19006 Huntington Valley | Summer 2023

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Service, Honor, Courage HV FIRE COMPANY Huntingdon Valley Happenings Making the Ordinary Extraordinary ELLIE MONIZ ECRWSS Local Residential Customer TPRSR STD US ePostag Paid Newspaper aMedi Group Culinary Delights at White Elephant THAI RESTAURANT
19006 2 SUMMER 2023 PUBLISHER BRITTANY ROUGHT VP OF ADVERTISING SALES ARLENE REYES EDITOR TOM WARING ADVERTISING DIRECTOR IDALIS CRUZ ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ALICE SANZICK TATIANA TABILE CONTRIBUTORS MINDY TORAN DEBRA WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHER JAMIE STOW LAYOUT AND DESIGN MARK HOMER SUMMER 2023 HUNTINGDON VALLEY 19006 Huntingdon Valley Magazine is a publication of Newspaper Media Group 130 Twinbridge Dr., Pennsauken, NJ 08110. Phone 856-779-3800 Ext. 6920 Copyright ©2023 Newspaper Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Handled with Care Call NOW to Schedule 215-722-2923 http://www.handledwcare.com Online EGift Certificates Available *Plan Ahead for Father’s Day, Graduation & Wedding Gifts* 145 Rockledge Ave, Rockledge, PA 19046 Thank you for your Support of our Small Business for More than 30 YEARS!! LISA IS A PROUD ARCHBISHOP WOOD AND TEMPLE ALUM Lisa Cataldi, BS, LMT & Staff • 1 Hour Massage or Facial $60 • 1½ Hour Massage (or Facial) & Reflexology $95 • 1 Hour Reiki Session $80 • 75 Min Craniosacral Therapy $75 • 1 Hour Myofascial Release Therapy $65 • 1 Hour Ayurvedic Head Massage $70 • 1 Hour Cupping Therapy $80 • 1 Hour Hot Stone or Body Scrub $85 • 2 Hour Massage & Facial $115 • 2 Hour Hot Stone Massage & Facial $140 • 2½ Hour “Ultimage” PackageMassage, Facial & Reflexology $145 • 2½ Hour “Indulgence” Package-Hot Stone Massage, Facial and Reflexology $175 NM-00015912 **New Service** Microdermabrasion Facial** Introductory Special ONLY $99.00 Anti-Aging Treatment for Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Dark Spots, Clearer & Brighter Skin Monday - Closed Sun-Thurs: 3:30-8:30pm Friday & Saturday: 3:30-9:00pm 2519 Huntingdon Pike Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 www.lastradaitalian.com OUR MISSION is a simple one … enhance and educate the palate with the freshest ingredients and flavors, while surprising and treating each guest with personal care & service. Thank you for your patronage, Buon Appetito! (215) 947-1818

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SUMMER 2023 3 19006 Manor College | 700 Fox Chase Road | Jenkintown, PA 19046 | (215) 885-2360 | manor.edu
YOU BELONG
HERE

MAKING THE ORDINARY

Extraordinary

Moniz began working with watercolors over 20 years ago, while pursuing her BA in Art at Millersville University.

“I took one watercolor class in my sophomore year and fell in love with the medium. It totally suited my personality,” she recalls.

Her paintings, mainly cityscapes, landscapes and coastal scenes, make you feel like you’re looking out a window into a moment in time that she’s expertly captured with her paint brush. She uses the play of shadows, colors and light to portray the movement of the objects on her canvas.

Whether she’s working in her home studio or driving around during the course of her day, Ellie Moniz is constantly inspired by the world around her.

“I love the play of light and shadows on everyday objects,” says Moniz, a local artist whose vibrant watercolor paintings have been catching the eye of art enthusiasts near and far.

“I’ve always been drawn to architecture,” says Moniz. “I grew up in the Holmesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia, off of Frankford Avenue, which was a bustling spot of activity. When I think of my childhood, I remember the sounds of sirens and chatter and noises, city sounds that made an impression on me at a young age. Now, when I paint cityscapes, I want to show the city as an exciting place to be, with lots of movement and activity. That’s what I try to capture in my paintings.”

see ART page 7

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ART 19006

from page 4

She and her husband moved from the Philadelphia area to Huntingdon Valley in 2010.

“We were driving through this area one day and loved the way all the houses in the neighborhood were different and the neighborhood had a cool, small-town vibe to it. It looked like a great place to raise our kids and became a new place to find inspiration.”

Moniz typically works from photographs, inspired by everyday things that she encounters. She then creates a sketch from the photograph on watercolor paper and adds color later in the process.

“After creating a sketch on the watercolor paper, I soak it so that it stretches out, staple it onto my board and, once it’s dry, I start painting,” she explains. “People always ask me how my watercolors look so vivid. I like to use a particular brand of watercolors made by M. Graham & Co., which are actually made using Northwest blackberry honey, which makes the colors very intense.”

In 2015, Moniz began participating in local fine arts festivals, including Chestnut Hill, Jenkintown, Glenside, Ambler, Doylestown, Manayunk and Rittenhouse Square.

“I really like the art festivals because of the personal connection of talking to people and finding out what they like, why they’re interested in a particular painting and knowing where my painting is going. It’s very fulfilling,” says Moniz, who typically attends 12-13 shows per year.

She has received Best in Show awards from Abington Hospital’s Art in the Atrium and the Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival, as well as numerous first place awards from local fine arts shows.

“I love finding unique ways to look at everyday things,” says Moniz. “It may be something that seems very ordinary, like a flower or a building, but it’s the way the light is hitting it at a certain angle and it’s like it’s singing to me to paint it. It’s sharing that with others that brings me the most joy.” — 19006

For samples of her artwork and for more information, visit www.elliemoniz.com

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CULINARY DELIGHTS AT White Elephant

Thai Restaurant

White Elephant Thai Restaurant first opened its doors more than 20 years ago and has been pleasing new and regular customers ever since that first day.

Owner Jon Twaddle, who has traveled extensively and spent a good deal of time in Thailand, attributes this favorite dining spot to “consistently high food quality, a great location with ample parking, high-level service, and keeping employees happy. If you take care of your staff, your customers will feel that well-caredfor vibe.”

This is one of the many reasons why White Elephant has consistently won many culinary awards and is frequently voted the best Thai Restaurant in Philadelphia and South Jersey.

Twaddle gives much of the credit to his chef Boonsong “Bo,” who is aided by four other accomplished chefs. Boonsong is known for his specialty sauces that are great on everything.

One chef prepares the appetizers, a second makes the specialty items including the duck and lamb dishes, a third makes the soups and curries and the fourth is at the stir fry station. There is also an expeditor who controls the timing of the appetizers, soups, salads and entrees.

Twaddle’s father fell in love with Thailand and introduced him to the flavors of this rich culture, as well as his Thai chef, who toned down the spice levels to accommodate his customers, many of them who are elderly.

“We kept the flavor, but our dishes are not overly spicy.”

The restaurant is closed on Monday and offers lunch five days a week, and dinner six days a week, as well as take-out and delivery options.

The restaurant is a BYOB without a corking charge, so customers are welcome to bring wine or liquor and White Elephant will happily supply the glasses.

Twaddle has a great deal to be proud of, including going one full year of takeout only during COVID-19 restrictions, a time when his business thrived thanks to the loyal regular customers and their friends.

He proudly watches the many generations of families celebrate milestone events as well as lunch and dinner at their favorite Thai restaurant.

“I see the kids who were babies when they first came in and now, they are going away to college. I love talking to people and hearing about their families,” he explained. “They enjoy our food and the atmosphere and I do everything possible to ensure they are happy here.”

19006

To show how much his restaurant wants to accommodate the various diner preferences, nearly all of the items are offered gluten-free, as well as many vegetarian options.

FAVORITE THAI LUNCH AND DINNER FARE

White Elephant has an extensive lunch and dinner menu filled with favorite Thai dishes blended with French influences, creating a truly unique number of offerings.

Diners are given generous portions of authentic dishes that provide an excellent and tasty experience for a reasonable price. From mild to hot, vegetarian or not, the chefs create unforgettable fare, and servers provide a high-quality dining experience.

To start the meal, White Elephant offers several soups, including coconut soup with coconut milk, slices of chicken, mushrooms and lime juice as well as hot and sour Thai lemongrass soup, in addition to crispy spring rolls, Thai dumplings, chicken satay and a variety of fresh salads.

For lunch, the menu includes a variety of curries prepared with coconut milk, chicken or beef with Thai basil or Thai ginger, Thai pineapple fried rice and the No. 1 favorite, Pad Thai, the chicken or shrimp stir fry, served without onions due to customer preferences.

The dinner favorites include Tutti Fruity duck made with a raspberry sauce, Rolling Stones (butterfly shrimp with crabmeat)

and Chu Chee Duck (crispy roasted semiboneless duck served in a special red curry sauce flavored with pineapple and Thai basil).

Additional dinner offerings include Cornish hen, crab cakes, sesame tuna, the Seafood Lover (sauteed shrimp, scallops, salmon, calamari and green shell mussels with a spicy Thai Basil sauce), Lamb Au Siam (grilled lamb chops served with a green curry sauce,) the Vegetarian Lover and many other mouth-watering offerings.

THE MEANING OF THE WHITE ELEPHANT

Reflected in the inviting décor are white elephants. So, that leads to wondering about the significance. Twaddle explains that the white elephant is sacred in Thailand, is part of the Thai Royal Family, and is a precious symbol of good luck.

“In Thailand, Buddhists believe that you will receive good luck if you see an elephant, and a lifetime of great luck if you touch a white elephant,” he explained. “They are also strong believers in the power of karma.

“I have spent time in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and the people are amazing. All of these countries I have spent time in have a great vibe.”

So, what does Twaddle want to say to entice new customers to stop by for lunch, dinner or take-out?

“We offer unique spices and flavors and everything that comes out of the kitchen is truly delicious; very rarely do people not love everything that they order.”

To the regulars, he wants to say a “hearty thank you and keep coming back during regular days and special occasions. We wouldn’t be here without you.” — 19006

White Elephant Thai Restaurant is at 759 Huntingdon Pike in Huntingdon Valley. Call 215-663-1495 for information and reservations (reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights). The email address is whiteelephantpa@email. com. The website is https://whiteelephantrestaurant.com/. Hours are:

Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no lunch on Sunday). Dinner: Tuesday to Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday dinner 5 to 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays.

SUMMER 2023 9 19006

It’s time for summer learning at the library T

he Huntingdon Valley Library is celebrating its 70th year, with the busiest times coming up in June, July and August. This year, that period will be highlighted by the Summer Learning Program.

The program, sponsored by the Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library, will go from June 26 to Aug. 6. The theme is All Together Now, celebrating community and unity, with flags and globes as decorations.

“It’s a nice theme,” said executive director Pam Dull. “It’s all about being in the community and helping others.”

The program is planned to help students continue to learn as school is out for the summer. Valley Christian School’s last day is June 6. St. Albert the Great and Lower Moreland schools let out on June 16.

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“We have something almost every day,” said Vanessa Nelson, the library’s head of youth services.

The program, though, is for people of all ages, not just kids.

“We get to have fun, too,” Dull said of adults.

People are being encouraged to read, not just traditional books, but also audiobooks, ebooks and magazines. Or, parents can read books to their kids.

Huntingdon Valley, 625 Red Lion Road, is well stocked with some 60,000 items –books, DVDs, video games, audiobooks on CDs or Playaway and robotic coding kits. At the same time, staff members encourage patrons this summer to visit other libraries, including large ones such as Abington. Montgomery County has 33 participating libraries that share resources.

Registration for the Summer Learning Program takes place beginning June 26 on the Beanstack app or at https://hvlibrary. beanstack.org/reader365.

The library is offering challenges to four separate groups:

• Emerging Readers - babies through preschool

• Elementary - kids entering kindergarten through fifth grade

• Teens - kids entering sixth through 12th grades

• Adults - anyone beyond high school age

Participants can use Beanstack to register all families under one account, or individually. And you can add friends.

On Beanstack, users can log reading time and learning activities and write book reviews, all the while earning badges and raffle tickets for prizes and small giveaways.

Or, users can do the same thing on a paper log.

Last year, Summer Reading Program participants – including slow readers and fast readers – logged 468,222 minutes (more than 20 hours per person) reading an undetermined number of books.

“We do ours by the minute. It’s the most equal,” Nelson said.

The goal this summer is 500,000 reading minutes.

“We got close last year. I feel we can do it,” Nelson said.

On Aug. 2, as the program is winding

down, there will be a big outdoor party with plenty of activities.

And then the library will go back to its focus on yearround programming.

The library’s online calendar is filled with activities almost every day of the week, with plans being made for a 70th anniversary celebration. In April, there were 7,908 visitors on the 29 days the library was open.

“We’re hopping,” Dull said, while still maintaining that the library is the “bestkept secret” in the rather small township of 13,000plus residents.

The Lower Moreland School District will go back to its weekly schedule of picking up and dropping off books at the library. And school groups will visit the library, which has a teen advisory board and is a safe place to study for students at Lower Moreland High School, located a stone’s throw away on Red Lion Road.

Nonprofit, independent Huntingdon Valley welcomes library card holders from anywhere in Pennsylvania to visit its 14,000-square-foot facility, which includes a free book section, self check-out, a printer, parking in the front and back of the building, a 150-seat community room upstairs, an elevator, a learning lab for Zoom job interviews, an outdoor spot for Easter egg hunts and movies under the stars and plenty of space for kids to socialize on a rainy day.

And, as Dull noted, anyone – even those without a library card – can use the computers or attend a public event, such as Friday matinee movies that attract a lot of retirees.

“We’re always happy to see new faces,” she said.

Dull said, in this busy world, she wants the library to be like a community center, hosting events that bring the community together and allow folks to meet their neighbors.

“We want people to feel at home,” she said. “This is their building.”

The library is funded by Lower Moreland Township and the state, grants, donors and the Friends group.

The Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library is 330 members strong, each of whom makes a $15 yearly donation and organizes fundraisers.

“They work hard to make sure we’re a success,” Dull said.

The library’s board of trustees is also central to its success. And the Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley helped form the library in 1953 and continues helping out to this day.

“I am honored to be director of this library,” Dull said. “We love our patrons, and I have the best staff in the world. The staff goes the extra mile.” — 19006

To apply for a library card, to learn about the Summer Learning Program or for more information, go to hvlibrary.org or call 215-947-5138.

SUMMER 2023 11 19006

ACCELERATE YOUR LIFESTYLE

able to rent.

The trio of luxury cars from Imagine Lifestyles are selfie bait. The shiny chrome of the cars and the sparkle of skyscrapers are picture-perfect and people walking by take notice.

“These cars are like celebrities,” says Imagine Lifestyles CEO Ryan Safady. He and customer experience coordinator, Tom Messenger brought a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Lamborghini Urus, and a BMW i8 convertible out for a spin. These cars, along with their fleet of high-end vehicles are all avail-

Imagine Lifestyles was founded in Miami 15 years ago by Safady and his cousin and co-CEO Jared Jukel.

“After a year or two, I thought we should advertise this in New Jersey. I’m from South Jersey,” Safady explains. “We started advertising in South Jersey and before you know it we became busier and busier. Then, we opened it up to New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. It became bigger than we anticipated.”

Now, they have a collection of 20-40 luxury and exotic vehicles serving their North East market.

see LIFESTYLE page 14

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from page 13

“The first car was a Bentley GTC convertible. I’ll never forget it,” Safady says. “It’s been replaced with new ones over and over again. Our goal is always to buy the newest one. I think that separates us from most in this business. It’s 2023. A lot of other places will have a 2015. All of the cars in our fleet, unless they’re a vintage car, are going to be practically brand new.”

Safady says the newest car is always his favorite.

“I love when a new model comes out and I get to check out all of the features and see what’s different about it. It could even be a vintage car, but something new to me and different is always what I want to drive,” he says. “It allows me to understand the vehicle so then when customers have questions I can give them the answer.”

“Once a car is rented from us it’s a fullon rental car,” Messenger says. “You can drive it wherever you need to go. We don’t restrict the cars in any way.”

But he says the experience is different from the typical rental service.

“We offer a lot more in the way of service. We’ll deliver the car to you if you need that. We can provide a driver if you need a driver for a portion of your rental or the whole thing. That’s the big difference for us; service,” Messenger says.

“Most of our clients are high-end clients. They’re anything from musicians to athletes. We’ve rented to dignitaries from other countries when they come in, executives, you name it,” Safady says. “The key is to, within reason, give them everything they want.”

“We have a client every year who vacations in the Hamptons and he’ll take a Ferrari or a Lamborghini from us for a month to a month and a half,” Messenger says.

“They want something similar to what they have at home.”

Imagine Lifestyles also cater to regular folks who want to make an event memorable.

“Right now we’re doing a ton of prom and wedding rentals,” Messenger says.

BEST. DAY. EVER.

The interior of the Rolls-Royce is just as luxe as the exterior. Purple leather details and twinkling lights on the ceiling that create a shooting star effect set it apart from the typical ride.

“It’s the little nuances. Sitting in that backseat it’s pure comfort and it’s also pure style,” Safady says.

The Rolls-Royce also has a powerful engine, but the ride is so smooth it’s easy to forget how fast we’re driving.

But luxury comes with a price. I ask Safady what the Imagine Lifestyles car collection would cost.

“It’s tough to say. We have 2 Rolls-Royce Cullinans. That’s a million,” Safady does a little bit of math on the spot. “I’m going to say we have between 5 and 10 million in cars at any given time.”

Renting is more affordable, of course. For many, Imagine Lifestyles offers the chance to get behind the wheel of a car they could see LIFESTYLE page 19

19006 14
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Service, honor, courage AT HV

FIRE COMPANY

Members must live within 3 airplane miles of the township.

The Huntingdon Valley Fire Company is looking to grow.

The professional volunteer unit has been serving Lower Moreland Township and surrounding areas in Montgomery and Bucks counties, through mutual aid agreements, for more than 100 years.

Want to learn more? The company hosts monthly Fridays with Firefighters open houses and accepts applications year round. Training and drilling takes place every Monday at 7 p.m.

The minimum age is 16. Those applicants start out as junior firefighters. At age 18, they can operate hose lines, climb the ladder and go inside buildings. At age 21, they can drive a truck.

Members can be firefighters or fire police, or help out administratively.

Once a member is approved, he or she must complete 192 hours to earn certification at public safety training centers in Croydon and Doylestown.

“We have something for everybody to do here,” said Sgt. Kate Valesky, an 18-year veteran who is also a trustee and new member

19006 16
Story By Tom Waring Photos By Jamie Stow

officer. “We have positions all throughout the firehouse. For people who have the opportunity to give back in their ever-busy lives, this is a great way.”

The Huntingdon Valley Fire Company was organized in 1911, with a fire station approved in 1912 and the charter signed in 1913. The motto, printed on the firefighters’ patches, is service, honor and courage.

The company, based at 636 Red Lion Road and featuring the iconic brick hose tower, responds to fires and rescues, and visits public events.

The apparatus includes Engine, Utility, Squad, 95-foot Tower, Chief, Fire Police and Special Service vehicles.

There are about 50 active volunteer members, along with life members with 25-plus years of service. There are minimal out-of-pocket costs.

The station is staffed weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with members responding to calls from home in the evenings, earlymorning hours and on weekends.

“We’ve been around since 1911 and have men and women of all ages and from all walks of life giving back to the community,” Valesky said.

Ron Herwig is a safety officer and former chief who has been with the company for 53 years.

“This is our way of giving back,” he said.

Funding comes primarily from the Lower Moreland Township fire tax, with other money coming from grants and an annual letter to residents. Township residents seem appreciative.

“People are generally supportive of the public service sector,” Valesky said.

Tom Campbell is a former chief who joined the company at age 16 while still a student at Lower Moreland High School. His dad, Tom, was a member, along with his sons, Tom and Ian. In February, Campbell will celebrate 60 years with the company, with no plans to retire.

“It’s super fun,” he said. “I don’t know how you stop.”

The chief today is Bob Schadegg. He’s been with the company for 45 years and is proud of all members for being willing to run into a burning building to rescue occupants.

While Schadegg is modest, others in the company recall how he saved an 82-year-

old man’s life after he suffered a heart attack in December 1984 as he was placing a Christmas star atop Bryn Athyn Cathedral. Schadegg helped him rappel down a steeple.

Schadegg noted that the number of volunteer firefighters has declined sharply over the years, largely due to people not having the time. Still, he encourages others to join the “brotherhood.”

Asked why he remains a member after so many years, he has a quick answer.

“Working with the guys,” he said, “no doubt about it.” — 19006

For more information, call 215-9472454, go to hvfire.org or visit the Huntingdon Valley Fire Company page on Facebook. For fire emergencies, call 911.

SUMMER 2023 17 19006
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1.WE ARE NOT THE BIG GUYS! B.O.G.O. IS A TRICK!!! You don’t get something for nothing!!! EXAMPLE: Frame =$120.00 S.V. Lens=$120.00=$240.00 You can get 4 PAIR for that price here!!!

2.WE ARE NOT THE BIG GUYS! 50% off lenses w/frame is another trick! Example: S.U. Lenses $120.00 - 50% = $60.00 We are $45 Everyday! 3 YES!! You can try 5 pairs of frames at home, BUT we have 1,000 similar frames at a Lower Price!! (With Spring Hinges!)

4.WE ARE NOT THE BIG GUYS! BEWARE of the optical chains that say you will get an extra $30-$50 off when you go there and use your insurance! They mark up their glasses $100 more than us to do that! LESSON! You do not get something for nothing! WE TAKE THE SAME PLANS!

5.WE ARE NOT THE BIG GUYS! 2 for $69 will get you in their door BUT NOT OUT! (without spending $369). We have 1000 eyeglasses at $49-$99 COMPLETE EVERY DAY!!! That beats the small selection of $58 special frames at discount chain stores! Plus, Same Day Service (s.v.)

•We STRETCH Your Dollars! •We STRETCH Your Insurance Dollars

• By Offering 1000 Pairs at Under $100.00 COMPLETE!

•More NEW Stylish Plastic Frames than Anyone!

• Doctor In. Call for an Appointment!

•1 Hour Service Available

•Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Huntingdon Valley Happenings

Monday, June 12

Evening Book Club Huntingdon Valley Library Friends Learning Lab, 625 Red Lion Road. 7-8 p.m. Discussion of Circling the Sun, by Paula McLain. Free and open to all. Book available at circulation desk. 215-947-5138 or HVLibrary.org.

Tuesday, June 13

Lower Moreland Township Board of Commissioners meeting 7 to 9:30 p.m. Township Building, 640 Red Lion Road.

Wednesday, June 14

Women’s Bible Study Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church, 2364 Huntingdon Pike. 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. Coordinator: Naomi Trask. TraskNaomi001@ gmail.com or 215-630-6186.

Thursday, June 15

Lower Moreland Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting 7 p.m. Township Building, 640 Red Lion Road.

Friday, June 16

Movie Matinee Huntingdon Valley Library community room, 625 Red Lion Road. I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Sponsored by Friends of Huntingdon Valley Library. Free. 11 a.m.

Saturday, June 17

Cruise & Brewz 1-4 p.m. Moss Mill Brewing Company, 109 Pike Circle, Unit D. Live music. Free. Continues July 2 and Sept. 2. MossMillBrewing.com.

Sunday, June 18

Weekly Service Community Worship at St. John’s Church of Our Saviour (Episcopal), Sundays in Huntingdon Valley Chapel (1309 Welsh Road) at 10 a.m.

Monday, June 19

Summer Soccer Camps Sponsored by Huntingdon Valley Athletic Association. For boys and girls born 2009-17. Valley Center Park, 445 Red Lion Road. Week-long camps weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Drop-off starts at 8:30 a.m. Camps begin June 19, June 26, July 10, July 24 and Aug. 7. $150 per week or $625 for all five weeks. Free T-shirt. Register: hvaa.net/soccer.

Vacation Bible School Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church, 2364 Huntingdon Pike. 9 a.m. to noon. Continues June 20, 21 and 22. Coordinator Laura Haines. 215-947-5500.

19006 18 SUMMER 2023
DO
WE
REPAIRS
BIGGEST SELECTION OF RAY BANS AROUND!
• Davis • Bravo • NVA • Local Unions • FOP • AETNA • Spectera • Healthpartners • Mercy Health Plan • Keystone • Eyemed • VBA • Carpenter’s • Medicare • Superior • Liberty • March Vision • SEPTA • Cigna Actual Designers Include: Vera Wang, Dana Buchman, Coach, Versace, D&G, Fendi etc. * not an actor or singers name on glasses! With the purchase of lenses Minimum frame purchase of $100.00 after discount. Not valid on sale items, previous purchases or with any other discounts, coupons, offers or third party billings. Coupons may not be combined. Exp. 02/28/2023. $100 OFF ALL DESIGNER FRAMES THE BOTTOM LINE IS: Glasses & Contacts Galore Everyday Price Beats Most Stores’ Sale Prices! Mon, Tues, Fri 10-6 Sat 10-4 Wed & Thurs 10-8

LIFESTYLE 19006

from page 14

previously only fantasize about.

“I would say it’s my favorite part of the job. I’m working with somebody who is having one of their best days. Usually, it’s their birthday or they’re celebrating something. They’re going somewhere that’s going to be really fun and they’re driving something that’s going to be really cool,” Messenger says a lot of his clients are brought in as a surprise. “They have a family member, maybe their wife or their kids who bring them here without them knowing so you get to see them realize what’s going on and light up. It’s one of my favorite things about the job.”

They also love to give back.

“We had a local kid who had brain cancer and we invited him to the warehouse and then took him out for a ride. We’re big on that.,” Safady and his father are both cancer survivors. His mother passed away from cancer 14 years ago. “For me, it’s really simple to just always say yes to stuff like that. We’re fortunate to have these vehicles. It’s so hard not to say yes to as many things

as we can possibly do if it’s for a good cause.

They recently worked with For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation.

“If there’s a family member who had cancer they send the family on a vacation,” Messenger explains. “We did some chauffeur work for them getting people to and from the airports. They just knew that they had a ride coming for them. They probably thought that it was going to be a van or something like that. It’s a good kick-off to that trip.”

DRIVING THE DREAM

When Safady called the cars celebrities he meant it.

“That’s another fun part of our business,” Messenger says. ”I thank Ryan for this because this is an example of him looking to diversify the business, we do a lot of video production. Our cars have been in a ton of television shows, movies, and music videos.”

Safady says that he realized that some

clients were renting the cars just to feature them in their own music videos.

“We saw what people were using the cars for. So we opened up our warehouse so you could do the production right there,” Safady says. The two-hour package is more affordable than the car rental fee making it a great option for emerging artists.

The cars have also been included in big studio productions like Billions, Mare of Easttown, Scenes from a Marriage, Suits, and Madam Secretary.

We’re always excited to see what production company is working with us. It’s always fun to spot it,” Safady recently noticed an Imagine Lifestyle car on Shahs of Sunset. “I was watching it with my wife and I was like, oh my God that’s our BMW.” — 19006

If you want to drive your dream car to make a grand entrance at a special event, impress a client, or treat yourself to a little luxury check out imaginelifestyles.com and follow @ imagine.lifestyles on Instagram and @imaginelifestyles on TikTok.

SUMMER 2023 19 19006 NM-00015623 *Offer expires: 7/31/23. Offer valid with purchase of custom cabinet renewal from Kitchen Saver. Must be presented and used at time of estimate  only. May not be combined with other offers or applied to previous purchases. Minimum purchase required. See representative for details. Qualified buyers only. Valid only at select locations. See location for details. Cabinet style and feature availability varies by location and may be different than pictured. PA HIC #PA063180, DE Contractor #2013605887, Ohio Registration #2219521, NJ HIC #13VH08343300. kitchensaver.com/news We make it easy to transform your kitchen! $0 $0 $0 DOWN INTEREST PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS 1-866-921-0348
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