2020 March
Newtown Square Bringing People Together
Friends & Neighbors
The Rauso Family: Working Hard & Playing Hard!
Cover photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Family owned since 1977!
Subaru Family of Vehicles
4700 West Chester Pike • Newtown Square, PA Come Visit our New Facility!
The 2019 Subaru Outback.® With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive + 32 mpg,3 it’s a trustworthy traveling companion. In fact, Subaru is Kelley Blue Book’s Most Trusted Brand for four years running.*
2
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
Dear Friends & Neighbors, As we March into Spring later this month, I’m reminded of the saying that “March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.” That’s not baaad! All good things that Spring brings lie ahead. PUBLICATION TEAM PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER and CONTENT COORDINATOR: Liz Burnett DESIGNER: Kim Cesati CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Shannon Locher, Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Blush Salon, Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Liz Burnett, Doug Humes, Chris Stack, Kevin O’Donnell, Elyse Lovenworth, TJ Warner, Matt McGuire, Sarah Forti, Brittany Naab, Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D. and Lindsey Poeth, CSA® ADVERTISING Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse, 610-453-5536 Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Have feedback or questions about how to submit events, updates, ideas for articles, high resolution photos, etc.? We will do our best to include as much community information as space permits. Please contact our Content Coordinator Liz Burnett at LBurnett@BestVersionMedia.com. CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES Content Due the 5th of every month. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, ratepayers or homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
ON THE COVER The Rauso Family at Drexel Lodge Park in Newtown Square 2020 March
Newtown Square Together Bringing People
bo rs Fri en ds & Ne igh
Family: The Rauso& Playi ng Hard! Working Hard
n Lynn Photography Cover photo by ShannoynnPhotography.com www.ShannonL
This month brings Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors a larger issue, with four more pages, thanks to our advertising Sponsors whose commitment to Newtown Square residents makes our hometown magazine possible. Our recent new advertising Sponsors have helped our magazine grow so we can bring your more local features each month. Among several new Sponsors is Newtown Square’s newest restaurant, Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant, recently opened on the road into the Regal Theater, and already “la charla de la ciudad” (the talk of the town) for great food — real Mexican food! (See their ad on the back cover.) Please stop in and experience Rey Azteca for yourself, and thank the young married owners, Jenny and Alan, for becoming hometown Sponsors and bringing a little bit of Mexico to Newtown Square. As our magazine grows in page count this month, I’m happy to also announce that we’ve named our Resident Feature Sponsor, which will now be sponsoring our resident cover story each month. You know them: Newtown Square’s own Alpha Century Security on West Chester Pike (with the flags and security police cars), next to Liberty Gas Station. How fortunate are we that Alpha Century Security also calls Newtown Square home too, and wants to support Bringing People Together as a leading Sponsor of their hometown families. See Alpha Century Security’s ad on page 7. And now, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors has an Expert Plumber, Rick Bondurant of R.F. Bondurant Plumbing, Inc. Rick has graciously agreed to serve as our Expert Contributor for features in which he’ll share his plumbing expertise with us in upcoming issues, as an advertising Sponsor of Newtown Square residents through our hometown magazine. I met Rick Bondurant in my days volunteering for Newtown Edgmont Little League. He’s one of us! And now we all have a friend in the plumbing business. Welcome aboard, Rick! Thanks for investing in Newtown Square residents.
Bob Blaisse Publisher
Share Our Magazine! www.NewtownSquareMag.com
Dear Residents, I trust your February was LOVE-ly, and that you fit a little extra fun in on Leap Day 2020. This issue’s Resident Feature introduces you to Newtown Square residents Carmine and Debbie Rauso and their 3 sons, a family whose motto helps them all live life to the max! The extra pages in this issue allowed us to include 8 informative articles from our Expert Contributors, including the first article from our newest Expert, Lindsey Poeth, CSA® of Oasis Senior Advisors - Main Line. You’ll also find 2 Business Profiles, to help you get to know more about 2 of our Expert Contributors: Len Sciulli of Len Sciulli & Sons Heating & Air Conditioning, and Sheila Turner of From the Top Studio of Dance. How and why each Expert started their business and what they each find most satisfying explains a lot about how committed they both are to making a positive difference in our community. Even if Winter weather continues, our Calendar of Events on pages 26 - 27 includes several events that prove Spring’s milder weather is on its way! Outdoors or indoors, may your month be pleasant, and may the luck o’ the Irish be with you!
Liz Burnett
Content Coordinator
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
3
Expert Contributors Automotive Repairs & Service Lou Matteo Edgemont Automotive 5040 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610 -353-9868 • EdgemontAuto@verizon.net www.EdgemontAutomotive.com
Electric Service, Residential/Commercial Andrew Martella, Sr. Martella Electric Company 484-498-2965 • MartellaElectric@rcn.com www.MartellaElectric.com
Carpeting & Floor Covering Jim Casar Carpet Warehouse 620 Parkway Drive, Broomall 610 -353-1312 • CarpetWarehouseOutlet@gmail.com www.CarpetWarehouseCo.com
Financial Advisor Ryan Gray Oppenheimer & Co. 201 King of Prussia Rd., Suite 320, Radnor 610-225-8975 • Ryan.Gray@OpCo.com www.Oppenheimer.com
Chiropractic Care Dr. Heather Sefried, DC The Joint Chiropractic 3520 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 267-678-2225 • Info@TheJoint.com www.TheJoint.com
Fireplace Products Scott Magness Scott’s Fireplace Products 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484-422-8334 • SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com Food & Beverage Christopher Heath, Corporate Chef Elyse Lovenworth, Beverage Director Firepoint Grill, a Paxos Restaurant 3739 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square Reservations: 484-428-3093 www.FirepointGrill.com/reservations www.PaxosRestaurants.com
Dance Instruction Sheila Turner From the Top Studio of Dance 3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square, PA 610 -353-2623 • Info@FromTheTopDance.com www.FromTheTopDance.com
Funeral Home Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D. D‘Anjolell Memorial Homes 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610 -356-4200 • RobJr@DAnjolell.com www.DAnjolell.com
Martella Electric Company is a team of courteous, professional, and highly trained electricians. Our priority is to deliver superior customer service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. • Electrical Service Upgrades • Landscape Lighting • Circuit Breaker Panels • Fireguard Circuit Breakers • Security Lighting • Recessed Lighting • Electric Vehicle Charging • LED Under-Cabinet Lighting • Lighting Controls • Exhaust Fans
484 - 997- 3097 www.MartellaElectric.com
4
“Don’t be shocked when we show up on time!” Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
Glass & Mirror Services David Gura & Lew Gura Bryn Mawr Glass 729 West Chester Pike, Havertown 610-853-2990 BrynMawrGlass@yahoo.com www.BrynMawrGlass.com
Hair Salon Michele Quinn, Owner Brittany Naab, Co-Owner Blush Salon & The Studio by Blush Salon 3515 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-325-3266 • MQuinn@BlushLooks.com www.BlushLooks.com Heating & Air Conditioning Len Sciulli Len Sciulli & Sons Heating & Air Conditioning 500 Abbott Drive, Broomall 610 -328-4341 • SciulliAndSons@hotmail.com www.LenAndSons.com
Expert Contributors Landscape Design & Landscaping TJ Warner JHL Landscaping 610 -356-4104 • TJ@JHLlandscaping.com www.JHLLandscaping.com
Roofing, Siding & Carpentry Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co. Havertown 610 -449-8188 • Office@ODonnellRoofingCo.com www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com
Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control Matt McGuire Delaware Valley Turf 520F Abbott Drive, Broomall 610 -328-4170 • MMcGuire@DelValTurf.com www.DelawareValleyTurf.com
Senior Living & Housing Lindsey Poeth, CSA Oasis Senior Advisors – Main Line Malvern 484-947-4266 LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline
Martial Arts & Fitness Kickboxing Lou Marvil Level Up Black Belt Academy 610 -355-1960 Info@LevelUpBlackBeltAcademy.com www.LevelUpBlackBeltAcademy.com
Septic, Sewer & Storm Services TJ Dell’Arciprete & David DiGregorio Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm 504 Eagle Road, Suite B, Springfield 610-947-4800 • Info@4DelVal.com www.4DelVal.com Waterproofing & Weatherization David Linn Cook Weatherproofing Plus, Inc. Marple Newtown 610-325- 0596 • Info@Weatherproofing-Plus.com www.Weatherproofing-Plus.com
Painting & General Contracting Services Tom Rafferty Rafferty Painting & General Contracting 610 -626-9141 • Info@RaffertyPainting.com www.RaffertyPainting.com Personal Training & Fitness Ed Winfield, Program & Fitness Director Erik Le Blanc, Fitness Coach Retro Fitness Newtown Square 4847 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484-420 -4935 EdgmontSqPA@RetroFitness.net www.RetroFitness.com/EdgmontSquarePA
CHANGING AMERICA ONE BLACK BELT AT A TIME
Plumbing Service, Residential / Commercial Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing 610-566-0288 • RFBPlumbing@comcast.net www.RFBondurant.com
Real Estate Sales Sarah Forti, Realtor Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty Office: 610 -647-8300 • Direct: 610 -986-7170 Sarah@FortiHomes.com www.FortiHomes.com
Expert Contributors needed! Dental, Medical, Pet Services, Education, Law, Vacations, Home Health Care, Taxes, etc. Professionals may contact: Bob Blaisse: 610-453-5536, or BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com
Martial Arts Programs for Children & Adults Fitness Kickboxing training for adults Gain improved flexibility, strength, confidence & overall well-being Train with Newtown Square’s Grand Master & Martial Arts Champion
www.L eveL U p B Lack B eLt a cademy. com 610-355 -1960
•
3609 Chapel Road, Newtown Square
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
5
Resident Feature by Liz Burnett Photos courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com We would like to thank
for sponsoring this month’s Resident Feature. Debbie and Carmine Rauso
The Rauso Family: Working Hard and Playing Hard!
This month’s Newtown Square family, Carmine and Debbie Rauso and their three sons, were a delight to get acquainted with! They’re busy (for many good reasons!) and fun folks who enjoy some old- and new-world family traditions. Carmine grew up in Upper Darby, and attended St. Alice Catholic School and St. Joseph’s Prep in Philly. He graduated from St. Joseph’s University (SJU) in 1993, with a B.S. in Management, and started working for Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Debbie grew up in Hunt Valley, MD, and attended Notre Dame Prep in Towson. Her choice for college was also SJU, to pursue a B.S. in Psychology. She’s proud of her extensive involvement in SJU’s campus ministry and community outreach programs. Carmine and Debbie met at SJU, and had many of the same friends socially, but didn’t start dating until a few years after Debbie graduated in 1995. “I can’t recall first meeting Carmine,” Debbie admitted, “but now I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know him,” she added fondly. After graduation, Debbie worked for the Harrisburg-based Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU). She was their only Philly-area employee, and her office was “ironically” on SJU’s campus. That familiar location and strong friendships from her college days provided her with a great support system. It also kept her and Carmine in the same 6
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
circle. Debbie’s sister finally convinced her to go out with him, and seven months later, he proposed, at Niagara Falls. They got married in Towson, MD, in December 1999, and honeymooned in Negril, Jamaica. They were eager to start a family, but while Nature made them wait, they traveled quite a bit. They made a three-week trip to Italy, to visit Carmine’s many relatives hthere and to see Rome, Florence and Venice. Also during this Pre-Kids chapter of their lives, Carmine earned his MBA from St. Joseph’s University in 2004, and he and Debbie learned a lot about themselves, as individuals and also about how to work well together as a team, just in time for them to start the Parents chapter of their lives! Carmine and Debbie have three sons, all of whom attend St. Anastasia School. Nicholas, age 14, is in 8th grade. He plays soccer for the school’s CYO team, and also loves playing football and baseball. Until this school year, he played saxophone in the school’s Advanced Band. For St. Annie’s 2018 and 2019 shows, Nicholas helped build the sets, and ran the shows’ spotlights. He loves learning to cook and is an adventurous eater. He also loves anything car-related. Nicholas is great with younger kids; he’s a whiz with electronics; and he may choose a military career, as Debbie’s dad did in the Air Force. Joseph, age 12, is an inquisitive and quick-witted 6th-grader with a good sense of humor. He plays trumpet in the school band, and enjoyed being in St. Annie’s school play last year. Joseph plays soccer for Marple Newtown Soccer Association (MNSA), and also loves playing football and baseball with his brothers. Like Nicholas, Joseph loves anything car-related, and he’s “obsessed” with Teslas. His “steel trap” memory may be why he can solve a Rubik’s cube in less than 47 seconds!
4th-grader Anthony, age 9, also plays soccer for MNSA. He loves playing goalie, but when he’s not in that position, he’s sometimes seen playing every other position on the soccer field! Anthony also likes all car-related topics, playing football and baseball with his brothers, and just keeping up with them in general. Like Nicholas, Anthony likes playing saxophone, and he has been invited to join the Advanced Band for part of the Spring concert. An avid reader with an inquisitive mind, Anthony sometimes “gets in trouble” for reading in his bedroom too late at night. In 2012, the Rauso family rescued a Weimaraner puppy. They named her Cocoa (formal name: Cocoa Pupps). She was a good companion for the Rausos’ aging yellow Lab. Cocoa is a sweet girl who’s good with kids and who has helped Debbie not feel so “outnumbered” in the family. Carmine and Debbie have lived in the Fox Chase Woods section of Newtown Square since 2007, just before Joseph was born. Their home in a cul-de-sac off a quiet street has a location that can’t be beat: close to Philly, the airport, Debbie’s job, Carmine’s parents in Broomall and his sister and her family who also live in Newtown Square. In 2016, they built a 2-story addition, remodeled the house, and gained a much larger kitchen. That larger kitchen is perfect for Debbie and Carmine, both of whom love to cook and try new recipes. Their culinary interests have the kids wanting to get involved. Despite the family’s crazy-busy work and activity schedules, a home-cooked family dinner almost every night is a top priority.
(L to R) Joseph, Nicholas and Anthony Rauso
Carmine and Debbie’s parents taught them the importance of strong family ties. When Carmine’s parents emigrated to America in the mid-’60s, they spoke no English and brought with them only one trunk of belongings. They worked diligently here in their new country, and emphasized the value of education to their kids. They eventually started a small construction company, and achieved the very definition of the American dream. They still maintain many old-world traditions such as making their Continued on page 8
Does Your Business or Organization Require Security/Protection? We provide on-scene protection whenever and wherever you need us most. • Construction Sites • Schools/Campuses • Special Events • Mall Security
• Roving Patrol • Churches • Retail/Jewelry Stores • Concierge Services
Proud to Call Newtown Square Home
Contact us TODAY to learn more about our security services!
We Proudly Support Veterans and Newtown Square Residents
• Security Patrol Vehicles • Security Personnel & Services • Drug & Background Checks • Unarmed Security Officers • Armed Security Officers • Fire Watch Security
Training • Skills Maturity • Leadership Professionalism
3720 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
H
610.353.7840
H
www.AlphaCenturySecurityInc.com
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
7
Resident Feature
door-to-door market research, drew on her roots as an adult educator; involved technical and soft skills training; and required her to travel all over the continental U.S. Her experience and strong managerial ability enabled her to balance her work and family life as she worked her way up to her current position, Director of Field Quality Assurance.
(L to R) Nicholas, Debbie, Anthony, Carmine and Joseph Rauso
own wine, curing their own sausage, capicola and prosciutto, and making homemade tomato sauce. Carmine is incredibly proud of his heritage and grateful for the strong work ethic his parents instilled in him. He and Debbie make it a priority to continue ALL those traditions with their kids. Debbie’s family, the Spinellas, live in the Baltimore area. Like Carmine’s parents, Debbie’s placed great emphasis on education and hard work. “We’ve been exceptionally fortunate to have in-laws that get along with each other,” said Debbie, “and we appreciate that our kids are blessed with grandparents who are an integral part of their lives.” Carmine and Debbie are busy full-time working professionals. After college, Carmine worked in corporate America for 15 years in various sales and sales management roles. In 2018, he decided to follow his passion for real estate by starting his own business. Carmine loves being a REALTOR®. Licensed in PA, MD and DE, he’s immersed in “all things real estate” for clients looking for a home to live in or as an investment property. He works with clients who are buying their first home, upsizing or downsizing, or seeking a fixer-upper to renovate and live in, flip or rent. Carmine gets great satisfaction from assisting clients to make decisions about what may be the biggest purchase of their lives. And he’s often profoundly touched by experiencing special personal connections that go way beyond his hopes for how fulfilling a career in real estate could be. Since 2003, Debbie has worked for LHK Partners, Inc., a Newtown Square-based global marketing research company. Her first position, training Field Interviewers how to conduct
Every summer, the Rauso and Spinella families share a huge house at the Outer Banks. They’re all together for a week, on the beach, at the pool, in the kitchen making cavatelli with Carmine’s mother “Nonna,” playing cards and games, and trying to survive the annual “epic family water balloons and water guns fight.” When Carmine, Debbie and the boys have free time in Newtown Square, they often enjoy long walks or bike rides on trails in local parks. In 2010, all the Rausos except Carmine were in a horrific car accident. Debbie suffered injuries that required multiple surgeries. Miraculously, the family overcame all the overwhelming challenges, and have lived ever since with a positive attitude of gratitude. They focus on following their motto: Work hard and then play hard! They’ve all learned that the quicker their work gets done, the more time they have for fun. Sounds like a family who definitely has their priorities straight! Do you know a family whom readers of our magazine might like to meet in an upcoming issue? Nominate them by email to Liz Burnett at LBurnett@BestVersionMedia.com. NS
PH OTO G R A PH Y
Old World Traditional Italian Cuisine Meets New World Style Daily dinner specials, including Lobster, Prime Rib or Veal Private rooms with various party packages available for all occasions Happy Hour! Mon. - Fri., 4:30 - 6:30pm, bites & drinks in the bar
Reservations: www.LaLocandaPA.com or 610-353-7033 • 4989 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 8
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
Where Are We?
Can You Spot It From the Air?
Hint: This intersection, in either Marple or Newtown Township, has “a great source of knowledge” right there but it's not seen from the air. Can you name it?
Trus te
d Experts in Auto Repa
The answer can be found on Page 15
ir
5040 West Chester Pike, Edgemont Camino Commons Shopping Center adjacent to the Edgemont Post Office
Complete Vehicle Repair Import • Domestic • Trailers FREE Pickup, Delivery and Drop off • PA Safety Inspection & Emission Testing • Tires • Brakes • Engine Diagnostics • Scheduled Maintenance • Heating & A/C • Electrical systems • Suspension • Body Control Systems
“
Photo Courtesy of FAA-Certified Drone Pilot Chris Stack (NewPigeonImaging@gmail.com)
S. PANCOAST Topsoil & Mulches Serving Homeowners & Commercial Businesses In Broomall and Newtown Square Since 1959
Your Friends and Neighbors trust me with their cars & trucks. Trust that I can help you too.
Lou Matteo, Edgemont Automotive
We Only Sell The Highest Quality Screened Topsoil/Mushroom Soil Bark & Root Mulches
”
“Spectacular products and an extremely knowledgeable man running the business!”
610-353- 9868 • www.EdgemontAutomotive.com
www.TopsoilBroomall.com 610-356-1090 /610-356-1818
2635 West Chester Pike (Rear), Broomall, PA
SHOP LOCAL - PICKUP OR DELIVERY
Newtown Square’s Experts for Septic, Sewer & Storm Services! Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm is a family run business that has been prioritizing customer service & providing the most reliable Septic, Sewer & Storm services for over 30 years. Our services include:
Our hard working crew!
“
• Septic, Sewer & Storm Water Installations
This company went above and beyond when I experienced a sudden malfunction with my pump. Everyone I interacted with provided great service.
• Septic & Sewer Inspection • Septic & Storm Pumping • Sewer & Drain Cleaning • Repairs & Maintenance
610-947- 4800
•
~ Chris H.
www.4DelVal.com
•
info@4DelVal.com
•
”
504 Eagle Road, Suite B, Springfield
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
9
History Spotlight
Hanging Out at the Newtown Square Hotel - 1902 by Doug Humes A picture is worth a thousand words, but I only get around 300 for this article. What do I see? Dr. M.P. Dickeson of Media, Pennsylvania, sits in his “horseless carriage,” one of the first in the County. Per the Chester Times of August 8, 1902: “He arrived home from Philadelphia with it on Tuesday night and will find it very convenient for going on his round of visits … It is regarded by the denizens of this community as a great curiosity.” He is shown at the old Newtown Square Hotel. Among the denizens, a serious and rough-looking bunch, the tallest one looks like someone with a job because he’s dressed in a suit. Another relatively new invention sits in the foreground: a bicycle. The dangerous high wheelers of the 1870s had given way to the “safety bicycle” of the 1890s. So perhaps the boy on the far right owns the bike. Perhaps he has a job as a messenger. The other boys likely heard the noise of the horseless carriage and ran out to follow it up to the hotel. Newtown Square was farm country before World War I, and so these boys likely lived on nearby farms. There was not a lot of action out on the farm.
Residential and Commercial Carpeting, Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl Tile and Waterproof Plank at Warehouse Pricing!
The first horseless carriage to visit the old hotel Photo courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society
The building? An 1891 newspaper article described it as follows: “…the old inn has degenerated to an old country tavern, a mere stopping place for the few who still travel the almost deserted turnpike, while the outside benches and bar room chairs offer a gathering place for the idle gossips of the vicinity – the only exception to the humdrum routine being the days when cattle sales are cried from the tavern porch, or in the winter when some merry sleighing party wakes up the nooks and crannies of the old hostelry for the time being.” Who else was there? Thankfully, the photographer! For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit our website at www.HistoricNewtownSquare.org. NS
Fine Furniture
GENE KRUEGER
• We carry all major brands of carpet as
well as waterproof vinyl plank flooring
• Quality pre-bound area rugs and remnants • Carved college logo rugs including Penn State • Full-service work shop for cutting and binding • We install all of the products we sell
This craftsman’s china cabinet, with ample storage, displays excellent woodworking techniques and the finest domestic hardwoods recalling times when home and family were the center of our lives. A Gene Krueger Signature Classic
Craftsman-Styled American Furniture
610-353-1312 www.CarpetWarehouseCo.com 620 Parkway Drive, Broomall
(Lawrence Park Industrial Park)
Marple Newtown’s Carpeting and Floor Covering Expert 10
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
• China Cabinets & Bookcases • Lighted Display Cabinets • Beds, Chests & Dressers • Dining Room Tables
• Toy & Storage Chests • Lingerie and Jewelry Chests • Coffee and End Tables • And Much More
Visit the Gallery of Gene Krueger Fine Furniture Studio 555 Abbott Drive, Broomall www.GeneKruegerFineFurniture.com 610 -731-7330 • GeneKrueger5@gmail.com
Student of the Month
s n o i t a l u Congrat
by Liz Burnett
Kelsey Racine!
March Sproul Lanes Student of the Month
Sproul Lanes Manager Fred Conaway presents Certificate of Achievement to Kelsey Racine Photo courtesy of Sproul Lanes
Nominate the Next Student of the Month! Any grade 7-12 student who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District and attends any public, private or home school can be nominated by a parent, teacher or themself. Send a 200-word essay to SOTM@SproulLanes.com explaining why the student excels in Service to friendship, school or other local communities. Academic or athletic excellence may be considered but are not required. The Winner will be featured in next month’s magazine and will also receive a Sproul Lanes Pizza Bowl gift certificate good for 2 hours of bowling for up to 10 people plus pizza, sodas, snacks and free shoe rental. N S
We’re pleased to announce that the March Sproul Lanes Student of the Month is Marple Newtown High School Sophomore Kelsey Racine! To celebrate this recognition, Kelsey received a Certificate of Achievement and a gift certificate for a “Pizza Bowl” party from Sproul Lanes, our Sponsor of this award program. Kelsey has actively served several local communities. Last spring, she was 1 of 40 teens selected to attend a 3-day leadership camp that developed her communication and relationship skills, and taught her to “live life to the fullest, take risks, and to break out of [her] comfort zone.” Last summer, she served as a counselor at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church’s week-long Bible day camp. And Kelsey has recently been volunteering as a member of the Decorating Committee for her school’s Mini-THON, an annual dance event that helps raise awareness and funds to conquer childhood cancer. Kelsey is also very involved in several team sports. In the fall, she played on her school’s JV volleyball team. She has played softball since age 5, in the Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL). She’s now a pitcher on MN’s Varsity softball team and on the Pegasus 16U travel team, where she also plays 3rd and 1st bases. Kelsey loves how softball has helped her develop great teamwork skills and friendships on and off the fields. She also enjoys coaching at clinics MN’s softball team sponsors, to help younger players in the community develop their skills. Kelsey is considering a career in Physical Therapy or Sports Medicine, a natural progression to combine her service-oriented nature with her love of sports. All your Friends & Neighbors in the Marple Newtown community congratulate you on this award and wish you well, Kelsey, in all your future endeavors!
Two Themes – One hour to escape: • Prison Break • Book of Secrets
• Birthdays /Corporate / Groups • Private event room available • Escape Room & Bowling Packages
Escape Rooms are not just the latest trend, but can help improve cognitive functioning as well as teamwork and communication skills.
Book online TODAY! www.EscapeSproul.com Questions? Call us: 610-544-4524, ext. 2
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
11
Expert Contributor by Robert D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D. DANJOLELL Memorial Homes
How to Have That Difficult Talk:
What Are Your Final Wishes? There will be a time when you need to have that difficult talk with a loved one about their end-of-life decisions. Although it may seem daunting or unsettling, it can also bring peace to you both, knowing that their wishes will be observed. It may bring them comfort knowing they’re going to be remembered by family and friends. They will appreciate that they are loved, and that love is continuing even after they have departed. If you’re speaking to a loved one about what type of funeral or service they would want, remind them the decision is entirely up to them. Tell them that without their input, their service or funeral may not be what they envision. Remember this is about
your loved one and not about how you would want things to be. Help them understand that allowing others to know about their desires and plans removes a burden from them. When you have this discussion, remind them that with this plan in place, they won’t have to worry that their family will have to make decisions during a time of grief. Making the decisions ahead of time for yourself also removes the risk that family members may argue over the best way to mourn
Honoring The Life of a Loved One
DANJOLELL
MEMORIAL HOMES
AND CREMATORY
Butterfly Releases • Memory Tables • Bookmarks with Seeds • Flower Selection • Dove Release Picture Boards • Remembrance Jewelry • Online Remembrance • Candlelight Ceremony • And more Visit www.DANJOLELL.com to learn how we honor the life of a loved one.
DANJOLELL Memorial Home of Broomall 2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008 610-356-4200 Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. F.D. 12
DANJOLELL Stigale DANJOLELL Memorial Home & Cremation Memorial Home & Crematory Services, Inc. of Aston of Malvern-Frazer 3260 Concord Road 392 Lancaster Avenue Aston, PA 19014 Frazer, PA 19355 610-497-5505 610-296-9555 James Stigale, Supervisor James W. D’Anjolell, Supervisor
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
DANJOLELL Barone Memorial Home of Wallingford 908 S. Providence Road Wallingford, PA 19086 610-874-7700 Edward S. Barone, Supervisor
or celebrate you in the future. After the plan is established between family members, it’s a good idea to also enlist a professional Preplanning Consultant, to go over the ideas and some or all of the details.
You’re Going to LOVE Your DRY BASEMENT! Expertly serving the Philadelphia region for 25+ years with the most affordable basement waterproofing services.
Professionals to include in the discussion can include an attorney, to go over any estate planning. An attorney can help create any legal documents necessary at every stage of life. The attorney can also be helpful when arranging the funeral with a preferred funeral home. To help structure the difficult discussion, create a list of things that are often done to celebrate one’s life. Who would be pallbearers if there is a burial? What type of music? Who would you like to speak about your life? Is there a burial spot or grave that needs to be purchased or is there a deed for one already? Are you a veteran? What type of flowers would you want? Some questions for a discussion like this have simple answers; some require more thought and perhaps some research, to learn about and understand the many options available today. There’s always help available for this discussion by visiting your local funeral home in advance. Their role should simply be to instruct and guide so your loved one can plan for the type of funeral or life celebration service they would want, and then know what can and should be done in advance to make those choices possible.
• Basement Waterproofing • Waterproofing Coatings • Foundation & Crack Repair • Humidity Control Management • Sump Pump Install /Service • Mold Remediation
610-325-0596 FREE Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured
NS
David Linn Cook 30 Year MN Resident Weatherization Expert
WEATHERPROOFING PLUS, INC.
www.WeatherProofing-Plus.com
Marple Newtown’s Most Popular Pizza!
Pizzas fresh & made to order!
• Pizzas • Strombolis • Steaks • Hoagies • Burgers • Clubs • Pasta • Seafood • Wings • Quesadillas
Our pizza is made on site daily using the finest ingredient dough, mouth-watering sauce, 100% of specially blended Wisconsin cheeses and outrageous quantities of special choice toppings.
Join our Newtown Square Pizza Rewards Club and get rewarded every time you order.
Let us cater your next party!
Join online and you will start earning points towards FREE food and more with every purchase. Register Today & get 10% Off your first online order.
www.NewtownSquarePizza.com 3113 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
•
610-353-4234
Made to order hot & cold subs!
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
13
Bringing People Together by Bob Blaisse Publisher
Bringing People Together
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
The Women Bringing People Together by Bringing Us Our Magazine This month we celebrate Women’s History Month. We’ll be learning about the contributions of women to events in history. During this annually declared tribute, we shine a spotlight on women who make contributions to our contemporary society. I know more than a dozen women who contribute to our “contemporary society” in Newtown Square by Bringing People Together. They’re the owners of businesses among our advertising sponsors, whom I want to thank particularly this month for making it possible every month of the year for Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine to be mailed to you without cost, and to be also available online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com. It’s important that I make mention of these women of local businesses because they have chosen to use their limited marketing budgets for something that is “Bringing People Together” more than just for advertising their business. They are the women Sponsors of Newtown Square’s hometown monthly magazine. Among these local women who are contributing to “our contemporary society” in our times locally, we have these ladies to thank: • Marlene
& Cynthia Weinrich: Weinrich’s Bakery Sciulli: Len Sciulli & Sons Heating & AC • Shannon Locher: Shannon Lynn Photography • Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab: Blush Salon • Anne Marie Hare: Bunny Hare’s Gift Shop • Karen Farrelly: D&K Appliances • Robin Cutler: Cleanbusters Cleaning Service • Heather Sefried: The Joint Chiropractic • Sheila Turner: From the Top Studio of Dance • Elyse Lovenworth: Firepoint Grill • Sarah Forti: Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty • Samantha Warner: JHL Landscaping • Kathy Ryan: Providence Pizzeria Co. • Jen
Recently, three other local women have also become new Sponsors our community, which caused this month’s issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine to increase in page count, with more local features. So, I also need to recognize and thank: Lindsey Poeth, CSA of Oasis Senior Advisors – Main Line, provides her free consulting to seniors and their families in need of an independent source to advise them on Senior Living and Housing. Now we can all learn from reading Lindsey’s regular Expert Contributor feature articles, beginning this month (see Page 30). ®
14
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
Another woman Bringing People Together through our magazine is also helping keep businesses safe and secure. Jaime Lyn Rostin has guided Alpha Century Security to serve businesses in our region. She has recently decided that Alpha Century Security will be the Sponsor of our magazine’s monthly “Resident Feature” cover story about Newtown Square residents (see page 6). Thank you, Jaime Lyn. The most recent woman business owner and new Sponsor of Newtown Square residents is Jenny Palacios, who is Bringing People Together through our magazine and certainly so at her new restaurant in Newtown Square, Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant, which just recently opened. When you see the Rey Azteca ad on the back cover, make your decision to get down to Rey Azteca (on the road into the Regal Movie Theater), to find real Mexican food and welcome Jenny Palacios to Newtown Square. MEXICAN RESTAURANT
I want to also take this opportunity to thank my wife, Jean Blaisse, and our magazine Content Coordinator, Liz Burnett, our Magazine Contributing Photographer, Sierra Clark, and our magazine Graphic Designer, Kim Cesati, all of whom are also contemporary contributors to our local society by their contribution to our magazine. Ladies, you are all making history with each new issue. Thank you! We have you to thank for Bringing People Together through our hometown magazine, and we’re all better for it! NS
Bob Blaisse
Publisher, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
Order Your St. Patrick’s Day Treats!
s h c ’ i r ein
W
BAKERY
Old-fashioned German baking since 1961
Specializing in fresh baked goods, made daily, on-site using only the highest quality ingredients. Our Own Handmade Irish Potatoes • Baileys Irish Cream Cakes Raisin Scones • Irish Soda Bread • Shamrock shaped sugar cookies • Shamrock decorated cakes and cupcakes • Frogs • •
3545 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-356-9918 www.WeinrichGermanBakery.com
Expert Contributor by TJ Warner JHL Landscaping
Spring Cleaning Tips for a Lovely Summer Landscape As our winter season ends and warmer temperatures invite us outdoors again, we notice that our lawns and landscaping are often in desperate need of some TLC! Spring clean up and mulching are a great way to get your landscape ready to look beautiful and able to delight you in the coming spring and summer months. You can eliminate tree and leaf debris build up that occurred since your fall clean up and during the winter months by removing leaf/woody debris from turf areas and flower beds. As tempting as it may be to proceed with “the fun” of planting new seasonal annual flowering plants, you must first weed and re-mulch your flower beds. Consider adding an eye-catching pop of color near your front walkway and entrance, in your garden beds/borders, around your patio or deck, and at your pool area. Create some “eye candy” around your property by using window boxes and planters that hold colorful flowering plants and complementary vines.
also adds beautiful curb-appeal to your home. There’s plenty of options to consider: Some of the most popular are fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens. Patios, walkways, retaining walls, and borders/edge stone are best installed between spring and fall. Landscape lighting can help showcase and accentuate those areas of design, allowing you to enjoy them not only during the day but during dusk and night. Warmer days are right around the corner. Treat yourself to an enjoyable outdoor living experience this year by planning and taking action now! NS
Sq A Ne ua w re tow Or n igi na l
Entertain Outdoors this Summer!
After your spring clean up and planting is complete, it’s important to set up and stay on a monthly care program, to properly care for your garden beds. By keeping up with those areas, you’ll create a well-manicured look for your home and yards for the entire season. The spring and summer months are the perfect time to move forward with your plan of action for a hardscape or construction design and installation. An outdoor living area brings relaxation and a wonderful escape from being in the house. It
From the Air Answer (pg. 9): Not shown in the photo (to make it a bit more difficult to answer), the intersection is in Marple Township, the crossroads of Springfield Rd & Sproul Rd, where “knowledge” seekers go to visit the Marple Township Library.
Hardscape/Landscape Construction Design & Installation Landscape Maintenance & Care Instructions
When price is important and quality is a MUST!
610 - 356- 4104 • www.JHLLandscaping.com
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
15
Business Profile
Comprehensive Heating, Cooling and Indoor Air-Quality Services for Every Season by Liz Burnett Photos courtesy of Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com
One thing we can all agree on is that we like our homes and businesses to be warm during the cold winters and cool and comfortable throughout the hot, humid days of summer. The equipment that we rely on to keep us that way is not simply “set it and forget it” systems. They require regular maintenance and services to function reliably and efficiently year after year. Good thing we have experts like Len Sciulli & Sons Heating and Air Conditioning to help keep our equipment operating at peak performance!
Maintain Your HVAC System During Every Season
Fully licensed and insured to provide dependable and quality services that our customers have come to expect and count on.
“
Len and his staff are prompt, knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend them and I have in the past. ~ Amy S, Newtown Square
”
610-328-4341 www.LenAndSons.com PA HIC #PA030844
16
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
Jen and Len Sciulli
Len Sciulli has been learning and mastering his expertise in Heating and Air Conditioning since he was young. His uncle Felice LoConte owned an air conditioning and refrigeration business. Len enjoyed working with his hands and taking in all his uncle taught him, not just the knowledge and skills required to be successful in that industry, but also traits required to be successful in life: honesty, perseverance and a strong work ethic. He has continued to use all these traits throughout his career in the HVAC industry. In November 2005, Len Sciulli and his wife Jen started their business, Len Sciulli & Sons. Ever since, they have been providing residential and commercial sales, installation, maintenance and repair of all types of heating, AC and indoor air-quality systems. Based right here in Marple Newtown, they reliably serve all of southeastern PA (Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties). “As a family owned and operated company, we take pride in providing superior customer service and exceptional work on every job,” said Len. “Your comfort is our top priority, and that starts with your HVAC system.” Len and his knowledgeable and skilled HVAC team can keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They’re experts with forced air, baseboard and radiator heating systems. And they’ve got the know-how to keep your heating and air-conditioning systems functioning reliably and efficiently. Whether your home or business already has or will be adding traditional central air or an alternate ductwork system (high-velocity, ductless, or split), Len Sciulli & Sons can provide you with the right HVAC solution perfect for your home or business AND your budget. They also offer many financing options. The consistently high-quality work Len and his team provide means you won’t need to call them back for further service anytime soon.
All HVAC and air-quality systems should function reliably. But if they’re an old design and/or they’re not energy-efficient, they’re probably wasting some of your money, especially if your system is using a single thermostat to heat or cool all rooms in your home or office. Len Sciulli & Sons can explain the benefits and calculate the long-term cost-savings of installing multi-stage or multi-zone controls. You can choose the number of zones you’d like to control, and each zone gets a separate thermostat. Even if your current heating or AC system is functioning reliably, it’s worth some time to request a free estimate for an upgrade to a more energy-efficient money-saving system. When indoor temperatures are so comfortable year-round, we tend to stay indoors more than ever. Indoor air quality should not be taken for granted! Many of Len Sciulli’s customers are impressed when their allergies and other chronic respiratory ailments improve after installing an air purification system. These systems are no longer just a luxury: They can keep invisible but harmful mold, pollen, allergens and toxins from ever reaching your lungs. A free estimate is available for a wholehouse system or one designed for only one or several rooms.
“
My team and I find it rewarding to know that we’ve provided the best service to our customers.
”
Jen and Len Sciulli (center) with Len Sciulli & Sons Team
been personally getting to know our customers. Many of them have been with us since we started. We work hard to earn their trust, and we appreciate their loyalty.” Len Sciulli & Sons (www.LenAndSons.com) provides customers with 24/7 emergency service. They’re fully licensed and insured, and guarantee the finest in professional workmanship and quality materials in installing, repairing, or maintaining your HVAC and air-quality systems. When you allow people into your home or office, they should be people you can trust, people who treat you like family. This family owned and operated business provides quality and affordable service that will keep you part of the family for years to come! NS
Len always reminds customers that “without regular service and maintenance, no heating, AC or air-quality system can work as it was designed.” Regular service for each system includes cleaning and maintenance, which can often identify and fix minor malfunctions before they turn into major and often costly system breakdowns. It’s easy and quick to get set up on a periodic maintenance (and peace of mind) schedule. Len Sciulli & Sons also installs, repairs and maintains a wide variety of hot water heaters. Even if your current hot water heater is reliable and you’re never out of hot water, upgrading to a more energy-efficient system would likely save you money in the long run. Providing so many solutions is what Len finds most enjoyable and satisfying about this type of work. “No two jobs are the same. I love meeting and getting to know such a wide variety of different people with different needs!” he said. “My team and I find it rewarding to know that we’ve provided the best service to our customers.” The company is comprised of a team of reliable and experienced technicians, four of whom have been a part of the family-run business from the beginning. Len and Jen’s 4 children, 2 sons and 2 daughters, also help out with the business part-time when they’re on break from school. Jen, Len’s wife and co-Owner, handles scheduling, customer service, billing and bookkeeping. “The most enjoyable part of this business for me,” said Jen, “has Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
17
Expert Contributor by Brittany Naab Blush Salon
Postpartum Hair Loss Hairstylists are frequently asked by their guests, especially those who are new moms, about postpartum hair loss. Here are a few myth-busting facts and good advice about this topic. Know that although you may feel as if you are going bald, you are NOT! Everyday we naturally shed between 50 and 100 hairs. What happens during pregnancy is that due to a rise in hormones and increased blood volume and circulation, we barely shed any hair at all. This is how we end up with gorgeous thick manes that almost every woman wishes she could have for the rest of her life! After your baby arrives, your hormone levels drop, your hair makes up for lost time by falling out in much bigger clumps than you’re used to. The total volume of your hair loss probably isn’t more than you would have lost over the last nine months. It just seems that way because it’s happening all at once. Here’s what you need to know and remember: • Hair loss generally starts sometime between 3-6 months after you give birth. • Hair loss can last for up to 6 months. • Hair loss is completely unrelated to breastfeeding. • No vitamins have been shown to help prevent hair loss, although they are great to keep taking. • Be gentle when brushing. If balding in spots does occur and does not return to normal, you can always ask your doctor for minoxidil (generic Rogaine). Another product that may be helpful is a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Try Pureology’s Clean Volume, paired with one of their volumizing styling products, to achieve more thickness and overall fullness in your hair. Also using a leave-in treatment such as Redken’s Anti-Snap can help strengthen your new hair strands that are coming in. As a new mom, you must remember to feed yourself! A healthy diet is always good for a healthy head of hair. You want to make sure you’re eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins, to make sure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs. NS
18
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
Expert Contributor
Things to Consider 3 When Pairing Food & Wine Nothing accents a perfect bite of food better than a perfectly paired sip of wine. But with an abundance of options to choose from, how do you pick a wine that’s just right? Follow these three guidelines. 1. Complementary versus Contrasting The complementary approach to pairing food and wine matches similar flavors between a food and a wine, and amplifies flavors. The contrasting approach matches opposing flavors, weights, or acidity, to find the best balance and improve your meal. Let’s use a familiar food as an example: Mac and Cheese. A complementary wine pairing with would be a California Chardonnay. The creaminess and buttery texture will blend seamlessly for a decadent and delicious bite and sip. A contrasting wine pairing would be a crisp, acid-driven white like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity would cut through the weight and creaminess of the pasta and cheese. 2. What Grows Together, Goes Together This wisdom can be applied to food and wine pairings in two ways: literally or figuratively. To interpret literally, consider Alba, Italy, located in northern Italy’s Piedmont wine region. Alba is famous for their White Truffles, so pairing Truffle French Fries with a Barbera d’Alba (the grape most widely planted in Piedmont) is a perfect fit.
by Elyse Lovenworth Beverage Director Firepoint Grill
3. When in doubt: PINOT NOIR Although you might typically enjoy fruity red blends or crave a hearty Cabernet, those wines can easily overwhelm a dish. What do you do if you’re out to dinner and everyone orders different food but you want to share a bottle of wine? The easy answer is Pinot Noir, which is probably the most versatile when it comes to food pairings. Its light-to-medium body, zippy acidity, and balance between fruity and earthy notes make it a go-to for pairing with food. Look for Pinot Noirs from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. For a fruitier profile, select one from California’s Russian River Valley. For more earthy notes, choose a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France. Pinot Noir pairs well with just about everything: Salmon, Poultry, Lamb, Pasta, Pizza, you name it! Now you’re ready to complement any dish with the perfect glass or bottle of wine. Still unsure? Ask a restaurant server or liquor store clerk for recommendations. You may discover a new favorite wine! NS
To interpret figuratively, think about culture and tradition. For example, dishes like pizza and pasta make us think of Tuscany or Rome. A wine like a Chianti, made primarily from the Tuscan grape Sangiovese, offers a tart flavor with aromas of dried oregano and tobacco that pair well with classic Italian meals.
Wood-fired pizzas, friendly, attentive service, and a warm, modern atmosphere: just the cure for the winter blues. | www.firepointgrill.com
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
19
Expert Contributor by Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co.
What to Do If Your Roof Experiences Storm Damage Homes often suffer damage during bad weather. Unfortunately, not many homeowners fully understand what is covered by their homeowner’s insurance policy, including whether their policy has any exclusions. When it comes to your roof, you may want to contact your insurance agent before a bad weather event, to ask about your policy’s coverage for hail or wind damage, and if you have coverage for water infiltration and mold caused by damage. These are all important things to understand so that you’re not surprised in the event you need to file an insurance claim for damage. Here are a few things to consider if your roof experiences damage due to severe weather. 1. If you call a reputable local roofing contractor for an evaluation and recommended repairs, that may also be the time to make temporary repairs, to proactively mitigate future damages. Generally, a claim should be traced back to a specific weather event or date, so keep track of dates and times. 2. Depending on the severity of the damage, an insurance claim may or may not be worth it. If the estimated cost of repairs is less than your insurance policy’s deductible, it makes little sense to file a claim. 3. If you file a claim, it’s helpful to have your contractor meet with the insurance company’s representative when they assess
the damage, to ensure proper roofing standards are met. This is when it’s invaluable to have a roofing contractor who’s experienced in working with insurance claims. 4. Be cautious of “storm chasers” – roofing contractors who travel the country servicing areas recently hit by tornadoes, hurricanes, and windstorms. Once the roofing repairs are complete and the “storm is over,” those contractors generally aren’t available to address an issue that may arise or honor a warranty. 5. A good roofing contractor will typically be in communication with the claims representative throughout the process, ensuring all necessary items will be covered. Some examples of critical but often-overlooked items are code upgrades, removal of additional roof layers, and plywood replacement. 6. The insurance company will hold back a portion of the replacement cost until the work is completed. This is called “Recoverable Depreciation,” and you will receive those funds after you submit your contractor’s final invoice. NS
NO appointment necessary! Use our online check-in app to avoid waiting.
Proudly offering these product lines: • Sexy Hair • Bed Head • Solutions • Redkin • Grit First Responder and Military Discounts
Open 7 days a week M - F 9am-9pm Sat. 9am-6pm Sun. 9am-5pm
• Tea Tree • Matrix • American Crew • Paul Mitchell • Nioxin
484-427-7106 20
I
Quality Haircuts, $15 Seniors & Children, $13 Bang, neck or beard trims
3521 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
I
www.GreatClips.com/salons/1322
You Know Newtown Square’s Expert Roofer!
Let Us Get To Know Your Roof. O’Donnell Roofing Co. has been providing commercial and residential roofing, siding, and carpentry to Delaware County and the upper Main Line area since 1924.
• Residential & Commercial Roofing • Rotted Wood Replacement • Solar Installation
“We’ve repaired and replaced so many roofs in Marple Newtown, I moved my young family here to be closer to my work and to get more involved in the community.” ~Kevin O’Donnell, Owner
• Senior Citizen Discount • Windows / Skylights / Siding / Gutters • Historic Restoration & Metal Roof Specialists
610-449-8188 • www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com • PA / NJ / DE
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
21
Expert Contributor by Sarah Forti Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty
Clearing Out a Lifetime of Home Furnishings Selling a property can be an emotional process. Each piece of furniture, artwork, formal-wear hung for decades in the back corner of a closet, boxes of old records: All hold special memories in the hearts of those who have lived in and loved the home for decades. With the right guidance, the process can be easier, smoother, and more efficient.
Newtown Square’s
Resident Real Estate Expert
Sarah Forti Realtor
610 - 986 -7170 Sarah@FortiHomes.com
Looking to move in 2020? Planning to sell your home?
I CAN HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Forti
Homes
Let’s Bring You Home! 610-647-8300
www.FortiHomes.com 744 W. Lancaster Avenue, Suite 125, Wayne, PA 22
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
An early step to take is hiring a professional organizer. Or, you can lean on a family member who loves organizing and has the time to help. The organization process is crucial to make sure valuable treasures, photos, and papers don’t get lost in the clean-out activity. Our area has several professional organizers to choose from. Ask neighbors, friends, or your trusted real estate professional for names of organizers they have worked with on a regular basis. You’ll likely divide your items into three categories: Keep, Sell, and Donate. The items you want to keep are those you’ll be taking to your next home – things like the clothes you still wear, furniture you know you’ll need, and special family photos. The “Sell” category often trips up some people because the thought of figuring out where and how to sell their items can be overwhelming. There are dozens of local websites and social media pages dedicated to selling second-hand items locally. Another great tool is to partner with an estate sale company that can assist with valuing your items, advertising, and facilitating a sale at your home. This helps maximize the value of your items while being efficient with your time. The last item is the “Donate” category. Thankfully we have many local organizations where you can drop off your items such as Goodwill and other local thrift stores and GreenDrop, a wonderful local organization that collects items, sells what they can, recycles the rest, and donates a portion of the proceeds to one of four charities of YOUR choice. GreenDrop has several convenient drop-off locations, and if you have a large number of items, they’ll coordinate a pick-up at your home at no cost. The fact that they recycle is key: Mattresses, stuffed animals, and old magazines are examples of items some companies will not accept. GreenDrop accepts those items, and sells them as recyclable materials. Knowing that there’s a place and purpose for everything should hopefully help you feel prepared for when it’s time to start emptying your home. NS
Real Estate
Recent Newtown Township Home Sales Address Sold Price Bedrooms Bathrooms Sq. Ft. Acres
5 Devon Drive . . . . . . . . . . $345,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . . 2 . . . . 1,980 . . 0.26 3314 Rodney Drive . . . . . . . . $327,500 . . . . 3 . . . . . 1.5 . . . . 1,545 . . 0.20 2202 Westfield Court . . . . . . . $205,000 . . . . 2 . . . . . 1.5 . . . . 2,004 . . 0.03
1 Beechview Road . . . . . . . $510,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 3,565 . . 0.40 3206 Hartford Court . . . . . . . $310,700 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 1,776 400 Park Hill Lane . . . . . . . . $1,075,000 . . .
3 . . . . . 3.5 . . . . 3,827 . . 0.27
104 Trotters Court . . . . . . . . $474,151 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,295 . . 0.03 311 Belpaire Court . . . . . . . . $185,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . . 2 . . . . 1,726 428 Cornerstone Drive . . . . . $378,000 . . . . 2 . . . . . 1.5 . . . . 1,334 503 Trotters Court Lot 15 . . . . . $494,990 . . . . 3 . . . . . 3.5 . . . . 2,779 82 Hunters Run Unit 82 . . . . . . $346,750 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 1,892 . . 0.03 3662 Waynesfield Drive . . . . . $600,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,481 . . 0.98 1204 Pritchard Place . . . . . . $255,000 . . . . 2 . . . . . . 2 . . . . 1,408 . . . . . 31 Old Covered Bridge Road . $1,065,000 . . .
5 . . . . . 3.5+ . . . 4,245 . . 3.50
7 Roberts Road . . . . . . . . . . $600,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2.5+ . . . 3,071 . . 0.93 1303 Wharton Court . . . . . . . $291,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,030 . . 0.03 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent's ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
Hungry? GREAT PEOPLE. GOOD PRICES. AWESOME PIZZA! Traditional Pizza Specialty Pizza Starters & Wings Soups & Salads Quesadillas Hoagies & Burgers Sandwiches & Wraps Strombolis Kid’s Meals Beverages & Desserts
Tree Care
Tree & Stump Removal • Tree Pruning/Deadwooding Emergency Storm Damage Service • Seasonal Tree Care Crown Thinning/Reduction • Large Tree Specialists
Mon - Thurs: 10:30am - 9:00pm Fri - Sat: 10:30am -10:00pm / Sunday: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
P R OV I D E N C E PIZZERIA CO.
5003 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-325-5200 / Dine-In / Take-Out / Delivery S ave T im e, Or der On l in e
w w w.P r ovid e n ce P i z zer i a . co m
www.RyanTRee.biz
24-HOUR STORM RESPONSE
•
610-525-3789
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
23
Our Commuity
about our
Local Historian Doug Humes
Doug Humes, holding photo of William Dickinson, builder and original owner of Doug’s 1855 home in front of the Marple Historical Society marker on the home.
by Liz Burnett
Doug Humes contributes a regular feature article for our magazines, on Marple and Newtown townships history. I recently sat down with Doug, to find out more about him and how he got interested in local history. A few years after Doug was born (in northeast Philadelphia), his family moved to Delaware County, where he has lived ever since. Since 1998, he and his wife Barb have lived in the Dickinson House, an historic home in Marple. Doug and Barb have four adult children and three grandchildren (and counting!). As a kid, Doug’s favorite school subject was always History, perhaps because he lived in an historic home in Haverford. He found it interesting that each room in the house had seen so many families since it was built in the 1870s. He often thought about all the Christmases, the good and bad years, the Depression, and the World Wars those families had lived through. Ever since the 1977 TV series “Roots” helped Doug discover Genealogy, he’s been searching non-stop for his and everyone else’s ancestors. Doug is an attorney whose law office is in an historic home in Bryn Mawr. He worships in Newtown Square’s 300-year-old Quaker Meeting House. His interest in local history led him 25 years ago to join the Newtown Square Historical Society and immediately accept their offer to serve on the NSHS Board. Since then, he has served in every officer position, including 5 years as President. He also served with the Delaware County Heritage Commission, and currently sits on the Marple Historical Commission.
When Doug started serving on the NSHS Board, he was 25 years younger than all other Board Members.He quickly noticed the many good reasons their generation was “the Greatest Generation.” They were firehouse and ambuance volunteers. They ran the Rotary Club and raised money for community projects. They started and grew the library. They organized the community parades. And they volunteered at the polls each Election Day. They weren’t elected officials; they were simply friends and neighbors who volunteered their time to make our community a better place to live. Over the years, as Doug and Barb visited all 50 states, they came across “curious pieces of history.” In 2012, a friend who was the Editor for Southwest Airlines’ in-flight magazine invited Doug to write an article titled “Slivers of History,” to share some of those interesting finds. He jumped at the chance and submitted his article. A few months later, he received a nice check for his efforts, and also heard from other friends that they had seen his magazine article during a recent flight. Other article-writing doors began to open, including writing for the Friends & Neighbors magazines. “I’m deadline-motivated,” Doug said, “so having to produce an article for our monthly magazines has made me a better and more productive writer.” Ideas for Doug’s “History Spotlight” articles for our magazines often come from unexpected and uncanny sources. While he was scanning a box of about 400 old cemetery records (a project he volunteered to do for Marple Presbyterian Church), he discovered
• Any & All Plumbing Repairs
• Video Camera Inspection
• High Efficiency Boilers • Backflow Protection (Installation & Testing) • Sewer/Drain Cleaning & Repairs
• Water Heater Replacement • Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling • Gas Piping
Call 610-566-0288 24 24
HOUR
EMERGENCY SERVICE
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
|
R F B O N D U R A N T.C O M
Doug Humes and his wife Barb, in front of US map that shows the “curious pieces of history” they discovered in each state
records on the Dickinson Family, who had lived in Doug’s house. (Doug already knew that in 1856, William Dickinson had built the house on his 48-acre dairy farm, and that William and his wife raised 11 children there. After William’s death in 1888, one of his son’s and his wife and children moved in and ran the farm. In the 1920s, the Dickinson family sold the farm to a developer named Gilbert.) Doug thought about how the former farm is now his neighborhood of over 100 homes, and the remaining farmhouse sits on Gilbert Street, subdivided up to the back door. He then thought about the night he had moved into that house: He had heard noises and definitely felt some “spookiness.” To calm his jitters and to “make peace with the invisible former occupants,” Doug sat down at the 1890s-era pump organ, which the previous homeowners had left for him, and played many popular songs from that era, songs he imagined would have gotten the Dickinson Family members singing and dancing.
www.ThePorchPA.com 865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield, PA
Make Your Reservation Now for Our Grand Easter Sunday Buffet!
Doug enjoys noticing how the present connects us to the past, and how those insights combine with his imagination, to start his creative writing process. He says he’s “thrilled to have the Friends & Neighbors magazines as an outlet to share stories of our past.” Doug also said he’s been honored to serve his beloved Newtown and Marple Township communities for so many years, especially while serving alongside his Greatest Generation “heroes.” Most of them are gone, and he is now older than they were when he first met them. With every “History Spotlight” Doug writes for our magazines, he hopes to inspire younger members of the community to realize two things history fans like Doug Humes have known for a long time: Preservation is the future of the past, and the future of every community is in the hands of its current residents. NS
Providing quality pet care without the large price tag.
SINCE 1976
3529 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square 543 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn www.CaseysNS.com // www.CaseysBerwyn.com
.50 cent wings: bone-in & boneless Wednesday 3:30 - 10pm and all day Sunday
Bob Zwaan, Owner Wagmore Quality Pet Care
Loving care for your pets when away Daily dog walking/running • Doggy safari • Basic obedience training • Pet taxi • Cat and small animal care • •
Licensed • Insured • Bonded References available upon request
Bob@WagmoreQualityPetCare.com
www.WagmoreQualityPetCare.com
484.459.0953 NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
25
March Calendar of Events Thurs. March 12
Progressive Reception
Wed. March 18
@The Shops at Springton Pointe 200 S Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square Newtown Square Business Association invites NSBA Members and the general public to get acquainted with the good folks who own and run Springton Pointe businesses that are NSBA Members. At each participating business, attendees will get their ticket punched, for entry into a drawing for gift basket prizes. Register and get your ticket at BB&T Bank before 5:55pm. Then visit each business in order, to enjoy complimentary wine and items from the restaurants’ menus. You’ll visit: BB&T Bank, Tiffin Indian Cuisine, Yuki Sushi Japanese Cuisine, Board & Brush, wONDErful Hair Lounge, Jolly Llama Yoga, and Fresco Pizza & Grill. We hope to see you there!
Lecture: “Women of Penn’s Woods” @Newtown Township Bldg 209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square Robyn Young will give a talk on remarkable women recognized with PA Historical Markers. Time: 7pm Cost: FREE (Donations gladly accepted! )
@Marple Newtown High School Performing Arts Center, 120 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square Join the Marple Newtown and 12 other high school Jazz Bands for an evening of music at this annual competition sponsored by the Cavalcade of Bands Assoc. Participating schools include Radnor, Lower Merion, Harriton, Ridley, Chichester, Penn Ridge, Cheltenham, Cherry Hill, Council Rock, Central Bucks, Penn Wood, and the PA Leadership Charter. The evening will conclude with the Marple Newtown Jazz Band. Hot food will be available.
MNHS Orchestra & Small Ensemble Concert
Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm Cost: FREE!
Time: 7:30pm Cost: $35 - $40
610-622-1189 www.UDPAC.org
Fri. March 27
Thurs. March 19
Sat. March 14 @Upper Darby Performing Arts Center 601 N Lansdowne Ave, Drexel Hill Back by popular demand: The star of PBS’s “Celtic Thunder,” Emmet Cahill’s “Ireland” has debuted at #1 on the World music Billboard charts.
610-353-1022 www.NewtownLibrary.org
High School Bands Jazz Festival & Competition
484-424-6140 www.NSBPA.com
UDPAC Presents Emmet Cahill, Irish Tenor
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $31.50, Registration required, space is limited.
www.HistoricNewtownSquare.org
@Marple Newtown Performing Arts Center 120 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square Join the Marple Newtown High School String Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra plus some special guests for their Spring Concert!
Time: 5:30 - 7pm Cost: $15 per person
supplies and fun. Participants can BYOBS (Bring Your Own Beverages & Snacks). This event is hosted by Friends of Newtown Library, a 503(c)(3) organization that raises and donates funds to the library.
610-359-4218
Time: Doors open 4:30pm; Bands 5:00 - 9:30pm Cost: CASH ONLY. Adults $10. Students & Seniors $5.
Tues. March 24
Glass Painting @Newtown Public Library, 209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square Local artist Nancy McMonagle of A Touch of Glass will have you painting your own glass art: a dragonfly theme, to get us ready for spring! You’ll paint 2 wine glasses, to take home and enjoy. Nancy will bring the
www.TigerMusic.org/upcoming-events
thejoint.com
Give your home the protection it deserves.
YOU’RE BACK, BABY. ®
Find your relief, visit thejoint.com today. NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
Consultation, Exam, and Adjustment
Newtown Square (267) 678-2225 3520 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073
Ed Hanway, Agent 849 N Providence Road Media, PA 19063 Toll Free: 833-226-6096 ed.hanway.dbb5@statefarm.com Hablamos Español
Your home is where you make some of your best memories, and that’s worth protecting. I’m here to help. LET’S TALK TODAY.
No Appointments | Open Evenings & Weekends | No Insurance Needed *Restrictions apply, see clinic for details. Initial visit includes consultation, exam and adjustment. NC: IF YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TREATMENT, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHIN THREE DAYS AND RECEIVE A REFUND. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-154.1). FL: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICES, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. (FLA. STAT. 456.02). Subject to additional state statutes and regulations. See clinic for chiropractor(s)’ name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. © 2019 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.© 2020 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.
26
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FL State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX 1708136
April Calendar of Events Thurs. April 2 - Sat. April 4
13th Annual Media Film Festival @The Media Theatre 104 E State St, Media The Media Film Festival has gained a reputation as a vibrant forum for audiences and filmmakers alike. The 2020 Media Film Festival will include a variety of short films — narrative, documentary, animation and experimental — from our community and around the world. Friday night’s screening will be followed by “Fright Fest!” — a terrifying journey through the festival's most unsettling shorts.
est settlers, chat with members of the Revolutionary generation, time travel to the Civil War, First and Second World War, and more. If you've ever wanted to learn about living history in America, this is your chance! The Plantation house will also be open or tours and displays. Time: 11am - 3pm Cost: Adults $10. Children 4-12 $6.
610-566-1725 www.ColonialPlantation.org Sat. April 4 Rain Date Sun. April 5
67th Annual Great Media Easter Egg Hunt
484-431-6626 www.MediaFilmFestival.org
@Glen Providence Park State St & Baltimore Pike, Media Toddlers to kids age 10 are invited to hunt for over 4,000 eggs and get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. This fun-filled community event is sponsored by the Media Lions Club and McCarrin Chiropractic.
Sat. April 4 & Sun. April 5
Time: 11:00am - DON’T BE LATE! Cost: FREE
Time: Thurs. & Fri. 7pm; Sat. 1pm Cost: $15 one-day pass; $30 All-Festival pass $10 Fright Fest! only (10:30pm Fri.)
2020 Historic Timeline @Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation Ridley Creek State Park 3900 North Sandy Flash Dr, Newtown Square Travel through history! Meet our earli-
How to Achieve a Gold Medal Garden... Start with High Performance Plants from MOSTARDI! We stock flowers, shrubs and trees that are recommended by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s “Gold Medal Award” program. • Gorgeous
Colors Values • High Quality • Superior Performance • Exceptional
Expect the best from MOSTARDI plants. They are good as gold!
610-357-9434 www.MediaLionsClub.org
4033 West Chester Pike (Rte.3) Newtown Square, PA 19073 610-356-8035 • www.Mostardi.com
Visit our State-of-the-art Bath & Kitchen Showroom • Experience
the latest products & technologies from leading manufacturers
Be Inspired
• No
appointment required but recommended for a personalized consultation
• Serving
homeowners, “do-it-yourselfers,” and trade professionals of all sizes
• Showroom Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am-4pm, Sat. 9am -1pm
www.WeinsteinBath-Kitchen.com • 484- 471-3822 • 650 Abbott Drive, Broomall (Lawrence Park Industrial Park) Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
27
Business Profile
Quality Dance Education with a Twist of Fun by Liz Burnett Photos courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
(L to R) “Miss Sheila” (Turner) and “Miss Kitty” (Kitrina McNichols)
Learning to dance takes time, interest and effort. It can be hard work, but when that work is FUN, it can feel like PLAY! Newtown Square is blessed with a devoted dance teacher and community advocate, Sheila Turner, whose studio makes sure fun is part of every class.
that studio’s dancers who performed at the annual Saint Albans Circle Tree Lighting Ceremony. She especially loved the trips to New York City that the studio’s owner took her on, to take classes with legendary dancers and choreographers.
Life is Better with Dance!
Celebrating 16 years!
After Sheila graduated from Marple Newtown High School (MNHS), she attended Kutztown University. The self-confidence and comfort level being in front of people she gained from dancing motivated her to pursue a degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Public Relations. While in college, Sheila was involved in the school’s dance program and also taught dance. After graduating from Kutztown in 1994, she worked for 10 years in downtown Philly, in a sales and marketing position.
Tap Ballet Lyrical Broadway Jazz Little Movers & Shakers
Jazz Pointe Hip Hop Contemporary Birthday Parties Special Needs Inclusive
In 2004, Sheila fulfilled her lifelong dream of having her own dance studio. While trying to think of a unique name for it, she thought about how, when practicing dance routines, dance instructors and choreographers don’t say, “Let’s start from the beginning”; they always say “Let’s take it from the top!” The phrase “From the Top” popped into her head. Over the past 16 years, From the Top Studio of Dance (FTT) has steadily grown from one small studio space to one big space with three studios!
A lifelong Newtown Square resident and one of five kids, Sheila started dancing at age 3, at a local studio owned and operated by a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Sheila was one of
Now enrolling for Summer Camp & Summer Dance!
Dance classes for ages two through adult.
3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square
www.FromTheTopDance.com
610 -353 -2623 • info@fromthetopdance.com 28
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
Because the supportive and encouraging studio she grew up in and its owner had meant so much to Sheila, her studio continues that same mission and vision: To teach dancers of all ages and abilities the fundamentals, techniques and performance of dance and movement with the utmost regard for each student's individuality and right of self expression. “I had felt so safe and comfortable as a student in that dance studio, with all the other students, whether they were competitive or recreational dancers,” Sheila explained. “At a very formative time in my life. It was very helpful to have such an outlet to be able to express myself.” At From the Top Studio of Dance (3603 Chapel Rd in Newtown Square), students ages 2 and up can learn many dance styles: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Pointe. The instruction schedule runs September
that include dancing, games, crafts, and making friends through team-oriented activities. For each of 6 weeks, there’s a different theme and final-day show. Register online now at www.FromTheTopDance.com for any or all of these popular dance camps. A new feature this summer is Before and/or After Care.
Instructors Miss Eve and Miss Jayna with student dancers ages 4-6
through May. Students select one class per week, an hour that focuses on one dance style. Younger students take “combination classes,” and in each class, they’re introduced to and train in several different dance styles. All students participate in the annual recital in late May. This year, due to increased enrollment and sell-out crowds last year, FTT’s recital will be held in a larger venue, and there will be two shows. Immediately after the annual recital, registration opens for the classes that start in September. In addition to “Miss Sheila,” FTT has a full staff of professional and trained Instructors, many of whom are also lifelong Newtown Square residents. Instructor Kitrina McNichols (“Miss Kitty”), one of FTT’s original students, also serves as the studio’s Director of Communications. Instructor and Managing Director Helena Berggren, originally from Sweden and partowner of a dance studio there, expects to add some new connections and offerings for FTT’s dance students, including some Wellness Workshops for kids and teens. Sheila takes her staff to NYC every year, to attend the 3-day Dance Teacher Summit, for continuing education and exposure to professional dancers. She also exposes her students to professional dancers by arranging for Broadway performers who are doing a show for awhile in Philly to teach master classes at her studio and do a Q&A about being a professional dancer and what’s required for that career. FTT is a special needs inclusive studio. They offer daytime special needs classes for five Delaware County organizations. Sheila also teaches a dance class twice a month for students in the MNHS Life Skills Program. In November, some of Sheila’s special needs young adult students nominated her for the “Rose for Toni” award sponsored by AALIVE, an organization that offers adults with autism opportunities for socialization and awareness.
Sheila and her husband live in Newtown Square. They have a son in college, a daughter at MNHS, and a daughter in kindergarten. Sheila also keeps tabs on her many other “kids” (her dance students). “I watch them carefully and make sure they’re on the right path,” she says. “If not, I’ll say ‘Are you OK? Is everything alright?’ They know we’re a safe place to be, and we want them to use dance as a healthy outlet for whatever’s going on in their life.” As From the Top dance students perform at the annual NS Tree Lighting ceremony and recitals and take classes that help them learn many dance styles and gain self-confidence and selfesteem through performing arts, Sheila cherishes those fond memories as a young dancer herself. She also gets great satisfaction knowing she’s helping HER dance students create those wonderful memories and life skills for themselves. Sheila Turner has made her mentor’s mission and vision a beloved and lasting legacy here in Newtown Square! NS
Time to Replace Your Shower or Tub Enclosure?
Let the experts at Bryn Mawr Glass help guide you through the process, while staying within your budget! Specializing in Custom Shower Enclosures: • Frameless • Semi-Frameless • Framed & Frameless Sliders • For any budget
Ask us about OUR NEW SERVICE! Cleaning & Surface Protection for your Existing Shower Enclosure.
Finest Quality Glass & Mirror Materials:
• Tempered & Laminated (safety) glass • Acrylic & Polycarbonate • Insulated Glass • Antique Mirror • Heavy Glass Table Tops • And much more!
FTT also offers Dance Birthday Parties (many themes) and annual Summer Dance Camps for girls and boys ages 4-14. Dance Camps are fun week-long full-day or half-day programs
610-853-2990 • www.BrynMawrGlass.com Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
29
Expert Contributor by Lindsey Poeth, CSA® Oasis Senior Advisors - Main Line
When to Start Considering
Senior Care Options
Many families don’t address the challenges of aging until they absolutely must. That delay may force families to take action in an emergency, often resulting in hasty and ill-informed decisions. How do you know when it’s time to start looking at options? Aging seniors tend to wear their pride on their sleeve, and they will do whatever they can to hide their frailties. Here are 7 signs that it may be time to consider bringing in home health care or looking at senior living communities. 1. Isolation causing loneliness and possible depression. Studies have shown that socialization and mental stimulation are key components to healthy aging. Moving to a senior living community will increase socialization opportunities,
2. Loss of driver’s license. This incredibly difficult decision must be made so our loved ones will not endanger them selves or other drivers sharing the road. Counteract their loss of independence by offering solutions such as having a care giver who drives or moving to a senior living community that provides transportation. 3. Frequent falls. When an elderly person falls, it can often mark the beginning of a decline in physical condition and health. It’s definitely time to obtain assistance in the home or arrange for transition to a senior living community after fre quent calls to 911 due to falling or after a serious accident and/or hospitalization.
Understanding Senior Living Options Can Be Overwhelming and Confusing
4. Drastic weight loss. This may signal that the senior is not eating enough because he or she can no longer shop and/or prepare meals adequately. 5. Inconsistent or lack of compliance taking medications. It’s dangerous when an individual forgets to take their medication or mistakenly takes multiple doses. Families may use a mul titude of techniques (filling a weekly pill box and reminding them to take medication at specific times), but accidents can still happen.
A Free, Personalized Senior Housing Placement Service For: • • • • • • • •
allow participation in activities (even as a passive observer), and increase quality of life as seniors become part of a community.
Retirement Communities Independent Living Assisted Living / Personal Care Memory Care Respite Services Residential Care Homes Hospice Care Skilled Nursing Homes
6. Increased forgetfulness or confusion. Forgetting to turn off a stove burner, episodes of wandering outside, or unable to remember how to use the phone are all examples of when forgetfulness becomes dangerous.
www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com 484-947-4266 Lindsey Poeth, CSA
7. You are spending an inordinate amount of time as Care giver. Helping anyone bathe, dress, or use the toilet takes time and a great deal of emotional and physical stamina. Hir ing a caregiver to perform those duties in the home or at a senior living community can help safeguard your own health and allow you to resume your adult role and responsibilities in your own personal life. If you’re seeing any of the signs above, take some time now to become educated about available senior care options well before Mom or Dad needs them.
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®
NS
30
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
Expert Contributor by Matt McGuire Delaware Valley Turf
Lawns in Our Area
NEED TO BE FERTILIZED Let us start with the most overlooked fact regarding turfgrass management in the Pennsylvania area. Turfgrasses are not native to this area. Pennsylvania would revert to forest if we stopped mowing our lawns. There is too much moisture in the soil and air throughout the year for grasses to thrive. Conversely, the midwestern states such as Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas with deep topsoil and moderate rainfall are ideal for growing grasses, especially corn, a member of the grass family. Therefore, in our area, a lawn or athletic field will need special attention. The goal of any turfgrass management program is to suppress unwanted plants (weeds) and stimulate the turf. In order for turfgrass to look its best in our area, it will need special inputs so it can outcompete the weeds and withstand diseases. Like animals, plants need food. Photosynthesis is the process whereby plants make food using the energy of the sun. Turfgrasses use nutrients in the soil to aid in the process of photosynthesis. Soils need to have the capacity to hold nutrients and need regular inputs of nutrients through fertilization applications. Without fertilization, soils cannot provide the necessary nutrients to aid in photosynthesis and other metabolic processes.
Additionally, if the soil pH is too acidic (a condition common in our area), the soil will not have the ability to hold nutrients for the turfgrass roots to uptake. Every fertilization plan should include testing the soil’s pH and making adjustments. Even with the proper nutrients, turfgrass will have a difficult time throughout the year outcompeting weeds, withstanding pests and avoiding diseases. A solid turfgrass management plan for a lawn, athletic field or golf course will include plans for these problems. The first step in the spring for preventing weeds involves the use of a pre-emergent. A pre-emergent is a product that is applied at the onset of the season that prevents annual weed seeds from germinating. Other times throughout the year, it will be necessary to address broadleaf perennial weeds, insects, and diseases. A turfgrass management company, whether it is a lawn care, landscaping or athletic field maintenance company, should have a program that they follow that will provide you with the proper care of your lawn or field. Talk with a knowledgeable lawn care company to understand the processes that they use to keep your lawn in its best shape throughout the year. NS
Local organic-based lawn care for residential, commercial properties and athletic fields.
Proud to offer:
FREE Grub Preventive Treatment FREE Soil Test Call today for details
610-328- 4170
Visit our warehouse for Wholesale Lawn Care Products at 520F Abbott Drive, Broomall, PA
•
www.DelawareValleyTurf.com
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
31
Our Community by Liz Burnett
Spring Cleaning Begins With Giving It Away!
A Win-Win Way to Part with “Your Stuff” When does 1+1+1 = 4? No, this isn’t the New Math; it’s a very powerful community partnership! 1 Realtor who offers Home Sellers a free Home Clean-Out Concierge Service + 1 of the Realtor’s Home Sellers who must downsize or seriously de-clutter + 1 appointment for GreenDrop to come and take away that Home Seller’s donated items ®
®
4 Charitable Organizations that are better funded to accom plish their Mission! Yes, this type of Win-Win is now possible when Real Estate Experts like our magazine’s Sarah Forti partner with GreenDrop. When Sarah tells her clients that decluttering and staging their home for sale can help increase its market value, many of them gasp and ask “But what can I do with all this stuff?!?” Sarah assures them by saying:
“
I know this can be an overwhelming task. But GreenDrop can pick up your donated items onsite at no cost. Then GreenDrop will sell those items, with a portion of the proceeds going to 1 of their 4 Partner Charities, whichever YOU prefer.
”
~ Sarah Forti Newtown Square’s Resident Real Estate Expert
GreenDrop’s 4 Partner Charities are the National Federation of the Blind, American Red Cross, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Philadelphia, all
Newtown Square’s Destination Gift Shop
Fine Gifts & Collectibles
Bunny Hare’s
Jewelry • Home Decor • Cards Women’s Clothing • Hostess Gifts Candles • Free Gift Wrapping 610-325-3205 www.BunnyHares.com 15 St. Alban’s Circle, Newtown Square 32
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2020
They know many of their items have a lot of life left in them, and with GreenDrop, those items can be used secondhand, or recycled and turned into something completely new, all while raising funds for those in need.”
of whom collectively provide an extensive array of services and support to thousands of people in our local communities and the greater Philadelphia area. When GreenDrop launched its Home Clean-Out Concierge Program in 2015, they focused on connecting with people who might need help with large-volume donations of gently used clothing and household items: people like new empty nesters, those transitioning to assisted living facilities, and estate Executors. Those folks were happy to let go of their often-cherished but no-longer-needed or no-space-for items when they learned they’d also be helping a good cause. A year later, GreenDrop’s Community Marketing Manager Colleen Blair expanded it to add a no-cost Concierge Service that Real Estate Agents can add to their “toolbox” of related services. “Packing items you need and can take with you is time-consuming enough without having to spend time selling or disposing of items you don’t need or can’t take to your next home!” said Colleen. “Our GreenDrop Drivers can pack up and load your donated items into our truck, and take them away so their remaining value can benefit someone else and cut down on landfill waste.” Sarah Forti says “I’m delighted to see how happy and relieved Home Sellers look when I offer them this Concierge Service!
By emailing Concierge@GoGreenDrop.com or calling 888-575-7700, you start the “1 appointment” part of the equation above. A professional concierge representative will meet with you, to review everything you want to donate. GreenDrop accepts clothing, shoes, blankets and bedding as well as collectibles, kitchenware, toys, small appliances, electronics and sporting goods. A date gets scheduled for GreenDrop’s drivers to come pack and take away your donated items. “We can handle a Clean-Out of several rooms or an entire house,” explained Colleen, “so GreenDrop’s Concierge Service is a perfect solution to what is often a HUGE problem for homeowners.” GreenDrop’s “footprint” and Concierge Service extends from southern New York down to northern Virginia. That’s a LOT of Realtors and Home Sellers who can join this community partnership and benefit from GreenDrop’s Home Clean-Out Concierge Program while also indirectly financially supporting GreenDrop’s Partner Charities and those they serve. Do the math. The possibilities for doing good may be infinite! Publisher’s Note: While inspired by all our hometown Sponsors, whose support makes our free hometown magazine possible, I want to thank GreenDrop's Colleen Blair and Sarah Forti, our Resident Real Estate Expert, for teaming up at times to serve Newtown Square residents with distinction. For more information about GreenDrop’s no-cost Home Clean-Out Concierge Program, call 888 - 575 - 7500 or visit www.GoGreenDrop.com. Or, to contact Newtown Square’s Resident Real Estate Expert, Sarah Forti, call Sarah at 610-986-7170, or visit www.FortiHomes.com. N S
We’ll Turn Your Dream Kitchen into a Reality! ouse... H r u o Y e v o L Even More! PAINTING & GENERAL CONTRACTING
• Interior/Exterior Residential & Commercial Painting • General Contracting Services • Top-Quality Work and Beautiful Craftsmanship • Residential & Commercial Powerwash and Soft Washing Services
www.RaffertyPainting.com
•
610 - 626 - 9141
•
info@RaffertyPainting.com
Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
33
Our Community
Retro Fitness Newtown Square Welcomes New Fitness Coach,
“Erik has an impressive resume,” said Luigi Truono. “His Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology is complemented by his Master’s degree in Public Health,” Luigi added. While attending West Chester University, Erik interned at the YMCA as a fitness coach and a kindergarten gym teacher. “Since his days competing in high school sports,” said Ed Winfield, Retro Fitness NS’ Director of Programs and Fitness, “Erik has pushed himself and guided others to reach fitness goals. He’s now helping Retro Fitness members reach their fitness goals.”
Erik Le Blanc by Liz Burnett
Photo courtesy of Retro Fitness Newtown Square
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors and our Sponsor Retro Fitness Newtown Square are proud to announce the arrival of Erik Le Blanc to Retro Fitness and to the role of Expert Contributor in our magazine. Erik has joined the team of Retro Fitness professional fitness coaches and personal trainers at the community gym that benefits local residents, made possible by considerable investment of community sponsors and Retro Fitness co-owners Gene and Luigi Truono. In September, Retro Fitness opened in the Edgmont Square Center, to rave reviews and a membership that has consistently increased, necessitating the increase of its professional personal training staff.
$0
Erik Le Blanc’s training background stretches from working with children to adults of all ages. He also has experience working with individuals with special needs. As Retro Fitness’ newest Fitness Coach, Erik will be educating his clients about how to exercise properly while sharing the science behind why exercise is important to the body. “I’m excited to start helping Retro Fitness Newtown Square members get the results they want: feeling and looking better!” said Erik. Together with Ed Winfield, Erik has graciously agreed to share his personal training and fitness expertise with us as an Expert Contributor for our magazine. Look for Erik Le Blanc’s first Expert feature in next month’s issue. To contact Erik Le Blanc, stop in at Retro Fitness Newtown Square at 4845 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, or call Erik at 484-420-4935. NS
Let Our Personal Trainers Motivate You to Achieve Your Goals.
ENROLLMENT
(with Ultimate Membership)
Unlimited Guest Privileges Use of Any Retro Fitness Location Full Use of Club Amenities FREE Fitness Assessment & More!
SIGN UP TODAY! 484-420-4935 GYM HOURS: Monday-Friday 5am -11pm Saturday & Sunday 7am -7pm
4845 WEST CHESTER PIKE NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA 19073
MSP ConSulting grouP
Accounting & Bookkeeping Services 40 years of professional accounting experience with small business and non-profit organizations. • Accounting & Business Consulting • General Business Ledger Set Up • Tax Law Advice and Tax Planning • Federal & State Tax Filing Services • QuickBooks Management
EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE INTEGRITY 34
484.367.5358 Stephen L. Palmerio, CPA
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
caterers Enjoy your events by letting us cater all your special celebrations!
610-353-2080 3601 Chapel Road, Newtown Square
www.LuigiAndGiovanniCaterers.com Visit us online to see our great selection of à la carte, buffet and catered stations menus.
NS0120
Butcher Shop • Authentic Italian Market • Neighborhood Deli March 2020
Newtown Square Homeowner’s Solution For Sewer Tie-In Savings There are TWO OPTIONS for Sewer Tie-Ins with Township Approval 1. Traditional 4" Gravity System
2. Directional Drilling System
Digging Down to The Sewer Main
Underground Horizontal Drilling
Pros • A Gravity System with a clean out, relies on gradually sloping pipelines for downhill sewage flow. • The sewage flows away from the property and into a sewer main, offering peace of mind for many years. Con • Installing a Gravity System will significantly disturb the homeowner’s landscaping.
Pros • A Directional Drilling System is installed by tunneling underground horizontally, under gardens, driveways and other man-made obstacles. • Installation requires far less disturbance of landscaping. Cons • A Directional Drilling System requires a duplex grinder pump with battery backup (in the event of power loss). • Directional Drilling Systems require bi-annual servicing and owner monitoring.
Mid-Atlantic Mechanical has Completed Over One Thousand Sewer Tie-Ins, Each With Unique Challenges to Overcome. Let Us Help You as We’ve Managed These Projects in Newtown Square: • Newtown Edgmont Little League • Newtown Square Firehouse • Terrazza Apartments on Rt. 252 • Broomall Firehouse • AVE at Newtown Square on Rt. 252 • Ellis Preserve Shops & Residences and Many Other Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
Before You Make a Sewer Tie-In Investment Get a Competitive Quote From Mid-Atlantic Mechanical
Mid-Atlantic Mechanical is proud to offer Plumbing Service Repair! Mid-Atlantic Mechanical, Inc. is a licensed contracting company based in Newtown Square providing all types of commercial & residential heating and plumbing services and repairs.
www.MidMechanical.com Call TODAY for a no-obligation quote! 484-840-8281 Mid-Atlantic Mechanical, 2 Street Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073 Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com
35
Newtown Square Bringing People Together
2987
Friends & Neighbors
Newtown Square’s Newest Restaurant Destination is
NOW OPEN
Everyone’s Talking About
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
• The Flavors of Mexico • Mexican Specialties • Taco Tuesdays – $1 Off Tacos • BYOB Amigos! • Come Out for Sunday Brunch • Seating Reservations Accepted • Dine-In or Carry-Out • Delivery with DoorDash 484-427-7803 4755 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square Sun. - Thurs.: 11am - 9pm Fri. and Sat.: 11am - 10pm
A Piece of Mexico in Newtown Square! Value, at the end of the day, is what bridges the gap between low price desires and the premium products we offer at Scott’s Fireplace Products. 484- 422- 8334
Direct Vent Inserts & Fireplaces Contemporary & Electric Fireplaces Glass Doors, Grates and Log Rings Vented & Vent-Free Gas Logs Gas Stoves & Accessories Outdoor Living Fire Pits 3137 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA
www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com