Media, PA April 2026

You Deserve

Invest in The Life You Deserve

This issue we focus on Investment. By definition, it’s the act of dedicating time, energy, or resources toward something with the hope of a worthwhile return. But in practice, it’s so much more. Whether it’s our community, relationships, finances, or personal growth, the things we invest in shape our futures and the lives of those around us.

We can invest in our community by supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations. Volunteering and mentoring are powerful ways to contribute to future generations. On a broader scale, participating in public surveys and staying informed about city planning are investments in the places we call home.

Financial investments help us build security and achieve long-term goals, while personal investments—spending quality time with loved ones or fostering deeper connections—bring immeasurable rewards to both ourselves and the people we care about.

While the ways we choose to invest may look different for everyone, the common thread is the hope of making a positive impact. This month’s issue explores various ways we can invest in our lives—whether by nurturing our community, planning for our financial future, investing in ourselves and family or prioritizing the relationships that matter most.

Here, we look in to Giving Back, The Ending of the Penny, and Buyinga  New vs Used Car. We also took a look at a long time fixture: The Franklin Mint.

Every investment we make is an act of hope and commitment. As you read this issue, we hope you’ll feel inspired to invest in the people, places, and dreams that matter most to you.

Here’s to a month full of growth, connection, and meaningful returns.

Happy April!

KARIN DAVIDSON, MANAGING EDITOR @MEDIACITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Scott Davidson | scott.davidson@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Karin Davidson | karin.davidson@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Alex Lowy | alex@lowyphoto.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Stephanie Hwang | stephanie.hwang@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Katy Lichtenstein

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hoi Michael Cheung, Stephanie Hwang, Scott Davidson, Karin Davidson

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Your Garage Door

We’re excited to announce that is now — Suburban Overhead Doors Looking Up Gar a ge Door s your trusted local garage door experts for over 40 years. Founded by my Uncle Tom Muir in 1985, (Our new logo is a fun sketch of Tom, maybe you’ve seen him around!) we have been right here in Media all along, bringing high quality service across the tri-state area! Since I joined Uncle Tom almost 15 years ago, we have developed into a family focused, growing business! With a 5-star rating on Google, Uncle Tom and I and the team are excited to meet you and give you excellent service that you can trust! We’re simply taking our reputation for quality to the next level. Things are truly “Looking Up,” and we can’t wait to show you.

With joy, Destin Mahalik - Owner & President Looking Up Garage Doors

“Best experience with a contractor in years! Delivered exactly what was promised, were very clean, left no marks, and a reasonable price.” - Dave S.

Martinique Deux Solar

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Live ice carving at Plum Street Park at Ice On State, presented by Visit Delco 2: [L-R] Ice Sculpture Philly artists Peter Slavin, CharLee Mares, Gabriella Santoro show off their work 3: Brittni poses with Arlo and the ice poodle at Scooped Ice Cream 4: [L-R] Christine, Brody, Scarlett, Jim, and Off The Rail owner Vincent. 5: Peter Slavin giving the crowd a snow show while live carving the centerpiece 6: The wine was unusually cold at John Robert Cellars according to Janine and Madeleine. 7: Kasumi and Kohki warm up with a hot chocolate in front of Earth and State

Want to be seen in the magazine?

business monthly

2026 DVAL Fine Art Show & Sale at the Willows

From April 10th-12th the historic Delaware Valley Art League will host a fine art sale at the Willows, an elegant European style mansion set in the Willows Park Preserve in Villanova. Forty professional artists will be exhibiting their creative work in various mediums.  The opening reception is Friday, April 10th, from 5-8 pm followed by Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-4 viewing. delawarevalleyartleague.com

Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care

We provide companionship and daily assistance to seniors throughout the Delaware County communities. If you or a loved one could use some extra assistance in the comforts of your own

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HWANG

Look in your garage… you just might have one or two of these Franklin Mint Collectibles

Franklin Mint

Throw-Back

The Franklin Mint began as a small Yeadon-based venture with a remarkably bold idea: if Americans were lining up for silver coins in the mid-1960s, why not create new collectibles rather than wait for old ones to run out? That entrepreneurial idea belonged to Joseph Segel, a Philadelphia-born business prodigy who founded the General Numismatics Corporation in 1964 with just $21,000, setting the stage for one of the most aggressive merchandising stories in modern finance.

The newly renamed Franklin Mint had exploded into the national spotlight by the late 1960s. Its mailers, catalogs, and limited-edition “coin-medals” became unavoidable fixtures in households across America. Segel’s big breakthrough came with the recruitment of former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts, whose artistry and name recognition helped legitimize an operation moving at astonishing speed. Production spanned everything from gaming tokens for Las Vegas casinos to commemoratives for world governments, royal charities, and even political inaugurations.

The Mint was a juggernaut at its peak in the 1970s when it was striking coins and medals for dozens of countries and expanding into plates, sculptures, and other “collectible” categories. Financially, it rode the decade’s silver boom, and for a time its products soared in perceived value. But without a true secondary market to sustain long-term worth, many buyers eventually faced steep declines. By the early 2000s, the Franklin Mint ceased production after years of controversy, corporate turnover, and younger generations’ shifting consumer interest.

Though the Franklin Mint’s influence stretched across the world, its physical footprint was unmistakably local. The company’s longtime complex in Middletown Township, just minutes from Media, once employed generations of Delaware County residents before the museum and buildings were demolished in 2018. For Media residents, the Franklin Mint’s legacy remains woven into our region’s economic story, long after the press stopped running.

Today, the Franklin Mint stands as a fascinating Delaware County legacy, part financial experiment, part cultural phenomenon. Its rise and decline offer a reminder that markets built on desire rather than necessity can boom just as quickly as they fade, leaving behind a trove of stories and a uniquely local chapter in numismatic history.

franklinmint.com

Hosted by The Foundation for Delaware County, DELCO Gives is an online giving initiative supporting hundreds of nonprofits working every day to strengthen our community. From food and housing security to education, the arts, health, and human services, DELCO Gives provides an opportunity for everyone to go All In for DELCO.

In the first two years, nearly $4 million was raised through almost 20,000 donors. The median gift was just $30, proof that small gifts add up to a big impact. As Delco Gives enters its third year, the goal is simple: make it even bigger, more inclusive and e impactful. DELCO Gives offers community, visibility, and hope.

LOCAL MEDIA NONPROFITS MAKING AN IMPACT

Several Media organizations are participating, including Media-Upper Providence Free Library, Media Chamber Chorale, the Media Food Bank, and more. These nonprofits enrich our town and county through education, arts and culture, and vital services.  All proceeds, of every donation goes

Going All in for DELCO Gives

ARTICLE BY KATY LICHTENSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOI MICHAEL CHEUNG

directly to participating nonprofits. Each donation also helps the organization qualify for additional bonus funding from the Foundation and generous sponsors, making each gift go further. Bonus funds are awarded based on the number of donors, not the number of dollars, so every person who participates makes a difference. Additional cash prizes sponsored by local businesses are also given out from May 8-9, 2025.

JOIN THE CELEBRATIONS

DELCO Gives is a community celebration. Many participating nonprofits will host their own events, which can be found on their profile pages at delcogives.org. The event kicks off at Media’s first Dining Under the Stars of the season on May 6, featuring a special program hosted by 6ABC’s Cecily Tynan, along with music, entertainment, and more. DELCO Gives will wrap up with a closing celebration on May 7 at the new WSFS Bank Sportsplex at the Philadelphia Union Complex, complete with food, music, games, and family- friendly activities

Everyone is encouraged to come out, connect, and celebrate what it means to be All In for DELCO.

HOW CAN BUSINESSES GET INVOLVED?

DELCO Gives wouldn’t be successful without the generous support of local businesses, including Presenting Sponsor Power Home Remodeling. Sponsorships encourage participation and help raise for participating nonprofits. There are opportunities for any companies to be involved. Your organization can sponsor a prize for a nonprofit(s) for $1,000 or more. To learn more about how you can sponsor DELCO Gives, reach out to Laura Sindoni: lsindoni@delcofoundation.org

GO ALL IN FOR DELCO GIVES

The Third Annual DELCO Gives Returns May 6-7, 2026!

Help us to show up and invest in our local community. View the participating nonprofits and a schedule of events at www.delcogives.org

NEW VS. USED CARS: MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Buying a car takes thought, knowledge, budgeting, evaluating your needs vs desires and finding the right, experienced, trustworthy guidance

ARTICLE BY EXPERT INSIGHTS: MIKE GIBBONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT DAVIDSON

Choosing between a new or used vehicle is often one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. While online guides can outline general pros and cons, real-world buying conditions have shifted dramatically in recent years. According to local automotive expert Mike Gibbons, owner of Gibbons

Automotive since 1998, today’s car market is defined by rising interest rates, rapid technological changes, and unpredictable reliability trends, making professional guidance more important than ever.

“Even as a professional, I’m navigating treacherous waters right now,” Gibbons, a mechanic for over 27 years, says. “So if I’m struggling in this market, the average buyer is in an even tougher position.”

His perspective is grounded in what he sees every day in the shop: shifting reliability patterns, inflation-driven repair costs, and cars arriving with severe issues far earlier than expected. To help buyers, he breaks down what truly matters when deciding between new and used.

Start With the Core Four

1. Affordability 2. Reliability 3. Depreciation 4. Emotional preference, whether you genuinely love the car

“Everything after that is personal choice,” he explains. “Even if a car is affordable and reliable, does it suit your dayto-day life? Do you love it? Because you’re paying for it.”

He notes that the emotional component is often overlooked but is incredibly powerful. Some people buy solely with their hearts, even when a purchase “makes zero financial

sense.” Others are strictly practical. Most fall somewhere in between, and that shapes whether new or used is a better fit.

Why Personal Circumstances Matter More Than Ever

Gibbons emphasises repeatedly that there is no universal answer. A driver who trades in yearly has different needs than someone who keeps a car for a decade. A parent buying a first car for a teenager has different concerns than an enthusiast chasing a dream model.

“Everybody’s circumstance is different,” he says. “That’s why you can’t make a blanket recommendation. Car buying is highly individual.”

Still, there are clear trends and clear risks that buyers should understand.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of New Vehicles

New cars still offer the latest safety technology, manufacturer warranties, clean condition, and attractive interest rates. But Gibbons stresses that the 2026 new-car market is unlike anything the industry has seen.

Uncertain Reliability in a Rapidly Changing Market

With new CAFE criteria (Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards are U.S. federal regulations that mandate minimum average miles-per-gallon,) fast-evolving hybrid

“My own car is from Gibbons. Mike chooses carefully, preps thoroughly, and stands behind his cars.” Karin, Managing Editor, Media City Lifestyle

systems, and the electric-vehicle boom, manufacturers are racing to release updated models. That race is creating reliability concerns.

“We are seeing problems with brandnew vehicles we’ve never seen before,” Gibbons explains. “The jury is still out. Right now, you truly can’t project reliability on anything new.”

From unexpected mechanical failures to advanced electronics failing early, Gibbons Automotive has seen issues that normally wouldn’t appear until much later in a car’s lifespan.

EV Insurance and Repair Costs Are Substantially Higher

Gibbons warns buyers to be prepared for dramatically higher insurance premiums on EVs, “Insurance on electric cars is substantially higher, repairs are

expensive, downtime is long, and insurers tend to total them more quickly.”

The Depreciation Problem Is Worse Than People Realize

Depreciation still hits new vehicles hardest, and today’s prices worsen the impact. Taxes, transfer fees, and dealership markups add costs that don’t increase the real value of the car.

“You lose six percent in sales tax alone the moment you buy,” he says. “Those costs put buyers in negative equity right from the start.”

With average new-car payments now above $800 and one in three new-car loans exceeding $1,000 per month, buyers need to be more cautious than ever.

The Real Advantages of Used Cars

Used cars remain the financially smarter option for many shoppers, and Gibbons’ daily experiences reinforce that.

More Car for the Money, Less Risk of Negative Equity

Much of a car’s depreciation happens in the first few years.

“That immediate drop in value, plus taxes and fees, is why so many people end up upside-down on car loans,” Gibbons explains. “Buying used helps you avoid that.”

Average used-car payments, while higher than past years, remain significantly lower than new-car payments and typically come with less insurance shock.

Brand Reliability: What the Shop Sees

When buyers ask Gibbons which brands hold up best, he doesn’t only rely on reports; he relies on what comes through his service bays.

Based on real-world shop data, he cites the most consistently reliable manufacturers as:  Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, and their luxury counterparts: Acura and Lexus.

“They tend to be naturally aspirated Japanese vehicles,” he says. “In our experience, that’s where you find the most longterm reliability.”

Pre-Purchase Inspections Are a Must Buying used offers significant financial advantages, but only with proper research.

“Pre-purchase inspections are always advisable,” Gibbons stresses. “Deep research dives. Do your homework.”

“Your local mechanics are your best resource,” he says. “We’re in the trenches every day, seeing what problems come up and how often. We know which models to avoid before you even buy them.”

One example: He often advises owners of certain model years of the Ford Escape to sell early due to known transmission issues.

“You don’t know that unless you’re here every day,” he adds. “That’s the consultant side of the job.”

Fixing vs. Replacing: A Misunderstood Decision

Many buyers ask whether it’s worth repairing an aging vehicle or replacing it. Gibbons evaluates each case by comparing: current value, repair cost, depreciation loss if replacing, reliability projections, tax and transfer losses, and future risk.

“You lose money either way,” he says. “Replacing has lost costs, taxes, fees, and markup. Fixing has repair costs. The question is: which loss is smaller, and which option gives you more reliability?”

Often, he finds that keeping the car you already know is the better financial choice.

“With the car you have, at least you know the problems you have,” he says.

When Emotion Takes the Wheel

As logical as the numbers may be, Gibbons remains realistic: “Americans love cars,” he says. “Not all purchases are about dollars and cents.”

Some cars are affordable and reliable but uninspiring. Others like sports cars, classics, or luxury vehicles; check your emotional box first. “Desirability, affordability, and reliability don’t always overlap,” he says. “People buy things that don’t make financial sense simply because they love them.”

The Bottom Line: Logic and Emotion Must Work Together

In 2026, the new-versus-used decision is more complex than ever. Prices are inflated, technologies are rapidly changing, and reliability is increasingly unpredictable. The stakes are high: one in three borrowers sits in negative equity, and acquisition costs can quietly erase value before a buyer ever drives off the lot.

Gibbons’ advice is simple and strategic. Start with affordability, reliability, depreciation, and emotion. Do your homework. And whenever possible, consult the professionals who see the truth every day - your local mechanics.

New or used, an informed decision will always take you further. www.gibbonsautomotive.com

“We’re in the trenches every day, seeing what problems come up and how often. We know which models to avoid before you even buy them.”

The penny’s final strike is sparking fresh interest in coin collecting and reminding people that overlooked change can hold real value in today’s shifting financial landscape

PHILADELPHIA SAYS GOODBYE TO THE PENNY

The end of the penny may mean that it might be worth checking your change.

The humble penny has officially expired after 232 years. On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Mint struck its final run of circulating pennies in Philadelphia, the first Mint in the country, thereby closing a chapter that began in 1792. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach pressed the last Philadelphia penny inside the Mint’s press room. The pennies pressed bear a special ‘Omega’ were not put into circulation, but auctioned off. Stack’s Bowers Galleries auctioned 232 limited-edition “Omega” sets last December, each containing a Denver penny, a Philadelphia penny, and, for the first time ever, a 24-karat gold cent minted right here in Philly. The penny may be disappearing, but it is rising in value. While the Mint spent 3.69 cents per penny in 2025, consumers shifted overwhelmingly to cards and smartphone payments in recent years. With pennies disappearing from circulation and businesses increasingly rounding to the nearest nickel, the penny is becoming more of a collector’s item than a spending tool, or sometimes just the opposite. That’s how we ended up with jars of coins no one counts anymore; some people literally toss coins in the trash without realising they may be throwing away real money.

And sometimes, a lot of it. Just look at the Philadelphia family who discovered the Henry Chapman Collection. These were coins they assumed were worth about $50,000, but were later certified and insured for $2 million. Their surprise isn’t unusual in the coin world. Forgotten stashes can hold pieces with serious value, and the right find can be life-changing. To put it in perspective, the finest 1943-S Lincoln Wheat copper penny was sold for a million dollars in September 2012 to collector Bob R. Simpson, co-chairman of the Texas Rangers baseball club, an error coin collector. (see photo)

More people are giving their change a second look, with the penny officially joining history books. If you’re curious about what might be hiding in your own drawers, these local experts can help.

1. Pennies, Pounds & Pesos 211 South Orange Street, Media, PA 19063 penniespoundsandpesos.com

2. Drexel Hill Rare Coin 1016 Warrior Rd., Drexel Hill, PA 19026 drexelhillrarecoin.net

3. Delaware Valley Rare Coin Company 2835 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008 dvrarecoins.com

4. Alex Perakis Coins & Currency Perakis & Co., P.O. Box 246, Lima, PA 19037 perakiscurrency.com

5. Mainline Coin & Stamp 16 E Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003 mainlinecoinandstamp.com

Plant You r Kitchen Garden

A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.

GETTING STARTED

• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-to-fruit, living harmoniously in one bed.

• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).

• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!

• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!

• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)

• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN

BACKYARD GARDENS OFFER FRESH VEGGIES AND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

What to Plant

Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.

TOMATOES:

They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.

EGGPLANT:

Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.

OKRA:

Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)

PEPPERS:

Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.

Flowers Bring Pollinators

Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.

HIBISCUS:

Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.

MARIGOLDS:

To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.

ZINNIAS: PLUMBAGO:

These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.

“If you are looking for trustworthy, efficient and professional contractors, The Tradesmen is it! Working in real estate we are constantly referring clients for various repairs, upgrades and improvements – Chris and his team are our go-to guys! Their reliability and top notch customer ser vice sets them apart from anyone else we have used or recommended. Make them your first call the next time you’re in need of contracting ser vices.” Kaylin

PA

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

OWNER JAMES MATIKA OPENED MARTINIQUE DEUX

HONORING HIS FATHER'S MARTINQUE IN WILDWOOD

MARTINIQUE DEUX SOLAR FLARE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARIN

DAVIDSON

Tucked away downstairs (next to Sligos) is Martinique Deux - a speak-easy with great drinks and a relaxed, fun, friendly atmosphere. Owner James Matika had spent summers in Wildwood in the 80’s with his father, who had purchased Martinique on Oak & Boardwalk.

As time went on, James settled in Media. He fell in love with the bar industry here. “I worked here for a decade. It rings true: ‘Media is everybody’s hometown.’ It’s such a rich community. I wanted Martinique Deux to be a part of that community.”

THE SOLAR FLARE

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz  jalapeño-infused tequila

• 1.5 oz pineapple juice

• .25 oz cranberry juice

• Tajin seasoning

• pineapple slice

Directions:

• Pour Tajín season onto a small plate

• Wet the rim of your glass with the pineapple slice

• Dip the rim into the Tajín seasoning

• Fill glass with ice

• Put ice in a shaker

• Pour tequila, pineapple juice and cranberry juice into the shaker and shake

• Pour liquid throuh strainer over the ice in the glass

• Skewer the pinapple slice with a festive toothpick and dip the slice into the Tajín seasoning on the plate

• Finish the glass with short straws and the pineapple skewer

Tajín Clásico was first combined on December 23, 1985 by Horacio Fernandez in Mexico. He combined mild chile peppers and lime as a powder along with sea salt - a tribute to his grandmother’s (“Mama Necha”) sauce.

"SPICY, TANGY, AND SWEET - FRUITY WITH A PUNCH. IT'S A GREAT SPRING/SUMMER DRINK. DON'T FEAR THE JALAPEÑOINFUSED TEQUILA!" - MARTINQUE DEUX CUSTOMER

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 17TH–25TH

The 39 Steps

PLAYERS CLUB OF SWARTHMORE, 614 FAIRVIEW ROAD, SWARTHMORE, PA 19081

In this fast-paced comedic thriller, an ordinary man becomes entangled in a spy mystery after a woman claiming to be a spy is murdered in his home. Pursued by a shadowy group known as “The 39 Steps,” he races across the country in a story packed with inventive staging and nonstop laughs. Directed by Julie Zaffarano. pcstheater.org

APRIL 18TH – 19TH

Spring Yard Sale

MEDIA BOROUGH, 301 N JACKSON ST., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 9:00 AM

Start this Spring with a clean closet or garage. The Media Recreation Board is hosting its annual Spring Yard Sale. Online registrations must be submitted by April 8th to be included in the online map. This is a Media Borough resident event. Contact the Recreation Department with any questions: jmetzger@mediaborough.com. mediaborough.com

APRIL 19TH

Annual Media Spring Arts Show

MEDIA BUSINESS DISTRICT, STATE ST., MEDIA, PA 19063 | 11:00 AM

Hosted by the Media Business Authority and Media Arts Council, this curated juried show features over 130 artists and makers from across the Delaware Valley. Attendees can shop ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, photography, sculpture, and more, all created by regional talent. Parking available in the Baltimore Avenue Garage. Rain date: April 26th. mediaartscouncil.org

APRIL 19TH

Léna: Album Release Concert with Vasilis Kostas

COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER, 414 PLUSH MILL ROAD, WALLINGFORD, PA 19086 | 5:00 PM

Grammy-nominated laouto player Vasilis Kostas debuts his new album Léna with a performance blending Greek tradition, contemporary composition, and jazz influences. Joined by fellow Berklee alumni, Kostas leads a trio featuring Ian Ashby and George Lernis with special guest pianist Tom Alexander. Concert includes a post-show reception with refreshments. communityartscenter.org

APRIL 25TH

Arbor Day Celebration

SCOTT ARBORETUM, WISTER CENTER – GILLESPIE ROOM, 500 COLLEGE AVE., SWARTHMORE, PA | 10:00 AM

Celebrate Arbor Day with a tree scavenger hunt, hands-on activities, expert arborists, and a noon tree tour. Families can take home a free sapling while supplies last. Activities take place in the Wister Center and surrounding gardens. Free and open to all ages.  scottarboretum.org

APRIL 30TH – MAY 24TH

Dolly Parton’s

9 to 5 The Musical

MEDIA THEATRE, 104 E STATE STREET, MEDIA, PA 19063

Dolly Parton’s smash-hit musical follows Violet, Judy, and Doralee as they take hilarious revenge on their sexist, egotistical boss. Fueled by friendship and fantasy, the trio turns workplace frustrations into laugh-out-loud empowerment in this feel-good production that celebrates determination and teamwork. mediatheatre.org

Riddle Village offers a comprehensive Lifecare contract, so our residents can embrace retirement living with confidence. With predictable costs for future long-term care, our community provides a plan for your future, allowing you to focus on living life to the fullest every day. Enjoy luxury amenities and services, such as, weekly housekeeping, indoor garage parking, flexible dining plan with access to four unique restaurants and full-service bar, nine-hole putting green, 24/7 fitness center, indoor swimming pool and so much more.

Life at Riddle Village is a hole in one!