Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, March 2022 by bestversionmedia2

2022 March

Newtown Square Bringing People Together

Friends & Neighbors

The Werner Family

Blooming Here in Newtown Square Cover photo by Amber Johnston Photography www.AmberJohnstonPhoto.com

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

Dear Friends & Neighbors, It’s that time, the time of year we March into Spring time. Bring it on! I am ready to be done with the snow and cold and all else that’s been holding us back. Just as I see the flower bulbs breaking through the ground now, it’s time to break through to a new normal now.

PUBLICATION TEAM PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Liz Burnett CONTENT COORDINATOR: Sheila Turner-Hilliard PUBLISHER ASSISTANT: Lisa Jeffries DESIGNER: Kim Cesati COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Amber Johnston Amber Johnston Photography, 267-408-9147 www.AmberJohnstonPhoto.com 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, Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D., Jack Del Pizzo, Kevin O’Donnell, Lindsey Poeth, Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab, Luke Anastasio, Sarah Forti, TJ Warner, Mark Reitz 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. © 2022 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER The Werner Family at Ridley Creek State Park 2022 March

Newtown Square Together Bringing People

bors Fri ends & Ne igh

The Werner Family

re in New town Squa Blooming Here Photography Amber Johnston

Cover photo by stonPhoto.com www.AmberJohn

Newtown Square is now breaking through as the cold weather of winter and the necessary social distancing of the pandemic slide further away from us with every day. The signs of Spring and social gatherings are returning, to put a spring in our step with more confidence to be stepping out into Spring activities than we’ve experienced in a few years. I’m looking forward to Little League and Petticoat League seasons being back to normal. I want to see Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts having fun in service to our community. And who does not look forward to our school graduates gaining the memorable experiences of proms and closing ceremonies they deserve this Spring. Most of all, I’m looking forward to seeing local stores fill back up with local shoppers getting out again even more this Spring. With March weather, as the saying goes, coming in like a lion, and out like a lamb, I know it will be the opposite when it comes to calls and emails coming into Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors this month. This is when we know the number of our Readers Leaders has grown even more, with so many sending in ideas they held onto all winter. It sure puts a spring into our step every Spring. Send us your suggestions for Newtown Square residents to be featured on our cover, news of what’s happening in your organizations, or your ideas for stories about seniors or youth. Maybe even write the feature yourself and put your feature, with your byline in print, and online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com. Join the Reader Leaders of your hometown magazine by sending us your suggestions. And with a spring in your step, march into one of our advertising Sponsors who make our hometown magazine possible, to thank them for Bringing People Together in Newtown Square through this new March issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, which Sheila has put together for us and which I know you’ll enjoy.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Share Our Magazine! www.NewtownSquareMag.com

Dear Residents, Welcome to the start of the spring season! Though March often feels like one of those in-between months, there is always plenty to look forward to. We will spring forward to longer, brighter days, beautiful yellow daffodils will bloom, and the sounds of squeaky basketball courts will fill the air during March Madness. If you’ve got a case of spring fever, take a break from the cleaning by making easy and fun crafts to celebrate National Crafting Month. Music will fill the air this month as Marple Newtown High School presents Matilda the Musical. In this issue, we introduce you to the Werner family who is planting the seeds for a beautiful future in Newtown Square. Our Business Profile features Dream Team Home Services, which provides a one-stop shop for all your plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling needs. We are looking for more Newtown Square families, individuals and nonprofit 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

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

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

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

Dance Instruction Kaitlin Battiste From the Top Dance 3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square 610.353.2623 Info@FromTheTopDance.com www.FromTheTopDance.com

Carpeting & Floor Covering Jim Casar Carpet Warehouse 620 Parkway Drive, Broomall 610.353.1312 • CarpetWarehouseOutlet@gmail.com www.CarpetWarehouseCo.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

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

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

March 2022

Food & Beverage Frank Fusaro Toscana Modern Italian Steakhouse 4799 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610.550.8000 • Frank@ToscanaModernSteakhouse.com www.ToscanaModernSteakhouse.com

Fireplace Products Scott Magness Scott’s Fireplace Products 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484.422.8334 • SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

Expert Contributors 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

Plumbing Service, Residential / Commercial Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing 610.566.0288 • RFBPlumbing@comcast.net www.RFBondurant.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 Investor Coaching Brendan Magee Inevitable Wealth Coaching 610.299.3969 • Brendan@CoachGee.com www.CoachGee.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

Roofing, Siding & Carpentry Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co. 610.624.8112 • Office@ODonnellRoofingCo.com www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com/bvm

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

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

Tree Care and Inspection Mike Bradley Bradley Tree Experts Broomall 610.325.8600 • Mike@BradleyTreeExperts.com www.BradleyTreeExperts.com

Personal Training & Fitness Luigi Truono, LMT, Owner Retro Fitness Newtown Square 4847 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484.420.4935 / EdgmontSqPA@RetroFitness.net www.RetroFitness.com/EdgmontSquarePA

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

Physical Therapy Mark E. Reitz, PT Penn Therapy Associates 2010 West Chester Pike, #450 610.853.0508 PennTherapy@comcast.net www.PennTherapy.com

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

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

Resident Feature

The Werner Family Blooming Here in Newtown Square by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

We would like to thank

for sponsoring this month’s Resident Feature. Lauren, Victoria and Stephen enjoying Disney World Photo courtesy of Lauren Werner

This month we are pleased to introduce you to the Werner family: Stephen, Lauren and their daughter Victoria, who are planting the seeds for a beautiful life here in Newtown Square. Stephen was born and raised in Newtown Square with his older brother and sister. His parents still live in his childhood home near Marple Newtown High School, and his siblings are raising their families nearby in Broomall and Media. Stephen said that in addition to his immediate family, his mother is one of ten children who all live in the area, making for lots of extended family come holiday season! Stephen attended St. Anastasia School and Cardinal O’Hara High School. While there, he played football and ran track. In high school, he was named an All-State Athlete for track as a sprinter, long jumper and hurdler, and received an athletic scholarship to run track for Rutgers University, where he graduated with a degree in Economics. Lauren grew up in Freeland, a small town in Luzerne County, PA, about 20 miles south of Wilkes-Barre. “In Freeland, there’s one traffic light and a CVS,” she said. “Everyone knows everyone, but it’s funny because the longer I live here, the more I realize that everyone also knows everyone here in Delaware County.” 6

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

Like Stephen, Lauren is also one of three children. She has a younger brother and a younger sister, and her parents still live in Freeland. Lauren graduated from Hazleton High School where she was a volunteer for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She also taught kindergarten catechism (CCD) classes. After high school, Lauren decided that she wanted to go to college in Philadelphia. “I wanted to branch out a bit, but still be able to go home on weekends,” she explained. “I decided to study at Philadelphia University because I liked the idea of a small school, but one where I could also explore the big city.” She earned her degree in Marketing, and began her career in Philadelphia. Today, Lauren works as an IT Recruiter for MatchPoint Consulting Group, which is based in Wayne. She explained that her company serves to streamline the hiring process for companies looking for highly technical and specific positions. “I truly love the company I work for and the people I work with,” she said. “I get to meet new people and build relationships on a daily basis, all while helping place the most qualified candidates with the companies I work with.” Lauren and Stephen met in Philadelphia in 2015, when mutual friends decided to get together for a night out. Stephen laughed

when asked how they first met. “Lauren just showed up at my apartment,” he said. Well, technically Lauren did just show up at his apartment, but she was with her friends who knew Stephen’s friends. “We didn’t start dating until a few months after that,” Lauren explained. “Stephen and I really enjoyed each other’s company. We shared a lot in common including our distaste for condiments that everyone else seems to love, like mustard, ranch dressing and blue cheese.”

welcomed their daughter, Victoria, in 2019. “Victoria has brought so much joy to our lives!” Stephen said. “She loves to talk, tell stories and has such a fun personality.” Lauren said that Victoria also loves building forts, playing in her pretend kitchen, and dancing and singing along with her favorite Disney princesses, Moana and Belle.

Lauren, Stephen and their newest little addition in tow, continued to make plans for their November 2020 Finding that level of compatibility is nuptials, with the ceremony and rare, and their relationship continued reception scheduled to take place at Victoria loved the rides at the Magic Kingdom to grow over the next few years. Then The Lucy in Philadelphia, with over Photo courtesy of Lauren Werner in 2018, Lauren and Stephen decided 200 guests. But as you have likely that they wanted to build their future together guessed, COVID-19 had other plans. in Newtown Square. For Stephen, there was nowhere else he Instead of postponing the wedding to a later date, the couple wanted to live and raise a family. Lauren, having spent time decided to host an intimate ceremony and reception with their with Stephen’s family at his childhood home, had grown to family and closest friends. They were married at St. Anastasia love and appreciate our special community. They purchased Church and had an outdoor reception at Water Works by a home in a wonderful neighborhood, and started to plan for Cescaphe in Philadelphia. They also opted for a weekend the future. honeymoon in Connecticut instead of their original plans to Stephen and Lauren got engaged in May 2018, and set a celebrate in Italy and Greece. Lauren said, “We are definitely wedding date for November 2020. In the meantime, they dis- looking forward to rescheduling that trip!” Continued on page 8

covered that they were expecting their first child together and

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Resident Feature a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder in 2019. “I enjoy working at a large bank with complex projects driven by a regulatory focus,” explained Stephen. “The financial markets and regulatory requirements are always changing, and I get the opportunity to work on the latest trends in finance.” Stephen said that one area he likes to work on is called capital stress testing which came about after the economic crash in 2008. “We now have safeguards in place to ensure that financial institutions are equipped to survive a catastrophic crisis like the one we experienced in 2008,” he said. “These stress test audits allow us to take a bank through a simulated crisis so we can be sure they are strong enough to survive.”

Lauren and Stephen’s daughter, Victoria Photo by Amber Johnston Photography www.AmberJohnstonPhoto.com

In 2012, Stephen began his career working as a Bank Examiner with the Federal Reserve. He then went on to work in finance at JP Morgan before joining Bank of America in 2016 as a Senior Audit Manager. He continued his studies in finance and became

Stephen also uses his skills and talents in finance to give back to our community. Since 2017, he has served as an elected Newtown Township Auditor. “I am one of three elected Auditors who serve to assist the township’s independent auditor, to ensure the proper use of township funds,” Stephen explained. Lauren said that she and Stephen love to travel, spend time at the beach, and recently decided to take Victoria to Disney World. “We were so excited for Victoria to see her favorite princesses and for us to spend some quality family time together,” said Lauren. “Victoria’s favorite part of the trip was having dinner at Belle’s castle.” Victoria agreed and said she had so much fun meeting the princesses and going on all the rides!

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

Victoria and her mommy, Lauren

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No matter how far they travel or where they go, Lauren, Stephen and Victoria are always happy to come home. “We love our neighbors, our neighborhood and this wonderful community,” Lauren explained. “We live on a street with families that Stephen has known since grade school, and we immediately felt at home here.” The Werner family is really looking forward to warmer weather so they can spend more time outdoors playing in the yard, walking in the neighborhood and taking trips to the park around the corner. Thank you, Stephen, Lauren and Victoria, for sharing your story with us. Your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors are looking forward to watching your family and your future take full bloom. 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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Student of the Month by Lisa Jeffries

Liza Lee

MARCH TOSCANA STUDENT OF THE MONTH Liza Lee, March Toscana Student of the Month Photo courtesy of Diana Lee

The March Toscana Student of the Month is Liza Lee, a Senior at Delaware County Christian School (DCCS). Liza received a Certificate of Achievement and a Gift Certificate from Toscana Modern Italian Steakhouse, our Sponsor of this program.

members to work as attorneys, who then present the case to the mock judge and jury. This year, Liza is thrilled to be a defense attorney for the first time, so she’ll get to do both direct and cross examination of the defendant and witnesses.

Liza has many varied interests that keep her both busy and motivated. One thing Liza loves participating in each year is her school’s Mock Trial team. After the team gets the case they’re to work on, the defense and prosecution teams are formed. This includes choosing team

As a member of her school’s cross country track team, Liza finds that running long distances helps her think. And having played the flute for her school’s band since 4th grade, she is now a Section Leader. As a DCCS Student Ambassador, she enjoys welcoming and giving tours to

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

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Liza also volunteers at her church, to help care for toddlers while their parents attend church services or activities. She also helps out with the planning and implementation of the church’s annual One Meal, which helps feed the homeless and food insecure in the Delaware County area.

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Liza's big plans for her future include majoring in Biology in college, and following in the footsteps of other family members who work in the sciences. Liza, your Marple Newtown Friends & Neighbors congratulate you on this award, and thank you for all that you do to bring joy to others. We wish you well in all your future endeavors! NS

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Nominate the Next Student of the Month!

Any grade 7–12 student who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District may be nominated by a parent, teacher or other adult who submits in writing some ways the student demonstrates Excellence in Service to friendship, school or other local communities. Academic or athletic excellence is not required. The Winner will be featured in a future issue and will also receive a Toscana Modern Italian Steakhouse Gift Certificate. Email your nomination to Lisa Jeffries at LJeffries@BestVersionMedia.com.

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Expert Contributor by Lindsey Poeth, CSA® Oasis Senior Advisors Mainline

Caregiver Burnout: A Very Real Problem While many assume the natural progression of aging will include providing care to a loved one, it can be an overwhelming development in the life of those caregivers. Here are some points to consider, courtesy of the CDC 2015-16 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data. Caregiving is widespread: 1 in 5 adults are caregivers, and 1 in 6 non-caregivers expect to take on that role in the next 2 years. Caregiving is lengthy: 50% provide care for at least 2 years. Caregiving is intense: 30% provide care for at least 20 hours a week.

While caregiving can be a solution for some families, it can also be a thankless role with a large negative impact on the caregiver across many facets of their life. Physical Duress: Caregiving can be a largely physical role especially for those with higher assistance needs like bathing and transferring. Many caregivers don’t have any formal caregiving training, so over time, they end up hurting themselves making the repeated movements that they weren’t trained to do. Self-care among caregivers tends to wane as they focus their attention on others rather than themselves. Emotional Duress: When a relative takes on the role of caregiver, the relationship invariably shifts. Many caregivers report a lack of boundaries between their role as caregiver and that of spouse or child. This can be very challenging, resulting in depression and emotional stress. Social Impacts: Caregivers may find themselves struggling to find a break in their role, as few have a backup plan in place. Many will not ask for additional help, so as not to add burden on others’ shoulders. The focus on caregiving often comes at a sacrifice of other commitments like family, friends and work.

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Many caregivers are initially reluctant to reach out for help, either through a sense of duty or by setting unrealistic expectations for themselves. Many senior living communities offer a solution through a short-term respite stay, which can go a long way in alleviating some of the stress involved in caregiving. This way, the senior gets the appropriate care in a social setting among their peers, so they can be as active and engaged as they’d like. While the senior is getting respite care, the caregiver gets a break and opportunity for self-care and revitalization, which is so critical. So it’s a win for all involved.

March 2022

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Bringing People Together

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Business Leaders & Reader Leaders What a Great Partnership in Newtown Square! In April 2018, several Newtown Square Business Leaders and I met, to discuss Newtown Square hometown pride and our hope that residents would “Buy Local” whenever possible. I told them how those two concepts can go together. Thankfully, many Business Leaders agreed.

come to know since becoming the Publisher of our hometown magazine. The businesses of our community had vision early on, even while seeing what’s happening with online buying and big box stores, but they never stopped believing in the benefit of bringing us together.

We now know that Buying Local is strongly related to hometown pride because readers of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine have proven it, while forming a partnership with local business leaders who make receiving this hometown magazine possible.

The advertising Sponsors of Newtown Square’s hometown magazine are business owners whose years of experience tell them advertising only occasionally, even quarterly, is not as effective as needed to achieve their goal of Bringing People Together, which is our magazine’s motto. Local businesses need to be remembered every month to remain in business long term. That’s why they sponsor us with interest in being recognized by us every month for bringing us together through our free hometown magazine in print and online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com.

I’ve lived in Newtown Square for 28 years. My wife, Jean, and I have raised four sons here. We’re proud of our town, the people of our town, and the businesses of Newtown Square who, like us, get involved in local organizations. But here’s what I have

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

The hard part is over. The cold winter months are gone. It’s Springtime now, a time to take notice of what has been made possible for us by our local business leaders. Will you thank them with me? Will you reward their commitment to Newtown Square? Call them. Stop in to see them. Tell them how much you enjoy receiving Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine. Give our advertising Sponsors, who all took a bet on us, a win by choosing their businesses first over others whenever possible, and then tell them why!

If you like how your monthly magazine is increasing Newtown Square hometown pride with each new monthly edition, be a “Reader Leader” and partner with local Business Leaders who make it possible now for us all to be Bringing People Together as Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. NS

Bob Blaisse

Publisher, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Reader Leaders: Be Featured in an Upcom ing Edition for Then name a Newtown Township res

Three easy steps to becoming a Reader

2 3

Growing Your Magazine!

ident to appear on the cover of an upc

Leader…

Send an email to any business own er, reccommending Newtown Square Friends & Neighb ors magazine as the best way that a business can become known and rewarded by Newtown Township residents for Sponsoring your hometown magazine.

Use your email to introduce the bus iness owner to Bob Blaisse, Publisher of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, by also cop ying Bob (BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com ). Just let your magazine Publisher and your business contact do the rest.

oming edition.

If the business owner you connect with Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine becomes an advertising Sponso r of our community, you’ll be named a Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors ma gazine “Reader Leader.” Reader Leaders helping to grow Newtown Square’s monthl y magazine will be featured in an upcoming edition, for their reader leadership, and asked to nominate a Newtown Township resident or family to appear on the cover of an upcoming edition of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine.

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Expert Contributor by Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab Blush Salon

Your Most Flattering Haircut

Blush Salon

Have you ever chosen a haircut that you absolutely loved when you saw it on someone else, but when you look in the mirror after getting it done, you thoroughly hate it? The reason is probably that it didn’t compliment your face shape. Whether your face is an oval, round, rectangle, triangle, square or heart/ diamond shaped, there is a perfect cut to suit your face shape.

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The right haircut will frame and balance your face while also showcasing your best features. If you’re not sure what face shape you have, consult with your stylist. They should be able to show you what shape your face is considered, along with several different looks that would work best on you. If you already know what face shape you have, here are some pointers for flattering cuts to compliment your features accordingly. Oval is considered the most common face shape. As for the best hairstyles for an oval face, bobs and lobs (long bobs) tend to be very flattering to your face shape, as well as long layers and loose waves. Round faces are typically pretty symmetrical, so styles with a center part are ideal, particularly those with long, loose waves. Rectangle faces are truly complimented by styles with curtain bangs, a very popular choice these days! Curtain bangs are a type of bangs that frame the face on both sides, usually with a center part. They tend to be cut shorter on the inside and become gradually longer toward the outside. Triangle faces look stunning with cuts where the layering starts and falls at the eyes or cheekbones, which offsets the angular lower half of your face. Square faces look great with a slightly off-center part (between a side and center part line) to help round out the face. This frames your face without appearing too bold or dramatic, offsetting any harsh angles. Heart or Diamond faces have pointed chins and high cheekbones, so they are the lucky ones who can ideally wear just about any style. However, some of the best looks for these shapes include having hair parted on the side, which enhances the angular nature of your lower face and chin.

610.325.3266 www.BlushLooks.com 3515 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 16

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors March 2022

Whether you’re looking for a new style or just thinking of tweaking your current look, be sure to consult your stylist for options, advice and opinions! NS

Expert Contributor by Luke Anastasio DriGanic Carpet Cleaning

Advantages of the Very Low Moisture ( VLM) Method of Carpet Cleaning There are multiple ways to clean a carpet, as well as to restore it if need be. The Very Low Moisture (VLM) or encapsulation method is an especially clean, dry and safe way to remove dirt and debris from your carpets and to make them “healthy” again. While steam cleaning using Hot Water Extraction (HWE) has its place when considering various methods — particularly when there is a water problem or a major pet issue — the VLM method is often considered far superior for cleaning carpets, due to its environmentally friendly process and results-driven approach. Many people are embracing the VLM/encapsulation method because it relies on the use of organic solutions and science, and uses only minimal water. First, the VLM carpet cleaning professional vacuums the entire carpet with a commercial machine, to ensure as much dry soil as possible is removed before any moisture is applied to the carpet surface. In situations where there is heavy soil or pet stains/smells, a Counter Rotating Brush (CRB) machine is used, to dig up dry soil and debris from deep within the carpet, where a regular vacuum cannot reach. This is a common place for pet hair and smells to get trapped. A second vacuuming of the entire carpet ensures that any remaining debris and dust are completely removed. Once all the dry soil is removed, the carpet cleaning professional then pre-sprays your carpet with a solution that is designed to surround and capture the remaining soil on a micro level. After waiting a few minutes, they then run their carpet-specific Oscillating Pad (OP) machine over the carpet, with the proper pad (fiber or microfiber). This separates the soil and encapsulation liquid from the fibers of your carpet, while the dirt is collected and removed completely from your carpet. The fact that they use only 16 ounces of solution per room ensures that the carpet is dry in about an hour. Another clear advantage to the VLM method is that it avoids extended drying times, which can be eight or more hours with traditional steam cleaning. And those telltale spots and stains that often reappear once the carpet is completely dry? They don’t come back when the VLM method is used. With the right

chemistry, agitation and absorbent pads, professionals utilizing the VLM method can clean your carpets quickly and safely — especially for children, pets and those with certain allergies — and in an environmentally friendly way while extending the life of your carpet and improving your indoor air quality. In about one hour, you’re back walking on your carpets, with no “wet dog” smell or hours of drying time. NS

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History Spotlight

Irish Immigrants: The Courtneys by Doug Humes Photos courtesy of Newtown Square Historical Society

Mother, father and son at Marple Presbyterian Cemetery

While English Quakers first settled Newtown, 19th-century immigrants came from Ireland. An Irish weaver, Joseph Courtney, lived in Marple in 1828. In 1847, he built a stone house set back a bit from what is now Media Line Road. He and his wife Nancy had four children, whom they raised in that house: William, Samuel, Mary and Joseph Jr. In the 1850 census, nine people lived there.

The remaining children must have held a family council and agreed on their course of action. The farm was advertised for sale a few days after Christmas of 1864. It was described as follows: A valuable FARM, … near the 11 mile stone, on the West Chester and Philadelphia Plank Road, ... The property contains 58 Acres of Land, … a good, substantial STONE DWELLING HOUSE, two and a half stories high, with Kitchen attached; a good frame BARN, … good stone Spring of Water, Wood House, Ice House, Wagon House, Slaughter House, Corn Crib, Garners, & c

Nancy died before the next census was taken in 1860, when the Courtney house was the last house visited in Newtown. The house saw its share of sadness before the Civil War had ended. Joseph Sr. died in 1864; his burial record indicates that he was a veteran. Joseph Jr. went off to fight in the Civil War, and was Sales proceeds in hand, the Courtneys had a few other matters mustered out before it ended, dying at age 31 in March of 1865. to address. On January 24, 1866, Reverend Hotchkin presided Now available in a classic farmhouse design, He was perhaps wounded and sent home to recover. over a double marriage ceremony at the Marple Presbyterian

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Courtney house with 1847 datestone

door of the old Courtney house that bore witness to the funeral procession for each man still guards the property. For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and Newtown Square Historical Society (NSHS) membership information and events, please visit www.NSHistory.org.

Buttonwood tree outside Courtney house (estimated to be over 200 years old)

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Original Newtown Township historic marker

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Church: brother William married Esther Ann McClennan of Newtown, while sister Mary Ann married John W. Finnigan, of Jones County, Iowa. By year end, both married couples were living in eastern Iowa, where Mary Ann gave birth to the first granddaughter. Samuel stayed behind to wind up brother Joseph’s affairs. He was married about the same time, and then moved to Iowa to join his siblings, where he had a son, named Joseph, after his father and brother. Two Courtneys remained here, father and son buried side by side in the Marple Presbyterian Church cemetery. While they are long gone, the huge buttonwood tree outside the front

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Business Profile by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Don’t Stress, Hire The Best!

(L-R) Co-Owners Gareth Kelly and Ryan Corbett Photo courtesy of Abby Steele

Dream Team Home Services, with offices in Newtown Square, Media and Havertown, is a locally owned and operated company that brings expert heating and cooling (HVAC) technicians, electricians and plumbers together so you can take care of your home’s heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems with just one phone call.

same new home construction sites. Ryan explained that he and Gareth not only worked very well together but also discovered that they shared the same Irish roots. “Both Gareth and I are originally from Ireland,” he said. “When we met here in the United States, we realized that we were born and raised in Ireland just about an hour away from each other.”

Over the past few years, you may have noticed Dream Team’s colorful and eye-catching trucks driving around town, or perhaps the prominent signage and monthly decorative window displays at their location on the corner of Rte 252 and West Chester Pike in Newtown Square. What many assumed was a new business in town was actually the merger of two highly successful businesses, each operated by two local friends who decided to combine their skills and experience into a one-stop shop for HVAC, plumbing and electrical services.

As the two continued to operate separate businesses for several years, their friendship grew, as did the idea to build their new business. They both credit their Irish heritage for instilling in them an incredibly strong work ethic and a fierce dedication to customer satisfaction. Gareth said that it made sense for him and Ryan to combine their time, talents and resources to reach more residents and offer more services. So, in 2018, Dream Team Home Services became a reality.

Co-owners Gareth Kelly and Ryan Corbett each have over 20 years of experience providing these services to Delaware County homeowners. Gareth, a Master Electrician, previously owned Kelly Electric, Inc., and Ryan, a Master Plumber and Heating Mechanic, owned Antrim Plumbing. The two met and became friends when they found themselves working on the

Merging two successful businesses opened up the opportunity to hit the ground running, and that’s exactly what happened. “Within one month of launching Dream Team Home Services, we had 12 service trucks in operation,” Ryan said. “We definitely created a buzz around town, and our business has been steadily growing ever since.”

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Ryan and Gareth explained that although their impressive fleet of vehicles and number of highly trained technicians can rival the “big” companies, what sets them apart is their commitment to treating every customer like family. “We live, work and raise our own families right here,” said Gareth. “Our customers know that our entire staff — from the technicians and management to the customer service team — truly cares. Our goal is to keep our friends and neighbors safe and comfortable in their homes.”

The Dream Team Home Services team Photo courtesy of Possible Zone Marketing

When the important parts and systems of your home break down, it puts a significant burden on you, your family and how your home functions. Dream Team’s scope of services eliminates the need to call in multiple experts for a problem or a home project. From plumbing needs to sewer drain inspections, to electrical repairs and installation and heating and cooling repairs and replacements, Dream Team Home Services provides fast, reliable and expert work backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Quality service is paramount, and the process is simple. From the initial phone call, a Dream Team customer service representative will determine what you need and schedule a technician to meet you at your home. For your peace of mind, all Dream Team technicians are drug-tested and background-checked. They’re also required to wear floor-saver shoe protectors and use drop cloths to keep the work area tidy. When the technician arrives, they will evaluate the situation and inform you of the current condition of the existing plumbing, electrical or HVAC system. From there, the technician will advise you of repairs or maintenance that should be addressed. Customers will experience an added sense of comfort knowing that before the technician begins to work, they will be presented with upfront pricing, multiple repair and/or replacement options and available financing opportunities. Once the work is complete, the technician will walk you through the work that was done, answer any questions and make sure that you are completely satisfied before they leave your home. Giving back to the communities they serve is an important goal of Dream Team Home Services. They are proud to sponsor our area schools’ football, basketball and cheerleading teams as well as the Delaware County Gaels Gaelic football team. You’ll also see Dream Team Home Services represented at the annual Media Halloween Parade and the Santa Stroll. Dream Team’s offices serve as drop-off locations for Toys for Tots, and they help raise money for Providence Animal Shelter and the Delaware County Veterans Legacy. Gareth, Ryan and their entire Dream Team Home Services team are confident that once you experience the Dream

Team difference, you will appreciate the on-time arrival by honest, friendly and respectful technicians who deliver quality service, maintenance and installation. They are licensed, insured and certified, and their work is always backed by the Dream Team Home Services 100% satisfaction guarantee. Dream Team Home Services Newtown Square is located at 3703 West Chester Pike. If you would like to schedule service or need repairs, call 610-609-7771. To learn more, visit www.DreamTeamPA.com. NS

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Expert Contributor by TJ Warner JHL Landscaping

Questions to Ask a Landscape Designer

Professional landscapers provide many services, including planning the design of your plants and flowers, analyzing your soil and yard, planting and maintenance, and sometimes even hardscape and lighting design and installation. Here are 10 questions to ask before choosing a landscaping contractor for a project you’re considering. 1. How long have you been in the landscape business? While it’s not always a bad idea to hire someone who is just starting out, more experience doesn’t always equal better service. A contractor who has at least ten years of experience is more likely to have a proven track record. 2. Do you provide worker’s compensation insurance to your employees? Accidents can be costly for both of you, which is why it’s important that a landscaper carry the insurance that covers any work-related injuries that occur on your property. 3. Do you carry liability insurance? Liability insurance ensures that if your contractor breaks or damages something on your property, he or she will cover the cost to fix it. 4. What professional organizations do you belong to? Membership in associations such as the local Chamber of Commerce or industry professional organizations show that a landscape contractor is interested in maintaining a positive image and that they’re keeping up with the industry’s trends and standards. 5. Can I see a list of references and examples of your work? Ask for referrals from your potential landscaping contractor, preferably from clients who have had landscaping projects similar to the one you’re planning.

Photos courtesy of JHL Landscaping

6. Do you build and install according to industry standards? Before speaking to a potential landscaper, research what the industry standards are for your project. Whether it's a stone, paving, concrete or plant project, your contractor should know the industry standards and know to build to at least the minimum standards. 7. How do you work with your clients on a day-to-day basis? Good communication between both customer and contractor is crucial. A contractor should communicate with you daily about your project. Establish what time works best for you both, and determine if you want to meet on-site every day. 8. Does your contract include a payment schedule, project details, a timeline, pricing and how to resolve disputes? Having a landscaping contract that lays out these details will prevent miscommunication between you and your contractor. 9. Are your cost estimates typically on target? Asking this question lets your contractor know that keeping to a budget is critical for this project. 10. What happens if something breaks or a plant dies after the project is done? Ask your contractor if there is a warranty for materials and workmanship, and if so, how long does the warranty last? Asking these key questions helps clarify which landscape contractor best fits your needs. Ultimately, every contractor wants satisfied clients, so a good fit between the company and the customer is a win/win! NS

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Design Consultation! When price is important and quality is a MUST! 22

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

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Family Fun

Spring Is for Cleaning AND Crafting! by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Spring is on the way! Can you feel it? Soon it will be time to open the windows and feel the fresh air rush in. Flowers will bloom, our days will get longer and our moods a little lighter. Spring is the season of new beginnings, and we are all ready for that!

On plain paper, cut out an outline of a four-leaf clover. (You can find plenty of four-leaf clover templates online.) Cut a piece of clear contact paper that’s larger than your outline. Lay it on the table sticky side up, and place your clover outline on top of it.

Spring is also when we dust off those winter blues by cleaning our homes. As we welcome the new season on Sunday March 20th, let’s also recognize March as National Crafting Month, which was established in 1994 by the Craft and Hobby Association (now the National Arts Materials Trade Association), to encourage people to explore creative outlets as a way of reducing anxiety and stress. For many, crafting has become a healthy outlet and a relaxing and rewarding hobby, so let’s get creative by making some of our own fun, fresh and new spring home decorations.

Help the kids place the tissue paper squares inside the outline, alternating the colors and overlapping the pieces slightly. The tissue paper will stick to the clear contact paper. Once finished, cut another piece of clear contact paper and place it sticky side down on top of the tissue paper. Smooth out the contact paper and trim it to match the outline of the four-leaf clover.

Homemade Planter Box with Mason Jars This is an easy project that looks great at your front door, on a windowsill or even on your dining room table. All you need is a planter box, a few glass or plastic mason jars, your choice of color chalk paint, paintbrushes, letter stencils, and either fresh or artificial flowers. All these items are easy to find at your local craft store. Starting with the planter box, decide on what you would like your message to be and trace the letters with your stencils. You can then either use chalk paint or a permanent marker to fill in the color. Next, remove the lids from your mason jars, place the jars on some newspaper to protect your surface, grab your paintbrush and apply the color. If you’re using chalk paint, you may need to apply 2 – 3 coats, depending on its thickness. Once the jars are dry, place them in the planter box and add your flowers. You may want to spray some expanding floral foam filler inside the mason jars first, to keep the stems in place, especially if you’re using artificial flowers.

After you use the hole punch to make a small hole at the top of the clover, hang the clover in a window, using some string or ribbon. This type of project can be repeated all year long using different design templates like tulips, rainbows, the sun and other fun seasonal themes. How can we celebrate National Crafting Month? Well, you can certainly start with the projects we’ve discussed here, or perhaps try your hand at scrapbooking, jewelry making, knitting, sculpting or candle making. If you’re not sure where to start, there are unlimited ideas and tutorials online, or you can make a trip to your local craft store or nearest craft fair for inspiration. The beauty of crafting is that there are endless possibilities for creating and for stepping outside your comfort zone. Who knows? It could very well lead to some amazing creations on your part. You never know unless you try! NS

Spring floral planter box

Lucky Shamrock Felt Pin or Hair Clip Grab the kids, some green felt, scissors, a needle and thread, and either a hair clip or pin back. Cut four leaves in the shape shown in the photo. Each piece should measure about ¾-inch tall and 1-inch wide. Sew the leaves together, then tie the threads together lightly at the ends. Sew or hot-glue the shamrock to a hair clip or a pin back for your little lucky charms! Four-Leaf Clover Sun Catcher This easy craft is fun for the kids, and makes great window decorations for the family to enjoy. All you need is a few pieces of paper, clear contact paper, 1" squares of light green, white and dark-green tissue paper, a hole punch and some string or ribbon for hanging.

Lucky charm clover hair clips

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

Expert Contributor by Sarah Forti Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty

6 SIMPLE STEPS to Buying a Home 1. Connect with a Realtor®: Only members of the National Association of Realtors bear the Realtor name and logo. Realtors are held accountable to abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics. It’s a good idea to interview two or three Realtors to find someone who will suit your personality and also has expert knowledge in the area where you plan to purchase a property.

2. Connect with a Lender: The lender will collect information about your financials, employment and credit score, to determine which financing programs are best for you, and how much you qualify to borrow. They will then issue a mortgage pre-approval letter to show future sellers you are financially qualified and ready to purchase their home.

3. Ask Friends and Family for Neighborhood Recommendations: Personal references are a great way to find out which communities could be a great fit. Whether you want a townhome with a community center, a neighborhood of 1-acre lots or a home within walking distance of shops and restaurants, people love to talk about where they live. They usually won’t be shy about sharing information with you about why their area is the best. Remember to search online neighborhood resources such as Facebook community pages and the Next Door website. 4. Make Your Lists: Lists are a great tool to weed through a lot of information. Start with your list of Wants and Needs. Do you need four bedrooms, or would three bedrooms plus a den or office suffice? Do you want or need a garage for your antique car? When it comes to selecting a specific area or home, use a PROs and CONs list. This is a great way to make big decisions with purpose and clarity. 5. Go Shopping: With your Realtor, your mortgage pre-approval, your list of areas and your Wants and Needs list, it’s time to search! Your Realtor will help select homes that match your criteria. Be prepared to find “the one” on your first day out, or perhaps for it to take a few tries. It comes down to what and where you are searching, and there’s always a bit of luck involved. 6. Make an Offer: Once you find “the one,” your Realtor will walk you through the process of securing the home. This includes reviewing comparable sales to determine a pricing strategy, writing the contract and negotiating offer terms. Follow these steps and you’re on your way to your next dream home! NS

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

Expert Contributor by Jack Del Pizzo, CPA Del Pizzo & Associates

Good Reasons to File Early There’s more than one valid reason for getting your tax return submitted well before this year’s April 18 deadline. Prevent Identity Theft: In one tax identity theft scheme, a thief uses a taxpayer’s personal information early in the filing season to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a bogus refund. The taxpayer discovers the fraud when they file a return, which is rejected by the IRS because a return with the same Social Security number has already been processed. While the taxpayer should ultimately be able to prove their return is the legitimate one, tax identity theft is a hassle to straighten out and significantly delays a refund. Filing early may be your best defense. Get a Potentially Earlier Refund: Another reason to file early is to put yourself closer to the front of the line. The IRS website indicates it expects to issue most 2021 tax year refunds within 21 days despite the massive pandemic-related delays, lack of manpower and aging technology. The IRS recently announced a backlog of 8.3 million unprocessed 2020 returns, more than 2 million unprocessed employer payroll returns and about 5 million unanswered taxpayer correspondence dating back to April.

The time to receive your refund is typically shorter if you file electronically and choose to receive the refund by direct deposit into a bank account. Direct deposits also avoid the possibility that a refund check could be lost, stolen, returned to the IRS as undeliverable or caught in mail delays. Look for Your Documents: To file your tax return, you need your Form W-2s, Form 1099s (if you’ve worked as an independent contractor or “gig worker”) and Form 1099-Bs for brokerage transactions. January 31 is the deadline for employers to issue 2021 W-2s to employees and for businesses to issue 1099s to recipients of any 2021 interest, dividend, stock sales or reportable miscellaneous income payments. If you haven’t received your W-2 or 1099, first contact the entity that should have issued it. If that doesn’t work, you can contact the IRS for assistance. Don’t Wait: Some people on social media suggest not filing your 2021 income tax return until you receive your 2020 refund. That is NOT a good idea because failing to file your 2021 return will only lead to bigger headaches later, possibly even penalties. Plus, if you’re owed a 2021 refund, you may receive that money before your 2020 refund. But the only way to get it is to file! NS

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Our Community

Jim and Tracy Kirby: Creators of Lucky Devil Bloody Mary Mix by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Lucky Devil celebrating their 7,000th bottle sold!

Photos courtesy of Jim Kirby

Families are known for honoring traditions, and when you come from a large family, you inherently have plenty more opportunities to celebrate traditions! It’s the perfect recipe for fantastic food, festive drinks and family fun to be shared, celebrated and passed down to future generations. Perhaps you make your grandmother’s apple cake every Thanksgiving, or you serve up your father’s famous burgers for the 4th of July. For Newtown Square resident Jim Kirby, it’s carrying on the tradition of serving up Bloody Marys like his Uncle John used to do at their family gatherings. “Uncle John was a master at making Bloody Marys,” Jim said. “He never made them the same way twice, but every single one was equally delicious.” Tasked with the tall order of filling his uncle’s highball glass, and feeling a huge sense of responsibility, Jim decided in the fall of 2016 that he needed to come up with a plan and a recipe that would make his uncle proud and have his family coming back for more. “I started out by writing down the ingredients that I was sure Uncle John used,” said Jim. “Then I started experimenting and asking my family and friends what ingredients they think make the best Bloody Mary.” After he had done his research, Jim and his family had compiled a healthy list of 19 ingredients. “I

Spice up your favorite foods with Lucky Devil Dust seasoning

wanted it to be an even 20, so I researched and sampled a bit more and found the perfect addition,” Jim said proudly. What you will taste is a gourmet blend of 20 ingredients perfectly mixed to provide the ultimate Bloody Mary experience. Those ingredients are the “details” and the reason behind Lucky Devil’s tagline: The Devil is in the Details. At first, the Kirbys intended on sharing their signature Bloody Mary mix with just their family and friends on special occasions, but everyone who tasted it had other ideas. “We took one of our first batches POWER to a party that fall, simply to share with OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT & REPAIRS our friends,” Jim explained. “Our friends loved it so much that they placed orders right then and there, and insisted on paying us for them.”

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

Jim’s best advice for the perfect Bloody Mary is simply to enjoy them with family and friends. “Everything tastes better that way,” he said. Lucky Devil Bloody Mary mix does not contain alcohol so it can be mixed with your favorite vodka, tequila or gin. Creativity counts when it comes to garnishing a Bloody Mary. You can keep it simple with a single celery stalk, or add a skewer of shrimp, olives, peppers, pickles and more! Once their secret was out, word of mouth spread so quickly that the Kirbys soon found themselves busier than ever in their kitchen. They started making fresh batches on weeknights after work and on the weekends. The process combines 10 dry and 10 wet ingredients mixed in large pots, then bottled and sealed. They use fresh ingredients including fresh horseradish, so batches are made to order each week and promptly refrigerated. The process of mixing, bottling, sealing, labeling and delivering Lucky Devil is a total team effort, and thankfully, Jim’s wife Tracy and their three kids have hopped onboard. “The kids will help with placing the labels on the bottles, and our oldest will make local deliveries as long as we pay for gas,” laughed Jim. “What started as selling a few bottles to some friends has turned into a few hundred bottles sold during the holiday season.” The Kirby family has been working hard as a team, and is proud to say they’ve recently sold their 7,000th bottle! Recently, Lucky Devil introduced its loyal customers to Lucky Devil Dust, a dry rub seasoning made from the 10 dry Bloody Mary ingredients. Jim explained that he originally used the “dust” to rim the highball glass and to season the garnishes.

Tracy and Jim Kirby with their kids, James, Caroline and Catherine

That was until one of his friends tasted it and insisted that he package it for sale. “Now our customers use Lucky Devil Dust to season their vegetables, french fries, wings, fish, ribs and whatever else they can think of,” he said. “Our kids love it on their eggs, and my nephew even puts it on his popcorn!” By now, your mouth is probably watering and you’re wondering just how to get your hands on some Lucky Devil, right? Ordering is as simple as visiting Lucky Devil’s website: www. LDBloodyMary.com. You can also visit Hill’s Quality Seafood to pick up a jar of Lucky Devil Dust. For the latest news, recipes and seasonal specials, follow Lucky Devil Bloody Mary on Facebook and Instagram. NS

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Recent Newtown Township Home Sales

Real Estate

Address

Sold Price

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Sq. Ft.

Acres

50 Rockwood Road . . . . . . . $400,000 . . . . 2 . . . . . 1.5 . . . 1,841 . . 0.81 2105 Pony Trail Drive . . . . . . . $788,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,322 . . 3.65 624 Glendale Road . . . . . . $2,875,000 . . . . 5 . . . .

6.5+ . . .8,357 . . 2.10

9 Woodhill Road . . . . . . . . . $390,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 1.5 . . . 1,008 . . 0.19 3560 Muirwood Drive . . . . . . $476,500 . . . . 4 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 3,020 . . 0.06 3508 Muirwood Drive . . . . . . $550,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 3,320 . . 0.06 112 Barren Road . . . . . . . . . $290,000 . . . . 4 . . . . .

2 . . . .1,400 . . 0.27

46 Surrey Drive . . . . . . . . . . $394,000 . . . . 3 . . . . .

1 . . . .1,155 . . 0.57

327 Arthur Court . . . . . . . . . $665,000 . . . . 3 . . . .

2.5+ . . .3,331 . . 0.03

100 Springhouse Lane . . . . . $1,900,000 . . . . 6 . . . . 14.5+ . . 16,721 . 45.80 653 Andover Road . . . . . . . $1,840,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 4,192 . . 2.97 40 Sawgrass Lane . . . . . . . . $405,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 1,972 . . 0.11 16 Alpha Drive . . . . . . . . . . $300,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 1.5 . . . 2,357 . . 0.37 404 Wooded Way #10 . . . . . $389,000 . . . . 2 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,089 . . 0.02 104 Columbus Avenue . . . . . $515,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 1,780 . . 0.50 998 Providence Road . . . . . . $675,000 . . . . 3 . . . . .

2 . . . .2,500 . . 3.50

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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March 2022

W W W. P R OVID E N CE P I Z ZER I A . CO M

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Naturally, thoughts of spring cleaning and yard work are at the top of many homeowners’ TO-DO lists this time of year. However, did you know that one of the most important areas for your home’s outdoor maintenance — your roof — is also one of the most often forgotten? As your roof recovers from everything that winter dumps on it – snow, ice, increased darkness (think mold), an unending cycle of the sun’s heat and bitter cold nights, not to mention wet, windy, freezing conditions for months — you need to help your roof prepare for spring. Make sure you give it the TLC it deserves, in terms of regular maintenance, to help it shine. Gutters Spring weather means rain, wind and thunderstorms, as well as lots of sun. So this is the time to make sure that your gutters are ready for all of that before torrential rains move in. Survey the Shingles After winter’s brutal assault on your roof, now is the time to look for any shingles that are missing, curling or worn down, as well as any with cracks, missing edges or loose nails. Regularly inspecting your roof for damage in every season will help keep it in great shape for years to come. Mold or Algae Growth Moisture collects on your roof ’s shingles throughout the winter. Moisture combined with increased darkness just happens to be mold and algae’s perfect conditions for growth. While some mold and algae growth is normal because of the makeup of shingles these days, be on the lookout for numerous individual instances or large patches of mold growth. Document Any Damage If you do find missing, cracked or broken shingles, mold growth or any other issues with your roof, document each issue with photos. Homeowner’s insurance will probably cover some roof damage, especially after a big storm, but insurance companies usually require documentation. Get a Professional Inspection An experienced, licensed roofer can determine if there is any damage to be concerned about, the extent of any damage found, and whether it only needs a simple patch, a more extensive repair or a whole new roof. Your roof protects your home from simple leaks to substantial damage, so it is worth the investment to have a professional take a look at it periodically, just for peace of mind if nothing else. NS

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Marple Newtown High School Presents Matilda the Musical by Holly Stupak Photos by James Mergliano Full of catchy songs, high-energy dance numbers and special effects, Marple Newtown High School’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical opens March 10th and is sure to please both children and adults alike. Storytelling and music are woven together in this story about a young girl with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination. Based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical debuted on Broadway in 2013 and won a Tony award that year. It’s been described by critics as “wise, wicked, glorious fun.” Directed by veteran director Brian Walsh and produced by Marple Newtown graduate Tiffany Caprice, MNHS’s production of Matilda the Musical features more than 100 of Marple Newtown School District’s students of all ages as actors, dancers, stage crew members and musicians. The story follows Matilda, a child who is unloved by her cruel parents and tormented by her school’s headmistress. Finding her escape in books and a bit of mischief, she takes a stand to change her destiny. Musical numbers like “Naughty” and “Revolting Children” help convey the show's message that anyone has the power to change their own story. Senior Lucy DeFrancesco plays the title role of the clever and courageous Matilda. “What I loved about the role of Matilda is that I could really relate to her,” said Lucy. “I’ve always felt a little eccentric, and at times like I didn't fit in. It’s fun to play a character where you can see yourself in them.” The show has plenty of other colorful characters, including Matilda’s parents, the greedy Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, and Ask about OUR NEW Cleaning & Surface Protection!

The promotional poster for MNHS’s production of Matilda the Musical

Miss Honey, a gentle young school teacher who is impressed by Matilda’s precociousness and academic ability. The most detestable character is Miss Trunchbull, who instills fear and loathing in her students. Senior Peter Pilko plays the role of Miss Trunchbull, a principal who hates children and enjoys thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. “I like the show’s message of standing up for yourself,” said Peter, who is making his acting debut. “But I enjoy playing such a diabolical character. It’s fun being the villain!” Working behind the scenes and at the heart of any successful theater production, is the stage crew. Matilda’s crew of 30 MNHS students are responsible for everything from lighting, sound and props to set design. Senior and President of the Drama Club Tim Fitzpatrick is the Head Designer and Director of Lighting. “Before joining the stage crew my sophomore year I didn’t notice all the little details that go into making a stage production run smoothly,” Tim explained. “After being part of the stage crew I now know how vital it is to the success of the show.” Tim oversees all of the various production crews, which includes a Special Effects committee to create some of the Matilda magic. “I love helping run the shows,” Tim added. “And on opening night it is so rewarding to see the whole production come together.”

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

Working on blocking during rehearsal while stage crew works hard

Actors Arianna Berryman and Peter Pilko exchange laughs in between takes

Parents are also a vital part of any high school theater production. “It takes a village to put on a high school musical,” said Brian. “From sewing costumes and providing props to helping create special effects, we could not do this without the parents who donate their time and talents.” Matilda the Musical is MNHS’s third musical based on one of Dahl’s books. “I think the theme of the show is something high school students can relate to,” said Brian, who also directed Marple’s productions of James and the Giant Peach. “Stories like these remind us how important it is to be true to your creative and unique self.” Brian, a fifth grade teacher in the Upper Darby School district, began directing Marple Newtown students back in 2015. A Delaware County native, he grew up in Drexel Hill and graduated from Upper Darby High School and Kutztown University. His love of theater began in kindergarten and growing up he was actively involved in the Upper Darby Summer Stage program as both an actor and later as a director. “What’s really special to me about the spring musical is that it brings students from all ages together. This year is particularly special because the first group of elementary students I directed in 2015 are now sophomores.”

Producer Tiffany Caprice has also previously worked with MNHS students when she produced the school’s production of Bram Stoker’s Dracula in 2010. But her connection to Marple goes back even further. A 2006 graduate of MNHS, she was active in the drama program as a member of stage crew, and she especially loved producing one act plays. For several years, Tiffany worked in Los Angeles where she gained extensive experience working in the film and advertising industries. Recently Tiffany became an executive producer with the We The People Company (www.WeThePeople.tv), a production company that merges entertainment with advertising. Her professional work has brought her back to the area and gave her the opportunity to work at her alma mater again. “What I love about the Marple drama program both as a student and a producer is the amount of valuable skills it teaches you,” said Tiffany. “From people skills to time management to building confidence, it’s much more than acting and learning lines.” Brian and Tiffany not only wanted to put together a great show this year, but they wanted to teach and inspire the students. During production, the cast and crew were able to meet professional actors, attend workshops and work with dialect coaches. “We really wanted to give the Marple drama students a bigger, better and memorable experience,” she added. The audience is in for a memorable experience too! You don’t want to miss this inspiring and entertaining musical. Performances start Thursday, March 10th and run through Sunday, March 12th. Visit www.MNDrama.org for showtimes and ticket information. NS

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2/15/22 4:32 PM

Expert Contributor by Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D. DANJOLLEL Memorial Homes

Preplanning – The Ultimate Gift As the new year is underway, many people are rethinking their New Year’s resolutions, and instead thinking of creating a solid plan for the future. Some people set long-term goals such as going back to school or working toward a promotion or job change, while others set short-term goals like losing weight or working out more with a new exercise routine. One thing that many people often hesitate to think about until someone close to them passes is what a big difference preplanning their own end-of-life arrangements would make for their family’s future and well-being. Preplanning allows you to leave your loved ones — and yourself — with much-needed peace of mind. Those interested in preplanning can schedule a meeting either in person or online with a professional, to review well informed decisions and options. Such confidential, thorough and thoughtful preplanning services and sessions are readily available from the best funeral homes, at your convenience.

At the heart of every funeral service there should be a true celebration of life, and by making the arrangements ahead of time, your loved ones can focus on your life celebration instead of on making sometimes difficult decisions or wondering if you would have agreed with their decisions. Still, even knowing what a burden would be lifted from your loved ones, most people would rather avoid thinking or talking about the end of their life, or helping a loved one do so, but the truth is that the end is an inevitable part of everyone’s journey. If you take the time to put your preferences into writing now, you could save your loved ones from unnecessary stress and worrying about what you would have wanted, at what is bound to be one of the most difficult times of their lives. Imagine the relief your children or spouse would feel when they learn or are reminded that the planning and decisions are already done. This will allow them to focus on healing during an unimaginably difficult time.

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March 2022

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Preplanning your final arrangements gives your loved ones the ultimate gift — peace of mind. Publisher’s Note: Thanks to Robert D’Anjolell, Jr. and DANJOLELL Memorial Homes for guiding us and our families toward preplanning for their final arrangements. As our “Expert” funeral provider, DANJOLELL is available to our magazine Readers, to discuss and confirm their choices by phone or even virtually, in the comfort of their homes, to make informed decisions before the need arises. N S

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Things To Do

MARCH Calendar of Events Daily in March

Flight on Ice @4901 West Chester Pk, Newtown Square Flight on Ice is Newtown Square’s first pop-up outdoor ice-skating rink and offers fun for the entire family. This winter wonderland features a 60’ x 100’ full-size outdoor skating rink, a heated hospitality tent with food, drinks and merchandise. Special events and live music are on the schedule to keep you entertained this winter. Time: Mon. – Fri. 3-10pm; Sat. 11am – 10pm; Sun. 11am – 8pm Cost: Check their website for current Season Pass, Family Pass and Individual Ticket pricing.

610-627-2100 www.FlightOnIce.com Daily through March 27

Fore! The Planet Indoor Mini Golf @Linvilla Orchards 137 W Knowlton Rd, Media Linvilla Orchard’s Fore! The Planet is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This exhibition pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf. Enjoy 18 unique educational holes exploring butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rainforest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains

and more. Perfect for kids of all ages, your entire family will enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment!

Saturdays and Sundays in March

Time: 9am – 5pm Cost: Advance online tickets $7 each or $8 each at the door. Limited tickets available.

@Valley Fair Shopping Center 260 W. Swedesford Rd, Berwyn Indoor/Outdoor flea market featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry and clothing, glassware, artwork, vinyl and more.

610-876-7116 www.Linvilla.com Daily through March 27

Winter Wonder @Longwood Gardens 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square This winter, experience a warm, colorful oasis in our grand Conservatory. Vibrant Streptocarpus ‘Concord Blue’ baskets float above, pink and purple Saintpaulia (African-violets) delight and tall Clerodendrum schmidtii (chains-of-glory) stun. From beds of coral Cymbidium to a dedicated area showcasing highlights from our vast collection, find hundreds of orchids in spectacular bloom. Outside, stroll 400 acres of winter’s beauty. Winter at Longwood … the best of both worlds. Visiting guidelines are in accordance with state and local regulations. Timed admission tickets are required. Time: Visit website for times and tickets. Cost: $16 - $30

610-388-1000 www.LongwoodGardens.org

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

Devon/Berwyn Antique and Vintage Flea Market

Time: 9am – 4pm Cost: FREE admission

484-320-8380 www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org Thurs., March 10 – Sun., March 12

Matilda The Musical @Marple Newtown High School Performing Arts Center 120 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square Marple Newtown High School Drama presents the story of Matilda, an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers. Times: Visit website for showtimes Cost: Adults: $12; Seniors and Children: $10

www.MNDrama.com

Tues., March 15

Thurs., March 17 – Sun., March 20

Book Trip Tuesday with Miss Mel

Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical

@Marple Public Library 2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall Have the most wonderful time together by taking a trip around the children's department to find all the books you want to take home! During our traditional book treks, we will continue to learn about all the sections of the children's department and where to find our favorite books. Recommended for children of all ages accompanied by parent(s) and/or guardian. No Registration Required.

@Cardinal O’Hara High School 1701 South Sproul Rd, Springfield Come see Cardinal O’Hara High School’s production of Disney’s Camp Rock: The Musical, a combination of The Disney Channel’s “Camp Rock” and “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.” Based on the hit Disney Channel movies, two bands battle it out in a rockin’ summer they will never forget.

Time: 10am – 12pm Cost: FREE

www.COHS.com

610-356-1510 www.MarpleLibrary.org

Sun., April 3

Saturdays in Spring

Art at The Square Tavern & Arts Center @Goshen & Newtown Street Roads A variety of rotating art displays by local artists, exhibitions and activities. Time: 11am – 5pm Cost: FREE (donations accepted!)

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Marple Moms Meet 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt @New Ardmore Park New Ardmore Rd, Broomall Come out to New Ardmore Park for food and ice cream trucks, vendors, firetruck, police, character visit, an egg hunt and the Easter Bunny. Please bring at least 20 stuffed eggs and sign up on the MMM Facebook page to bring a treat or supplies. Ages 0-4 area, ages 5 & up area.

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Our Community

Newtown Township’s Trails and Greenways Committee: Come Walk with Us! by Terri McCarthy Photos courtesy of Terri McCarthy Why would more than 70 people sign up to walk through the woods in the middle of winter? Camaraderie, exercise, and brisk, invigorating air are just three of many reasons. But more than that, being present on priceless greenspace generates a feeling of stewardship and community that many of us have missed during the pandemic. We need to feel connected to nature and to each other – no matter the weather. And we need some fun! The first three walks scheduled by the Newtown Township Trails and Greenways Committee coincided with rain, winds, overcast skies and snow. And yet despite the inclement weather, hardy, tenacious walkers – ages 8 months to 80 – strolled through miles of Newtown Square trails and parks. And we want you to join us! What is the mission of the Trails and Greenways Committee? The Trails and Greenways plan is to protect our remaining open space and build new trails, so we can ultimately walk from Willistown on our western edge to Radnor on our eastern border. And that’s just three townships. Our larger goal is to be part of Greater Philadelphia’s vast regional trail network, which is currently composed of over 300 miles of interconnected trails. Check it out at www.CircuitTrails.org. Where can you currently walk in Newtown Square? The best-kept secret is The Meadows Preserve. It’s the township’s 50-acre property that borders Liseter and Episcopal Academy. You can park for this approximately 4-mile walk at either the 1742 Square Tavern or at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church. Cross Goshen Road to the Liseter trail, follow it all the way around until you see a township sign for the preserve, and stroll down the grassy path.

Trails and Greenways Committee Members Front Row (L-R ): Leonard Altieri, John Custer and Stephen Nease Back Row (L-R ): Tina Roberts-Lightcap and Bethany Dhunjisha

The Meadows Preserve is a wonderful place to wander among fields, hills and quiet vistas. This ecosystem sustains hundreds of pollinators (watch for a unique bee garden), a gorgeous variety of birds and a wide spectrum of native plants. Oh, and lots of bunnies! Other places to walk in the township include the Goshen Trail (roughly two miles long) and Drexel Lodge Park (about one mile through the woods). And behind the township building, there’s a trail that connects to a bike lane on Campus Boulevard. The Trails and Greenways Strategic Plan is to double the number of available greenways in the township over the next few years. Special Walks at Garrett Williamson Garrett Williamson is a nonprofit, 240-acre farm, school and summer day-camp in Newtown Square. It was endowed in 1910 by a prescient benefactor, Elizabeth Garrett, for the support of financially needy children and single women. During Garrett Wiliamson’s inaugural invitation-only walk (Sunday, March 6th), hikers were guided through miles of wooded and open trails, and finished at the historic 1794 barn. They were lucky enough to see adorable lambs, along with chickens, horses and alpaca! The livestock is being raised by families in Garrett Williamson’s new Agricultural Education Program. If you’d like to volunteer to care for the animals, attend classes or sponsor a goat this spring, send an email to Rebecca@GarrettWilliamson.org.

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

Leonard Altieri speaking to the group before the walk begins The Meadows Preserve

A Trails and Greenways Artist’s Exhibit One very talented member of the Trails and Greenways Committee is Bethany (“Beth”) Dhunjisha. Beth is a naturalist, a volunteer guide on many of our walks, and an extraordinary nature photographer. A beautiful selection of her photographs is being exhibited at the Newtown Square Library throughout March and April. Come check out the art, and a book at the library! How do I get involved? All of us welcome you to explore and expand trails with us. Hike, make new friends, protect our open spaces, and learn about Newtown Square. To learn more about our monthly walks, visit www.Meetup.com and search for Newtown Square Trails Greenways. Our Meetup group has over 200 like-minded members, and we’d love to have you join us. And watch for our video series on the Newtown Township Facebook page (search for NewtownTownshipDelco). And everyone is always welcome to attend our Committee Meetings: 6pm on the second Tuesday of each month, at the Newtown Township Municipal Building, 209 Bishop Hollow Rd. See you on the Trails!

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Expert Contributor by Mark E. Reitz, PT Penn Therapy Associates

How Physical Therapy Practices Survived COVID Are you tired of wearing a mask in public places? It’s a good bet that just about everyone is, as well as being sick of all the new and constantly changing rules. Likewise, there are dozens of new policies and procedures that Physical Therapists (PTs) have had to adapt to during the past two years, due to the COVID crisis. At first, many practices closed for several months, but then the Federal government (i.e., Medicare) asked physical therapy practices to remain open and deemed them to be “medically essential” personnel. The government decided that it would help the situation if PTs served as primary care evaluators of musculoskeletal injuries so that fewer patients would have to visit their doctor’s office or emergency rooms, which were bursting at the seams with sick patients. In order to do that, patient safety and cleaning protocols had to be reevaluated.

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So how did PTs make the numbers work? Believe it or not, by banding together. The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association formed an advisory committee of 25 therapists from around the country. That committee met daily, seven days a week, to share ideas and keep track of protocols that were in place and also changes that were coming from the CDC or the Federal government. This committee was able to provide up-to-date information on any piece of legislation that was pertinent to PTs — including PPP loans and how to apply for them — well before such information was made available to most of the country. The decision to allow PTs to treat via telehealth was also a dramatic turn in their favor, and it’s now a standard practice for many offices. Treatment numbers started to climb, especially after COVID vaccines and booster shots became available. As with so many other COVID-inspired changes, many of these will be permanent — some for the better — but most certainly more complicated all the way around.

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Most practices began scheduling only one patient per hour vs. two or three as was customary prior to COVID. This had the desired effect of limiting the amount of patients in the waiting room, and allowed contact to be limited to patients and their PT. Treatments were provided in individual treatment rooms and not in open areas like gym spaces, and between treatments, the rooms were not only cleaned, they were sanitized. At the beginning of the pandemic, PPE items were not easy to find, but with some ingenuity, they could be had for a price.

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

March 2022

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Friends & Neighbors

M A R C H 17th

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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, March 2022

Articles inside

Jim and Tracy Kirby: Creators of Lucky Devil Bloody Mary Mix

Newtown Township’s Trails and Greenways Committee: Come Walk with Us!

The Werner Family

Irish Immigrants: The Courtneys

How Physical Therapy Practices Survived COVID

10 Questions to Ask a Landscape Designer

6 SIMPLE STEPS to Buying a Home

Advantages of the Very Low Moisture (VLM) Method of Carpet Cleaning

Your Most Flattering Haircut