Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, July 2020

2020 July

Newtown Square Bringing People Together

Friends & Neighbors

The Martin Family:

Counting Their Blessings Every Day Cover photo by Abbe Foreman Photography www.AbbeForemanPhotography.com

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

•

Newtown Square, PA

Dear Friends & Neighbors, This issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors completes our second year serving as your hometown magazine. Two years went by quickly after my first Dear Friends & Neighbors note like this one, introducing myself, our magazine and our local advertising Sponsors who make our monthly hometown magazine possible in print and online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com.

PUBLICATION TEAM PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Liz Burnett CONTENT COORDINATOR: Christina Manning DESIGNER: Kim Cesati COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Abbe Foreman Abbe Foreman Photography, 484-557-8236 www.AbbeForemanPhotography.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Shannon Locher, Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Blush Salon, Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Christina Manning, Liz Burnett, Doug Humes, Chris Stack, Jim Casar, Len Sciulli, Scott Magness, David Linn Cook, Sheila Turner, Ed Winfield, Dr. Heather Sefried and Holly Stupak 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 Christina Manning at CManning@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.

Even during the stay-and-shelter months with most businesses closed, more business leaders reached out to join our social network in print, which is Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine.

You’ve come to recognize how our Sponsors value Newtown Square. They show us by investing a portion of their marketing budgets to be Bringing People Together through our hometown publication. Whenever possible, please reward their leadership and choose to do business with the advertising Sponsors you see on these pages.

This month we welcome two new Sponsors who live among us and lead businesses in our community. These two business leaders love our magazine and they value our Newtown Square community.

Welcome Robert J. Kleinberg Landscape Design, specialists in LED home lighting technologies. Bob Kleinberg creates beautiful homes lit up at night, and he does it for less expense than you would think. Best of all, Bob can show you your home’s nighttime possibilities without obligation to buy outside home lighting. Check out Bob’s ad on the back cover and take Robert J. Kleinberg up on his offer to light up your home as never before, for less cost than you ever thought possible.

Also joining Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors as a Sponsor is Mike Tait, whose company, Exterior Specialists Excavation, really “digs” Newtown Square. Truly!

And not just Newtown Square. ES Excavation is known for digging all over southeastern PA with its heavy equipment that can be rented (with operators) for land moving tasks. As you’ll see in their ad on page 33, they do everything from construction site preparation for home additions and garage and basement excavations, to grading and backfilling for landscape design, pool installation or removal of pools, concrete, driveways, or large tree stumps. Mike tells me he can even deliver and place large decorative rocks or dig stormwater solutions for your property. How great is that, to now have a Newtown Square friend and neighbor with those kinds of tools!

Enjoy the summer everyone. Don’t forget to put this month’s issue in your pool or beach bag when you’re off to Get Your Splash On!

Bob Blaisse Publisher

ON THE COVER The Martin Family at Liseter Pond in Newtown Square 2020 July

Newtown Square Together Bringing People

bo rs Fri en ds & Ne igh

Dear Residents, This month we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th! Enjoy the day outside soaking in the summer sun and warm weather with friends and family.

This issue features The Martin Family, who finally found their forever home here in Newtown Square. In addition to useful information and advice from seven of our Expert Contributors, this month’s Business Profile is about Providence Pizzeria, a local restaurant with the best pizza and cheesesteaks in town! Make sure to check out our Local Star, Elisa Costantini, who is an author of two nationally recognized Italian cookbooks!

Our Calendar of Events offers many ideas for how to stay busy this Summer, including a virtual Escape the Room, activities and classes for children, and you can even explore the Museum of the American Revolution all from the comfort of your own home!

Stay safe and healthy!

ily : The Martin Fam sings Every Day Counting Their Bles

aphy Foreman Photogr Cover photo by Abbe anPhotography.com www.AbbeForem

Christina Manning

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

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

Chiropractic Care Dr. Heather Sefried, DC The Joint Chiropractic 3520 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 267-678-2225 • Info@TheJoint.com www.TheJoint.com

Dance Instruction Sheila Turner From the Top Dance 3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square, PA 610 -353-2623 • Info@FromTheTopDance.com www.FromTheTopDance.com

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Lou Matteo, Edgemont Automotive

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610-353- 9868 • www.EdgemontAutomotive.com 4

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

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 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

Landscape Design & Landscaping TJ Warner JHL Landscaping 610 -356-4104 • TJ@JHLlandscaping.com www.JHLLandscaping.com

Expert Contributors Martial Arts & Fitness Kickboxing Lou Marvil Level Up Black Belt Academy 610 -355-1960 Info@LevelUpBlackBeltAcademy.com www.LevelUpBlackBeltAcademy.com

Roofing, Siding & Carpentry Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co. Havertown 610 -449-8188 • Office@ODonnellRoofingCo.com www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com

Painting & General Contracting Services Tom Rafferty Rafferty Painting & General Contracting 610 -626-9141 • Info@RaffertyPainting.com www.RaffertyPainting.com

Senior Living & Housing Lindsey Poeth, CSA Oasis Senior Advisors – Main Line Malvern 484-947-4266 LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline

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

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

Plumbing Service, Residential / Commercial Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing 610-566-0288 • RFBPlumbing@comcast.net www.RFBondurant.com

Waterproofing & Weatherization David Linn Cook Weatherproofing Plus, Inc. Marple Newtown 610-325- 0596 • Info@Weatherproofing-Plus.com www.Weatherproofing-Plus.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

Share Our Magazine! www.NewtownSquareMag.com

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Resident Feature

by Christina Manning Photos by Abbe Foreman Photography www.AbbeForemanPhotography.com

We would like to thank

for sponsoring this month’s Resident Feature.

The Martin Family:

Aonghus and Laura Martin

Counting Their Blessings Every Day This month’s Newtown Square family, Aonghus and Laura Martin and their three children, were a delight to get to know.

Laura was born in center city Philadelphia. At Central High School, she played All Public Field Hockey, and was the leading scorer in the Philadelphia Public League. After two years at Northeastern University, she transferred to Fordham University School of Business in New York. During her senior year, she worked fulltime at Merrill Lynch as a trader, while attending night classes at Fordham, and graduated in 2005 with a Finance degree.

Aonghus grew up in Carrigans, County Donegal, Ireland. In 2002, he graduated with a law degree (LL.B) from the University of Birmingham in the UK. He continued his education in London at Queen Mary University Commercial and Corporate Law LL.M, graduating in 2004. Since then, Aonghus has worked for international law firms in London and New York, and as in-house counsel for large technology companies and banks.

Aonghus and Laura met in December, 2011, in Marylebone, London at the Beehive Pub while they were both there for work. “I loved his warm smile and how thoughtful and handsome he was,” gushed Laura. “And she had the kindest heart and such pretty green eyes!” said Aonghus. They both knew right away they were a perfect match because they’re so family-oriented and adventurous!

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

In 2013, they got married in Enniskerry, Ireland. To create a humorous “Irish vs. USA” theme, their rehearsal dinner party had live Irish music and cheesesteak sliders. Because they were planning to move to the US, they honeymooned far from the States, in such places as Greece, South Africa and Mauritius.

Aonghus and Laura then started their married life in Richmond, a sweet little town on the Thames River, ten miles southwest of London.

When Aonghus learned he had passed his New York Bar exam, the company he worked for at that time, Bank of America, approved his request to work remotely in the U.S. “We were ecstatic!” We immediately gave our landlord notice and sold everything,” Laura recalled. However, Bank of America changed plans and decided they needed Aonghus to manage the technology legal team from the London office. “What we thought would be the next exciting chapter in our lives — living in the US — was instead us having to start over from scratch,” said Aonghus.

While in the States for Christmas 2015, Aonghus was offered a job at a US law firm. They promptly packed their bags and moved to center city Philadelphia. Soon thereafter, Laura found out she was pregnant with twins! During her extremely difficult pregnancy, Laura was on bedrest for eight weeks in the hospital, but Aonghus was by her side every single night. At 34 weeks, the twins were delivered. “We had a few too many scary moments

while the twins were in the NICU,” recalled Laura. “But now Brady and Ava Grace are almost 5 and are thriving!”

Brady is an affectionate and curious little guy who will soon start Jr. Kindergarten at St. David’s Nursery. He enjoys playing hide-and-seek with his siblings and racing his scooter around the racetrack on the back deck of their house. He’s a “contemplative thinker” who loves learning how things around him are built and how they work. Brady will soon start karate lessons.

Ava Grace is clever and adventurous, and will soon join Brady at Jr. Kindergarten. She enjoys playing with him, especially trying to beat him around the racetrack. She is “the leader and the risk-taker.” “When Ava Grace first learned to walk on the beach,” Laura said, “she made a beeline for the ocean!” Ava Grace will soon start dance lessons. “The bond the twins share is one of the most incredible things we’ve ever witnessed!” said The Martins.

The youngest member of the Martin Family, Oliver, is a funny and confident three-year-old who will also attend St. David’s Nursery, in the 4s class. He is 16 months younger than the twins, but thinks he’s the same age. He’s a risk-taker like Ava Grace.

Oliver and his two older siblings all do Soccer Shots and gymnastics together. Oliver will join Brady for karate lessons.

Aonghus currently works for a multinational company, as their legal counsel advising on privacy- and technology-related matters. “I find solving legal problems and working with colleagues and clients around the world very interesting!” he

The Martin children (L-R): Brady, Oliver and Ava Grace

said. He looks forward to continuing to help the company grow and remain a great place to work. In his spare time, Aonghus enjoys playing soccer in two local leagues. Growing up, Aonghus and his brother played soccer every day, both dreaming of becoming professional players. They both played for about 20 Continued on page 8

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Resident Feature years in the lower leagues in England and for the Northern Ireland Youth National Teams. Soon after, Aonghus played on the Scotish Professional Team. “Aonghus’ mother has a whole scrapbook filled with newspaper clippings about The Martin Brothers!” said Laura.

Irish soccer player Aonghus Martin (left, in the green jersey) in the late ‘90s Photo courtesy of Aonghus Martin

When Laura was working for Merrill Lynch in 2006, she was offered and accepted a job at Citigroup, in investment banking with a focus on wind energy sectors. Her job required moving to Copenhagen, where she discovered her passion for interior design and changed careers. She pursued her new career path in London for five years, then headed back to the States where she officially started her own interior design and remodeling firm, Laura Martin Interior Design and Build (www.LauraMartinInteriors.com). She completed one of her home renovations while on bedrest with the twins in the hospital. That was a memorable client project, to say the least.

“It’s important for me to create a space my clients love,” said Laura. “Transforming a space changes how you feel when you walk down the stairs, how you enjoy your coffee on a Sunday morning, and opening your front door after a long day of work.”

Outside of her work, Laura is an admin on the Main Line Parent Community Facebook Group. Her role is to help families in domestic abuse situations relocate to their home and rebuild their lives.

In 2016, the Martin family moved to Wayne, and then in 2018, to Liseter in Newtown Square. The couple recently joined White Manor Country Club and started playing golf for a fun way to spend the day together. They enjoy spending time with their neighbors, attending game nights, barbecues by the pool, whiskey nights for the men and ladies night out. “Our neighbors definitely watch out for each other,” said Laura, “and you can feel that the people who moved there really wanted to be a part of a great community.” “Moving from the UK was a big adjustment,” added Aonghus, “but the Newtown Square community, Liseter in particular, is a fantastic place to live and raise a family.”

Oliver, Ava Grace and Brady Martin Photo courtesy of Laura Martin

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

Sq A Ne ua w re tow Or n igi na l

Entertain Outdoors this Summer!

Aonghus and Laura Martin at an Eagles game Photo courtesy of Laura Martin

To take their kids exploring, they purchased a bike seat and trailer. “They love it!” boasted Aonghus. In the Martin house, Sundays are reserved for the Eagles. Laura is a huge fan and they all are looking forward to cheering the Eagles on this fall. “While we were in London, I never missed a game,” Laura recalled.

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The Martin Family (L-R): Ava Grace, Oliver, Aonghus, Laura, Brady and dog Charlotte Photo by Abbe Foreman Photography

“Our beautiful home is certainly a blessing,” said the Martins, “but it’s a bonus, not a necessity. Our family is our necessity in life.” Each time they moved, their goal always was to find a home in which they’d love to raise a family. They never would hang anything on the walls in their other homes because they knew those were just temporary stops on the way to their final destination. “We couldn’t have chosen a better place than Liseter. It’s important to us that our community embraces all generations of families in Newtown Square,” said Laura and Aonghus, “It’s a blessing to know we are exactly where we are supposed to be!”

Do you know a family that readers of our magazine might like to meet in an upcoming issue? Nominate them by email to Christina Manning at CManning@BestVersionMedia.com.

NS

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Serving Newtown Square, Maine Line and Philadelphia

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610-647-8300

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Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com

9

Expert Contributor

by Ed Winfield, ASCM, NSPA, USAW Retro Fitness Newtown Square

Staying

MOTIVATED! So, you made the commitment, you’re gathering knowledge and learning what you should be doing for yourself, you’re pushing hard and busting your butt and…

NOTHING! Or so it seems. Right now, your body is adjusting and adapting to what you’re doing. There is no way that your body will not change when you are doing the RIGHT things and making even small changes in your diet. You may not see change right away; it may take months. But others will notice. Your clothes may fit a little differently, and you may be sleeping better. Look for these changes, hunker down and keep pushing. Stay in the game. It WILL happen and keep happening when you are on the right track surrounded by the right people.

make sense, if they cannot explain the program in terms you can understand, then walk away. It’s easy to be negative if you’ve been living your life based upon not getting results, being let down and having your expectations crushed. YOU have to believe in the right person, someone who understands you, so you can believe in the program that you’re following. If you don’t believe you’re on the right track, you won’t be looking for the positive results that you’re working for.

IT’S HARD!

Don’t give up. Be confident in what you’re doing! Before you know it, weeks become months, and months become years, and you’ve created a lifestyle that you’ve worked hard for and can be proud of! Then you will be what others are striving for!

That’s not why you’re doing this; it’s just what you will have accomplished and what you deserve because you worked for it. The funny thing is that it won’t seem like work anymore; it’s just something you do for yourself instead of watching TV and videos and eating crappy food!

If it weren’t hard, there wouldn’t be an obesity problem in our country. There wouldn’t be a multi-billion-dollar industry in supplements, equipment sales and weight-loss programs. Stop looking things up on the internet! People were getting in great shape before the internet and pre-workout drinks, intra-workout drinks and weight-loss programs.

STOP! Stop comparing your insides (how you feel about yourself) with someone else’s outsides (what’s posted on social media). Quit looking at others and doubting yourself. You must believe in the program you’re following. Hopefully, you’ve found the right Trainer, either online or in person, to follow and give you the right guidance. Remember: You are paying for this. If it doesn’t

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

4845 WEST CHESTER PIKE NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA 19073

July 2020

s n o i t a l u C ongrat July Sproul Lanes Student of the Month July Sproul Lanes Student of the Month Sofia Petroccia Photo courtesy of Sofia Petroccia

We’re pleased to announce that the July Sproul Lanes Student of the Month is Archbishop John Carroll High School rising Senior Sofia Petroccia! To celebrate this recognition, Sofia received a Certificate of Achievement and looks forward to enjoying her award: a “Pizza Bowl” party courtesy of Sproul Lanes, our Sponsor of this program.

As a member of Carroll’s Community Service Corps (CSC), Sofia has delivered turkeys and Thanksgiving dinners and also wrapped and delivered Christmas gifts to needy families in the community. She served as Manager of Carroll’s 2019 Softball Team, and was prepared to serve again this Spring but couldn’t because the season was cancelled. For the 2019-2020 school year, Sofia headed up the school’s Yearbook Committee. She’s also head of Carroll’s Student Ambassador Program, is the school’s #1 tour guide for visitors, and has helped 8th-graders and transfer students get comfortable in the school as they “shadowed” her for a day.

Since Freshman year, Sofia has served as a Class Representative on Carroll’s Student Council, and her leadership skills resulted in her recently being elected to serve as 2020-2021 Student Council President. A talented and hard-working student, she was inducted into the National Honor Society this past school year.

Sofia has studied dance since age 5, and now gives back by teaching young dancers ages 4-7 every Friday and Saturday.

She enjoys being a member of ACTS (Archbishop Carroll Theatre Society), and has been in their plays every year.

Student of the Month

by Liz Burnett

Sofia Petroccia!

Nominate the Next Student of the Month!

Any student in grades 7–12 who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District 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 is 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

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Book online TODAY! www.EscapeSproul.com

Congratulations again, Sofia! We wish you a wonderful Senior year, full of many fond memories, and much success in college and beyond!

Questions? Call us: 610-544-4524, ext. 2

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11

Expert Contributor

by David Linn Cook Weatherproofing Plus, Inc.

Nasty-Smelling Crawl Spaces: A Case Study This is the story of three waterproofing contractors’ failed attempts and the final solution to fix the bad moldy smell that had been causing headaches for the wife of a senior couple, long-time residents of a 1950s ranch-style home in the Springton area of Marple Newtown.

The home’s basement heater room was OK, but the bedrooms above the two crawl spaces were damp and nasty-smelling.

The three so-called fixes had been: 1. French drains and sump pumps had been installed in the basement and the two crawl spaces. But the sump pumps never really ran at all, and had little impact on the humid/moldy smells.

2. Three portable dehumidifiers had been installed and set to below 45% relative humidity. They made a lot of noise and heat, and the drip hoses leaked through the crawl spaces.

Your Basement DOES NOT Have to Look this Way!

3. HVAC UV filters and HEPA air filters had been installed. They helped significantly reduce pollen and dust but did nothing to eliminate the musty smell in the bedrooms.

The fourth attempt to fix this problem HAD to be permanent and easy for this senior couple to maintain. This was even more necessary due to recent stay-at-home orders that affect all of us. Indoor air is normally over 300% worse than outdoor air. If COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, then breathing clean “natural” air is now more important than ever.

For homes built since the 1950s, musty or nasty smells in crawl spaces cannot be solved using sump pumps, dehumidifiers, charcoal humidifiers or HEPA UV air filters. The solution for this home’s nasty-smelling crawl spaces was this multiphased approach: 1. In the two crawl spaces, all dehumidifiers were removed and replaced with box fans and oscillating fans. Vent ports between the basement and the crawl spaces were kept open!

2. To manage exterior surface water along the crawl spaces’ foundation walls, the perimeter that had been covered with flower mulch was replaced with sand and decorative stones/pebbles.

3. Surface water was also managed with drains and spout runoffs at critical points.

• Basement Waterproofing • Waterproofing Coatings • Foundation & Crack Repair • Sump Pump Install /Service • Mold Remediation • Humidity Control Management David Linn Cook 30 Year MN Resident Weatherization Expert

The next two proprietary corrections were game-changers and not at all expected by the homeowners. Unlike the basement, which has mold-reducing windows and vents, the crawl spaces have neither, and instead had complete darkness and humidity.

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4. Added low-energy light bulbs throughout, and permanently closed open/wet foundation vents.

5. The floors and walls of the crawl spaces became clean and dry after being completely hosed down safely without harmful chlorine bleaches.

The bad foundation smells were due to organic matter (mud) composting in a damp, dark and typically 55-degree crawl space.

By adding light and low air-flow fans, removing exterior perimeter surface water, and doing a one-time hose-down cleaning, the bedrooms are now quiet, and gone are the noise, moldy smell and headaches. A permanent no-maintenance solution!

NS

www.WeatherProofing-Plus.com 12

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

Expert Contributor

Staying Hydrated

by Heather Sefried The Joint Newtown Square

During the Summer Months

Not getting enough water in the heat of the summer can do more than just make you thirsty. You need to drink enough water to nourish your entire body, including your spine. If you do experience back pain, a chiropractic adjustment and proper hydration can help!

When your chiropractor performs an adjustment, your body is put into proper alignment, which reduces the stress and tension in your spine. Once this happens, the toxins that have been building up are finally able to be released. Drinking water after the adjustment will help eliminate these toxins from your body more quickly. Drinking lots of water after your adjustment will also nourish the discs between the vertebrae, keeping your spine healthy and flexible.

Dehydration is an abnormal condition in which the body’s cells are deprived of an adequate amount of water. One of the main contributing factors of a person becoming dehydrated is heat. Dehydration symptoms include confusion, muscle weakness, and fatigue. There are many things you can do to stay hydrated, including:

1. Drink plenty of water If you are not a fan of water, try adding a lemon, orange or a cucumber for flavor. Make it a habit to carry water with you during the summer months.

2. Avoid Alcohol Excess Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration in a variety of ways. Alcohol decreases the body’s production of antidiuretic hormone, which is used by the body to reabsorb water. With less antidiuretic hormone available, your body loses more fluid than normal through increased urination.

3. Eat a Good Variety of Foods & Don’t Eliminate Carbs Eliminating carbs might be good on your scale but its not good for your levels of hydration. Carbohydrates are stored in your body along with fluids. That’s why you drop a couple pounds of water weight when you eliminate carbs. Also, carbs are contained in foods such as pasta, oatmeal and rice, which all soak up water during the cooking process. Eliminating them will also reduce your fluid intake.

4. Avoid Filling Your Belly with Caffeinated Beverages There’s no study that says drinking caffeinated beverages as part of a normal lifestyle causes dehydration, but it does have a mild diuretic effect. If you drink such beverages, you tend to drink less water. So, instead of grabbing a soda, caramel mocha or tea, grab some water.

If you want to maintain the benefits of your chiropractic adjustments, you will put down that soda, or you will skip the iced latte, and instead will pick up a bottle of water, the magical elixir of life.

NS

FREE IS GOOD

Good Health is Better The Joint Chiropractic has reserved one FREE chiropractic visit for every resident of Newtown Square.

Free Chiropractic visit requires proof of Newtown Square residency.

Come claim your right to good health.

FREE

INITIAL VISIT* FOR NEWTON SQUARE RESIDENTS Includes Consultation, Exam & Adjustment

Newtown Square 3520 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 19073 (267) 214-3322 | thejoint.com *Offer valued at single visit rate. Initial visit includes consultation, exam and adjustment. Present offer at time of redemption at the location listed only. No cash value, not valid towards past purchase. 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.

www.thejoint.com

Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com

13

Bringing People Together

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

This Local Business Leader Will Be Bringing People (Back) Together!

Delaware County has moved further towards reopening from the coronavirus shutdown. The most severe restrictions have gone away, including the stay-at-home order we all endured.

But our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors Sponsors sacrificed even more for the health and safety of our community, by closing their businesses. As more of the economy begins to reopen, restrictions are being adjusted as necessary, based on public health indicators. Many businesses have been allowed to reopen, while others still not. At the time of this writing, hair salons are yet to open as are gyms. And restaurants still remain limited to takeout and delivery only, but restaurants can open for outdoor dining.

Bringing People Together for years and who is also a Sponsor of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, for his insights into these times, which no doubt have affected his local restaurant businesses we have all come love and rely for gathering, good food and good times.

I asked Pete Crisanti, owner of Casey’s Public House and The Porch at The Lamb Tavern, to share some of his thoughts about these times. Pete has allowed me to share his thoughts with our readers.

I’m looking forward to going out for dinner at local restaurants again, and so this month I thought I’d ask a well-known and loved restaurateur in our community, someone who has been As an essential business, Martella Electric is OPEN & AVAILABLE!

How have these past months been for you as an owner of restaurants forced to be closed or open only for takeout?

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Do you have a date for when Casey’s and The Porch at The Lamb Tavern will be reopening?

Pete: That’s up to Governor Wolf. I’m cautiously optimistic that our two Casey’s will have been reopened for two weeks by the time Readers receive this magazine, and The Porch around July 8th. A few weeks ago, we started outdoor dining at Casey’s in Berwyn, and that’s going very well.

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Pete: Very trying, to say the least! We have multiple locations, and business had never been better in our 30+ years than before the March 15 “punch in the gut.” For two weeks, we did takeout at two of our locations, to use some inventory we had.

Then, while we were closed completely for a month, we did a lot of renovations and expensive preparations to be COVID-ready when we reopen. We started takeout again in early May, but we and all our friends and neighbors want us to get back open!

July 2020

Pete: Oh yes, from countless customers! We’ve developed many loyal patrons over the past 30 years. Some of them have been enjoying BYOB happy hour at Casey’s Newtown Square behind the restaurant, in the back parking lot, because they want to feel close to the building!

Will things be different when the restaurants reopen?

Pete: Absolutely! We will follow all the state and CDC guidelines, of course. All employees will wear a mask. All around each restaurant, we have hand-sanitizing stations. All day long every day, we’ll be cleaning and wiping down all door handles and all active touch surfaces. We’ve put up partitions for social distancing, and will also follow maximum occupancy guidelines, currently at 50%. We’re doing everything necessary to ensure our staff and guests are safe and protected, and to make this new way of doing business possible.

865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield www.ThePorchPA.com

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Is there anything you’d like to share with our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors Readers?

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Pete: We know everyone is eager to get back out again. We sure are, and we’re looking forward to seeing all our old friends again! I’m hoping and praying that all local businesses big and small will all rebound and recover from this, and we can get back to where we were. Or to the new normal, which will be better than what we’ve all just lived through.

Pete Crisanti is the co-owner of Casey’s Public House in Newtown Square and Berwyn, and The Porch at The Lamb Tavern. Pete is also an inaugural Sponsor of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. As the Publisher, I cannot imagine anyone in our community who has served more Newtown Square residents than Pete, nor anyone more deserving of our loyalty and local business when we feel we can go out to share good times and a good meal with friends and family at a local hometown restaurant, especially one that has been such a faithful Sponsor of our hometown by making our hometown magazine possible.

NS

Bob Blaisse

Publisher, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

SINCE 1976

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15

Business Profile

P R OV I D E N C E PIZZERIA CO.

GREAT PEOPLE. GOOD PRICES. AWESOME PIZZA!

by Christina Manning Photos courtesy of Providence Pizzeria Co. In April 2019, Providence Pizzeria Co. opened its doors in Newtown Square. Providence Pizzeria’s Owner, Tim Ryan, was born and raised in Newtown Square. A graduate of Marple Newtown High School, Tim was thrilled to get an opportunity to give back to his lifelong community by providing delicious food and quality service.

To ensure those two goals are being met, Tim’s mom, Kathy Ryan, is Providence Pizzeria’s General Manager. Kathy and her four sons have lived in Newtown Square all their lives. She also attended Marple Newtown High School, and started out in the restaurant industry at Aronimink Country Club. “I love the restaurant business!” Kathy raved. “There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush you get when it gets really busy!” Having been in this line of work for 40 years, Kathy has truly done it all. “I really liked being a server,” Kathy said, “because I am a people person!” One thing Kathy knows all about is presentation. “In this business, appearance makes a big difference,” Kathy explained. And that’s why Providence Pizzeria is fresh and clean, giving customers a pleasurable experience.

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

The Providence Pizzeria Team Back (L-R): Santino Pennestri, Andrew Cantwell, Kathy Ryan, Jake Bush, Adin Zappo, Tim Ryan

July 2020

P PR RO OV V II D D EE N NC C EE P P II Z ZZ Z EE R R II A A C CO O ..

PIZZERIA CO.

GREAT PEOPLE. GOOD PRICES. AWESOME PIZZA!

Kathy and Tim Ryan

Great People. Good Prices. Awesome Pizza! That’s what Providence Pizzeria is all about, and it’s what Kathy Ryan takes great pride in. From Chicken Chipotle Paninis to Mushroom Cheesesteaks and Meat Lovers Stromboli, the menu is filled with choices to satisfy all of your cravings. However, Providence Pizzeria is known for their pizza. Their most popular pizza? Well, that’s hard to say considering they have 18 kinds of pizza (!) including Chicken Bacon Ranch, BBQ Chicken,Taco, Marguerita, even a Christmas pizza and more! Providence Pizzeria also offers a gluten-free pizza. Customers will enjoy and long remember, as Kathy says, “the best pizza and cheesesteaks!”

Providence Pizzeria at 5003 West Chester Pike is the perfect place to stop during your lunch break for a quick bite to eat.

After you’re greeted with a smile, you can walk right up to the counter, order your meal and check out at the register. The staff are all young, hard-working college and high school students. “Most of them have been with us since we opened,” said Kathy. “They come back in between their school semesters!”

Manager Taylor McReynolds helps everything run smoothly.

You’ll see Taylor’s and other staff ’s friendly faces while paying at the register or at your front door if you’re having your food delivered. “We have really become a family,” Kathy said proudly, “and we look out for each other and always help each other whenever needed.”

Traditional Pizza Specialty Pizza Starters & Wings Soups & Salads Cheesesteaks Hoagies & Burgers Sandwiches & Wraps Strombolis Kid’s Meals Beverages & Desserts

Mon -Thurs : 10 : 30am - 9 : 00 Pm Fri- Sat : 10 : 30am - 10 : 00 Pm / Sunday : 12 : 00 - 9 : 00 Pm 5003 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610 - 325 - 5200 / Dine- In / Take- Out / Delivery Save T i m e, Or d er Onl i n e

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When Kathy isn’t at Providence Pizzeria helping make it so awesome or helping her sons with their businesses, she heads down to Ocean City, for some much needed R&R. “I love taking the grandkids to the boardwalk!” she said fondly.

Providence Pizzeria is open seven days a week: Mon -Thurs 10:30am - 9pm; Fri & Sat 10:30am - 10pm; Sun 12 - 9pm. You can dine-in, get takeout or order for delivery! Check out their mouthwatering menu and good prices at www.ProvidencePizzeria.com.

You can conveniently order online or call 610 - 325 - 5200 to place your order.

Kathy and Tim Ryan wanted to reach out to the community, to say, “We have made so many wonderful friends over the past year, and we just wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Though we have only been here a year, we really feel a part of the community and are so grateful for your support!”

NS

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Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com

17

Expert Contributor

by Scott Magness Scott’s Fireplace Products

Getting Together with Friends & Family What are the normal thoughts a person might have as we move into July and summer really begins to take shape? Baseball season, 4th of July festivals, summer camps and vacations, just to name a few. As we all know, 2020 has been anything but normal! In the first half of this year, the few things just listed have not happened and quite possibly will not happen this year due to business closures and stay-at-home orders across the nation, the cancellation of all sports, concerts, and festivals, and simply our average daily routines being turned upside-down.

It has seemed like a lifetime, but Delaware County is slowly opening back up. Nothing major so far, but small steps toward

getting everyone up and running again. While most of us still remain at home, why not invite a few friends over for a barbecue on a gas grill, and spend some time by the gas fire pit on those cool summer nights?

Compared to charcoal grills, gas grills are not messy (well, depends what is being grilled!) and can start with the push of a button. On a charcoal grill, there can be a lot of having to shift the charcoals around, to get temperatures right. Gas grill temperatures, however, can be controlled with pinpoint accuracy.

And with the turn of a knob, a gas grill can create a hot side cooking surface and also a cooler side, allowing for a variety of

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.

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601-353-7033 www.LaLocandaPA.com 4989 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 18

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

foods to be grilled. When grilling is done, just turn the gas grill off! Yes, that’s it. No waiting for the coals to cool down and be disposed of later.

Gas fire pits are very similar to gas grills with the only difference being no cooking. Gas fire pits also turn on with the push of a button. Unlike wood fire pits, gas fire pits require no kindling and no chopping of wood. With a fire pit’s control knob, it’s a breeze to raise or lower the flame height to control the amount of heat it puts out. And having to dodge a wood fire

pit’s smoke is no longer a worry or a necessity. Gas fire pits have a controlled flame with no smoke emissions, and there’s a variety of decorative glass colors or rocks, to use as media for the flames to come right through and create a timeless appearance. And here’s the best part: No messy clean up! Just like gas grills, when it’s time to call it a night, just turn the knob off and that’s it!

NS

Honoring The Life of a Loved One

D’ANJOLELL

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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.

D’ANJOLELL Memorial Home of Broomall 2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008 610-356-4200 Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. F.D.

D’ANJOLELL Stigale D’ANJOLELL 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

D’ANJOLELL Barone Memorial Home of Wallingford 908 S. Providence Road Wallingford, PA 19086 610-874-7700 Edward S. Barone, Supervisor

Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com

19

Where Are We?

Can You Spot It From the Air? Hint: This intersection leads to a new

development of homes being built in either Marple or Newtown Township, or both. Can you name the intersection?

The answer can be found on Page 26.

Photo Courtesy of FAA-Certified Drone Pilot Chris Stack (NewPigeonImaging@gmail.com)

Fine Furniture

GENE KRUEGER 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.

PH OTO G R A PH Y

A Gene Krueger Signature Classic

Craftsman-Styled American Furniture

caterers

• China Cabinets & Bookcases • Lighted Display Cabinets • Beds, Chests & Dressers • Dining Room Tables

Enjoy your events by letting us cater all your special celebrations!

• Toy & Storage Chests • Lingerie and Jewelry Chests • Coffee and End Tables • And Much More

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 20

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

Visit the Gallery of Gene Krueger Fine Furniture Studio 555 Abbott Drive, Broomall www.GeneKruegerFineFurniture.com 610 -731-7330 • GeneKrueger5@gmail.com

Expert Contributor

by Jim Casar

Time to Replace

Carpet Warehouse

Worn Carpeting or Flooring?

A little less pile and an upgraded pad can sometimes give the same feeling as a heavier piece of carpet. This type of solution often provides the same durability and wearability.

If you already have hard flooring or are considering getting hard flooring to replace carpeting, there are all kinds of options: Luxury vinyl plank, waterproof laminate, waterproof real hardwood planks, and real hardwood ¾". You can also get engineered hardwood, which is a little thinner with a more stable backing for expansion and contraction.

There’s something for everyone and at a price that can surely make your house look its best!

NS

As you’ve been stuck in your house for the past few months, you may have noticed that your carpet or flooring is starting to look a little “off,” tired, or more worn in some areas or spots than others. It might be time to replace that old dingy carpet or flooring.

If it’s carpeting and it’s not too bad, you could try to get it professionally cleaned. If you do go that route and your carpeting is still under warranty, be sure to use a certified carpet cleaning professional so you don’t void the warranty.

Your carpeting will stay looking — and smelling — good longer when you vacuum it as often as possible. That’s in addition to having it cleaned every 12 - 18 months.

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If you’re thinking of replacing your existing carpeting, consider how much wear and tear it will take. Will there be a lot of foot traffic? Pets? Will this be carpeting at an entrance where a lot of dirt and debris gets tracked in from outside?

While your budget is always a factor in any purchase, keep in mind that better carpeting, which is usually more expensive, will wear better than cheaper carpeting. Does it make sense to pay a lot less but then need to recarpet again a few years later because of many signs of wear? Mid-priced carpeting could be your best choice.

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Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com

21

Travel by Book Where do you want to travel? Paris? Rome?

Your friend’s house?

If you’re staying home, where better to turn than a good book for companionship? A book can be our most sacred confidant, a beautiful escape, a moment of togetherness, or a moment of solitude.

Whether you’re reading on your own, with kids, or aloud with your partner, books can whisk you away to far-off places without having to leave your couch.

Be it real or fantasy, books have the power to be a soul-healing, heart-calming, and love-growing experience. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a fun start.

The Art of Leaving by Ayelet Tsabari (Israel) Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (Ghana)

Told by Starlight in Chad by Joseph Brahim Seid (Chad) The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende (Chile) One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombia) The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan (Ivory Coast) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (Afghanistan)

Cloudstreet by Tim Winton (Australia)

The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey by Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia & Venezuela)

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Sweden)

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (Germany & France)

Ulysses by James Joyce (Ireland)

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (China)

Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King (Canada)

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (India)

Secrets by Nuruddin Farah (Somalia)

He Who Searches by Luisa Valenzuela (Argentina)

Give your home the protection it deserves.

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.

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by Alley L. Biniarz & Vanessa Shields

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

Visit Our Nearby OPEN Drop Off Location 700 Reed Road, Broomall In The Home Depot Parking Lot

Drive in. Drop off. Done!

NOW OPEN

A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam (Bangladesh) Wonder by Hugo Claus (Belgium)

by Appointment Only!

Symphony in White by Adriana Lisboa (Brazil) First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung (Cambodia) Farewell to the Sea by Reinaldo Arenas (Cuba) Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (Mexico) I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) House of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuk (Poland) Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (Ethiopia, USA & India) Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney (New York City) The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (Paris, France) Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (Italy) Love and Ruin by Paula McLain (Spain, Finland, China, USA & Cuba) Birds, Art, Life: A Year of Observation by Kyo Maclear (Toronto, ON) Winner of the National Book Award by Jincy Willet (Rhode Island)

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www.WeinsteinBath-Kitchen.com Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com

23

History Spotlight

Newtown Square’s

Indy Winners

by Doug Humes

The original Team Penske garage

The 1972 Indianapolis 500 was the fastest on record, and that pace would not be topped for 12 years. The winning car came from a non-descript garage in Newtown Square, where for years, two young engineers had been tinkering to build the perfect race cars. The winning driver, Mark Donohue, was one of those engineers, living at times in the small apartment next to the garage. Donohue’s partner, Roger Penske, and his teams have since won that Indy title a record 18 times, and Penske is still racing at age 83.

Donohue had obtained his Engineering degree from Brown University, and Penske from Lehigh. By 1966, at age 29, they were working together at a small one-bay garage on Winding Way. Why Newtown Square? Penske recalled:

Photo courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society

There were a number of reasons why we chose the Newtown Square garage as the original Team Penske race shop, but probably the biggest factor was location. I was working at the Chevrolet dealership in Philadelphia at the time, and I lived nearby. We started looking for a garage as the team was starting to take shape. We found the Newtown Square location and it was available, so we leased the property and went to work. It quickly went from a one-car garage to a two-car garage and the first home of Team Penske. (email exchange between author and Roger Penske)

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

•

3609 Chapel Road, Newtown Square

Penske had also been a successful driver, but had retired when his business interests – car dealers, a leasing company and auto racing – required all of his time. For his driver and partner, he sought out Donohue, who lived in Media with his wife and two children. Many local residents remember Donohue burning the midnight oil at the Winding Way garage, staying in the small apartment in front. He was a rare breed: part designer, mechanic and driver. A friend called him “a gunslinger who also happened to have designed the gun.”

Donohue in driver’s seat, Penske alongside Photo courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society

1972 Indy-winning race car Photo from public domain (Wikipedia) Mark Donohue (L) preparing for upcoming race Photo from public domain (Wikimedia Commons/Gillfoto)

In 1973, Team Penske moved out of Newtown Square to larger facilities, and Donohue retired from driving, but was lured back in 1974, to race Formula One cars. In an interview, Donohue recognized the risk: “My philosophy is that nobody is holding a gun to my head… They could carry me off in a box. But I wouldn’t want anyone feeling sorry for me. I wanted one last chance to do something really well.”

During a practice run for the 1975 Austrian Grand Prix, Donohue’s car blew a tire. He hit his head hard but walked away from the crash. After a headache developed, he checked into the local hospital the next day, and then lapsed into a coma.

When Donohue died two days later, his long-time racing partner, Roger Penske, was at his side.

For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit the Newtown Square Historical Society’s website at www.HistoricNewtownSquare.org.

NS

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Bringing People Together in Print & Online @ www.NewtownSquareMag.com

25

Expert Contributor

by Sheila Turner From the Top Dance

The Show Must Go On!

Lessons Learned When the Lights Go Dim From drive-by birthday parties, mock graduation ceremonies and virtual happy hours, communities across the globe are proving that as time goes by, they’re not letting this pandemic rain on their parades. When folks were initially told to stay home for two weeks, that seemed feasible because it wouldn’t have too much of an impact on our lives. So everything shut down. But as two weeks turned into three then four, with no end in sight, administrators, students, parents, business owners and employees began searching for ways to move forward while hunkered down.

DANCERS WANTED!

Ages: Junior High & High School Dance Style: Urban, Commercial, Street Audition is required.

Interested dancers email: dance@fromthetoponline.com with the Subject Line: “Dance Crew”

The dance community has certainly suffered tremendously, not just in the loss of revenue but also in the loss of the personal connections that makes a dance studio come alive. In an effort to keep those relationships strong, classes moved to the virtual world and we all started dancing at home. Teachers had to completely change the format of their classes and get super-creative amid household distractions. Parents have had to manage logins and technical difficulties. And students have had to connect with their classmates through only a small computer screen.

While it certainly doesn’t look the same and it doesn’t feel quite the same, digital dance classes do offer a sense of normalcy, familiarity and connection that students desperately need.

Much talk these days is centered around both physical and mental health during a crisis, and for good reason. Christina Donaldson, a clinical psychologist who serves on the advisory board of Youth Protection Advocates in Dance, says that “Dance classes in any form are about more than learning technique– they offer community. Kids are actually getting more from these virtual classes on a mental and emotional level.”

Furthermore, by showing dancers that we can switch things up and adapt to our new normal, we’re teaching them a valuable lesson on how to be resilient. According to Merriam-Webster, resilience is “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.” Kids notice how their teachers and mentors handle adversity, and if change is modeled for them with compassion and understanding, such behavior will become a lasting memory and valuable resource for them in the future.

There is hope that soon will come a day when we will again turn on the lights, raise the curtain and perform for a packed house. Until then, we stay safe, healthy and connected the best we possibly can!

NS

610-353-2623 www.FromTheTopDance.com 3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square 26

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

From the Air Answer (pg. 20): The intersection in “Marple Township” at Newtown Street Rd. (Rt. 252) and Media Line Road, nearest to the site of 38 new homes being developed on the new “Cherry Blossom Lane,” just outside of Newtown Township and just off Rt. 252, between Gradyville Rd. and Media Line Rd.

Expert Contributor

by Len Sciulli

Cooling System Options

Len Sciulli & Sons

Before the advent of home air-conditioning systems, the best you could do as the temperature climbed outside was to open windows and turn on a fan. Nowadays, you have multiple options for cooling your home depending on your budget and lifestyle.

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING A common option for many homes in North America, central air conditioning systems are integrated with furnaces, to provide cooling throughout your home during the summer months. Refrigerant circulates through a coil in your supply ductwork, to remove heat from your air and provide cool air to your house. This method is convenient because it uses existing ductwork and provides comfort throughout your home.

WINDOW UNITS If your home is small or you don’t have a duct system, you can use a window unit to cool an area in your home. You aren’t limited to one window unit. You can install one per bedroom and one in the living room, for example.

HEAT PUMP Heat pumps are becoming more common because they provide both heating and cooling, making them ideal for “shoulder seasons” like spring and fall. Now with new inverter compressors, they are more efficient than previous versions.

Each cooling system option has its price range, of course, and for some homes, some options are more appropriate than others. An experienced heating and cooling systems expert can help you choose the best cooling system for your home and budget.

NS

Maintain Your HVAC System During Every Season

MINI SPLIT If you’d rather not see a large unit on your wall, a small mini split provides an alternative to the window unit. With many sleek designs, these units are more aesthetically pleasing while allowing individual room control. As with window units, they don’t cool your entire home and are often used for homes without existing ductwork.

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Entertaining and Educational E-vents

by Christina Manning

“When in the course of human events,” government officials require citizens to protect public health and safety by practicing social distancing, our towns’ and cities’ usual gathering places are not available to us. Organizations are not planning our usual delightful array of local events for July. As we are all temporarily “netizens” only, our Calendar pages here offer E-vents — online tours, activities and live or on-demand videos that can entertain and educate people of all ages.

Delco Libraries Virtual Events www.DelcoLibraries.LibCal.com/calendar

Although local libraries may be closed, they’re offering two county-wide programs to help connect people. Paperless Pen Pals helps Delaware County residents who share similar interests connect with each other through email correspondence. Fill out the library system’s Google Survey form and a neighborhood librarian will connect you with a pen pal. If you’re in need of a friendly conversation, fill out their Neighborly Chat form and you will be paired with a friendly librarian or volunteer who will check on you once a week by phone.

Philly Zoo Live and On-Demand Videos www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org

The Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo and home to almost 1300 animals, recently introduced a new series to keep us entertained from home. Halfway down the HOME page on the zoo’s website, click on Discover and Learn, a page from which you can watch videos, complete activities and ask questions about the amazing zoo animals. Some videos are from the zoo’s Facebook Live series. If you attend a live event (weekdays at 2pm), you can write in and ask questions about the animals.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens www.PhillyMagicGardens.org

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) opened in 2008. It’s an immersive mixed media art environment that’s completely covered with mosaics. Although they are currently closed to the public for tours and exhibitions, they are offering many ways to explore PMG from your home. Their virtual tour lets you view the outside of the space. You can also print out coloring and activity sheets, and connect to their social media channels for more videos, photos, and fun content.

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Arts+Culture To Go Courtesy of The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance www.PhillyFunGuide.com/togo

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Arts Alliance supports the growth of arts organizations as well as their audiences. The GPCA offers virtual classes and activities that inspire, educate and entertain kids. Your child can experience, for example, a virtual Betsy Ross House tour, take their pick of books from the library’s Digital Media Databases, and even get their groove on during a live stream dance class!

This site's "Lunch & Learn" page offers dozens of links to online classes, lectures and seminars so kids and adults can use their downtime to get inspired or learn or try something new. For self-guided tours of famous historic and cultural Philly tourist attractions, be sure to visit the “Community Table” page. Wind down the day on the “Snackable Shows” page and watch some of the region’s best dance, theater, and music!

The Philadelphia Orchestra www.PhilOrch.org

The Philadelphia Orchestra is a 97-member American symphony orchestra based at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “We know that now, more than ever, music is an incredibly powerful force for good, for inspiration, and for healing.” Search the site for the word virtual or on-demand and results will offer many links to music in video and audio forms, as well as interactive education and enrichment.

Smithsonian Museum Virtual Tours NaturalHistory.SI.edu Search: Virtual Tour The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers virtual tours of some of their most famous exhibits past and present. Experience exhibits such as Bone Hall, Butterfly Pavilion, External Life in Ancient Egypt and many more! The website also offers educational information on their various departments, such as Botany, Vertebrate Zoology, and Mineral Sciences. The Smithsonian offers a wide range of topics for the whole family to enjoy!

We hope these e-vents help you all regain some of your connection to the many interesting and enriching things our wonderful world offers. Discover more by searching the internet for topics that interest you, such as “workout apps” or “arts and culture” or “free online activities.” And until our local events resume Bringing People Together in person, enjoy getting good at thinking outside the box!

NS

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Local Star

Elisa Costantini

Newtown Square’s Famous Italian Cookbook Author

by Christina Manning Photos courtesy of Elisa Costantini Newtown Square resident Elisa Costantini was born in 1938 in Poggio Valle, Italy. She started cooking at age six, with her aunt, who trusted only her blood relatives to help cook the big feasts for the town. “My aunt made us work in the middle of the night,” Elisa said, “so no one could steal the recipes!” When Elisa was nine, she became the cook for her entire family. That required her to wake up at 2:30am, to start making the bread. Unfortunately, her responsibilities also required her to drop out of school.

When she was 23, Elisa came to the US for the first time. “I had to show up on a certain day,” Elisa said, “otherwise I would have lost my US citizenship, which I inherited from

Italian cookbook author Elisa Costantini

my mother, who had been born in Camden, NJ.” As if that wasn’t challenging enough, Elisa had to come to the US by herself, leaving behind her husband, Francesco, and their one-year-old daughter Nadia, because their paperwork wasn’t ready in time. “Leaving your husband to care for your child was unheard of back then,” she recalled. Alone

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and scared, Elisa made her way to America, by boat.

Thankfully, Francesco and Nadia’s paperwork came in the very next day, and the family was soon reunited. They started the next chapter of their lives in West Philadelphia, where Elisa’s son Frank was born.

The family moved to Newtown Square in 1977. Elisa polished off and perfected her cooking skills at Divine Providence Village where, for 35 years, she has provided food for children with special needs. In 2013, her life took a heartbreaking turn: Her husband of 52 years lost his battle to cancer. For months afterward, Elisa was depressed and lost her passion for more than just cooking. Her children became worried about her health and mental well-being.

When her son Frankie found recipes Elisa had scribbled down on pieces of paper and even on some birthday cards, he thought to ask her, “How are your grandkids ever going to know how to cook your delicious dishes?”

Elisa’s family convinced her to compile her all-time classic recipes into a cookbook. They started a Kickstarter campaign, made a simple Facebook post, and soon thereafter, Elisa had raised $27,000 to produce her cookbook! In only 60 days, she and her family organized, cooked and photographed 150 recipes. “I never measured anything when cooking a recipe,” Elisa joked. ”I didn’t even own a measuring cup!” To say it was a family effort is an understatement!

Elisa’s cookbook, Italian Moms: Spreading Their Art to Every Table, was published in 2015. After that, everything seemed to snowball. Elisa was even invited to appear on QVC, Good Morning America and Rachel Ray several times.

In 2018, she released her second cookbook, Italian Moms: Something Old, Something New: 150 Family Recipes. Elisa said the inspiration for most of the recipes in that book came from people who missed the recipes of their Italian mothers or grandmothers who had passed away. When asked if she could provide those recipes, she said. “Of course I know how to make those!” Her second cookbook has also been a great success.

Throughout her fame, Elisa has never forgotten the many people who helped get her books published and sold so widely. She has donated portions of her book sales to local schools and charities in her community. Looking back over her lifetime of cooking and lovingly feeding her immediate and extended family, she gratefully shared: “These cookbooks have given me a new purpose in life!” NS

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31

People in Places

Joe Grande:

Always Giving Back

by Holly Stupak

At 83 years old, Marple Township Health Inspector Joe Grande will tell you that age is just a number. He loves his job and has no plans to retire. “What I love about the job is meeting new people, talking to and helping them,” said Joe. ”And l love keeping busy because even though I’m almost 84, I feel 24.”

For the past 10 years, Joe has been responsible for the issuance of permits, notices, certificates and orders as well as making inspections to determine conformance with applicable codes and ordinances. He performs housing and pool inspections and also coordinates community service. Because Newtown Township doesn’t have a full-time Health Inspector, they also use Joe’s expertise.

He has adapted well to all the recent changes to his job due to the pandemic. His department shortened their hours, and he could only go into homes and buildings that were empty.

“Although we’ve had to make changes like wearing masks on the job, I just continue to do my job and keep a positive attitude,” he said.

Joe came to the United States from Cuba in 1946, when he was only 9 years old. He and his mother, a clothing designer, left Cuba and settled in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City, a neighborhood rich with diversity and interesting people.

Joe’s father, a doctor who was researching leprosy, stayed back in Cuba while Joe and his mom came to make a life in the US. Joe attended St. Patrick’s Military Academy and Aviation High School in NYC. Riding the subway to school, playing ball with

Joe Grande (L) and Joe Romano (R) of Marple Township’s Code Enforcement Dept.

Photo courtesy of Joe Romano

his friends at 36th & 9th Streets near the Lincoln Tunnel, and going to Coney Island for Nathan’s hot dogs are some of Joe’s fondest memories of that time.

When Joe was 17 and “feeling a little lost and looking for discipline,” he joined the Army and served for five years. He received a BA from the United States Armed Forces Institute and served in the Navy for 25 years. “Serving our country is a privilege that I’ll never forget,” said Joe. “I remember the guys we served with and think about them a lot. There are only a few of us still around, and when we get together we get a little emotional thinking about all of the guys. We drink a few beers, and thank God that we live in this great country. God bless my family, God bless the Navy, and God bless America!”

Joe said that by joining the military, he was able to see the world. “I couldn’t believe a kid like me from New York was able to experience places like Turkey and Greece!” An art lover, he

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 2020

got to visit the Guggenheim and other museums in Europe. “I love Picasso, and every time I look at one of his paintings, I feel something different,” he said. “I believe the more your mind grows, the more your imagination grows.”

Joe met his wife Arleen, whom he calls “Queenie,” in New York.

They got married in 1962. Arleen was from West Philadelphia, so they decided to move to the Philadelphia area, to raise a family.

After living in Upper Darby for a few years and after their first child was born, they moved to Broomall and have been here for almost 57 years. Joe and Arleen raised their five children here: Dean, Daren, Dana, Elana, and Lisa, all of whom graduated from Marple Newtown High. They still live locally except for Dean who lives in San Diego, giving Joe and Arleen an excuse to take trips to California. And they are blessed with 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. When Joe’s kids were growing up, he was very involved in the community and coached the Marple Junior Tigers and South Marple Little League for many years.

a very humble man but has a personality that can light up a room! All the staff here at Newtown Township hold Joe in high regard,” Suzanne raved.

“

Joe Grande is a true asset.

We can always count on him to complete everything, professionally and in a timely manner.

”

Since 2002, Joe Grande has spent many enjoyable hours at the baseball fields for Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL) and Newtown Edgmont Little League (NELL), watching his grandchildren play ball. Joe’s son Daren, a Newtown Square resident, has been NELL President since 2015. “Even though my dad was always busy when I was growing up and he’s still busy working full-time, he always found and still finds the time to do things with his kids and grandkids,” Daren said with admiration.

After having lived in the Marple Newtown area for over 50 years, Joe is as convinced as ever that he and Arleen found the best place to raise their family. “There are so many more advantages here than where I grew up in New York City!” Joe said gratefully.

And Marple Newtown is very grateful to you, Joe, for your many years of service to our community!

NS

Joe and Arleen Grande with their large and loving family (not included are a son-in-law, two grandsons and one great-grandson) Photo courtesy of Joe Grande

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Joe was also a mentor to young men in the community. He got emotional when recalling how he worked with a boy who was doing community service at the Paxon Hollow Country Club (PHCC). “I helped him learn about responsibility by showing him how to clean the golf carts and do work around the golf course. Years later, we met again and he thanked me for turning his life around,” Joe said.

After retiring from the military in 1999, Joe worked for many years for Sears and Roebuck. After he retired from S&R, he worked as a golf course ranger at PHCC. It was there that he met Joe Romano and learned of the job opening at Marple Township’s Code Enforcement Department. He trained under Romano, took the necessary courses to learn about Code Enforcement, and he’s been there ever since. “Joe Grande is an asset to Marple Township!” Joe Romano said. “He knows everything about this township, inside and out. He’s great with people. And the fact that he is fluent in Spanish is a bonus!”

Suzanne Wolanin, Newtown Township Administrative Services Director and HR Coordinator, also had high praise for Joe: “Joe Grande is a true asset. We can always count on him to complete everything, professionally and in a timely manner. He’s

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33

Recent Newtown Township Home Sales

Real Estate

Address

Sold Price

Bedrooms Bathrooms

Sq. Ft.

Acres

201 Girard Avenue . . . . . . . $676,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 3,292 2701 Cornell Court . . . . . . . . $315,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,738 . . 0.04 255 Charles Ellis Drive . . . . . . $421,250 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,225 . . 0.03 434 Wooded Way . . . . . . . . $330,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,089 . . 0.02 16 Post Run . . . . . . . . . . . . $505,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 3.5 . . . . 5,856 . . 0.15 3561 Providence Road . . . . . $545,000 . . . . 6 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,628 403 Trotters Court #21 . . . . . . $516,528 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 3,736 257 Charles Ellis Drive . . . . . . $421,338 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,225 . . 0.03 146 Brookside Road . . . . . . . $457,500 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 1,863 . . 0.63 310 Echo Valley Lane . . . . . . $700,000 . . . . 5 . . . . . 2.5+ . . . 2,916 . . 1.38 712 Elgin Riad . . . . . . . . . . $365,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 1.5 . . . . 1,488 . . 0.25 158 E Chelsea Circle . . . . . . $120,000 . . . . 1 . . . . . . 1 . . . . 795 37 Harrison Drive . . . . . . . . $1,250,000 . . .

5 . . . . . 4.5+ . . . 7,401 . . 1.38

214 Hansell Road . . . . . . . . $670,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 2,710 . . 1.99 4304 Fairview Avenue . . . . . . $315,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2.5 . . . . 1,865 . . 0.95 1300 Brighton Way . . . . . . . . $955,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 5.5 . . . . 6,437 . . 3.36 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.

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

July 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.

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