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Remembering the local pilot who died on 9/11 | Inquirer Greater Media

Plus, a new breakfast and lunch spot is opening soon.

Late Glen Mills pilot Michael Horrocks was memorialized with a statue at his alma mater, West Chester University, after dying in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
Late Glen Mills pilot Michael Horrocks was memorialized with a statue at his alma mater, West Chester University, after dying in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Read moreJose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

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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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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Nemours Children’s Health is slated to open a pediatric urgent care at its Glen Mills facility Wednesday.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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:

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