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  • Your guide to local apple picking | Inquirer Greater Media

    Your guide to local apple picking | Inquirer Greater Media

    Hi, Greater Media! 👋

    September is officially here and with it apple-picking season. Here’s our guide to great local spots. If sipping something apple flavored is more your vibe, Ship Bottom Brewery, with its local outposts, is in the midst of releasing its fall lineup. Also this week, discussions are slated to resume on Rose Tree Media’s proposed early education center, a woman has been charged with stealing funds from a local Little League outfit, plus the county has a new tool to help it track flooding.

    We want your feedback! Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at greatermedia@inquirer.com.

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

    Apple-picking season is here

    Apple-picking season is approaching at Linvilla Orchards. Linvilla Orchard

    While this week’s weather may not suggest it, September is officially here, which means all things pumpkin spice and apple are right around the corner.

    Luckily the region has no shortage of spots to go apple picking and a relatively long runway to score the fruit at the peak of its season. While crops took a hit due to a late spring freeze, two of Media’s best-known orchards have pick-your-own options this fall.

    Both Indian Orchards Farm and Linvilla Orchards grow about 25 varieties and are gearing up for hayride offerings. You can also grab apple cider donuts and attend fall festivities at Linvilla.

    Looking to venture further afield? Here’s a guide to the region’s orchards.

    💡 Community News

    • Middletown Township’s planning commission is set to resume discussions about the proposed Rose Tree Media K-1 Early Learning Center during a meeting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Penn State Brandywine. The district is aiming to build on open land behind Penncrest High School, a proposal that’s received considerable community pushback, with residents citing traffic safety concerns.
    • 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. Possible gauge locations include Little Crum Creek and Smedley Park. The region has experienced an unusually high number of flooding events this summer, posting some of the largest numbers of warnings issued nationwide.
    • A 57-year-old woman, Robin Massing, was charged this week after allegedly stealing more than $7,000 from Media Little League, including through forgery and bad checks.
    • Media lawyer Daniel A. Pallen pleaded guilty this week to tax evasion and mail fraud related to submitting over $400,000 in fake checks as part of a scheme to evade federal taxes. He is also accused of using a fake cashier’s check to purchase a vehicle. Pallen, whose offices are at 114 W. Front St., faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
    • A Media man, Matthew McDonough, 40, was charged last week with burglary and criminal trespass after he allegedly broke into the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store on Baltimore Avenue and was later found bloody and drunk in Glen Providence Park, the Daily Times reports.
    • Longtime Media resident Jeffrey Louis Pettit, a lawyer and former member of the Rose Tree Media school board, died last week at the age of 76. A graduate of Yale University and Villanova Law School, Pettit was also active in the lacrosse community, founding lacrosse and field hockey youth sports organization Rose Tree Media Optimist Sports.
    • Trash and recycling pickups may operate on an altered schedule for Labor Day. Check with your municipality or service provider for details.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Both Rose Tree Media and Wallingford-Swarthmore School Districts are closed Monday for Labor Day. RTMSD is also closed tomorrow.
    • Tonight is the Media Bowl, which will see Penncrest take on Strath Haven. The 7 p.m. football game takes place at Penncrest and includes a kindergarten run prior to kickoff.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Ship Bottom Brewery, which has an outpost in Swarthmore and at Linvilla, is gearing up for fall with new brews. The Oktoberfest-inspired Festbier lager is a 5.2% ABV with Czech Saaz hops, while the 9.4% ABV Imperial Pumpkin Ale blends pumpkin pie spices with vanilla. Both will come in cans and on draft. Ship Bottom also has plans to bring back its Cider Donut Hard Cider in partnership with Linvilla.

    🎳 Things to Do

    🍿 Freakier Friday: Catch the much-anticipated follow-up to the 2003 Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis body-swap film. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Media Borough Hall lawn

    🎾 90s Unplugged: Hear a set of covers featuring iconic 1990s hits including “Zombie,” “Wonderwall,” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 5, 8:45 p.m. đŸ’” $39.96-$88.56 📍 Media Theatre

    🎈 PCS 115th Birthday Party: The theater will mark its anniversary with a special cabaret show, food, and drinks. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. đŸ’” $28.50 📍 Players Club of Swarthmore

    đŸ—žïž 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.

  • Man charged with attempted burglary at Saquon Barkley’s home in Chester County

    Man charged with attempted burglary at Saquon Barkley’s home in Chester County

    A 24-year-old man was charged with attempting to burglarize the Chester County home of Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and stealing jewelry worth nearly $800,000 from two other homes, authorities said Wednesday.

    Jabir Parker, of Philadelphia, was charged with multiple felonies related to the alleged crime spree through Chester and Montgomery Counties. Parker was being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1 million cash bail until his next court appearance, scheduled for Sept. 10.

    In July, Tredyffrin Township police said an attempted burglary occurred at Barkley’s home, with at least one person getting inside. By the time police arrived, the burglars had fled. Barkley and his family were unharmed, police said.

    The forced-entry burglaries happened in the overnight hours between June 22 and July 18, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said Wednesday.

    Steele did not name Barkley as one of the victims, but police already had confirmed the case in July.

    A spokesperson for the Eagles could not be reached for comment.

    Two of the burglaries happened in Lower Merion Township, Steele said. The residents were not at home when they occurred.

    In the first burglary, investigators found that 12 pieces of jewelry, with an estimated value of $106,700, were taken.

    In the second burglary, 28 items of jewelry worth an estimated $687,292 were stolen. A safe also was taken from the home.

    The attempted burglary at Barkley’s home happened on July 18.

    During the second burglary, Parker allegedly was captured by a nanny cam talking, presumably on his cell phone, Steele said.

    Parker allegedly used his cell phone to communicate with a getaway driver during the two burglaries and one attempted burglary.

    Parker allegedly used his cell phone and his Gmail accounts to Google phrases such as “gold presidential rolex,” “briony raymond new york,” asking how much a 1.5 carat diamond was worth, and other searches related to the stolen jewelry items, Steele said.

    Parker allegedly rented a white GMC Yukon Denali from a rental location in Philadelphia on July 16 and returned it on July 18 at 6:43 a.m., less than two hours after the attempted burglary at Barkley’s home.

    In July, Tredyffrin Township police released an image of a white SUV in connection with the attempted burglary.

  • Upper Darby is considering a proposal to restrict cooperation with federal immigration agents

    Upper Darby is considering a proposal to restrict cooperation with federal immigration agents

    Upper Darby is set to consider a sweeping ordinance that would restrict if and how federal immigration agencies can operate in the township.

    The ordinance, which will be introduced Wednesday with a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 16, would ban local police from assisting with federal immigration enforcement activities, prohibit immigration agents from using township property as staging areas for raids, and void agreements with neighboring municipalities that partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, among other provisions.

    Kyle McIntyre, a Democratic council member spearheading the bill, said in a statement he hopes the ordinance will become a “legally workable municipal framework” that other communities can adopt.

    President Donald Trump’s second administration has brought a surge of ICE arrests to the Philadelphia region, stoking anxiety in Upper Darby, a diverse township whose slogan is “the world in one place” and where nearly a quarter of the population is foreign-born, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. In January, Parady La, 46-year-old Cambodian immigrant and Upper Darby resident, died in ICE custody while receiving treatment for severe drug withdrawal.

    In February, Upper Darby High School students walked out in protest of ICE, and Upper Darby passed a resolution affirming that the township would not enter into an agreement with the agency through the 287(g) program, which deputizes local police officers to carry out immigration enforcement.

    ICE told Upper Darby in February it would no longer communicate with township police when carrying out immigration enforcement, an edict the agency eventually reversed the following month.

    Upper Darby residents gather at a township council meeting on Jan. 21. The legislative body is set to consider an ordinance that would restrict if and how federal immigration officials could operate within the township. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Under the proposed ordinance, no township resources, including funding, facilities, or databases, could be used to assist with federal immigration enforcement actions. Township officials could not provide information to federal agencies for the purpose of immigration enforcement, including housing records, employment details, or custody statuses. Township personnel could not assist with immigration enforcement operations, and Upper Darby could not record or maintain data about residents’ immigration status unless required to by state or federal law. Immigration enforcement agencies would also be barred from using township property as staging locations for immigration raids.

    The ordinance carves out exceptions, including cases when federal agents possess a judicial warrant or when there is a legitimate criminal law enforcement matter that requires cooperation.

    A judicial warrant is a warrant signed by a judge that allows law enforcement officers to make an arrest, search, or seizure. An administrative warrant signed by an ICE agent can only be executed in a public place and does not authorize officials to enter private property to make arrests.

    Upper Darby’s proposal would also ban township police officers from wearing masks and would require that they clearly identify themselves with nameplates and badges. Township police would be exempt from the mask and identification rules in specific cases, including operations where there would be risk of chemical agents or hazardous environmental conditions.

    Upper Darby Council passes resolution to restrict cooperation with ICE following resident’s death in the agency’s custody

    Township police would be barred from stopping, questioning, detaining, or transferring individuals solely based on immigration status, civil detainers, or administrative warrants.

    The ordinance also formalizes the February resolution barring Upper Darby from entering into a partnership with ICE through the 287(g) program, and declares that any municipality who cooperates with ICE through 287(g) will be considered “incompatible” with Upper Darby, and any agreements with those municipalities will be void.

    In the Philadelphia suburbs, only the Lansdowne Borough Constable’s Office in Delaware County and the Pennsylvania State Constable Office Honey Brook Precinct 1 in Chester County participate in 287(g) agreements with ICE.

    Upper Darby’s ordinance also “formally requests” that federal agents clearly identify themselves by name, badge number, and agency, and refrain from using masks while carrying out law enforcement operations.

    The Upper Darby ordinance has many parallels to an aggressive seven-bill package passed by Philadelphia’s City Council in April, which prohibits federal immigration agents from using city property as staging or processing areas, bans data sharing between the city and ICE, and bars Philadelphia police from concealing their identities.

    A Philadelphia bill that banned law enforcement agents from obscuring their identities with masks, also passed in April, was struck down by a federal judge in July. The order from U.S. District Judge Chad F. Kenney argued that the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause prevents municipal governments like Philadelphia from dictating requirements for federal agencies.

    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.

  • Woman charged with forging checks to steal from a Delco Little League team

    Woman charged with forging checks to steal from a Delco Little League team

    A woman is facing multiple charges, including forgery, after authorities said she stole more than $7,000 from a Little League team in Delaware County.

    Robin Massing, 57, was charged Tuesday, following an investigation into fraudulent checks.

    Media Little League upper management contacted the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office to report check fraud, telling authorities three checks were mailed on behalf of the organization and sent through a mailbox in Upper Providence Township, in May 2025.

    In February, the Little League got word that one of the checks was deposited via mobile to Philadelphia Federal Credit Union for $7,200. But the amount, endorsement, and signature had been changed.

    A month later, a Fulton Bank in Southampton contacted the Little League management to verify a payment they found suspicious, the District Attorney’s Office said.

    Like the February check, the name and amount had also been changed, but the check number was the same as the February one, leading the bank to open its own investigation.

    According to the District Attorney’s Office, the bank retrieved footage that identified Massing as the person behind the theft.

    No lawyer is listed in court records for Massing, who was described in the affidavit as homeless.

    In June 2025, Massing was detained in Chester County for producing and forging a check at TD Bank, the District Attorney’s Office said.

    Now, Massing faces one count of forgery, bad checks, theft by unlawful taking, and receiving stolen property.

    The Media Little League has been organizing and teaching baseball to the community since 1952. In 2023, they made it all the way to Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport.

    “It is hard to imagine a more disappointing target for personal greed than an organization raising money for kids,” said District Attorney Tanner Rouse in a Wednesday statement.

    The money was meant to go to uniforms, equipment, fields, and other resources for the kids, Rouse said.

    “To steal those funds and use forged checks to divert money for personal benefit is not just a financial crime; it is a profound betrayal of the entire community,” Rouse said.

  • Fighting to keep a son’s memory alive | Inquirer Chester County

    Fighting to keep a son’s memory alive | Inquirer Chester County

    Hi, Chester County. 👋

    A local family is working to preserve a memorial and play area dedicated to their late infant son, putting them at odds with some township officials. Also this week, a roller derby team is searching for a new home, two people have been charged in a road-rage incident, plus we take a look at Vanguard’s evolving real estate footprint.

    We want your feedback. Tell us what you think of the newsletter by taking our survey or emailing us at chestercounty@inquirer.com.

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

    This family is fighting to keep a play area memorializing their son from being relocated

    The sandpit was created in collaboration with West Pikeland Township.Photo courtesy of Ryan Leithead

    After the death of his 7-day-old son in 2022, Ryan Leithead channeled his grief into creating a memorial for Cayden. The result was a sandpit play area at the Pine Creek Park playground in West Pikeland Township, complete with a photo of Cayden’s hand encircled by those of his parents.

    But as officials contemplate upgrading the playground, the memorial could end up being moved — something Leithead says feels like losing his son all over again. It’s put him and some other residents at odds with the board of supervisors.

    Here’s what to know ahead of the board’s planned Sept. 8 meeting.

    For these locals, roller derby is much more than just a sport

    Brandywine Roller Derby currently has 26 members. Kriston Jae Bethel / For the Inquirer

    A local roller derby team is on the hunt for a new space to host its practices and possibly spectator-attended bouts, something that’s proving to be a tall order for the lesser-known sport that emphasizes inclusivity.

    Consisting of about two dozen members, Brandywine Roller Derby currently practices at a facility on Collegium Charter School’s Exton campus, but hosts its games in Pottstown due to a lack of roller rinks anywhere in Chester County.

    As the team gears up to recruit new skaters — there’s an event Sept. 20 — its president worries about the group’s future if it can’t find a new spot.

    The Inquirer’s Brooke Schultz delves into roller derby’s history and why it’s more of a community than just a niche sport.

    📍 Countywide News

    • Two Chester County clubs — Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern and Stonewall in Elverson — have some of the best private golf courses in Pennsylvania, according to a ranking from Golfweek.
    • Several new roadwork projects will join a slew of ongoing ones throughout the county this week. Here’s what to know.
    • Trash and recycling pickups may operate on an altered schedule for Labor Day. Check with your municipality or service provider for details.

    💡 Community News

    • Two men involved in an alleged May road-rage incident in Tredyffrin Township were charged last week with attempted murder and terroristic threats.
    • Another stop-work order was issued last week at the East Whiteland Township Superfund site that’s being converted into a 1.5 million-square-foot data center. This one called into question documentation about sufficient water to operate the facility.
    • Malvern investment giant Vanguard has sold a Tredyffrin Township office complex for $17 million, but plans to continue leasing the site.
    • Malvern medical-technology firm Tela Bio plans to slash about 20% of its workforce, or roughly 40 full-time employees, to cut operating expenses. The Great Valley Corporate Center company specializes in biological products for soft-tissue repairs.
    • Fifteen players from the Berwyn–Paoli Area Little League challenger baseball team — geared toward individuals with physical and intellectual challenges — competed in the 2026 Little League Challenger Division’s exhibition game over the weekend.
    • Former New Garden Township supervisor Warren Reynolds has been sentenced to 17 1/2 to 35 years in state prison for sexually abusing a child. Thirteen years ago, Reynolds was also charged with possessing child pornography.
    • Birmingham Township is contemplating an ordinance to better define language about potential future data centers and will host a public hearing Tuesday at 7 p.m.
    • Uwchlan Township’s board of supervisors will resume discussions about the possible development of a 492-home community at the Lionville Station Road property at Tuesday’s 6 p.m. meeting.
    • Setting the Bar, a new shop specializing in vintage barware, recently opened at 152 E. Gay St. in West Chester.
    • Uwchlan Ambulance Corps has launched a car seat loan program for community members.
    • A new 67-apartment building with one- and two-bedroom units has opened at mixed-use development River Station in Downingtown. A second building with 93 apartments is slated to open next year.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • Coatesville Area School District is hosting a ribbon cutting and sneak-peek for students and their families this evening at 6 p.m. for its new Doe Run Elementary School, which broke ground in fall 2024. A community celebration is expected this fall.
    • Kennett Consolidated School District opened New Garden Elementary this week, a little over two years after the project broke ground.
    • Oxford Area School District has made several personnel changes as the school year gets underway. Stephanie Farmer has been appointed principal of Elk Ridge Elementary School, taking over for the retiring Matt Hovanec. Former Penn’s Grove School principal Tami Motes has taken that same role at Hornet Virtual Academy, with former Oxford Area High assistant principal Andy Wendle stepping into her previous role. Wendle is being succeeded by Vanessa Kephart.

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Los Sombreros, a new West Chester eatery specializing in Mexican and Venezuelan cuisines, soft opened yesterday at 139 W. Gay St.
    • Japanese restaurant Egawa, which serves a large selection of sushi and omakase, recently opened at 650 Carnegie Blvd. in Malvern.
    • Want to get a peek at a 1923 Colonial revival once owned by the du Pont family? Tickets are on sale now for Longwood Gardens’ open-fire culinary event, Field & Flame, on Oct. 2 and 3, which will take place on the grounds of the 505-acre Wilmington estate Granogue that Longwood purchased in recent years.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸ‡ș🇾 America250 Concert and Drone Show: Drones will light up the sky for this rescheduled patriotic celebration. There will also be food and drinks. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. đŸ’” Pay as you go 📍 Exton Park

    đŸŽïž OMI Car Show: See over 200 unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles; enjoy live music; and grab a bite to eat from a food truck at this 12th annual event. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 4, 4-8 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Downtown Oxford

    🏇 Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair: Now in its 83rd year, the Labor Day weekend event features equestrian competitions and local vendors. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 5-Monday, Sept. 7, 8 a.m. daily for equestrian events, 11 a.m. for the country fair đŸ’” $10 per carload 📍 Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show grounds, Glenmoore

    🏡 On the Market

    A four-bedroom Chester Springs home with a chic interior

    The kitchen has an island with seating and a herringbone backsplash.Alcove Media | Courtesy of Steve Huber/Re/Max Pinnacle

    Located in the Chester Springs neighborhood of the Reserve at Waynebrook, this four-bedroom home has undergone a number of updates. Its airy living spaces include a family room with a fireplace, a dining room, an office, and a remodeled eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and high-end appliances. The primary suite has a bathroom with a soaking tub, plus a walk-in closet. The home has a deck and a patio with a fire pit out back. There’s an open house Sept. 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

    See more photos of the home here.

    Price: $820,000 | Size: 3,499 SF | Acreage: 0.18

    đŸ—žïž 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.

  • Local Freedom Fuel operators under scrutiny | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    Local Freedom Fuel operators under scrutiny | Inquirer Cherry Hill

    Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋

    A local developer was slapped with environmental violations to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars over his Freedom Fuel gas stations in the area and other holdings — and a new lawsuit alleges the outposts have been able to sell gas cheaply because some fuel wasn’t paid for.

    Also this week, the popular Asianfresh Food Market in Philadelphia’s Chinatown is taking to Route 70 for its second location, township native Dominic Sessa shares how spending summers working in a bakery down the Shore prepared him to portray Anthony Bourdain in Tony, and nonprofit BookSmiles is expanding into Cherry Hill.

    — Laura Smythe (cherryhill@inquirer.com)

    P.S. We want your feedback. Tell us what you think about the newsletter by taking our survey or replying to this email.

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

    Freedom Fuel stations from Cherry Hill developer rack up environmental fines, federal lawsuit

    Before the White House promoted six Freedom Fuel gas stations in South Jersey in July, substantial environmental violations had accrued on the sites, which are operated by Cherry Hill developer Shamikh Kazmi and his brother Syed Kazmi.

    Now, a petroleum distributor is suing Syed Kazmi in his capacity as president of KRSM Inc. The federal lawsuit alleges KRSM has not paid the distributor for $4 million worth of fuel that it allocated across its Freedom Fuel locations.

    The brothers have been involved in at least two other gas station-related lawsuits since 2021.

    Reporters Frank Kummer and Rob Tornoe unpack the new lawsuit’s claims that the gasoline maestros behind the nearby Freedom Fuel locations have been able to sell cheap gas by stiffing their distributor.

    💡 Community News

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    • The 2026–27 academic year starts today for Cherry Hill Public Schools. The first couple of weeks are short ones, with schools closed Monday for Labor Day.
    • Neil Burti, Mount Laurel’s new superintendent who spent 24 years at Cherry Hill Public Schools, spoke with the Inquirer’s Melanie Burney about why now was the right time to move on from the district where he spent nearly his whole career.
    • Cherry Hill pre-K students are among the pupils most likely to be absent from school, only falling behind high school seniors. 70and73 explains how the district is addressing chronic absenteeism.

    đŸœïž On Our Plate

    • Asianfresh Food Market, the specialty concept known for selling fresh seafood, fruit, and difficult-to-procure Asian imports in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, is expanding to Cherry Hill at 2005 Route 70 East.
    • Juan Cutz, a mixer and baker who previously spent 12 years creating sweet treats at Classic Cake Bakery in Cherry Hill, is now part of the team making tasty indulgences at newly opened Del Buono’s Pastry Shop in Haddon Township. The new shop fills the once-beloved McMillan’s Bakery, which shuttered in May 2025.

    🎳 Things to Do

    ⚟ One Man’s Journey Through The Golden Age of Sports: Author Lenny Wagner dives into his 2024 biography on Walter French, the only athlete to have played for both a World Series-winning baseball team and an NFL championship football team. ⏰ Wednesday, Sept. 2, 7-8 p.m. đŸ’” Free 📍 Cherry Hill Public Library

    🌼 Al Fresco Affair Food Truck Festival: Snack on various types of cuisine while enjoying live music. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 3, 5:30-8 p.m. đŸ’” Pay as you go 📍 Croft Farm

    đŸš¶ Walk with the Mayor: Get your steps in alongside Mayor David Fleisher and members of town council. ⏰ Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. đŸ’” Free, registration required 📍 Cherry Hill Mall

    đŸ—“ïž Looking for more things to do? Check out our guide to ongoing South Jersey events.

    🏡 On the Market

    An open-concept, bi-level home on the West Side

    15 Knollwood Dr., Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

    This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with solar panels includes a private primary bathroom, an open-concept living and dining area, and an attached one-car garage. Built in 1961, the house boasts modern updates to the bedroom carpets, roof, and water heater. Half a block away, there is a cut-through to the local baseball field and children’s park, and another park sits within walking distance, per the listing agent.

    See more photos of the house here.

    Price: $500,000 | Size: 1,938 SF | Acreage: 0.2

    đŸ—žïž What other Cherry Hill 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.

  • Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League’s challenger baseball team relishing ‘amazing opportunity’ to play in Williamsport

    Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League’s challenger baseball team relishing ‘amazing opportunity’ to play in Williamsport

    In 2017, Zach Brooks was watching the Little League World Series on TV when he asked his dad, Gary, if he could take him to a game in Williamsport, Pa.

    The Brooks family and two of Zach’s teammates from the Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League’s challenger baseball team, which is designed for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges, went to a game. They returned the following year, this time to watch the Little League Challenger Division exhibition game.

    Gary noticed the excitement on the players’ faces as they took the field and soaked up the energy of the environment. On the drive home, an idea began to formulate.

    Brooks, who is the director of the BPALL Challenger Division and has been a coach for 13 years, wanted to get his team there.

    “I remember distinctly on the way home talking to my wife and saying, ‘This is something we’ve got to do. I got to figure it out,’” Brooks said. “So that sort of planted the seed and put it on my bucket list.”

    That bucket-list item will become a reality for Brooks and the team this weekend.

    Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League will represent the area in a challenger baseball game at Williamsport on Saturday.Courtesy of Gary B

    The BPALL Challenger Angels will compete in the 2026 Little League Challenger Division’s exhibition game at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Williamsport as part of championship weekend. They will face the East County Little League from Oakley, Calif. WVIA, the PBS station for northeast and central Pennsylvania, has partnered with Little League to televise the game.

    Fifteen players from BPALL were selected to participate based on their age and how long they’ve been part of the program. Each player will be introduced before the game, get an at-bat, and receive a medal. Little League teams from around the world will attend the exhibition, helping pack the stands and create an exciting atmosphere, Brooks said.

    Challenger baseball counts roughly 950 programs worldwide and 30,000 players. In older and more skilled BPALL senior challenger games, they call balls and strikes, steal bases, and play on a 90-foot diamond. The only difference in challenger baseball is that players don’t pitch.

    The Berwyn-Paoli program, started in 1991 by Bob and Jeannie Roggio, includes players ranging from 8 years old to 36. Brooks said the program is designed for young adults with disabilities who play baseball and have the skill and desire to play competitively.

    “One of the things that I’ve seen and I’ve witnessed is when you teach the challenger players and keep raising the bar for them and the expectation of what you’re going to do on the baseball field — ‘I want you to throw the right way, I want you to hit the right way, I want you to feel the right way,’” Brooks said. “It’s not about wins and losses. It’s about you’re going to get more enjoyment and enjoy more success out on the field if you’re doing things properly”

    Berwyn-Paoli Area Little League has fielded a challenger baseball team for 35 years.Courtesy of Gary B

    Brooks first submitted an application in 2019 to take part in the exhibition game in Williamsport. Each team interested in participating must submit an application in November, including a written explanation of why the team deserves to compete in the game.

    For years, Berwyn-Paoli was passed over. Now, this will be the first time in the team’s 35-year history that they will play in Williamsport.

    The Brooks family first got involved with the Berwyn-Paoli challenger team in 2014 after Zach, who graduated from VUnited Scholars at Villanova in 2023, transitioned from Devon Strafford Little League to challenger baseball. Gary started out as a helper, but after seeing what happened during practices and games, he was “hooked” and became a coach.

    “Once you start and you see the smiles on the players’ faces and the joy that they get from playing games, it encourages you to want to be out there helping these players,” Brooks said.

    Brooks’ nephew is getting married this weekend, so he almost missed the opportunity to travel to Williamsport with the team. Initially, his wife, Wendy, wasn’t sure they would be able to make it work.

    “I was like, ‘Wendy, with all due respect, I can’t say no. If I say no, the league might never get this opportunity again,’” he said. “I owe it to the league and the legacy of the Berwyn-Paoli challenger baseball league to go out there and do it right.”

    Luck was on the Brookses’ side. The wedding falls on Sunday, allowing them to attend both events. Zach, 29, will assist as a “buddy” for players during Saturday’s game.

    The weekend for Brooks is about more than the game itself. Being up in Williamsport and getting treated like “rockstars,” Gary said, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these players and families to represent the Berwyn-Paoli area.

    A challenger baseball player high-fives the Philly Phanatic.Courtesy of Gary B

    “You got to pinch yourself a bit because we’re doing this on the biggest stage in youth sports in the world,” he said. “Everybody knows the Little League World Series and ESPN is all over the place.”

    And when the players step on the field Saturday morning, Brooks expects the significance of the moment to sink in for all of them.

    “When the families start seeing the other Little League teams coming to the game and on the field afterward, by the end of the day on Saturday, they’ll have realized what an amazing opportunity this is,” Brooks said.

  • 2 Philly men charged in Chester County road-rage shooting

    2 Philly men charged in Chester County road-rage shooting

    Two Philadelphia men were charged with attempted murder for a shooting that occurred during an alleged road-rage incident in May, Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said Thursday.

    Sophay Yem, 35, and Intanon Chay, 36, who also were charged with terroristic threats and related offenses, surrendered to police, de Barrena-Sarobe said.

    Yem was being held in lieu of $500,000 cash bail, and Chay was being held on $350,000 cash bail. Both men did not post bail and remained in custody at the Chester County Prison, court records show.

    Thomas Kenny, Yem’s attorney, said he intended to “vigorously defend” his client against the charges.

    “I am fighting this case,” Kenny said.

    Patrick T. Doherty, Chay’s lawyer, said his client “denies any involvement in these crimes,” and looks forward to his day in court.

    On May 12, the victim, who was not identified, contacted Tredyffrin Township police to report that his vehicle had been shot in the driver’s side door, de Barrena-Sarobe said.

    The victim said he unintentionally cut off another driver on Route 202 near the Route 30 Bypass, and then the other driver followed him aggressively, attempting to force the victim’s vehicle off the road, de Barrena-Sarobe said.

    The passenger in the other vehicle allegedly threw objects onto the road toward the victim’s vehicle. When the victim exited onto Route 252, he heard glass shatter and later found a bullet hole in his door, de Barrena-Sarobe said.

    The driver was identified as Yem and the passenger was Chay, de Barrena-Sarobe said.

    “Just because someone cuts you off does not mean you get to shoot at them. This was absurd criminal conduct that put the lives of everyone on the road that day in danger,” de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement.

  • Cheltenham’s controversial $4.5M pool project can proceed despite bidding rules allegations, judge says

    Cheltenham’s controversial $4.5M pool project can proceed despite bidding rules allegations, judge says

    A judge has denied a Cheltenham resident’s injunction request over allegations that the township violated public bidding rules to build a multimillion-dollar public pool complex.

    Sam Thacker filed for an injunction to halt the controversial project in July, alleging that the township had violated public bidding rules by taking 2.7 acres from a private developer for free and leasing the land back for $10 per year for that developer to build a pool complex for up to $4.5 million.

    The pool would be part of a larger development of the former Melrose Country Club that includes townhouses, a medical center, and commercial space.

    The written denial Judge James Bucci issued Wednesday did not include his reasoning, but Thacker said he recalled the judge saying in court that he rejected the injunction because Thacker did not have standing to sue.

    “I’m extremely disappointed,” said Thacker, 41, who is representing himself in the case. “Taking off of work is really burdensome.”

    He plans to appeal.

    “I feel very strongly that going to trial, I will win,” Thacker said.

    He had hoped an emergency injunction would stop the project before the township’s deadline to approve a final plan for the pool project at the end of this month under the terms of the ground lease.

    “We are pleased with the court’s rulings 
 based on the plaintiff’s lack of standing and on a number of additional substantive grounds,” Cheltenham’s commissioners said in a statement Thursday. “We remain focused on securing a modern, accessible pool and pool house within a fiscally responsible budget.”

    In court filings, Cheltenham has pointed to financial assessments for other township projects, such as renovations to Conklin Pool — which the Melrose pool is replacing — as evidence that the township has satisfied the exception to bidding requirements.

    Christopher McCabe, a construction and public contracts lawyer who has been following the case but is not involved in the litigation, said he was surprised by the result.

    “There’s a long line of cases saying the taxpayer has standing to challenge an irregularity in the bidding process,” McCabe said.

    And although Melrose Pool LLC is building the public pool under the terms of the ground lease with the township, “the lease is nothing more than a contract for construction of a public work disguised as a lease,” the lawyer added.

    “The whole transaction has the appearance of collusion, impropriety, and favoritism, which is what the public bidding laws are designed to prevent.”

    Although some Cheltenham residents have said they are happy at the prospect of a new pool, the larger Melrose project has also drawn scrutiny.

    A unanimous letter from the township’s planning commission dated July 27 expressed strong disapproval of changes to the project that eliminated a planned community center and some retail space, calling the alterations “a huge surprise.”

    “We cannot emphasize enough how poor these modifications are,” the five members wrote. “The Planning Commission does not support this development in its current configuration.”

    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.

  • Vernick alum helming a new eatery | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Vernick alum helming a new eatery | Inquirer Lower Merion

    Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

    Two longtime friends are opening a live-fire cooking restaurant nearby this fall. Here’s what to know. Also this week, we look at how effective the red-light enforcement cameras have been so far, Kylie Kelce made a guest appearance on Ilona Maher’s new show, plus we peek inside a more-than-century-old Bryn Mawr home that’s for sale.

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

    Harriton alums team up to launch restaurant Old Friend in Wayne

    Old Friend will open a newly built mixed-use development in Wayne. Larry Kagan

    A pair of Harriton High School alums who first met in 1984 when they were students at Welsh Valley Middle School are teaming up to launch a new restaurant — complete with a nod to their longtime friendship.

    Larry Kagan and Chas McFeely plan to open Old Friend this fall in the ground floor of the newly built Apartments at Wayne Station on Lancaster Avenue. The menu will focus on contemporary American cuisine, complete with live-fire cooking. Their mix of dishes will include shareable larger-format proteins.

    It’s the first restaurant venture for the friends, who have tapped Fork and Vernick Food & Drink alum Sam Henzy — who also did a stint at Copenhagen’s famed Noma — to helm the kitchen, as well as Stove & Co. chef-owner Joe Monnich as a consultant.

    The Inquirer’s Michael Klein has the details.

    💡 Community News

    • It’s been just over a month since ticketing for the township’s automated red-light enforcement cameras went into effect, resulting in 663 citations.
    • A “soulful” century-old stone home in Bryn Mawr with four bedrooms and original hardwood floors recently hit the market with an asking price of just under $700,000. Take a look inside.
    • Narberth native Kylie Kelce joined former U.S. Olympian Ilona Maher last week on the first episode of the retired rugby player’s new YouTube fitness show, Power Hour with Ilona Maher. They talked about everything from dating failures to sexism in sports to the Kelce family and what motherhood looks like for her.
    • Lower Merion police arrested two people who were allegedly attempting to break into a home on the 2000 block of Old Gulph Road last week, according to 6abc. A third individual was also involved, police said.
    • The first phase of Narberth’s gas-powered leaf blower ban goes into effect Tuesday. Here’s everything you need to know.
    • Maivie, a chain known for its pressed floral workshops, has opened an Ardmore outpost at 74 Rittenhouse Place.
    • There will be overnight ramp closures from northbound I-476 to westbound I-76 and from westbound I-76 to southbound I-476 tomorrow at 10 p.m. until Saturday at 9 a.m.

    đŸ« Schools Briefing

    đŸœïž On our Plate

    • Bagels are having a moment — in Philadelphia and nationally — and Lower Merion is no exception. Two spots have opened outposts here recently: PopUp Bagels in Ardmore and Bart’s Bagels in Bala Cynwyd. But is the bagel boom really just a bagel bubble? The Inquirer’s Michael Klein explores.
    • While we knew what rating Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy gave Johnny’s Pizza on a recent visit for his “One Bite Pizza Review,” his full take has finally landed. The verdict on the Bryn Mawr (definitely not pronounced “Bawn Mire,” like he thought) joint’s pie? In a word: “Spectacular.” See the full segment here.

    🎳 Things to Do

    đŸŽ¶ Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts: Jonatha Brooke, who’s known for blending folk, melodic pop, and rock, headlines this week’s show, along with Nashville singer/songwriter Liz Longley. ⏰ Friday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m. đŸ’” $25.88, free for kids 12 and under 📍 Bryn Mawr Gazebo

    đŸ”Ș JCC Global Cooking Class: Learn to make a traditional Jewish Ukrainian dish during this class. ⏰ Tuesday, Sept. 1, 10-11:30 a.m. đŸ’” $10 📍 Kaiserman JCC

    đŸŽ„ Casablanca: See a screening of the 1942 Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman classic. ⏰ Tuesday, Sept. 1, 7:15 p.m. đŸ’” $11.75-$16.25 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

    🏡 On the Market

    A charming six-bedroom Wynnewood Tudor

    The home was built in 1900.Dave Ocenas | Courtesy of Bruce Kirkpatrick/ BHHS Fox & Roach

    This Wynnewood Tudor has a classic center hall layout, complete with dining and living rooms off the entry, an eat-in kitchen, a butler’s pantry, and a family room. Its six bedrooms, including a primary suite, are spread across the second and third floors. Out back, there’s a patio and fenced yard, as well as a detached garage. There are open houses tomorrow from 4 to 6 p.m., 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: $975,000 | Size: 3,418 SF | Acreage: 0.26

    đŸ—žïž 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.