Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, November 2021

2021 November

Newtown Square Bringing People Together

Friends & Neighbors

The Mejia Family

Counting Their Bountiful Blessings Cover photo by MicDuff Photography www.MicDuff.com

Family owned since 1977!

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Dear Friends & Neighbors, November is here and it’s picking up time. Not only is it time for picking up falling leaves, time itself seems to be picking up with every day offering less daylight hours while 2022 can be seen now on the horizon. On November 25th we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving, that turkey of a holiday we love so much, to be gathering with family to recall our blessings of the past year.

PUBLICATION TEAM PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Liz Burnett CONTENT COORDINATOR: Sheila Turner-Hilliard PUBLISHER ASSISTANT: Lisa Jeffries DESIGNER: Kim Cesati CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Katie Borsuk Photography, www.KatieBorsuk.com COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Blush Salon, Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Sheila TurnerHilliard, Holly Stupak, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Andrew Martella, David Gura & Lew Gura, Sandra Cannon, TJ Dell'Arciprete & Dave DiGregorio, Brendan Magee, Rick Bondurant, Rick Thompson 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 Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@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. © 2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER The Mejia Family at The Willows Park

2021 November

Newtown Square Together Bringing People

bors Fri ends & Ne igh

By the time Thanksgiving leftovers are gobbled up, Hanukkah arrives on November 28th, to start the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights that recalls the 2nd-century B.C. rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish friends and neighbors! We’ll notice your lamplights at sunset with respect for your faith in the Hanukkah miracle.

With Thanksgiving recalling our blessings and Hanukkah being the Hebrew word for dedication, this month I’m mindful of the blessing and the dedication of our advertising Sponsors of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, now in our fourth year in print and online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com.

First, a warm thanks to Tom Rafferty of Rafferty Painting & General Contracting, a Charter Sponsor and Expert Contributor. After three years of service to residents of Newtown Square, Tom’s role of Expert Painter passes to another hometown hero of service, Rick Thompson, President of Thompson Custom Painting. A past President of the Newtown Square Petticoat League and long-time booster and fundraiser for the Newtown Square Fire Company, Rick will now be sharing his painting expertise with us as our new Expert Contributor for occasional feature articles related to Interior and Exterior Painting. Look for Rick’s very first feature article on page 10.

This month we also welcome another new Sponsor of Newtown Square residents, Eric Fante of Fante Flooring, which everyone knows by their colorful storefront just a few doors down from Niemeyers on S. Newtown Street Road. And everyone who knows Eric Fante also knows that Eric is a local Marple Newtown guy who puts his family first but also treats all his flooring customers like family! You’ll recognize Fante Flooring’s colorful logo as soon as you see Fante Flooring’s first ad on page 37.

I’m giving thanks this month to all our advertising Sponsors and all our Newtown Square friends and neighbors, for our unique brand of hometown pride we share through this social media in print, which is this November issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors that I know you’ll enjoy.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents, The holiday season is here! Our calendars are filled with reminders to turn back our clocks, vote in our local elections, thank our military veterans and pause to give thanks for all our blessings. The end of the month also marks the beginning of Hanukkah for our Jewish Friends & Neighbors.

And just like your November calendar, this month’s issue is packed! We introduce you to the Mejia family whose story of working hard and honoring traditions will warm your heart. If you still find yourself a little chilly, check out our Business Profile about Scott’s Fireplace Products and their commitment to personal attention and professional service. We also check in with Navy Veteran, Mr. Eugene Vickers, who is celebrating his 106th birthday on Veterans Day, and we ask you to consider shopping local on Small Business Saturday®.

e Mejia Family

Th ntiful Blessings Counting Their Bouphoto by MicDuff Photography Cover

www.MicDuff.com

We are always looking for more Newtown Square families, individuals and organizations to feature in our magazine. If you’d like to nominate someone, please email me at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.

Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Content Coordinator

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

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Expert Contributors Accounting & Tax Preparation Jack Del Pizzo, CPA Del Pizzo & Associates 2098 W Chester Pike #101, Broomall 610.356.2590 • JRD@DelPizzo.com www.DelPizzo.com

Facial & Skin Treatments Sandra Cannon Corinthian on The Square Salon & Spa 3543 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610.356.6062 CorinthianSalon3543@gmail.com www.CorinthianSalonAndSpa.com

Automotive Repairs & Service Lou Matteo Edgemont Automotive 5040 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610.353.9868 • EdgemontAuto@verizon.net www.EdgemontAutomotive.com

Family Law Trial Attorney Deborah M. Truscello, Esq. Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello 610.892.4940 • DmtofLaw@gmail.com www.TruscelloLaw.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

Carpet Cleaning Luke Anastasio DriGanic Carpet Cleaning Delaware County 610.888.4539 • Info@DriGanic.com www.DriGanic.com

Funeral Home Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D. DANJOLELL Memorial Homes 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610.356.4200 • RobJr@DANJOLELL.com www.DANJOLELL.com

Dance Instruction Kaitlin Battiste From the Top Dance 3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square 610.353.2623 Info@FromTheTopDance.com www.FromTheTopDance.com Electric Service, Residential/Commercial Andrew Martella, Sr. Martella Electric Company 484.498.2965 • MartellaElectric@rcn.com www.MartellaElectric.com

Exterior & Interior Painting Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting 610.359.8500 • Office@ThompsonPainting.net www.ThompsonPainting.net

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

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Expert Contributors Investor Coaching Brendan Magee Inevitable Wealth Coaching 610.299.3969 • Brendan@CoachGee.com www.CoachGee.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

Landscape Design & Landscaping TJ Warner JHL Landscaping 610.356.4104 • TJ@JHLLlandscaping.com www.JHLLandscaping.com

Waterproofing & Weatherization David Linn Cook Weatherproofing Plus, Inc. Marple Newtown 610.325.0596 • Info@Weatherproofing-Plus.com www.Weatherproofing-Plus.com

Personal Training & Fitness Luigi Truono, LMT, Owner Catherine Momjian, Member Experience Associate Retro Fitness Newtown Square 4847 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484.420.4935 / EdgmontSqPA@RetroFitness.net www.RetroFitness.com/EdgmontSquarePA Physical Therapy Mark E. Reitz, PT Penn Therapy Associates 2010 West Chester Pike, #450 610.853.0508 PennTherapy@comcast.net www.PennTherapy.com 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

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.

Roofing, Siding & Carpentry Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co. 610.449.8188 • Office@ODonnellRoofingCo.com www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com

Senior Living & Housing Lindsey Poeth, CSA® Oasis Senior Advisors Mainline Malvern 484.947.4266 LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline

Expert Contributors needed!

Dental, Medical, Pet Services, Home Health Care, Law, Education, Vacations, etc. Professionals may contact: Bob Blaisse: 610.453.5536, or BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

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

5

Resident Feature

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The Mejia Family Counting Their Bountiful Blessings We would like to thank

for sponsoring this month’s Resident Feature.

Meet the Mejia family: Francisco, Maria, Francisco Jr., Kevin, Elisa and Justin. The Mejias are a family whose story proves that achieving your dreams is possible when you work hard, embrace opportunities and value your heritage.

Francisco and Maria both grew up in Puebla, Mexico. Puebla, in east-central Mexico, is primarily an agricultural and industrial area along the Mexico City-Veracruz corridor. Maria grew up on a farm with her parents and 10 siblings. Remarkably, Francisco also has 10 siblings, with each of their families consisting of 5 boys and 6 girls.

Maria and Francisco met at church when they were 18 years old, though they didn’t start dating until they were 22. “When I first met Maria, I noticed her beauty,” recalled Francisco. “She was also so sincere, family-oriented and had a strong sense of what she wanted.” When Maria first saw Francisco, she said she thought, “Oh wow, he is so handsome and charming!” The two began to get to know each other, and Maria learned that she and Francisco were both hard-working, loyal people who wanted to raise a family someday.

But their lives together wouldn’t begin for another six years.

During that time, Francisco moved to the United States, to pursue a career as a baker. He followed his brother to Yonkers, New York, where there were plenty of jobs and a large Spanishspeaking population, which made the transition to a new country and culture easier.

Francisco and Maria kept their relationship alive by writing letters to each other. Then in 1991, Francisco returned to Puebla to marry Maria in the church where they first met. After the ceremony, the newlyweds bid farewell to their friends and family in Mexico and made the trip to New York, to start their family.

Life in New York was moving along nicely. Francisco was an accomplished baker, and he and Maria started having children.

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Francisco and Maria on their wedding day in Puebla, Mexico Photo courtesy of Elisa Mejia

A few years later, Francisco learned that the bakery would close, so he began looking for other opportunities. His search brought him to our area, where he took a job baking for Carlino’s in Ardmore. With a growing family in tow, the Mejias packed their bags and found a home in Broomall.

By 2005, Maria and Francisco had four growing children.

Francisco began a new job as a baker at Costco in King of Prussia, and they were ready to find their forever home. Francisco said, “We moved to Newtown Square because a coworker of mine who lived there showed us a home that was available and we just fell in love with it!” They joined St. Anastasia Church, and Maria began working as a caregiver for neighborhood families.

Maria feels that her work is incredibly satisfying because the families she has cared for over the years have become part of her family as well. “Francisco and I come from large families, but we always have room to welcome more!”

The oldest of the Mejia children is 29-year-old Francisco Jr. He is a graduate of Marple Newtown High School and West Chester University. He majored in International Business and works in sales for a FinTech (Financial Technology) company.

In his spare time, Francisco Jr. is a classic car enthusiast. He regularly attends car shows and said his favorite car is the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R featured in the 2003 movie 2 Fast 2 Furious.

Francisco Jr. also enjoys working out at Ellis Athletic Center

The Mejia children (L-R): Kevin, Elisa, Francisco Jr. and Justin Photo by MicDuff Photography, www.MicDuff.com

and traveling. His favorite destination is Costa Rica. “It’s such a beautiful place,” he said. “When I visit Costa Rica, I feel as though I am stepping inside a beautiful painting.”

For 25-year-old Kevin Mejia, sports, travel and following in his older brother’s footsteps are important to him. Kevin is a 2014 graduate from Marple Newtown High School and currently studies Business Management at Delaware County Community

College. “I see my brother enjoying his career in FinTech and I want to do the same,” he explained. Kevin’s favorite place to visit is Miami, Florida. He said he enjoys the beaches, the food, the music and the infectious vibe of the city. He is a big fan of boxing but also loves watching football and playing basketball with his brothers.

Continued on page 8

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Resident Feature The Mejia’s daughter, Elisa, is a 20-year-old Junior at Saint Joseph’s University. She graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School in 2019, and is now studying Business Marketing. “I really enjoy the creative aspect of my major,” she said. “I am also involved in the University Student Senate, an organization that helps promote a diverse and inclusive environment and donates funds to international causes.” One of Elisa’s hobbies is painting with acrylics and oil. She also loves to work out with her mom at Planet Fitness and is an ardent Philadelphia Phillies fan.

celebrity. “We adopted Blue from one of my coworkers who had to relocate for work,” explained Francisco, Jr. “We brought him home just as the pandemic was shutting everything down.”

Justin Mejia is the youngest of Francisco and Maria’s children.

He is 17 years old and currently a Senior at Archbishop John Carroll High School. Although Justin isn’t quite ready to decide what he wants to study, he knows that he wants to attend either St. Joe’s or West Chester University. Most days, you’ll find Justin playing basketball in the driveway with his brothers or on the courts as a Power Forward for the Marple Newtown Basketball Association and the Catholic Youth Organization teams. The one activity he says he really enjoys is watching NFL RedZone with his brothers. “We are really into fantasy football,” he said.

The Mejias are a family who likes to stay active, but they also really enjoy spending time relaxing with family and friends.

“We love to entertain,” said Kevin. “My dad is not only a fantastic baker, but he is also the master of the grill.” The kids all agree that Francisco’s garlic bread is his specialty but that his hamburgers are second to none. “Dad likes to experiment with recipes at home, and we’re more than happy to be his taste-testers,” joked Francisco Jr.

The Mejias may have four kids, but the real star of the show is their 18-month-old pup, Blue. An Australian Shepherd and Siberian Husky mix, Blue has not only been a blessing to the family, but he has also become somewhat of a neighborhood

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Elisa said that Blue is very sweet, super smart and a little sassy.

“He will charm you with his beautiful blue eyes,” she laughed.

“Blue gave us a reason to get outside during the pandemic, and that kept us all active and allowed us to stay connected with our neighbors.” Maria said that her favorite hobby is being outdoors with Blue. She loves to take him on hikes and walks around all our area trails.

Settling into life in the United States has served the Mejias well, but they are quick to mention that they never forget where they came from. Celebrating their Mexican heritage is very important to the family. They recently participated in Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On November 1st and 2nd, they gathered to show their love and respect for family members

candles and marigold flowers. The altar is used as a place to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living and celebrate their lives.

Maria and Francisco are looking forward to the upcoming holiday season now that they can invite extended family into their home. Maria said they are planning to host Thanksgiving this month and welcome some of her and Francisco’s brothers and sisters who now live in the United States. They also hope to begin traveling again to Mexico. “It has been hard not to be able to go back home,” said Maria, “but thankfully, we have been able to connect through FaceTime.”

Francisco, Maria and their four children are proud of their Mexican heritage and feel fortunate to have the freedom to celebrate where they came from and where they are now in our wonderful community. Thank you, Mejia Family, for sharing your story of hopes, dreams, hard work and family values. Your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors wish you a very happy holiday season surrounded by family, friends and Francisco’s famous garlic bread!

Francisco and Maria Mejia Photo by MicDuff Photography, www.MicDuff.com

who had passed away. This year, the family celebrated Maria’s father Samuel, Francisco’s father Francisco Sr. and Maria’s uncle Enfren. The family created an ofrenda (altar) where they placed photos, special foods, drinks, meaningful souvenirs,

Do you know a Newtown Square family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila TurnerHilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com. N S

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Expert Contributor

by Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

How Lighting Affects Paint Color

Have you ever had a room painted and the color of the finished paint job somehow looks different than you thought it would?

This phenomenon is actually quite common and may occur for a number of reasons. It’s all about the lighting. The way a room is lit will ultimately determine how the colors appear.

This might change throughout the day as natural light enters and leaves the room.

Natural light plays an integral part in how we perceive paint colors in our home. In the morning, sunlight is warmer because it’s lower on the horizon. It gives a yellowish cast to a space. As the day progresses to midday, sunlight develops a cool, bluish cast.

As the amount and angle of the sun changes, so will your room colors. A general rule of thumb is that if your room faces north, it will let in soft light, producing a warm effect. This means dark paints will look darker and light paints will be more dim.

If the room faces south, it will have much more intense light.

Dark colors will appear brighter and light colors (particularly white) can make the room look washed out.

Rooms on the west side of your home will receive warm light in the evenings and shadows in the mornings, and rooms on the east side of your home will be brighter before noon and cooler-looking in the evening.

It’s important to note that the paint’s sheen will serve to amplify or nullify these interactions with light, and can also affect color.

Glossy finishes will reflect light and change the way the color looks, whereas flat finishes are less reflective and allow colors to look truer under bright light.

It’s highly recommended that you always test the paint on each wall in the room by doing a patch with two coats. Take notice of how it is affected by natural light at different times of the day.

Simply holding the paint swatch up to a wall won’t give you an accurate idea of what the effect will be.

Also, furniture, decor and wall hangings all affect how light is reflected and absorbed. Be mindful of the fact that if you’re painting and testing lighting in an empty room, the room might feel slightly different once you move in the furniture.

Understanding how lighting affects paint color can help ensure a happy end result.

NS

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

www.ThompsonPainting.net November 2021

Student of the Month

s n o i t a l C ongratu November Sproul Lanes Student of the Month Peter Pilko, November Sproul Lanes Student of the Month Photo courtesy of Bretany Pilko

The November Sproul Lanes Student of the Month is Peter Pilko, a Senior at Marple Newtown High School. Peter received a Certificate of Achievement, and a “Pizza Bowl” gift certificate, courtesy of Sproul Lanes, our Sponsor of this program.

Peter loves music! He plays the baritone in the Marple Newtown Tiger Marching Band, and the bass trombone in his school’s Competition Jazz Band. He’s a member of the Music National Honor Society (Tri-M), the only U.S. National Honor Society for high school students who are academically capable and musically talented.

Peter has also been inducted into the National Honor Society, the English National Honor Society, the History National Honor Society and the World Language National Honor Society. All these groups have given Peter many enjoyable community service opportunities including Kids Against Hunger, food and clothing drives, and nature and community clean ups.

by Lisa Jeffries

Peter Pilko!

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 other adult who’s familiar with the student. Send an email to LJeffries@BestVersionMedia.com explaining several reasons 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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Music is not Peter’s only passion: He’s been a Boy Scout since 1st grade, and is proud to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He is currently his troop’s Jr. Assistant Scoutmaster. And his proactive nature led him to start Venture Crew 151, a program sponsored by the Boy Scouts for young men and women ages 14 – 21 who are interested in community service, personal growth and learning leadership skills.

Peter is on his school’s Track & Field team, and is currently a Varsity javelin thrower. Outside of school, he has a passionate interest in cars.

He loves going to car shows, where he soaks in as much knowledge about old cars as he can. He even drives his own distinctive older car: a 1987 Lincoln Town Car that’s shiny black with pink fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror.

Peter’s love of cars has him planning to major in Mechanical Engineering in college, to prepare for his dream job as an Automotive Engineer for Porsche in Germany, where he would spend his free time building his own Formula 1 race car.

Peter, your Marple Newtown Friends & Neighbors congratulate you on this award! Thanks for your excellence in service with multiple groups, to so many local communities!

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11

Expert Contributor

by Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing

Properly Winterizing Outdoor Faucets As we move into a new season, the leaves start to fall and the temps start to drop. One thing that is often overlooked is preparing outdoor faucets for the winter. When water freezes, it expands and can split right through pipes. A busted water pipe can cause thousands of dollars of damage from water-soaked walls, ceilings and floors. So it just makes sense to take some time to prevent this from happening.

While there are specialty outdoor faucets marketed as “freeze-proof,” there is no guarantee that these faucets will not freeze in the coldest weather. Even though they are the best and most popular outdoor faucets to have, it’s still wise to prepare them for winter.

No matter the outdoor spigot type, freeze-proof or not, it is very important to remove any hoses, splitters, or other fitting screwed onto the faucet before winter sets in. Not doing so will make it much more likely that the faucet will freeze. This

is always a difficult task because most people will want to use the outdoor water until the very point that the freezing weather begins. It’s best to preempt cold weather by disconnecting hoses early because even one night of freezing weather can cause a break in the pipes.

The next step would be to shut off the valve inside the house and open up the faucet on the outside. Some residual water will drain out. It’s important to open the faucet to allow the water to escape. Eventually the water should stop.

If it does not stop and continues to drip, then that means the inside shut-off valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.

These are a few simple steps that can save you some trouble when the temperatures drop below freezing during the winter. It can also make things a lot easier in the spring when you go to turn the outdoor faucets back on.

NS

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

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Bringing People Together

Bringing People Together

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Small Business Saturday Will Be Bringing People Together on November 27th.

Our Sponsors Have Been Doing That for Us All Year Long. ®

The Friday after Thanksgiving is traditionally called Black Friday, the first big day and kickoff of the Christmas gift shopping season. “Big Box” stores see lines of shoppers camping out overnight to ensure first-in-the-door opportunities to buy limited inventory at lowest prices of the year. And the frenzy of online buying on Black Friday seems to even slow down global access to the Internet.

Now a part of the American lexicon, many historians believe that the designation of Black Friday likely originated in our Philadelphia area in the 1960s. It was a term used by traffic reporters on the radio, sharing what they had been told by

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Retailers must advertise heavily at this time of year, right up to Christmas Eve, because they’re so heavily dependent on a strong Christmas shopping season. And Big Businesses do just that, advertising nearly everywhere and seemingly to everyone, to whip up Black Friday shopping mania. But not all retailers or service businesses have a big advertising budget like big businesses do. What about Small Businesses? Why should we care if Small Businesses cannot compete against Big Businesses?

Small Business owners often live among us. We see them shopping where we shop and eating at the same local restaurants we enjoy, putting their money back into our community while they also employ others who live local to their business.

These owners of Small Businesses often share their business expertise with local organizations, and they are frequently the only Sponsors of local events hosted in our community. Small Businesses invest in our community because our hometown is their local business market and, in many cases, it’s also the hometown of our local Small Business owners.

s h c ’ i r ein

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Philadelphia police and bus drivers who blamed the woes of high traffic volume on the Friday after Thanksgiving on so many people using their day off to kick off their Christmas shopping.

But Black Friday was also the term retailers gave to justify the traffic burdens that help them emerge out of the red and into the black for profits over the whole year in just the last month of the year. By advertising to those shoppers looking for best prices of the year, Black Friday became the annual event we now know it to be.

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Small Business owners make possible the magazine you’re reading right now, as advertising Sponsors who fund our brand of social media in print, which is Bringing People Together every month with each new issue, all year long. You don’t see Big Box stores and online marketplaces advertising on our pages. And you won’t...because the residents of Newtown Square are not specifically important to the success of any large business as much as we are to locally owned Small Businesses, which have limited marketing budgets. And yet, it’s those smaller businesses that have agreed to invest in our community, to show us how important we are to them by making it possible for our hometown and theirs to have this monthly hometown magazine.

Small Business Saturday® is November 27th. If you value local brick-and-mortar businesses, if you enjoy receiving Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors in the mail or reading our online version at www.NewtownSquareMag.com, then plan to Buy Local on Saturday, November 27th. And whenever possible, choose to do business with our hometown Sponsors first because they show us, with every new magazine issue, how important we are to the success of their Small Business.

NS

Bob Blaisse

Publisher, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

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15

Expert Contributor

by Brendan Magee, Owner and Founder Inevitable Wealth Coaching

Cryptocurrency: What It Really Is and Why You Should Avoid It These days, you can’t have a conversation about investing that somehow doesn’t involve cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Firo, Ripple, etc.). When an investment sees a 1,000% rise in value, as it did with Bitcoin in 2017, people take notice. So let’s take a deeper dive into what cryptocurrency (crypto) really is.

Crypto is a digital currency of which there are some 1,500 varieties. People can purchase crypto in a variety of ways, like through a crypto ATM. As you purchase crypto, it gets stored in your digital wallet. Where accepted, crypto can be used to make online payments for goods and services. Pizza has been ordered with crypto, and one professional athlete wanted to be paid in crypto rather than dollars. What’s unique is the purchases don’t go through a third party like a bank. It’s a strictly person-to-person exchange.

This kind of invented currency is nothing new. Think of airline miles as a form of currency that can be used to buy airline tickets. The airline is contractually obligated to honor the currency. However, with crypto, no bank backs the currency. Each individual makes the determination as to whether or not they will accept the currency.

People also look at crypto as an investment. Why? In 2010, one Bitcoin had a value of just one cent.

By December 2017, that same Bitcoin was valued at $20,000, which by August 2018 had dropped to $6,000.

That kind of volatility gets attention and attracts money.

2. The trading of crypto is not regulated by the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).

3. Crypto is exposed to cybercrime and fraud.

(In December 2016, a Slovenian cryptocurrency exchange was hacked, for a loss of $64 million.)

4. If hacked, you can be locked out of your account, and there really isn’t any institution to turn to for protection or help.

There also isn’t any diversification with crypto. If your crypto investment takes a 70% dive, there isn’t anything to offset that kind of loss. Investing in crypto is pure speculation. The investors’ ability to turn a profit depends solely on supply and demand for that particular crypto. Remember, there are about 1,500 variations of crypto today, with more to come. How confident are you in your ability to predict which crypto people will be willing to pay top dollar for?

Another name for speculation and prediction is gambling, and as far as investing is concerned,all forms of gambling are destructive. As of right now, there are just too many red flags to feel good about investing your hard-earned money in cryptocurrency.

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So, why is crypto so volatile?

1. It’s not backed by a government or central bank.

In America, our currency is backed by the U.S. Government. Crypto isn’t.

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Newtown Square’s Resident Investor Coach 16

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Expert Contributor

by David Gura & Lew Gura Bryn Mawr Glass

Interior Moving Glass Walls Are on Point Trends in interior design are quickly changing in response to the changes in our lifestyles brought on by the pandemic. Our homes have never been more important than they are now because the amount of time families spend in the home has increased dramatically. Love for the open concept, which has dominated home design for so many years, is slowly dissipating. The need for more private and separate spaces is slowly becoming the trend, and accomplishing that while still keeping the home bright and airy can be done very simply and beautifully with the use of interior moving glass walls.

Glass presents creative solutions and offers dynamic designs with its distinctive transparency, which disperses daylight like nothing else can. By offering an atmosphere of fresh air even when there is none, glass improves concentration and increases productivity. By creating home offices featuring moving glass walls, the same space can change from a private office to a conference room to a commercial display space. With today’s moving glass panels, you can easily create private workspaces instantly, with the transparency necessary to keep an eye on the kids when they are busy in a nearby space.

Whether a homeowner is remodeling to create a productive home office, or they want to bring the outside in with glass exterior walls extending their kitchen and dining area to a lavish outside entertainment area, glass is the answer. Designers and architects alike are utilizing glass in more unique ways than ever before, creating open and inviting spaces that offer the benefits of an appealing outdoor view. These days the versatility is only limited by the design creator.

Moving glass walls can transform even the smallest of spaces, by virtually extending the space to include the outdoors or more indoor space, especially in homes with no room to spare. The advantages of moving glass walls are limitless, and they quickly transform indoor living spaces into hybrid recreational areas. They can even work as room partitions and privacy screens when using beautiful cut-glass panels or artistic designs. There’s nothing like glass walls to flood a room or area with natural light.

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17

Expert Contributor

by Andrew Martella Martella Electric

SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES: Are Yours Protecting You? It is important to do more than just change your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries when they start beeping for no apparent reason. Most units typically provide effective protection for 8 to 10 years. However, just because they’re low-maintenance “appliances,” that doesn’t mean you should completely forget about them. They’re designed to save lives, so they deserve your occasional attention.

There are a few ways you can determine the age of your units.

Visually inspect the detectors and if they’re yellowish in color or are faded, they are more than likely over 10 years old.

You may be able to find the manufacture date on the back of the unit.

If you haven’t looked at detectors recently, there are all kinds of new types and models. There are units that talk, units that have lights and some with sealed lithium batteries that can last 10 years. There are smoke detectors that are battery operated, and others are “hardwired.” Some hardwired units can also have a battery backup. All of these styles can save lives equally well and are therefore valuable investments in your family’s future.

One superior option for the installation of detector units is to have them electrically interconnected. With interconnected detectors, when one is activated, all the other units on the

system are also activated. For example, suppose there is an emergency event on the second floor of the home. With interconnected units, even if you are in the basement of the house, they alert all occupants on every floor that there’s an event to respond to, even if it was the detector on the second floor that was initially activated.

For homes with burglar alarm systems, there’s now an option for that system to interface with the home’s smoke detectors.

So in the event of a fire, the system will place a call to the local fire department.

Experts suggest that for maximum protection of your family and home, every bedroom should have a smoke detector, and all common areas on each floor, including the basement, should have a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector. Whatever level of protection your smoke detectors offer, it’s very important to check them periodically. If your detectors require batteries, then at least once a year they need to be replaced. The exception to that rule is if your units have 10-year sealed lithium batteries. In that case, be sure to keep a record of when those batteries were installed and the date they’ll expire in 10 years.

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Recent Newtown Township Home Sales Address

Sold Price

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Sq. Ft.

Real Estate

Acres

103 Hunt Club Lane . . . . . . $540,000 . . . 3 . . . . . . 2 . . . 2,194 . .0.47 471 Bishop Hollow Road . . . . $962,500 . . . 5 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 4,003 . .1.46 655 Malin Road. . . . . . . . . $685,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,262 . .1.07 12 Dudie Drive . . . . . . . . . $477,000 . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,070 . .0.41 829 Ellis Avenue . . . . . . . . $975,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 4.5 . . . 6,409 . .0.67 797 Meadowbrook Lane . . . . $749,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 2.5+ . . 3,217 . .0.85 3717 Liseter Gdns. . . . . . . . $940,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 4,104 . .0.12 3566 Muirwood Drive . . . . . . $485,000 . . . 3 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 3,205 . .0.06 675 Malin Road. . . . . . . . . $675,000 . . . 6 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 3,800 . .0.93 41 Old Covered Bridge Road . $1,000,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 4,440 . .2.40 318 1st Avenue . . . . . . . . . $200,000 . . . 2 . . . . . . 1 . . . 1,075 . .0.18 4401 Fairview Avenue . . . . . $435,000 . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 1,770 . .0.55 1027 Brick House Farm Lane . . $1,140,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 3.5+ . . 6,061 . .0.80 21 Green Gable Lane . . . . . $2,320,000 . . . 5 . . . . . 5.5+ . . 9,199 . .1.38 1806 Westfield Court . . . . . . $285,000 . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,374 . .0.03 109 Longview Lane . . . . . . . $465,000 . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,264 . .0.04 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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19

Business Profile

Scott’s Fireplace Products: Keeping You Warm This Winter

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos by Shannon Lynn Photography

Cooler weather calls for comfort, and there is no better place to be on a chilly night than snuggled up in your favorite chair, basking in the warmth of a cozy fireplace. If thoughts like these have you longing for winter weather, it may be time to pay a visit to Scott’s Fireplace Products in Newtown Square.

Scott and Ray Magness, the father-and-son team behind Scott’s Fireplace Products

Conveniently located at 3137 West Chester Pike, Scott’s Fireplace Products specializes in gas fireplaces, from ventfree to vented to direct vent. They also offer custom glass door enclosures made for any type of fireplace, and a wide variety of decorative and functional accessories. Whether you’re in the market for a new gas fireplace or need to get your existing fireplace winter-ready, you can trust father and son Scott and Ray Magness and their team of expert installers, plumbers and service technicians.

If you have lived in our area for any amount of time, you will remember that Scott’s Fireplace Products was formally DeYoung’s Fireside Shoppe, which opened its doors in 1985.

Robert DeYoung was the original owner of the fireplace company where the current owner, Scott Magness, worked as an installer. The Magness and DeYoung families had been close for many years, so when it came time in 2009 for Robert to step away from the business, Scott was there to make the smooth transition as the new owner.

Some of the many items Scott’s Fireplace Products offers

Long before Scott began working for Robert DeYoung, he first became an expert plumber after learning the trade from his uncle. The value of working with his hands was instilled in Scott early, and in 1987, he started his own plumbing business, to serve the residents of Delaware County. Scott soon began adding gas fireplace installations and service to his offerings, something most other plumbers avoided because installation can be complicated depending on the setup of the house, and the skills involved can be unique to gas fireplaces.

But Scott recognized a growing demand for gas fireplaces and customers looking for knowledgeable and reliable local gas fireplace sales and service. That combination prompted him to specialize in gas fireplaces and eventually led him to work for Robert DeYoung and then become the owner of his own business. “I really enjoy working with people and solving problems,” Scott said. “Many times people don’t know how gas lines are run so they ask me if I am sure that what they want can be done.” Scott assures his customers that it is not only possible, but it can also be done efficiently.

Scott’s is located at 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

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For the past 12 years, Scott said he has seen his business flourish in our community, and for the past 10 years, he has shared the joy with his son, Ray. Scott and his wife Sundey

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

live in Havertown and have three grown sons: Ray, Colin and Troy. Their oldest son, Ray, attended Haverford High School and after graduation, he enrolled in several business courses that aligned well with his plans to join his father in the family business. Ray’s understanding of marketing and advertising, coupled with his appreciation for the value of labor, made him the perfect fit for the role of in-store sales and management.

Ray lives in Drexel Hill with his wife Amanda, their 7-yearold daughter Juliana, their 3-month-old daughter Lilian, and Milo, the family pup. While at work, Ray spends his days in the showroom, talking with prospective customers about their wants and needs. He particularly enjoys this aspect of the job because he has the opportunity to build a relationship with each customer. “I like talking to people, learning their style, understanding their vision and getting a sense of what would work best in their home,” Ray explained. “My goal is to bring their vision to life and exceed their expectations when it comes to our products, installation and service.”

Unlike many large retail stores, Scott’s Fireplace Products has its own team of installers and service technicians. This personal approach and attention to quality service is something that Scott and Ray take very seriously. “It’s important to us that we are a one-stop shop,” Scott explained. “We provide the necessary maintenance as an additional service so that the products we install will have a full and efficient life.”

From plumbing to gas fireplaces, working for DeYoung’s and eventually owning his own business that also includes sales and service of gas grills, Scott Magness has created an interesting and meaningful career. He and his son Ray, along with the team at Scott’s Fireplace Products look forward to keeping our community warm and cozy for many years to come. For more information, visit their showroom, call 484-422-8326 or visit their website: www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com.

NS

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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

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3137 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA

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21

Expert Contributor

by Sandra Cannon Corinthian on The Square Salon & Spa

Beauty Tips From Your 40s to Your 60s In your 40s?

If you find yourself seeing a few more gray hairs than you would like, go to a professional colorist to help discuss all of your options. You may be experiencing a texture change as well, as gray hair often feels coarse and dry. It’s best to regularly condition and use weekly hair masks to keep hair feeling soft and shiny.

At any age:

In your 50s?

It’s always fun to change up your hair. You may have had the same style for many years so now is a great time to look at the current trends.You may notice that unlike other parts of your body, your hair is getting “skinnier.” So investing in a professional thickening shampoo will help with hair loss or thinning.

• Maintain a healthy diet with antioxidant-rich foods.

You may start to see some age spots on your face, so now is the perfect time to examine your skin, especially your face, for signs of skin cancer. It is a well-known fact that if found early, skin cancer can often be treated before it spreads and causes bigger problems.

In your 60s?

Like grapes? Studies show that grapes (and yellow peppers) are filled with anthocyanins, which help fight the effects of arthritis and can decrease the appearance of wrinkles and crow's feet by as much as 11%. Watch your glucose levels. Increased levels damage the production of collagen and elastin in your skin and make it hard for the body to repair itself.

To keep skin healthy • SUNSCREEN always! Seek shade whenever possible, and wear a hat when outside to prevent new wrinkles, age spots and discolored skin. Wear mascara to keep your eyes bright and awake.

• Hydrate! Staying adequately hydrated with H2O keeps your skin moisturized, healthy and you guessed it… glowing.

• Stay active. Exercise increases blood flow thereby bringing vital oxygen, nutrients and minerals to the skin.

• Never go to bed without cleansing your face and applying a good moisturizer.

To keep hair healthy • Brush your hair and scalp often. Brushing takes the oils from the scalp and distributes it along the hair shaft. It’s our natural conditioner.

• The supplement Biotin is great for hair strengthening.

• Don’t pull your hair back tightly. This can cause root damage and hair thinning.

• Get regular trims. Split ends run up the shaft and if left unattended will cause several inches to fray.

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

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Did you know?

Lemon juice can help prevent cut apples from turning brown. To keep apples from oxidizing, fill a bowl with a ratio of 1 tablespoon lemon juice to 1 cup water. Soak apple slices in the water and lemon juice for a few minutes.

After soaking, rinse the apples before adding them to the salad.

Apple, Cranberry and Bacon Salad

By Erin Vander Weele

With a combination of sweet and tangy ingredients, this salad is full of flavor. It’s best enjoyed as a healthy lunch or appetizer.

Servings (4-6)

Ingredients • 6-8 cups salad spring mix

• ½ cup feta cheese

• 1 cup chopped kale • 2 apples

• ½ cup shredded red cabbage

• ¾ cup dried cranberries

• 4 turkey bacon strips

• ¾ cup slivered almonds

• Apple cider vinaigrette

Directions Cook turkey bacon strips until crispy. Set aside to cool. Core apples and cut into thin slices or bitesized pieces.

Place spring mix in a large salad bowl, then add kale, apples, dried cranberries, almonds, cabbage, and feta cheese. Once bacon strips are cooled, cut into small pieces and add to the salad mix.

When you’re ready to serve, drizzle salad with apple cider vinaigrette and toss everything together evenly.

15

CELEBRATING

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

23

Our Community

What Are You Thankful For?

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

When we take a look back to November of last year, many of us were simply trying to get through the season with our eyes fixed on a fresh start in January. The holidays were upon us and what would normally be a time for family gatherings and gift exchanges, instead turned out to be a few cold, dark and lonely months. 2021 couldn’t come soon enough. As if flipping the calendar to a new year would bring all the changes we wished and hoped for: A new year, new beginnings and renewed faith for our future.

months haven’t exactly been smooth sailing. When things don’t go as planned, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize what we can be thankful for, but it’s actually more important to be thankful when times are tough than when they are going well.

We asked a few of our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors Sponsors to share what they are thankful for this holiday season.

Forti

Ringing in the new year had us all thankful that 2020 was behind us. And although in 2021 we have been able to experience a modified version of pre-pandemic life, these past few

Homes

This Thanksgiving, Sarah Forti of Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty is reflecting on her many blessings. “I am grateful for the extra time I've been able to spend with my family over the past year and a half, for our health and for our friends near and far,” Sarah said. “It is a blessing to be a part of our Newtown Square community and to live in an area where a quick trip to the grocery store includes passing by beautiful farms and historic landmarks.”

Being thankful does not just depend on how much you have.

It’s based on what you choose to be thankful for. Sometimes, what can spark gratitude is an awareness and appreciation for the basic things in life such as a roof over your head, a friend who cares deeply about you, plentiful food on your table and the beautiful fall foliage.

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24

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Facing divorce, child support or custody matters?

Suffered a serious injury at work or in an accident?

Social Security Disability needed or at risk?

YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY WHO CAN HELP.

Steve Graham, Co-Owner of Casey’s Public House, said that he is thankful that the restaurant is celebrating its 47th year in business. “I am also thankful that our Casey’s family all stayed healthy through the pandemic,” said Steve. “We are busy gearing up for a holiday season filled with family, friends and good food.”

And while we are reflecting on all the blessings that have come our way, why not stop to think about how we show others that we are grateful? Think about the people who have shaped and changed our lives for the better, and consider some ways to tell them and show them how thankful we are. Pick up the phone, send a card, wrap a little gift or simply say “thank you.”

Being thankful is something that we should be able to express on any occasion — no matter how big or small. So don't just save these thoughtful messages for Thanksgiving Day. If you’re thankful and you know it, and you really want to show it, if you’re thankful and you know it, Make Their Day! NS

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25

Expert Contributor

by Dave DiGregorio & TJ Dell’Arciprete Delaware Valley Septic, Sewer & Storm

Maintaining Your Septic System Properly There’s a lot of bad information out there about how to maintain your septic system. Unfortunately, there isn’t a signal or alarm to tell you it’s time to get your system pumped. By the time your system does let you know, there is a much bigger issue at hand!

The best way for you to maintain your septic system is to pump it on a consistent basis. Just like heating and air conditioning units need periodic maintenance to avoid the big problems, so does your septic system. Heating units get a break in the summer and air conditioning gets a break in the winter, but your septic system is used 24/ 7/365.

How will you know when it’s time for a septic system pumping?

It all depends on a few factors: The number of people in your household A septic system should be pumped at least every one to three years, depending on the number of full-time occupants in the home. The more people living in your home, it’s likely that you will use more water and need to service your septic system more frequently. Use this breakdown tool to estimate when your system is likely to need pumping: 1 person = 3 years 2 people = 2.5 years 3 people = 1.5 years 4 people or more = annually

Whether or not you have a garbage disposal If you have a garbage disposal, you will typically need to pump more frequently because a good amount of small particles enter your tank regularly. Those particles form a “mat” that greatly impacts the septic tank environment pre-treatment capabilities because the “mat” moves onto and damages the draining components.

Many homeowners think that after you pump a septic tank, it doesn’t fill back up for years. That is, however, not the case.

Your tank will fill back up within a week or so depending on water usage in your home. Keeping accumulated solids and debris to a minimum keeps the effluent cleaner before it reaches the septic system’s drainage components.

It’s also a great idea to have the overall system inspected every few years, to make sure everything is functioning as intended.

A big misconception is that pumping tells you how your overall system is functioning. Just like a car, there are many different parts to your septic system. Following these maintenance tips can help your septic system provide many additional years of use, perhaps even decades.

That is the main goal! Spend a few hundred dollars in maintenance to save multiple tens of thousands of dollars to replace septic system drain fields.

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NOVEMBER Calendar of Events Saturdays in November

Thurs. November 11 Rain or Shine

Fri. November 19 – Sun. January 9

Art at The Square Tavern

Veterans Day Parade

A Longwood Christmas

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads A variety of rotating art displays by local artists, exhibitions and activities.

@State Street State Street, Media This annual parade to honor our Veterans begins at State and Jackson Streets, and finishes in front of the Delaware County Courthouse.

@Longwood Gardens 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square Visit A Longwood Christmas as they showcase the dramatically beautiful contrast of fire and ice. Inside, set your spirits ablaze with towering trees adorned in amber to fiery red tones, flickering flame lanterns, and an inviting mountain retreat, complemented by icy-hued plantings, a “frozen” succulent fountain and a refreshing alpine waterway that is the ultimate winter wonderland. Outdoors, cozy up to inviting fire pits, cool off with a stroll through lights that dazzle and delight and relish the splendor of the season.

Time: 11am – 5pm Cost: FREE (donations accepted!)

www.NSHistory.org

Time: 11:11am Cost: FREE

Mondays & Fridays November 1 – November 19

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Marple Library’s Fall Outdoor Storytime @Veterans Memorial Park Lawrence Rd, Broomall Join us under the gazebo for stories, songs, rhymes and fun. Recommended for ages 5 and under but all are welcome.

Sat. November 27 – Mon. December 19

Boy Scouts Christmas Tree Sale @St. Pius X Church parking lot 2004 Lawrence Rd, Broomall Boy Scout Troop 468 Broomall and Boy Scout Troop 315 Newtown Square are combining their efforts, to help you Be Prepared for Christmas! Come out and support the Boy Scouts. 100% of all proceeds benefit scouting youth activities.

Time: 10am Cost: FREE

610-356-1510 www.MarpleLibrary.org/childrens-programs

Timed admission tickets are required.

Time: 10am – 11pm Daily Cost: Adult $30; Seniors $27; Youth 5-18 years $16; Discounts for Military and College Students

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Time: Weeknights 5:00–9:30pm; Sat. & Sun. 9:30am–9:30pm Cost: Varies by tree size

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@State Street State Street, Media Block Party on Veterans Square between State and Front Streets starts at 2:30pm. The Fun Run/Walk starts at 4:15pm. Parade and costume contest starts at 5pm and requires advance registration. (Register at the Block Party between 2:30-4pm.) A fun day for the whole family with music, performers, floats, cars, dancers, Santa and Mrs. Claus and surprises.

@St. Albans Circle, Newtown Square Kick off the Christmas season with hot chocolate, Christmas carolers, candy canes for kids and dance performances. New this year will be sweet and savory treats and select local stores will be open for holiday shopping. Donate non-perishable food items for St. Alban’s Episcopal Church’s food drive and unwrapped new children's toy donations for Toys for Tots. Santa Claus will arrive on a Newtown Township Volunteer Fire Company fire truck at 7:15pm for the tree lighting.

Time: 2:30 – 6:30pm Cost: FREE (Parade “Admission Fee” is a nonperishable donation for Media Food Bank or an unwrapped gift for local kids in need.)

Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm Cost: FREE

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29

History Spotlight

Who Put the Sproul in Sproul Road?

by Doug Humes

1960’s era green Sproul Road sign Doug Humes collection

A hint: Who is the only governor ever to come from Delaware County? If you answered “William Cameron Sproul,” then maybe you should be writing these history articles! Sproul was born in Lancaster, PA in 1870 to a Quaker family, which moved to Chester in 1883 when he was 13. He graduated from Chester High School, and then Swarthmore College. From there, he used his Midas touch to make his fortune in publishing, railroads, banking, shipbuilding and insurance.

First Pennsylvanian state highways in Delaware County in 1911 Marple Historical Society

Our Sproul Road was originally called The Great Road of Marple. Laid out in 1683, the road ran from the county seat at Chester north, through Marple, and on to the Radnor Quaker Meeting in Ithan, where it met up with east-west Conestoga Road. Today, the road named “Sproul” makes a right hand bend after Ithan and runs up to Lancaster Pike in Villanova. When it crosses the Pike, it carries the name Spring Mill Road. So when did the road’s name change to Sproul, and why?

At age 26, Sproul was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate and served for the next 22 years. With the rise of the automobile in the early 20th century, there was a demand for better roads. Sproul drafted the Sproul Road Bill that created the state highway system. The 1911 law provided for $6.5 million for construction of public roads, and created the State Highway Commission, the forerunner of PennDOT. The law also made the state responsible for maintenance of certain designated roads. A 1911 map shows the initial state routes in Delaware County, and the Great Marple Road – by then also called Springfield Road, was one such state road, Legislative Route 225. In 1928 the road was re-designated as Route 320.

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November 2021

Portrait of Governor Sproul Governor Sproul speaks on behalf of President Harding (on his right)

PA Museum Commission Sproul for governor campaign button Marple Historical Society

Library of Congress

Sproul went on to serve as Governor from 1918-1923. I could not find a news article that announced a renaming ceremony for today’s Sproul Road, but the earliest mention I could find of the road referred to that way was 1923 – so I am guessing the road was renamed in that year to honor the departing Governor, then known as the “father of good roads.”

In 1920, Sproul was offered the vice-presidency by Warren Harding and declined. Had he made a different decision, he would have become President when Harding died in 1923. Sproul was considered a reformer, a progressive, and an honest and capable public servant. He would have made an excellent President.

Saturdays in the Fall, 11am - 5pm

Art at The Square Tavern

Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

A variety of rotating art displays by local artists, exhibitions and activities.

FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org

For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit our website at: www.NSHistory.org.

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Fact or Fiction?

You Be the Judge

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard There once was a time when hunting down a Hollywood classic movie or watching the latest summer blockbuster in December meant going to the local video store. For those lucky enough to bear witness, Ardmore’s Viva Video made that trip down memory lane a reality up until just a few months ago. And if you stopped in out of sheer curiosity or to rent a movie, you probably saw Newtown Square resident Bryan Way behind the counter. He said he had been asked more than a few times, “Why hang onto a job that won’t be there for much longer?” Bryan’s response: “When I find something I’m passionate about, I stick with it.”

Originally from Upper Darby, Bryan moved to our area in grade school. He went to Marple Newtown Senior High School and graduated from Temple University. He spent a brief time working in Los Angeles before returning home and taking a job at TLA Video in Bryn Mawr. When the video rental industry

began to slump, TLA folded, and Bryan was out of a job. His long-time manager Miguel Gomez asked Bryan to join him at Viva Video, where he grew into a management role. “No reasonable person believes a dying industry like that could afford many opportunities,” Bryan said. “But the shared passion of the Viva staff made an impression on the right people, and we made it work.”

As it turns out, not giving up on the DVD rental industry had its advantages. In 2019, Viva Video was the subject of a television pilot on the SYFY Channel. Aired as Midnight Rewind, the program featured Bryan and his coworkers cut into John Carpenter’s cult classic They Live. “If nothing else, the pilot taught me a lesson about perseverance,” Bryan said. “All we can do with the time we have is find something we love and dedicate ourselves to it passionately. That’s what I did with Viva.”

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November 2021

the idealistic notion that life is there for the taking. “But like many in my generation, I learned the hard way that it is not.”

In Life After: The Arising, he said that zombies are the embodiment of that challenge.

Bryan Way’s last day at Viva Video Photo courtesy of Roxy Snavely

What possessed Bryan to conjure the living dead in his hometown? “I love it here!” he chuckled. “I spent my youth in Marple Newtown at the Gauntlett Center, in Granite Run Mall, and gazing fondly at the Springton Reservoir. Somewhere in the back of my mind, a nostalgic love letter began to merge.”

Maintaining his good humor and appreciating the irony of being a recently deposed video store clerk writing in an outdated genre is not lost on Bryan. “Maybe it’s just a wanton disregard for growing up, but I hang on to the things I love: My fiancé Dani, recommending movies and writing about zombies. So far, it has worked out for me.”

Bryan Way’s Life After series Photo courtesy of Bryan Way

Following Life After: The Arising, Bryan self-published a sequel, Life After: The Void. He also recently debuted three new short stories. His most recent, Life After: The Line of Duty, imagines the local police department scrambling to contain the havoc wrought by the undead in Delaware County. While a resurrection of the zombie genre seems as likely as the dead rising in Newtown Square, that does nothing to tarnish Bryan’s passionate dedication. “Maybe zombies are passé, but this series is my “Game of Thrones” and I’ll never run out of stories to tell. If people keep reading, I’ll keep writing.”

Though clips remain on the internet today, the pilot was not picked up or re-aired. Viva Video was ultimately priced out of the Main Line storefront market and closed this past September. So, where does Bryan put his passion now? “I write,” he explained. “When I was a teenager in the ’90s, I fell in love with zombies.” That fascination endured, and he decided to embark on a new adventure. Bryan said that he hears all the time that you should write what you know. He said, “Put simply, I know zombies, and I know Newtown Square.”

Fact or Fiction?

Pennsylvania’s last video store clerk calls Newtown Square home? That’s a FACT!

The setting of Way’s debut self-published novel, Life After: The Arising, is Newtown Square circa 2004. He described his work as his vision of an undead epidemic, with adolescent angst and self-aware pop culture references. The story is inflected with horror, action, and humor instead of the usual cheap scares, thin characters and mundane carnage. He asks, “What if the collapse of society is just a metaphor for growing up and struggling to find your place in the world?” Bryan was raised with

Meet up at

But is it fiction or fact that Newtown Square was the epicenter of a zombie outbreak in 2004? That’s FICTION! But if you’d like to see that world, Bryan Way’s “Life After” series and his other fictional works, often using local references, are available to purchase online at Amazon.

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33

Our Community

November Is National Stories Month

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard The holiday season is upon us. It’s a season for traditions, from favorite family recipes and special trips to the perfect gift and the magic of making memories. And even though year after year, we tend to get caught up in all the hustle, bustle and shopping frenzy, at the end of the day, we all agree that the time spent with family and friends is what it is truly all about.

Family traditions and the stories behind them hold a special place in our hearts, especially this time of year. And it’s the reason why November is Family Stories Month. This Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table to give thanks for your many blessings, take some time to listen to and share stories with your relatives, both young and old.

Make your Thanksgiving extra special this year by asking family members to share some of their own special stories. A great place to begin is by going around the table and asking everyone to share a favorite story about their childhood. If they can’t

think of one, start with something easy like “What was your favorite cartoon growing up?” or “What is/was your least favorite subject in school?” Make sure to include even the youngest family members.

There are many benefits to telling our stories. Sharing them with our kids helps them to feel a deeper, more personal connection with loved ones, especially the ones they may have never met. It also humanizes us in the eyes of a child. Kids love to hear stories from when their parents and grandparents were young. “Really, Mom, you used to want to be a chef when

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November 2021

you grew up? That’s funny because you always say your favorite meal is take-out!” These “back in the old days” memories often elicit looks of shock and disbelief when they hear tales of life before remote controls, cell phones and yes, even Amazon.

But not everyone can rattle off great stories at the drop of a hat like Grandpa, so you may want to let your guests know about your plan to celebrate Family Stories Month ahead of time. Allow everyone time to prepare by sending them some questions and memory prompts or asking them to bring photos or meaningful mementos. Here are a few questions to get you started: What is something you’re really good at?

Name something you were scared to do but did it anyway.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Tell us about a time you were proud of yourself.

Who is someone you admire, and why?

What is something special about our family?

Sharing your stories doesn’t have to just be reserved for the dinner table. The holiday can be extra fun if you break out some old vinyl records and your best dance moves! Or gather around the kitchen counter to share how to make your grandmother’s famous pumpkin bread. Did you and your siblings

have a favorite board game growing up? Teach the kids how to play it and share the stories about how your brother or sister always “found a way” to win!

We all have stories to tell, stories that inspire and stories that give us a sense of belonging. Some are stories that teach us, and some can make us laugh until we cry. May we never tire of sharing the memories of the past and taking the time for making new memories together. It is a tradition that will give your children and future generations great stories for years to come and will inspire them to continue to write more chapters in the family memoir.

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35

Our Community

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

®

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Tucked between mammoth national sales events Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday® — a day to celebrate and support our small businesses and all they do for our community. Let's come together this holiday season for our independent merchants on Saturday, November 27th, to thank them for working hard to keep our local economy flourishing.

Small Business Saturday® was originally founded by American Express in 2010 to encourage buyers to support small businesses after the economic slump we experienced from 2007–2009. In 2011, the U.S. Senate joined the cause by passing a resolution supporting Small Business Saturday®. The Small Business Association (SBA) officially co-sponsored this annual initiative, which has since grown to include all 50 states.

We know that now more than ever, our local businesses need our support as they continue to shift their business models and bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.

For small business owners, their business is more than just a business — it’s an extension of who they are. When you flip through the pages of our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, you see all our hometown Sponsors who are not only a large part of our daily lives but big supporters of our community causes and our school fundraisers. These business owners are always the first to thank the community for their patronage, so take the time to use your holiday dollars this season to ensure their doors stay open for years to come.

Before you buy big, think small.

Remember those businesses who are always there to sponsor and support our local sports teams and charity events. How many times have you seen local restaurants donate food? Or hair salons, gift shops and dance studios donate baskets of goods and services? Over at Blush Salon, Co-Owners Michele Quinn and Brittany Naab appreciate when

Honoring The Life of a Loved One

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

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

residents choose to purchase gift cards, products and services because they consistently see Blush supporting the community. “Growing up in Newtown Square and now also owning a business here is really special,” they said.

Small businesses are the backbone of our community. When you shop local, you support the entrepreneurial spirit, driving our economic prosperity and keeping our friends and neighbors employed. Shopping local means that businesses can grow and hire more employees. In fact, the Small Business Association (SBA) says that across the United States, small businesses account for over 64% of new jobs created each year.

Local businesses like Rey Azteca certainly know how vital community support is to sustain and grow a business. They opened their Newtown Square location MEXICAN RESTAURANT just two months before the pandemic shut everything down. Co-Owner Jenny Palacios said, “We appreciate all the incredible support from the community during that difficult time. By supporting us with take-out orders for food and margaritas, the restaurant was able to survive.” Rey Azteca is not only surviving but thriving.

Jenny said they are actively hiring at their Newtown Square location and also at their new place in West Goshen. Consider booking your next gathering there or purchasing a gift card on Small Business Saturday®.

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Our very own Newtown Square Business Association (NSBA) is encouraging you to shop local as well.

They recently completed a project to have decorative banners designed and installed along West Chester Pike and St. Albans Circle that encourage you to “Shop the Square.” Graphic Designer and NSBA Member Pam Purser was asked to create the design.

“We knew we wanted the banners to be modern and dynamic,” she said.

“The squares refer to the square in our town’s name, of course, but they also represent the small businesses that make Newtown Square unique.”

SHOP the

SQUARE NEWTOWN SQUARE

Sure, the deals and steals that flood our mailboxes and social media feeds can be awfully tempting, but nothing beats the feeling of walking into your local gift shop where you’re greeted by name. That level of customer service is what makes shopping local so special. “We care about our customers,” explained Anne Marie Hare from Bunny Hare’s gift shop. “Because we live here and work here, we can help you pick out unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.” Loyal customers certainly agree, not to mention their complimentary gift wrapping is one less thing you need to do this holiday season! ’Tis the season to spread holiday cheer and offer good tidings to all, including our local small businesses. Make a difference and commit this year by choosing to shop local instead of the big retailers. Don’t let US Postal Service delivery delays predicted for this holiday season affect your gift-giving either. Put your local bakery, restaurant, coffee shop, gift boutique and neighborhood stores at the top of your gift-giving list. Let’s ensure that our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors business owners and Sponsors receive the best gift of all: your loyalty.

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37

Our Community

Happy Veterans Day!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of Barbara Vickers Veterans give us many gifts including safety, security and freedom. So how can we thank the members of our military, both past and present? Veterans Day is right around the corner, so let’s honor these service members by acknowledging the sacrifices they make and finding ways to celebrate them.

In order to honor American veterans of all wars properly, it is important to know the history of the holiday. Each year, Veterans Day is observed on November 11th, regardless of the day of the week. Why November 11th? It’s the day that signifies the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, marking the end of World War I.

Delaware County Veterans Memorial

38

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

November 2021

Originally known as Armistice Day, Congress passed legislation in 1938 to officially dedicate November 11th to the cause of world peace. In 1954, veterans and service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.” The legislation was approved in June of that year, and November 11th became the official holiday to honor our American veterans of any war. Then in 1968, due to the Uniform Holiday Bill, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October, ensuring a three-day weekend for federal holidays. However some states did not agree with this decision, so they continued to celebrate it on its original date. Finally in 1975, President Ford signed a law returning the annual observance of the holiday to November 11th.

Perhaps you know a veteran personally and you’re looking to honor them, or you want to contribute something meaningful to all veterans this year. There are many ways to do that, right here in our community. Veterans Day events like parades or local services are great ways to celebrate our local vets.

The Delaware County Veterans Legacy organizes the annual Veterans Day Parade held in Media, PA, an enjoyable event for the community where you can clap and cheer as these service members go by.

Veterans Day is the perfect time to ask a veteran you know about their service. Some good questions are: What did you do in the military? How long did you serve? Why did you choose to go into a specific service branch? You may not have to say much, just listen as they tell you about their experience.

You can even spend time with them in the great outdoors as the National Parks offer free admittance to all veterans on November 11th.

And what better time to check in on Newtown Square’s oldest veteran, Mr. Eugene Vickers, who happens to be celebrating his 106th birthday this Veterans Day! Mr. Vickers was born on November 11, 1915, and spent most of his younger years in Havertown. He married his childhood sweetheart, Betty, in 1944, and just two months later, he left to serve his country in World War II. Mr. Vickers entered the Navy as a Lieutenant, and was sent to Harvard for training required to serve as a Communications Officer. He was also assigned to serve as Chaplain and later as a Signal Officer on the USS Panamint AGC-13, performing assaults, capturing Okinawa and Le Shima Islands and fighting in the battles of Iwo ima and New Guinea.

In 1946, he returned to our area and built a home with his wife Betty in Newtown Square, where they raised their four daughters: Betty Jean, Barbara, Brenda and Beverly. Sadly, his wife Betty passed away 14 years ago, but Mr.Vickers still lives in the home they built, and he enjoys spending time with his daughters, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Perhaps you recognize Mr. Vickers. Many consider him a local celebrity after he was honored last Veterans Day with an impressive parade to celebrate his 105th birthday. Military Personnel, Police Officers, First Responders, Veterans, friends and families joined in the celebration that began at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial on West Chester Pike and continued to his home on Overbrook Drive.

Mr. Eugene Vickers with his daughters to celebrate his 105th birthday.

(L-R): Beverly, Brenda, Eugene, Barbara and Betty Jean

The weather may have been soggy, but there was no way anyone would let it rain on that very special parade. Hundreds of well-wishers drove by as this highly decorated WWII, 105-yearold veteran greeted each one with a wave. He was dressed in his uniform, and seated in a WWII Jeep, accompanied by his lovely daughters.

Mr. Vicker’s service to our country and his incredible life story garnered the attention of our local television stations, newspapers and our very own Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine. Last November, we asked you to join us in wishing Mr. Vickers a happy birthday and thanking him for his service, and wow, did our community deliver! Mr. Vickers’ daughter Barbara said that he received hundreds of cards and each one meant so much to him.

Happy 106th Birthday, Mr. Vickers, and Thank You for Your Service!

Let’s come together again this Veterans Day by sending our dear Friend & Neighbor a birthday card and your congratulations message.

Address your birthday card to: Mr. Eugene Vickers 281 Overbrook Dr Newtown Square, PA 19073

Whether it’s attending an event, supporting a veteran-owned business or simply striking up a conversation with a veteran, be sure to find a way to honor the bravery and sacrifice of all United States veterans. Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors wishes all of our local veterans a Happy Veterans Day, and we sincerely thank these men and women for their service!

NS

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