Valley Forge Military College may be moving | Inquirer Radnor
Plus, a popular restaurant owner has been accused of unlawfully sharing intimate photos of his ex-girlfriend.
Hello, Radnor!
Could Valley Forge Military College depart the township? The school is contemplating a move amid legal challenges from local officials. Here’s what to know. Also this week, Villanova University presented its inaugural sustainability medal, named for alum Pope Leo XIV, who couldn’t attend after undergoing surgery for what was later diagnosed as lung cancer.
In other news, an area native helped propel the Philadelphia Waterdogs to a league championship, plus, a new breakfast and lunch spot has opened in Wayne.
— Lisa Dukart (radnor@inquirer.com)
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Amid legal challenges from the township, Valley Forge Military College is weighing a move from its longtime Radnor home to the state of Oklahoma.
The move comes about a year after the college’s sister school, Valley Forge Military Academy, closed its doors and the township attempted to seize campus land through eminent domain.
The township also filed a tax assessment appeal against the military college after part of its campus was leased by a hockey academy.
Members of the Villanova University community far and wide are praying for school alum Pope Leo XIV, who was diagnosed with lung cancer following surgery this week to remove a small nodule from his lower right lobe.
The surgery and diagnosis came as the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, president of Villanova University, traveled abroad to witness Pope Leo present the school’s inaugural sustainability medal, which is named after His Holiness.
In the wake of the news, Donohue presented the medal on behalf of his friend.
Pope Leo’s accession to the highest rank in the Catholic church has brought Villanova even closer to the Vatican, The Inquirer’s Susan Snyder reports.
💡 Community news
Alessandro “Alex” Fiorello — the restaurateur behind Alessandro’s Wood Fired Italian & Bar in Wayne, who’s also planning a new eatery in Bryn Mawr — has been charged with unlawfully sharing intimate photos of his ex-girlfriend.
Villanova native Dox Aitken was recognized along with his Philadelphia Waterdogs teammates by Philadelphia City Council members last week for the team’s recent Premier Lacrosse League championship win.
Irish engineering firm Glanua, which specializes in water and wastewater related work, will open its first U.S. office in Radnor. Its initial focus will be on water and wastewater treatment systems for the food and beverage manufacturing and life sciences sectors, with plans to have about 200 employees locally.
A new workout studio, Strong Pilates Wayne, is opening Saturday at 158 E. Lancaster Ave.
Louella Avenue will be closed today between Lancaster Avenue and School Lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for restoration work.
SEPTA’s new Regional Rail schedule goes into effect Sunday. The only change to the Paoli/Thorndale line is the 5300 train, which currently departs at 4:29 a.m. It will operate as the 9500 train and depart about 20 minutes later.
Monday is the last day to register to vote if you want to cast you ballot in the November election. Check out The Inquirer’s guide to the 2026 midterms.
🗺️ Other nearby news
Merion Golf Club has been named the fourth U.S. Open anchor site by the United States Golf Association, meaning it will host the championships roughly every five years through 2050.
Narberth’s new general store is opening its doors tomorrow and celebrating with a grand opening weekend. Located at 104 Forrest Ave., Jeneral Store is the brainchild of Jen Kurland and will offer an array of home goods, fresh flowers, art supplies, and penny candy. Kurland envisions it as a gathering space for the community, with plans to host craft nights, workshops, and other events in the future.
🏫 Schools briefing
As measles cases continue to climb throughout the state, The Inquirer has put together a guide about what to know, including that the vaccine is among those required to attend public school. You can also see area school vaccination data here.
🍽️ On our plate
Wayne’s popular Asian fusion eatery the Blue Elephant is expanding to Ardmore, with plans to open an outpost at 64 Lancaster Ave. The restaurant will take over a portion of the Mikado Thai Pepper space.
Koren’s Kitchen has expanded its footprint with a new breakfast and lunch spot at 11 Louella Court in Wayne.
Fast-casual concept Goodness Bowls is hosting a grand opening for its Paoli location on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The celebration for the 5 Paoli Plaza location includes a free “Avalon Bowl” for the first 50 customers who sign up for the rewards program.
🎳 Things to do
🎶 Rhett Miller: The Old 97’s frontman will perform. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 17, 3 p.m. 💵 $40.47 📍 118 North
🎨 Philadelphia Water Color Society: Catch the 126th international exhibition, which includes a reception and awards presentation. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 18, 3-5 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Wayne Art Center
🏡 On the market
Built in 1890, this North Wayne Victorian home blends past and present thanks to a number of updates and expansions. The home has a distinctive entryway thanks to a stone arch that opens onto a covered front porch. Inside, the home features living and dining rooms, an office, and an eat-in kitchen that opens onto a family room. The kitchen features a curved, two-tier island, a walk-in pantry, and a nearby butler’s pantry. All five bedrooms are upstairs, including a primary suite with two walk-in closets. There’s also access to a sun porch. There’s an open house today from noon to 2 p.m.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $1.95M | Size: 3,878 SF | Acreage: 0.6
Each week we feature an interesting local listing in or around the township. Have one we should consider? Email us at radnor@inquirer.com.
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