A new barcade taps into nostalgia | Inquirer Greater Media
Plus, Boeing’s local plant faces uncertainty.
Hi, Greater Media!
A nostalgia-inducing bar and arcade opened this week. Here’s a look inside. Also notable, a Riddle Hospital nurse recently detained by ICE despite living here legally faced her first check-in with the agency, plus Boeing’s Ridley Park facility faces uncertainty amid a contract slowdown.
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A new brewery, complete with arcade games such as pinball and Pac-Man, soft-opened yesterday in Springfield.
Located just steps from the SEPTA Media–Sharon Hill trolley line, Battle Royale Brewing Co. is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Matt and Stephanie Courchain.
The intimate space has a colorful bar with 10 taps that, in time, will feature some of Matt’s own brews, as well as a selection of craft hard and alcohol-free seltzers, mocktails, and root and birch beers.
Inspired in part by roller rinks from the 1980s and ‘90s, it has what Stephanie calls a “dopamine vibe,” thanks to whimsical touches throughout.
Here’s how the space came together and what you can expect.
💡 Community news
Monica Ryadi, a nurse who works weekends at Riddle Hospital, faced her first Immigration and Customs Enforcement check-in last week after being detained on her way to Disneyland in September. Ryadi — who is in the country legally after fleeing religious persecution in Indonesia with her parents two decades ago — is being tracked by ankle monitor.
A new study from the Welcoming Center found that the county’s population grew between 2020 and 2025 thanks to immigration, without which it would have shrunk. The county was also the only one in the region to see H-1B certifications rise between 2025 and 2026. The Inquirer’s Jeff Gammage unpacks the major takeaways.
Attention commuters: SEPTA made changes to some of its Regional Rail schedules as of Sunday, so be sure to check times before heading out the door this week.
Delaware County recently launched an online directory where families can access doula services. The Delco Doula Collaborative has also trained 30 county residents to become doulas. The Inquirer’s Sarah Gantz delves into the program and how it’s providing support for families.
Surrey Services, a nonprofit that works with older adults, has opened a new location at 176 S. Middletown Rd. The Middletown Township outpost spans 7,000 square feet and offers art and exercise classes, meeting rooms, social spaces, and a dental office, the Daily Times reports.
Ridley Creek Road in Upper Providence Township will be closed between Steeplechase Drive and Feathering Lane today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for pipe replacement work.
T. Kaori Kitao, formerly of Swarthmore, and a retired professor emerita of art history at the college, died last month of age-associated decline in New York. Kitao, a pioneering transgender scholar who taught “legendary” classes, also championed the growth of Swarthmore’s dance, theater, film and media programs and served as a mentor to many students and colleagues. She was 93.
Tuesday is the last day to request a mail ballot for the November primary election. Check out The Inquirer’s guide to the midterms.
🗺️ Other nearby news
The region’s helicopter industry is facing uncertainty after largely missing out on funding from the U.S. military’s record budget next year. That includes Boeing, which operates a 3,000-employee plant in Ridley Park, focusing on Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. With a lack of contracts, both company and government officials are reportedly weighing a future plant closure.
ChristianaCare this week opened the second floor of its micro-hospital in Aston, where it’s providing primary care, imaging and diagnostic services, and behavioral healthcare. The 10-bed emergency department opened there in June.
🏫 Schools briefing
As measles cases continue to climb throughout the state, The Inquirer has put together a guide about what to know. You can also check the vaccination rates of your local schools here.
🎳 Things to do
🦮 Bark in the Park: Lace up your sneakers for this dog-friendly 5K run or walk benefiting the Providence Animal Center. After, there will be a fall festival with food trucks, pet events, music, and crafts. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 💵 $30-$50 for the race 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media
👻 Halloween Parade: Residents and groups alike will parade along State Street decked out in Halloween costumes. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. 💵 Free 📍 State Street, Media
🩰 Cinderella: See a colorful take on the Disney fairytale as ballerinas perform in glow-in-the-dark costumes. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 24, 4 and 6 p.m. 💵 $38.88-$76.68 📍 Media Theatre
🧙 Haunted Trail: Kids 12 and under can take a stroll through a Halloween-themed trail. There will also be trick-or-treating and games. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 24, 4-7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Sleighton Park, Media
🍂 Fall Fest: Community Arts Center’s festival includes over 30 vendors, live music, and pumpkin painting. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Community Arts Center, Wallingford
🎃 PumpkinPalooza: See and vote on the best jack-o-lanterns, and enjoy yard games and fall treats at this annual event. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 25, 6:30-8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Media Borough Hall
📈 Greater Media market report
Median listing price: $695,000 (down $32,500 from August) 📉
Median sold price: $707,500 (up $58,000 from August) 📈
Median days on the market: 33 (up one day from August) 📈
Median listing price: $429,900 (same as August) ✔️
Median sold price: $375,000 (down $49,000 from August) 📉
Median days on the market: 21 (down 11 days from August) 📉
Median listing price: $495,000 (up $45,000 from August) 📈
Median sold price: $400,000 (down $160,000 from August) 📉
Median days on the market: 42 days (up 11 days from August) 📈
This Greater Media market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for September from realtor.com.
🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:
Staffer Patricia Madej contributed to this newsletter.
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