‘Task’ nails the Delco accent | Inquirer Greater Media
Plus, an artist’s Media home and studio is on the market.
Hi, Greater Media! 👋
Task, HBO’s new mini-series, may only be two episodes in, but that’s all it took to convince us of the authenticity of its cast’s Delco accent. Also this week, an artist’s Media home and studio is on the market, we round up can’t-miss fall events, and SEPTA’s Regional Rail trains are getting more crowded as city office workers duck out earlier.
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When Mare of Easttown premiered four years ago, there was considerable talk about Kate Winslet’s dedication to nailing the distinctive Delco accent. The cast of show creator Brad Ingelsby’s newest Delco-set HBO mini-series, Task, was, well, up to the task of recreating that success.
At least that’s what The Inquirer’s Nick Vadala, a Ridley Township native, thinks. So far, he’s been particularly impressed by Emilia Jones imbuing Maeve’s character with a truly authentic sounding Delco lilt.
Read Vadala’s take on how well the Task cast executed the “auditory belt sander” of an accent.
In 2007, artist Greg Reitze set out to create a lasting piece of his work by designing and building a home and studio, each 1,568 square feet, on a wooded lot in Media.
The home features three fireplaces, a three-story great room with a cupola, and a lofted bedroom with views of the courtyard and patio.
It’s now on the market as he prepares to move on. We take a look inside.
💡 Community News
We’re continuing to map all the local spots on Task as new episodes air each week. On Sunday, Coatesville, Sharon Hill, and Boothwyn were among the filming locations. See exactly where here.
We’re just a few days away from the official start of fall and with it, plenty of fall festivals. Here are more than 20 you won’t want to miss, including next month’s State Street Fall Festival and Community Arts Center Fall Fest.
Heads up SEPTA riders: Service has been restored, but a 21.5% fare hike has been added. Here’s how much it’ll cost you to ride by type and zone.
Speaking of SEPTA, Regional Rail riders may have noticed a shift during the evening commute as more city workers duck out of the office earlier. As a result, Regional Rail lines are seeing an uptick in ridership starting around 3 p.m. and extending through around 7 p.m.
Earlier this month, Media celebrated its 175th birthday. The milestone event, held Sept. 6 at the Community Center, almost didn’t happen. Vicky McMahon, daughter of the longtime and soon to be retiring mayor, Bob McMahon, was sipping tea from a mug marking the borough’s 150th birthday when the idea for the celebration occurred to her. (The Spirit)
Delaware County is expected to complete its first major upgrade to its emergency radio system in decades by the end of the year. The $40 million project provides first responders with radios operating on a new wave length, and allows for work on 21 existing towers. (Daily Times)
Two Swarthmore arts nonprofits, The Creative Living Room and the Park Avenue Community Center, have merged, with a goal of creating more intergenerational programming. Both operate out of the Swarthmore United Methodist Church on Park Avenue and The Creative Living Room is maintaining its name for children’s and youth programming. (The Swarthmorean)
Curious about the newest class of Swarthmore College students as they get to know the borough? The class of 2029 includes 427 people selected from nearly 13,000 applicants, which the school says is among its most competitive pools ever. They come from 42 states, plus Washington, D.C., American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Nether Providence Elementary is hosting its back-to-school night tonight, while Monday is picture day at Wallingford Elementary. Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is closed on Tuesday. See the district’s full calendar here.
In the Rose Tree Media School District, there are a couple of remaining back-to-school events this week before the district closes Tuesday in observance of Rosh Hashanah. Picture days are coming up, as well. Check the full schedule on the district’s calendar here.
🍽️ On our Plate
The Springfield Mall is updating its dining options. The Hangout Cafe held a soft opening on Sunday, taking over the former Friendly’s space. The eatery, which previously operated as a snack bar in Morton, is dishing up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an expanded menu that includes hoagies, burgers, ice cream, and milkshakes. The Hangout Cafe is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The Inquirer’s Stephanie Farr dined at La Belle Epoque in Media recently and switched up her usual order for Magret de Canard, a crispy skin duck served with sweet and vitelotte potatoes, asparagus, onions, and a raspberry drizzle. It was one of the best things our reporters ate this week. Eaten outdoors on State Street during Dining Under the Stars, Farr’s dining companion noted it felt “very European.”
🎳 Things to Do
🌮 Food Truck Festival: In addition to food trucks, Middletown Township’s event includes music, games, and family-friendly activities. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 18, 4-8 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Longview Park, Media
🍔 Food Truckathon: Choose from over 20 food vendors and enjoy live music from School of Rock Delco’s youth house band from 5 to 6 p.m. followed by Chip & Chandler from 6 to 9 p.m. Beer and wine will be available to purchase from Swarthmore Co-op, Ship Bottom Brewery, and Luna’s Mexican Grill. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Downtown Swarthmore (Parking at Borough Hall)
🎙️ Friday Night Live: Singer Lisa Chavous will perform Aretha Franklin’s hits. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 19, 7-9:30 p.m. 💵 $10 for Community Arts Center members, $15 for non-members 📍 Community Arts Center, Wallingford
🚜 Hayrides to the Witch’s House: Returning for the season, visitors can take a hayride through Linvilla Orchards and hear stories and jokes from its resident witch at this family-friendly event. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 19-Thursday, Oct. 30, times vary 💵 $10-$16 📍 Linvilla Orchards, Media
🏚️ The Bates Motel: The iconic attraction returns for the season on Friday with select dates available until Oct. 3, when it begins to open daily. Look for a haunted house, a haunted hayride, and a spooky corn maze. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Nov. 2, dates and times vary 💵 Ticket prices vary 📍 Bates Motel, Glen Mills
🚲 Media Bike Safety Event: Get your bike and helmet inspected for safety and fit, and learn more about e-bike and e-scooter precautions. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Springton Lake Middle School, Media
🎶 Media Porchfest: A wide range of bands will set up on porches throughout the borough and play through the afternoon. Find a full schedule of performances here. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 20, starts at noon 💵 Free 📍 Media
🎭 Masquerade: Don a mask and join a murder mystery party at the Media Theatre, where attendees will try to solve a who-done-it over a farm-to-table dinner. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 20, 6-9 p.m. 💵 $125 📍 Media Theatre
🏷️ Media Fall Garage Sale: Explore yard sales at participating residences in the borough. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 21, hours vary 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Media Borough
🌌 Saving the Stars: Penn State Brandywine physics and astronomy professor Timothy Lawlor will explain the effects of artificial light pollution on star viewing as well as on birds, fireflies, and even trees, and what you can do to prevent it. ⏰ Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Roosevelt Community Center, Media
🍽️ Dining Under the Stars: Catch the last iteration of this perennial favorite for the 2025 season. ⏰ Wednesday, Sept. 24, 5-10 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 State Street, Media
🏡 On the Market
This 1960 Media home near Ridley Creek State Park has been completely remodeled and features an open-concept main floor where the kitchen, sitting, and dining areas flow together. There are quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, and a coffee bar in the kitchen and a fireplace in the living area. The second floor has three bedrooms, including the primary suite, which features dual closets and a soaking tub. The third floor could be used as a suite or another living area thanks to a full bathroom, walk-in closets, and a wet bar. Other features include a ground-floor den and a deck out back. There are several upcoming open houses, including one tonight from 5 to 7 p.m.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $924,900 | Size: 3,522 SF | Acreage: 0.99
Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Greater Media? Share it with us in an email to greatermedia@inquirer.com.
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