Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, March 2023

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

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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 Turner-Hilliard, Holly Stupak, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Rob D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D., Kevin O’Donnell, Jack Del Pizzo, TJ Warner, Sarah Forti, Mark Reitz

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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,

It’s that time to March Into Spring with a spring in our step. The days of March are growing warmer with longer daylight, and even one day with a full hour of longer daylight! Get to bed earlier on Saturday March 11th so you can prepare to trade an hour of sleep for an extra hour of daylight in the evening on Sunday, March 12th. Daylight Savings Time is upon us!

March also reminds me to welcome back a few advertising Sponsors whose businesses are forced to hibernate a bit in winter months until the phones start ringing again. And they will ring again, thanks to you Reader Leaders who know our advertising Sponsors are the local heroes who make it possible for our hometown magazine to be mailed for free to you each month, and available to be read and downloaded online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com.

I am happy to welcome back Seth Pancoast, and his S. Pancoast Topsoil & Mulches business, which has been keeping weeds down and adding color to the flower beds of more homes than the number of years the Pancoast Family has lived in our community. (Hold on, that must be more than 341 homes because the first Pancoast came to Broomall with William Penn in 1632!) See the return of the S. Pancoast Soil & Mulch ad on page 28 and mark your calendar to get on Seth Pancoast’s list for delivery of your topsoil and mulch to plant those flower seedlings, plants and shrubs that you’ll find at Mostardi’s Nursery, whose ad for Spring also returns this month on page 24 thanks to our generous advertising Sponsor, Steve Mostardi. Welcome back Steve.

This March issue brings a new Sponsor name to our pages, but not a new Sponsor How? Because Len & Jen Sciulli, the (former) owners of Len Sciulli & Sons Heating & AC, one of our Charter Sponsors who helped launch our magazine in 2018, have successfully merged their business with another respected name: Signature HVAC of West Chester. No worries though, Len is still on the job managing the same crew of local HVAC professionals on his Signature HVAC team. Congratulations Len, Jen! Your first new Signature HVAC ad on page 7 looks great.)

This new March issue which Sheila and our designer Kim have for us, will put some green and some spring back in our step this month. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, all.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

March 2023

Newtown Square

Friends & Neighbors

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.

In this issue, we introduce you to the Thomaz family, whose journey to Newtown Square has been paved with passion and purpose. You will also meet Lisa Borowski, our newly-elected PA State Representative dedicated to serving the needs of our community. Our Business Profile introduces you to Joe Foster and David Linn Cook of Waterproofing One, two experts in protecting homes from water damage. And join us as we congratulate the Catholic Community Choir on 15 years of community theater focused on faith and fun!

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

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

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

Share

www.NewtownSquareMag. 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

Signature HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning 11 Wilson Ave, West Chester 484 - 406 - 4485 • LSciulli@SignatureHVAC.com

www.SignatureHVAC.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

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 800- 508- 4144

Info@WaterproofingOne.com

www.WaterproofingOne.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

Martella Electric Company is a team of courteous, professional, and highly trained electricians. Our priority is to deliver superior customer service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

• (EV) Electric Vehicle Charging

• Circuit Breaker Panels

• Fireguard Circuit Breakers

• Surge Protection

• LED Under Cabinet Lighting

• LED Recessed Lighting

• LED Lighting Anywhere

• Exhaust Fans

• Security Lighting

• Landscape Lighting 484 - 997- 3097 www.MartellaElectric.com

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

The Thomaz Family: Paved with Passion and Purpose

This month, we are pleased to introduce you to The Thomaz Family: Thiago, Heather and Zion. Their story of their journey to Newtown Square and how they live a life full of purpose and passion is admirable and inspirational.

Thiago was born and raised in Fortaleza, Brazil, with his mother and three younger sisters. Fortaleza is the capital of the northeastern Brazilian state of Ceará. Known for its beaches, red cliffs, palm trees, dunes and lagoons, Fortaleza is where Thiago discovered a love for the surf and the sea. Fortaleza is also where he discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which would later become his life’s work.

Thiago moved to the United States in 2001. His first taste of life in the US happened when he visited his sister, who had entered an exchange student program in Wisconsin. “I fell in love with America, but at the time, moving there seemed out of reach,” he said. Thiago found work in Brazil in the modeling industry. He was scheduled to do some work in New York City in 2001, but

unfortunately, the terrorist attacks on September 11th brought it all to a halt.

Through it all, Thiago had always dreamed of owning a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio. A few months later, with just $30 in his pocket, but a huge amount of determination, Thiago packed up his belongings and flew to the United States. Thiago said that when he first arrived in the U.S., he worked many odd jobs to make ends meet. “My first job in America was picking up trash in a movie theater parking lot,” he explained. “I stocked grocery store shelves, worked in fast-food restaurants and helped at construction sites.”

Thiago managed to save enough money to purchase a car for $200, which he lived out of for a while. He made his way to Philadelphia and began coaching at a Jiu Jitsu studio in Springfield. His hard work, persistence and dedication to his dream gave him the confidence to open House of Arts Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy (HOA)

Heather and Thiago Thomaz

in 2017, where Thiago is the primary instructor and head of this SAS-affiliated academy located in Media. For Thiago, personal and professional growth go hand in hand. “I continued to dedicate my time to the art and reconnected with my childhood friend and mentor, Professor Daniel Tavares, who was the 2018 International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Masters World Champion,” he said. “I joined his SAS Team and ranked as the number one IBJJF competitor in the world and was a Fight to Win Pro-Title contender.” Then in 2019, Thiago won first place in the Pan-American Championship, where he was promoted to black belt on the winner’s podium by Professor Tavares. Today, HOA offers multiple Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) classes for adults interested in self-defense, competition or simply to get a workout. They also teach Judo to kids and adults and their Little Warriors class is for kids ages 5-12. Those classes are designed to teach the basic techniques of BJJ with exercises and games to improve listening and motor skills, fitness levels and self-discipline. “Every day, I get the priceless feeling of bringing something positive into this world,” he remarked. “Helping my students become more confident and live their best lives is incredibly rewarding.”

Heather is Thiago’s wife and his number-one supporter. She grew up in Wilkes-Barre, where she went to Coughlin High School, where she was active in gymnastics and cheerleading. After high school, she began training in ariel and circus arts. Heather then went to Wilkes University to earn her degree in nursing. “I have always had an interest in health and helping others,” she said. “Nursing was the perfect way to combine the things I am

passionate about.” Heather currently works as an emergency room Registered Nurse at Jefferson Hospital. “I can say that my job in the ER is never boring,” she explained. “I never know what my day has in store for me.”

Continued on page 8

Zion following in his father’s footsteps

Heather said that her career as a front-line worker was even more challenging through the pandemic. “Over the last few years, I have seen an alarming increase in the need for psychiatric services,” she explained. “This mental health crisis led me to want to pursue my master’s degree as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.” Heather will graduate from Wilkes University next year and hopes to work with pediatric and adolescent patients with psychiatric disorders.

Both Thiago and Heather share a passion for helping others and living healthy, active lifestyles. This common thread is what ultimately brought the two of them together. “We met through a mutual friend,” Heather said. “She knew we both enjoyed exercise, health and good food!” Heather said that after hearing a little more about Thiago, she agreed to meet him for dinner. They connected immediately and have been inseparable ever since. Heather said, “We truly complement each other. Thiago is more reserved, shy and serious, and I am more outgoing and sociable.”

The happy couple married in 2020, moved from Philadelphia to Newtown Square and began building their future together, though it wasn’t quite the fairy tale they’d imagined because COVID had

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other plans. “While we were experiencing these happy times, it was also very challenging,” Thiago said. “I had to shut down HOA for some time and Heather was working around the clock at the hospital.” To add to their nervousness, a few months into the pandemic, Heather and Thiago found out they were expecting a baby. “We were excited to become parents but anxious at the same time.”

Later that year, Thiago and Heather welcomed their son Zion to their family. Heather said that Zion is an active two-year-old boy who loves being outdoors, reading books, swimming and hanging out with his dad at HOA. Thiago said that Zion visits him all the time at the gym and tries his best to keep up with the older kids in his BJJ classes. “Zion is very outgoing and enjoys making new friends,” Heather laughed. “Anyone who lives in our development and uses the pool knows Zion!”

Heather and Thiago have lived in Greene Countrie for over two years now and are very happy with their decision to call Newtown Square their home. They said their neighbors have welcomed them with open arms, and Zion has made many friends. Thiago’s family has enjoyed visiting from Brazil, and Heather’s family is just a short drive away.

Thiago, Heather and Zion, thank you for sharing your inspirational story of turning your passion and purpose into your life’s work. Your story will certainly inspire many of your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors to follow their dreams.

“Our lives aren’t defined by whom we have beaten or defeated or the amount of titles we won. Our legacy lives in those lives we change.” – Thiago Thomaz

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

Thiago, Zion and Heather Thomaz

by Sarah Forti Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty

With So Few Homes For Sale, What Can You Do When You Want to Move?

It’s no secret that our country has been in the throes of a housing inventory crisis over the past several years. It started before 2020, after which quickly changing housing needs combined with historically low mortgage interest rates created the perfect storm – a real estate frenzy that lasted for two years. Now that interest rates have normalized and companies are starting to require employees to come back into the office, the ebb and flow of real estate sales is at least starting to look more familiar. Yet one thing remains that cannot be ignored: low home inventory.

In addition to the shortage created between 2020 - 2022, two more factors stand out as role players in today’s current inventory crisis: Builder PTSD from 2008 and challenges obtaining building material. In the years preceding 2008, it was common for builders to build homes prior to securing the buyer. Today, builders are more likely to wait until they have secured multiple buyers for a section of their community before they start building. This creates security for the builder and their investors that they will be paid immediately upon the home’s completion. This also helps reduce the building costs, which is doubly important because of increases in material production and delivery time.

So what can you do to find a home today when you’re not seeing what you want to buy online? Start by partnering with a vetted and experienced Realtor who, in addition to searching the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for potential properties, will employ a few more strategic moves, the first of which is Realtor to Realtor networking. Agents are always in communication with each other and they know they are each other’s best resources for the inside scoop on what homes will be listing soon. Another strategy is to search for off-market properties through agent networking, neighbors, friends, family and good old communication. There are a variety of situations where homeowners want to sell, but don’t want their home to be publicly listed. They will often ask people to spread the word about their home, and if approached by a potential buyer or buyer’s agent, they would gladly entertain selling their home.

Inventory will start shaking loose by mid-Spring, but with that will come more competition from other home buyers. If you want to be ahead of the Spring market and be in line for the best properties both on and off the market, your best move is to partner with a trusted Realtor ASAP. N S

Student of the Month

by Lisa Jeffries

Joanie Quinn

MARCH STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The March Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Joanie Quinn, a Junior at Cardinal O’Hara High School (COHS), who received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.

Joanie is the oldest of four children, and she is a devoted big sister. She and her family are active members of St. Anastasia’s parish where Joanie enjoys attending the youth group

celebrations, as well as weekly mass. She also likes to take part in many community events and is always there to lend a helping hand.

She is a Neumann Scholar at O’Hara, meaning she has earned a full academic scholarship to the school. Joanie is a member of the National Honor Society, the Mathletes Team and the Community Service Corps, and she also participates in the Danny Hammond Dance Marathon Fundraiser.

Joanie plays three sports so she and her family are always extremely busy. She runs cross country at O’Hara where she qualified for the State Championships this past fall, and in the spring she runs on the track team. Joanie has been a varsity basketball player since her freshman year, where she is now the starting point guard. Her team won the State Championship 4A in both 2021 and 2022, and the current team is 14 - 3!

Joanie, your Newtown Square and Marple Friends & Neighbors send you congratulations for this recognition. With your impressively large and significant list of achievements and activities, we are sure you’ll go on to do amazing things. N S

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.

March Casey’s Student of the Month

Joanie Quinn with Casey’s Manager Kelly Pezzotti Photo courtesy of Joan Gallagher-Quinn

by Jack Del Pizzo, CPA Del Pizzo & Associates

A Reverse Mortgage Could Be Just What You Need

While a reverse mortgage is not for everyone, in the right situation a reverse mortgage may be perfect for you. As life expectancy increases across the country, many retirees are finding their investment nest egg is insufficient to meet their long term needs. A customized reverse mortgage may be an excellent way to insure you will be capable of providing for yourself in retirement, without needing to sell off assets. To qualify for a reverse mortgage, borrowers must own their home, be 62 years old or older and meet some basic income requirements.

The only out-of-pocket costs to set up a reverse mortgage are loan origination fees, mortgage insurance premiums and customary mortgage settlement fees. These fees are required and regulated by the federal government.

Over the years, there have been many misconceptions about the details of how this federally regulated program works, the biggest is that the bank assumes ownership of your home in a reverse mortgage. This is not the case. Just like a traditional mortgage, the lender places a lien on your home to make sure the loan is repaid. Another common misconception is that a borrowers’ estate or children will be responsible for repaying the reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage loan can only be repaid out of the proceeds from the sale of the home.

There are several ways a reverse mortgage can provide you with tax-free extra cash with no monthly payments required until the house is sold; a lump sum payout, a growing line of credit for life, monthly cash payments or any combination of the three.

With the lump sum payment, you can pay off an existing mortgage on your home to eliminate monthly mortgage payments. With the line of credit, you gain a credit limit that grows over time. If you choose the monthly cash payments option, you’ll receive a lifetime tax-free income stream.

The repayment of a reverse mortgage occurs when one of the following happens:

• The death of all borrowers including a qualified, non-borrowing spouse on the loan

• The sale of the property

• When the property is no longer the primary residence of at least one borrower for a period greater than 12 months

• If the property falls into disrepair and the borrowers are unable or unwilling to make repairs

• If the borrowers fail to pay property taxes and insurance costs

When any of the above happen, the home owners or executor of the owner’s estate has six months, plus two 3 month extensions to sell the property. The outstanding balance of the reverse mortgage loan and its accrued interest are paid from the sale proceeds. If they exceed the proceeds, the borrowers, their estate and their heirs are not liable for the shortfall. The shortfall is paid to the lender by a federal insurance program, meaning the borrower’s other assets remain untouched. N S

by Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D. DANJOLELL Memorial Homes

Helping Children Through Grief

Research shows that while only 10 percent of 3-year-olds have some understanding of death and its finality, that number jumps to about 58 percent in 4-year-olds. Studies also show that it isn’t until between the ages of five and nine that children start to understand that death is permanent and irreversible, although at this stage they tend not to relate to death as something that happens to them or those close to them.

Experiencing the death of someone close is confusing and difficult for both adults and children alike. However, children tend to grieve differently, in their own way. So helping children through grief can be extremely daunting for parents and loved ones. Here are some ideas and insights into helping children grieve.

Remain Developmentally Appropriate

The idea of death can be even more overwhelming for children, so be honest but answer questions and share information in ways

that are developmentally appropriate. It’s important, particularly in younger children, to assure them that they’ve done nothing wrong to cause the loss, and no amount of eating their vegetables will bring the person back.

Encourage Them to Share How They’re Feeling

There are numerous children’s books out there about death. Reading together, with age-appropriate materials, is a great way to help children open up about what they’re feeling. Other great ways to help children talk through their emotions is by drawing pictures or looking at photos.

Continue with Normal Routines

Most children find great comfort in the routines in life, so try to stick to as many as possible. Also, by maintaining a normal schedule and structure to their day-to-day life, you help children see that although death is an ending, life itself goes on.

Be Flexible with Expectations

While it’s important to retain as much consistency in their lives as possible, sensitivity and flexibility are key when your child acts out in response to a loss. Changes in school progress, eating habits, sleep patterns and in younger children even age-regressing behaviors, are all normal and require a bit more understanding and support on the adult’s part.

Show Them That You’re Grieving Too

By modeling your own grief and emotions, you show children that not only is it ok to grieve, but that they aren’t alone in how they feel. Show them that it’s possible to express your sadness and grief, while still managing your reaction to the pain you feel.

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Why Do Our Advertising Sponsors Have Great Reputations? Because Bringing People Together is Purpose-driven!

Think of any local business in Newtown Square, or just beyond in nearby Marple, Edgmont, Willistown, Upper Providence or Radnor townships. Now consider if that business could remain in business year after year, if they didn’t work to guard and to improve their reputation, particularly in the local communities they know are important to their financial success? No, of course not. Because if they did not, the business would slide towards failure. We’d likely say: “They’ve lost me as a customer.” The short reason why is because the business lost their purpose.

When a business begins to recognize it’s losing more customers than it’s gaining, the most common reason is because top-of-themind awareness of the business has faded from the memory of too many of its past customers, whose failed memory causes them to no longer talk about the business with purpose to their friends and neighbors, making it even harder to gain needed new customers. How can this all be turned around? The same way top-of-the-mind awareness of any business is fueled – by the business being noticed as a business with recognized purpose!

In recent years consulting firms have come to the rescue to improve business reputations by sourcing new Internet content that claims higher search engine directory rankings over less favorable content about a business, which can also leap over favorable content about a competitive business. Such wizardry is technical subterfuge that can fulfill an intended purpose to improve the reputation of a business by manipulating search engine rankings, but can do so even more when the elevated online reputation of the business includes its social purpose that impacts society, in turn impacting the social perception of the business.

Social purpose demonstrated by a business has become the gateway of business reputation

Studies show that the majority of Americans expect the companies they do business with, to lead with purpose, and are ready to reward those companies that are Purpose-driven, with their stronger loyalty, which builds deeper customer bonds and more favorable widespread business reputation to more quickly increase a customer base, particularly with the kind of customers more willing to be brand advocates of the business.

The 2018 Porter Novelli/Cone purpose Study: How to Build Deeper Bonds, Amplify Your Message & Expand Your Consumer Base, revealed that 78% of Americans believe businesses must do more than just make money; they must positively impact society as well. It also showed that 77% of Americans feel a stronger emotional connection to Purpose-driven companies, while 66% would switch their buying habits to buy from Purpose-driven companies and 68% are more willing to share that company’s content with their social networks. (See: www.PorterNovelli.com)

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is Purpose-driven. Our purpose is our mission and magazine motto: Bringing People Together. We do that through our unique brand of social-mediain-print we extend into our local community in partnership with local Purpose-driven businesses through the advertising seen on these pages, that make your hometown magazine possible.

We honor our advertisers as our hometown Sponsors, because they are certainly doing more than just making money from doing business in our community. How? By what you’re holding in your hands. We have them and their Purposedriven investment to thank for making it possible for our hometown magazine to create social impact in our community as stakeholders with you and through our mission to be Bringing People Together in Newtown Square.

If you enjoy reading each new issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, please reward our advertising Sponsors by choosing to do business with them first for reinvesting profits gained by doing business in our community, back into our community, through their Purpose-driven partnership with the mission of your hometown magazine to create social impact by Bringing People Together with each new issue. N S

Bob Blaisse

Publisher, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

WANTED: Local Purpose-Driven Business Owners

interested in supporting positive social impact for the benefit of Newtown Square residents as a Sponsor of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, with advertising benefit that assists page count growth leading to a greater number of monthly feature articles about Newtown Square history, residents, organizations and businesses. Contact Bob Blaisse at 610-453-5536 or email at: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com.

by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Waterproofing

One

A Dry Home Is a Happy Home

Preventative maintenance to keep water away from the foundation walls of your home may be one of the best ways to protect your property. It’s a good thing our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors have not one but two experts in the areas of water damage restoration or basement waterproofing. Joe Soster, owner of Waterproofing One, has teamed up with David Linn Cook, who has been our residential weatherization and waterproofing expert for the past three years, and together they deliver excellence, proficiency and professional results.

Joe grew up in Springfield, and from the time he was a teenager, he was working in the construction industry alongside his father, who was a land developer and builder. Over the years, he worked in numerous roles in the construction industry and established himself as an expert in waterproofing and structural repairs. In 1993 he started his own business Waterproofing One, headquartered in Phoenixville, PA.

Waterproofing One provides a variety of waterproofing services, including installing hydrostatic pressure relief systems (French drains and sump pumps); exterior waterproofing (excavation, special membranes vapor barriers and exterior drain systems); basement waterproofing coatings; all types of foundation repairs, masonry epoxy crack injections, wall pins for block walls, carbon fiber straps for concrete and block walls, carbon fiber stitches; and lawn grading, surface drains, exterior lawn drains, flow well tanks, gutter guards, downspout drainage, etc.

What sets Joe and his team apart from other waterproofing companies is the relationships they establish with clients. “Our customers trust our commitment to work excellence, budget and schedule,” said Joe. “We make sure our clients get expected results and we look at their satisfaction as the cornerstone of our success.”

Waterproofing One pays attention to the smallest details of the projects they work on. They can handle everything from roofing, basement waterproofing, water damage repair and water restoration projects down to other general contractor services. They understand that basement waterproofing is one of the best ways to keep property values high while saving a customer’s foundation from potential disastrous situations brought on by rain.

As an expert in waterproofing and weatherization, Joe understands the damage moisture can do to both the interior and exterior of the home. “If water seeps into your basement, that is a bad sign,” said Joe. “Basement leaks can mean your foundation is in need of repair to keep the walls from cracking or growing mold which can be deadly to your family.”

Joe explained that in order to prevent wet basements, it is important to understand where the water is coming from. The four common sources of water that seeps into the basement are surface water running down foundation walls; groundwater in water-saturated soils being pushed into the basement by hydrostatic pressure; storm sewer water from the municipal storm sewer system backing up into the home’s existing perimeter foundation

David Linn Cook (L) and Joe Soster (R)

Installing hydrostatic pressure relief systems (French drains and sump pumps)

Exterior waterproofing (excavation, special membranes vapor barriers and exterior drain systems)

drain and leaking into the basement; and sanitary sewer water from a combined municipal storm/sanitary sewer system backing up into the home’s drain system, causing sewer water to come up through sink drains and floor drains on lower levels.

Joe recently added David Linn Cook to his team as his chief estimator. Longtime friends from back in their Springfield junior high school days they’ve worked together in various settings including David’s business. It was at their recent high school reunion that they reconnected and while discussing their combined experience decided now was the time to collaborate. “We’re excited to join forces,” said Dave. “I like to joke that we know each other better than we know ourselves.”

After high school, Dave earned a degree in Business Management from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, and for many years he worked as a laborer, roofer and as a weatherization and waterproofing specialist. He soon realized that he had a keen eye for finding water leaks that others couldn’t find.

As the owner of his own weatherproofing company for 30 years, Dave was known by his customers for being sincere and passionate about his work. “I immensely enjoy talking to my customers and finding the solution to a leak problem,” Dave said. “When it comes to weatherproofing problems, it’s not always a ‘one size fits all.’ Every job is custom and sometimes that means trying one solution at a time.”

What Joe and Dave find most rewarding about their work is the joy of knowing that they’ve helped people maintain a dry and safe environment in their homes and businesses. “It's satisfying to see when people are able to use their basement for many different purposes when they couldn't before,” said Joe. “It's also good to see people in a healthier environment when their basements have been waterproofed.”

If your home has a crawl space or basement, the best way to protect it is to call on experts who understand how moisture enters a home and how to maintain waterproofing systems.

Joe says: “A dry home is a happy home!” Waterproofing One is a full-service waterproofing and basement foundation repair company servicing three states, including but not limited to the following counties In PA: Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Berks and Bucks – in Delaware: New Castle and Wilmington – in New Jersey: Gloucester, Camden and Burlington County. Call (800) 508-4144 today for a free estimate. For more information, visit their website at www.WaterproofingOne.com. N S

We make sure our clients get expected results and we look at their satisfaction as the cornerstone of our success.

Davis Beaumont, Innkeeper

by Doug Humes Photos courtesy of Newtown Square Historical Society

“With the slow pace of life in the village of Newtown Square at the beginning of the 1800s, a few landowners or wealthier residents rose above the usual farming level to become outstanding in one way or another. Just such a man was Davis Beaumont.” That is a suitable introduction in the Newtown Square history book to one of the more notable men of Newtown in the 19th century. Davis was born in 1790 to William and Hannah Davis Beaumont, their first boy after five daughters, and given his mother’s maiden name. His father had bought the relatively new Farmer’s Wagon Inn on the West Chester Turnpike, and the young Davis grew up there, helping his father with tavern chores. The family were Quakers, and in the days before compulsory education, the Quakers ran their own schools. Davis could walk down the street to the Friends Meeting property to attend school in their octagonal schoolhouse. It is said he received an excellent education in the English language, was a “skilled penman” and constant reader, in a time when most were illiterate.

At age 21 he went off to Philadelphia to teach school, but returned to Newtown three years later, when his father died, to manage the inn. A traveler later recalled the tavern sign, “The old swinging signboard with its Dearborn and pair of horses.” The tavern and inn were the meeting place for the community, with a stone upping block for the ladies to dismount, a pump and trough for

Davis Beaumont, the long-time innkeeper of the Farmers Wagon

thirsty horses and a large porch that ran the whole length of the building. The West Chester stagecoach stopped there and dropped off mail. In 1828, the post office opened a branch there, with the name “Newtown Square,” and Davis was the first postmaster. In the 1820s and 30s, the tavern served as the polling place for Radnor, Marple, Edgmont and Newtown Square. Davis served

as County Commissioner, and in 1845 when the County was considering moving the county seat from the town of Chester, one of the four sites being considered was Beaumont’s Corner. Eventually Media won out.

Beaumont owned the main downtown area of Newtown Square – the inn, general store, the storekeeper's house behind it, stables for horses and pens for livestock being driven to market. When he died, a wealthy man, in 1870, the large property had been in his family for 74 years.

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

Above: The Farmers Wagon Inn, circa 1870, when the name changed to Newtown Square Hotel

Left: Tavern signs depicted the name of the tavern, as many people could not read.

March calendar of events 2023

Saturdays in March

Newtown Railroad Museum

@Drexel Lodge, 4140 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Full size train engines, rolling stock and a museum full of artifacts from the trains and trolleys that once served Newtown Square. Great for children!

Time: 1 – 4 pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!)

www.NSHistory.org

Daily through March 26

Winter Wonder

@Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square

This winter at Longwood, there’s much to see, hear, learn, experience and enjoy. Explore the warm Conservatory as it charms with captivating color and texture, from soaring baskets, to lush planting beds, to ever-changing surprises. Delight in a performance as the sounds of jazz to classical to organ fill the air. Outside, stroll 200 acres of winter’s beauty. Timed admission tickets are required.

Time: Visit website for times and tickets.

Cost: $16 – $30

610-388-1000 www.LongwoodGardens.org

Saturdays in March

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 March

Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Road Newtown Square

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

Time: 1 – 4 pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!)

www.NSHistory.org

Saturdays and Sundays March through April

Devon/Berwyn Antique and Vintage Flea Market

@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.

Time: 9am – 4pm

Cost: FREE admission

215-625-3532 www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org

Tuesdays in March

Toddle on Over Storytime

@Newtown Public Library22

201 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square

We'll read a story, sings songs and do a simple art project. Toddle on Over Storytime is best for ages two and three. Older and younger siblings are welcome. The program lasts about 25 minutes.

Time: 10am

Cost: FREE 610-353-1022 www.NewtownLibrary.org

Wed. March 8 – Sun. March 26

Bonnie & Clyde

@Media Theatre

104 E. State St, Media

At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in West Texas to America's most renowned folk heroes and Texas law enforcement's worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless and alluring, the Tony-nominated Musical is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country.

Time: Shows are Wednesdays through Sundays. Check the website for show times.

Cost: $34 – $54 610-891-0100 www.MediaTheatre.org

Sun. March 12

Daylight Savings Time

Weds. March 15

Women of Penn’s Woods

@Newtown Township Bldg

209 Bishop Hollow Rd

Robyn Young on remarkable women recognized with PA Historical Markers.

Time: 7 pm

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

Thurs. March 16 - Sat. March 18

The Addams Family: School Edition

@Marple Newtown High School

Performing Arts Center, 120 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square

A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family–a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before–keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

Time: Thurs. and Fri., 7pm; Sat., 2pm and 7pm Cost: $12 general admission; $10 students & seniors www.MNDrama.org

Mon. March 20

First Day of Spring

Sun. March 26 (Rain Date: April 2)

Marple Moms Meet

9th 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.

Time: 12 – 2pm

Wed. April 12

CPR Training

@Marple Township Ambulance Corps

8 N. Malin Rd, Broomall

The Marple Township Ambulance Corps is offering free, bi-monthly CPR training courses for residents 16 and older. Advance registration is required. Please email Maria Tucker at MTucker@marpleems.com

Time: 7pm Cost: FREE

malvern family photographer seasonal outdoor pictures and studio portraits in one location. pets welcome! holiday sets oct–dec. portraits, headshots, and events

www.crissyeverhart.com

by Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co.

Transform Your Home with New Siding

First impressions are everything, and some may even say your home is a symbol of your success. Keeping it updated and refreshed not only improves your home’s appearance, but it provides great value and protection as well. If you are thinking of ways to improve your home’s exterior, here are five reasons why it makes sense to replace or install new siding.

1. Low Maintenance

Whether you’re installing vinyl or fiber cement siding, both eliminate the monotonous cycle of exterior scraping, touch ups and repainting every few years. Since siding is more durable and resists fading, chipping, cracking or flaking longer, both types of siding continue to look fresh and new for years with little upkeep.

2. Energy Efficient

If you are looking for ways for your home to be more sustainable, siding is a viable option. Using better-insulated materials, today’s siding is less likely to allow your home’s heated or cooled air to escape, or the outside air to infiltrate your home. This reduces the amount of energy required to keep your home toasty warm in winter and comfortably cool in summer, which in turn can save you quite a bit of money.

3. Long-Term Durability

New siding materials are more water and weather resistant (fiber

cement is fire resistant too), allowing you to maintain even more of your home’s structural integrity. The flexible material also holds up well to extreme temperature changes and is a strong defense against insects and mold. When installed and maintained properly, vinyl siding can last anywhere from 20 - 40 years, while fiber cement siding can last even longer.

4.

Custom Appearance

One of the many advantages of new siding is it comes in any shade of color you can think of, along with a variety of options in texture, trim and accents to choose from. This gives you the opportunity to truly customize the exterior of your home to your liking, while giving it a striking design that will stand out amongst your neighbors.

5. Increases Property Value

The installation of new siding is one of the most effective ways to significantly increase your home’s value. Most realtors and home renovation professionals will tell you that new siding not only enhances the overall look of your home, but the increased energy efficiency and weather resistance make it worth the investment.

If you are considering new siding, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced contractor who can guide you through the best options based on your home structure and budget.

Recent Newtown Township Home Sales

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.

Marple Newtown High School Holds Annual Mini-THON

By Holly Stupak

Whether you want to hit the dance floor for hours, play one of the many games or enjoy good food with friends, Mini-THON is a night for everyone to come together for one purpose: to raise money and save lives. From 3-10 pm on March 3, more than 300 Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) students plan to attend this seven-hour dance marathon. The end of the night will culminate with the big reveal: the total amount raised for childhood cancer.

Adapted from Penn State’s renowned THON event, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, MNHS’s Mini-THON is an action-packed night of activities at the high school. This year’s Candyland-themed Mini-THON is sure to be a sweet event with plenty of snacks and treats, as well as a number of activities to keep students entertained throughout the night. A magician, sports tournaments and a DJ are just some of the fun ideas the committee has planned.

Organizing such a large-scale fundraiser would not be possible without the many MNHS student volunteers and academic advisors who start the planning the second week of school. This year’s student-led club consists of four executive board members and dozens of committee members who handle everything from fundraising to decorations.

Since the early planning stages this school year, students have been reaching out to sponsors, planning activities, budgeting the event, meal planning, creating fundraising competitions and creating a social buzz and awareness toward pediatric cancer.

Mini-THON Executive Board member and senior Amanda Collins first got involved in Mini-THON as a freshman. “It was a great way to get involved as a younger student and I really enjoyed being part of the planning,” said Amanda. “I knew I wanted to take on a bigger role as I learned each year how the event comes together.” Amanda and her fellow student executive board members (Ellie DiBona, Madi Coll and Kyra Pylaras) oversee several committees including events, donor and alumni relations, decorations and fundraising, spirit and recruitment.

Academic advisor Riley McSorley said that the event is a great way to promote teamwork, creativity and spirit within the high

Photos courtesy of Riley McSorley

The 2022 Mini-thon committee heads

school. “Mini-THON is the perfect opportunity for students to become involved in the world beyond their immediate area,” she said. “We are showing students how to give back to the community around them and the importance of working together for the common good.”

Ms. McSorley along with fellow teachers Courtney Gibbons, Taylor Amabile and Shannon Blessington oversee the planning, but the students are ultimately responsible for the event. “MiniTHON is not just changing the lives of the families we help, but the lives of our students as well.” Ms. McSorley said. Students who registered to participate in this year’s Mini-THON were able to create their own fundraising link through Donor Drive that could be shared with family and friends. The top five fundraisers are recognized on stage with a certificate the night of the event and students who raise $150 dollars get VIP status. Not only does VIP status earn them bragging rights amongst their peers, they also get a swag bag and access to this year’s extensive candy bar spread.

Aside from the students, committee members and faculty volunteers, Mini-THON would not be possible without plenty of local sponsors who contribute to the cause. From local restaurants that donate food to donations from local businesses, teachers and local residents, the generosity of the community makes the event possible. There were several blue-level sponsors (a $500 donation), which included: Subbio Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, Auld & Associates Investigations, Inc., Jet Green Tree Services, Thompson Custom Painting, JMS Disposal and Rental Services, Fizzano Brothers Concrete Products, Inc, Rothman Orthopaedics, Rey Azteca and Shore T-shirt designs.

The money raised by the MNHS Mini-THON will support Four Diamonds’ research to better prevent, diagnose, treat and cure childhood cancer. For the past 30 years, Four Diamonds Mini-THONs have helped support the mission of conquering childhood cancer by assisting children and their families through superior care, comprehensive support and innovative research. Since MNHS hosted its first Mini-THON in 2018, they’ve raised $181,033. This year’s goal is $60,000. “The event is so much fun, but it’s really all about raising money for the kids,” said Amanda. “The highlight at the end of the night is always the big reveal!” N S

Spoil your favorites with our own recipe handmade Irish Potatoes, Frogs, Decorated Sugar Cookies, Raisin Scone and Irish Soda Bread

This year’s Mini-Thon student executive board

(L-R): Kyra Pylaras, Ellie DiBona, Madi Coll and Amanda Collins

The final reveal at the 2022 Mini-Thon

by Mark E. Reitz, PT Penn Therapy Associates

An Annual PT Exam Can Prevent Problems and Improve Overall Health

Annual physical therapy (PT) exams aren’t as common as a yearly physical or a regular checkup with the dentist. However, research shows that moving well is important, so an annual check to find small changes in strength, balance, coordination or range of motion makes sense.

An annual PT exam is quick and easy. They usually include a history of your injuries, a complete health history and a review of your movement goals – do you want to run a marathon or just get on and off the floor easier when you play with your grandkids? Your physical therapist will then assess your strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and more. What happens next depends

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on the results of the exam. You may be good to go for another year, get a few updates to your exercise program, have a short course of physical therapy or receive a referral to another medical provider if something is found that physical therapy can’t help to improve on its own.

There is strong evidence suggesting that movement is a valuable predictor of future health and resilience against disease. Moving well can keep you healthier and help you live longer. Here are a few simple tests that show the power of movement when it comes to predicting future health:

Gait Velocity - This is simply a measure of how fast you walk. Studies have shown that if your typical walking speed is over 1 m/s or 3.3 ft/s, you’re likely able to complete typical daily activities independently. You’re also less likely to be hospitalized and less likely to have adverse events like falls.

Sitting-Rising - Another series of studies suggest that if you can go from standing to sitting on the floor and back to standing without using your hands, you’re much more agile and a lot less likely to fall, become incapacitated or even die, than someone who can’t. You can find the instructions and examples with a quick internet search.

Notice that both the gait velocity and sitting-rising tests aren’t specific to any one condition or illness. The risk of hospitalization when analyzing gait velocity studies includes hospitalization for various reasons. Similarly, when evaluating the sitting-rising studies, the increased incidence of death occurs due to numerous causes.

Because science says that moving well is incredibly important to your overall health and also important for your quality of life both now and later, having a regular PT checkup to find problems early is one of the best things you can do for yourself this year. N S

Ready, SetTrout Season Begins April 1st

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Pennsylvania is home to some of the best trout fishing in the eastern United States. Our state offers over 86,000 miles of streams and rivers, including over 15,000 miles of designated Wild Trout Water. Here in our area, we are fortunate to be home to popular well-stocked trout fishing locations like Ridley Creek, Dismal Run, Darby Creek, and Ithan and Chester Creeks. Our local trout hatchery program, run by Delco Anglers and Conservationists, raises and releases the fish into our local streams every year in time for the start of the trout fishing season.

Opening Day for trout season this year is Saturday, April 1st. Anglers can start preparing for the big day by purchasing their 2023 Pennsylvania fishing licenses and renewals online at www. FishAndBoat.com, the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting a nearby retail issuing agent. To participate in trout fishing and keep trout, anglers ages 16 and older require both a fishing license and a trout permit.

Trout fishing continues to grow in popularity for good reason. Trout are gorgeous, elusive in nature, hard fighters and are at home in some of the most pristine and picturesque waterways in the country. Brown trout—both wild and stocked—are the most common species in most PA rivers and streams.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, a fishing license is truly your ticket to outdoor fun for the whole year, opening the door to fishing adventures that can become lifelong memories. If this is your first time, you’ll want to visit one of our local pro shops to get the tools and expert advice you need to succeed.

Having the right gear will make all the difference. Because trout are predominantly cold-water stream fish, you’ll want to invest in a good pair of waders for those times you must jump in to cross that cold creek! A trout vest will pay for itself in no time by giving you plenty of space to carry tackle and all the essential tools you’ll need for a day on the creek.

Trout can be caught easily on both spinning and fly rods, so pick what best suits you. If you’re a spin fisherman, choose a shorter and more sensitive rod, like a 5 to 6-foot light or ultralight model. For fly anglers, the most popular rods are 7 ½ to 9-foot models with either floating or weight-forward lines. Be sure to purchase the right bait for your fishing method, as there are a wide variety of options out there.

A landing net is vital when fishing for trout. Because trout are strong fighters and fishing lines are light, catching them with a net will not only help save your fishing line but will also help protect the trout’s delicate skin so they can swim away unharmed when you release them. But releasing trout from your hook can often be challenging, so having a good pair of forceps is important. Trout have teeth and narrow bony mouths, making unhooking them a chore for even the most skilled anglers.

Now is the time to get prepared for a successful spring trout season. Gather your gear, bait, rods and reels and get ready to make memories! N S

Our Community

March Madness: Let the Games Begin!

by Sal Tartaglia

February was for football, and what an exciting month for our Philadelphia Eagles Fans! Now we turn to March, and we turn to Madness – March Madness Basketball, that is!

The 2022-23 NCAA Men’s basketball tournament is happening this month. Local fan interest in March Madness is elevated when any of our beloved teams are included. Is Villanova, St. Joe’s or LaSalle in your bracket?

History tells us that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament was instituted in 1939. The National Association of Basketball Coaches created it as a result of a brainstorm by Ohio State coach Harold Olsen. The tournament consisted of a field of eight invited teams which bested the six-team National Invitational Tournament (NIT) established the previous year.

The NIT was originated by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association. Those journalists established a six-team invitational. Two New York teams, two local teams and two mid-western teams were to play a round-robin at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The inaugural winner, Temple, was named National Champs. The NIT was regarded as the more prestigious of both college basketball post-season tournaments up until 1950.

The NCAA Tournament innovations expanded not only the number of teams invited but also the regions from which selections were made. In 1951 the teams selected doubled to 16 as the NCAA tournament began to steal the glamour from the NIT. By 1975 it grew to 32 teams, continuing to outpace the NIT. And by 1985, the current 64-team format (double the NIT

size) was instilled. During coverage of the 1982 Tournament, analyst Brett Musburger used the moniker March Madness, borrowed from a 1939 Illinois high school official named Harry V. Porter, describing a state-wide high school competition.

The NCAA March Madness Tournament has come a long way since it crowned its first champion - the 1939 Oregon Ducks. Ironically Oregon defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes led by Coach Harold Olsen after the Buckeyes defeated Villanova in the (first) Final Four.

Although Selection Sunday doesn’t occur until March 12th, can we assume the usual suspects will appear atop the seeding quadrants? Do iconic programs continue to monopolize the selections of top seeds? Or will local giant-killer Villanova make another run at a title? With a less-than-stellar season so far, that seems out of reach. And with four ranked teams, Marquette, Xavier, Providence and UConn in the Big East Conference, the Wildcats of the Mainline are in jeopardy of their usual domination in that local tournament, let alone the Big Dance. But that, folks, is why they play the games. Lest we not forget Jimmy Valvano’s 1984 North Carolina Wolfpack’s game of “keep away” against the Twin Towers of Houston that inspired a game clock rule change.

And although it seems far-fetched for any of our local Division-1 colleges to get a high-seed invitation to this year’s NCAA Tournament, keep in mind that Coach Rollie Massimino willed his 8th-seeded Villanova Wildcats to the top of the mountain in 1985 when they defeated heavily favored, and reigning NCAA champion Georgetown.

In this city of underdogs, we relish herculean efforts by workman-like teams to accomplish the improbable. Isn’t it sweeter when you not only win a title but, in the process, put a stop to the impending coronation of a loud-mouthed favorite?

One local Marple Newtown High School graduate, Tommy Gardler, has a unique perspective on the potential of local universities getting invitations. He is currently a junior two-guard for the LaSalle Explorers. Tommy inherited his talent from his parents, who both played college basketball for St. Joe’s in the early

Photo courtesy of Tommy Gardler

Marple Newtown’s Tommy Gardler playing for the LaSalle Explorers

1990s. His mother was a career 1,000-point scorer and Tommy’s sister was a player at Villanova class of 2022. Today, Tommy’s younger brother plays for Marple Newtown High School under the tutelage of his father, who is currently an assistant coach. March Madness has had a long history of miracles to go along with the dynasties that have dominated. For the Gardler family, 3/5 ths of Big 5 basketball would be represented should Villanova, St. Joe’s or LaSalle make it to March Madness. It’s fun to watch, especially if you want to spoil some brackets. There is still time before the seeds are awarded. Much can be accomplished, and much can be forfeited in that time frame. It should be interesting to see how the rest of the regular season unfolds to make it as unique as all the seasons that have come before 2023.

Publisher’s Note: Some know our guest sportswriter, Marple resident Sal Tartaglia, as wife Tracie’s husband or father of Marissa (27) and Sal (22). But many will recall our October 2021 feature about Sal’s passion and first book: World Series Chronology: Compare, Contrast, & Coordinate. (Available on Amazon and at: WorldSeriesChrononology.com.) With spring training warming up for Opening Day, I thought I’d pass our March Madness ball to Sal for his local perspective on this month’s big college basketball tournament. Well done, Sal! Your sports insights are “A Delco Thing!” But for Sal’s Philly thing sports insights, listen to Sal’s sports program, “Liberty Bell Smack,” WWDB (860 AM / 97.5 FM), every Thursday, 6 - 7pm, which Sal Tartaglia hosts with his radio personality partners, Mark Mancini and Maryann Castello. Live listening and podcast downloads are also through Facebook @Liberty Bell Smack.

by TJ Warner JHL Landscaping

Make Sure Your Yard is Ready

Winter is on its way out, which means that warmer temperatures will be beckoning us outdoors again. You may start to notice that your lawn and landscaping are in desperate need of some serious upkeep and updating. Spring clean up, weeding and mulching are great ways to get your landscape ready to look lush and beautiful again, as well as bring you joy and satisfaction in the coming spring and summer months.

With the warmer weather, you may start to notice an increase in the pest population within your yard. The increase in mosquitoes, ticks, Spotted Lanternflies and other pests can make even the loveliest garden, patio or deck not only a nuisance, but can cause you and your family to limit spending time outdoors. So adding a plan to deal with these pests can be another important item to add to your outdoor maintenance checklist.

Also, now is the time to set up and stay on a monthly care program, to properly care for your landscaping, trees and garden beds, to ensure you create a well maintained look for your home the entire season. Consider adding an eye-catching pop of color near your front walkway or entrance, in your garden beds and borders or around your patio, deck or pool area. Consider adding some window boxes and planters for colorful flowering plants and complementary vines.

The spring is also the perfect time to move forward with your new hardscape plan, by looking into the logistics of the construction, design and installation. An outdoor entertainment and living area adds a whole new sense of relaxation and escape, plus it adds both curb-appeal and value to your home.

Get a start on the clean up by eliminating debris build up that occurred over the long winter months, by removing leaf and branch debris from turf areas and flower beds. As tempting as it may be to get started on the fun stuff, like planting seasonal annual flowers and plants, you must first weed and adequately mulch your flower beds.

Some popular ideas for new hardscape plans include fireplaces, outdoor kitchens/pizza ovens, patios, walkways, retaining walls, paver borders and stone edging. New and attractive landscape lighting options will help showcase your newly designed areas, allowing you to enjoy them not only during the day but during dusk and night. Warmer days are right around the corner. Treat yourself to an enjoyable outdoor living experience this year by planning and taking action now! N S

Recalling The Eagles Pep Rally Will Keep Hope Alive

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Sheila Turner-Hilliard

A trip to the Super Bowl calls for celebration, and although our beloved birds didn’t come home with a win, we did our best to send them soaring into the big game!

Media Borough was transformed into a sea of green on Sunday, February 5th, when thousands of local residents lined State Street in downtown Media for Delaware County’s Birds Pep Rally Parade.

Philadelphia Eagles fans gathered under sunny skies to enjoy the parade and pep rally that featured Kane Kalas, recording artist and son of the late legendary Philadelphia broadcaster Harry Kalas. Kane entertained the crowd from the steps of Spasso’s restaurant and also served as the parade emcee. Other entertainment featured the Mummers, school marching bands and local dance troupes. A long line of antique cars and local business vans

Free Posters were given out along the parade route

and trucks also showed their support for our beloved birds with their fun and creative decorations.

Thank you to Media Borough for hosting the parade in Everyone’s Hometown, and to the Media Police and Fire Departments for keeping the community safe. A big thanks to the restaurants and businesses for opening their doors and to the thousands of residents who came out with their Eagles Gear to cheer on the birds and show their Philly Pride! N S

Vintage cars showing their Eagles pride

Catholic Community Choir Celebrates 15 Years of Music, Faith and Fun!

By Holly Stupak

Jeffrey Braconnier was a senior in high school when he had the idea for Catholic Community Choir (CCC), an organization that could bring children together from different parishes and provide them with unique and engaging perform ing arts experiences. Fifteen years later, CCC has grown tremendously, highlighting hundreds of children each year in Delaware County and beyond.

For the past 15 years, CCC has provided memorable musical theater experiences through its summer camp programs, public singing appearances and social and service-oriented opportunities, all while encouraging self discovery and growth. “It’s been a place where stu dents can shine both on and off the stage,” said Jeff, who founded the organization in 2007.

A Springfield High School alum, Jeff was active in musical theater when he was growing up. By the time he was a senior in high school, he was directing a children’s choir. He enjoyed working with the choir, but what he really wanted to do was give these local students the experience to be on the stage and perform. His idea was to bring these choir members from three Springfield parishes (St. Kevin’s, St. Francis and Holy Cross) together, which ultimately became the Catholic Community Choir. “What started as a small and mighty choir became bigger than I imagined,” he said.

“

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Photos courtesy of Aimee-Kate Mooney

Aimee-Kate Mooney and Jeffrey Braconnier

Broadway themed cake for CCC’s A Night to Shine On Party

JUDITH HIRSH ”

After Jeff graduated from high school, CCC was really taking off. With the support of many founding volunteers, advisors and supportive friends and family, he was able to turn what was just an idea into a career. He also brought his sister Aimee-Kate Mooney on board, whose own experience at the Cathie Collins School of Dance would be an asset to the CCC organization. Aimee-Kate now serves as the Vice President and Executive Director of CCC and as a producer of its musical productions. Aside from Jeff and his sister, behind the scenes at CCC also includes plenty of volunteers from parents to CCC alumni.

Since it began, the CCC has been offering children from preschool through ninth grade the opportunity to be successful both artistically and personally. “Whether it's through music, ministry or performing arts, CCC focuses on creativity and each child as an individual,” said Jeff.

Aside from the 57 musicals they’ve produced, they offer numerous other programs including: Shine Night Out, service and ministry opportunities, high school leadership and college internship programs, public singing appearances and summer camp. They partner with Cardinal O’Hara High School where their musicals, camps and other programs are held.

Jeff explained that after students have completed CCC, they have the opportunity to give back to the organization through service as an internship or as part of the summer leadership program.

“As CCC continues to grow, we have watched many previous members go on to study music, performing arts, education and beyond,” he said proudly.

Although the organization is rooted in Catholic faith, anyone is encouraged to join the program regardless of religious beliefs or background. “All children and young adults interested in music, performing arts, service and ministry are welcome!” he added. “CCC is truly a family and that is really our mantra.”

What also sets CCC apart from other programs is that students can get involved in musical theater at a young age. “Many theater programs are geared toward high school students,” said Jeff. “Giving the students the opportunity to try musical theater as young as elementary school gives them a great foundation. It’s also a great way to make friends and meet new people.”

To celebrate its 15-year milestone, CCC recently held A Night To Shine On at Anthony’s Paxon Hollow, bringing past and present families together to celebrate with food, music and raffles. “It was fun to celebrate the many productions we have had throughout the years and the many faces and voices of our stage,” said Jeff. Congrats to CCC on 15 years of providing children in our community with programs that focus on faith and fun! The CCC’s Spring production of Matilda Jr. opens this month, where you can come and watch them shine! For more information about CCC and their upcoming schedule of musical productions, visit www.CatholicCommunityChoir.com. N S

CCC’s recent production of The Wizard of Oz

PA State Representative Lisa A. Borowski: Ready to Serve our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

By Sheila Turner-Hilliard

This month we are pleased to introduce you to PA State Representative Lisa A. Borowski. Lisa was elected in November 2022 to represent the 168th Legislative District in Delaware County, which includes Edgmont, Newtown, Middletown and Radnor townships.

Lisa began her career in public service in 2011 when she successfully ran for a seat on Radnor Township’s School Board. She later served as board vice president and was instrumental in creating one of the area’s first full-day kindergarten programs.

Lisa later ran for Radnor Township Commissioner and was elected President of the Board of Commissioners. While serving in that role, Lisa led efforts to secure critical investments for the public

library, increase police funding, pave township roads, improve stormwater management, and pass four balanced budgets.

Born and raised in Delaware County, Lisa is proud to represent our residents at the state level now. She and her team have recently established their main office in Newtown Square. They look forward to welcoming the public in to learn how they can help individuals navigate state-related issues like unemployment compensation and benefits, PA college savings programs and CHIP health insurance for children and senior services.

Marie Barth serves as Lisa’s District Office Manager and Chief of Staff. “Our office is open Monday through Friday, so residents can call or stop in anytime,” she said. “No appointment is necessary.”

Marie also explained that they are in the process of establishing a few mobile office locations within the district for folks who are unable to travel to Newtown Square. And with over 13,000 seniors in our district, plans are also underway to periodically visit area senior living facilities to offer assistance.

“We are committed to helping our neighbors get the services they need and discover ones they may not have known were available to them,” Lisa explained. “Our Senior Constituent Advisor Kate Schleigh is experienced and well-versed in navigating state-related services and can serve as a liaison and advocate making the process of obtaining services a lot less confusing.”

Long-time Newtown Square resident Peter Lake brings a wealth of experience to the table as well as a solid background in serving our community. “I serve as Vice Chair of the Newtown Township Parks & Recreation Board,” he said. “I am also on the Rails & Trails Committee and am dedicated to my new role helping connect many of my friends and neighbors to the services they need.”

As a state representative, Lisa is excited to represent the residents of Edgmont, Newtown, Middletown and Radnor townships. In Harrisburg, she looks forward to collaborating with local municipalities to bring home state funding to support necessary infrastructure projects across the 168th District.

In fact, Lisa recently announced that three public service organizations in Newtown Square have been awarded a total of $40,000 in state grant funding. The funds were obtained from a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.

Photos courtesy of Lisa A. Borowski

The recipients of these grants were the Newtown Square Fire Company, Newtown Square Library, and Newtown Square Business Association. “Each of these organizations will use this funding to enhance their offerings to the public,” Lisa said. “These organizations are impacting and engaging with the communities they serve on so many levels, and this funding will support those efforts.”

The fire company got $20,000 to implement enhancements to its prevention and education programs. The library received $12,000 to make facility enhancements, including the addition of a community meeting room for public use and $8,000 was awarded to the Newtown Square Business Association to implement business district enhancements.

Service to our community on the state and local levels is paramount for Lisa and her team. They encourage you to visit their office and look forward to introducing themselves at our many upcoming community events. “I am pleased to work with my colleagues in the House to make sure your priorities are represented,” Lisa said. “I’m ready to get to work and serve my neighbors in this new role.”

Residents can find out more by visiting Lisa Borowski’s District office in Newtown Square, located at 24 S. Newtown Street Rd or by calling 484-427-2884. More information is also available at www. PAHouse.com/Borowski/ and on Facebook (Rep. Lisa Borowski), Instagram (repborowski) and Twitter (@RepBorowski). N S

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Above: PA State Representative Lisa Borowski and her team (L to R): Kate Schleigh, Peter Lake, Lisa Borowski and Marie Barth

Right: The 168th District