Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, January 2023

Newtown Square

Friends & Neighbors

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

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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. © 2023 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

What will be in 2023? We’ll see. Happy New Year everyone, from all of us at Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. Here’s hoping new year happiness continues through to next month when we may be rooting for our Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. That kind of success will push all our teams further, with the Phillies and Union just warming up, the sparks may ignite all our professional sports teams in 2023. We can only hope. Go Eagles!

This year Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors will celebrate our 5th Anniversary in print, and online at: www.NewtownSquareMag.com. Throughout 2023 we hope to be announcing some changes, upgrades and new benefits for our readers and advertising Sponsors, whose support makes our “Bringing People Together” mission possible all year long. We like to call it: “Social-Media-in-Print.” What will be in 2023? We will see, and as readers of our hometown magazine you and your friends and neighbors will be a part of it with each new issue, which our Sponsors make possible by choosing to become advertisers in our magazine, because they know how important Newtown Square residents are to the success of their business.

Every week a business owner will ask me, “Does advertising in your magazine really work to help local businesses grow?” When first launched in 2018 I had no way of being sure. But now we know, it does work. We know it works because most of our advertising Sponsors are in their fourth year of continued advertising, and because more than half are Sponsors of all three of our local magazines serving Marple, Newtown Square and Edgmont townships.

David Linn Cook, our Waterproofing & Weatherization Expert Contributor, for the past three years, just renewed his sponsorship by also committing to serve as our Waterproofing Expert and Sponsor for all three of our magazines. Why? Because you returned your loyalty so much so that Dave has now joined forces with another waterproofing expert, Joe Soster, of Waterproofing One. Joe and Dave will now combine to co-author expert features, starting this month. (You know David Linn Cook. Meet Dave’s co-expert now for sharing waterproofing expertise, Joe Soster, through their first combined feature as our new Sponsor, Waterproofing One, on page 27.)

The timing to celebrate our 5th Anniversary in 2023 couldn’t be better. We’ll bring on new advertising Sponsors who, as seasoned business owners, have seen these economic times before, and know that it is these very times that make us all thrive. It is through the loyal support of Newtown Square residents like you, that our advertising Sponsors make our hometown magazine possible, delivered to your home every month. Let’s continue Bringing People Together with this first issue of 2023 that I know you’ll enjoy. Happy New Year Everyone!

Bob Blaisse

Publisher

Dear Residents,

Happy New Year! Here’s hoping your holiday season was filled with much warmth and joy, surrounded by family and friends. January traditionally has us setting goals and looking ahead, so we asked a few of our Sponsors for their tips on how to make those resolutions last all year long. We are also excited to introduce you to Susan and Michael Kitt who love to fill their Newtown Square home with love, laughter and beautiful music. Our Business Profile features Porsche Main Line. You may have noticed that their new showroom is open and they invite us to come check it out. And if you’re starting to plan your Superbowl party, we’ve got some fun and creative ideas for you! 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.

Turner-Hilliard Content Coordinator

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Lisa Jeffries

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Sheila Turner-Hilliard DESIGNER: Kim Cesati

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Crissy Everhart Photography, www.CrissyEverhart.com

COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Blush Salon, Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Sheila TurnerHilliard, Holly Stupak, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Kaitlin Battiste, Scott Magness, Deborah M. Truscello, Lou Matteo, Rick Bondurant, Len Sciulli, Jeffrey Stein, David Linn Cook and Joe Soster

Sheila

The Kitts at Bartram’s Covered Bridge in Newtown Square

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

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

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

Family Law Trial Attorney

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

Fireplace Products

Scott Magness

Scott’s Fireplace Products 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484 422 8334 • SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.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

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

Landscape Design & Landscaping

TJ Warner JHL Landscaping

610 356 4104

• TJ@JHLLlandscaping.com www.JHLLandscaping.com

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

Private Investigation & Security Services

Jeffrey Stein

ELPS Private Detective Agency 882 South Matlack Street, Suite 206, West Chester 610.696.7799 • jstein@elpspda.com www.ELPSpda.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

Tree Care and Inspection

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

Waterproofing & Weatherization

David Linn Cook and Joe Soster

Waterproofing One Marple Newtown Edgmont 610 325 0596

Info@WaterproofingOne.com www.WaterproofingOne.com

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

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The Kitts So Happy Together

This month, we are pleased to introduce you to Susan and Michael Kitt: A couple whose story is one of true love, lots of laughter and a wonderful dream come true.

Michael moved to the Lawrence Park section of Broomall with his parents when he was four years old. After living on Lyndhurst Dr for 18 years, Michael’s parents decided to build what they thought would be their forever home just about a mile down the road. “It was a beautiful new home with a pool,” Michael explained. “Unfortunately though, the entire development was situated right where the Blue Route was to be constructed. We had no choice but to leave our home and watch it be demolished after just five short years.” Wanting to stay in Broomall, his family found a new home in a development off Cedar Grove Rd and settled in.

Michael went to Loomis Elementary, Paxon Hollow Middle School and graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1973. While in school, he enjoyed playing bass guitar in a band and attended Vo-Tech for Radio, Television and Film. Michael then spent some time studying at Temple University but ultimately decided that a career in that field was not the right fit.

He moved to Manhattan briefly before beginning a career in the jewelry industry on the famous Jeweler’s Row in Philadelphia. That position led him to his next adventure, with a jewelry remount company that had him traveling around the country.

“I loved traveling and exploring,” he said. “Some of my favorite well-known places are San Diego, CA and Tucson, AZ, but I also fell in love with lesser-known towns like Peoria, IL and Missoula, MT.” Traveling also allowed Michael to explore and expand on his impressive collection of cigars. “Life’s too short to smoke cheap cigars,” he said. “I have met master blenders, visited manufacturers and consider myself quite the collector and aficionado.”

While Michael enjoyed his time on the road, after four years, he felt the need to come back “home” to the Marple Newtown area. It was right about that time that he got a phone call from a friend who was starting a business and needed help. “It really was great timing,” Michael explained. “I moved back to the area and began working in the medical supply field selling absorbent mats to hospitals and surgical centers. That was 28 years ago and we’re still going strong.”

The success of the business led Michael to start looking for his own home in our area. “I limited my search to Broomall and Newtown Square,” he said. “I had a list of must-haves, as most house hunters do, but ended up falling in love with a home in Newtown Square that didn’t check off many of those boxes.” The home was not only incredibly charming, with an inviting front porch and character throughout, but it was also on a private lot with natural landscaping and plenty of room for backyard gatherings. Michael

Michael and Susan Kitt

Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

said that from the moment he drove up the driveway, he knew he wanted to live there.

Meanwhile, just a short distance away, Susan was living in Ridley Park, enjoying a career in directing resident activities in senior living communities and playing piano professionally. Originally from New England, Susan moved to Ridley Park with her mother when she was going into seventh grade. She attended Our Lady of Peace in Milmont Park, then graduated from Ridley High School, where she was heavily involved with drama and chorus. “I participated in my school’s productions as well as community theater,” Susan explained. “I was even voted Best Actress in my high school yearbook.”

After high school, Susan attended Penn State to study Music and Communications. She also enjoyed her classes in photography and Italian. “My father was from Italy and moved to the United States when he was in eighth grade. When he was in high school, he joined an Italian-American soccer team where he formed

many friendships,” she said. “One day, I happened to stop at Luigi & Giovanni’s for some takeout, and while I was there, my eye caught a glimpse of a photo of an Italian soccer team hanging on the wall. I scanned the photo a little more closely and spotted my father.” Susan immediately said something to the person at the counter, who told her that Luigi was on that same soccer team and happened to be standing right next to her father in the photo. “I eventually brought my dad into the store to reunite with his teammate,” she said. “It had been nearly 60 years since the two played together, but when they saw each other, it was as if no time had passed.”

After college, Susan returned to Ridley Park and began her work in senior living communities and performing professionally. “I love making seniors smile and creating programs that bring a more dignified and purposeful life for them,” she said. “I especially love working in dementia care and honoring their individuality and allowing them to feel loved and appreciated.” Susan also shared that in addition to her work, she loves to spend time with her cat, Brady, who is named after the popular TV series, The Brady Bunch. “I grew up watching The Brady Bunch and never stopped!” she laughed. “A few years ago, I created a private Facebook page called The Ultimate Brady Bunch FB fan site that now has over 10,000 members, including some of the original cast members.”

And while Susan and Michael had happy, fulfilling lives before they met, the universe was busy composing a love story of its own. “Susan and I met in 2020 when the world was isolating, and no one was going anywhere,” Michael said. “I was involved with a group of musicians who gathered to play weekly in Philadelphia,

Michael Kitt’s Senior Portrait from Marple Newtown High School ‘73

Photo courtesy of Michael Kitt

Michael at Brenton Point in Newport, RI

Photo courtesy of Susan Kitt

but when Covid hit, we had to take it online.” Michael did not know at the time that Susan had stumbled upon the online group while browsing for activities that would allow her to keep singing and playing piano. “When the world shut down, I lost all of my gigs,” Susan said. “Not only did I lose a big part of my livelihood, but I lost my ability to connect and perform.”

The couple explained that there were many members in the online group who logged on weekly to perform an original piece or a cover song over Zoom. Michael said he noticed Susan right away. “There was this new girl who joined the group,” he smiled. “I knew she was extremely talented, but her sound was off because she was using her phone to connect and didn’t have the right equipment.”

After a few weeks, Michael reached out to Susan and offered to help her get set up with the proper microphone and sound settings. Susan took him up on his offer, and they met in person in January 2021. “We immediately became best friends,” Susan said. “Michael proposed to me five months later on the rocks at Brenton Point in Newport, RI. He knew it was my happy place since childhood and his thoughtfulness in planning the perfect proposal there meant so much to me. We married that October in an intimate ceremony in our beautiful backyard.”

Their love for each other and for music was put on full display on their wedding day when Susan arranged for their family and their friends from the musical group to surprise Michael by joining in to sing Happy Together by The Turtles as Susan entered the tent. “The funniest part is that Susan had been keeping this under wraps for some time, and the week before our wedding, as we were performing in our musical group, I suggested that we sing that very song,” Michael laughed. “Susan thought for sure that someone spilled the beans, but it was a complete coincidence.”

The happy couple then celebrated their nuptials with a honeymoon back in Newport, RI.

But what seemed like a whirlwind romance also felt like it was a lifetime in the making. Both Susan and Michael said that they felt like they had known each other their entire lives from the moment they met. “We are definitely kindred spirits,” Susan explained. “And although we are opposite in many ways, our love for each other is just perfect.”

Life in Newtown Square has been rewarding, fulfilling and fun. The Kitts spend much of their time entertaining in their home and on their back patio. “During the spring and summer, we love to invite our friends and family over to sit around the fire to chat, play music and sing along,” Susan said. “We have the best neighbors, too, and we feel very fortunate to live in such a wonderful community.”

Thank you, Susan and Michael, for sharing your story. On behalf of your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, we wish you many more years of living Happy Together.

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 Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com. N S

The happy couple enjoying each other’s company Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Scott Magness Scott‘s Fireplace Products

Current Trends in Fireplaces

Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Inserts

With their ability to keep you warmer, improve indoor air quality and save money, direct vent gas fireplace inserts are all the rage on home renovation shows. Traditional open-flue fireplaces draw air from inside your home for combustion, however direct vent gas fireplace inserts take air from outside of your home. They are sealed to stop cold drafts and to prevent warm air from escaping.

Gas Flames That Look Just Like Wood Flames

With advancements in gas burner technology, you can now enjoy the clean convenience of natural gas flames that dance and flicker just like real wood burning flames. Head over to your local fireplace products store to learn more about how you can have a gas fireplace that would look as beautiful as the real thing.

High Efficiency Heat

You can lower your monthly home heating bill with a high efficiency fireplace insert. Most fireplace inserts cut the chilly draft from the chimney, but superior gas fireplace inserts are engineered

to keep you warmer for less. The improvements include ceramic radiant heating technology, multi-speed blowers, programmable heat controls and multi-room heat distribution kits.

Smart Gas Fireplace Inserts

It’s common to use a remote to turn on your gas fireplace, but now with wifi and bluetooth technology, gas fireplace inserts can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, or program temperatures you want to maintain at specific times of the day or night.

Small Gas Fireplace Inserts

Smaller gas fireplace inserts are perfect for heating cozy spaces, such as a small bedroom, bathroom or home office. It’s best to pick a gas insert that fits the size of your room, but sometimes that’s not possible. If your existing fireplace opening is too narrow or shallow to fit a medium or large insert, a small insert may be your only option. Keep in mind that if you need to heat a large space with a small insert, it’s important to choose one that has a built-in blower. N S

Student of the Month

by Lisa Jeffries

Matthew DeAmicis

JANUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The January Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Matthew DeAmicis, who received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program. Matthew is an 8th grade student from St. Anastasia’s, who always tries to balance academics with creativity and sports, because he loves them all.

Matthew loves math! He is proud to be part of the Honors Math Program at St. Annie’s, which offers excellent students the opportunity to get exposure to Algebra before high school. Along with his commitment to his schoolwork, Matt

also participates in many other school activities and CYO sports. He is a member of the track, cross country and soccer teams, and last year he even ran in the Penn Relays! One of his favorite things about being part of CYO is that the teams do more than just play sports. Last year his track coach organized a car wash and the athletes participated to raise money for St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Last fall, as a member of the Theater Arts Program, Matt played a lead role in St. Annie’s production of Annie Jr., playing the character Rooster. It was a great fit because one of the things his family, friends and teachers enjoy most about Matt is his incredible sense of humor. Matt has been described as one of the most kind, polite, pleasant and authentic students, who radiates joy that is felt by the students and teachers around him, according to several faculty members at his school. He is quick to lend a hand or a kind smile, and nothing is too much to ask.

Matt has been playing piano since the 2nd grade and still takes classes locally in Broomall. He loves music and hopes to continue focusing on music into the future. Although he’s still a bit young to have solidified ideas of what he wants to do in his adult life, Matt aspires to have a career one day where he can help others like a doctor or scientist. We would like to congratulate you Matt for being such an outstanding student, athlete and person. We have no doubt that your future will be bright!

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. Email your nomination to Lisa Jeffries at LJeffries@BestVersionMedia. com. The selected nominee will be featured in a future issue and will also receive a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 Casey’s Public House gift card.

January Casey’s Student of the Month Matthew DeAmicis with Casey’s Owner Pete Crisanti Photo courtesy of Kathy DeAmicis

Although our area is one of the safest in Pennsylvania, we need to always stay vigilant. Safety experts agree the single most important factor in surviving a criminal attack is to have a personal safety strategy in place before it is needed.

Home Security

• Good lighting both inside and outside of the house is crucial. Bright motion lights on the exterior of your property are great deterrents. Thieves do not like lights!

• Keep your windows free of shrubs, trees and plants that can be used to conceal an intruder who is trying to break into your house via the windows.

• When setting up your new electronics, do not advertise to the perpetrators patrolling your neighborhood by just leaving the empty boxes outside. Instead, turn the boxes inside out, break them down into smaller pieces and put them out with the recyclables.

• Make sure all of your doors are secure and not an easy point of entry. Front and rear doors, garage doors, sliding glass doors and even pet doors need to be secure.

• Alarms: Anything is better than nothing.

• Stop your mail when you are away.

• Do not advertise on social media platforms about going away. This alerts the would-be burglars that you won’t be home. Instead, post all your pictures once you return.

Vehicle Security

Recently, there’s been a huge increase in thefts of Catalytic Converters because of the value of platinum. Vehicles parked in both residential and commercial lots are at risk. It can take thieves just two minutes and fifty seconds from start to finish.

• Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your vehicle.

• Park in well-lighted areas.

• Have your car keys in your hand so you do not have to linger before entering your car.

• Check the interior of your vehicle for intruders before entering your car.

• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police department.

Personal Safety

• Practice good safety habits.

• Walk in pairs.

by Jeffrey Stein

Private Detective Agency

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

• Park near lighted areas of the parking lots when possible.

• Always act calm and confident like you know where you are going.

• Take a personal safety course.

• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.

• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street.

Personal Protection Equipment (there are pros & cons for each)

• Keys

• Mace / Pepper Spray

• Personal Panic Alarm

• Knife

• Taser

• Firearm

Phone Apps for Personal Safety

• bSafe www.TechSafety.org/bsafe

• NOONLIGHT www.Noonlight.com

• Lively www.Lively.com/services-apps/lively-lin. N S

by Len Sciulli Len Sciulli & Sons

Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide

Tasteless, colorless, odorless carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by almost every fuel-burning appliance, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, grills and gas space heaters. When such equipment works correctly, very little CO escapes, and what does escape gets vented harmlessly to the outside. However, when something goes wrong with the equipment or the venting, CO becomes a deadly household hazard.

Here are some things to know about CO and how to guard against it causing a tragedy in your home.

1. Some symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, sleepiness and disorientation. Unfortunately, these same symptoms are associated with flu, food poisoning and other afflictions, leading to many misdiagnoses. A cherry red face is also a possible sign of CO poisoning.

2. For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when it reaches a level higher than 35 ppm (parts per million) with continuous exposure over an 8-hour period. This is the maximum exposure tolerated by OSHA. Mild exposure over 2-3 hours (a CO level between 35 ppm and 200 ppm) will produce dizziness, drowsiness and vomiting in as little as 1 hour. This level of exposure is life threatening once three hours have passed. Extreme exposure (800+ ppm) will lead to unconsciousness, brain damage and death in as little as a few minutes. Infants and people with heart conditions are more susceptible to CO poisoning than healthy adults.

3. If anyone experiences CO poisoning symptoms, vacate the home immediately and notify the fire or police department. Don’t open doors and windows because that makes it hard for authorities to determine whether there is a CO problem when they inspect the home.

4. Broken or blocked vents and flues are probably the most common cause of CO buildup. If you see any holes, disconnections or rust stains indicating corrosion, call a professional immediately. Be sure rooftop vents have guards to prevent birds’ nests or other debris from falling into the chimney and blocking the escape of harmful gasses.

5. Carbon monoxide results from incomplete combustion. Many appliances have built-in safety components that prevent operation if an unsafe condition exists. If an appliance keeps shutting off, don’t keep turning it back on, especially if you experience any of the above symptoms. Have it checked by a professional.

6. CO detectors should be installed where they can best be heard, including outside bedrooms so people can hear the alarm while sleeping. Installing a detector near a furnace, water heater or other CO-emitting appliance will likely result in many false alarms.

Inc. of Aston 3260 Concord Road Aston, PA 19014 610-497-5505

James Stigale, Supervisor

DANJOLELL Memorial Home & Crematory of Malvern-Frazer 392 Lancaster Avenue Frazer, PA 19355 610-296-9555

Anthony F. Romano, Supervisor

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

Edward S. Barone, Supervisor

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

This year Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors will continue to grow our partnerships with local business leaders who are the advertising Sponsors of Newtown Square Residents now taking us toward our fifth anniversary of publishing your hometown monthly magazine. That partnership with our hometown Sponsors has always included You!

After nearly five years now, if you’re reading this, you likely look forward to a new issue of our free, feel-good, hometown magazine arriving in your mail every month. In 2023 twelve new issues will continue to serve our magazine motto and mission to be a catalyst for “Bringing People Together.” You know we call it: “Social-Mediain-Print.” That’s just what it is, what you experience monthly as

a regular reader. And that makes you an important part of our Bringing People Together partnership with our advertising Sponsors. Your part is easy because feeling hometown pride and being loyal to those who have been loyal to us comes naturally.

Ever since we launched Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors in 2018, readers have told us how reading the local features in our magazine is like meeting new neighbors in the community they did not know well, including local business leaders, whose sponsorship of our exclusive publication for Newtown Square residents can be seen on every page. Those local business owners have also told us how every month our readers are rewarding the decision to use their marketing budgets for Newtown Square residents, and not just because they are important to the success of their business, but also because the uniqueness of our magazine truly is Bringing People Together, readers with other readers, friends and neighbors, and business owners with their current customers and new customers needed to keep local business, in business. When the news of the day brings fears over the economy or political debate, we all find ourselves at risk of failing to remain happy, and feeling good about all that we do have, with hope in a very Happy New Year ahead. Our “Bringing People Together” mission brings hope back through recollection of hometown pride found on our pages, in our feel-good feature articles that drive loyalty to our community, friends and neighbors, local businesses.

In this new year let hometown pride drive your loyalty to our advertising Sponsors whose products and services you need. Let’s make a New Year’s Resolution together: to commit to being even more loyal to our friends and neighbors, to our Newtown Square community, and to the businesses we see supporting our needs and our local community, especially those businesses who make our hometown “feel-good” magazine possible in print and online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com.

Whenever possible in 2023, Shop Local. Return the loyalty you see our advertising Sponsors showing us through the pride they have in Newtown Square residents who they depend on to succeed in business. In that way you will be contributing to the mission of your hometown magazine in the partnership we have to be Bringing People Together. N S

Bob Blaisse

Publisher

Newtown

Square Friends & Neighbors

Reader Leaders: If you know a local business owner you think would support us as an advertising Sponsor, perhaps even as an Expert Contributor of occassional feature articles to share their area of expertise with us, call me at 610-453-5536, or email to bblaisse@BestVersionMedia.com.

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of Porsche Main Line

Opening the Doors to a New Era

The doors are finally open at Porsche Main Line’s new showroom and our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors are encouraged to check it out! After years of planning and construction, this impressive 86,000-square-foot facility is home to its showroom, service center, sales, financing and corporate offices.

Since 2007, Porsche Main Line has been the Philadelphia area's Premier Porsche Dealer offering new and certified pre-owned Porsche vehicles and Porsche parts and service. Their commitment to providing the very best sales and service has earned them not only loyal customers who refer their family and friends but also the distinction of earning an unprecedented 11 Porsche Premier Dealer Awards from 2010 through 2022.

It is their steadfast commitment to excellence that makes every customer feel part of the family from the minute they walk through the door. New Car Sales Manager, Ryan Kirchner explained, “We have always been customer-focused, and our new facility really reflects that sentiment. The showroom is spacious and bright,

each sales advisor has their own private office and when it comes time to customize your Porsche, customers can see, feel and touch every available option.”

When it’s time to pick up a newly purchased vehicle, customers do so in a private, temperature controlled bay where a sales advisor reviews the vehicle’s details and a customer experience representative walks them through how to set up and operate all of the state of the art technology features.

Porsche Main Line’s inventory includes new and pre-owned models of 718 Cayman, 718 Boxster, 911, Panamera, Macan, Cayenne and Taycan – Porsche’s first fully electric sports car. They are also proud to be a designated Porsche Classic Partner with expert technicians committed to preserving Porsche’s line of classic cars.

The same standard of excellence and convenience is offered to current Porsche owners who bring their vehicles in for service. The factory-trained certified technicians at Porsche Main Line take pride in exceeding customers’ expectations with their white glove service approach. “We provide our customers with the ultimate hassle-free experience,” Ryan said. “When a customer brings their vehicle in for service or repairs, they drive directly into a covered, temperature-controlled service drive that has the built-in technology to immediately measure the car tire’s tread depth and evaluate the wheel alignment.”

For those who wish to wait on location, there is a café, a comfortable lounge and even a separate quiet room with desk space. But Service Advisor James Cockcroft said that many times customers take advantage of their complimentary pick-up and delivery service. “We have a team of drivers, a fleet of loaner vehicles and convenient online scheduling.” James explained that no matter if a customer comes into the facility or not, each one is treated with the same level of superior, seamless service.

Porsche Main Line’s new 86,000-square-foot facility

The parent company to Porsche Main Line is RDS Automotive Group which has been awarded Top Workplace by the Philadelphia Inquirer seven times. The Top Workplace program recognizes a company’s excellence across all areas of operation based on employee surveys. Robert DiStanislao is the Owner and President of RDS Automotive Group which owns and operates locations on both the east and the west coasts for four of the most exclusive brands of vehicles: Porsche, McLaren, Maserati and Ferrari. RDS Automotive Group also owns and operates Nissan Main Line and Lamborghini dealerships located in Devon.

There is no doubt that Robert is a busy man, but the team at Porsche Main Line will tell you that he truly cares about every single employee. “Robert takes the time to get to know us professionally and personally,” explained Tim Naylor. Tim is a Service Advisor and Porsche Certified Brand Ambassador who is celebrating 10

years with the company this year. “He knows about our families, our kids, our hobbies and genuinely cares about our well-being.” Ryan said that their newly built facility caters as much to the staff as it does to the customer. “Robert wanted to be sure that his employees were well taken care of, so he built a full gym with access to a personal trainer and an employee restaurant that serves made-to-order breakfast, lunch and take-home dinners,” Ryan said. “Robert’s consistent and considerate investment in his employees is the reason why so many have been with Porsche Main Line for over a decade.”

In addition to being a valued Sponsor in Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, the team at Porsche Main Line also actively volunteers and donates to our local community, youth sports teams and schools. They recently collected non-perishable items for a local

food drive and hosted a Wings & Wheels event that benefitted Wings for Success: A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women in need find employment and reach financial independence. There is a lot of excitement in the air at Porsche Main Line and you’re invited to learn more by visiting their showroom. Look for official grand opening festivities coming this spring!

Porsche Main Line is located at 4025 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square. Their showroom is open Mon.– Fri. 9am–6pm and Sat. 9am–5pm. For more information, visit their website at www.MainLine.PorscheDealer.com or give them a call at 610-886-1000. You can also follow Porsche Main Line on Facebook and Instagram. N S

State-of-the-art service center

The President Tavern

by Doug Humes

After Delaware County was split off from Chester County in 1789, a new road was needed to take travelers west from Newtown Square to the new county seat of West Chester, and so the West Chester Turnpike was laid out. As the new road gained travelers, several new inns appeared along the road, including Beaumont’s Tavern in Newtown Square around 1792. In 1806, the President Tavern, at the intersection of the new Turnpike and Providence Road in Edgmont was opened.

The President Tavern was located in a log house that Joseph Griffith had built at that intersection in 1798. James Jeffries saw the opportunity provided by the new road, and so he rented the house and applied for a tavern license. An 1806 datestone was added to the large stone building that was constructed to accommodate expected travelers. Jeffries’ business instincts were good – the tavern

Olde Tavern sign (artist’s conception) Photo couresty of Doug Humes

President Tavern building in early 1900’s Photo couresty of Newtown Square Historical Society

Ad for entertainment at the Edgmont Inn in 1968

Photo couresty of Newtown Square Historical Society

continued to serve thirsty travelers under a variety of keepers up until 1863, after which by one account, “the President ceased to be kept as a public house.”

The President Inn disappeared from the pages of history until after Prohibition, when by 1936 the Edgmont Inn opened in the historic old building, offering floor shows and a live orchestra. The Edgmont Inn had a good run for about 40 years, and was referred to as a country and western hangout in the 1960’s when operated by Walter Haly as Haly’s Edgmont Inn. The old Inn miraculously survived a 1966 fire-bombing, when a regular patron, disgruntled at being thrown out of the bar so often, convinced an accomplice to break a side window and throw homemade Molotov cocktails into the building. The old inn survived.

In 1975, Bill Daley, who had been partners at the Lamplighter Tavern in Havertown, bought the building, and after renovations re-opened it as “Bill Daley’s Olde Country Tavern,” and ran it for about 20 years. In 1994, Bob Palumbo took over and changed the name back to the Edgmont Inn for several years. In 1997, Mary Lou and Joe Moro took over, and made extensive renovations to give the old country tavern an Italian flavor. They named the restaurant “La Locanda”, Italian for “inn.”

The weary traveler from 1806 would recognize the old building at the same intersection, but would be amazed at the Italian cuisine that continues to be served there today, more than two hundred years later.

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

The President Tavern building today – now La Locanda

Photo couresty of La Locanda

Artist Nick Santoleri’s “Evening at Edgmont”

Photo couresty of Nick Santoleri

Daily, January through February

Flight On Ice

@4901 West Chester Pk, Newtown Square

Newtown Square’s pop-up outdoor ice-skating rink is back 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: Wed. and Thurs. 4–8pm; Fri. 4–10pm; Sat. 11am–10pm; Sunday 11am–8pm

Cost: Check their website for current Season Pass, Family Pass and Individual Ticket pricing. 610-627-2100 www.FlightOnIce.com

Saturdays in Winter Art at The Square Tavern

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

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

Time: 11am–5pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org

Saturdays in Winter Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Road, Newtown Square

Visit Newtown Square’s museum of local history, a place filled with the ghosts and footprints of the millworkers who once lived there.

Time: 1–4pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org

Wed. January 11 and January 25

Babble & Brew Parents Group

@Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall Playtime for them, coffee for you! We will have coffee and snacks for the grownups and lots of exciting, age-appropriate toys for the kiddos (newborns to preschoolers). No registra-

tion required! The library meeting room capacity is limited to 50. First come, first serve.

Time: 10:00am–11:30am

Cost: FREE 610-356-1510 www.MarpleLibrary.org

Thu. January 12

Documentary on Ellis School

@209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Township Bldg.

Ellis College documentary film: filmmaker Louise Miller explores the history of Newtown Square’s Charles E Ellis School through the eyes of thirty-four alumnae spanning 1940-1977.

Time: 7:00 pm Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org

Mon. January 16

4th Annual Media Fellowship House Toiletry Drive

@Media Fellowship House, 302 S. Jackson St, Media Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in this toiletry drive to benefit local women’s shelters. Items needed: Soap, detergent, lotions, feminine products, lip balm, diapers, baby wipes, shampoo, conditioner and hand sanitizer. Donations and volunteers needed.

Time: 1–4pm 610-809-1487 www.MediaFellowshipHouse.org

Sat. January 28

Groundhog Day Celebration

@John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge At Tinicum 8601 Lindbergh Ave, Philadelphia

Will Tinicum Tim come out of his burrow and see his shadow? There will be a family friendly walk at 10am with a ranger to learn more about winter wildlife. For a fun surprise, enjoy the Groundhog Shadow Reveal at 10:50am! Afterwards, head to the Heron Room to meet some live local animals at 11am! Free snacks and activities.

Time: 10am–12pm

Cost: FREE

Sat. January 28 – Sun. February 5

50th Annual Notre Dame Fine Art Show & Sale

@The Mansion at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, 560 Sproul Rd, Villanova

The Annual Fine Art Show & Sale features over 100 regional fine artists and their professional works in a variety of mediums, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, ceramics, metals, and glass.

Time: Weekdays by appointment only: 2–5pm; Sat. & Sun. 10am–4pm

Cost: FREE Admission; Special Event Preview Party on January 27th - $100 per guest. 610-687-0650 www.NDArtShow.com

• Gun locks, safes, and safety equipment

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• Gunsmithing & firearm appraisals

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by Lou Matteo Edgemont Automotive

With today’s supply chain problems, repairing or replacing a vehicle can be a very difficult decision. New vehicle choices are limited and used vehicles are very expensive. Repairs can also be expensive, so here are some tips to determine which option is right for you.

Have your vehicle evaluated by a certified state safety inspection facility before making extensive repairs. Rust and rot are extremely important in the decision-making process on whether to keep investing in an aging vehicle or to look at something new or used. We have seen an increase in undercarriage and frame rot in recent years, most likely due to the use of brine to treat winter roads. Rust and rot can usually be identified before the failure point during regular inspections. If your service professional approves the undercarriage for safety, then maintenance is the best policy.

The dash warning lights are no longer “idiot” lights. Sometimes the lights can indicate a very small, inexpensive problem like low fluids or tire pressure. But sometimes they can indicate a more complex, expensive problem even if the vehicle seems to run well. Address these warnings in a timely manner.

Check fluids often. Engines use thin, efficient oils today which can lead to a low fluid condition before the oil change interval, even in newer vehicles. Use fluids approved by the manufacturer only, this can keep warranties intact. Check lights periodically. If the headlights are not as bright as they once were, consider polishing before replacement. This can save a considerable amount of money. Keep the tire pressure up and air filters clean to get the best fuel economy.

Since labor costs can be high, many people employ the help of handy friends and neighbors for small repairs, and there is nothing wrong with that in most cases. Having the correct tools and information is extremely important, however. Expensive diagnostic tools may be required to perform jobs that were never needed before, to avoid costly mistakes. Torque specifications are the most overlooked step in any repair – tight is no longer good enough.

Think environmentally, and please dispose of any parts or fluids responsibly! Some parts are required to be returned to the store they came from because a deposit was left. Bring any fluids to your local repair facility and they will dispose of them in a responsible manner.

Keeping a vehicle clean is almost as important as keeping it maintained. Vehicles come with a clear coat to protect the paint. Chips from road debris and even bird droppings can deteriorate this protection, causing rust spots to form and costly repairs to follow. A monthly wash will not only make your vehicle look good but help it last longer. Happy New Year Neighbors!

Recent Newtown Township Home Sales

Address Sold Price Bedrooms Bathrooms Sq. Ft. Acres

321 Horseshoe Trail . . . . . . . $943,952 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2 . . . . 2,200 . . 0.02

841 Milmar Road $1,000,000 4 2.5 2,664 0.83

28 Delmont Road $375,000 3 2 1,428 0.17

3803 Woodland Drive . . . . $1,375,000. . . . 5 . . . . 3.5+ . . . 5,879 . . 0.35 310 Sunny Brook Lane $1,175,000 3 3.5 3,884 0.18

401 Princeton Circle . . . . . . $420,000 . . . . 3 . . . . 2.5+ . . . 2,788 . . 0.04

4002 Tall Oaks Lane . . . . . . . $500,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,305 . . 0.05

327 Horseshoe Trail $848,032 3 2 2,200 0.02 1 Lakeview Place . . . . . . . $1,050,000. . . . 4 . . . . 3.5+ . . . 4,008 . . 1.18 406 Pritchard Place $298,000 2 2 1,230 0.02 281 Overbrook Drive $470,000 4 2.5 1,860 0.65 404 Berlo Lane . . . . . . . . $1,135,000. . . . 3 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 3,583 . . 0.16 633 Howe Court, 158 $969,990 3 2.5 3,036 0.10 503 Guinevere Drive $667,000 4 3.5 3,976 0.04 9 Pine Street . . . . . . . . . . . $715,000 . . . . 4 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 3,482 . . 0.43 4256 Fairview Avenue $665,000 4 3 2,828 0.64

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.

by Holly Stupak

It’s been almost 50 years since eight-year-old Gretchen Harrington was kidnapped while walking to a vacation Bible school from her home in Marple. The daughter of a local Presbyterian minister and his wife, Gretchen’s body was found months later in Ridley Creek State Park, but her murder remains unsolved. Marple Newtown High School graduates and writers Mike Mathis and Joanna Falcone Sullivan were both ten years old when the tragedy happened and have been haunted by it ever since. Their recently published book, Marple’s Gretchen Harrington Tragedy: Kidnapping, Murder and Loss of Innocence in Suburban Philadelphia, is not only a tribute to Gretchen but to all the other children whose lives were forever changed and shaped by this event.

Authors Mike and Joanna both grew up in Broomall. Mike’s family moved here in 1966. Joanna and her family moved to

Broomall from Philadelphia in 1975, just a few months before Gretchen’s murder occurred. The book describes the day Gretchen disappeared on August 15, 1975, as a typical summer day in the suburbs. “Young children played with their friends, adults prepared for work or planned for their vacation at the Jersey Shore,” said Mike. “But that all changed in the hours before noon. Kids who were playing at the Lawrence Park Swim Club that day heard the sound of a helicopter hovering. They’d later learn that it was searching for a missing child.”

Joanna and Mike said that the crime forever changed the lives of both the children, who were about Gretchen’s age and their parents. “Many people chose to live in Marple Newtown because they considered it a safe refuge from the crime-ridden streets of Philadelphia,” explained Mike. “But after Gretchen’s murder, we were no longer allowed to walk to friends’ houses or the swim club by ourselves. Joanna said that their parents and friends’ parents began watching over them more closely. “The crime made us more wary of strangers, even making us cautious as we parented our own children while they were growing up,” she added.

As children, Mike went to Loomis Elementary, and Joanna attended Russell Elementary. They met and became friends in middle school, and both had a passion for storytelling and journalism. Their writing careers began back when they both started working on The Hollow Log, Paxon Hollow Middle School’s student newspaper. When they got to Marple Newtown High School, Mike ran the student newspaper there, The Mar News, and Joanna was active in the Marching Band.

Authors Joanna Sullivan and Mike Mathis at a meet and greet and book signing at Barnes & Noble in Broomall Photo courtesy of Holly Stupak

After Joanna and Mike graduated from MNHS in 1983, they both had successful careers in the communications field. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University, Mike worked as a publication and video manager for the New Jersey Courts. He was also a reporter and editor for several newspapers, including the Burlington County Times in Willingboro, NJ, where he covered the state and federal criminal and civil courts, major crime, school districts and municipal government. Since 1995, he has been an adjunct professor in the Visual, Performing and Communication Arts Department at Camden County College. Mike is also the author of five books and is the co-author of Cherry Hill: A Brief History. He also works as a freelance writer and is a contributor to the Encyclopedia of New Jersey and State Supreme Courts.

Meanwhile, Joanna graduated from Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park. For the past 20 years, she has been the editor-in-chief of the Baltimore Business Journal, which is part of the American City Business Journals publications. She has also worked as an editor and

reporter for the American Banker newspaper in Washington, D.C., the Annapolis Capital in Maryland, and the Hagerstown, Maryland Herald-Mail.

Over the years, Mike and Joanna stayed in touch via social media and often discussed collaborating on a book about Gretchen's murder. “We were perplexed that the crime had not been solved for nearly five decades,” said Joanna. “It remains one of Marple Township’s few recorded murders to this day.” It wasn’t until the two writers reconnected in person at their 30-year high school reunion that they officially decided to write the book.

Published in the fall of 2022, Marple’s Gretchen Harrington Tragedy: Kidnapping, Murder and Loss of Innocence in Suburban Philadelphia examines the decades-long investigation. With the help of the Marple police, including chief Brandon Graeff, they were given rare access to police files in what is still considered an open investigation. “Brandon welcomed us into the station on several occasions,” said Joanna. “His passion for solving the crime showed the Marple police’s dedication to the case.” Most of the police officers who worked on her case back when it first happened have since retired or died. Joanna said that the case still haunts detectives who were unable to solve it.

While researching the story for the book, Mike and Joanna also met with Gretchen’s sister Ann (Harrington) Myers. Joanna spent hours in her home, and Ann expressed gratitude to the authors for shedding light on the case that changed her family’s life forever. “The Harrington family was never the same after this tragedy,” said Joanna. “Ann thanked us for writing the book and hopes that her sister will be remembered for being the sweet girl that she was and not just for what happened to her.”

Gretchen’s death remains a topic of conversation on local Facebook groups, and former and current residents recall similar recollections of the fateful day she disappeared. The case continues to generate much speculation online, including amateur detectives still trying to solve the murder. It was because of the impact the case had on the Marple Newtown community that led Joanna and Mike to write the book. “It was a story that needed to be told,” said Joanna. “We really just want to shed light on this little girl and the impact the crime had on so many people.” For more information about the book, visit www.Amazon.com/MarplesGretchen-Harrington-Tragedy-Philadelphia. N S

by Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant

Is It Time to Repipe Your Home?

Eventually every homeowner is going to need to repipe their home. Repiping is one of the services that plumbers receive the most questions about, understandably. It’s a big task to take on. That’s why you want to be sure that your home is completely ready for the job when it’s necessary. There are several signs to look for, letting you know that you should invest in repiping services for your home. If you notice one or more of these signs, then it’s time to contact a professional to discuss potential repiping services.

Do You Live in an Older Home?

One of the biggest signs that it may be time to repipe is age. If your home was built more than 50 years ago, it may be time. Older pipes can give way to more issues. On top of this, older pipes were made from outdated materials and can actually pose a threat to the health of your home. It’s always wise to repipe if this is your circumstance.

Have You Had Multiple Plumbing Leaks?

Have you noticed that you’re dealing with multiple plumbing leaks recently? If leaks are springing up more often than they ever have before, then you’re a good candidate for repiping services. Multiple plumbing leaks are an issue, and you should address them with the care that’s going to address the problem at its core rather than treat the symptoms on a continual basis.

Have You Noticed Unusual Plumbing Noises?

Are you noticing that your home is noisier than ever? Your plumbing shouldn’t make your home noisy. If you’re hearing lots of clanging, banging or any other strange noises, then it’s time for you to consider upgrading your plumbing system.

Is Your Water Discolored?

Your water should always be clear and translucent. If you’re noticing that your water is tinged red, brown or any other color, or if you notice any debris, then it’s time to get your home’s water in better condition. Discolored water means that your plumbing is in such a state of disrepair that it’s going to start directly affecting you.

Do You Have Persistent Low Water Pressure?

If you’re always frustrated with the water flow in your home, then you should address this with repiping. If no amount of cleaning is helping you get more flow from your plumbing, then low water pressure is the culprit. A certified plumber can help you bypass these low water pressure issues with ease. N S

When basement waterproofing installation jumpstarts a new utility storage room and/or a basement den/office, humidity control and air quality ventilation are key factors. This must be maintained to assure continued full utilization of the new “third floor.”

A senior couple's home had recently flooded due to a lack of ongoing maintenance and job detailing. This became an even bigger issue since they started babysitting their very first grandchild five days a week!

Their lawn, leaf raking, mulching and snow removal was done by local individuals, so it wasn’t always adequately maintained. Walking around the home’s exterior was not easy and in places was even impossible, especially with baby pick-ups and drop-offs, two senior dogs needing to be walked, and an active home with family and neighbors visiting and checking in on the couple.

The water and mold prevention crew removed wet carpets and the lower sheetrock walls, but the main source of where the water emanated from was still a mystery. Quickly replacing a mud filled section of a 20 year old French drain system helped, but the partial replacement and sump pump/well upgrade was still insufficient to prevent another flash flood disaster.

This simple question remained – how do we eliminate water entering the basement? Another question being why, after two decades plus, did everything fail? A thorough exterior inspection quickly revealed the reasons why. The downspouts were all backed up so the window wells were completely filled with mud, leaves and debris. On top of that, most if not all of the sump pump discharge was circling back into the basement, with lots of silt clogging mud.

The solution – proper basement window well vents were opened up for the first time in many years, the sump discharge was changed and the gutter spouts were extended away from the exterior perimeter. After cleaning out the sump pump closet and coating the mold free walls, the basement could then be restored with new flooring and paint.

You can’t do “clean laundry” in the dirtiest room in the home. With the dry storage area compromised and leaky HVAC ducts spreading moldy/moist air to the floors above, the answer is yes,

it matters that seasonal maintenance is done correctly to maintain a truly waterproofed basement year round. Composting mulch with closed window vents, prevents water run-off and provides sweet smelling, fresh air intake. Problem solved with accurate diagnosis and detailing by a local Waterproofing expert.

Publsiher’s Note: Now with Joe Soster and Dave Cook combining their legendary waterproofing expertise, wet basements don’t have a chance! N S

Celebrating Super Bowl Sunday: Fun and Creative Ideas for Your Super Bowl Party!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The countdown to Super Bowl LVII (57) is on! Whether you tune in for the game, the commercials or the halftime show, this year’s celebration calls for friends, fun and “fan”tastic food.

The game, where the National Football Conference (NFC) champion will face the American Football Conference (AFL) winner, will be played on Sunday, February 12th at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, home of the Arizona Cardinals. It will air live on FOX but can also be streamed live through subscription services like YouTube TV, Hulu and Sling.

The featured performer for the halftime show sponsored by Apple Music is Grammy Award winner Rihanna. The entertainment continues with a line-up of some of the best and most-watched commercials from seasoned advertisers such as Toyota, Doritos and TurboTax. In a twist of events, Anheuser-Busch has relinquished its exclusive advertising arrangement, so we will see ads

from Molson Coors and a few more beer companies. Additional expected advertisers are those with online gambling platforms and virtual shopping services.

If you’re planning to host your own Super Bowl party, we’ve got some great ideas to score a touchdown with your guests. All it takes is a little creativity and some ideas from our Sponsors.

When you think of a Super Bowl party, the first thing that comes to mind is food. There’s just something about gathering around the big screen with a plate full of wings, nachos and chips, right? Lucky for us, we have one of the best places to pick up freshly prepared foods right around the corner at Luigi & Giovanni’s. Owner John D’Alessandro said business is booming on game day, so it’s best to call a few days ahead and pre-order your selections. “We sell a lot of our homemade strombolis that, when sliced thin, make a great game-time snack,” John said. “We have your traditional

TOUCH LESS. DO MORE. Keep messes over the sink and off the faucet with a KOHLER touchless kitchen faucet. Its accurate sensor responds instantly to the wave of your hand or other object under the spout, so you don’t have to touch the handle. Learn more about our complete line of KOHLER touchless kitchen faucets at Kohler.com

Have some fun by making your own commercial-rating signs

Italian meat stromboli as well as cheesesteak, chicken cheesesteak, pepperoni and cheese, buffalo chicken and vegetable strombolis.”

Other fun foods to serve on game day are cheesesteak egg rolls, tomato pie and nachos. If you’re looking for some healthier alternatives, include fruit and vegetable trays along with some grilled chicken skewers and dipping sauces. For the low-carb lovers out there, a quick online search for low-carb Super Bowl recipes yields hundreds of mouth-watering results.

Just like the two teams competing for the trophy should be evenly matched, so should your savory to sweet selections for your guests. Our friends at Weinrich’s Bakery not only have a wide selection of sweet treats like mini cheesecakes, cookies and lemon bars, they also make their own German Bavarian Pretzels perfect for pleasing a crowd.

How about stepping up your game this year with a Super Bowl Sundae ice cream bar? Another fun idea is to dip pretzel rods in chocolate and decorate them with white icing lines that look like

fun ideas to consider.

If your party plans include the little ones, why not create a kids’ zone with games and crafts? A simple do-it-yourself game is to pin the football on the goalpost. Draw a goalpost on a large poster board. Using either felt or construction paper, cut out some football shapes and attach double-sided tape to one side. You’ll also need a bandana as a blindfold and a few prizes on hand for the winners.

Get your commercial-watching crowd in on the fun by making your own commercial-rating signs mounted on popsicle sticks. The signs can say things like “Funniest,” “Best of the Night,” “Change the Channel,” “Pass the Chips,” and “Most Memorable.”

You will definitely earn extra points this football season with just a few simple adjustments to your party playbook. Just be prepared to be crowned the champion and the host for years to come! N S

yard markers on a football field. Football-shaped decorated cakes and cinnamon churro chips with chocolate dip are more

Newtown Square’s Holiday Festivities!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of Leonard Altieri

The month of December brought lots of holiday spirit to our community. The annual Newtown Square Tree Lighting took place on Sunday, December 4th right in St. Albans Circle. This year’s festivities were extra special because it was the first time our community saw our new 20’ Norway Spruce tree all lit up for the season.

The event was sponsored by our Newtown Square Business Association and included dance performances by From the Top Studio of Dance and Twirl, holiday songs sung by students from The Goddard School and Christmas carols led by St. Alban’s

Our new Norway Spruce tree all lit up for the holiday season

Episcopal Church’s Choir. Kyle Turner was the emcee for the evening and he did a phenomenal job at keeping the energy high for the kids who were anxious to welcome Santa on the fire truck. This was the first year that the Tree Lighting included a winter market, where select businesses in St. Albans Circle were open for holiday shopping. The folks at Bunny Hare’s Gift Shop, Grace & Kate Boutique, Main Line Monograms, Level Up Black Belt Academy, Yoga in the Circle and Runic Tattoo enjoyed welcoming our neighbors in to learn about their businesses and pick up some holiday gifts.

The Marines were on hand again this year collecting new, unwrapped toys for their Toys for Tots campaign and St. Alban’s

Episcopal Church collected non-perishable food items for their food drive benefiting local families. From the Top Studio of Dance set up a Letters to Santa station, hot chocolate was poured, Kristine McKee from BHHS Fox & Roach served slices of pizza and chocolate-covered pretzels were donated by Christopher’s Chocolates.

Newtown Square Police Department and Fire Company and the entire Newtown Square community who helped make the holidays extra special and festive this year!

Santa with Township Supervisor, Leonard Altieri

by Deborah M. Truscello, Esq. Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

Tips to Keep You Safe in the New Year

The holidays, such a wonderful time of year, came and went by so quickly this year. While we were busy decorating, shopping and cooking, hopefully we all enjoyed true peace of mind. Now that it’s the New Year, here are a few practices you can adapt into your everyday life that can allow you to be at ease in 2023 and beyond.

In Custody Situations - Parents are encouraged to make phone calls to each other to discuss upcoming plans in a timely manner. If there is a custody order in place, keep it on hand for reference. Custody orders often outline specific days, times and vacation time for each parent to adhere to as best they can. Wonderful plans can be made around the outlined custodial periods which makes it less stressful for everyone. Turns can be taken for visiting

family, getting together with friends and attending special events so that everyone benefits. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Engaging a Contractor - Before hiring a contractor of any type and giving them a deposit, check out reviews on Angi, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau and Google, as well as any other applicable sources. Check with your municipality and the state’s website to see if they have information about the contractor. Insurance information and certifications should be on file, so request a copy of them from the contractor.

Shopping Online - Always delete the internet history after each purchase, and do the same thing when banking online. Hackers love to get your information from your internet history. You will know if you are ordering from a secure site when there is a picture of a lock or it states in the browser that it is a secured website. Make a list of your purchases to make sure you receive everything ordered.

Shopping at Stores - When you go shopping, make sure the area is well lit, take a friend along, park as close to the doors as you can and keep your eyes open and on your mirrors for any approaching strangers. Secure your packages in your car before responding to anyone asking for help. If you feel that perhaps you’re being followed or targeted, go straight to the police station instead of going home.

Enjoy the New Year, and remember that when you smile, people will smile back.

As you step into the new year, it’s time to reflect on what you’ve learned, and make plans for the year ahead. While January is a time when people start new projects or work toward new goals, it can be difficult at times to stick with the goals that are set at the beginning of the year. If you feel like this happens to you, don’t be discouraged. New Year’s resolutions can be effective if you take the right approach.

Resolutions shouldn’t feel like a chore. If you want them to serve as motivation for change, they should be realistic and fun. Start by identifying the right resolution to improve your life, and create a plan on how to attain it. You can achieve your goals!

Utilizing the acronym ‘SMART’ to set your goals can be an immense help. The term ‘SMART goals’ was coined in the early 80s and is still a common tool frequently used to help people set goals and develop a plan to attain them. The original definition, coined by George T. Doran, ties into five criteria:

by Kaitlin Battiste From the Top Dance

Specific: Target a specific area for improvement

Measurable: Quantity, suggesting an indicator of progress

Assignable: Specifies who will do it (You!)

Realistic: State results that can realistically be achieved given available resources

Time-related: When can the result realistically be achieved

If one of your resolutions is to be more physically active in the New Year, and to improve physical fitness, how do you measure physical fitness? What are the steps you will take to work toward your goal? Physical fitness is also tied with mental and emotional health, as is any goal you set. Crushing goals requires taking care of your mind by being kind and patient with yourself, and making your journey more enjoyable. Instead of forcing yourself to engage in activities you may not enjoy, switch things up a bit. Try a dance class to get your body moving, roll out your yoga mat, play your favorite music while you run or get outside in nature. Find a routine that works for YOU.

Setting resolutions can have many benefits. It sets forth a personal challenge that helps us grow in some way, and shows determination to make the changes to improve our lives. Remember that results will not be immediate - goals take time! Allow yourself enough time to accomplish what you set out to do, and enjoy the process. Which area of your life will you choose to spend more time on in 2023? Whatever you choose, make it SMART. N S

By Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Ringing in a new year always carries something magical about it. It’s a bittersweet time, when we say goodbye to the past and optimistically look forward to our future. As 2022 changes to 2023, we’re motivated by opportunities to restart, set goals, accomplish tasks, and sometimes, completely start over.

We all make New Year Resolutions, planning in this new year to do everything better than we did last year. We pledge to do things differently. We resolve to save more money or go to the gym consistently. We’ll keep in touch with family more often or we’ll finally check an important item off our bucket list. Some of the most common New Year Resolutions are to exercise more, lose weight, practice self-care, get organized, learn a new skill or hobby, save more money and spend more time with family and friends.

But did you know that less than half of those New Year Resolutions actually stick? Sure, we may start out strong, but studies — and our own personal experiences — prove that those pledges to do better wither away within the first two months. No matter what you are resolving to do, there are a few ways you can set yourself up for success in 2023. It’s going to take some extra effort on your end, but it will be worth it.

Set Meaningful Goals

Be sure that the goal you are striving for is for reasons that are internal to yourself and not put upon you by others. Ask yourself WHY you want to reach your goal. If it’s truly something YOU want, then you are much more likely to succeed. Make a Plan

Abstract resolutions are harder to execute than ones that describe specific ways you will work toward your goals. Sit down and write

down HOW you will make this the year you finally achieve what you want. Your plan should also include detailed steps about how you will get back on track if you start to lose your way.

Tell Someone

Your resolutions are more likely to fade away if no one knows about them. Find someone you trust and someone who will be supportive and tell them about your goals and your plan. Sharing your why and your how is a crucial component, and doing so will make you more resolute and persistent.

Celebrate the Little Wins

Goals aren’t achieved overnight, which is why you’re much more likely to succeed if you reward yourself for the steps you take along the way. This should be part of your overall plan, so be specific about how and when you will reward yourself. Just be sure your reward isn’t allowing yourself to perform the habit you are trying to overcome!

We checked in with some of our Sponsors for tips and advice on great ways to start and what to focus on. First up are Michele Quinn and Brittany Naab of Blush Salon. Not only are they Experts in self-care when it comes to your hair and skin, but they are also excited to kick off 2023 in their newly-renovated salon!

“We are starting fresh in a beautiful salon that our clients will love,” Brittany said. “It’s bright and welcoming, with an open floorplan and an exciting vibe.” Keep an eye out for their Grand Re-Opening party announcement coming soon!

Michele said that if one of your resolutions is to spend more time caring for your skin, the best way to start is from the inside. “The most important skin care tip, especially in the winter months, is keeping your body hydrated,” she said. “You need to be sure to drink 8 -10 eight-ounce glasses of water each day.”

If you’re looking for a new hairstyle or perhaps experimenting with hair color, the stylists at Blush Salon will have you looking your best in 2023. “Our team can help you choose the right style to compliment the shape of your face and the right color for your skin tone,” Brittany said. “We can also recommend products that will keep your hair healthy and strong.”

If getting your finances in better shape is your priority in 2023, then it’s best to listen to professional advice from Jack Del Pizzo, CPA of Del Pizzo & Associates. “My advice is to save money for retirement,” explained Jack. “It doesn’t matter how young or how old you are, you should be saving for a secure future.” Jack said that people often get overwhelmed with the thought of saving a significant amount of money so they never get started. He said, “Your retirement journey starts with a single step, and you have to be willing to take it.”

By implementing the strategies listed here and heeding the advice of our Experts, you will be well on your way to finally reaching those goals on your TO-DO list. Make 2023 your year to resolve to crush those resolutions. You don’t need luck; you just need the right plan!!

New year, newly renovated salon for Blush

Photo courtesy of Blush Salon