Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, April 2023

The FisherFamily Making Music and Memories

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Rafferty Subaru has partnered with Partners in Outreach, an all-volunteer group dedicated to improving the lives of children residing in Chester County.

Family owned since 1977!

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

ADVERTISING

Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse, 610 453 5536

Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

Have feedback or questions about how to submit events, updates, ideas for articles, high resolution photos, etc.? We will do our best to include as much community information as space permits. Please contact our Content Coordinator Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Content Due the 5th of every month.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, ratepayers or homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2023 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER

April 2023

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

April is springing new leaves on trees, flowers in time for Easter, yellow daffodils that seem to be everywhere and a countdown for that first cut of greener grass growing longer.

You’re also holding April growth in your hands with this new issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors that feels a bit heavier. With four more pages this month, this new April issue of your hometown magazine is springing out too.

Our page count accommodates a few more ads, published with gratitude to those purpose-driven businesses that recognize our magazine is good for our community, which they know is important to their business success. And with this page count increase we’re able to also add more features about Newtown Square, Marple and Edgmont residents, local history, non-profit groups, youth and upcoming local events.

Our page count growth means more advertising Sponsors are supporting our mission to be Bringing People Together through our unique brand of social-media-in-print. We need your support too. Reach out to Sheila with your ideas for future feature articles, and consider rewarding our advertising Sponsors with your business, in gratitude for the loyalty they are showing they have for our community and homeowners like you.

This month we welcome a new advertising Sponsor that many know well, and already depend on with the same expectation we have for those we live with to take out the trash. The dependability here is because our new Sponsor, J&K Trash Removal, Inc., really does take away the trash in Newtown Square and has for more than 80 years from their family operated waste removal business homebase in Gradyville (Edgmont Township).

We see the J&K trash trucks in every Newtown Square neighborhood, and for good reason: competitive rates and dependable service. And now John Blosinski, President of J&K Trash Removal, has also agreed to sponsor our hometown magazine and serve as our Expert Contributor of articles he’ll write from his vast, eco-friendly expertise, on matters of recycling and safe and secure best practices for Commercial & Residential Trash Removal. Welcome John. We’re grateful for J&K Trash Removal’s sponsorship of our community. (Look for J&K Trash Removal’s first Sponsor ad on page 4, and John Blosinski’s first feature article coming in next month’s issue.)

Growth is all around us this month, even in this new April issue, which I know you’ll enjoy reading thanks to all our advertising Sponsors who make it possible. Enjoy the Spring. Wishing all a Happy Passover and a Happy Easter.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Square

Friends & Neighbors

The FisherFamily

Making Music and Memories

Dear Residents, Fresh air, flowers and meteor showers? That’s right! Keep your eyes to the skies the evenings of April 21st and 22nd to catch the Lyrid meteor shower. Located close to the bright star of Vega, Lyrids are known for surges that can bring up to 100 meteors per hour!

This month, we are busy little peeps as we gather to celebrate Easter, Passover and Earth Day. Be sure to check out the Calendar of Events on page 28 for lots of family activities. Our Resident Feature is the Fisher Family, who love to make music and memories in Newtown Square. We also feature Del Pizzo & Associates, our Sponsor and trusted tax and financial advisors for over 25 years, and introduce you to the Be the Joy foundation, whose mission to spread joy has helped families in the Marple Newtown School District.

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

Sheila Turner-Hilliard Content Coordinator

The Fisher Family at Rose Tree Park in Media

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

Commercial & Residential Trash Removal

John Blosinski

J & K Trash Removal, Inc.

Gradyville, PA

610-497-3800

www.JandKTrash.com

CustomerService@JandKTrash.com

Share

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

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

Chronic

Suffering from Tennis elbow?

Fearing Carpal Tunnel, Shin Splints or Plantar Fasciitis?

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The Fisher Family: Making Music and Memories

Meet the Fisher Family: Joe, Paige, Isabella, Pierce and their pup Rylie. The Fishers are happy to have found their forever home in Newtown Square and enjoy taking moments to make music and memories.

Joe grew up in Folsom with his parents and sister, Christine. He attended Edgewood Elementary School, Ridley Middle School and graduated from Ridley High School, where he participated in the jazz band and the pit orchestra for the school musicals. “I started playing saxophone when I was in third grade,” said Joe. “I have always loved playing and performing for others.”

Joe’s love for music continued at West Chester University. It led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in Music Education with a Jazz Minor and then a post-graduate degree in Music Performance. While at West Chester, he organized and performed in a series of campus-wide concerts to raise money for VH1 Save the Music. Joe continued to make a difference by co-founding an organization to unite and support the music ensembles on campus with the help of the Student Government Association.

Paige and Joe Fisher

Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Today, Joe is a performer, educator and creator of music. He is currently in his 15th year with the Rose Tree Media School District. Over the years, Joe has taught choir and founded the musical program at Springton Lake Middle School, directed one of the jazz bands at Penncrest High School and served as the music coordinator for the school district. Joe now spends the school year as the music teacher at Indian Lane Elementary School.

Joe explained that he has taken his love of music and education to a new level by creating video content to teach young people how to play instruments both alone and with others. “I am the founder of www.FishyBeats.com, which teaches kids to keep a beat to fun and popular songs,” Joe explained. “The main focus is on recorder and boomwhackers (plastic tubes that are pitched), but I also create body percussion videos that teach kids to keep a beat without instruments.”

“I enjoy my career and I love teaching,” Joe remarked. “If I am not playing music at school, you can usually find me playing music somewhere else! I love playing different instruments and am never afraid of a new musical challenge.” Joe said that although he is known as a saxophonist, he frequently plays guitar, keyboard, and even sings. He has performed all genres of music along the east coast with various groups. These days, he mainly plays solo or with the Rad and Kell band and occasionally plays at weddings.

Joe’s wife Paige is originally from Hamilton, NJ, where she grew up with her parents and two brothers. In high school, she was a cheerleader and active in her graduating class activities. After

Continued on page 8

Paige, Pierce, Joe and Isabella Fisher

graduation, Paige went to community college for her under graduate degree, then attended Dixon School of Nursing. She became a Registered Nurse and received her BSN from Penn State University before earning her Master of Nursing in leadership and management from Western Governors University.

Paige has worked as an Emergency Room Nurse for the past eight years and also works as a recovery room nurse from time to time. “I love that every day is different and that I continue to learn new things daily,” Paige said. “Thankfully, nursing has allowed me the flexibility I need to maximize my time at home raising my children.”

Paige and Joe’s love story began in Sea Isle City, NJ, where, coinci dentally, many of our featured couples’ love stories began. Perhaps Sea Isle should consider changing their slogan from Smile, You’re in Sea Isle to Sea Isle, From One Kiss to Wedded Bliss.

It was the summer of 2016 when Joe was renting a beach house with fellow teachers, and Paige was just two doors away, staying with friends from nursing school. “Paige and I met on the steps of the Purple House on 42nd Street, one of Sea Isle’s original homes that was built in Philadelphia and "planted" in Sea Isle City back in 1900,” Joe explained. “My friends and I rented that home for many summers.”

Paige said that her friend Brooke knew some of Joe’s roommates and that the two of them planned to meet up with Brooke’s friends at the purple house one night towards the end of the

summer. Joe was there and had just finished playing music with the band "Rad and Kell" at the Carousel when he noticed Paige. “We clicked right away and learned that we share a love for music and a deep passion for our chosen careers,” he said. “We had our first official date at a Blink 182 concert on Montage Mountain in Scranton, and the rest is history.”

Their romance continued into the summer of 2017 when Joe played weekly at the Carousel in Sea Isle. “He proposed to me

Joe and Isabella Fisher

on stage in front of our friends and family,” Paige said. “Joe was playing his final song, Jersey Girl by Bruce Springsteen, when he popped the question. It was so special because Joe arranged for my family and friends to come out right after I said yes.”

Joe and Paige married the following year at the Mendenhall Inn in Chadds Ford and honeymooned in Jamaica. They began married

life in Folsom, where Joe had been living, before moving into their forever home in Newtown Square in 2019. “We wanted to find a community that would be a great place to raise children,” Joe explained. “We are so fortunate to have found a home in a vibrant neighborhood with annual block parties, 4th of July red, white and blue outdoor game competitions and winter holiday festivities complete with a visit from Santa himself.” Paige said that Joe has become the neighborhood DJ for these events and has been know to perform live from time to time.

Isabella (Bella) is Paige and Joe’s two ½-year-old daughter. “Bella is ALL personality,” laughed Paige. “Like her dad, she loves music and dancing and says hello to everyone she sees on our neighborhood walks.” Paige also said that Bella had shown interest in helping bake goodies for family and friends this past holiday season.

Their son Pierce is ten months old and affectionately called “Peek” by his big sister. His parents said that Pierce loves to go with the flow, jump in his jumperoo, and his face lights up when he sees his sister.

Yes, Paige and Joe have two children, but the title of firstborn no doubt goes to Rylie, their 5-year-old Beagle/Schnauzer mix. Paige and Joe rescued Rylie on the day they got home from their honeymoon when she was just a puppy. “Rylie is so gentle and loving with Bella and Pierce,” said Joe. “She is a big part of the Fisher family, and she certainly knows it!”

For the Fishers, quality time with family and friends is a priority. Joe’s parents still live in Folsom, and Paige’s parents are just an hour away in Hamilton. They love to stay active in their neighborhood but also take time for fun and sun in Sea Isle. Some of their favorite spots at the shore are the Cape May Zoo, Mike’s Seafood, LouDogs and Fractured Prune Donuts. But no matter where they travel, home is where their hearts belong.

Joe and Paige, thank you for sharing your story with our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. With all the music in the air, there’s bound to be lots of lovin’ everywhere!

We’re a full-service excavating contractor providing:

• Heavy equipment rental (with operators)

• Construction site preparation

• Excavator & mini excavator services

• Home addition & garage excavation

• Basement excavation & waterproofing

• Footings, foundations & retaining walls

• Sewer excavation & utility services

• Driveway removal & preparation

• Grading and back filling services

• French drains and trenches

• Pool preparation & removal

• Stump & shrub removal

• Storm water solutions

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

Paige and Pierce Fisher

by Lisa Jeffries

Max Zhang

APRIL STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The April Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Max Zhang, who is a Junior at The Haverford School and received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.

In 2022 Max received the rank of Eagle Scout, for which he built trout hatchery pen covers and a picnic table for a nonprofit organization called the ‘Stony Creek Anglers,’ which stocks thousands of fish for free in local creeks and lakes. With more than 1,000 hours of work, Max has attained an incredible 123 Merit Badges, and is well on his way to acquiring the maximum number available, which is 136.

Celebrate the Season

Max was awarded the Congressional Award Silver Medal from the United States Congress in January 2023 for his community engagement and goal setting in four areas – Personal Development, Personal Fitness, Voluntary Public Service (400 hours volunteer work) and Exploration/Expedition. He’s also been very involved in robotics since 8th grade, and is currently the driver and builder of his robotics team, which qualified for both the 2022 and 2023 VEX Robotics World Championship.

Max is an active musician in school and the community, playing the drums for the school jazz band. He is also the lead guitarist in his own band, and started to perform for others when he was just seven years old! He often plays at churches, schools and within the community, and has been teaching young kids to play the guitar and drums since 2021. He is a teaching volunteer with over 150 hours. He was also an academic tutor at Marple library during the summer of 2022.

A passionate fisherman, Max has caught 184 species of fish to date and has his own fishing YouTube channel, MZFishing, https://youtube.com/@mzfishing, where others can learn from his personal technique and knowledge. “It has been a blast educating and entertaining people about fishing, environmental conservation and aquatic sustainability via an educational approach,” shared Max.

Your giving and caring way in everything you do is incredibly impressive Max! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with others, as well as all of us here at Newtown Square and Marple Friends and Neighbors. 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 (no matter what school they attend, or if they are homeschooled) 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 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.

April Casey’s Student of the Month Max Zhang with Casey’s Manager Lyn Masi Photo courtesy of Jane Xing

by Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing

How To Select the Right Toilet

Sometimes it’s better to replace an older toilet rather than repair it. Yes, that decision is likely to cost more, but over time, the savings on your water bill and other lifestyle improvements could quickly justify the more expensive option. There are several things to consider when thinking about purchasing a new toilet.

• Bowl shape choices come in traditional round or elongated (egg-shaped), while the standard bowl height is 15 inches from the floor to the flood rim. Many toilet manufacturers also offer the comfort height, which is 17 inches off the floor. The elongated comfort-height bowl, which is standard on all handicap (ADA) toilets, has also become a more popular option for residential homes because customers find it more comfortable and easier to use.

• Most toilet manufacturers score the toilet’s performance based on the Maximum Performance scale testing report. The maximum amount tested is 1000 grams, which is more than two pounds of solid waste. Good-performing toilets remove an adequate 100 - 375 grams of bulk waste. Better toilets remove an above-average 400 - 775 grams. Best performance is achieved with toilets that flush 800 - 1000 grams of bulk waste.

• Most new toilets have a fully glazed smooth trapway that’s two or more inches in diameter. Older toilets have a trapway that’s rough (the same surface as the inside of the toilet tank) and smaller than two inches. Older toilets don’t flush waste away as easily, and they also waste more water.

• The other factor to seriously consider is water consumption. Most new toilets are 1.6gpf (gallons per flush) or 1.28gpf. You can also get a dual-flush toilet that uses 1.6gpf for solid waste but only 1gpf for liquid waste.

In the average home, the toilet is responsible for 26% of all indoor water usage. Installing a more efficient model can take a big bite out of your water bill while also helping to conserve water. Replacing a toilet is a job best left for a plumbing professional. The new toilet should be properly connected to the drainage system to prevent leaks and ensure proper operation. N S

job right

“I was very pleased with the responsiveness and professionalism of this company. They arrived when they said they would, they did the work, cleaned up and were very pleasant as well. I was very pleased with my entire experience! I would highly recommend RF Bondurant Plumbing.

JUDITH HIRSH ”

by Scott Magness Scott‘s Fireplace Products

Fireplace Accessories - The Options Are Astounding!

The fireplace is a beautifully visible part of the home. It plays an important role in our lives and is a sought-after feature for people looking to build or buy a house. The fireplace reflects the heart and soul of its owners, and can turn a plain room into an inviting retreat. Yet, one of the most exciting characteristics of a fireplace is its role as a design focal point, bringing together furniture, artwork, lamps and draperies in a pleasingly harmonious décor within a room.

The Key is Accessorizing

Adding accessories is the secret to creating a fireplace that integrates form and function. A basic fireplace can be enhanced by simply adding an attractive standing firescreen, which offers a myriad of finishes, including satin and textured black, brushed nickel, natural iron, polished brass, vintage iron and many others. There are also spark guards available which can be a more traditional alternative to a firescreen.

Quickly Get Your Fire Burning

There is no more need for newspaper or perpetually hard to ignite kindling to get your fire started. Two or three sticks of Fatwood or just one Lightning Nugget FireStarter is all it takes to quickly get your fire burning.

Grates and Log Rings

• Grates - A quality grate offers good airflow and ensures excellent combustion, plus the tight casting design holds the burning logs and bed of hot coals until they are rendered to ash.

• Self-Feeding - The high front and low back profile of the self-feeding grate allows wood to self-feed to the rear of the fireplace where the natural draft is.

• Safety - The self-feeding grate features a higher front edge, which minimizes the possibility of a burning log rolling off the grate into the living area.

• Log Hoops - Made of a solid grade steel material in a bar-stock design, log hoops traditionally come in three sizes: 24", 36" and 48".

Outdoor Log Racks

Wood racks are designed with quality and simplicity in mind. They feature the look and strength of a traditional firewood rack, and include a standard reinforced vinyl cover that fits over the rack posts, and slides down as wood is used. The stack of firewood is protected from rain and snow while allowing cross ventilation. N S

On a Mission to Spread Joy

by Holly Stupak

Back in December of 2020, Brittany Scharr was known as the Media Santa Claus. A former waitress who spent years in the restaurant business, she was simply looking to spread a little joy to people in the industry who were suffering during the pandemic and restaurant shutdown. That year she drove around Media during the holidays, dropping off $100 to various service workers. “I just wanted to show people that they were valued and important,” said Brittany. Three years later she was able to turn simple acts of kindness like these into an official non-profit organization called Be the Joy Foundation.

A Delco native, Brittany was born in Media and graduated from Garnet Valley High School and Bloomsburg University, where she earned a degree in Public Relations. After college, she spent over 10 years as a restaurant bartender and manager, which is what sparked her passion to give back to restaurant staff in 2020.

Since 2020, Brittany has been able to raise funds for causes simply by creating a fundraising page on social media. That first year, her goal was to give 12 restaurant service members $100 each for the 12 days of Christmas. Thousands of dollars were donated to her “Christmas Restaurant Staff Support Fund.” Even after the 12 days of giving were over, donations kept pouring in. “I knew that since I had created an outlet for kindness as long as people wanted to continue to give I would continue to give!” she said.

Brittany’s surprise giftings even caught the attention of local and national news stations, and she was featured on 6ABC and PHL17 and on Good Morning America’s website. What sets her mission apart from some other charity organizations is the active engagement of the local community. “What I love about our organization is that we spread joy around our community highlighted by the element of surprise,” Brittany said. All the funds raised have been used for surprise gifts for small business owners and community members. From surprising people at the gas pump and paying for gas, to paying for someone’s groceries at the supermarket and delivering supplies to families in need, all the donations are about bringing joy to someone else.

The foundation’s most recent mission is to pay off student lunch debt in several Delaware County School districts, an idea that came about from chatter on social media. “I noticed a local mom had sparked a conversation about lunch debt on a Facebook page with like-minded residents,” said Brittany. She explained the idea behind

it was also due to the fact that the federal government’s free lunch program that began during the pandemic was ending. “We knew that with the program expiring, it would leave many families and school districts left with the financial burden,” she added.

Be the Joy has already worked with several local districts, including Marple Newtown School District (MNSD) to ease the burden for students. Last month Brittany, along with Marple mom Jennifer Dalton Simpson, delivered a check for $4,480.74 to MNSD Superintendent Dr. Tina Kane. The check total not only covers all 273 student lunch debt accounts, but includes $2,000 to be added across 40 accounts to keep them in the green. Be the Joy was also able to donate $1,000 in grocery gift cards for the school to distribute to families going through hardship. “We were able to do this through incredible community support and many local businesses in Marple Newtown who jumped in to support this cause,” Brittany said proudly.

Brittany said the foundation will continue its ride through Delco this spring to pay overdue student lunch accounts and has already donated thousands of dollars to Rose Tree Media and Penn Delco School districts.

Since 2020 Be the Joy has surprised nearly 800 people. “Recently I read a quote that said One act of kindness can’t change the world but it can change the world for one person,” said Brittany. “I fully believe that.” The foundation is continuously coming up with new ideas to surprise and support people. “Our goal is to deliver joy year-round to remind recipients that their community supports them!” To learn more about Be The Joy, visit www.BeTheJoyFoundation.org. N S

Be the Joy presents a check to the Marple Newtown School District (L-R) Jennfier Dalton Simpson, Dr. Tina Kane and Brittany Scharr

Photo courtesy of Brittany Scharr

Bringing People Together

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Our Sponsors Are Known For Bringing People Together. Finding New Sponsors Is An Easy Puzzle For Reader Leaders.

Most of you reading Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors are not aware you’ve actually become Reader Leaders. The first requirement is simply to recognize the names of our advertising Sponsors, and know they make it possible for our free hometown magazine to be mailed monthly to your home, and be available online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com.

You’ve become a Reader Leader when you “get it.” Not when you start receiving your hometown magazine in the mail, but only when you’ve realized that you are reading every new issue, just as your friends and neighbors in Newtown Square are also doing, do you get how we are Bringing People Together by our unique brand of social-media-in-print. When business owners “get it,” that’s when they want to join the party as an advertising Sponsor of Newtown Square residents.

Our Bringing People Together, social-media-in-print mission is to deliver the simple reading pleasure that has become the mail highlight of the month for most Newtown Square residents - reading each new issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, made possible by the financial commitment made by our advertising Sponsors. And when more join the party, we can increase our page count as we did with this new issue thanks to our newest advertising Sponsor, John Blosinski, President of J&K Trash Removal, whose first ad can be found on page 4. John has also agreed to serve us as an Expert Contributor of occasional feature articles he’ll be writing from his areas of expertise related to recycling and safe waste disposal.

Finding new advertising Sponsors can be an easy puzzle to solve for Reader Leaders when so many local businesses depend on Newtown Square residents for the success of their business. When local business owners understand how much Newtown Square

homeowners value their hometown magazine, and then reward them for being our hometown Sponsors, the puzzle is solved. Thanks to your loyalty, our advertising Sponsors know they are making a good return on their investment in Newtown Square residents by making our hometown magazine possible. Those local businesses depend on us to help grow their business. And we depend on local businesses to help grow our free hometown monthly magazine. It's an easy puzzle to solve if we look closer into this puzzle to search for new advertising Sponsors to grow our hometown magazine

See the Word Find Puzzle on page 15. Hidden are the names of 20 Marple businesses you would now. None of them are yet “at the party,” and each would make a great new Sponsor to help our hometown magazine grow still larger in page count so we can continue to increase the number of feature articles in each issue. Read the cryptic “Hints” I’ve provided for the business names hidden in the Word Find Puzzle. See how many Newtown Square area business names you can find in the puzzle, businesses that are not yet an advertising Sponsor of our community magazine.

The local business names to look for in the puzzle are not provided because some local business names, hidden among the many letters, may jump right out of the puzzle, just like the businesses you do see advertising on these pages are rewarded with your loyalty whenever possible for Bringing People Together as a Sponsor of Newtown Square residents through our hometown magazine. N S

Bob Blaisse

Publisher, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Use the cryptic hints below to find twenty names of Newtown Square businesses we can invite to the Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors party as new advertising Sponsors of our hometown magazine. The names of possible future Sponsors hinted, can all be found in this Word Find Puzzle above when spelled up, down or diagonally, right to left or left to right.

1. This food spot reminds us of happy days and fast food.

2. Be humble, and don’t fumble, rumble or mumble when you visit .

3. Fish around for this always fresh Newtown Square brand.

4. This business is known for a range of options in its field.

5. You can get juiced without spending a “wad” at .

6. Have your “comrade” scramble to join you for some dinner here.

7. If you stop to buy at this west end of Marple spot, you’ll have a clean drive home

8. When you walk into this shop, RU hearing a tat, tat, or two?

9. This Newtown Square pizza place delivers wrapped food from wrapped cars.

10. We need a “Banking Expert!” Is there one among these TEN Newtown Square banks?

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Del Pizzo & Associates A

Providing Quality, Personalized Financial Guidance

Right about now, you’re probably wading through piles of receipts, struggling to understand ever-changing tax laws and attempting to fill out your annual return. It’s a daunting task, one that can be frustrating and eat up more hours than you have to devote to it. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone.

For over 27 years, Del Pizzo & Associates has been providing quality, personalized financial guidance to individuals and businesses. Their expertise ranges from basic tax management and accounting services to more in-depth services such as audits, financial statements and financial planning. Located in Broomall, Owner Jack Del Pizzo, CPA, and his team’s mission is to help clients build and maintain financial success in the present while taking a proactive approach to achieve future goals.

That type of positive outlook is evident as you meet members of the team. Sales Coordinator Marie Russell reminds the staff to start every single day and every single phone call with a smile. From the administrative staff and the bookkeeping team to the professional staff led by Jack’s right-hand man, Emile Cianfranni, clients will be welcomed, heard and serviced with the highest standards and personal touch.

With tax season already well under way and the constantly changing laws, it’s easy to get confused and frustrated. Jack and his team are here to help. “We are knowledgeable and up to date on the tax laws,” explains Jack. “Our expertise, experience and constant

training allow us to optimize financial opportunities.” Tax implications and laws don’t take a break when you retire, either. When you choose to do your retirement planning with Del Pizzo & Associates, you will be guided through tough decision-making processes such as asset allocation, investment performance, college education funding and estate planning.

Whether you need corporate or personal financial advice and guidance, Del Pizzo & Associates’ professionals can assist you in sorting out the different options. From debt consolidation, accounting services, bookkeeping, business acquisitions and mergers to litigation support, employee benefits and profit-sharing plans, clients will benefit from this firm’s expertise, experience and team approach. Assurance that every client receives the close analysis and attention they deserve is paramount.

Service to their clients as well as to their community is what sets Del Pizzo & Associates apart. Jack is proud to serve with The Rotary Club, originally in Upper Darby and now in Ardmore. The club consists of a group of business leaders who are committed to serving their communities. Jack has also served on the Board of the Community Y of Eastern Delaware County: 12 years as Treasurer and 2 years as Chairman of the Board. Their mission is to be a positive part of family life by promoting the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

A life-long Delaware County resident, Jack grew up in Ardmore and went to grade school at St. Denis in Havertown. After graduating from Lower Merion High School, Jack stayed local for college, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University and his MBA from Drexel University. After college, Jack married his high school sweetheart Arlene, tying the knot back at St. Denis where they had been classmates years before.

Arlene and Jack, who have three grown children, now enjoy splitting their free time between playing golf and spoiling their five grandchildren. Their oldest son John and their daughter Jeannine live nearby with their spouses and children. Their son Michael

Owner and community leader, Jack Del Pizzo

Photo courtesy of Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com

The team at Del Pizzo & Associates

Photo courtesy of Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com

had other plans: He moved to California, to become the lead singer and songwriter for a rock band that hopes to start touring again this year.

When Jack and Arlene want to have some fun in the sun, they hit the links. They are long-time members at Llanerch Country Club in Havertown where Jack has served as President for four years, Vice President for two and Treasurer for ten. They are also members at The Classics Club in Naples, FL. “Arlene has been the Women’s Club Champion at Llanerch and the Senior Women’s Champion at The Classics Club,” boasted Jack, “and I’m the one carrying her bags.”

Jack and Arlene’s love for this area and strong family ties ultimately convinced him to open his own firm in the Marple Newtown area. Jack is proud to say that for Del Pizzo & Associates, business is most certainly personal. “Our clients are our friends and family,” he says. “And if they weren’t when they first walked in, they certainly are now.” He says he enjoys helping his clients solve problems because, as he preaches to his staff, “Problems are simply an opportunity for a solution.”

Their dedication to high standards, hiring of seasoned accounting and tax professionals, and impeccable work ethic are the reasons their client base returns year after year. Whether you are a current or prospective client, rest assured that individuals and businesses who choose Del Pizzo & Associates receive competent and timely advice. Del Pizzo & Associates’ office is located in Broomall at 2098 West Chester Pike Suite 101. Call 610-356-2590 or visit www.DelPizzo.com to join the family!

Sharing Special Recipes: Celebrating Easter and Passover

Many neighbors in our community are preparing to celebrate Passover, which begins on the evening of April 5th and ends on the evening of April 13th this year. Also known as Pesach, Passover commemorates the liberation of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. On the first two nights of Passover, a special family meal called the seder is held.

During Passover, no leavened food (called chametz) is eaten, and on the first two and last two days of Passover, no work is permitted, as these four days are considered sacred. At the seder, foods of symbolic significance are served, and prayers and traditional recitations are performed. Just because leavened food is not permitted during Passover, doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy some sweet treats! The recipe below for Pesach Mandelbrot comes from Newtown Square resident Amy Pasnak. Amy said that the word mandelbrot means almond bread in Yiddish and is a Jewish cookie that is very similar to Italian biscotti. It’s easy to make and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Pesach Mandelbrot

(yields 24 cookies)

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 eggs

• ¾ cup canola oil

• 2 Tbsp fresh orange or lemon juice

• ¾ cup sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup matzoh cake meal

• 2 Tbsp potato starch

• ¼ cup matzoh meal

• ½ tsp lemon zest

• Chocolate chips, nuts or both!

• Equal parts cinnamon and sugar for coating

DIRECTIONS:

• Line the bottom of a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

• Wisk eggs, oil and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

• Mix in the orange or lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and cinnamon.

• Add the cake meal, matzoh meal and potato starch until a wet, sticky dough forms.

• Sprinkle in chocolate chips and/or nuts.

• Chill the dough in refrigerator for at least one hour or up to two days.

• Preheat oven to 350º.

• Grease hands and form dough into narrow rectangular loaves.

• Bake the loaves at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then allow to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes.

• Slice the loaves, dip into the cinnamon/sugar mixture and place the slices back on the cookie sheet.

• Bake at 350 degrees for another 8 to 10 minutes.

Article and photos by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Peach Mandelbrot Cookies

Sharing Special Recipes: Celebrating Easter and Passover

Each year, followers of Christian faiths close out Lent by attending church services and gathering with friends and family for spring-inspired celebrations. There are many classic Easter traditions you can incorporate this year as you celebrate this April 9th. Some traditions like visiting the Easter bunny or attending an egg hunt may already be a part of your

Carrot Cake

INGREDIENTS:

• Unsalted butter for the pan

(serves 8)

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for the pan

• 12 oz grated carrots (approx. 6 medium carrots)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp ground allspice

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp salt

• 1¼ cups sugar

• ¼ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 6 oz plain yogurt

• 6 oz vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350º. Grease and flour a 9" round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

• Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices with a hand mixer or a food processor. Add this mixture to the shredded carrots, and stir until the carrots are coated with flour.

• Combine sugar, brown sugar, eggs and yogurt in a bowl and mix with the vegetable oil.

• Add this to the carrot mixture and stir until combined.

• Pour into the cake pan and bake for 45 mins on 350º.

• Reduce heat to 325º and bake for another 15 mins.

• Let the cake cool for 20 mins, remove from the pan and allow to cool completely before frosting the cake.

Article and photos by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

holiday plans, but perhaps this is the year you’d like to try a new tradition or even a new recipe.

Aside from the traditional Easter dinner of ham, rack of lamb, scalloped potatoes and asparagus, why not try your hand at homemade carrot cake? It’s an easy- to-prepare, delicious crowd-pleasing dessert topped with your very own cream cheese frosting!

Cream Cheese Frosting

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz cream cheese

• 2 oz unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

• Combine the cream cheese and butter in a bowl, and mix until blended, then add the vanilla extract.

• Slowly add the powdered sugar, and mix until smooth.

• Refrigerate the frosting for 10 mins before spreading it on the cake.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Expert Contributor

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

Critical Steps for Choosing the Right Lawyer

When facing a legal challenge, choosing the right lawyer makes all the difference in the world. It could literally mean the difference between success and disaster. Here are four steps to take to choose the right lawyer for your situation.

Identify the Subject Matter and Keywords

Just as doctors have specific areas of medicine, lawyers also practice specific areas of law. Here are some examples of areas of law and the keywords for each.

• “Wills and Estates” (a loved one passes or financial planning is needed)

• “Workers’ Compensation” (injury on the job)

• “Personal Injury” (car accidents, slip and falls, defective products, malpractice)

• “Family Law” (divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, adoption)

• “Contract Disputes” (lemon law, contractor mistake, failure to pay, landlord/tenant)

Research Lawyers by Location and Subject Matter

The next step is to look at the geographic area where you live and/ or where the legal issue arose. For example, if you were injured at work and live in Media, PA, you can search for these words: work injury lawyer Media PA or Delaware County PA. Another example is if you are disabled with a non-work-related disability and cannot work, you might use these search key-words: social security disability lawyer Media PA. Other law-related search

engines include Findlaw, Avvo, Martindale, Lawyers.com and Google Business. You may also want to call the Bar Association of the county where you live or where the legal issue arose and speak to someone directly. Bar associations have lists of attorneys for different areas of law, so it’s easier to speak with someone who will help identify what kind of lawyer is needed.

Experience Is Vital for Success

Once you have a list of lawyers to choose from, it’s very important to look for a lawyer who has quite a bit of experience practicing law in the area of your legal issue. Take a look at their resume, website and client reviews. Keep in mind however that sometimes the party from the other side of the case, who did not do well, may give a very good, successful lawyer a bad review. You also have to be careful of reviews from other lawyers because sometimes competitors will do negative reviews of very good lawyers.

Schedule an Appointment to Interview Your Chosen Attorney

Some interview questions to ask include:

• How long have you been practicing in this area of law?

• How many cases have you handled?

• When was the last time you had a case in this area of law, and/ or conducted a trial with presentation of evidence and direct/ cross-examination of witnesses?

You should be in good hands if you choose the lawyer who knows the most about and has the most real-world experience with case law and rules of practice and procedure in the specific area of your legal issue. N S

by Lou Matteo Edgemont Automotive

Spring Car Care Your Car Needs Now

Say goodbye to the dreary cold winter months and hello to the beautiful blooms of spring. It’s time to start cleaning up! Spring cleaning as we all call it, windows, woodwork, carpets...well, you get the picture. Open everything up and breathe in that fresh spring air.

Spring is also a perfect time to freshen up our vehicles. Let’s once again start with the basics. Check those tires again. As the temperature rises, so does the pressure. Check on the driver door frame and adjust tire pressure to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Check for sidewall damage. Those pesky winter potholes can do a number on a tire. Check for bubbles (impact breaks), and consider investing in an alignment.

Check the fluids. This should be done often. The change of season is a great reminder.

Consult your manual or service advisor for maintenance due, especially engine and cabin air filters. Cabin filters will help collect pollen in the air and keep it out of the vehicle. Folks with allergies will thank you.

A clean vehicle is a happy vehicle. If possible, a professional detail job is a great idea, because it really gets into those nooks and crannies to remove salt and road grime. Professionals can also detail the interior. Salt residue should be removed from your car’s floor carpets so that water from April showers doesn’t mix with the salt and cause brine to accumulate on the metal floor pans under the carpets.

If a professional detail is not in the budget, use the convenient local car wash. Washing your vehicle once or twice a month in the spring can help remove that salt residue without breaking the bank. Spring showers will wash away that salt, but unfortunately it gets redeposited on your vehicle as you drive through standing roadside water.

Cheaper still and just as effective is your good old-fashioned garden hose. Rinse everything, paint, wheels, tires, wheel wells and underneath the vehicle. Soap is not needed for the underside of the vehicle; we are just rinsing off the salt. Do this a couple times just to be thorough.

Having a clean, well-maintained vehicle will not only save you money on fuel and repair costs, it will enable you to keep your vehicle looking good and performing efficiently. Following these few simple steps can help your vehicle provide you with years of reliable service.

by Jeffrey Stein ELPS Private Detective Agency

Wrongly Accused? You Need a Private Investigator!

There are over two million people in prison in the United States, and while there is no scientific formula to figure out how many are actually innocent, it is believed to be anywhere from 2% to 10%. Even on the low end, that equates to tens of thousands of innocent men and women who have been wrongfully convicted. This occurs for many different reasons: a false or coerced statement, ineffective counsel, halfhearted police work, prosecutorial misconduct, false or dishonest witnesses or a jailhouse snitch. For these very reasons, the defense must conduct its own investigation and not rely on the investigation conducted by the prosecutorial team.

Private Investigations & Security Services

SECURITY SERVICES:

Parties, Weddings & Special Events – Supermarkets Warehouses

Retail – Office Buildings – Apartment Complexes

Condo & Home Owner Associations and more.

INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES:

Domestic, Family & Child Custody Investigations

Elder Abuse – Teen Investigations – Criminal Defense – Civil Workers Compensation Covert Surveillances – Litigation Support

Premarital & Internet Dating – Background Investigations and more.

Additional Services: Locates and Skip Tracing, Security Consulting, Expert Witness, Loss Prevention Consulting and Investigations, Cheating Spouses, Residency Investigations, Cannabis Security & Cold Cases.

info@elpspda.com

www.elpspda.com

Hiring an investigator can be key to advancing a winning defense. Unfortunately, any kind of disconnect or delay in utilizing the services of an investigator can compromise that defense. Keep the following in mind.

First, Don’t Delay

Surveillance videos may be lost over time, potential witnesses move and memories fade. These are just three of the numerous reasons why an investigator should join the defense team as early as possible.

The investigator can then analyze the case as it develops, gathering information long before witnesses become tainted by rethinking what they may have witnessed. This normally happens after witnesses get together to discuss their stories and the facts get conflated. An experienced investigator will often memorialize witness accounts before an overzealous prosecution team taints their story and/or recollection. It’s not all that unusual for the prosecutor to manipulate naïve witnesses to modify their recollection of the relevant events.

Second, Choose Wisely and Make Sure They Are Licensed

In the past, a good majority of private licensed investigators had retired from a law enforcement career, however more recently there’s been a large increase in private investigators without that background. A good investigator must be an excellent listener, and be responsive, confident, persistent, trustworthy and creative. A critical thinker with a professional demeanor and strong problem-solving skills is ideal. Have they received advanced training or specialized certification in the industry? There are many different certifications. A few examples are:

Board Accredited Investigator

Board-Certified Criminal Defense Investigator

Certified Legal Investigator

Certified Fraud Examiner

In closing a licensed professional investigator should be used as an integral part of the defense team. His or her knowledge and experience significantly differs from that of the attorney. A good investigation often makes the difference between being found innocent or guilty. N S

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.

Around Town

Grace Lutheran Church 2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610 356-1824

www.GraceBroomall.org

Holy Mary Korean Catholic Church 100 S Media Line Rd, Newtown Square 610-325-2240

Facebook: SLA100MEDIA

Latvian Lutheran Church of St. John 301 N Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square 610-353-2227

www.LatvianLuthChurchPhila.org

Christ United Methodist Church 2900 Springfield Rd, Broomall 610-356-6136

www.ChristUMCBroomall.org

Congregation Beth El - Ner Tamid 715 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall 610-356-8700

www.CBEnt.org

Cornerstone Christian Church 2275 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610-356-3385

www.CornerstoneDelco.org

Liberti Church 3722 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-356-1082

www.LibertiChurchNSq.org

Marple Christian Church 475 Lawrence Rd, Broomall 610-356-6186

www.MarpleChristian.org

Marple Presbyterian Church 105 N Sproul Rd, Broomall 610-356-1098

www.MarplePres.org

Photo by Micduff

in Our Community

New Hope Christian Church

551 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall

610-356-8211

www.NewHopeBroomall.com

Newtown Square Friends Meeting House 120 N Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square 484-424-6347

www.NewtownSquareFriends.org

Newtown Square Presbyterian Church 3600 Goshen Rd, Newtown Square 610-356-8063

www.NewtownSquarePres.org

Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church 3625 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square

610-356-0459

www.StAlbansNewtownSquare.org

Saint Anastasia Roman Catholic Church 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-356-1613

www.SaintAnastasia.net

Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church

35 N Malin Rd, Broomall

610-353-1592

www.St-Luke.org

Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church

2220 S Sproul Rd, Broomall 610-356-1199

www.StMarksUMCBroomall.net

Saint Pius X Roman Catholic Church

220 S Lawrence Rd, Broomall 610-353-4880

www.SaintPius.net

Spruce Street Baptist Church

3701 Gradyville Rd, Newtown Square 610-353-1525

www.SpruceStreetBaptist.com

Temple Sholom in Broomall

55 Church Ln, Broomall

610-356-5165

www.Temple-Sholom.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

721 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall

610-356-3400

Facebook: ValleyForgeStakeLDS

Trinity Christian Reformed Church 144 Lawrence Rd, Broomall 215-586-1673

www.TrinityCRCPA.org

by Len Sciulli Signature HVAC

Is Your Home Ready for Summer?

Flowers are blooming, trees are leafing out and our sunny days are getting longer. Spring has officially begun and that means the summer heat will be here before you know it. Here’s a list of 10 things you can do to ensure your AC is running efficiently while keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months ahead.

Change

Your Air Filter

We recommend that you change your air filter every month during the summer and winter and every two to three months during the spring and fall. A good rule of thumb – if you can’t see light through it, replace it.

Clean

Your Bathroom Fans

We recommend that you take off your bathroom fan covers, wash them in soapy water and use an old toothbrush to clean the crevices and fan blades. Be sure to run your fans after you shower to keep humidity levels down.

Unblock

All Air Vents

To maximize the airflow throughout your home, move any furniture or rugs that may be covering air vents.

Close the Blinds or Curtains

During the heat of the day, block the sun’s rays from heating up your rooms.

Use Fans

When you’re in the room the air movement will feel cooler on your skin and allow you to set the thermostat up a degree or two and still be comfortable. Remember to set your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise in summer.

Fire

Up the Grill

Your oven and stovetop can really heat up a room. Cooking outside is a great way to get some fresh air and helps save money on your cooling costs.

Load It Up

Your home’s major appliances produce a lot of heat. Conserve energy and keep your AC from working harder than necessary by running full loads in the dishwasher and laundry.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat could save you up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs. Setting an efficient schedule will ensure your home is cool when you arrive home but not working harder than necessary while you’re away.

Seal the Gaps

One of the most effective ways to save energy is to seal air leaks in the home. Caulk and seal cracks or openings in window frames, doors and around the openings in attics and basements.

Schedule AC Maintenance

Routine maintenance will increase your energy efficiency, maintain the life span of your equipment, and reduce the risk of a costly breakdown.

We are looking forward to the warmer days ahead, and are always here to help make sure your home is ready for summer. N S

Saturdays in April

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

Saturdays in April

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 April

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 in 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

kohler.com/Corbelle 650 Abbott Dr Broomall, Pennsylvania 19008 610-544-3977 weinsteinbath-kitchen.com Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors April 2023 28

April2023 STAYS CLEAN 5X LONGER* Combining an innovative toilet bowl cleaner release system and a powerful 360-degree swirl flush, ContinuousClean and Revolution 360 ® technologies deliver our cleanest flush ever . *Compared to KOHLER toilet without ContinuousClean and based on consumer perception study and bacterial counts.

Sat. April 8

Early Evening Owl Prowl

@Tyler Arboretum

515 Painter Rd, Media

Guided hike to see owls in the Pinetum, as well as some areas outside the deer exclusion fence. We’ll be on the lookout for Great Horned, Screech and Barred Owls. Less likely but always possible are Sawwhet and Long-eared owls. If the weather cooperates, we will be treated to a sky full of stars. Listening to owls calling in the starlight is an experience not to be missed! For Adults 18+ and Youth ages 15-17. Pre-registration is required.

Time: 7:30 - 9:30pm

Cost: Members, $5 adult, $3 youth 15-17; Non-members, $18 adult, $12 youth 15-17 610-566-9134 www.tylerarboretum.org

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. Email Maria Tucker at MTucker@marpleems.com.

Time: 7pm

Cost: FREE

Sat. April 22

Russell School’s Fun Fair

@Springfield Rd, Broomall

Come out for the biggest fundraiser of the year! Russell Elementary School’s fun fair will have plenty of games, raffle prizes, a bounce house, food and more! Proceeds benefit the Russell school.

Time:12 – 4pm

Firearm Education, Sales & Service

Stars & Stripes TACTICAL

Sat. April 22 and Sun. April 23 Philadelphia Spring Home Show

@Pennsylvania Convention Center Hall F

1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

The Spring Home Show features a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. Meet with expert exhibitors and you’ll be inspired and motivated to start planning your next project with confidence.

Time: Sat. 10am – 8pm; Sun. 10am – 5pm www.GreaterPhillyHomeShows.com

Sat. April 15 through Sun. May 7

Disney’s Moana JR.

@The Media Theatre, 104 E. State St, Media

This thrilling and heartwarming story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Time: Shows are Saturdays & Sundays at 11:30am

Cost: Tickets are $17 – $22 each 610-891-0100 www.MediaTheater.org

Sat. April 29

Free Shredding Event

@Marple Newtown Senior High School, 120 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square

The office of PA Representative Lisa Borowski will host a free document shredding event in partnership with Representative Greg Vitali. Residents may drop off up to 2 boxes of documents. Papers with staples and paper clips are acceptable, but large binder clips must be removed. This event is first come, first serve until the shredding truck is filled.

Time: 10am – 1pm

Cost: FREE 484-427-2884 www.PAHouse.com/Borowski

• Gun locks, safes, and safety equipment

• We buy/consign estates & collections

• Gunsmithing & firearm appraisals

• Firearm consulting and training

• New gun owner training

• We have ammunition in stock

“I only sell firearms to those who accept that training in firearm use and safety becomes their duty when choosing to exercise their 2nd Amendment right to own a firearm.” ~Shawn

Owner Stars & Stripes Tactical

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

by Kaitlin Battiste From the Top

Our Brains on Music and Dance

Have you ever taken a dance class? Maybe it was ballroom dance, ballet, tap or a cardio hip-hop dance class. An article published in the National Library of Medicine asserts that “dance, regardless of its style, can significantly improve muscular strength, endurance, balance and other aspects of functional fitness.” With this newfound knowledge, next time you try a dance class, pay close attention to how you feel afterward. When we dance, it feels good in our bodies, and we may even notice that we feel much sharper mentally. That’s because when we dance, we’re not only doing something positive for our body - we’re doing something positive for our brain, too!

Dancing requires the brain and body to work in sync, strengthening the mind-body connection and in turn, our physical and cognitive health. Dancers recall steps and patterns while simultaneously performing the movements. According to Harvard Medical School, studies have been done to identify regions of the brain that contribute to learning and performing dance. The regions involved include the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. In layman’s terms, these regions of the brain are responsible for our voluntary movement, motor control, hand-eye coordination and complex motor actions. There is a lot happening in the brain when we dance! Additionally, further studies have explored the physical and expressive elements of dance and how they change our brain function. The results have

6 Weeks of Summer Camp!

• Ages 4 - 12

½ day and full day options

• Themes include:

• Disney Magic

• Under the Sea

• Toy Story

• Trolls

• Christmas in July Pirate Adventures

shown that dance can provide benefits such as memory improvement and strengthened neuronal connections in the brain. In fact, dance has such beneficial effects on the brain that it is suggested that it has been used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease.

To go even further into the effect dance has on our brains, music adds another important layer to the many benefits dancing offers. While you can dance with no music playing, when dance is accompanied by music, the combination can further stimulate the brain and body. In a TEDTalk that emphasizes the benefits of music on the body, Listen For Life founder, Donna Stoering, discusses the physiological changes that happen in our body, mind and emotions when we listen to music. Music has been shown to reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain while improving our sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory. As Stoering highlights in her TEDTalk, “Music is a channel of communication; it isn’t just background noise, or a soundtrack to your workout. It’s much more.” Consider this a sign to bring more song and dance into your life. N S

6 Week Summer Dance Session

June 19 - August 4

by David Linn Cook and Joe Soster Waterproofing One

Basement Structural Repair with Proper Wall Bracing

When an anxious buyer had to forgo the normal home inspection prior to purchase, the young couple did what was necessary and made an offer, which was accepted. The attractive, 40+ yearold frame colonial had recently been rehabbed and sold two years prior, so the first and second floors were in good shape. The basement however was not so. The 12" concrete block foundation had ruptured at the top, corner and center support.

This means that they were not dealing with the usual 8" - 10" cinder block foundation that’s found in most mid-century homes, which get a bow at the middle and pushes inwards 1" - 2". These kinds of horizontal cracks can cause significant damage to the home, as well as unsafe settling of the floors upstairs.

The professional correction was to retrofit the hollow block wall with concrete mortar and steel rods “pinned” from top to bottom, then filled and patched from the inside. This two-day, permanent correction stopped any additional cracks and settlement of the basement wall, which allowed the young couple to quickly pack up and move, as they needed to do after accepting a new position in the area. The young family was able to move in, with no concerns about mold or more wall damage.

Part of the reason for the demise of the home was that it had been a rental property for some time. The homeowners wanted to be sure of not having just a “pretty looking” home, that would then fail due to poor previous maintenance, resulting in a total foundation collapse. If the wall bracing procedure wasn't done, the home would have needed the foundation to be lifted and leveled. Next, the progression would include an exterior dig, so that the foundation drain/rubber wall barrier would stop Hydro-static pressure to the walls.

With proper long-term maintenance, as well as new porous/ self-cleaning gutter guards and the completion of positive grading away from the walls, the belly of the wall would stay flat.

For homes that have older/narrow cinder blocks, a combination of steel/concrete wall pins and the new technology of carbon fiber internal wall bracing is recommended. The strapping of no-flex/ high-strength fiber can be done for both horizontal and vertical

cracking, to ensure secure, permanent wall bracing. This treatment would then be covered with waterproofing sealing/stucco for both concrete and block foundations.

Problem found, fixed and forgotten to allow the young homeowners a safe/usable basement den. N S

Tim and The Timbers

by Doug Humes

In 1957, Tim McCarthy, youngest of eight children of a steamfitter from Havertown, opened up The Timbers Restaurant in Newtown Square in a beautiful new and modern building. His first food service business had been a hamburger stand, Tim’s Inn, at Lawrence Road and West Chester Pike in Broomall. With ten years of operations under his belt, he moved to the new shopping center near where Casey’s is now located, started with a small place, Tim’s Dairy Bar, but then secured a liquor license and constructed the new building to accommodate a full-service high-end restaurant. The business was very successful. Every community group in the area came to enjoy his hospitality: politicians; high school class reunions; the Newtown Square Women’s Club; the Marple Gardens Community Association annual “Sweethearts Dance”; Boy Scouts; Delaware County Police Chiefs; St. Pius X Holy Name Society communion breakfast; sports banquets; Parents Without Partners, and the Scottish Historic and Research Society of the Delaware Valley held its Tartan Ball, where haggis was

served on a silver tray. The Timbers was the place to dine in the 1960s, serving cocktails, seafood, steaks and chops from 4:00 pm to 1:30 am. The business later expanded to include lunch hours from 11:00 am.

With a lot of wall space to fill, McCarthy welcomed local artists and The Timbers boasted galleries with rotating exhibitions of local painters. He hosted the annual Newtown Square Arts Festival. It was also the place for live music – weekly dinner dances, and live music nightly by groups such as Nick Nichols and the Newport Five. The Timbers also catered to banquets, weddings and private parties.

Photos courtesy of Newtown Square Historical Society

Tim’s Dairy Bar, in the Newtown Square shopping strip down from Mackey’s Pharmacy.

In 1970 Tim had the opportunity to take on a new challenge –bringing the historic Dilworthtown Inn back to life as a fine dining restaurant. He said he spent a fortune on the renovations, a fortune earned from his time in Newtown Square. After several years of running two restaurants, he must have been stretched thin, and so The Timbers closed around 1975. The new business in Dilworthtown was very successful, offering French cuisine in a colonial setting to a clientele he identified as sophisticated and “upper class.” A whole other class of customers from the days of McCarthy’s first hamburger stand.

Starting from that roadside stand, Tim McCarthy achieved the American dream the old-fashioned way, through his own ingenuity, business sense and hard work. He passed away in 1991. For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership info., visit our website at www.NSHistory.org.

Above: Tim McCarthy, interviewed about the modern conveniences in his new Timbers Restaurant.

Below: The new Timbers Restaurant, circa 1960, where the Wells Fargo Bank is now located.

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Company

Meet Our Newtown Square Fire Company Elected Officers

When residents of Newtown Township call for emergency help, they expect a timely response from a highly-trained team of people dedicated to protecting our community. Newtown Square is very fortunate to have just that. But many residents may not know that many of these Firefighters and Ambulance EMTs are not paid for their brave and selfless acts. In fact, the Newtown Square Fire Company is almost entirely operated by volunteers.

Beyond the first responders you see on the scene is a team of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to raise funds necessary to operate an organization that serves and protects our community and responds to over 750 calls yearly. From ensuring our firefighters have the best training, gear and equipment to providing home-cooked meals and a clean, comfortable place to rest while on call, these company volunteers and elected officers are also worthy of our appreciation.

Today, we introduce you to three of our Newtown Square Fire Company’s (NSFC) Elected Executive Officers: President Christina Heffernan, 1st Vice President Heather Robinson and 2nd Vice President Megan Welch.

Christina Heffernan, President Christina’s dedication and service to our community began in 1991.

“I grew up in Newtown Square and lived next door to Chris Hope, who was a volunteer firefighter who inspired me,” she said. “Also, when I was six years old, we had a fire in my family’s home, and the NSFC’s quick response literally saved our house.” Christina said she joined the fire company at 19 years old while an engineering major at Villanova. She enjoyed running with the ambulance crew, so she became an EMT. That volunteer experience convinced her to change her major to nursing. Over the years, Christina has served as Ambulance Lieutenant and Captain, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Vice President, and now President since 2019. In addition to her full-time job in healthcare, Christina is busy at the fire station helping oversee 16 committees, managing the fire company’s budget, and working their fundraising events and on accident and fire scenes to assist our first responders with the essentials they need. She was also instrumental in supervising the construction of the new fire station. Christina’s husband, Rich, also serves as NSFC’s Assistant Fire Chief. “I volunteer because I love Newtown Square,” Christina explained. “We are like one big family, and I enjoy helping however I can.”

Heather Robinson, 1st Vice President

“I joined Newtown Square Fire Company in 1993 and became an EMT (emergency medical technician),” explained Heather. “Over the years, I served as EMS Captain and Lieutenant.” Heather also spent some time with Marple’s ambulance but then took a break to raise her family and run her travel agency business. She recently decided to return to the Newtown Square Fire Company, where her husband and three boys are now members.

Heather said she wanted to start volunteering again to help the organization and the community. “As 1st Vice President, I am very active in organizing social events and fundraising,” she said.

Photos courtesy of the Newtown Square Fire

“I also have the opportunity to pursue a passion of mine of creating a Rehab program for firefighters,” she said. “It is so important for the safety and well-being of all of our members while on the scene that there is a team in place to make sure the firefighters stay hydrated, are properly cooled off after working in extreme temperatures, have their vital signs checked and are alert for any medical issues that may present.”

Megan Welch, 2nd Vice President Megan officially joined the Newtown Square Fire Company 10 years ago, but she can easily say she’s been there since she was born. “Both of my parents are members, so my brother and I pretty much grew up in the station,” Megan said. “I watched them give back to our community, and it just felt natural for me to follow in their footsteps.”

Megan is a full-time teacher who joined the Auxiliary in 2014, was elected to the Board of Directors in 2021 and 2nd Vice President in 2022. Much of Megan’s focus is educating our community about what it means and what it takes to be a member.

“The membership committee is currently collaborating to brainstorm ways to recruit new members from the community, whether that is a high school student, college student, a new resident, or a community member looking to become more involved,” Megan explained.

How Can We Help?

Christina, Heather and Megan said that no matter your skill set, there is a place for you at the Newtown Square Fire Company. “There are so many ways to get involved,” Megan said. “Even if you have just a small amount of time, we will find a place for you.” Christina added that in addition to training to become a firefighter, volunteers are needed to cook, clean and stock the firehouse, work on fundraising campaigns like Pints in the Square, Flea Market Fundraisers and Fund Drive processing, and help with computer and website maintenance, accounting and member recruitment.

Joining the Newtown Square Fire Company Auxiliary involves promoting the interests of the fire company through fundraising. Some activities include hosting two annual Flea Markets, a Mother's Day weekend Plant Sale, Pints in the Square 5k and Craft Brew Fest in September, and a Holiday Wreath Fundraising Event in November. The Auxiliary also provides meals for firefighters after emergency calls, at their monthly meetings and on the nights Santa Claus tours with the fire company.

Thank you to our elected officers and all the volunteers who help keep our homes, businesses and community safe. Your service is appreciated. If you want to volunteer with the Newtown Square Fire Company, please complete the online application at www. NSFC.org/content/membership or call 610-356-9590 and select Option 2. N S

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