'm sure this day will be one of the biggest.  Susan Serbin of the Daily Times has a great write-up about the event.

A great story on the Media Trolley by Brendan O'Riordan at Fig Media

I never get tired of reading this kind of stuff and I know a lot of others won't either.  Check out the history of the Media trolley written by Brendan O'Riordan for Fig Media.

TD Bank in Media was held up this am

I was told just moments ago the TD Bank in Media was held up this morning. From what I understand the perpetrator was apprehended.

A growing interest in having a 5k race in Media.

There's no doubt that the Media 5 Miler draws a large amount of people to the borough to run in this race.  In fact, it sells out early.   There's also not doubt that this creates a great time not just for the runners but for the participants and party goers too.  In fact, the social aspect of the run may be bigger than the run itself.....they're both good things.

Should Media consider a 2nd race each year?

As the popularity of this run grows, so does the interest of having a second run in the borough.  Perhaps not as big as the Media 5 miler, but more along the lines of a 5k which are very popular in today's running world.   The other benefit of this idea is the fundraising ability it can provide.   The one that may be proposed by a Media resident is aimed at helping mental illness.  Details are still in the developmental stages, but this person has been formally trained in running these events and has ample enthusiasm towards making it a win-win for everyone.

Now, this hasn't been the first time a secondary race in Media has been proposed.  In fact, a year or two ago one was considered but I believe turned down by the borough.   One of the big concerns has always been the need to close down the streets to host this event.  Also, to a lesser extent, the cost for police, setup and clean-up have been concerns.

I think it's a good idea and with enough planning and support may be a welcomed addition to the Media 5 miler, especially if the race was held in the Fall.   I would expect more development on this later this year with a proposal submitted to the borough for a race sometime in 2013.

Fine Art at Dos Gringo's

Good food and good art are a great combination.  If you swing down to Media's most popular Mexican restaurant, Dos Gringos, you'll have and see both.  Yesterday, I caught up with owner Greg Quintilian who pointed out that they are not only sprucing the place up, but also had a great artwork exhibit going on.  

The featured artist, Michael Francis Duff had a wide selections of artistic photos of Media.  I particularly liked the the following:

You can find more of Michael's work at the Media Arts Council website.

Nativity BVM, Media, and why we should have done more

I wrote one month ago stating my concern that people and groups passively opting to not engage the appeal by St Johns, posed a serious risk.  My thought was Nativity had a process to follow with the Arch Dioceses blue ribbon commission, and Media as a community, had an obligation to support a school.  I belived the two were separete, others felt they were one in the same.  Eitherway, in my mind not challenging the appeal gave the impression that it was in away okay and acceptable, when I knew it was the exact opposite. 

I was told, as were many, that  Nativity didn't want outsiders interceding in the appeal but I still felt the community needed to take a stand and by that I mean Brough Council too.  If it had to be done independently of the appeal on the basis of the community, than that was the right thing to do.  Someone should have spoken up.

Nativity's Candle Light Vigil

Last night's event was exactly the right thing to do, but fearfully done too late.  The vigil was covered by local news outlets and even a ABC film crew. Borough Council President, Brain Hall, which despite my frustration from my earlier post, was also there.   I debated on the fact that nothing was heard from Borough Council on this.  He told me he reached out to Nativty but was told not to discuss it.  I asked him then why wasn't that announced at any of the two public meetings leading up to yesterday's decision? He was rather terse and went on to say it was not to be discussed.  He also wouldn't tell me who he talked to at Nativity about this, which seemed odd.  From what I understand the borough was asked not to intercede, as the rest of us were, but I'm not sure why that couldn't be publicly shared, mentioned or stated by Borough Council.  Again, Nativity BVM departing Media after 100 years  is a very big issues and any statement or assurance from Borough Coucnil would have been appreciated by all.

There's nothing worse than feeling a sense of helplessness and that was the vibe I got last night from those who thought they could have done more. Even the folks who were wishful of a different outcome seemed to know that this would be a long shot to appeal-the-appeal.  It's unclear what the next steps are, but I do know the community rallyed to support a great school last night.  I by no means have any animosity towards St John's winning their appeal and I hope others don't either, but I will say again that any entitiy challenging Media whether it be a hotel, school, church or bridge; should be confronted with a stong position of our community working together actively.

There are two great articles done by the local news outlets that covered last night's vigil.  One by Media Patch w/video, and another by Susan Serbin at the delcotimes.com

Tedman

Families of Nativity ask for community support tonight 6:30pm

#delcocatholic 

I received an email this afternoon informing me that there will be a candle light vigil  tonight (6:30pm at the Rectory) for Nativity BVM.  The plan from what I’m told is a request to come together as a community in support of the school.  Essentially , Nativity will be moving to form its own appeal based on the unfavorable decision handed down last night.   The email went on to say that the community and families of the school would like it to be heard, so the “right” decision can  be made based on all the facts.

Community involvement is encouraged.

Tedman

Nativity's 100 years comes to an end, but where was Media Borough Council?

The delcotimes is reporting that St. John's won it's appeal to merge and relocate Nativity to Wallingford.

It's a very sad day in any town when a school that was around for a hundred years receives news that it will be merged and relocated to another area.  It's equally concerning that Council President, Brian Hall, Mayor Bob McMahon and borough council never made mention of the issue even after having two opportunities through public meetings to address it.  The question begs: did they know or even care?  Based on their lack of actions, the answer seems obvious.

Last month Mayor McMahon was able to make statements about the Chester Upland School District, but failed to make any mention of Nativity during it's time of need.

Daily Times Article:Media hosts annual King Jr. celebration by Susan Serbin:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the 3,600 students in the Chester Upland School District. If Dr. King were here, he would make sure the children would get the education they deserve,” said McMahon.

Media Council President, Brian Hall

Council President, Brian Hall campaigned last year advocating how he was a proponent years ago in keeping Media Elementary in Media.  Yet, he never used that experience to assist with Nativity's situation.  All schools are important and the threat of any one of them leaving should be the top priority on any list!  Nativity has been part of the community fabric in this town for 100 years!

A few weeks ago, I spoke to people close to the matter, who said that Nativity wasn't accepting any outside involvement and was adhering to the final ruling.  I took the time to research this issue for the community, did Borough Council?  If they did, they should have at least generated a statement to the community stating such.  

  

As I wrote a month ago, not having a formal position from your elected officials show lack of leadership and disregard for the situation. Why wouldn't have St. John won the appeal? Borough council evidently wasn't going to lift a finger to stop it.

This town had a strong case and obligation to the teachers, students and families in supporting their concerns towards keeping this school here.  The decision was up to the Arch Dioceses, but Media's had an equal right to take a position to communicate and reassure the importance of Nativity.  Borough Council chose not to, and the profound lack of leadership by President Hall speaks volumes of his commitment to this town.

To the teachers, students and families of Nativity: I'm sorry to have heard of this decision today, but you shouldn't have had to face this struggle alone and without the support of your elected leaders.  Had things been different last November, I assure you, you wouldn't have.

Nativity has been part of the Media fabric for the last 100 years and this is not something that should be decided quietly.  Nor should Media's elected officials stand on the sidelines and wait for a decision, when they can actively participate in a possible outcome.   I, for one, support Media Nativity remaining in Media and will do what I can help.  It would be a shame to lose a school like this under an appeal of these circumstances.  Tedman O'Hara Jan 16th 2012

Tedman

Based on reports, Nativity to move out of Media

Based on reports from the Delctotimes.com, St. John has won the appeal and Nativity will be relocating to Wallingford.


...more to come.

Media Getty Gas Station........CLOSED!

Old gas pumps with hoses removed

I never really noticed because even when it was open, it never really seemed open.  Either way, the Getty station on Baltimore Pike is now closed.  I'm not sure long how long it's been like this or why it went out of business, but it sure was around a long time.  Like decades!

Throughout the years this place always sold gasoline but also dabbled in a Cajun food side business and before that a computer repair shop.  Both side services had their markets, but I guess just not paired with gasoline.  

I can't remember the last time I bought gas here, if ever, but by judging by the pumps, they were in need of an upgrade.  Lacking card readers, it looks like you had to pay inside regardless, which I'm sure was a major inconvenience. 

Broken Public Phone

I've yet to hear what the future holds for this site, but with a Sunoco Super Station across the street and a proposal for a Super Wawa in close proximity, it'll make for a tough sell for another gas station.  I hope something is decided soon, as the place looks abandoned and appears poorly secured.

Made in Media, PA: Honey!

Locally produced Honey - Media, PA

I typically don't make recommendations or endorsements, but if it's for a good cause or benefits Media, I'll be you biggest supporter.  In fact, I may have to step it up and freely promote these efforts on a regular basis.  A lot of people visit this site and there is plenty of room on the page to help the community in that respect.

A while back I wrote a post stating that not many things are made in Media anymore.  A 100 years ago, this town was self sufficient at producing, growing and making everything it essentially needed. A side from Bevan's candy,  I was hard pressed to find anything that even comes close to that now, but I did come across a small jar of locally produced raw honey by Noah Gress from Raindance Apiary.

Noah, from what I understand is a local farmer, but what I know is that he sure can make honey. I found this jar at 7 Stones Cafe in Media, but I believe it can also be found at the Swarthmore Co-op.  Be sure to pick up a Jar here in Media and help out the local businesses, I'll tell Natalie to stock up!

Tyler Arboretum, Pancakes and Maple Syrup Feb. 25 2012 8am to 1pm

Do you like pancakes, a lot of pancakes?  Well look no further. Check out Tyler Arboretum's pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 25th.

They'll be showing how maple syrup is made from sap and what it takes to tap a tree.

No pre-reregistration necessary: Adults: $11, Children (ages 3-12) $6, Under 3 FREE

For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.

Media Community Blood Drive 2nd Annual - Feb 12th 9am to 3pm

Media 5 Miler race to be held June 15th, 2012

Media 5 Mile Run Date - Friday, June 15, 2012

One of the biggest events in Media for not only runners, but for the residents and businesses, quietly announced the date of this year's Media 5 Mile run.  Friday, June 15th will be the date of the race.  No word yet on when registration opens.

For more information check out their website and twitter announcements.

Media's 5th Annual Film Festival - Feb 23-25, 2012

Swing over to the Media Arts Council (MAC) website for all of the up to the minute news on this year's Media Film Festival.  

I was disappointed to see that this year's festival is not being held at the Media Theatre, but will be held at the Media Community Center instead.

Baltimore Pike Traffic Flow....and are stop signs now optional?

Baltimore Pike Traffic Flow

This week I received another complaint regarding the mystery over the traffic flow on Baltimore Pike.  Recently the CMAC project was completed which allowed for new signs and more importantly, the ability to alter traffic patterns via the computer linked traffic lights.

I'm not sure what kind of PENNDOT reporting is offered to the borough to evaluate patterns, but it would be a good topic to have the Public Safety department comment on.  Millions of dollars were spent for this project, so it would be good to be reassured that the traffic lights have been calibrated properly.

Is a stop sign needed at 4th and N. Orange St.?

The other issue this week was the need for a  4-way stop sign at 4th and Orange.  If you've noticed, it's the only intersection that doesn't have one along Orange St.  I thought about this too, as if you're not paying attention you either begin to stop at the intersection thinking there is a stop sign; or you begin to pull out thinking the opposing traffic has a stop sign, which it doesn't.  Either way, I'm surprised there haven't been more accidents here.  I don't think stop signs are the solution to all traffic issues, but for continuity, it may make for a good argument to put one here.

Speaking of stop signs, does anyone here in Media use them?  Just yesterday while making a left turn on to Jackson from 6th St, I saw a silver Toyota Camry go right through the stop sign with barely a reduction in speed, let alone a full STOP.  It was mid-afternoon and the vehicle seemed to be more concerned if anyone of consequence was watching, before driving right through not one, but two stop signs on Jackson St.   Monroe Street has been just as bad if not worse.  I suspect a lot of the town has these same issues.   I'm so tired of talking about this that I may volunteer for the Media Police Department to help enforce traffic safety.  I'm serious about that.  I don't know if they have such a program, but something has to be done.

In addition, North Olive Street residents are at their wits end with the speeding that happens along this street.  Especially between 8th St. and Ridge Rd.  They've already told me they're ready to do a petition drive to bring further focus to this issue.

Notorious traffic speeding between N. Olive and Ridge Rd.

Poll Taken on Feb 2012

Media Borough Council, Where'd the $15,000 go for the website?

Last October Media Borough launched a new website at the expense of $15,000.  This was initiated by borough council at the direction of Councilpersons', Eric Stein and Monica Simpson.  The benefits touted were ease of use, better functionality and an upgrade to document management.

We are now into 2012 and I, along with residents are not seeing a whole lot of benefit from the price paid for this new site.  

The front page has no mention of a Facebook or Twitter link which come in handy for timely information.  Meeting minutes that are suppose to be posted, are missing for certain committees.  One of the most important safety features recently created, the Borough Notification System, is hard to find and isn't even on the main page.  In addition, when a Google search is done, it brings up outdated pages of the old site!  In fact, much, if not all of the old site is still up and functioning.

Not only do we have an incomplete borough site with less features and organization, but a cost to taxpayers of $15,000! I don't have a problem with information technology spending, but I do have a problem when it's questionable what value or improvement the spending has had. 

EAC Page For Meeting Minutes April 2011

Foodies, Rejoice - Media has a new site that covers the local food scene

There's always room at the table for people, groups or websites that cover Media.  We have quite a few now doing the hyperlocal reporting that has been well received and a source of information for the community.  Just this week another entity joined the fray with a specific focus on the dining, food and the restaruant scene that has been a big draw for the area.

Media, welcome "Media, PA Dish!"  They have a snazzy website and a Facebook presence and can be followed on twitter too. 

On behalf of ATMpa, good luck with your effort and happy reporting!

Tedman