Inquirer.com – Zurich DR

Author: Lisa Dukart

Will Radnor actually get a new courthouse? | Inquirer Radnor
Hello, Radnor!

Welcome to the first edition of The Inquirer’s weekly newsletter bringing you the most pertinent news from in and around Radnor Township. Each week, you can expect a mix of the biggest community stories, school district and municipal government updates, restaurant and retail comings and goings, as well as local events you won’t want to miss.

Here’s what’s going on this week: Officials’ quest to bring the magisterial district courthouse within township borders is proving a tall task. We explain why. Also noteworthy, a local surgery center is the busiest of its kind in the region, a beloved eatery is celebrating its 10th anniversary, plus, where to go leaf peeping this fall.

As we get started, tell us what you think of our newsletter by emailing us here or taking our survey. And feel free to drop us a line any time, whether it’s with tips, coverage ideas, or just to say hello.

See you back here next week!

— Lisa Dukart (radnor@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Why relocating the magisterial district courthouse remains elusive

Radnor Township Municipal Building.Jasmine Goldband / Staff

Radnor officials are still on the hunt for a place to relocate the township’s magisterial district courthouse, which has been housed in Newtown Square for the past few years.

It’s a tricky needle to thread given county constraints and residents’ preferences, something officials addressed at an information session this week.

While some residents question the need for relocating the court, calling it a “pet project,” Commissioner Jack Larkin noted that having it within township boundaries is important ahead of the commonwealth’s decennial court district realignment process.

The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner looks at where things stand, the significance of having a local court, and the challenges the township faces in trying to find a new location.

💡 Community news
- Penn Medicine Radnor Surgery Center was the busiest surgery center in the region last year, with 12,464 surgical visits performed, according to data from the state health department. Penn Medicine attributed part of the 39% increase over 2024 numbers to the addition of new gastroenterologists.
- Former Radnor resident Charles P. Baker III died last week of congestive heart failure at the age of 101. He was an Army veteran, national squash champion, and the cofounder of Baker Industries, which employed disabled individuals, recent parolees, people in recovery, as well as those facing homelessness.
- A new parklet is slated for the North Wayne Avenue parking lot after the township’s commissioners approved improvements to the space at last week’s meeting. The project, initially slated for two phases that would have started this fall, will now take place in a single phase in the spring, based on community feedback.
- Ocean City-headquartered Cury Design Studio, which offers interior design services, has opened a location at 121 N. Wayne Ave. in Wayne.
- King of Prussia Road will be closed between Upper Gulph and Eagle Roads weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Sept. 30 and Oct. 16 for Peco work.
- Delaware County plans to install 70 flood gauges to help it better track data and plan for future extreme weather, as well as improve flood responses. The region experienced an unusually high number of flooding events over the summer, posting some of the largest numbers of warnings issued nationwide. On the upside, all that rain may make for a particularly vibrant foliage season.
🗺️ Other nearby news
- Fall is officially here. Making plans for the season? The Inquirer has rounded up can’t-miss festivals, a guide to apple picking, plus a dozen great spots to go leaf peeping.
- Brian O’Neill, the developer behind five proposed — and rejected — nearby data centers, is suing the Upper Merion Board of Supervisors over its decision not to allow the project to move forward, claiming the centers are permitted under the zoning code.
- The owner of Dane Fine Art in Haverford has been named in a lawsuit for allegedly participating in a scheme to sell fraudulent artwork, including fake Andy Warhol paintings. The 2320 Haverford Rd. gallery was raided by the FBI earlier this summer, but owner Nathan “Nicky” Isen has denied the accusations.
🏫 Schools briefing
- Radnor High School is among the best public schools in the state, landing at No. 7 in Pennsylvania in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. Nationwide, the school ranks No. 341.
🍽️ On our plate
- At the Table, the fine dining spot in Wayne from chefs Alex Hardy and Tara Buzan-Hardy, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary through Oct. 3 with a special $100, three-course offering featuring popular dishes from the past decade.
- A La Mousse owner Anna Chen is working to improve mooncakes’ reputation by giving the intricate but otherwise unimpressive treats a twist, The Inquirer’s Kiki Aranita writes, including stuffing them with a range of fillings and flavors. Find Chen’s take on mooncakes at A La Mousse’s Narberth outpost ahead of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival tomorrow.
- Former Sixers icon Julius “Dr. J” Erving will be at the Fine Wine and Good Spirits on Greenfield Avenue in Ardmore Saturday at 2 p.m. to sign pre-purchased bottles of American Harvest Organic Vodka.
🎳 Things to do

🇫🇷 Regional French Cuisine and Wine: Chef Karen Bentz will take participants through several regional dishes, including a salad, chicken dish, and dessert. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 24, 6-8:30 p.m. 💵 $85 for members, $100 for non-members 📍 Wayne Art Center

📷 Garden Photography Workshop: Chanticleer horticulturist Lisa Roper will guide attendees through a workshop on the garden’s grounds, then work with them to select and edit a few photos. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, 4:30-8:30 p.m. 💵 $95 📍 Chanticleer

🌻 Eco-Printing with Wildflowers Workshop: Summer may officially be over, but that doesn’t mean its remnants can’t still make beautiful art. ⏰ Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 💵 $85-$95 📍 Stoneleigh

🎶 Joseph Parsons and Friends: The rock, folk, and soul singer-songwriter will take the stage. ⏰ Sunday, Sept. 27, 3 p.m. 💵 $27.32 📍 118 North

🏡 On the market

A century-old Villanova home with a guest cottage

Dating back to 1900, this updated stone Villanova estate blends past and present. The home features an eat-in kitchen with an island, a living room with a fireplace, and a family room. It has four bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with a sitting area. Downstairs, there’s a finished basement with another fireplace. Its grounds include a pond and gardens, in addition to a guest cottage with a kitchenette.

See more photos of the property here.

Price: $1.5M | Size: 3,245 SF | Acreage: 3.39

Each week we feature an interesting listing in or around the township. Have one we should consider? Email us at radnor@inquirer.com.

📈 Radnor market report
- Median listing price: $912,000 (down $37,000 from July) 📉
- Median sold price: $1.2M (same as July)
- Days on the market: 31 (down 11 days from July) 📉
This Radnor market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for August from realtor.com.

🗞️ What other Radnor 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.
September 24, 2026
Linvilla’s compost-fueled crops | Inquirer Greater Media
Hi, Greater Media, and happy fall!

A partnership at Linvilla Orchards is turning local food waste into compost. Here’s a look at how it’s feeding area crops. Also this week, Riddle Surgical Center is among the busiest of its facility type in the region, a new indoor play place is now open, plus the final Dining Under the Stars of the season is on the horizon.

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Food scraps feed a circular system at Linvilla Orchards

Chris Pieretti’s Kitchen Harvest turns organic waste into compost at Linvilla Orchards. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

What happens to banana peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other organic material when area residents are done with them?

In many cases, they end up in landfills, but thanks to an initiative by Kitchen Harvest at Linvilla Orchards, those same materials are being repurposed into compost. In turn, the nutrient-rich, soil-like product feeds Linvilla’s crops and enriches local gardens, creating a circular system.

Media became the first municipality to sign on with Kitchen Harvest five years ago, and Swarthmore has launched its own program with EZComposting since. (It’s currently seeking bids for next year’s contract.)

Composting is “becoming more a piece of the waste management strategy than just this kind of crunchy, environmental practice that I think people thought about it before,” the founder of one local composting company said.

The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner digs into how local companies and residents are diverting waste.

💡 Community news
- Riddle Surgical Center on the Riddle Hospital campus in Middletown Township is one of the 20 busiest surgical centers in the region, conducting 6,078 surgical visits last year, according to data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Inquirer’s Harold Brubaker explains why surgery centers have seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
- Swarthmore College has renamed the former Trotter Hall and its lawn Edley-Morgan Hall and Edley-Morgan Lawn, respectively, recognizing two prominent Black scholars. The move comes about a year after Swarthmore removed former professor Spencer Trotter’s name after learning that he dug up a Native American burial ground in 1899 and displayed human remains on campus.
- Media resident Emily Higgins opened a new indoor play place in Chester Heights over the weekend. Located at 77 W. Baltimore Pike, Sprout City offers open play and classes for kids 6 and under and is modeled after a miniature city. It also has coworking spaces for parents.
- Longtime Delaware County resident Anthony “Tony” Oriente will compete on Wheel of Fortune tonight. Oriente, who lives in Media and works for the county as an assistant county clerk and administrative assistant, is no stranger to competition shows, having previously appeared on The Price is Right and Deal or No Deal.
- Aqua’s work on Providence Road between West Rose Valley and Chester Roads has returned to daytime hours after a brief overnight stint. Work will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is expected to continue into next year.
- Delaware County Health Department is kicking off its fall flu vaccination clinics tomorrow, with an event at Media Community Center from noon to 4 p.m.
- Delaware County Libraries is hosting a “Read at Rose Tree” event today from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Rose Tree Park, where residents can sprawl out with a book and sign up for a library card.
- A “Win Pigs Fly” lottery ticket worth nearly $245,000 was sold at the Acme in the Concordville Town Centre last week.
🗺️ Other nearby news
- As measles cases continue to climb statewide, some area parents, including two in Springfield, are moving up vaccination timelines, delaying daycare, and altering interactions with others.
🏫 Schools briefing
- Nine local students have been named 2027 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. In the Rose Tree Media School District, they are Penncrest High School students Owen Cummings and Amar Dhillon. In the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, semifinalists are Lavanya Dixit, Madeline Garson, Franklin Griffin, Clark Kerkstra, Sophia Shao, Joy Yang, and Emily Zhang. (Clark Kerkstra’s father is an editor at this paper.)
- Indian Lane Elementary School principal Michelle Britton recently camped on the school’s roof after families exceeded the Bobcat Club Campaign fundraising goal, which supports the school, including the installation of a new mural in the library. See Fox 29’s Judayah Murray catch up with Britton, who was live from the roof.
🍽️ On our plate
- Make your reservations now — Wednesday is the final Dining Under the Stars for the 2026 season.
🎳 Things to do

🇬🇷 A Taste of Greece: The annual four-day festival returns, complete with Greek cuisine, music, and folk dancing. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 24-Sunday, Sept. 27, times vary 💵 Pay as you go 📍 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Media

🏚️ Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride: Get in the spooky season spirit as the local haunt kicks off its festivities. ⏰ Select days from Friday, Sept. 25-Sunday, Nov. 1, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 Bates Motel, Glen Mills

🍎 Apple Festival: Pick apples and get a taste of apple-flavored treats at this annual festival. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (Rain date: Sept. 27) 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Linvilla Orchards, Media

🏎️ Delco Downhill Derby: The second annual event will see homemade cars cruise down North Edgmont Street. (Take a look back at last year’s event.) ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, noon-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Media

👻 Invasion Vendor Market: Now in its third year, this Delco Horror Haven event features artisans, crafts, food trucks, and plenty of cosplayers. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, noon-6 p.m. 💵 $5.72 📍 Media Borough Community Center

📈 Greater Media market report

Media
- Median listing price: $727,500 (up $27,600 from July) 📈
- Median sold price: $649,500 (up $29,500 from July) 📈
- Days on the market: 32 (up five days from July) 📈
Swarthmore
- Median listing price: $429,900 (up $54,900 from July) 📈
- Median sold price: $424,000 (up $59,000 from July) 📈
- Days on the market: 32 (down 10 days from July) 📉
Wallingford
- Median listing price: $450,000 (down $75,000 from July) 📉
- Median sold price: $560,000 (up $193,500 from July) 📈
- Days on the market: 31 (up six days from July) 📈
This Greater Media market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for August from realtor.com.

🗞️ 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.
September 24, 2026
Reining in raucous student housing | Inquirer Chester County
Hi, Chester County!

After years of dealing with raucous student tenants, Tredyffrin Township officials have voted on a new ordinance aimed at better curbing problems. Here’s how it will work. Also this week, Vanguard has shifted its focus amid its mutual fund and exchange-traded industry peak and then decline, Phoenixville is temporarily morphing into Gilmore Girls’ beloved Stars Hollow, plus, we look inside a nearly $7 million Malvern property that’s for sale.

— Lisa Dukart (chestercounty@inquirer.com)

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Tredyffrin Township takes on raucous student housing

Mount Pleasant Avenue has several homes rented to students. Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

Tredyffrin Township officials voted to approve a new ordinance this week aimed at giving them more power to address unruly student tenants.

It allows the township to hold landlords “directly responsible” for the behavior of student tenants and their guests, including directing landlords to evict students with too many violations, and fining landlords for violations.

The move comes after some residents have dealt with years of bad student behavior ranging from drunkenness and rowdiness to yards and streets strewn with detritus, something they worried could intensify thanks to Villanova University’s new nearby Cabrini campus.

“I hope this makes a difference, and I hope that we can hold the landlords or the companies, whoever [owns] the property, responsible for this,” said board member Carlotta Johnston-Pugh.

The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz delves into the details and what prompted the change.

📍 Countywide news
- As measles cases continue to climb — as of Monday, the county has reported 76 confirmed cases this year — some parents, including one in Kennett Square, are moving up vaccination timelines, delaying daycare, and altering interactions with others.
- Chester County Health Department is kicking off its seasonal vaccine clinics tomorrow at Great Valley Middle School, with more throughout the fall and winter at other sites.
- Residents of the 158th legislative district in southeastern Chester County can recycle lithium batteries, drop off unwanted drugs, and get paper shredded at a Saturday event from 9 to 11 a.m. at Embreeville Park in West Bradford Township.
- Permit-only archery deer hunting season began Saturday in select county-owned parks and continues through Dec. 13. Visitors are advised to keep pets on a leash and consider wearing orange for added visibility.
- There’s more roadwork taking place this week, including a lane closure on Route 30. Here’s what to keep an eye on.
💡 Community news
- Malvern-based investment giant Vanguard has seen its share of the U.S. mutual fund and exchange-traded industry plateau in recent years and shrink this year, marking the end of an era of decades-long growth in the segment, as it shifts focus under a relatively new CEO. The Inquirer’s Joseph N. DiStefano explores the changes.
- The Garces Foundation, which provides access to English classes, free healthcare, and other support for immigrants, regardless of their status, is expanding its free community health days to Kennett Square, where more than a quarter of the population is foreign-born. It’s also rebranding to Comunidad Garces.
- Several businesses in Phoenixville will be transformed into ones straight out of Stars Hollow from beloved TV show Gilmore Girls this weekend, including Le Chat Club, Doose’s Market, the Dragonfly Inn, and Luke’s Diner.
- A “magical” 15-acre Willistown Township property with walking paths, a waterfall, a meditation garden, and a more than 6,000-square-foot, four-bedroom fieldstone house is on the market for just under $7 million. Take a peek inside.
- Several gold vehicles have been spotted at the Devon Tesla dealership recently, fueling speculation that the company is looking to expand its autonomous Cybercab program to the region. Here’s what we know so far.
- Tredyffrin-Easttown Fire Commission has appointed Eric Felker as chief of fire and emergency medical services. Felker is a physician assistant who has a combined four decades of experience with fire and EMS departments.
- A developer is looking to create a mixed-use residential community at 3200 Horseshoe Pike in Honey Brook. Planebrook Partners, LLC is proposing 35 townhomes and 34 twin homes on the roughly 18.6-acre parcel. Township supervisors will consider the proposal at Monday’s 7 p.m. meeting.
- East Whiteland Township’s board of supervisors will consider adopting a curative amendment at tomorrow night’s meeting regarding future data center developments.
- On Tuesday, West Brandywine Township’s board of supervisors will resume discussions about Imaging Associates’ and Toll Brothers’ plans to develop 500 Hibernia Rd. into 163 single-family homes and 74 twin homes. The meeting will take place at North Brandywine Middle School from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Uwchlan Township officials will present master plans for Lionville and Rossi Parks tonight at 7 p.m.
🏫 Schools briefing
- There are several homecoming events this weekend: Avon Grove, Henderson High School, and Unionville Chadds-Ford are hosting festivities on Friday and Saturday. Octorara Area’s takes place throughout next week. And West Chester University’s runs Friday through Sunday. Atglen Borough is also hosting its community parade Monday at 6 p.m.
- Renaissance Academy’s varsity football team posted its first-ever victory in five seasons during its opening game. Inquirer contributor Dave Caldwell explores how Harold Smith coached the Phoenixville team through a difficult time to overcome adversity.
- Tredyffrin/Easttown School District plans to launch full-day kindergarten next year.
- West Chester Area School District has named two new assistant principals: Jackie Longan at Henderson High School and Amy Terkanian at Fugett Middle School.
🍽️ On our plate
- Beef and Bird Public House is taking over the former Slow Hand space in West Chester. The new concept at 30 N. Church St. is from the team behind Bar Avalon.
- Wimpy & Dee’s Diner has reopened under new ownership at 5051 Horseshoe Pike in Honey Brook following a monthslong closure.
🎳 Things to do

🎭 Shakespeare in the Park: High school performers will take on the bard’s romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 East Bradford Park amphitheater

🍎 Cider Fest: Get a taste of fall at this annual festival featuring locally made apple cider, bread-baking demonstrations, and live music. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 $5-$10 📍 Mill at Anselma, Chester Springs

🍻 Bistro on Bridge Oktoberfest: Sip Bavarian-inspired beers and nosh on German-style eats at this celebration where lederhosen and dirndl are encouraged. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Bistro on Bridge, Phoenixville

🍂 Warwick Fall Fest: Celebrate the season with pumpkin painting, crafts, vendors, food trucks, and pony and highland cow rides. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Warwick County Park, Pottstown

🍷 Catalina Wine Mixer: This Step Brothers-inspired 21-and-over event features local wines from Penns Wood, Chaddsford, East Cooke, and Harvest Ridge Wineries; Paradocx Vineyard; and Turks Head Wines, as well as beer from Locust Lane Brewery. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 26, 2-6 p.m. 💵 $25-$50 📍 American Helicopter Museum, West Chester

🖼️ Fall Arts Fest: Explore local arts and vendors, and grab a bite to eat at this festival benefiting the Chester County Mural and Arts Project. ⏰ Sunday, Sept. 27, noon-3 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Kerr Park, Downingtown

🏡 On the market

A Kennett Square home with ample outdoor living space

This four-bedroom Kennett Square home has plenty of outdoor living space thanks to a covered front porch, a large back deck, a separate gazebo-covered patio with a hot tub, and a fire pit. Inside, the updated home has a striking dining room with a built-in buffet and beverage refrigerator, a kitchen with granite countertops, and a family room with vaulted ceilings and a stone fireplace.

See more photos of the home here.

Price: $919,000 | Size: 3,937 SF | Acreage: 0.83

📈 Chester County market report
- Median listing price: $599,000 (down $900 from July) 📉
- Median sold price: $568,200 (down $41,800 from July) 📉
- Days on the market: 33 (down one day from July) 📉
This Chester County market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for August from realtor.com.

🗞️ What other Chester County 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.
September 23, 2026
Creating a third space in Narberth | Inquirer Lower Merion
Hi, Lower Merion!

A new general store, complete with a craft counter and floral bouquets, is coming to Narberth, with a goal of creating a third space for area residents. Here’s what to expect. Also this week, township police are looking to add a “first responder” drone, the school district is urging a judge to deny a parent-led lawsuit over device use, plus a Gladwyne resident and TikTok personality has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend.

Have a question about town? Submit it to Curious Lower Merion and one of our reporters might track down the answer.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

A new general store looks to create a ‘third space’ in Narberth

Narberth is getting a new take on the old-school general store this fall when borough resident Jen Kurland debuts her new spot, Jeneral Store, in the former home of Danny’s Guitar Shop.

The storefront will offer a mix of home goods, DIY floral bouquets, penny candy, and a craft counter in the vein of delis. There, shoppers will be able to order art supplies à la carte.

Kurland hopes it will become something of a third space, with plans to offer craft nights and workshops down the line.

The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner spoke with Kurland about her vision and what else visitors can expect.

💡 Community News
- Lower Merion police are seeking funding for a drone that could be automatically deployed for certain emergency calls, a tool they say could provide crime scene information before officers even respond. Commissioners expressed skepticism, particularly over privacy, at last week’s budget workshop. Here’s what the program could look like.
- At the same 2027 budget workshop, township officials warned of financial headwinds that could mean possible real estate tax increases next year. Additional workshops will be held throughout the fall before a decision is made.
- Gladwyne resident and personal injury lawyer Thomas Bosworth has been charged with simple assault and harassment after allegedly choking his girlfriend and throwing her to the ground during a dispute on the Cynwyd Heritage Trial in Bala Cynwyd. The 37-year-old is known as “Tommy the Lawyer” on TikTok, where he has hundreds of thousands of followers.
- Men’s footwear company Sherman Brothers has officially opened its doors at 42 Greenfield Ave. in Ardmore, relocating from its longtime home in Center City.
- The owner of Dane Fine Art has been named in a lawsuit for allegedly participating in a scheme to sell fraudulent artwork, including fake Andy Warhol paintings. The Haverford gallery was raided by the FBI earlier this summer. Owner Nathan “Nicky” Isen has denied the accusations.
- Downtown Ardmore District will hold a ribbon cutting tomorrow to officially unveil the transformation of the alleyway wall along Past Present Future into a mural. It will also include a dedication to the shop’s owner, Sherry Tillman, as she winds down the beloved business.
🏫 Schools Briefing
- The school board voted unanimously on Monday to accept former board member Jennifer Rivera’s resignation, which she tendered last month after being charged with embezzling more than $50,000 from her employer, The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.
- After a group of parents filed a lawsuit against the district over opting their children out of school-assigned computers, the district has asked a federal judge to deny the request, accusing them of “fearmongering.”
- The school district is closed Monday, which is Yom Kippur. There’s a special board meeting Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m.
🍽️ On our Plate
- Two new eateries are coming to Bala Cynwyd on City Avenue in 2027. French-inspired chain Paris Baguette is slated to open a location in the spring, while all-you-can-eat revolving sushi concept Supra Sushi is planning to open sometime in the middle of next year.
- Nanu’s Hot Chicken has reopened at 59 W. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore after being forced to close at the end of July when a vehicle damaged the store.
- Tired Hands Brewing Company in Ardmore has released a new Rose Panna Cotta milkshake IPA. The 7.2% ABV beer has notes of bubblegum, pink grapefruit, raspberry honey, and mango.
🎳 Things to Do

🎪 Bryn Mawr Day: Celebrate the community with local businesses, food, drinks, and a circus. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 North Bryn Mawr Avenue parking lot

🎨 Chalk Mob 2026: Watch as artists transform the plaza at Linwood Park or try your hand at it yourself. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-noon 💵 Free 📍 Linwood Park

🍿 Back to the Future: This month’s family movie night features the first installment of the Michael J. Fox film series. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. (rain date: Sept. 20) 💵 Free 📍 Narberth Park

🏴‍☠️ Pirate Day Crafternoon: Pirates and their mateys can make themed crafts in honor of National Talk Like a Pirate Day (parrots and eye patches optional). ⏰ Wednesday, Sept. 23, 3-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Gladwyne Library

🍖 KB Foundation’s Fall Fundraiser: Chef Nick Elmi will dish up barbecue for this benefit, which also includes a silent auction, a DJ, candy and cigar bars, and an awards ceremony. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. 💵 $175 and $250 for individual tickets 📍 Pump House

🏡 On the Market

A four-bedroom Narberth home with a pool and a conservatory

The home has a conservatory and courtyard-style entryway.A1RMedia | Courtesy of Arielle Roemer/ BHHS Fox & Roach at the Harper

This mid-century Penn Valley home has undergone a number of updates, including a private wing addition for the primary suite. Located on the second floor, it has vaulted ceilings, dual vanities, a dressing room, walk-in closets, a laundry room, and a balcony. Other features of the four-bedroom home include a dining room, a kitchen with a butler’s pantry, an office, a parlor with an antique marble fireplace, and a conservatory. Outside, there’s a patio with a pergola and a pool. There are open houses today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

See more photos of the home here.

Price: $1.595M | Size: 4,412 SF | Acreage: 0.96

🗞️ What other Lower Merion 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.
September 17, 2026
Pulling back on classroom tech | Inquirer Greater Media
Hi, Greater Media!

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District continues to adapt its technology usage in the classroom as parents push back on screen time. Here are the latest changes as the school year gets underway. Plus, part of the district was briefly locked down Monday — here’s why. Also this week, the first day of fall is on the horizon and we’ve rounded up the best local spots to view peak foliage.

Have a question about town? Submit it to Curious Greater Media and one of our reporters might track down the answer.

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Local districts, including Wallingford-Swarthmore, scale back some tech amid pushback

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Superintendent Russell D. Johnston.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

As parents push back on screen time in the classroom, a number of local school districts have made efforts to scale it back, including Wallingford-Swarthmore.

For the youngest students, that means limits for online assessments and restrictions on YouTube access.

In making decisions, the district has sought parents’ feedback, including creating a forthcoming Technology Advisory Council focused on device use in grades six to 12.

For Alex Bird Becker, a parent in the district who’s active in the statewide group PA Unplugged, setting limits gets harder in middle school, where “the device culture has become really ingrained with curriculum,” she said.

The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna delves into what steps the district has taken so far and what it hopes to achieve.

💡 Community News

The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art in Chadds Ford.Courtesy of Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art
- Tuesday is the first day of fall. Making plans for the season? The Inquirer has rounded up can’t-miss festivals, including the Community Arts Center Fall Festival in Wallingford. If you’re looking to leaf peep, check out The Inquirer’s guide to a dozen great spots, including the nearby Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
- A four-month investigation by Nether Providence Township police resulted in five felony arrest warrants being issued last week related to nearly $60,000 in fraudulent withdrawals from a victim’s bank account. Among those accused in the scheme is Robin Massing, who faces unrelated forgery charges for allegedly attempting to change and deposit checks from Media Little League.
- One member of the cast of hit HBO show Task, which was filmed throughout the region, took home an Emmy Award Monday night. Tom Pelphrey, who played Robbie Prendergrast, won in the supporting actor in a drama series category. Task is returning for a second season, though a release date hasn’t been announced yet.
- Swarthmore resident and Celia Bookshop literary director Rachel Pastan’s new book came out this week. We’re So Lucky to Live Here follows a 27-year-old protagonist who moves back to her childhood home in the Philadelphia suburbs, struggling to afford it in the wake of her mother’s death. The book was inspired in part by Pastan’s work on the borough’s affordability task force. She’s hosting a book launch and discussion Saturday at 7 p.m.
- Expect overnight roadwork on Swarthmore Avenue between Dartmouth and Benjamin West Avenues for borough paving from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Saturday. And in Nether Providence Township, work on Providence Road between West Rose Valley and Chester Roads switches to overnight hours this week, taking place Mondays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Work is expected to continue into early next year.
🏫 Schools Briefing
- Several Wallingford-Swarthmore schools were locked down Monday after a suspect fled a Nether Providence police traffic stop on foot. The decision to “teach in place” was “out of an abundance of caution,” Superintendent Russell Johnston said.
- Both Rose Tree Media and Wallingford-Swarthmore School Districts are closed Monday, which is Yom Kippur.
🍽️ On our Plate
- Looking for gluten-free pizza? Main Line Today rounded up nine spots, including Poseidon Pizza in Media.
🎳 Things to Do

🍁 Hayrides at Linvilla: Hayride season arrives at Linvilla this weekend, including autumn moon options and hayrides to the witch’s house. ⏰ Select days, Friday, Sept. 18-Friday, Oct. 30, times vary 💵 $8-$11 in advance, $10-$14 at the door for autumn moon hayrides; $10-$13 in advance, $12-$16 at the door for hayrides to the witch’s house 📍 Linvilla Orchards, Media

🍔 Food Truckathon: Nosh on bites from over 20 food trucks and listen to live music. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 18, 5-9 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Swarthmore town center

🎭 Dear Evan Hansen: See the hit Broadway musical live. ⏰ Select days from Friday, Sept. 18-Saturday, Oct. 3, times vary 💵 $18.50-$30.50 📍 PCS Theater

🪕 Porchfest: Catch musicians performing on porches throughout Media. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 19, noon-6 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Throughout Media borough

📖 Well Red Fundraiser: This Helen Kate Furness Free Library benefit includes food, drinks, and a silent auction. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 19, 7-10 p.m. 💵 $75 📍 Helen Kate Furness Free Library, Wallingford

🗞️ 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.
September 17, 2026
Charting the county’s economic future | Inquirer Chester County
Hi, Chester County!

A new head of the county’s economic engine recently took over and he’s focused on balancing development with conservation. We get to know him and his goals. Also this week, a deal to preserve part of Willistown Township’s Rock Hill Farm looks tenuous, the first day of fall is on the horizon and we’ve rounded up the best local spots to view peak foliage, plus People’s Light has scored over a dozen Barrymore Award nominations.

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The new head of the county’s economic engine knows the importance of open space

Earlier this summer, Mike Grigalonis took over as CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council. It’s an organization the Upper Uwchlan Township resident is well acquainted with — he interned there 27 years ago and went on to serve as its chief operating officer and executive vice president before being named to the top role.

As he looks to the county’s future, he wants to balance growth with land conservation, while keeping an eye on changes in office development and farming, as well data centers and Superfund sites.

In a wide-ranging interview, he shares what’s changed and what lies ahead.

📍 Countywide News
- Tuesday is the first day of fall and there’s good news for leaf peepers — summer’s heavy downpours could mean a spectacular foliage season. The Inquirer rounded up a dozen great spots to see the changing leaves, including French Creek State Park in Elverson. Looking to go apple picking? Check out our guide to local orchards, including Highland Orchards in West Chester.
- Chester County History Center has named Kim Collison its next president. She has over 20 years of museum and nonprofit experience, including at nearby Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library.
- More roadwork projects are getting underway this week, including a two-week closure on part of Paoli Pike. Here’s what to know.
💡 Community News
- The future of a deal to preserve a swath of Rock Hill Farm while allowing homes on a portion of it looks much less certain after a Monday meeting during which Willistown officials tabled a vote and the developer’s attorney threatened that the “deal is off.” The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz has the latest.
- People’s Light in Malvern received 19 Barrymore Award nominations for its 2025-26 season, including for outstanding overall production of a musical and outstanding ensemble in a play. Here’s a look at its full slate of nominations.
- One member of the cast of hit HBO show Task, which was created by Berwyn native Brad Ingelsby, took home an Emmy Award Monday night. Tom Pelphrey, who played Robbie Prendergrast, won in the supporting actor in a drama series category. Task is returning for a second season, though a release date hasn’t been announced yet.
- The Inquirer recently released its “25 Under 25” list of the best local athletes under 25, including several from Chester County: West Chester’s Reese D’Ariano; brothers Colton Hiller and Maxwell Hiller from Coatesville; and Jordyn Palmer, a Westtown School athlete. See why they made the list.
- A sample of West Nile-positive mosquitoes was reported last week at Greentree Park in Malvern.
- East Vincent Township will continue discussions tonight at 6:30 p.m. for AQ Dev’s conditional use application to develop the Ruth Farm property into 53 single-family homes.
- North Coventry Township is continuing discussions about its draft data center ordinance tonight at 7 p.m.
- Willistown Township has acquired the 12-acre Nike Site, formerly a command and radar control area during the Cold War, with plans to make it open space.
- Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration recently dedicated the new 5,300-square-foot, $7.5 million visitor center at Downingtown’s Marsh Creek State Park.
- A new IV therapy spot, IV Nutrition, is now open at 1506 Paoli Pike in West Chester.
🏫 Schools Briefing
- Some districts are closed Monday, which is Yom Kippur.
- A number of schools are pulling back on screen time amid backlash from parents. Tredyffrin/Easttown School District stopped assigning iPads to kindergartners, and elementary students won’t take home tablets. In the Phoenixville Area School District, a one-to-one device program for kindergarten through third graders has ended. The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna explains the changes and why they came about.
- Coatesville Area School District is breaking ground on its North Brandywine Middle School project this afternoon. The 144,000-square-foot addition and 21,000-square-foot renovation is expected to be completed for the 2029-30 school year.
- The tracks at Downingtown High Schools East and West will remain closed a while longer as they undergo renovations. East’s track is expected to be closed through the end of this month and West’s track through the end of October.
- Registration is now open for Octorara Area High School’s Room-2-Bloom early learning program for 3- to 5-year olds. The two-day program starts Sept. 29.
🍽️ On our Plate
- Nottingham-based Herr’s has released a new product — and it was a big hit with Inquirer food reporter Kiki Aranita. The four cheese mac ‘n cheese curls have “achieved what no other puffed cheese curl has,” she said. Here’s why.
🎳 Things to Do

🎞️ Phoenixville Film Festival: Catch some independent films during this four-day festival. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 17-Sunday, Sept. 20, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville

🏇 Plantation Field International: See horses and riders compete in this annual event. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 17-Sunday, Sept. 20, times vary 💵 $25 per car 📍 Plantation Field, Coatesville

🌃 Craft & Mercantile: Browse local artisan goods, listen to music, and grab a bite to eat at this evening market. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 18, 5-8:30 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Burke Park, Malvern

🍻 Moo and Brew and Grapes Too: Sip local brews from Victory Brewing, Saucony Creek Brewing, and Suburban Brewing, plus grab a bite to eat and listen to live music — all benefiting Brandywine Valley Active Aging. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m. 💵 $70 📍 Historic Buck Run Farm, Coatesville

🍽️ West Chester Restaurant and Food Truck Festival: Now in its 45th year, the festival features entertainment, artisans, a beer garden, and plenty of food from area eateries. ⏰ Sunday, Sept. 20, noon-5:30 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Downtown West Chester

🏡 On the Market

A sprawling six-bedroom Downingtown home with a theater

The home has a stone front and sits on about half an acre.Brian Castro/Virtual Vista | Courtesy of The Stein Team

Located in the Bradford Pointe Estates neighborhood, this six-bedroom Downingtown home has ample space to spread out. The first floor has living and dining rooms, an office, an eat-in kitchen, and a family room, while the lower level features a gym, a family room with a wet bar, and a theater room complete with seats and a projection screen. There’s a bedroom and bathroom downstairs, while five other bedrooms, including the primary suite with a soaking tub, are on the second floor. There are open houses Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

See more photos of the home here.

Price: $1.275M | Size: 7,250 SF | Acreage: 0.49

🗞️ What other Chester County 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.
September 16, 2026
Inside Ardmore’s massive ‘meat palace’ | Inquirer Lower Merion
Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

Can you have too much Wagyu? Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan contemplates whether that’s the case at the recently opened OGYU in Ardmore. Also this week, charges have been brought against a man who allegedly stole nearly $800,000 in jewelry from two township homes, a Bala Cynwyd native continues to imprint his vision on the Jersey Shore, plus the school board will consider an embattled member’s resignation.

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Does OGYU serve too much of a good thing?

The Miyazaki ribeye at Ogyu.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

When Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan paid a visit to recently opened Japanese restaurant OGYU in Ardmore — or as he calls it, “a 300-seat meat palace” — he was determined to try as much Wagyu as he could.

But he soon found that in the case of the all-you-can-eat joint, there might just be too much of a good thing.

While one cut of Wagyu rib cap, which arrived in a showy box billowing with smoke, was rich and tender, preparing it himself on a tabletop grill meant the finished product fell flat.

Other dishes, however, impressed, including the New Zealand lamb chops, the “Meet Wagyu” nigiri, and the A5 ribeye.

At the end of the day, does dining there add up to “a luxury experience the $120 check average should command?”

Here’s LaBan’s verdict.

💡 Community News
- A 24-year-old Philadelphia man, Jabir Parker, was charged last week with several alleged burglaries, including two in Lower Merion, where police said he made off with nearly $800,000 in stolen jewelry.
- Eustace Mita continues to put his fingerprints on the Jersey Shore by way of his Icona Resorts. The Bala Cynwyd native’s next project includes a $200 million proposed redevelopment of Wonderland Pier. The Inquirer’s Erin McCarthy looks at how he’s shaped the Shore and what’s still on the horizon.
- Former Bryn Mawr resident Joan E. Lynaugh died this summer at the age of 90. Lynaugh was a pioneering primary care and nurse practitioner and an award-winning professor emerita of nursing at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, who grew up in Penn Valley, has launched a new YouTube series. In the first episode, he takes viewers back to the era of one of his early films, Signs.
- Bryn Mawr Hospital and Lankenau Medical Center, both owned by Main Line Health, earned high marks in the latest U.S. News Best Hospitals by Specialty ranking. Bryn Mawr was recognized in eight categories, including colon cancer and prostate cancer surgeries, while Lankenau scored top marks in 11 categories such as back surgery, and hip and knee replacement surgeries.
- Spring Mill Road will be closed weekdays between Old Gulph and Conshohocken State Roads tomorrow through Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for storm sewer replacement.
- Expect work near the Narberth Avenue bridge over the next six to eight weeks, with overnight construction slated for Sundays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
🏫 Schools Briefing
- The school board is hosting a special meeting on Monday to vote on accepting the resignation of Jennifer Rivera. Rivera resigned from her post late last month after being accused of embezzling more than $50,000 from her employer.
🍽️ On our Plate
- Looking for a great rooftop spot to dine before summer comes to a close? Chef Nicholas Elmi’s Bala Cynwyd restaurant Lark is one of the best destinations in the region, according to The Infatuation.
🎳 Things to Do

🍂 Harvest How-To for Natural Holiday Decor: Learn how to gather, preserve, and use natural materials for decor. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 💵 $25 for members, $30 for non-members 📍 Stoneleigh

🎶 Narberth Music and Arts Festival: There will be live music, food, drinks, and a makers market. ⏰ Sunday, Sept. 13, noon-7 pm. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Forrest and Haverford Avenues

😱 Scream: Get in the spooky season spirit with a screening of the 1996 horror movie. ⏰ Monday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. 💵 $11.75-$16.25 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

📖 One Book, One Lower Merion: The township-wide reading initiative features Harlan Coben’s new book, Plot Twist, and includes a Q&A with the author. ⏰ Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6 p.m. 💵 $40 📍 Welsh Valley Middle School

🎷 Montco Jazz Fest: Now in its fifth year, the festival features performances at 20 venues throughout the county. ⏰ Tuesday, Sept. 15-Sunday, Sept. 20, times vary 📍 Locations vary

🏡 On the Market

An updated six-bedroom Bala Cynwyd Colonial

The home has an eat-in kitchen with a fireplace that flows into a great room.Courtesy of Israela Friedman/Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach, Realtors

This 1930 center hall Colonial has undergone a number of updates, blending past and present. The first floor features an open-concept kitchen, dining area, and great room with a fireplace, all near to a secondary prep kitchen. There’s also an office, a dining room, and a living room on the first floor. The home’s six bedrooms are spread across the upper levels, including the second-floor primary suite, with a steam shower and whirlpool tub. There’s an open house today from 5 to 6 p.m.

See more photos of the home here.

Price: $985,000 | Size: 3,803 SF | Acreage: 0.2

🗞️ What other Lower Merion 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.
September 10, 2026
Remembering the local pilot who died on 9/11 | Inquirer Greater Media
Hi, Greater Media. 👋

Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. We look back on the life of the local pilot of one of the ill-fated flights and how his loved ones have ensured his legacy lives on. Also this week, Rose Tree Media School District’s proposed K-1 Early Learning Center moves one step closer to reality, a new breakfast and lunch joint is gearing up to open in a former Media cafe, plus an outdoors store will make its debut.

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Remembering Michael Horrocks, the local resident who died co-piloting one of the 9/11 flights

Michael Horrocks’ former West Chester University teammates continue to pay tribute to their late friend, who died co-piloting United Airlines Flight 175 on Sept. 11, 2001.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

When Bob Rafferty ran into Michael Horrocks at the Granite Run Mall in December 2000, neither likely expected it would be the last time they’d see one another. The former West Chester University football teammates briefly caught up amid holiday shopping, with Horrocks mentioning he’d become a commercial pilot.

About nine months later, Rafferty had a feeling that Horrocks, a Glen Mills resident, might be on one of the hijacked planes that crashed into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

The 38-year-old was co-piloting United Airlines Flight 175, which hit the South Tower.

After Horrocks’ tragic death, former teammates like Rafferty came together to honor his legacy, including with a scholarship and statue at his alma mater, helping keep his memory alive.

The Inquirer’s Alex Coffey looks back at Horrocks’ legacy and how his loved ones continue to honor his memory.

📽️ Hear from his teammates in this Inquirer video.

🗓️ Delaware County is hosting a remembrance ceremony at Rose Tree Park tomorrow at 11 a.m. to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

💡 Community News
- In case you missed it, last week the boroughs of Rose Valley, Rutledge, and Swarthmore, along with Nether Providence and Upper Providence Townships, voted to establish a new emergency medical services authority. Media, which was previously contemplating joining, opted to continue with its current provider.
- At its Tuesday meeting, the Middletown Township planning commission voted 4-2 to recommend conditional approval for Rose Tree Media School District’s proposed K-1 Early Learning Center, acting township manager Vincent M. Visoskas told The Inquirer. RTMSD has extended the timeline for the township to make a decision on its application to Nov. 21, he added. Council is next slated to meet on Wednesday.
- New “outdoor lifestyle store” Media Mercantile is opening its doors on Saturday. Located at 21 E. State St., it’s taking over the former home of Homesewn, which moved about a block away earlier this year.
- Nemours Children’s Health is slated to open a pediatric urgent care at its Glen Mills facility Wednesday.
- Eric C. Fransen, 50, of Wallingford, has been charged with touching and secretly filming a girl in a bathroom, according to the Daily Times. Investigators found over 170 photos and videos of the victim that appeared to come from a hidden camera. Fransen is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next Friday.
- Media native and Penncrest High School alum Norah Martin is one of a few individuals who’s been driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile throughout the U.S. this year. Known as “Nacho Dog Norah,” she earned degrees in public relations and Spanish from Penn State prior to embarking on the journey earlier this summer, according to Axios.
- The county is hosting a household hazardous waste event Saturday at Rose Tree Park, where you can dispose of unwanted items like certain paints, chemicals, and batteries. Registration is required.
🏫 Schools Briefing
- Architectural firm KCBA is expected to present updated plans for Strath Haven High School’s renovation at the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District’s facilities committee board meeting Tuesday.
🍽️ On our Plate
- Dozens of new restaurants are opening throughout the region this fall, including a new breakfast and lunch spot in Media. The Hungry Hub will take over the former Rivalry Cafe and is targeting an Oct. 1 opening.
🎳 Things to Do

🖼️ Arts and Craft Festival: Gear up for fall with this festival featuring vendors, live music, and the start of Pumpkinland. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Linvilla Orchards, Media

🍺 Ship Bottom Oktoberfest: Raise a pint of German-style beer at this festival, complete with food trucks, games, live music, and a stein-holding contest. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 12, 3-10 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Ship Bottom Brewery, Swarthmore

🍔 Middletown Township Food Truck Festival: Food trucks will descend on Longview Park, where there will also be music and games. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 17, 4-8 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Longview Park, Media

🗞️ 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.
September 10, 2026
Memorializing the local pilot who died on 9/11 | Inquirer Chester County
Hi, Chester County. 👋

A group of former West Chester University football players rallied to create a monument to their late teammate, who died co-piloting one of the flights on Sept. 11, 2001. We take a look at their lasting tribute. Also this week, charges have been brought in the attempted robbery of Saquon Barkley’s Malvern home, an Exton software firm has expanded its Philadelphia footprint, plus, we take a peek inside a 19th-century West Chester property and its two-story wine cellar.

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Remembering Michael Horrocks, the WCU alum who died co-piloting one of the 9/11 flights

Michael Horrocks’ former West Chester University teammates continue to pay tribute to their late friend, who died co-piloting United Airlines Flight 175 on Sept. 11, 2001. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

In the years after the 9/11 attacks, football players at West Chester University didn’t know Michael Horrocks’ name. That didn’t sit right with his former teammate Tom Schafer, who, after learning the former quarterback died while co-piloting the ill-fated United Airlines Flight 175 that day, made sure that wouldn’t be the case any longer.

Despite battling cancer, Schafer, along with other former teammates, set out to honor Horrocks with a scholarship endowment and a statue at the Golden Rams’ stadium, which was unveiled in 2010.

For every practice and game since, players tap Horrocks’ left foot before taking the field, keeping alive the legacy of a man — an illustrious football player, a Marine, and a commercial pilot — none of them would ever know, but who they’d likely never forget.

The Inquirer’s Alex Coffey looks back at Horrocks’ legacy and how his loved ones continue to honor his memory.

📽️ Hear from his teammates in this Inquirer video.

📍 Countywide News
- Chester County and Paoli Hospitals earned high marks in the latest U.S. News Best Hospitals by Specialty rankings. Chester County was recognized in 13 categories, including colon cancer and gynecological cancer surgeries, while Paoli scored top marks in 12 categories such as lung and colon cancer surgeries.
- Have an unwanted bike or sewing machine? Chester County Solid Waste Authority is collecting used goods Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Goshen Municipal Complex. Items will be sent to developing nations and a $20 donation is requested to offset shipping costs.
- A number of new roadwork projects are getting underway. Here’s where.
💡 Community News
- A 24-year-old Philadelphia man, Jabir Parker, has been charged with attempting to burglarize the Malvern home of Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. He also allegedly made off with nearly $800,000 in stolen jewelry from two other homes.
- Exton-based software company Bentley Systems International has opened a new 22,000-square-foot office in Philadelphia, where 150 engineers and other tech and business staff will work.
- A nearly 5,400-square-foot West Chester home made of locally quarried stone and complete with a two-story wine cellar and tasting room inside a former ice house is on the market for $3.3 million. Take a peek inside.
- Educational nonprofit Mighty Writers, which has an outpost in Kennett Square, announced temporary program suspensions and staff furloughs as it faces financial headwinds.
- Two women died after a single-vehicle crash on East Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown on Sunday. The driver died at the scene and the passenger died later at the hospital.
- On Saturday, West Whiteland Township police arrested 23-year-old Jordan Uriah Jones, who had been wanted for the statutory rape of a child, corruption of a minor, and unlawful sexual contact with a minor. After an eight-month investigation, police found that he fathered a child with a young girl.
- Downingtown has named a new borough manager, elevating assistant borough manager and interim manager Corinne J. Badman to the role on a permanent basis. She succeeds Jeffrey A. Smith, who stepped down this summer.
- A developer is looking to build two industrial flex warehouses on the roughly 15.5-acre property at 979 Octorara Trail in Parkesburg, where there are future plans for a hotel, restaurant, and street extension. West Sadsbury Township’s board of supervisors will hold a public hearing about the proposal at tonight’s 7 p.m. meeting.
- East Bradford Township’s board of supervisors is expected to discuss an ordinance regarding data centers at tomorrow’s 6:30 p.m. meeting.
- Work is slated to get underway this week on a monthslong sidewalk project in Toughkenamon. The $782,300 grant-funded project will rehabilitate a portion of sidewalk along Main Street.
- Discount retailer Ocean State Job Lot, which is known for its selection of household goods and apparel, is grand opening its newest location at the Shoppes at Valley Forge in Phoenixville on Saturday.
🏫 Schools Briefing
- Two Chester County high school football programs — Malvern Prep and Downingtown High School East — are among the top 10 to watch this season, according to a new ranking from The Inquirer.
🍽️ On our Plate
- The Drift Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar is now open in Phoenixville. Located at 231 Bridge St., it dishes up a seafood-forward menu of shareable plates, soups, salads, and entrees, in addition to steaks.
- Opus, an upscale New American restaurant and cocktail lounge at 201 Birch St. in Kennett Square, is hosting a ribbon cutting and community open house tomorrow to mark its debut.
- Victory Brewing is releasing its newest beer tomorrow. The malty, dry-hopped Borough Brew, a tribute to Kennett Square, has notes of berry, melon, and pear. It’ll be exclusively on tap at Victory’s Kennett location, with $1 from each pour benefiting nonprofit Kennett Collaborative.
🎳 Things to Do

😂 West Chester Comedy Festival: Dozens of comedians will perform stand-up at several venues over the course of three days. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 10-Saturday, Sept. 12, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 Various venues throughout West Chester

🏇 Devon Fall Classic: See equestrian events and explore the country fair, complete with rides and vendors, at this annual event. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 13, times vary 💵 $10-$20 general admission, $20-$35 for reserved seating 📍 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair grounds

🎃 Glass Pumpkin Festival: Explore glass-blown works of art, see demonstrations, or make your own. There will also be live music, food trucks, drinks, and an artist market. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 $7.18 admission 📍 WGK Glass Art, Toughkenamon

🏎️ Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance: The three-day event includes a barbecue, a road rally, a gala, and a car show. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 13, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 Radnor Hunt grounds, Malvern

🍄 The Mushroom Festival: The annual staple returns, showcasing all things mushroom. There will also be music, cooking demonstrations, and a fire truck show. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 $5 admission 📍 Kennett Square

🏡 On the Market

A Chester Springs home with a resort-style backyard

An aerial view of the home, which has a pool and spa and backs up to nearly 30 acres of protected open space.Keith Conrey/Tohickon Media | Courtesy of Cary Simons/Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

Situated in a cul-de-sac in the Chester Springs neighborhood Haverhill Estates, this four-bedroom Colonial backs up to a large swath of protected open land, giving it extra privacy. Among the home’s features are several living areas with fireplaces: a great room with a bar area and vaulted ceilings; a two-story family room; and a basement family room. The walk-out lower level also has a wine cellar, a gym, space for a fifth bedroom, and a theater room, complete with reclining chairs. Outside, the home has a deck, screened-in porch, a heated pool and spa, plus a cabana with a bar.

See more photos of the property here.

Price: $1.75M | Size: 7,166 SF | Acreage: 1.47

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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.
September 9, 2026
19th-century Chester County home with a two-story wine cellar hits the market for $3.3M

A six-bedroom West Chester home with a two-story wine cellar and tasting room in a converted ice house has hit the market for $3.3 million.

Known as Fernbank Farm, the nearly 5,400-square-foot home at 1001 Country Club Rd. was built of green serpentine stone from the nearby defunct Brinton’s Quarry, said Stephen Gross, who shares the listing with Stewart Gross and Holly Gross, all of the Holly Gross Group.

“It’s a beautiful stone that’s just unique to the area,” he said.

An aerial view of the property, which sits on six acres.Virtual Vista | Courtesy of Holly Gross Group

A small portion of the home is believed to date back to the 1790s, said Stephen Gross. It was then expanded around 1846 by James Cheston Morris, a University of Pennsylvania alum and surgeon who invented “a number of surgical appliances,” according to a 1923 Inquirer obituary.

Morris used the property as a summer country estate retreat and also to reportedly experiment with architectural insulation techniques, including in an attached ice house, the Gross brothers said.

A former ice house has been converted into a two-story wine cellar and tasting room.Jeffrey Totaro

That space was converted about five years ago by its current owners into a two-story wine cellar and tasting room.

Situated off the breakfast room, the roughly 1,500-bottle wine cellar is accessed via a staircase that opens onto a room with vaulted ceilings and stone walls. The upper level has seating, a bar, and wine refrigeration, while the lower level is predominantly for wine storage.

“There’s no other space like that I’ve been to in Chester County,” said Stephen Gross, adding that it “would be a really neat space to entertain.” He estimates it can hold eight to 10 people seated or 10 to 15 for a standing cocktail party.

The space has a bar and incorporated millstones.Jeffrey Totaro

Old millstones have been incorporated into the space, which also has a dumbwaiter and an exterior door where blocks of ice would have once been delivered.

Elsewhere, the home has a number of original architectural details, including hardwood floors with distinctive patterns like a two-tone herringbone in the foyer and an octagonal shape in the library.

Other original details include woodwork and fireplace mantels, including the living room’s Campan rubané breccia mantel from 19th-century France.

The home’s six bedrooms are spread across two upper floors, with the primary suite on the second level. It has a fireplace, built-in storage, a sitting area, and an en suite with a soaking tub.

The home has a kidney-shaped heated saltwater pool and a nearby spa.Virtual Vista | Courtesy of Holly Gross Group

Situated on six acres and partly surrounded by conserved land, Fernbank Farm has several seating areas outdoors, including a wraparound veranda that overlooks old and specimen trees. It also has a spa and an in-ground heated saltwater pool, which was restored in 2018.

Elsewhere on the property is a detached three-car garage in a converted 1910 carriage house.

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.

September 6, 2026