Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, July 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, 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.

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Hello July, with all the summer fun the youngest of us to the oldest will be enjoying this month that begins with that spectacular annual local combo of events you may have already attended by the time you are reading this: The Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade, preceded by the Broomall Rotary’s Firecracker 5K Run. I never miss that tag team celebration of freedom from my favorite shady spot on West Chester Pike. I hope to see you there.

We owe our patriotic friends and neighbors on the Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade Committee, and the Rotarians and friends, our thanks for organizing our local Independence Day 5K run and parade festivities, enjoyed by thousands with hometown and national pride.

Trust me though, volunteers running sports teams, events and programs for kids, will also always remind us to thank their Sponsors who fund the activities that make summer better by Bringing People Together, just as you faithfully reward our advertising Sponsors of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors in print and online at www. NewtownSquareMag.com.

This month we welcome a new Sponsor of our hometown magazine, Philadelphia Baseball Training (PBT). If you're a local baseball fan, or parent of a Little Leaguer, high school or college level ball player, you know PBT provides private baseball instruction, group lessons, clinics, camps and tournaments. And you likley know PBT’s tournament team players, the Bell Ringers, win tournaments at across county and state lines. Welcome PBT / Bell Ringers. You’ve long invested in the youth of our community. Thanks for joining the hometown team of Sponsors of the hometown magazine. (See PBT’s first ad on page 24.)

I also want to thank another Sponsor who everyone already knows, Rob D’Anjolell, a Charter Sponsor of our Newtown Square and Marple magazines since 2018. Rob just tripled-down on DANJOLELL Memorial Homes’ sponsorship renewal to now also include sponsorship of our newer publication, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, with the agreement that Rob will continue to serve us as our Funeral Home Expert. It’s comforting to know we have a friend in the funeral business with that unique expertise we can trust in times of sudden need. Thank you Rob.

Enjoy the Summer everyone. Sheila tells me this new July issue will be enjoyed even more this month if you remember to slip it into your beach or pool bag.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents,

We’re celebrating our freedom in so many ways this month! From parades to barbecues, outdoor concerts in the park and beach days down the shore, July has us feeling FREE!

This month’s issue is packed with fun things to do, including our upcoming PA State Little League Tournament hosted by NELL. The Newtown Square Farmers Market is in full gear, and our calendar of events is fun and festive! We’ll introduce you to The Humes Family: Doug and Barb may already be familiar faces because of their commitment to our community and support of our magazine. And our Business Profile highlights Penn Therapy Associates, Inc., our trusted Experts in Physical Therapy for over three decades. 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 Humes Family at Newtown Square Friends Meeting

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. com

Dance Instruction

Kaitlin Battiste

From the Top Dance

3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square

610 - 353- 2623 • Info@FromTheTopDance.com

www.FromTheTopDance.com

Electric Service, Residential/Commercial

Andrew Martella, Sr.

Martella Electric Company

484 - 498 - 2965 • MartellaElectric@rcn.com

www.MartellaElectric.com

Exterior & Interior Painting

Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

610 - 359 - 8500 • Office@ThompsonPainting.net

www.ThompsonPainting.net

Family Law Trial Attorney

Deborah M. Truscello, Esq.

Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

610 - 892- 4940 • DmtofLaw@gmail.com

www.TruscelloLaw.com

Fireplace Products

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

Funeral Home

Co-Owner

Blush Salon & The Studio by Blush Salon 3515 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610 - 325- 3266 • MQuinn@BlushLooks.com www.BlushLooks.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

The Humes Family: Adventure Awaits

This month, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Humes Family. Doug and Barb are loving life in our community and working hard to preserve our rich history for future generations.

Barb was born and raised in Collingdale with her parents and twin sister, Jeanne. Barb said she and her sister were born a

month earlier than expected. “The doctor told my mother that she was having a rather big boy,” she said. “Having twin girls was a big enough surprise for my parents that they didn’t have any more children after us.”

While in Collingdale, Barb attended Harris Elementary and was the salutatorian of the last graduating class from

Collingdale High School before it was renamed Southeast Delco. She was class secretary and active in the drama department, where she participated in the school musicals.

Barb continued her education at West Chester University, earning her bachelor’s and then master’s degrees in Music Education. “I recently retired after 29 years with the Lower Merion School District,” she explained. “I taught elementary classroom and choral music at Penn Wynne Elementary.” Barb said that one of her favorite things to do at Penn Wynne was staging the annual musical with the first and fifth-grade classes.

Over the years, Barb has performed in many musicals with local community theater groups and the Savoy Opera Company. She was an organist and Choir Director for Trinity Episcopal Church in Collingdale for 18 years and the Church of the Holy Apostles at Penn Wynne Episcopal Church for seven years. “These days, I sing with the choir at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ardmore and volunteer as an aide with Keep MUSIC Alive,

Photo courtesy of Doug and Barb Humes

Barb and Doug Humes on their wedding day

Barb, Doug and their kids on vacation in Greece in 2011 Newtown Square

a group that entertains children in our area with a traveling musical instrument/ petting zoo,” she added.

Doug was born in Northeast Philadelphia before he, his parents and three siblings moved to Haverford. He went to Coopertown Elementary School and Haverford High School, where he ran cross country and played on their lacrosse and ice hockey teams. Doug then attended Penn State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing before studying law and graduating from Boston University Law School.

“I worked as a lawyer for a private corporation, a government agency and then a law firm for a little over 20 years,” Doug said. “While I enjoyed the work, I longed for more flexibility in my career to travel more and enjoy my family, so I decided to open my own practice.” He said it was difficult at first to trade the certainty of a paycheck and employee benefits for control over his schedule, but it was worth it. “I was able to attend my children’s events when they were in school and travel with my wife.” Doug has been practicing law for 43 years

but does not plan to retire fully. “I’ll reduce my office hours at some point, but I want to continue working with my current clients.”

Doug may be a familiar face to many of our readers. That’s because he is heavily involved in just about every community organization in Newtown Square. “I attend the Newtown Square Friends Meeting and participate in their affairs,” he explained. “I have been a member of the Newtown Square Historical Society for over 30 years and have served in every office, including five years as president.” Doug has served on committees of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting –the Quaker “Vatican” for nine years before rotating off and was a long-time member of the Delaware County Heritage Commission.

Doug is one of the founders of the Delaware County Historic and Preservation Network, which ties together the various history groups in Delaware County. He also serves as a board member of the Marple Historical Society and is chairman of the Marple Historical Commission. He is treasurer of the Bartram Bridge Friends group that raises money for the upkeep of the bridge and is one of the founders and current president of

Continued on page 8

Newtown Square Friends Meeting illustration by local artist Nicholas Santoleri

the Benjamin West Society. “I also founded the Friends of Marple Newtown Trails to promote the creation and use of hiking trails in the two communities,” Doug said. “And I acted as an advisor to Save Marple Green Space.” If reading this impressive list of accomplishments doesn’t exhaust you enough, Doug also manages 12 community Facebook groups.

Barb and Doug’s love story began a little later in their lives when they met on Match. com. “This is a second marriage for both of us,” Doug explained. “We each have two adult children and happened to be looking for love back in 2005.” Barb said they went on a coffee date at Starbucks in Media and immediately hit it off.

They dated for 18 months before taking a trip to Paris. “I had the ring in my pocket and decided to wait for the right moment to propose,” Doug said. “We saw the Eiffel Tower, took a boat ride on the Seine, and before I knew it, ten days had passed!” Barb

shared that the proposal finally happened after dinner at a Belle Epoque restaurant. “Doug ordered a bottle of champagne and asked me to marry him,” she said. “It was perfect. I said yes, and here we are!”

The happy couple wed and enjoyed two weeks on their honeymoon exploring Northern California, the Pacific coast, wine country, Gold Rush country, Yosemite National Park, Carmel-by-theSea and San Francisco. But for as much as they travel, every year on their anniversary, they go back to the coffee shop where it all began to remember and renew their vows. Barb and Doug’s children are grown now and living on their own. Barb has two daughters, Laurey and Lynda, who both graduated from Springfield High School and West Chester University. Today Laurey works as a virtual healthcare professional with an employee assistance program and lives in West Chester with her four-year-old son, Chase. Lynda lives

in Sterling, VA, with her husband, Matt, and their two sons, four-year-old Michael and one-year-old Charlie.

Doug’s daughter, Elizabeth Anne, graduated from Marple Newtown High School and continued her education at

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Dickinson College and Yale University School of Public Health. She and her husband have two children and live in Wayne. His son, Drew, also graduated from Marple Newtown before studying at Penn State University, where he spent time in Shanghai, China. Doug said that Drew travels all over the world and works in the financial tech sector.

Traveling and exploring the world is very important to Barb and Doug. “When Barb and I met, we made it a goal to visit all 50 states, and in 2017 we completed that task,” Doug explained. “We reached our goal by taking a hiking trip in Alaska.” Now they have their sights set on visiting the 66 National Parks in the United States and have

recently returned from a trip visiting five of them in Colorado and Utah.

When Doug and Barb aren’t traveling, they love spending time with their kids and grandchildren. Now that Barb is retired, she loves having the time to read and play tennis year-round. She is also helping to organize her high school class 50th reunion in a few years. Doug is a musician who plays guitar, piano and banjo. He also enjoys staying active by running, biking, hiking, swimming and paddling his kayak. He has been writing a lot recently and is a valued contributor to our magazine with his monthly History Spotlight articles.

As much as Barb and Doug love traveling, they say there is no place like home. They love living in our community, which is so rich in history, and they hope that more of our friends and neighbors join them in their mission to preserve important parts of our past. “When people come “home” after being away, they want to see the sights of their communities that were familiar to them and made an impact on them when they grew up here,” Doug said. “When we knock down the old places and replace them with cookie-cutter buildings that look like every other suburban shopping center, we lose that sense of place and

community.” They hope that our community rises up and makes its voice heard so we can have a say in how we want our town to look and feel for future generations. Doug and Barb agreed that this can only happen when people care enough about the future, and the past, to get involved and speak out.

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.

Humes Family (L to R): Greg, Max and Elizabeth Kogan, Barb and Doug Humes, Keena Kogan and Drew Humes

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

by Lisa Jeffries

Mackenzie Duffy

JULY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The July Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Mackenzie Duffy, who is a rising Senior at Villa Maria Academy, and received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.

Mackenzie is the President of Villa Maria’s Respect Life Club, which handles various events and service opportunities to promote the dignity of human life, including making care baskets for mothers grieving miscarriages and collecting over 6,000 diapers and 300 packages of wipes for local pregnancy resource centers. She is also the student leader on the

Pennsylvanians for Human Life Student Advisory Board, and the high school social media coordinator.

According to her dad, Bob Duffy, “Mackenzie has always been a determined reader, curious and excited to learn new things.” She has always been a diligent student, very self-motivated and driven to excel, which is evidenced in her 14 AP classes, as well as her ongoing membership to the National Honor Society.

As a member of Villa Maria’s Scholars Program, Mackenzie’s Passion Project is working with a local nonprofit that works in Malawi, one of the most impoverished countries in the world. The program facilitates ways to promote girls’ education, known as “Girls Rise,” empowering them to seek the education they deserve.

Mackenzie played softball for most of her life, winning the annual Coach’s Award as catcher her freshman year, but due to an injury, she was unable to continue playing. So she became the Manager of Villa Maria’s varsity softball team.

As an active member at St. Anastasia Parish, Mackenzie lectors at Sunday Masses, and she also helped Fr. Artman start a Youth Group, which hosts monthly youth Reconciliation and Masses, typically followed by some sort of social or service event. She is also a cantor with some peers at those Masses.

Mackenzie currently interns at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, studying the neurology behind eating disorders. In the future, she plans to attain a Ph.D in the study of neuroscience and philosophy, while finding a way to balance a life of faith, family and research. Thank you for all you do Mackenzie, the world is definitely a better place thanks to you! 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.

Mackenzie with Casey’s Manager Taylor Garland

Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Duffy

by Scott Magness Scott‘s Fireplace Products

Summer is the Best Time… to Have Your Gas Fireplace Serviced

Summer is the best time for homeowners to have their gas fireplaces serviced. Why? So you can beat the line! With all the fun, exciting and relaxing activities the summer has to offer, it’s easy to forget that come October or November, we’ll be wanting the warmth of our fireplaces again.

When you’re ready again for that unique ambiance and comforting warmth that your gas fireplace provides, you may find it isn’t working properly because it had such a long “vacation.” Fall’s cooler temps can come early, and a non-functioning gas fireplace won’t do its usual great job of quickly taking the chill off and making your home warm and cozy.

Every year, many homeowners don’t think to call for service for their gas fireplace until they discover it won’t turn on or it won’t work properly. For some reason, these types of malfunctions always seem to happen in the middle of a brutal cold snap or during a power outage. Waiting to call for service during those times, there’s usually an extreme backlog. By that time, they often have to wait several weeks before a specialist can come to diagnose and fix the problem.

Those frustrating long waits can be avoided, and you can ensure that your gas fireplace is always ready when you need it, by scheduling preventive maintenance in the summer. How often your gas fireplace should be serviced depends on the manufacturer and model and also whether it’s vented or ventless. It’s quick and easy to schedule preventive maintenance during this time of year. When the specialist arrives, they will thoroughly clean your gas fireplace, check to be sure the logs are all properly positioned and aligned and ensure that your gas fireplace operates as effectively as it should.

So while you’re enjoying these long, lazy days of summer, don’t forget about your gas fireplace. Yes, they deserve a vacation after working so well during the winter, but get them serviced before fall or winter so you can avoid a potential operation lapse or a long and frustrating wait for service during the cold weather months.

Publisher’s Note: Like all of you, I too am often inspired by the features our Experts write. But I may have inspired Scott Magness to write this feature when, last Fall, I asked Scott to come out to my home for some fireplace counsel. I sure learned last Fall that “Summer is the Best Time.” Don’t make the same mistake I made last year by calling our fireplace expert when that first cold snap had most homeowners doing the same. Now we all know. Thanks Scott.

by David Linn Cook and Joe Soster Waterproofing

Patios and Decks –The Recreational Best

The restoration of the outdoor centerpiece of the home for family and friends makes a huge difference in healthy/happy living. Many homeowners have wonderful memories of when they built the deck or put in patio pavers, which are now overwhelmed by current conditions. Who doesn’t want quiet days spent reading outside, making meals on the grill or simply enjoying the views and birds singing? This concept definitely sets up an idealistic retreat to restore our peace of mind.

Who wouldn’t enjoy working, eating, entertaining and playing outside with a beautiful and safe restored patio or deck? With the bird feeders in close view, reading the latest mystery novel and hearing the sounds of nature, what an idyllic scene!

Getting your patio or deck back to this “picnic Zen” reality may require a professional evaluation of the age, type and maintenance

needed to regain this vision. The area likely needs an evaluation of how water runoff flows and sheds, as well as the repair of mortar joints with grout for sealing both tiles and joints. Decks generally will need a chemical cleaning to remove stains, leaf tannins or food and beverage spills, as a start. The use of a professional surface cleaner on your pavers, not a high-pressure power washing wand from the big box store, is the best way to go. Small granule aggregates, which are used to construct pavers, will be removed together with the pigment (dye) that gives them their appealing appearance using high-pressure cleaning. Cleaning, repairing pavers and re-grouting with a double coating of UV light and water protection, allows your deck or patio to regain its original beauty, plus makes the area more sanitary, requiring lower maintenance. Replacing damaged steps, wood boards, pavers and tiles, sealing it all from water and grime, maybe even changing up the colors, these are simple corrections for consideration in improving your family oasis.

With proper inspection and follow-through to completion with the right materials and job crew, few home improvement projects match a shaded functional recreational space. With or without a swimming pool, those spring/ fall days spent multitasking quietly is why we fix and upgrade our houses. N S

by Deborah M. Truscello, Esq.

Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

Traveling This Summer?

Things to Keep in Mind

Travel plans are underway for the summer, however keep in mind that each state has its own set of rules and laws. Check out your destination’s laws before traveling. There are several examples of this that may be applicable to your situation. The best thing to do is to think about your planned activity and how the laws of your state are applicable compared to your neighboring state’s laws. For example, if you are going to a firearms convention, hunting or just including activity at a range, each state has its own gun laws which effect the possession and transport of firearms. Pennsylvania’s firearm laws are different from New Jersey’s. If you travel from Pennsylvania to the Jersey shore, be aware that many types of handguns are not permitted in New Jersey that are permitted in Pennsylvania. Plus handguns must be registered with local law enforcement well in advance in order to possess them in New Jersey. Another example of how laws differ from state to state concerns traveling via motorcycle. New Hampshire, Illinois and Iowa are the only states where you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Other states vary in age, circumstance and weather conditions as to whether a helmet is mandatory.

Tobacco and alcohol cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21, however in Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, West Virginia and DC the consumption of alcohol starting at the age of 18 is legal when in the presence of parents and for religious or medical purposes. The only exception to buying tobacco products starting at the age of 18 is if the person is a member of the military.

Finally, the traffic laws are different in each state. While speed limits on the highway are generally 55 miles per hour, some states allow up to 65 and 70 miles per hour on the highway, in less populated and rural areas. The point system for violations varies from state to state and most states will transmit a violation back to your home state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. New Jersey and Pennsylvania notify each other of violations which will translate into points against your license in your home state even if the state where you received the violation assigns no points to the violation. Lastly, not all states and municipalities allow a ‘right turn on red.’

It is well worth checking out the laws of your destination state. This can easily be done through Google, visiting the destination state’s website or calling their travel information center. Enjoy your summer and vacation plans! N S

Bringing People Together

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Bringing

People Together

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

A Few Words about Our Sponsors Bringing People Together This Summer

Everyone enjoys spending time with friends and family at summertime activities. We look forward to meeting new people there too, some we may already know, but only to see them, and others who we are still getting to know. It’s social. And as social beings we’re naturally drawn to activities that are Bringing People Together. Our magazine’s mission is just that, Bringing People Together. We’re succeeding in our mission if you’re drawn to reading this new issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors which again shares information about Newtown Square residents, some you already know, and others not so much. Simply reading our hometown magazine is our unique brand of social-media-in-print, which is Bringing People Together through the financial funding of local businesses who

are rewarded with advertising seen on our pages. Even the ads are Bringing People Together: local sellers of products and services, with local buyers in search of trusted local businesses. This month I thought we’d have some summer fun with the Experts of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. You know their faces. If you forget their names, look in the front of the magazine for some help. Then write their names down on the lines and circles provided on the next page, like a Scramble Puzzle, then decipher a Summer Message from our Experts. N S

Bob Blaisse Publisher Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

There was Light, Beautiful

Photo by Micduff Photography

AND NOW... A FEW WORDS FROM OUR experts

Who is Who among our Experts. Write in the first and last name of each Expert Contributor whose faces are shown below. Then in order, write down only the circled letters you’ve added to reveal our summer message from these particular Experts Good Luck!

Write down only the circled letters, in the order you’ve added them, to reveal a summer message from our Experts.

GOOD LUCK!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Let Our Expertise Improve Your Life

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is proud to have Mark Reitz, PT and his team at Penn Therapy Associates as our trusted Experts in Physical Therapy. For over 30 years, physicians and patients in the Delaware Valley have chosen Penn Therapy Associates for their rehabilitation needs, from neck and spine care and post-surgical rehabilitation to orthopedics, manual therapy and personalized fitness programs. The entire staff at Penn Therapy Associates takes pride in providing one-on-one attention, in a warm and caring environment, to each patient that comes through their doors.

Owner Mark E. Reitz, PT began practicing physical therapy in 1979 at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania (PENN) after earning his graduate degree from Columbia University. Mark said that his choice of career paths stemmed from his experiences as a student-athlete. “I was a competitive athlete in high school and college, working extensively with trainers and physical therapists,” Mark explained. “Those experiences early on led me to want to pursue a career in this field.”

County. Mark also explained that another goal of his was to open his own practice. “I have always wanted to be my own boss and have the flexibility in my personal life to spend time with my family and friends,” he said. “While I enjoyed my time at PENN, I felt that after three years as a Senior Orthopedic Therapist, it was time to go out on my own.”

When choosing a location for his practice, Mark knew he wanted to be in the suburbs but still close to the city. An opportunity presented itself when his friend and long-time physical therapist Pete Peters decided to retire and asked Mark if he would like to take over his location. Mark had been seeing patients at Pete’s location on Sproul Rd from time to time, making the decision easy and the transition seamless.

Today, Penn Therapy Associates is in a larger facility just a stone’s throw from where it all began, with 17 employees and an additional partnership with Main Line Spine in King of Prussia. Mark credits the success of his practice to his simple philosophy of treating his patients how he would want to be treated and giving his team of physical therapists the freedom to create personalized treatment plans for the patients they see. “I trust my team completely,” he said. “That is why we are known as the premier orthopedic facility in the area and why the practice continues to grow.”

Mark said that he had worked hard to build solid relationships with his fellow colleagues, doctors and surgeons so that when he opened Penn Therapy Associates in Broomall, he had a steady stream of referrals for patients who needed treatment in Delaware

Mark said that establishing himself as an Expert Contributor in our magazine allows him to educate our community on the benefits of physical therapy and help dispel common misconceptions. “Not many people know, with the exception of Medicare insurance, that if they are experiencing pain, have suffered an injury or simply want to be in better physical shape, they can come to us directly and do not have to see their doctor first for a referral,” explained Mark. “In fact, many reputable studies prove that physical therapy treatment significantly speeds up the healing process and eliminates the need for medication, costly imaging and co-pays.”

The team at Penn Therapy Associates knows that getting patients back to their active lifestyles is a top priority and that physical

Mark E. Reitz, PT

Photos courtesy of Mark E. Reitz, PT

Penn Therapy Associates’ facility

therapy is a significant first step in the process. They combine state-of-the-art rehabilitation practices and protocols, 1–1 therapist-to-patient ratios and private consultation rooms. Their extensive services include hands-on manual therapy to treat muscle aches, joint pain and range of motion, rehabilitation programs for patients who have had joint replacement surgeries, ligament repairs, bone or joint fusions, nerve releases and sports and work-related injuries. They also offer Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), which is a technique used to treat soft tissue dysfunction like tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis as well as personalized fitness programs for runners, climbers and those who simply want to restart or improve their fitness journey.

So, the next time you’re in pain because you twisted a knee, sprained an ankle, trimmed too many hedges or hit too many golf balls, give Penn Therapy Associates a call first if you’d like to feel better faster and gain much knowledge about how to better take care of yourself and prevent further injury.

Penn Therapy Associates, Inc. is located at 2010 West Chester Pike, Suite 450, Havertown. Their office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 8:00pm, and Saturdays, 7:30am – 12:00pm.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 610-8530508 or visit their website at www.PennTherapy.com. N S

The Penn Therapy Associates team (L to R): Donna Monaghan, Tracey Taintor, PT, DPT; Nick Taintor, PT, DPT; Bob Otto, MPT; Mark Reitz, PT; Megan Pryze, PTA, Andrew Vassalo, PT, DPT and Kathy Delahunty

MY TEAM

That is why we are known as the premier orthopedic facility in the area and why the practice continues to grow.

Nick Marziani: A Rising Force in Today’s Music Scene

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of Nick Marziani

Over the years, we have featured many of our friends and neighbors who are making a difference and impacting our community and beyond. From award-winning authors to record-setting marathon runners, we are surrounded by many talented individuals who are proud to say it all began right here in our backyard. This month, we are proud to introduce you to Nick Marziani, an award-winning saxophonist and rising force in today’s music scene. Nick is a proud Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) graduate to which he credits much of his success.

Nick grew up in the Springton Pointe Estates section of Newtown Square with his father, Tony, his mother, Bonnie and his older sister, Natalie. “For as far back as I can remember, music was always playing in our house,” Nick said. “My father was a professional keyboard and piano player in his early 20s, and my mother played piano and saxophone.”

Experts

Nick said that when he was in elementary school, he had the opportunity to choose an instrument he would like to learn. “I went home and told my mom that I really wanted to play the trumpet,” Nick explained. “She responded by handing me a Kenny G. CD and suggested that I might like the saxophone a little better.” Nick popped it in the CD player and never looked back.

From that moment, Nick said he became a student of all styles of Jazz music. Early on, he found inspiration by listening to Earth, Wind and Fire and The Brothers Johnson; then he discovered

Nick Marziani on tour in Oakland, CA

Smooth Jazz which is a blend of Funk, R&B and Jazz. He began listening exclusively to our Philadelphia Jazz Radio Station (WJJZ) and spent his free time studying and absorbing every element of Jazz he could find.

By the time Nick was in 8th grade at Paxon Hollow Middle School, he was a stand-out musician who earned a spot on Marple Newtown’s High School Jazz Ensemble. And the following year, he received a best solo award for alto saxophone at the Glenn Miller Division of Jazz Champs. Nick was the first freshman to receive that award.

He continued to shine at MNHS, earning the lead alto saxophone seat in the Pennsylvania All-State Jazz Ensemble and the Philly All-Star Big Band for three years consecutively, and was selected as both lead alto saxophonist and lead tenor saxophonist for the All-Eastern and All-National Jazz Ensembles. “I have to thank the teachers and musical directors at Marple for giving me every opportunity to excel,” Nick explained. “And I have to say that being a member of the Marple Newtown Tiger Band is like being a part of one big family who encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a musician.”

After graduating from MNHS in 2018, Nick headed to the prestigious Manhattan School of Music. Under the tutelage of saxophone legends Donny McCaslin and Jaleel Shaw, Nick graduated in 2022 and in that same year, won the DownBeat Magazine Award for Blues, Pop and Rock Soloist.

Today, Nick is proud to say he is fulfilling his dream of becoming a full-time musician living in the Big Apple. “I love living in New York City and enjoy traveling the country to perform and record,” he said. “It’s a dream come true.” Aside from Nick playing in renowned Jazz clubs in NYC, Philadelphia and beyond, he also loves to perform at Jazz festivals around the country and for weddings and private events. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing people up on their feet dancing the night away to my music,” he said.

Over the last few years, Nick has explored the world of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and has found a way to combine it with Smooth Jazz. “During the pandemic, all of our live events were canceled, so I took the opportunity to dive into the world of music production,” he said. “I taught myself to produce new music and blend different styles to create unique sounds.”

Drawing inspiration from all sides of his musical upbringing, Nick’s songs combine the soulfulness and colors of jazz with the upbeat

grooves of dance, pop and R&B music. Influenced by the improvisational prowess of Michael Brecker to the funky grooves of Grover Washington, Jr., Nick’s playing brings a fresh, unique perspective to the saxophone in the Philly and New York jazz scenes.

Nick has led his band at the legendary Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia and renowned NYC jazz clubs ShapeShifter Lab and The Bar Next Door, having also played the Apollo Theater, Kennedy Center, Kimmel Center, Harriet Tubman Freedom Music Festival, Westylvania Jazz Festival, Burlington Jazz Festival, and more as an in-demand sideman. Nick has shared the stage with jazz legends Wycliffe Gordon, Ingrid Jensen, and more. For more information about Nick Marziani and to listen to his music, visit his website at NickMarziani.com, follow him on social media platforms or stream his music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. If you would like to contact Nick for performance opportunities, email him at Nick@NickMarziani.com.

Publisher’s Note: By coincidence, again this month, I’m proud of another MN grad and another Eagle Scout I watched grow up to become a young man of great musical note and fond memory. I recall Nick Marziani, the MN Jazz Band phenom even taking his sax on camping trips from time to time. Nick, you were always one to “Do Your Best.” Look where that’s taken you. We’re all proud of you. N S

Cover photo for Nick’s latest single – Tougher

by Lou Matteo Edgemont Automotive

Be Prepared for that Summer Road Trip

It’s official, AAA predicts that road trips are going to dominate this summer! With travel restrictions and social distancing things of the past, it's no surprise that 97 percent of summer travel is expected to be by car this year. Here are the most critical things to check, before you embark on your trip:

AC: The idea of a road trip brings to mind having the convertible top down, music up loud and the wind in your face. Of course the reality is that the most comfortable way to travel in the summer is with the AC set at the perfect temp. Making sure your AC is working at its best is an obvious must-have for summer, even if you don’t plan on taking a road trip.

Don’t wait until your AC stops working, get it inspected now to ensure uninterrupted cool all summer long. If you’ve been noticing that the air isn’t getting as cold as it used to or less air is coming out, have it looked at by your mechanic.

TIRES: Maintaining your tires not only gives you better fuel economy, but tire maintenance doesn’t just mean inflating them to the correct pressure. You’ll also want to check for damage, uneven wear and tread depth.

Oh no, a flat tire! If you have a spare tire, make sure it's in the same, good condition as the other four. Don’t forget to check your jack and other tools, and store them in a place easy to access in case of a flat tire.

BATTERY: A faulty battery is the one of the most common causes for the need for roadside assistance. Visually inspecting your battery won’t tell you if it’s on the verge of failing, but it can show you if your battery is in need of replacement. When visually inspecting your battery, look for corrosion on the terminals, cracked casing or frayed cables.

Your car battery is dead, now what? Ensure that your jumper cables are in good condition. Better yet, be extra-prepared by including a portable jump starter in your emergency kit, so you can give yourself a jump-start without needing another vehicle.

Don’t wait until the day of your trip to inspect these things. Plan ahead and get your vehicle inspected by your local mechanic so you can feel confident on every road trip — even the spontaneous ones! N S

by Len Sciulli Signature HVAC

How Dehumidifiers Improve Summer Comfort

Newtown Square residents are all too familiar with extreme yearround temperatures ranging from below freezing during the winter to excessive heat and humidity in late spring and summer. While your central air conditioning is the best solution for cooling your home, it does little to reduce the discomfort and health concerns associated with high levels of humidity. A whole-home dehumidifier is the perfect addition to any Pennsylvania home — maximizing comfort, preventing health issues and helping reduce the wear and tear on your cooling system.

How Does a Whole-home Dehumidifier Work?

Our bodies produce sweat in an effort to regulate body temperature, effectively cooling the outer layer of skin as the beads of sweat evaporate. While this process can be further enhanced by the movement of air from a fan or the cooler temperatures produced by your air conditioning, higher levels of moisture in the air make it much harder for evaporation to occur, trapping the heat in your body. A dehumidifier works alongside your existing HVAC system, drawing indoor air through the return ductwork. Warm, humid air is then pulled into the unit and cooled, and excess moisture is condensed into droplets of water and drained away.

The resulting dry air is then warmed or cooled based on your temperature settings, making your home comfortable for both its temperature and humidity levels.

4 Benefits of a Whole-home Dehumidifier

Optimal indoor relative humidity levels should remain between 30% and 50% year-round to maximize comfort and health. In addition to helping you regain control over the level of moisture in your home, a whole-home dehumidifier has many benefits, including:

1. Enhanced air quality - Moist, warm air is a breeding ground for pathogens, including mold, mildew, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. Pollutants and irritants bind to minuscule droplets in the air and can easily be inhaled or can cling to damp surfaces and continue to multiply. Removing excess moisture with a dehumidifier makes your home much less hospitable to these microorganisms.

2. Reduced energy usage - High humidity levels make the air feel warmer than it is, causing most people to lower their thermostat even further in an attempt to stay comfortable, increasing energy costs.

3. Decreased mold growth - Mold and mildew stains can be difficult to remove and may permanently damage materials such as drywall, furniture or linens, and in addition to being unsightly, produce a musty or rotting odor.

4. Relief from allergies - Allergens can quickly multiply in humid environments, triggering symptoms in allergy and asthma sufferers. A dehumidifier helps reduce the irritation to nasal and respiratory passages, providing welcome relief and increasing comfort.

In older homes where insulation levels may be lower and there’s a greater rate of air exchange, a dehumidifier can help restore balance to indoor humidity levels and keep you comfortable on even the most humid days. N S

by Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing

How Important is a Sewer Inspection?

The sewer line in your home is a crucial part of your plumbing system and must be maintained for it to function correctly. Many homeowners overlook their sewer lateral because they don’t know much about it and don’t know how to tell if there are problems. Even home inspectors sometimes overlook a sewer lateral because it’s underground. Worse, the majority of inspectors don’t have the correct, specialized equipment to do a proper sewer inspection. Professional certified plumbers use specialized waterproof video camera snakes that are pushed through sewer lateral piping, to conduct visual inspections.

Avoid Untimely Replacement

If you want to ensure the lifespan of your sewer line, then inspections are the key. Regular inspections, along with maintenance, can help to avoid an untimely sewer line replacement, avoiding severe damage by catching small issues before they become big ones. Blockage, grease build-up and tree roots can shorten the lifespan of your sewer line if left unchecked.

The Property is Older

Many older homes still have early 1900s clay pipes that have outlived their “useful life” and are more likely to collapse, crack or have allowed tree roots to enter the pipe and cause a blockage.

The Distance Between the House and the Street Could be an Issue

Regardless of the type of pipe installed, if the distance from the

house to the street lateral connection is significant, there is a strong possibility that settlement of the soil has happened over the years. Settlement of soil can cause pipes to settle unevenly, which causes the pipes to drop lower in sections or become offset.

Be Proactive and Identify Potential Problems

Sewer inspections may also be conducted proactively, as part of a regular maintenance cycle for wastewater infrastructure. Having your sewer inspected regularly helps you to catch potential problems early on. That way, you can get them fixed before they get worse and require more extensive and expensive repairs.

Don’t Wait Till There’s an Emergency

Sewer damage isn’t just expensive, it can also cause severe problems inside your home. If there’s an issue with your sewer line, you’re likely going to have to deal with issues like flooding and water leaks. If this happens in your home, you’re going to have to spend more money repairing and replacing belongings that are damaged by the water — not to mention the smell.

Get Evidence of the Problem for Your Insurance

Sewer inspections provide video evidence of the problem with your sewer line, helps you to get a better idea of what’s happening, and can be valuable when it comes to working with your insurance company. N S

“

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.

Call

JUDITH HIRSH ”

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.

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photo courtesy of Daren Grande

Play Ball

NELL Is Hosting the PA State Little League Championship

Tournament

District 19 is home to some of the most competitive baseball in the state of Pennsylvania. Every year, our baseball program competes for District and State Championships, Eastern Region Finals and ultimately the International World Series.

This summer is especially exciting for Newtown Edgmont Little League because the Pennsylvania Little League Baseball State Championship tournament will take place on our home fields July 25th-31st. The last time NELL was chosen to host this prestigious event was in 1996 when Upper Darby defeated Warrington to earn a spot in the tournament bracket.

The tournament is part of the Little League journey. The tournament, for 11- and 12-year-old players, will bring the top eight

teams in the state to NELL. The champion of this series will be crowned on NELL’s Field 1 in early August and advance to the Mid-Atlantic Regionals with the ultimate goal of making it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.

“NELL’s nomination and selection by Little League to host the PA State Tournament is a great honor and responsibility,” explained NELL President Daren Grande. “We recognize that this coveted position would not be possible without the unwavering support and volunteer spirit that has surrounded this organization for the past 70 years.” The tournament will kick off with an opening ceremony on July 25th. Former Major League player, and current Philadelphia Phillies Color Commentator, Ben Davis will be the

keynote speaker at the event which includes player packet distribution, meet and greet opportunities and catering by Luigi & Giovanni’s.

If you have been to the NELL complex lately, you have noticed that the Board and volunteers have spent the past three years doing extensive renovations. “We completed a major and much-needed renovation to give our players a top-notch experience while also preparing for the tournament,” he said. “We have a new snack bar and new bathrooms, new dugouts and field improvements!” Such improvements include a complete overhaul of Field 1 with new fencing, scoreboard, backstop and renovations to the Peterson Building that sits behind home plate.

Having Little League neighbors from all over Pennsylvania descend into NELL’s complex for the PA State Tournament gave the Board and volunteers another reason to push forward with improvements. Daren said they expect a few thousand people to visit the complex during the week-long tournament.

Visitors who have come to NELL in the past have always been amazed by the complex, which offers a memorable experience for players and families. It’s an impressive layout of eight meticulously maintained fields, six outdoor batting cages, a 15,000-squarefoot indoor facility, a snack bar that rivals area restaurants, and plenty of on-site parking. The community is encouraged to come to the tournament, enjoy a few games and show support for our Newtown Edgmont Little League players and their families. For more information, visit www.NELLBaseball.com. N S

Expert Contributor

by Jeffrey Stein ELPS Private Detective Agency

What To Look For in a Private Detective

A private investigator, also called a private detective, is a type of investigator that is employed by the client, such as an individual person or an organization. Clients who are interested in hiring a private detective often have trouble trying to identify which are professional and which are not. The problem is compounded by the fact that investigators cannot share the details of previous and/or related cases because that would go against a client’s confidentiality.

So how can a client find out who to hire and trust? One way is to research prospective investigators or agencies and make sure that they have experience dealing with situations like theirs. Also, agencies with quite a bit of business, litigation and governmental experience, with excellent reviews and feedback, are usually your best bet. Be wary of investigators that violate ethics rules

by making false statements of fact or law, communicate with witnesses who are otherwise represented by counsel or engage in fraud, dishonesty or criminal activities to achieve the desired outcome. Most of course do not engage in these types of activities. Once you’ve narrowed down which investigators you’d like to vet, here are some important questions to ask and things to think about:

• Are they licensed? If the answer is yes, ask to see their license.

• Are they insured? Ask for their insurance info.

How long have they worked as a PI?

What is their background, experience, areas of expertise and qualifications?

Are there certain days or hours they cannot work, or are they available 24/7?

How do they guarantee client confidentiality?

Ask for references, verified reviews and testimonials. Request an in-person meeting.

What are their affiliations with professional organizations?

Ask to see an example of their work, with redactions of course. What is the cost? Avoid pricing that seems way below standard charges.

• Where are they located and what areas do they cover?

• Will the person being investigated find out or be notified?

• Do they use both male and female investigators?

• How will they communicate with you and how often will you be updated?

• Will they act as a witness in court if needed?

• Do they have a contract or agreement form you can show your lawyer? N S

by Kaitlin Battiste From the Top Dance

Building Personal Growth and Community through Dance

Dance is a universal form of expression practiced by millions of people from different cultures, abilities and backgrounds worldwide. While dance is a global phenomenon, dance communities on a local scale have made meaningful contributions to society, including fostering social change, education and community outreach. Dance serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and community building by connecting us on a deeper level with ourselves and our communities, thus enabling a better understanding of ourselves while empowering us to give back to our community in meaningful ways.

Dance offers numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being, allowing us to connect with our most authentic selves and acting as a bridge to connect with others. In this regard, local dance studios play a crucial role in building the bridge between dance students and surrounding communities. Dance studios provide safe spaces for like-minded individuals to come together through shared movement, expression and collective experiences. Dance studio owners and instructors instill discipline, confidence and a sense of community in their students while encouraging them to have fun and get involved. What sets dance studios apart is not only their function as social hubs where individuals feel a sense of community and acceptance, but also their ability to provide opportunities for engagement in social events and gatherings outside of dance classes. These opportunities further strengthen the bond within the community and offer students valuable life experiences.

You may notice local dance studios getting involved in their community in different ways to establish deeper connections among students, families and teachers, while simultaneously inviting local community members to participate. Engagement in showcases, performances in nursing homes and fundraising efforts held in the community promotes community engagement by encouraging everyone to gather for a common cause.

By bringing people together, dance studios create a supportive environment that nurtures personal growth, cultivates personal and professional relationships and builds a sense of belonging. Dance’s ability to connect us with ourselves and our communities is a testament to its profound impact, and the existence of dance

studios helps ensure the accessibility of transformative spaces where individuals can explore their potential, form lasting connections and contribute to the betterment of their community. As Ajith Dass, a famous Malaysian dancer and choreographer once said, “Dance to heal the earth. Not just when you’re dancing, but always. Live the dance, whenever you move, in all you do. Dance to heal the earth.” N S

Wed. July 5 through Wed. September 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.

Firearm Education, Sales & Service

Stars & Stripes TACTICAL

• 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.”

Weds–Sun evenings July through 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! 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 evening concert.

Time: 7:30pm

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

Friday afternoons July 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

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 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

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

Tues. July 4 (raindate Sat. July 8)

Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade

@St. Albans Ave, Newtown Square

Celebrate our great country with residents of Marple Newtown and surrounding areas. 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

Wednesdays July 5 –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 by Yoga in the Circle.

Time: 6pm

Cost: FREE

www.YogaInTheCircle.com

Sat. July 8

Linvilla Orchards

Annual Blueberry Festival

@Linvilla Orchards

137 W Knowlton Rd, Media

Blueberries are back and ready for picking! Bring your friends and family to celebrate our annual Blueberry Festival. Come hungry for delicious blueberries and a fun blueberry pie-eating contest. The winners of each age bracket will earn the Champion title and receive a prize! Hosted by the one and only Silly Joe, who will entertain the crowd.

Time: 8am – 6pm

Cost: $11 per person for blueberry picking

610-876-7116 www.Linvilla.com

Sun. July 23

4th Annual Car, Truck, Tractor, Big Rig & Motorcycle Show

@Arasapha Farms

1835 Middletown Rd, Glen Mills

A fun-filled day with fun family activities, food trucks, vendors, music, flea market and lots of cars, trucks, tractors, big rigs and motorcycles! Prizes awarded and a 50/50 raffle.

Time: 10am – 3pm

Cost: FREE for spectators

www.ArasaphaFarm.com

Tues. Aug 1

National Night Out

@Cardinal O’Hara High School

1701 Sproul Rd, Springfield

Members of the community can interact with local first responders, watch a vehicle rescue demonstration, see the Philadelphia Police Department helicopter and hear a performance from the Uptown String Band.

Time: 5 – 8pm

Cost: FREE

4th Annual Car, Truck, Tractor, Big Rig and Motorcycle Show: Hosted by Our Friends at Arasapha Farms

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Our community knows that Arasapha Farms in Glen Mills is the place to go for Haunted Houses, Hayrides, Christmas Trees and the best apple cider donuts. The Bates family loves to have fun and host a wide variety of special events. They invite you to their 4th Annual Car, Truck, Tractor, Big Rig and Motorcycle Show this month on Sunday, July 23rd, from 10am – 3pm. Hosted by Ben and Nicole Bates, this event will feature over 800 vehicles ranging from classic cars to modern marvels. “We have always loved going to car and truck shows with our kids,” Nicole said. “We own over a dozen vintage cars and trucks and thought hosting a show on our farm would be fun for the whole family.” Ben and his father, Randy, are such enthusiasts that they worked together to build their own Ford 56 truck, which will be on display at the show.

The day will be packed with good food and lots of fun. There will be plenty to eat with nine food trucks from popular places, including RIVALRY on State, Zak’s Burgers, Brother’s Pizza, Dave’s BBQ Ribs and Arasapha Farms’ famous warm apple cider donuts. A DJ will be spinning the tunes all day, and vendors will be there selling everything from crafts, home decor and apparel to car parts and accessories.

Five judges will be on hand to award prizes in categories for best antique by decade, street rod pre-1950, street machine, tractor, motorcycle, modern muscle and more. Spectators will be able to join the fun by voting for special awards such as Ladies’ Choice, People’s Choice and Kids’ Choice. The awards will begin at 1:30pm and conclude with announcing the winner of Best in Show.

The event will begin at 10am with the singing of the National Anthem and prayer. This event is open to the public and is FREE for spectators. Vehicles in the show pay a $20 entrance fee. For more information, visit Arasapha Farms on Facebook or email Nicole at BatesMobileX.com. See you at the Show! N S

Photos courtesy of Nicole Bates

Ford

Truck built by Ben and Randy Bates

Newtown Square: A Community of Volunteers

by Doug Humes

In 1995, there was no community-wide celebration in Newtown. But one was planned. The Newtown Square Historical Society hosted a full day of activities to highlight the history of the township. Eight historic properties were open to the public, with costumed guides. George Washington, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross were there for the opening festivities. Volunteer coordinator Jan Elston said she hoped that a successful event would allow the group to make the event an annual one. “We’ve been working on bringing this society back to life. It’s been lagging for a while and we hope to make this the spark,” shared Jan.

On June 3, 2023, the Society celebrated its 27th Historic Newtown Square Day. Obviously, the spark that was lit in 1995 continues to burn. We had beautiful weather and a day full of activities for visitors, at our five Nationally Registered sites and three other sites that welcomed guests and hosted activities. We publish an annual program book, and the theme this year was “Volunteers Through the Years.” Inside, we looked at how volunteerism shaped America and its communities, through individual efforts, group efforts, service clubs and organizations, and now volunteers serving on government committees.

As George Bailey found out in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” our community would be a bleak place without the work that volunteers have contributed. Each generation must learn that lesson. In 1995, the Greatest Generation in Newtown created this community event, and over the years handed it off to the Baby Boomers to continue it. And we have. The 2023 event was a great success. But our volunteer organizations are aging in place. We would love

Photos courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society

Colonial All-stars George and Martha Washington, Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross

American soldiers guarding the Tavern Green on Historic NS Day

to have new blood, Generation X, Millennials, anyone with the willingness to contribute to the community, to step up and offer their time and treasure – to any of our volunteer organizations: Little League, Petticoat League, Friends of the Library, the Fire Department, the Newtown Square Business Association, Trails and Greenway Committee, Benjamin West Society, Gather in the

Circle,

committees listed on the Township website, and of course, everyone’s favorite historic society.

President Kennedy challenged his generation, telling them to “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Those are good words for each succeeding generation. Invest in the community where you intend to raise your family. You won’t regret it.

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

the Newtown Square Railroad Museum, the plethora of government

Matthew D’Angelo, winner of the 2023 Madaleen Ellis Memorial Scholarship, with Society Treasurer Larry Fischer and Society President Cathy Cavalier.

The old caboose at the Newtown Square Railroad Museum at Drexel Lodge Park

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Summer is officially here! It’s time to roll down the windows and hit the road for family vacations, barbeques and baseball. And while we’re out celebrating our freedom, we should also be mindful that summertime is prime time for car thieves. In fact, July has been named National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. The National Traffic Safety Administration dedicates this month to educating vehicle owners on reducing their chances of having their vehicle or vehicle contents stolen. Identifying theft risks, minimizing vulnerabilities and protecting valuable assets are essential steps to take now and in the coming months.

Vehicle theft is a major issue across the United States. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 1,001,967 vehicles were stolen in 2022, which means 1.9 vehicles are stolen

every minute. While passenger cars make up most stolen vehicles, commercial vans and trucks are also prime targets.

Thieves don’t just want vehicle parts; they want valuable personal items, too. Some of the most popular vehicle parts or valuable items stolen from vehicles include doors, engines, transmissions, airbags, radios, GPS units, cell phones, iPads, laptops and purses.

Captain John Newell of the Newtown Township Police Department said that in our community and surrounding townships, they have seen a surge in vehicle thefts over the past two months. “Almost every theft we have encountered recently has been because the owner left their car unlocked and the keys inside,” he explained. “We could drastically reduce the number of thefts in our area if residents would simply lock their car doors.”

John cautions homeowners to be extra vigilant if they have garage door opener remotes in their vehicles. “We have seen cases where a car is left unlocked, and the garage door remote is used to gain access to the home,” he said. “Most people leave their keys, wallets and purses by the entry door giving the thief an easy way to steal more than your car.”

In addition to locking your car doors at night, there are more ways to protect your vehicle and valuable belongings:

• Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle.

• Do not leave your vehicle running.

• Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.

• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.

• Park in well-lit areas if possible.

• Never leave valuables in your car, especially if they can be seen outside. If you must leave them in your car, lock them in the trunk.

• Use a visible deterrent, such as a steering wheel lock.

• Do not leave your vehicle title or important documents in the car that can be used to steal your identity.

There are also numerous antitheft systems and devices designed to make vehicles more difficult to steal or easier to trace and recover. Immobilizing devices prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle’s ignition system and hot-wiring the car. Some devices even use computer chips in ignition keys to disable the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine. Vehicle recovery systems use electronic

transmission technology that assists law enforcement in locating the stolen vehicle—and possibly making an arrest.

If you do find that you are a victim of vehicle theft, it’s crucial to follow these steps:

• Contact the police immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report. You will need a copy of the police report and a case number to provide to your insurance company. You will also need to provide the following information:

• License plate number.

• Make, model, and color of your vehicle.

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and any identifying characteristics.

• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of your car being stolen.

To learn more about Vehicle Theft Prevention, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website, www.NHTSA.gov. N S

could DRASTICALLY REDUCE the number of thefts in our area if residents would simply lock their car doors.