H.V.’s Schiavo Documentary | Willow Grove Park - Bankruptcy

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Author

Jamie Buck
December 12, 2023

In Today’s Huntingdon Valley Insider:

📅 Tue Dec 12. Gingerbread House Day
👩‍🦳 Huntingdon Valley’s Terri Schiavo Documentary
🧑‍🍳 Historic Diner outside Elkins Park reopens
💰 Willow Grove Park Owner Files for Bankruptcy
⛅️ Weather Watch
🏈 Sports Scene
🎭 Events & Entertainment
🎖️ Local Business Directory
💁‍♂️ Feature your Business + Support Local HV Businesses

👀 for best viewing, Read Online

Huntingdon Valley’s Terri Schiavo: Prolonged Legal Fight Examined in New Documentary Film

A new documentary titled “Between Life & Death: Terri Schiavo’s Story” focuses on the life and highly publicized legal battle surrounding Theresa Marie Schiavo, a native of Huntingdon Valley / Lower Moreland Township. Terri Schiavo became a central figure in a national right-to-die debate following her prolonged vegetative state, which lasted for 15 years until her death in 2005.

The documentary delves into the complex and emotionally charged dispute between Schiavo’s husband and legal guardian, who argued for the removal of her feeding tube based on the belief that Schiavo would not have wanted to continue artificial life support with no prospect of recovery, and her parents, who contested this decision. Schiavo’s parents fought to continue artificial nutrition and hydration, challenging her husband's assertions and her medical diagnosis.

“Between Life & Death: Terri Schiavo’s Story” aims to explore various facets of this legal and ethical saga. The film examines how the pro-life movement utilized Terri’s story, the ethical dilemmas surrounding bodily autonomy, the risk of marginalizing and ventriloquizing feminist voices, and the profound impact of anticipatory grief experienced by families in such situations.

Terri Schiavo's case became a focal point in national discussions about end-of-life care and decision-making, drawing attention to issues of medical ethics, guardianship, and patients' rights. This documentary promises to provide an in-depth look at the personal, legal, and ethical complexities of her story, offering insight into one of the most controversial and emotionally charged cases in recent history. WATCH THE TRAILER:

Historic Philly Diner, just outside Elkins Park Makes a Comeback After 2015 Fire Closure

A rendering of the proposed development in West Oak Lane, including the re-opened diner. (Courtesy of PARALLEL ARCHITECTURE STUDIO LLC)

The Oak Lane Diner, a cherished establishment near Elkins Park, is poised for a revival. The diner, located at 6528 N Broad Street, had been a community staple since the 1940s but was forced to close in 2015 due to extensive damage from a fire. Its former owner, Elebah, who acquired the diner in 2007, is now spearheading its comeback as part of a larger mixed-use development project.

This new development envisions a seven-story building, incorporating a blend of residential, commercial, and dining spaces. The plan includes creating 65 senior apartments, reviving the Oak Lane Diner on the first floor, and dedicating the second floor to office space. Additionally, the project will feature both an underground parking lot with 19 spaces and an outdoor lot with 20 spaces.

Located near 66th Avenue and Old York Road, the site has remained vacant since the diner's demolition following the fire. However, the iconic coffee cup sign of the diner has continued to be a familiar sight in the area.

While a grand opening date for the new Oak Lane Diner has not yet been set, the project signifies not only the revival of a beloved local eatery but also a commitment to community development and senior living.

Willow Grove Park Owner Preit Files for Bankruptcy Again Amidst $1.1 Billion Debt

The Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (Preit), a prominent owner of several major shopping centers in the Philadelphia area and beyond, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This marks the second time in three years that Preit has sought bankruptcy protection.

Preit, which owns properties such as the Fashion District in Philadelphia, Willow Grove Park, Plymouth Meeting, and Springfield malls in the suburbs, as well as Cherry Hill and Moorestown malls in South Jersey, faced a deadline to repay approximately $1.1 billion in debt. The bankruptcy filing, made on Sunday, is a strategic move to allow the shopping centers to continue operating while undergoing a restructuring process.

Preit's current financial situation follows a history of fluctuating fortunes. The company, which includes 18 malls in its assets, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region, had previously expressed doubts about its ability to repay the debt or continue operations. Despite these challenges, Preit has invested significantly in certain assets, such as the redevelopment of Plymouth Meeting and Moorestown malls and recent investments in Willow Grove Park.

The proposed reorganization plan, announced on Monday, involves reducing the company's debt by $880 million. The plan also entails Preit becoming a private entity, no longer publicly traded, and offering $10 million to its stockholders. The plan, which has unanimous agreement from existing lenders, extends Preit's loan repayment window by five years. This proposal is pending approval from the federal bankruptcy court in Delaware, with the company aiming to complete the bankruptcy process by early February.

Today is…

December 12 marks Gingerbread House Day, a delightful celebration for both skilled cookie architects and those whose gingerbread creations might not always stay intact. Regardless of your building prowess, one thing everyone can agree on is that the most enjoyable part of the gingerbread house experience is indulging in the tasty confection once the construction (or attempted construction) is complete!

A Series on Managing The Holiday Season

TIP 42: Visualize Your Ideal Holiday

To ensure a fulfilling holiday season, it's important to set clear expectations for yourself and communicate them to others. Imagine the Christmas you desire in detail. Here are some aspects to consider as you plan:

  1. Guest List: Think about who you want to join you at the Christmas meal. Visualize the faces around your table, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

  2. Menu Planning: Decide on the dishes you'd like to serve. Whether it's traditional fare or something new, plan a menu that brings joy to you and your guests.

  3. Conversation Topics: Consider what topics you'd like to discuss or avoid. Planning conversation themes can help create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for everyone.

  4. Connections: Reflect on how you want to connect with friends and family. Whether it's through heartfelt conversations, fun activities, or shared traditions, think about ways to strenthen these bonds.

  5. Christmas Entertainment: Choose the Christmas movies or shows you'd like to watch. Picking out a few favorites in advance can set the tone for a cozy and festive evening.

  6. Gift Exchange: Think about the presents you'd like to give and receive. Decide whether you want to maintain a tradition of exchanging gifts or perhaps try something different this year, like focusing on experiences or homemade gifts.

🏈 Eagles 

The Dallas Cowboys took down the Eagles on Sunday Night Football, securing a decisive 33-13 win against their division rivals. This victory not only served as a measure of revenge but also marked one of their most comprehensive and dominant performances this season. The win positions the Cowboys as contenders for the NFC East title, though the path ahead is challenging.

For the Cowboys to clinch the NFC East, they must win all their remaining regular season games and hope for the Eagles to drop at least one game. This scenario may be optimistic, considering the Eagles have a relatively easy schedule for the rest of the season, while the Cowboys face some tough opponents ahead. However, with a bit of luck, the Cowboys could still achieve their goal.

🏒 Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers are actively exploring trade opportunities, with General Manager Danny Briere at the helm, engaged in discussions regarding players who could yield significant returns to aid their ongoing rebuild. Despite the team's current position in the top half of their division and holding a playoff spot, the focus remains on long-term team development.

Defensemen Sean Walker and Nick Seeler, both set to be unrestricted free agents, are likely candidates to be traded. They have been valuable assets for Philadelphia and are now poised to be moved to stronger teams in exchange for draft picks and prospects. Interestingly, there's potential for both Walker and Seeler to be traded together in a single deal.

🏀 Sixers

Currently, the Philadelphia 76ers are poised to have a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Known for being active and strategic buyers at the trade deadline, the Sixers are often seen as a team likely to trade draft picks for immediate, impact players to bolster their win-now approach. However, as things stand, they are projected to make a selection outside the lottery zone.

In a recent 2024 mock NBA Draft by Bleacher Report, the Sixers are predicted to acquire a fresh talent at the guard position. Tyrese Proctor, an up-and-coming player, is projected to be their choice with the 24th overall pick. This selection would add a new dynamic to the Sixers' backcourt, potentially shaping their future roster composition and strategy.

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