Media's Lukoil Gas Station Closes

Media's Lukoil Gas Station Closes

A handwritten sign posted on the front entrance of the Lukoil gas station in Media, confirms the location has been closed for good as of 8/28/13.  It's not clear if the proposal for a new Wawa in the area had any influence on this closure, but this raises a compelling question: Does this further the need for a new Wawa across the street?

What's Media Borough Council's and Mayor Bob McMahon's plan for Media's gateway?

Media's Lukoil closes for good as of 8/28/13

Media Unity Day at Sapovitz Park - Saturday, August 31, 2013 - Noon to Dusk

Open mic, performances, face painting, games and some of the best hospitality around. You may have seen some signs around the borough for Media Unity Day.......so here it is!

Also, check out the Media Unity Day Facebook page!

Media Unity Day is a welcoming day of celebration and fellowship for the citizens of the Media Borough, past, present, and future.  

This non-profit affair will be held annually in Sapovitz Park, Media, PA (Leiper and Vernon Sts) the most recognizable and logistically convenient area of Nehter Providence Township to host the event.  

It will consist of family BBQs, with age appropriate live entertainment (non-offensive language) provided by local artists from the Media Borough and recreational games and activities for the children. (3-legged races, balloon toss, etc.) Through charitable donations and fundraisers, free hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks will be provided for the neighborhood children.

Adults are encouraged to bring you own grills or donate a dish.

We hope this annual summer reunion of friends and relatives continues to promote an atmosphere of a family friendly event in the spirit of giving back, a community effort of volunteers coming together to promote community uplift, unity, and pride.
Adults are encouraged to bring you own grills or donate a dish. 
We hope this annual summer reunion of friends and relatives continues to promote an atmosphere of a family friendly event in the spirit of giving back, a community effort of volunteers coming together to promote community uplift, unity, and pride.

Media Unity Day Facebook Page 2012


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SET, CHECK, GO! The Eve of Penncrest Football Season 2013!

Ready or not, there's one weekend left in the Summer of 2013.  That'll mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but one thing is for sure........local football is about to kick-off!

This Saturday starts the opening of the Rose Tree Colts season with a parade that day.  For more information check out their announcement this week.  However, before that, we have the season opener for Penncrest Football.  They'll be playing Upper Merion High School away Friday night at 7pm.  For all the latest updates, check out penncrestfootball.org.

Best of luck to all the players and cheerleaders this year!  

Go Colts!  Go Lions!

Rose Tree Colts Opening Day Parade This Weekend!

FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!! ROSE TREE COLTS READY TO ROCK!!!! 

OPENING DAY PARADE THIS SATURDAY MORNING!!

Come out and support your Rose Tree Colts on Saturday 8/31 as we kickoff our season at home (Rose Tree Elementary) vs Brandywine, DE!!

The Colts have plenty of excitement planned with a parade of players and our award winning cheerleaders. There has been a slight change in the parade route. The players and cheerleaders will be parading down First Ave beginning at Ray Roche park at around 8:15am (behind the Upper Providence Police Station) to Rose Tree School. The kids will be led into the field by Fire Trucks and Police. . 

The Flag and JV games begin at 9am and then the Varsity takes over the Gridiron starting at Noon where our founder, Chief Hampton, will officially kick off the season with the Coin Toss. Varsity games are Noon for 80lb, 1:30 for 100lb and 3pm for 120lb.

And mark your calendars, for our annual Homecoming games, against Great Valley, on Saturday 10/5/13. Flag and JV games start at 9am and then Varsity kicks off at Noon. We are planning a parade of alumni prior to the noon game, so please wear your old Colts gear and march with us! Last year we had a tremendous turnout as old friendships enjoyed memories together. All alumni should meet at the near end zone by 11:45am

The Colts will also have plenty of new apparel for sale to show your Colts Pride!

The boys and girls can’t wait to show you how hard we've been working!

GO Colts!!!

Do you know a Champion of Adult Literacy? Nominate a Local Hero Today

Media in Two Minutes

I'd like to take a quick minute to recognize the efforts of the group (Media Rotary and DCTMA) that put together the program that allowed for the installation of three new bike racks in Media.  I believe two are up, with the other to be done shortly, if it hasn't been already.  Here's what I like:  They took the initiative and time to see an idea through, while including the help of people that were interested in the cause.  That's one heck of a community model for effectiveness.

Ok, Let's GO!

Media VFW Buffet Breakfast TODAY!
I must admit, I did have fun last month helping make omelets, but I didn't  expect to be brought back this soon.  Anyway, they gave me a call and asked if I could help out.  I got a lot of things going on right now, but to help the vets; sure, I'll do it.

Hope to see you there.  At something like $8, it's all you can eat and one of the best family values around.

House for Dinner!
Lunch, brunch and now dinner?  Geez, I know they just moved into a new building and everything, but I think we're going to need a bigger House already.  Can't wait to give this a try now that House is serving dinners!

Where's the Best Table in Media?
I like space and a lot of it.  That may not mean much when you're hungry, but if you do a lot of entertaining and want the right level of atmosphere and dining experience, I have to say that the main table (Chef's table) at Spasso's is your best bet in Media.  Especially, if you get it later in the evening for apps and desserts.  The wine selection is quite good too. Spasso's, keep up the good work!

Double Decker Pizza.......On Deck!

Coming Soon - Double Decker Pizza!

I was quite surprised when I took a look at the progress they are making for Media's next pizza experience, which I hear has quite a following already.  Honestly, I thought this was like any pizzeria, you've seen one, you've seen them all, right?. Not Double Decker though, they have quite an interesting interior decor that gives this place a neat flair.  Sorta like and industrial decco style (think Chipotle Grille doing pizza).  

Media's Newest Hotel is in Springfield

Room setup at Springfield Hotel

Well, for the lack of anything better, here's Media's newest hotel.....located in Springfield.  Looks like they may be just days away from their grand opening. Wow, that was quick!  Here's their facebook page you can visit to get the most updated information. 

Someone should think about running a shuttle bus from the hotel to Media on the weekends and maybe Wednesday evenings.  Or maybe transportation to and from the Springfield trolley and the hotel.  

GRM Done Deal?  Sounds like it.
The deal for the mall from what I hear is almost wrapped up.  There's formalities yet to be worked out, but I have a decent level of confidence that this mall has been purchased based on the channels and levels things are now progressing at.  It looks like it'll remain a retail driven property.

I would expect news about this soon, but if this group is making a massive commitment to the rebirth of mall retail, I hope they have plans for a huge makeover.  The current "Granite Run Mall," brand seems damaged beyond repair.

Rose Tree Reserve
This project looks to be picking up speed. They have a small portion of the entrance cleared and a pad set for what looks like a management or sales trailer setup.  A lot of smaller development project in the area have been stalled due to financing, but this one looks to be proceeding.

Another Great Year for Rose Tree Park
A special thanks to Delaware County for yet another fantastic Summer of music a Rose Tree Park.  The series concluded last week.

MEDIA VFW Sunday Buffet Breakfast - Tomorrow (8/25) 8:30 till 11:30am

Come by tomorrow to check out one of the best breakfast buffets in town....or anywhere.  The great folks at the Media VFW put together this community event on the last Sunday of each month.  I'll be down there cooking omelets again and look forward to seeing everyone!

VFW Post 3460 Reminder Aug. 25, 2013 Sunday Buffet Breakfast this Sunday from 8:30 till 11:30am. A variety of breakfast foods available. Support your post and enjoy a good breakfast. Bring your family and friends.

Post 3460 Web Site www.mediavfw.com continues to attract people looking to rent halls. Our hall is the best choice in Delaware County for the price for any occasion for up to 80 people. The site also attracts many viewers. We just added a video clip of the 2011 Media Welcome Home Parade for Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan at the bottom of our Home Page. Take a look.

Need Help with Your Commute?

FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!! ROSE TREE COLTS READY TO ROCK!!!!

Are you ready for some Colts Football?

Come out and support your Rose Tree Colts on Saturday 8/31 as we kickoff our season at home (Rose Tree Elementary) vs BYC!!

The Colts have plenty of excitement planned with a parade of players and our award winning cheerleaders, from the Fire House with Police/Fire Escort starting at 8:15am. 

The Flag and JV games begin at 9am and then the Varsity takes over the Gridiron starting at Noon where our founder, Chief Hampton, will officially kick off the season with the Coin Toss. Varsity games are Noon for 80lb, 1:30 for 100lb and 3pm for 120lb.

And mark your calendars, for our annual Homecoming games, against Great Valley, on Saturday 10/5/13. Flag and JV games start at 9am and then Varsity kicks off at Noon. We are planning a parade of alumni prior to the noon game, so please wear your old Colts gear and march with us! Last year we had a tremendous turnout as old friendships enjoyed memories together. All alumni should meet at the near end zone by 11:45am

The Colts will also have plenty of new apparel for sale to show your Colts Pride!

The boys and girls can’t wait to show you how hard we've been working!

GO Colts!!!

It's not just a bike rack, it's a community working together!

I'd like to recognize the Media Rotarians and the DCTMA (Delaware County Transportation Management Association) for their efforts towards supplying bike racks for Media.  They not only came up with the idea, but raised the money needed through generous donations from the community.  As an added plus, everyone had a good time making this happen, as I'm told the fundraiser held at Generations Restaurant a few weeks ago was a smashing HIT.  That's pretty cool!

Media Gets Bike Racks!

It's not just about metal bikes racks, but a great example of what this town is capable of when people work towards a common goal.  So, get on your bike and take a ride down to State Street and enjoy not having to look for a parking spot.

Okay, I'll throw some skin in the game: The first three people who submit a picture (yeah, we will take selfies) with their bike in front of the bike rack will get one of the fashionable Media t-shirts around......... A genuine, bespoke PA Veteran's Museum logo'd shirt. (send pic and t-shirt size to info@allthingsmediapa.com)

Estate Sale Friday and Saturday in Media, PA

Someone has taken a lot of time to let Media know they are having an estate sale this Friday and Saturday.  They've posted flyers on almost every street corner.

Check  it out!

Media Sports Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary - Save the Date Nov. 6th, 2013

SAVE THE DATE!

The 50th Anniversary Celebration of the

Media Area Sports Hall of Fame

Wednesday November 6, 2013 • Towne House Restaurant

Social Hour – 6 PM • Dinner – 7:30 PM 

For Tickets Email mediasportshall@gmail.com or purchase in person at the Mickey Vernon Sports museum at the Granite Run Mall 

Check out our new website – www.mediaoldtimers.org

Like us on Facebook “Media Area Sports Hall of Fame”

Transition Jam - Saturday, August 24th 5-10pm

Media in Two Minutes

I was on the road this weekend and wasn't able get to Media in Two minutes in the way I normally do.  After a few texts wondering where it was, I've pulled out the laptop to fulfill the wishes of the faithful readers.  Thank you, I'm flattered.

Ok, let's go!

The Mousetrap
People here love to take a walk down memory lane, and truth be told, so do I.  This week there were a few comments on the historic Trilogy that included the former bars located where Hills Seafood is now.  Ok, so here ya go, the lineup - The Roman Coin, The Mouse Trap and the last of the group, the Fifth Gear.  The "Gear," from what I hear was lost to a fire many years ago.  

This was way before my time, so I'm just going on stories people have told me.

Who Steals a Man's BBQ Smoker?
I've not heard anything further on the BBQ smoker from Jack's Bar.  But seriously?  Who steals something like this in broad daylight?   Doing something like that down in Texas could cost a person their life.

West Goshen ranks 10th Best Town in America.  Where's Media?
No disrespect to the great township of West Goshen, but how did they make CNN Money's list of best towns to live in when Media wasn't even mentioned?  Get this, West Goshen was ranked 25th in 2011 and 10th in 2013.

Media can make this list!

Media's has DUTS, great schools, state champions, a walkable community, music festivals and even a trolley running down a main street!  Are you kidding me, I'll put up Media against West Goshen any day!  Not even a nod or honorable mention? That's unacceptable and something I have every intention to bring awareness to.  Stay tuned.....

American Muscle Car Show at DCCC
I think the Media Business Authority missed an opportunity.  Last weekend the biggest Ford Mustang show in the Northeast was held at the Delaware County Community College.  I had a chance to drop by and there were thousands of people there from NY, MD, NJ, DE and beyond. 

With all these people in close proximity to Media, they could have had a promotional campaign to bring some of these crowds into Media.  The show ended at 5pm on Sunday and would have been great for the Media dinner scene that evening.  Unfortunately, the $20,000 the Mayor spend on a infomercial, could have been much better utilized for this town.

In Recognition of the Great People of Media and Their Generosity!

Bevan's Candy at CityTeam Fundraiser!

Last week I was invited to the CityTeam fundraiser being held out in Upper Providence.  Among the many generous donors, I was thrilled to see the great generosity of Media's own Bevan's candy stepping up and being part of the program. I caught up with Randy Bevan's and found he has another hit on his hands with their sea salt caramel chocolates.  A big draw at the event.

Also Earth and State had helped out with displays and I think I saw Fellini's and a few others.  Nice Job, everyone!  Especially, to Media Real Estate who I know are very humble when it comes to charity, but are one of the biggest contributing organizations out there.

BBQ Smoker Stolen from Jack's Tavern

It didn't take but 10 minutes before someone came up to me and said, "Did you hear the news?"  I replied, "I must not have, what happened?"  It was then I was told of an unlikely theft that still has me shaking my head in disbelief.  

Last Friday afternoon, someone came up to Jack's Tavern and stole their BBQ smoker out of their parking lot.  I'm not talking an oversized Weber grill you throw in the back of your car, I mean a full-blown, competition pit that's built on a trailer.   How it was stolen still remains a mystery as the brazen act was done in daylight not far from a bank's security cameras that may offer clues - those are being reviewed.

It's been long known that people who frequent Jack's say they have the coldest beer in town.  If you can get over the fact they still allow smoking at the bar, they do have a great selection of food at very reasonable prices.  Truth be told, they have a chicken pot pie soup the first Tuesday of each month that's one of the best dishes I ever had.  

Media's Newest Car Wash or Borough Council Neglect?

You'd think you were driving into a car wash with all the rain water cascading down, but what it really is is the Olive Street parking garage in Media.  Borough Council has known about this for at least 18 months and still, nothing gets done!

A word of caution:  People who have parked in this garage and who have had this water running over their cars have filed insurance claims because of paint damage due to the harsh mineral deposits from the concrete.

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Tonight At Rose Tree Park - Hot Club of Philadelphia

For this evening's concert at Rose Tree Park, the Hot Club of Philadelphia will be performing.  This group plays hot Gypsy Jazz from the 1930s and 1940s.  You can check them out on their Facebook page.  Show starts at 7:30pm.

Media in Two Minutes

MEDIA IN TWO MINUTES!

Media Retail Takes Another Hit
It wasn't on the scene that long, but another retail store on State Street will be closing at the end of August.  This store is located on the Western side of town.

Media's Last Used Car Dealership Disappears!
I never saw a salesman out front, nor did I see any activity inside, but it looks like Media's last used car dealership located on the westside of Baltimore Avenue has called it quits.  I don't know if they left in the middle of the night, but they sure left in a hurry. Especially with all the car inventory, boats and other vehicles they had to remove from the location.

Fellini's Restaurant Expands
If you like Fellini's restaurant, get ready to like more of it.  This business is making plans to expand into the adjacent building being vacated by the Salad Stop.  The added room will be a welcomed addition to an already popular and often crowded eatery.

Another Brewpub in Media?
Iron Hill Restaurant has dominated the Brewpub concept here in Media for years, though that may be changing.  It's been known to some for awhile now that the owner of Diego's, Picasso's and Le Bella Epoque, Loic Barnieu has been interested in bringing a brewpub to Media.  In fact, there have been negotiations going on to do just that over the former Van Wyk Oldsmobile property.  

I have to say, it's a neat location with plenty of parking and a unique store front.  Having been vacant for years, it may make for a nice addition to the town.  As for the what the restaurant will entail, think of a format similar to Victory Brewpub out in Downingtown, PA.

Patch.com
Media Patch.com is typically reporting news, but this week their parent company AOL was the news.  Looks like the hyperlocal concept has fallen on some tough times.  I like Media Patch and hope the stick around.

Robertson's Barber Shop
I always try to share feedback I get when I hear it on State Street.  What I'm hearing lately is that people really like the haircut they get from Robertson's Barber Shop.  When someone takes the time to tell you something like that, you know they hold the service in high regard.  

Also, here's a cool clock that they put out front on N. Olive Street.

Family Movie Tonight at Barrall Field - Show Starts at Dusk - August 10, 2013

GOOD NEWS!  The Media Family Movie Night is scheduled for this evening at Barrall Field.  The show starts at dusk and the feature is - The Lomax by Dr. Seuss.

Tonight's Featured Movie

Fireworks at 3:30am?

3:30am noise heard

If you live on the northern side of Media, you may have heard what sounded like fireworks at 3:30am Saturday morning.  It was a LOUD pop, followed a few seconds later with three other pops.  It was disturbing enough to wake people up from Sixth Street, on over to N. Olive and perhaps beyond. Some have questioned, including me whether they could have been gunshots.  Being it nearly impossible to distinguish the difference in most cases between the two, it's inconclusive at this point.

Apparently, this isn't the first time of complaints regarding these off hour noises.  A few weeks back another incident was brought to my attention regarding a similar matter. If you also heard last night's disturbance, please leave a comment.   I'll also raise the issue with the Media Police Department this am.

Louis Scott Field at Penncrest Receives New Scoreboard

They've been working on this for a bit, but the new scoreboard is up and looks great. With recent upgrades to the stands over the last few years and a lush field that I've never seen look better, the Louis Scott Stadium looks fantastic!  A great stadium worthy of a great man.

A special thanks to the PHS Athletic Boosters and Class of 2013 for helping make this addition possible.  Not sure what will happen to the old score board, but I hope they don't discard it.  That's an important piece of Penncrest history, much like the big golden lion that use to be sitting outside the auditorium years ago and has been missing for decades.

Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia conducting Walking Tour of Media Wed., Aug. 7th 6pm

Media's known for a lot of things, but one aspect that resonates with people who know, is the intricate and victorian architecture that makes up the town. Preservation Alliance has a lot of great neighborhoods on their list, but coming up is their tour of Media Borough.   

The folks at Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia wants to let you know about a guided walking tour of Media that the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is doing on Wed., Aug. 7 at 6pm. The meeting spot is in front of Delaware County Court House, Front St. & Courthouse Square, and the cost is $10. Discover architecture dating from the Federal era, see lavish Victorian homes and enjoy the beautifully restored Beaux Arts/Art Deco Media Theater before experiencing the renaissance of its commercial district. Details here: http://www.preservationalliance.com/events/walking_tours.php 

MEDIA (DELAWARE COUNTY) Media was planned in the 1850s as the seat of Delaware County. Discover architecture dating from the Federal era, see lavish Victorian homes and enjoy the beautifully restored Beaux Arts/Art Deco Media Theater before experiencing the renaissance of its commercial district.

Great Evening for the Rose Tree Park Summer Series - The Plants start at 7:30pm

Bring your chairs and blankets, it's a great night for the Rose Tree Park Summer Series.  Playing tonight, the Plants! A 4-piece local band plays fun, funky doo-wop music for kids.  Catchy tunes with imaginative lyrics from a snake who wears flip-flops to intergalactic insects.  You can check them out on their Facebook site.

Media in Two Minutes

A special thanks this week to the Media VFW.  I was invited down there to help with their Sunday breakfast buffet they had last weekend.  It's quite a daunting task to cook made-to-order omelets there on the spot with a line of people in front of you.  I probably cooked 50 or so, which wasn't so bad once everything was dialed in.  Thanks!

Ok, Let's Go.

Is N. Orange Street Really Fixed?

A couple weeks ago N. Orange street was closed due to a sink whole.  Intrigued, I took a walk down there to see what exactly was done and how the repair worked was conducted. I wasn't surprised to see asphalt patch work done on top of the road; however, I was shocked to see the shoddy work done underneath.  How bad is it, if the walls of the tunnel have to be held up with 2x4's and a discarded metal road sign?

The West End - Beer Garden?
If a portion of Olive Street can be closed for a movie night, as done by Dos Gringos and Ariano's, than perhaps the west end of town (west of Orange St.) should consider this too.  There are some residents and businesses concerned this side of State Street doesn't get a lot of traffic.  I agree, so here's an idea:  consider doing a beer garden night (Friday?) that closes of this side of State Street.  With Desert Rose, Three Sons Hot Dogs, Buddy's, Sassy Girl, and Orvis, you could draw a lot of traffic to this area.  People are always looking to congregate outside in groups.

Riddlewood Swim Club 5k - Today!
Best of luck to the runners today who are competing in the Riddlewood 5k run.  I'm looking forward to seeing how the event turned out.  The run begins at 10:30am.

Residents go to ATM for issues!
When I have time, I do what I can to report on power outages that often happen here in Media.  Lately we had a few lengthy ones that I contacted PECO about.  The outages were eventually fixed, but it looks like there are other issues on resident's minds.  One of which is a street light out in front of Sligo's on State Street.  Someone came up to me on Friday and said they didn't know who to go to, so they wanted to let me know. Okay, so if anyone from the Highway Dept. is reading, please take a look.

A couple months ago borough council announced a program where you could take a picture of an issue (i.e. cracked sidewalk) with your smartphone and submit it to them to be fixed. The program was so poorly explained and communicated by borough council, it never really took off.  Or maybe so many people submitted pictures of the Third Street Bridge, that they haven't been able to catch up yet.

Granite Run Mall - What's Next?
That's a multi-million dollar question that may be decided soon.  I've heard a lot of rumors this week, but I honestly don't know much other than there is modest interest by at least one buyer.  I'm not so sure this will remain as a mall in it's current configuration, but perhaps something different.  Time will tell and perhaps soon.

A perception problem for Media?
If I had to walk to Chester, PA everyday, or even once, I'd say in no way is Media close to Chester.  However, I overhead a group at last week's DUTS saying that their friends don't come to Media because they thought it was too close to Chester.  I'm not going to get into the reasons for this correlation, but if you read the Daily Times, you'll get a good understanding. It's not what I like to hear, but candid feedback is sometimes the best.  

Media is missing a great opportunity in failing to capture the success of DUTS and the essence of this business community.  Shooting a professionally produced 30 second video of this night to capture the vibe, energy and people having a good time would do wonders towards marketing this town and building a positive perception.  They could run this on a host of social media sites and regional news and tourism outlets.  I'm sure a lot of local businesses would be thrilled to show it on their sites too.  

Thanks to readers who stop by.
I marveled when a thousand people would visit this blog a month, astonished when that many came by weekly, and now humbled to have that many visit in one day.   For those who'd like to write their own articles here, I'm still trying to figure that out.  We will see, but thanks for stopping by.

A Deal In The Works For The Granite Run Mall?

There's been chatter this week that there may be a deal on the table for the Granite Run Mall.  As reported months ago, this property is up for sale, free and clear for the Mall complex and adjacent buildings (not including Riddle Ale House and Hannum's Harley Davidson).  That's about 57 acres with an estimated appraised value around $27 million from what I understand.  

What I do know is that at least one development company has been doing some in-depth research on this property, so there is modest interest from a perspective buyer. Hard to tell how this will play out or if it even will, but I wouldn't be surprised if something happens here soon. As vacant as this mall has become, it almost has to.  Stay tuned.