Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, June 2023

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, Rob D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D., Kevin O’Donnell, Jack Del Pizzo, TJ Warner, Sarah Forti, Mark E. Reitz, PT

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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.

ON THE COVER

The Newtown Square Fire Company at their new facility in Newtown Square

June 2023

Dear Friends & Neighbors, June’s here! What month could be better to welcome in the Summer of 2023. With its milder weather warming newly mulched flower gardens, greener grass, graduation parties and pools now opened, I love June. And I love Jean, without whom I’d not also love Father’s Day in June, which for me is my favorite holiday, even when it sometimes falls on my birthday.

Annually in the June issue we recognize a “Newtown Square Friend & Neighbor of The Year.” In past years deciding on one person was much harder than this year because we’re honoring multiple “friends'' and “neighbors” for their combined service to our community, some even risking their lives to protect the lives and property of their friends and neighbors.

This year, our 2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year

Are all members of The Newtown Square Fire Company.

Sheila’s cover feature about the Newtown Square Fire Company on page 6 gives us all a fuller understanding of the history, leadership and names of our friends and neighbors serving as our Firefighters, Fire Police, and Auxiliary support personnel. You’ll see photos of the new (Station 41) firehouse recently added to the Ellis Preserve campus, and some photo history of our hometown fire company’s longtime service to Newtown Township residents. Next month consider inviting many of your family, friends and neighbors to join you at the Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade, particularly to cheer extra loudly for our hometown heroes of the Newtown Square Fire Company. And please recall when not long ago the Newtown Square Fire Company came to your home. Not loudly, arriving on scene to put out your house fire (although they would come quickly if called), but rather quietly, arriving in your mail with a request for your financial support in 2023. Sadly, too few homeowners responded to that mailing, likely thinking public funding is enough, unaware that tax dollars are a small part of the total cost to operate our local fire company. Station 41 depends on the generosity of local residents to fund fire company expense while our unpaid friends and neighbors volunteer to train and serve us in fire or rescue emergencies.

Please this year consider giving some of your time, talent and treasure back to those who have donated their time to train for the talents we depend on arriving at our homes and places of business in times of fire and emergency when we are trusting help is on the way.

Congratulations to the Newtown Square Fire Company, our “2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year!” What a friend we have in you!

Enjoy the summer everyone. See you at the 4th of July Parade.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents, School’s out for summer and it’s time for fun in the sun! Just don’t forget your shades because our calendar of events on pages 28 & 29 is looking bright!

Grab your lawn chairs and your flags — it’s time to celebrate our independence at the Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade! And speaking of celebrations, please join us in recognizing our very own Newtown Square Fire Company as our 2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year! The party continues as we congratulate our graduates and our Newtown Square Business Association for winning the 2023 Best Business Association Award. And our Business Profile features Robert J. Kleinberg Landscaping, who has been making your yard a joy to come home to since 1986.

2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year

The Newtown Square Fire Company

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

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

www.NewtownSquareMag.

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

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Newtown

Our 2023

Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year

The Newtown Square Fire Company

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is proud to feature families, groups and individuals who make a difference in our community. This month, we turn our attention to the Newtown Square Fire Company, which has had a proud tradition of volunteer fire service for over 100 years. We are excited to honor our hometown heroes dedicated to protecting our community as our 2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year!

The Newtown Square Fire Company (NSFC) was officially formed in 1916 in response to a severe fire that occurred in December 1915. The fire broke out in a garage on a property at the corner of West Chester Pike and Newtown Street Rd. The garage was next to vital telephone lines stretching from Philadelphia to Chicago. Fortunately, a group of volunteers gathered to successfully extinguish the flames, thus prompting a discussion and eventual charter agreement to establish a fire company in Newtown Square.

Although times have changed and our community has grown substantially over the years, our residents know that when there is a call for help, they can always rely on NSFC’s highly trained team of firefighters and fire police to respond quickly. They provide fire rescue services to Newtown Township and a select part of Willistown Township. NSFC also provides and receives mutual aid from our surrounding departments in Marple and Edgmont Townships.

The scope of the emergencies being faced is significantly different since those early days. Unlike the barn fires of the past, today's firefighter must deal with vehicle rescues, hazardous materials incidents, high-angle rescue, and many other situations that were never even thought about by the founders.

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

The original fire that prompted the establishment of the NSFC

Photo courtesy of Preston Tyrell

Chief Douglas Everlof and Deputy Chief Christopher Young

Successfully managing these emergencies and providing for the safety of the firefighters and residents requires a high level of training, sophisticated equipment, personal protective gear and modern fire vehicles. Not only is the fire company itself rich in history, but many of its members are also lifelong residents and even 2nd and 3rd generations deep in service to the community. Fire Chief Doug Everlof joined NSFC when he was just 16 years old. “It was a dream of mine as a young boy to become a firefighter one day,” recalled Doug. “One of the best memories I have was winning the fire company’s art

The original firehouse on the 25th anniversary in 1941

Photo courtesy of Preston Tyrell

NSFC Fire Police Officers (L to R): Douglas Conway, William Rankin, Joseph Bail, Carl Ewing, Roland Buccialia, Maureen Madden and Louis Rosenthal

Photo courtesy of Crissy Everhart Photography

contest as a seven-year-old.” Doug remembered receiving a plaque, a write-up in the local newspaper and a ride around town in a fire truck. “When I joined the NSFC at 16, I thought I would volunteer for a few years and move on,” he laughed. “And here I am 39 years later!” Doug’s son Jason has joined his father and serves as a volunteer firefighter.

Doug admits that he still has a way to go to compete with their longest-tenured members. Former Assistant Chief Doug Conway recently celebrated 60 years and is currently serving as a member of the Fire Police. Not far behind are Fire Police Captain Carl Ewing and Fire Police Member Bill Rankin.

NSFC’s Public Information Officer, Bill Baker, has served since 1978 and has worked in almost every capacity since then. “Bill doesn’t give himself enough credit for what he has done for the Business Department,” noted Doug. Bill said that his involvement began when he attended a fire company meeting. “At the time, my friend Dick Pound was serving as President of NSFC,” he explained. “I learned that there was a need for a Budget Director, and with my background in finance, I convinced Dick to bring me on board.” From that point, Bill has had his hands in most aspects, from driving the ambulances and balancing the budgets to raising funds that were instrumental in the completion of the newly constructed firehouse.

The amount of work, funding and time it takes to run a volunteer fire company is astounding and only made possible by those heroes that dedicate their time, talent and resources. In addition to the Firefighters and Fire Police you see on an emergency scene, a team of dedicated volunteers works 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.

Chris Young serves as NSFC’s Deputy Chief and said that there is always a need for volunteers. “I joined in 2013 after retiring from the United States Air Force,” he said. “I realized in retirement that I missed the camaraderie that came with serving the public.” Chris said his wife and daughter suggested he look into becoming a firefighter with NSFC. “The members here have become my 2nd

family now,” Chris remarked. “There have been some trying times in my life when I needed help, and they have shown up every single time, and I have done the same for them. I am truly grateful.”

Christina Heffernan is the President of the NSFC. Her dedication and service to our community began in 1991. Over the years, Christina has served as Ambulance Lieutenant and Captain, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Vice President, and now President since 2019. She helps oversee various committees, manages the budget and works on fundraising events. She will also assist our first responders with the essentials they need while on accident and emergency scenes. 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.”

All of the members of the NSFC agree that no matter your skill set, there is a place for you to join their family and volunteer with the Newtown Square Fire Company. “There are so many ways to get involved,” Christina said. “Even if you have just a small amount of time, we will find a place for you.” 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.

Auxiliary members Back Row (L to R): Julia Cononica, Helene Glazer, Grace Borraccini, Tara Welch, Heather Ryan, Colleen Carroll, Flo Bowers, Cindy Hoekstra, Catherine Simpson, Donna Mansi, Suzanne Monahan, MaryLou Gribbin

Front Row (L to R): Janet Magargal, Megan Welch, Patricia Scollon, Dottie Allen, Maureen Madden

Left (L to R): 1st VP Heather Robinson, President Christina Heffernan, 2nd VP Megan Welch, Firefighter Daniel Gilronan and Safety Officer Joseph Brennan

Photos courtesy of Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Santa’s first of many tours around Newtown Square in 1963

Thank you to our first responders, 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, complete the online application at www.NSFC.org/ content/membership or call 610-356-9590 and select Option 2.

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.

Our 2023

Newtown Square

Friends & Neighbors

FIREFIGHTERS

Safety Officer Joseph Brennan

Lt. Joseph Certo

Joseph Certo, III

Lt. Andrew Coll

Zachary Conan

Daniel Engel

Fire Chief P. Douglas Everlof

Jason Everlof

Ezra Gilford

Zach Geyer

George Guyer, IV

Eric Harper

Assistant Chief

Richard Heffernan, Jr.

Erik Iverson

Karl Keehn

Michael Kenny

Recording Secretary

Vincent Mazzotta

Declan O’Keefe

Evan Pappas

Michael Petrillo

Nicholas Rauso

Robert Robinson

Harry Robinson

Lt. Kevin Robinson

Jack Robinson

Curtis Roehrig

Drew Roehrig

Andrew Rose

Douglas Simpson

Jonathan Simpson

Dalton Simpson

Haydon Simpson

Demetrius Spiropoulos

Preston Tyrrell

David Weldon

Peter Williams

Deputy Chief

Christopher Young

John Young

FIRE POLICE

Joseph Bail

Lt. Roland Buccialia

Douglas Conway

Fire Police Chief Carl Ewing

of The Year

Thomas Ford

Paul Loveday

VP Auxiliary Maureen Madden

William Rankin

Louis Rosenthal

HOUSE MEMBERS

Health Officer Jean Bail

William Baker

Eric Fedor

Daniel Gilronan

Kathy Geyer

President Christina Heffernan

Michael Hilden

Solicitor S. Stanton Miller

Andrew Monzo

Andrew Packer

Joshua Potter

Financial Secretary Erica Potter

1st VP Heather Robinson

Ryan Robinson

Laura Stidham

Todd Welch

2nd VP Megan Welch

AUXILIARY

Dorothy Allen

Grace Borraccini

Florence Bowers

Colleen Carroll

Sonja Carassai-Haus

Julia Cononica

Klare Egelkamp

Rebekah Egelkamp

Helene Glazer

Mary Lou Gribbin

Cindy Hoekstra

Jeanne Hornbach

Janet Magargal

Donna Mansi

Suzanne Monahan

Mary Murtagh

Heather Ryan

Patricia Scollon

Catherine Simpson

Maureen Timlin

Tara Welch

Photo courtesy of Preston Tyrell

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year The Newtown Square Fire Company

Student of the Month

by Lisa Jeffries

Ava Bleckley

JUNE STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The June Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Ava Bleckley, who is a Senior at Archbishop Carroll and received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.

If you keep up with area high school sports, you’ve likely seen the name of our June Student of the Month - Ava Bleckley. She is one of the stars of Archbishop Carroll’s girl’s lacrosse team, which is currently in line to add yet another year as undefeated - to the tune of 22 years and counting, in the Philadelphia Catholic League.

As a midfielder, Ava has attained many impressive statistics, including: member of the USA Select Women's U18 Team, 2022 First Team All-PCL (Philadelphia Catholic League) and 2022 & 2021 All-Delco honors and 2022 PIAA 2A High School Lacrosse Championship. She is a four-year varsity starter in lacrosse, a four-year member of Carroll’s soccer team and she also played on the basketball team for two years. Ava plays on the Phantastix Club Team which is ranked No. 23 nationally by US Lacrosse Club.

Ava is also on the academic honor roll, and enjoys math and finance, among her other classes. As one of Carroll’s student ambassadors, Ava is also involved with community service.

The future is beyond bright for Ava, who will be attending James Madison University (JMU) in the fall, which recruited her early, for which she received a lacrosse scholarship.

At JMU, Ava intends to major in business/finance, but at this point, she is leaving her future career options open. Thank you so much Ava for sharing your incredible sports talents, as well as your academic milestones and community involvement with your Newtown Square and Marple Friends and Neighbors. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!

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.

Ava Bleckley outside Casey’s Public House Restaurant

Photo courtesy of Stacey Scanlan-Bleckley

Positive Expectations Lead to Positive Outcomes

by Mark E. Reitz, PT Penn Therapy Associates

Research has shown that the idea behind the self-fulfilling prophecy is true. People who believe they’ll succeed put in more effort. They’re more willing to try new things, take some risks and keep trying after failures or setbacks. People with negative attitudes take the first failure or setback as confirmation that whatever they’re trying won’t work or isn’t possible, and give up. Why waste time and effort on something that’s doomed to failure anyway?

Research on attitudes of rehab patients show this to be true in recovery as well. A review of 23 articles looking at outcomes for shoulder pain found a few interesting things. First, patients who expected to recover and believed that they had some control of the outcome, ended up doing better than those who didn’t. Second, optimistic patients were found to have less pain and disability after completing rehab. Third, patients who believed they’d have pain and disability after surgery tended to have - you guessed it - pain and disability after their surgery. Research says that patients tend to get what they expect.

Patient attitudes are important, but what about therapists’? There isn’t much research specific to PT, but there is a study done in elementary schools that might give us some clues. Two psychologists, Rosenthal and Jacobs, did a study that found teacher expectations had an influence on student performance. They told teachers that randomly selected students in their classes were tested and found to be “late bloomers.” These students were expected to show large improvements in academic performance during the school year. When the students were tested 8 months later, the students the teachers believed would improve the most, did.

It’s pretty easy to see how this could cross over into a PT clinic. If a PT thinks a patient can get better, they’ll probably put more effort into designing a program, spend more time with them and push them harder than someone they don’t believe has a lot of room for improvement.

When the patient and therapist both expect a good outcome, they usually get one. N S

You

be Strong Again.

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

courtesy of Shoemaker Films, LLC

Newtown Square Business Association: 2023 Best Business Association

Please join us in congratulating The Board and Members of the Newtown Square Business Association (NSBA) for receiving the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Best Business Association award.

The annual awards program is designed to celebrate outstanding businesses and their impact on both the Delaware County area economy and the community. The award was presented at the Chamber’s Small Business Awards luncheon on Friday, March 31st at The Drexelbrook Event Center. Business leaders, elected officials, Chamber members, family and friends gathered to recognize winners in the following categories: Small Business, Small Business Person, Family Business, Entrepreneur, Emerging Business, Community Impact and Business Association.

The Newtown Square Business Association was selected for undertaking many initiatives that correspond with its mission to “act in the best interests of all members and to engage in activities that would lead to the improvement and encouragement of doing business in Newtown Square.” NSBA’s President, Paul Seligson, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of its members. “It was a great honor to be recognized for the work we do for our businesses and community.”

Long-time board member Rich Crowe attended the celebration along with NSBA Vice President Sheila Turner-Hilliard, State Representative Lisa Borowski, Newtown Township Manager Stephen Nease, Municipal Authority member Louis Rosenthal and Environmental Advisory Council member Janet Krevenas. Rich said, “The NSBA has been a huge part of not only the business community but also the residents of Newtown Square and

shoppers from other towns. This award from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce honors the hard work that our members have done since its inception in 1976.”

Paul explained that in recent years, the association has been focused on ways to keep our small businesses thriving, especially as they rebound and rebuild from the pandemic. “We wanted to make an impactful statement that would encourage our residents, and those who drive through our town, to stop and shop here,” he said. “We came up with a Shop the Square banner campaign that has been extremely successful.”

Newtown Square resident and Graphic Designer Pam Purser created the eye-catching banner design. “Ever since I worked with the NSBA Board to design the street banners in Newtown Square, the Shop the Square campaign has taken on a life of its own,” she explained. “The design has carried over into ads, a new member brochure and social media campaigns.” Pam added that she is excited to extend the street banners idea into rotating seasonal banners that she hopes will debut in the fall.

In addition to the Shop the Square project, NSBA’s recent work promotes sustainability efforts by endorsing the Environmental Advisory Council and encouraging our local businesses to join the Newtown Square Green Business Coalition. They also present a Streetscape Award annually to a business that creates a colorful, eye-catching display of plants and flowers that lasts throughout the summer.

Photos

Newtown Square Business Association Board Members

The NSBA is a proud sponsor of Newtown Square’s annual tree lighting ceremony and partners with the Gather in the Circle committee to participate in and promote the Newtown Square Farmers Market and the Circle at Sundown community festival. Most recently, board members have boosted their commitment to promoting their member’s businesses by introducing social networking happy hours for business owners and consistent social media campaigns designed to build community excitement and commitment to shop local.

On behalf of our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, we congratulate the Board Members and businesses of the Newtown Square Business Association for this well-deserved award. Cheers to many more years of Shopping the Square. N S

Shop the Square banner design by Pam Purser

Back Row (L to R): Rich Crowe, Monica Knauss, Ken Taylor, John Custer III, Esq. Front Row (L to R): Jackie McCormick, David Naber, Paul Seligson, Brian McCollum, Sheila Turner-Hilliard. Not Pictured: Ann Marie Hare, Jack Crowley, Jr.

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Sponsors, Volunteers and You Are Bringing People Together

If you’re a regular reader of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors in print or online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com, you’re experienced with our social media that brings you together with friends and neighbors, some known, and others introduced by your hometown magazine in service to our mission and motto: Bringing People Together.

Our mission in service to our Newtown Square community succeeds because of the people in our community. Those people include our local writers and residents who agree to allow us to tell their story, and our staff that designs, edits and proofreads each issue. Even our printer and your local mail carrier contribute toward our effort to be bringing people together with each new issue.

As a regular reader you also know I never fail to give the highest credit for the success of our Bringing People Together mission to our Sponsors - the local businesses you see advertising on the pages of your hometown magazine. Their advertising tells us much more than who we buy from locally. Just by being an advertising Sponsor of Newtown Square’s hometown magazine, these local business owners are telling us they recognize the importance of

our Bringing People Together mission for Newtown Square residents who they value, and depend on for the success of their business.

Friends and neighbors consider this: your time spent reading our publication makes you a member of our publication team too, fulfilling our Bringing People Together mission, just as you might choose to contribute your time, talent and/or treasure to a local organization because you value the mission of that organization.

With this issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, we recognize our 2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year - the Newtown Square Fire Company. And I must admit, I am truly humbled by any comparison to our publication’s mission to be Bringing People Together, to the keeping people together mission of the Newtown Square Fire Company. They fulfill their mission of service to everyone in our community through volunteerism, without the promise of public funding to operate, under honorable commitment to protect people and property against fire and other life-threatening emergencies, at times risking their own health or lives as firefighters.

Photo by Crissy Everhart www.CrissyEverhart.com

Join me in congratulating our “2023 Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors of The Year” by extending your gratitude to our local fire company members for their service to us as residents of Newtown Township, while being mindful that our Newtown Square Fire Company is facing inflationary operational expenses while also experiencing reduced annual contributions from local residents. And just as concerning, a lower number of new volunteers joining than older volunteers must retire. New volunteers are urgently needed. From young adults to seniors, men and women offer your service to our most important hometown service organization, even for roles that may never require you to respond onsite at a local fire or rescue scene. For a tour of the new Newtown Square Fire Company’s firehouse on the Ellis Preserve, and opportunity to become acquainted with a few fire company members who can share their personal experience of service to our hometown, contact fire company Public Information Officer, Bill Baker, at 610-356-9590 or email Bill at: BBaker@NSFC.org. N S

Bob Blaisse Publisher Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Inevitable Wealth Coaching

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos by Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

Making Your Yard a Joy to Come Home to!

“Make your yard a joy to come home to!” is the motto of Robert J. Kleinberg Landscape Design & Construction, and they deliver on that.

Bob Kleinberg grew up in eastern Delaware County and attended Monsignor Bonner High School. He continued his education at Villanova University, majoring in Psychology. Bob then decided to pursue his passion for horticulture, so he went on to earn his degree in Plant Science at the University of Delaware. After he graduated, he started working for a landscaping business where he remained for five years before going out on his own.

In 1986, Bob decided to start his own company, Robert J. Kleinberg Landscape Design & Construction. “I had always wanted to be my own boss,” he explained. Located at 114 Ashley Rd in Newtown Square, Robert J. Kleinberg Landscape Design & Constuction offers a wide variety of services including landscaping, hardscaping and lighting design. “Over the past few years, I’ve been changing my emphasis,” Bob said, “Away from the hardscaping, to low-voltage landscape lighting.”

Robert J. Kleinberg Landscape Design & Construction offers a unique feature to their customers. “We determine the best design for their landscape and set up a lighting demonstration at their house so

they can see what their property would look like if they were to install lights,” said Bob. The best part of this demonstration: It’s free. “I’ve always had an aptitude for electrical work,” explained Bob, “My father and brothers were all electrical engineers.” What Bob finds most enjoyable is seeing the finished product, especially on a lighting project. “There’s nothing better than seeing the customer’s reaction for the first time when everything is lit up!” Bob and his team consider lighting not just as an aesthetic feature but also as a safety and security feature. “Night lighting highlights some of the best views of your property but it’s also for safety. Lights can make steps and walkways easier for you, your family and visitors.”

Robert J. Kleinberg Landscape Design & Construction also installs trees, shrubs and seasonal planting of perennials for small and large properties. “I am very hands-on,” said Bob, “This is a small company and that means I work closely with the customers and I get their input.” For example, the lighting installation requires

Bob to come back when it gets dark out, to adjust the lights. “Sometimes that means that I’m returning to their house anywhere between 5 and 9pm, depending on the season, but I want to make sure everything looks good and the customer is satisfied. My wife says I pay too much attention to detail,” he said, laughing.

Bob and his wife, Mary Kate, have lived in Newtown Square since 2009 after living in East Lansdowne for 20 years where they raised their four children. “It was getting a bit congested there,” said Bob, “Now I can look out my window from my office and see all green lawns.” In his spare time, Bob tends to his vegetable garden

and beekeeping. “I’ve always liked plants and the natural part of my work. I definitely have come full circle in my career. I can see myself being able to do planting and the lighting for years to come.”

“As a Newtown Square resident,” said Bob, “I have a vested interest in improving the community and making houses more beautiful.” For folks who want their home to have more curb appeal and/or safety features, Robert J. Kleinberg Landscape Design & Construction is the company for you. Learn how to “Make your yard a joy to come home to!” by visiting www.Kleinberg.com or by calling 484-225-0614. N S

There was Light, Beautiful

Photo by Micduff Photography

Matthew DeAngelo

Marple Newtown Graduate Headed to West Point

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Please join us in congratulating Newtown Square resident Matthew DeAngelo on his nomination, appointment and acceptance to attend The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. He will graduate from Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) this month, enjoy a brief 10-day summer break then head to West Point, NY, to begin his journey.

The oldest of the five American service academies, West Point educates its cadets for commissioning into the United States Army – a goal Matt set for himself as a young boy. “Both of my grandfathers served in the military,” Matt explained. “I have just always felt a need to serve my country.” His plan and his path to this point were solidified when Matt was in seventh grade. “I remember sitting in my living room one afternoon watching the Army–Navy football game when I decided that West Point would be in my future.” But acceptance to West Point isn’t as simple as submitting good grades, test scores and writing an essay. The application process to the USMA requires a nomination, usually from a member of Congress, submission of transcripts and college-entrance exam scores, completion of a screening questionnaire, an interview with a

Field Force Representative, a complete medical examination and a satisfactory fitness assessment.

Matt explained that once he learned what it would take to achieve his goal, he got to work and never looked back. “I was an active kid involved in sports, the Boy Scouts and the youth group at St. Anastasia,” he said. “I set my sights on becoming an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank attainable, volunteering and mentoring at church, running indoor and outdoor track, cross country and playing football.”

That level of determination earned Matt his Eagle Scout medal and a nomination to attend The American Legion Boys State summer leadership program for high school juniors, which focused on exploring American government and politics. It also allowed Matt to excel in academics and athletics at MNHS. Chris Gicking is the Athletic Director at Marple and has coached Matt on the football team. “Matt is an exceptional young man who is wise beyond his years,” Chris said. “He is an unbelievable leader on the field but more importantly off the field, in the classroom and in the community.”

Marple Newtown’s Matthew DeAngelo

Photos courtesy of Matthew DeAngelo

Father Michael Colagreco at St. Anastasia Parish agreed with Chris’ sentiments and said he has known Matt for many years. “Matt has always been very focused in a good way,” he remarked. “Matt is very driven, and when he sees something he wants, he figures out a way to make it happen.” Father Colagreco added that he is very proud of Matt and looks forward to watching him excel at West Point. There is no doubt there is a long list of folks who can attest to Matt’s drive and determination. Still, in order to ultimately earn his place at West Point, he needed to be nominated by a member of Congress and interviewed and recommended by the Service Academy Selection Board. “This past fall, I reached out to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who serves our 5th Congressional District,” Matt explained. “I composed a letter detailing my desire to attend West Point, my academic and athletic achievements, my service work in the community, and my plans for the future.”

Matt was then interviewed by the selection board and was told that he would be notified in December as to whether or not he would receive a nomination. “I learned that the nominations were released on December 23rd,” Matt said. “I saw that my name was on the list for nomination, then I received a phone call from Scott Belveal (USMA ’92), who was one of the selection board members, confirming my nomination.”

“Early Christmas morning, I officially accepted the offer to attend West Point on their portal.” Matt smiled when he said the timing

Firearm Education, Sales

could not have been more perfect. “It was the best Christmas present I could have ever received,” he said.

The academic program at West Point will earn Matt a Bachelor of Science degree with a curriculum that grades cadets' performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. Matt said he is keeping his options open to explore all of the programs and majors West Point offers. “I will choose an area of study that is best for me, my future and my commitment to serve our country,” he explained. “The USMA is investing in me, and I take that very seriously. I look forward to earning a top-notch education and continuing the legacy of my grandfathers.”

Publisher’s Note: No surprise here. I first met Matt DeAngelo as a first grade Tiger Cub Scout while I served as Cubmaster of Cub Pack 315. I followed Matt on his trail to Eagle Scout as a youth leader of Boy Scout Troop 315. I tested that leadership four years ago this month, when I called on Matt to muster his cheerful service in joining his family on the cover of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, on the June 2019 cover you can find online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com.

Congratulations Matt. We are proud you're heading to your next leadership trail, in college and in military service at West Point. My only advice, knowing well the young man you are, comes from the wisdom from St. Francis DeSales: “Be you.., and be that well.” N S

Expert Contributor

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

Unique Ideas for a More Personalized Send-Off

Funeral and memorial services are a time for reflection, introspection and thoughtful contemplation. It’s also a time for those who cared about the one who has passed to recall and treasure their personal memories. Below are some ideas to help those who are planning the gathering to create a unique and positive experience for those who attend.

Create a Memory Tree

We often see memory tables or photo displays at farewell services, but why not create something new and lasting? Start a memory tree that those in attendance can help to create. You can use either a real tree (to be planted later) or an artificial one, and invite guests to attach photos, messages or mementos to the branches. Later, you can gather all the items in a special memory box to look back on. Be sure to let friends and loved ones know about the tree ahead of time so they can bring their mementos to the service.

Hold

a Volunteer Event in Their Honor

Helping others is a wonderful way to honor a loved one. Look for volunteer opportunities to support a cause or organization that was close to their heart and invite others to participate. Get a group together to take part in a cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, pediatric illness or other type of walk. Host an event to benefit

a local animal shelter, homeless facility or other local cause that was dear to them. Gather a group to visit an area elderly facility at holiday time, in their honor.

Complete Something From Their Bucket List

Celebrate the dreams of your loved one by completing one or two of their bucket list items. This could include things like traveling to a place they always wanted to visit, running a marathon or completing something they started, attending a specific sporting event or even learning a new skill that was of particular interest to them.

Hold a Memorial with These Special Additions

• Create a memorial website

• Have a candle lighting ceremony

• Create a memorial video and hold a screening

• Host a book club involving books they loved

• Organize a memorial picnic

• Create an event with live music they loved

Every one of us is unique and distinctive. Think of ways to incorporate those things that were of specific interest to your loved one and come up with a remarkeable way to highlight what made him or her one of a kind. N S

Honoring The Life of a Loved One

Appraised Value vs. Market Value

by Sarah Forti Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty

Considering selling or refinancing your home? Then you’ve likely wondered what resource would help you determine the “value” of your home. Maybe you had an appraisal done a few years ago which resulted in one value, then you went online and found a whole range of different values. And yet your neighbor just sold for twice as much as you paid for your property. Where to start?

Appraisal Value is determined by a licensed appraiser using a detailed report. This is described as a “black and white” report. It is fact-based without taking into consideration as many outside variables as the market value. The appraiser uses formulas to compare square footage, acreage and the number of bedrooms and baths, and almost always stays within a six-month timeframe when searching comparable sales. Because history has shown market conditions can change in just three months, a comparable sale that happened seven months ago is now out of date. When a buyer purchases a home using a mortgage, the lender will almost always require that the property appraises for the full sale price. This is important to consider when pricing your home.

Market Value is the value that your home would garner in today’s real estate market. A Realtor® can help you determine this number by studying the features and benefits of your home and comparing it to recent active, pending and settled properties in the same area. Factors that most heavily influence the market value of your home are:

• Location

• Condition

• Price

• Inventory

• State of economy

It’s best to consult two or three licensed Realtors® to determine the market value of your home. Online property estimates are as “estimated” as you can get. They are based on algorithms which only use online data. The algorithm does not know if your property

backs up to a busy road, if it has a state-of-the-art HVAC system or that the house across the street that sold for $100K less than the most recent sale was a foreclosure. For the most accurate assessment of your property value, contact a Realtor® who is experienced and knowledgeable about your local real estate market. N S

by Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co.

How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor for Your Home

A new roof is one of the biggest investments a homeowner can make in their home and the last thing you want is to hire someone to replace it, and then have issues a few years later. Typically, homeowners will get three quotes from different roofers and then determine who they want to move forward with. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind when selecting a roofing company for the job.

Choose a Company With Years of Experience

Whether they’ve been in business for 10, 20 or even 100 years, you know they’re an experienced roofer that has built up a good reputation. Reading testimonials and reviews can give you a pretty good idea of how the company operates and whether customers feel satisfied. Look for reviews that mention jobs like yours, how the contractors handled any unexpected problems, pricing, customer service and anything they did to go above and beyond. Almost nine out of ten consumers say that reviews play a major part in discovering a local business. These days, having an online presence isn’t optional; it’s a requirement for success. Less than reputable contractors that haven’t been around for very long and don’t have an online presence might cause damage to your roof, disappear before the work finishes, or take the money and run before performing any work at all.

Look for a Variety of Services and Options

You want to select a roofing company that offers all the services you need. Do they specialize in residential roofing, commercial roofing or both? Do they offer a variety of materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal, slate, etc.? Do they provide other services like general carpentry to avoid working with multiple contractors on a bigger project? Before you select a roofing contractor, you want to make sure that their company provides all the options and flexibility that you need.

Keep Your Budget in Mind

Avoid offers and deals with prices that are too good to be true, as it could be a scam, or they might use cheap materials. Instead, consider a financing plan, because most professional roofing companies offer some type of financing option.

Check Their Licensing and Insurance

A reputable roofing company has all the necessary permits, licenses and insurance. Taking the time to research licensing and insurance laws for your area will give you a better idea of what to look for or ask about. Most companies display this information somewhere on their website. If a contractor gets hurt on your property, you want to ensure the company has proper insurance for its employees. You certainly don’t want to end up in legal trouble or footing a medical bill. 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.

Expert Contributor

by TJ Warner JHL Landscaping

Summer Landscaping Tips

It’s summer, which means it’s a great time for shrub pruning, seasonal landscaping care and regularly scheduled lawn care. It’s important to make sure that you are on a mowing schedule by summertime, and that your lawn has been properly maintained and treated, if necessary. Making sure your lawn is cut at the ideal height to enhance growth and thickness helps bring curb appeal to your property and allows your lawn to look healthy. Edging your lawn on a weekly basis will help keep your lawn looking clean for the season. Grass should be kept at average 3.5 - 4 inches. When rainfall is limited, the mowing schedule should be adjusted accordingly. Lawns should be cut on a 5-7 day cycle, to ensure the lawn doesn’t “brown out.” As soon as temperatures adjust and lawns are growing more rapidly, the mow cycle should be modified.

Proper pruning is essential for maintaining a healthy landscape. When pruning, shrubs and ornamental trees should be evaluated for plant health and disease control. Shrub pruning is recommended twice per season, in early summer and again in mid-fall. Consult a professional before any pruning takes place because not all shrubs require the same type of pruning. For example, larger leaf shrubs such as cherry laurels require hand pruning, whereas smaller leaf shrubs such as boxwoods can be mechanically or

hand-sheared.

Corrective pruning is a more aggressive method that’s used for several different reasons. One is to remove large limbs that are already or may soon obstruct house site lines (visibility). Corrective pruning may be necessary to remove dead wood within a plant. And this pruning method also helps preserve mature trees and shrubs.

Ironically, irrigation is overlooked by many homeowners when maintaining a healthy landscape. The mid-Atlantic region experiences very warm and often dry summer conditions. Frequent watering will keep lawns and plantings healthier during times of limited rainfall. Be sure to have a qualified technician evaluate and adjust your irrigation system. This will help ensure lawn areas and planting beds are getting the proper amount of water that will keep them alive during the hot summer months. N S

by Jack Del Pizzo, CPA Del Pizzo & Associates

Beyond the Deadline: Tax Tips for the Post-Filing Season

After filing your income tax return, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. You can check on the status of your refund using the “Get Your Refund Status” tool on the IRS website. If you made a mistake or find additional deductions, you generally can file an amended return within three years of filing your original return. Certain records must be kept indefinitely, such as actual tax returns and records related to real estate purchases and improvements, retirement or investment accounts. For tax year 2019 and earlier, most other tax-related records can be disposed of. Contact your accountant if you have any questions about which records to keep and how long you need to keep them.

Renting Your Home

Taxpayers often rent their own home while moving to a new

residence, which can carry both tax and economic benefits and pitfalls. When you start renting your home, you’ll need to report rental income on your tax return but you’re also entitled to offsetting the rental income with deductions for expenses such as utilities, operating expenses, maintenance costs and depreciation for the home. However the passive activity loss rules may limit your ability to deduct rental expenses that exceed your rental income based upon your income. If your total income is less than $100,000, the maximum rental loss that can be used to reduce taxable income is $25,000. Between $100,000 and $150,000 the $25,000 allowable loss figure is reduced gradually to zero. Additionally, renting your residence could jeopardize a big tax break when you eventually sell the home. When selling a primary home each taxpayer is entitled to exclude $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) of the profit from the sale. However, this exclusion is reduced by the amount of depreciation you deducted when renting your home.

Tax Costs of Selling a Business

When selling depreciable property used in a business, there are various tax consequences to consider. The Internal Revenue Code specifies that gains and losses from sales of business assets are netted against each other. If the net result is a gain, it will qualify for long-term capital gain treatment which is subject to lower tax rates. Previously deducted depreciation can limit longterm capital gain treatment. If the net result is a loss, the entire amount is deductible against your other income. Different rules apply based on the type of property, and the tax treatment can be complex. N S

calendar of events JUNE 2023

Wed. April 26 through Sun. June 11

Million Dollar Quartet

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

An extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians.

Time: Shows are Wed.– Fri. 7pm; Sat. 2pm and 7pm; Sun. 3pm

Cost: Tickets are $34 – $59 each 610-891-0100 www.MediaTheater.org

Wed. May 3 through Wed. Sept. 27

Dining Under the Stars

@State St, Media

Every Wednesday, the Media Borough closes State Street to vehicular traffic from 5-11pm. This allows Media’s great restaurants and shops to set up outside (right across the trolley tracks!) for the biggest, most fun, alfresco shopping and dining event around.

Saturdays in Summer

Art at The Square Tavern

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

Art displays by local artists, exhibitions and activities.

Time: 11am – 5pm

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

Saturdays in Summer

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

Friday afternoons June through September

Newtown Square Farmers Market

@St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

3625 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square

On Friday afternoons starting June 2nd, the Newtown Square Farmers Market will feature local growers, producers and artisans. Fresh produce will be for sale as well as artisan breads, coffee, pickles, flowers, plants and candles.

Time: 3 – 6pm

Saturdays in Summer

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

Weds–Sun evenings mid-June–mid-August

Delaware County Summer Festival Concerts

@Rose Tree Park, 1671 N Providence Rd, Media

Free concerts in Rose Tree Park’s scenic outdoor amphitheater resume this June! The series provides many opportunities to enjoy top-notch entertainment of all kinds. Bring blankets and chairs for seating. Light concessions will be for sale and picnics are welcome. No alcoholic beverages. Pets and smoking must remain outside the amphitheater. No rain date for any evening concert.

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: Free admission and free parking 610-891-4663 (or 610-891-4455 for cancellation updates) www.DelcoPA.gov/departments/parks/summerfestival.html

Sat. June 3

27th Annual

Historic Newtown Square Day

@the Square Tavern Museum and Art Center (and @various locations)

Route 252 & Goshen Rd, Newtown Square

This year’s activities at the historic 1742 Square Tavern will take place on the Green at the Tavern, and will include 1st Continental Regiment (Colonial Re-enactors), Lenni Lenape Native Americans, a storyteller, sheep shearing, a beekeeper demonstration and honey, live music, antique cars, children's activities and more. In addition to opening the Tavern, other historic sites in the community, including the Paper Mill House, the Quaker Meeting House, the Octagonal School, the Newtown Square Railroad Museum, St. David's Church and the Bartram Covered Bridge will be open with guides who explain the significance of the site to visitors.

Time: 10am – 4pm

Cost: FREE (donations gladly accepted!)

www.NSHistory.org

Sat. June 10

Delco Day 8

@J.T. Brewski's Pub, 510 S. Oak Ave, Secane Celebrate Delco Day on 6/10, with proceeds benefiting the HEADstrong Foundation.

Time: 2:00pm – 2:00am

Cost: $6.10 entry

www.DelcoLive.com

Wednesdays June 14–July 19

Summer Yoga in the Park

@Drexel Lodge Park

4140 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square Newtown Township Parks and Recreation is hosting free community yoga classes brought to you byYoga in the Circle.

Time: 6pm

Cost: FREE

www.YogaInTheCircle.com

Fri. June 16

Media 5 Mile Race

@State Street, Media

Media Borough and the Media 5 Mile Race Committee are pleased to welcome you to the Annual Media 5 Mile Race on State Street! The challenging course will travel two loops through the streets of Media Borough, with awards and finish at Veterans Square. Music, prizes and sponsors complete the festive atmosphere. There will be a FREE Kids Fun Run at 5pm at Barrall Park and Field, across from Media Elementary. Registration for the Media 5 Mile Race will be capped at 1800 runners. A T-shirt will be given to each Registrant.

Time: 7pm

Cost: $40

www.Media5MileRace.com

Fri. June 23

Community Supper Series Picnic

@Rushton Conservation Center

915 Delchester Road, Newtown Square

Pack your picnic blanket, grab your friends and welcome the summer season at Rushton Farm. We are excited to welcome a new food truck partner, Moshava, featuring their twist on traditional Israeli street food. Deer Creek Malthouse will also be on site with their local craft brews and malt products. All food and beverages will be available for purchase onsite. As the sun goes down, Rushton Woods Preserve provides the backdrop to a breathtaking light show.

Time: 5:30–8:00pm

Cost: Donation

www.WCTrust.org

Tues. July 4

(raindate Sat. July 8)

Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade

@St. Albans Ave, Newtown Square

Celebrate our great country with the residents of Marple Newtown and surrounding areas. The parade starts at St. Albans Ave and travels eastbound on West Chester Pike to the Broomall Fire Company on Malin Rd.

Time: 10am

Cost: FREE

www.MarpleNewtownParade.com

by Holly Stupak

Local Runners Compete in Boston Marathon

On April 17, nearly 30,000 runners battled rain and strong headwinds to conquer the 26.2-mile challenge of the Boston Marathon. Two of the runners in this prestigious long race were Newtown Square’s own Peter Merhige and Broomall’s Sean Egan. The Boston Marathon is not only a patriotic event for both runners and the city of Boston, it’s also the world’s oldest marathon. Even more special this year was that the event honored the tenth anniversary of the tragic bombing that occurred back in 2013.

What makes the race elite is that to enter, you must qualify with a time of 3 hours or less to run. Peter and Sean competed alongside runners from all over the world who had qualified by scoring fast age-group times in marathons.

Peter, a 25-year-old Newtown Square native, has competed in several distance races including the Philadelphia half marathon. Nothing could quite compare to competing in what he said is the pinnacle of amateur running competitions: “Runners everywhere strive to compete in the Boston Marathon. To say I got to run in it is an honor,” he said. With the event being held on a regional holiday called Patriot’s Day, Peter explained many people are off from work and droves of fans lined the entire 26 miles of the marathon. “Many of them were dressed in blue and gold and Boston Strong gear. There was such unbelievable energy!”

Peter Merhige along the course of the Boston Marathon

Photo courtesy of Peter Merhige

Peter has been running since he was a sixth grader at the Haverford School for Boys. He grew up in Wayne until his family moved to Newtown Square in 2014, and throughout middle school and high school, he participated in the school’s cross-country teams. He went on to college at Bucknell University and although he wasn’t a member of the track team there, he continued to enjoy running as a hobby. When the pandemic hit during Peter's senior year of college, he moved back home to Newtown Square temporarily that spring before his college graduation. With more time on his hands, he began training more seriously to enter races, even consulting with his former high school coach Brian Long.

For the past few years, Peter has worked for Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership consulting firm and he now lives in Washington DC. Peter also found that running was a great way to unwind after work to detach from screens. “Movement is medicine,” he explained. “It really brings me peace.”

Despite the tough conditions on the day of the Boston Marathon, Peter said it was an amazing experience. “Having family and friends there to cheer me on made the day extra special,” he said.

His freshman year, Sean was a walk-on for Temple’s Division 1 cross-country team and he ran all four years until he graduated in 2022. Sean is now a nurse at Lankenau Hospital and continues to run in his free time. “I love running with other people,” he said. “It’s a great way to spend an hour and a half with friends. It’s also great stress relief.”

Sean had run in several local races including the Broad Street Run and Marple Newtown’s own Firecracker Run on the Fourth of July. When his older sister Fiona, who lives in Media, decided to run the Boston Marathon, Sean decided to join. “Ever since she was a student at Boston University, the marathon was on her bucket list,” Sean explained. Now that Sean’s competed in the Boston Marathon, he’s already looking ahead to train for his next race in October, the Chicago Marathon.

Congrats to Peter and Sean, who finished the Boston Marathon with impressive times of 3:08:42 and 2:37:39, respectively. Thank you for sharing your story with your Marple Newtown Friends & Neighbors! N S

Broomall resident Sean Egan, 23, also began his running career in middle school. After tagging along with his older sisters to their cross country practice at St. Annies in Newtown Square, he decided to join the CYO team too and he's been running ever since. During his years as a high school student at La Salle High School, he was a member of their cross country and track and field teams. After high school, he went on to Temple University, where he studied nursing.

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Sean Egan and his sister Fiona

Photo courtesy of Sean Egan

Notorious Fitz: The Real Sandy Flash

by Doug Humes

First things first: no Virginia, there was no Sandy Flash. However, that fictitious character was modeled on an actual bandit, James Fitzpatrick, the self-styled Captain Fitz. He was a strong and handsome local boy from southern Chester County who lived during the American Revolution. He joined the American army, but like many boys raised on the frontier, he did not take well to military discipline and apparently was whipped for some minor infraction. That was enough army life for him; he deserted and went home to work on the local farms.

He was pursued at home and went on the lam, beginning his short career as a highwayman. He is reported to have given the British local information which let them surprise and defeat Washington’s army at Brandywine. Fitz robbed and whipped local travelers on the roads. He stored his stolen goods in the cave that formerly existed at Castle Rock.

A Springfield boy recalled that a man stopped by the Fox Chase Tavern in Newtown to have his horse

shod. The stranger asked if the boy knew about Captain Fitz. The boy admitted that everyone was afraid of him. The stranger flipped a coin to the boy and told him to tell his friends that he had met Captain Fitz. The most colorful Newtown connection is in Ashmead’s 1884 History of Delaware County. In that account, Fitz walked into the Square Tavern with both pistols drawn, called for a drink, downed it while still holding one pistol, then said “Good day, gentlemen” and backed out of the door, jumped on his horse, and disappeared… in a flash!

The British left Philadelphia in June of 1778, and Fitz lost his protection. A warrant was issued for his arrest; and at a farmhouse in Edgmont (now the Edgmont Shopping Center), Captain McFee

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Photos courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society

Sandy Flash confronts the patrons of a local tavern, as Fitz was reputed to have done at the Square Tavern in Newtown.

Both Fitz and Sandy were excellent horsemen, allowing each to escape “in a flash”.

JUDITH HIRSH ”

and his maidservant, Rachel Walker, tackled Fitz, tied him up and turned him over to the authorities. He was promptly tried, convicted, and “hung by the neck until dead” in Chester.

In 1866, Bayard Taylor wrote “The Story of Kennett”, weaving a story that included some of the exploits of Fitz, but it was assigned to a fictional Sandy Flash. In 1922, Captain Clifton Lisle, took Taylor’s villain, and devoted a whole book to him: “Sandy Flash, the Highwayman of Castle Rock”. All of the larger-than-life stories that had grown up around Captain Fitz were re-told in detail. The real Fitz merged with the fictitious Flash, and in the 21st century, who knows the difference? Just you and me.

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

The cover of Bayard Taylor’s “Story of Kennett”, which first gave birth to Sandy Flash

The cover of Captain Clifton Lisle’s 1922 book that built on the myth of Sandy Flash.

Our Community

by Monica McQuail, Willistown Conservation Trust Communications Specialist

Discover Willistown Conservation Trust Your Local Environmental Nonprofit

Nestled among rolling hills and picturesque conserved lands, just 20 miles west of Philadelphia and off Route 3, sits a small environmental nonprofit known as Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT). This organization has been in existence since 1996, but its history extends well beyond those years to the 1980s.

During this time 40 years ago, unchecked development began making its way into the Newtown Square area. As concerns over destroyed habitat grew, a small group of neighbors gathered together and formed a satellite branch of the Brandywine

Conservancy, led by Bonnie Van Alen. Bonnie and her neighbors quickly got to work and began combatting potential development with a unique tool called a conservation easement. A conservation easement allows landowners to permanently protect their land forever in exchange for certain rights that are given up, such as restricting future development on the property. With this tool, Bonnie and her partners, Alice Hausmann and Kathe McCoy, approached their neighbors, many of whom agreed to protect their lands permanently. After years of success, the group formed their own independent nonprofit and named it Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT), officially establishing their focus area within the headwaters of the Crum, Ridley, and Darby Creeks — about 28,000 acres — which is where the group continues to focus today.

Throughout the years, Willistown Conservation Trust has helped to permanently conserve over 7,500 acres within Chester and Delaware Counties, also known as the ancestral lands of the Lenni Lenape. Of those protected lands, you’ll find WCT’s public nature preserves: Ashbridge Preserve, Kirkwood Preserve, and Rushton Woods Preserve, which is home to the Rushton Conservation Center and Rushton Farm. These preserves are open year-round, offering walking trails and tranquil sightseeing opportunities for all. Today, Kate Etherington serves as Executive Director & President, and the nonprofit of 30 staff members continues to conserve land and care for habitat locally. They have since expanded their

Barns and BBQ annual event

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Mathes

Fun for the whole family during a creek walk

Photo courtesy of Blake Goll

conservation efforts to include bird conservation and watershed protection, programs that study the effects of land conservation on our water sources and migratory bird species. Their robust conservation efforts also led them to create Rushton Farm, which provides sustainably grown produce for over 100 families, and the West Chester Food Cupboard.

Willistown Conservation Trust puts on a variety of educational, culinary-inspired, and just plain fun events throughout the year. Think Bird Walks for all skill levels, Watershed Volunteer Days that consist of tree plantings, Preserve Hikes led by Stewardship professionals, an evening of botanical cocktails among the wildflowers, a Field-to-Feast meal prepared by Malvern Buttery, Bug Nights for children and families, mindful yoga retreats, food truck picnics at their Community Supper Series and more!

One of their biggest events of the year is Barns & BBQ, which takes place on June 3rd and allows attendees to tour stunning, privately-owned barns and conserved lands throughout the Willistown and Newtown-Edgmont area. Visitors can choose between two ticket options — one that is a tour-only ticket and another that includes a BBQ celebration that evening, complete with all sorts of auction items, delectable cocktails and a delicious supper.

This event is one of WCT’s biggest fundraisers of the year, and all proceeds go toward the continual effort to protect this special area we all call home. Willistown Conservation Trust is located at 925 Providence Rd, Newtown Square. To learn more about WCT, visit www.WCTrust.org. For information about Willistown Conservation Trust’s events and to grab a ticket to Barns & BBQ, head to www.WCTrust.org/calendar. N S

Rushton Conservation Center

Rushton Woods Preserve in the fall

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Mathes