3 minute read
Forward Thinking: Local Vision for 2021
Our Community Feature article by Sheila Turner-Hilliard
Each new year brings hopes and visions for the future. And as our clocks ticked down to that final second in 2020, we all surely raised a glass to wish it a swift goodbye, welcoming 2021 with open arms.
What are your goals and dreams for this new year? We set out to ask a few local residents and business owners about their vision for 2021.
Paul Seligson, NSBA President
Photo courtesy of Paul Seligson
“What I will appreciate the most in 2021 is seeing the completion of the West Chester Pike widening project, complete with professional landscaped medians.” Paul and the members of the Newtown Square Business Association are also actively working on designing, producing and installing new banners that say Shop Newtown Square.
As far as his resolutions as President of NSBA? He resolves to support local businesses and restaurants to an even higher degree, and will actively encourage all residents to shop local so we can build this community back up.
Cecile Matthews, Life Skills/Support Teacher, Marple Newtown High School
Photo courtesy of Cecile Matthews
This year, Cecile says she is going to make more time to see old friends, play more golf, eat at restaurants and ditch her face mask. She says, “I will appreciate the opportunity to visit family and friends I have not been able to see since last March. I am especially excited to spend time with my daughter in Dallas, who had to reschedule her wedding reception three times.”
Cecile’s resolutions for 2021 revolve around trying not to do so many things at once. She also wants to focus on the ones she loves by taking each day at a time and letting the special people in her life know how much of a positive difference they make.
John D’Alessandro, Owner of Luigi & Giovanni Specialty Foods and Caterers
Photo by Dan Hall, Prestige Photography
John D'Alessandro of Luigi & Giovanni's says he doesn’t make resolutions; he sets goals, and plans to do the same this year. One thing he will try to do more of in 2021 is support the community, area churches and fellow local businesses because he says, “We need to come back stronger and better after all we have been through.” What he will appreciate the most moving forward is actually being able to see his customers’ smiles without the masks. And yes John, your customers miss your smile, too!
Ray Magness from Scott's Fireplace Products
Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography
More people staying home this winter means that business is brisk over at Scott’s Fireplace Products. Ray Magness and his father, Scott, are very grateful to be busy.
In summer 2021, Ray is really looking forward to spending time with family at the shore. “We didn’t get to go last year, and that was really disappointing.” When asked what he will appreciate most in 2021, the one word that comes to mind is FREEDOM. Ray doesn’t make resolutions but he does set goals, and a big one for the coming year is to purchase a new home.
The Tulskie Family
Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography
For Patti, Ed, Grace, Muffy and Jack Tulskie, this new year will be filled with family, friends, travel and a deeper appreciation for freedom. “We will appreciate being able to come and go as we choose,” says Ed. The whole family is looking forward to having more meaningful experiences and they resolve to focus less on the small stuff and more on simply being happy and content.
If you know Muffy Tulskie, you know she’s the family’s social butterfly. When asked what she will try to do more of in 2021, she said, “I really want to celebrate my graduation and birthday more!” Jack is looking forward to exploring where his path will take him after college graduation, and Grace wants to travel more. Tucker, the family dog, has a message for us, too. He says, “Wag more and bark less!”
Thank you to our Friends & Neighbors for sharing your hopes for this new year.
Whatever YOUR dream is for 2021, here’s to hoping it happens — and in a big way!
