Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, February 2023

Bringing People Together

Newtown Square

Friends & Neighbors

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Crissy Everhart Photography, www.CrissyEverhart.com

COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Blush Salon, Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab

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Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse, 610 453 5536 Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

SUBMISSIONS

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,

Did I take the chance? Yes, I did. I took the chance in January when this new issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors went to print. Back when Sheila Turner-Hilliard was getting this new February issue of Newtown Square’s hometown magazine ready for our printer, and going up online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com, by interviewing, writing and coordinating with others on our team. It was time to take that chance.

In mid January, while my very capable Executive Assistant Lisa Jeffries was working with our Experts, and our talented Graphic Designer Kim Cesati was creating page layouts, that executive decision that only the Publisher could make, had to be made. Time was running out. Faithful fandom had to prevail using some Delco attitude weeks in advance of the Super Bowl to keystroke for thousands to read: Go Eagles! Go on to win Super Bowl LVII!

Oh boy! How’s that look now when you’re reading this? I hope come February 12th, that our hometown magazine is still on your coffee table and we’re all watching our hometown Philadelphia Eagles power on to victory. Either way, Sheila’s “How To Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday” feature on pg. 33 provides us with great ideas to prepare for the big game we hope to see our hometown Eagles playing.

Taking that chance is not a new thing for our magazine. While we’re now in our fifth year, and the success of our magazine is well affirmed by so many faithful readers responding so often, there were bigger chances taken by those who helped launch our magazine back in 2018, on a bigger risk than if the Eagles would make it to the Super Bowl this year. And not by our staff either. We knew we would be Bringing People Together. No, the chances taken were taken by our Charter Sponsors, our first advertisers, who saw how important it could be for Newtown Square residents to have a hometown magazine, and so they funded the launch of our publication. It was the right chance to take at that time. It was business leadership in our community. And it still is since most of those same business owners, like you, live in our community and love reading each new monthly issue of our magazine, which they make possible. I call it Reader Leadership.

I know you’ll enjoy this new issue with many enjoyable features we have for you in this new issue. And if you are a reader who enjoys reading every new issue, consider becoming a Reader Leader of our magazine, whether a homeowner or business owner, as I share this month in my “Bringing People Together” feature on page 14.

Bob Blaisse

Dear Residents,

Oh February, you’re the longest-shortest month of the year! While we’re all looking forward to fresh air and flowers, I hope you’ll take some time to slow down and feel the warmth and love around you. Perhaps we’ll even get a few snowy days and cozy nights by the fireplace, too.

We have several fun and interesting stories to share! First, you’ll meet The Malloy Family, whose hearts and home are filled with lots of love this Valentine’s Day. This month we also take some time to celebrate our Boy Scouts and highlight Marple Newtown High School’s upcoming musical, The Addams Family. Finally, be sure to check out our Business Profile, which features Rey Azteca where you can enjoy delicious authentic Mexican food and drinks at our own little piece of Mexico!

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

Turner-Hilliard

Bringing People Together

Friends & Neighbors

The Malloy Family

Hearts Full of Love

Sheila

Content Coordinator

The Malloy Family at Saw Mill Park in Newtown Square

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

Lou Matteo

Repairs & Service

Edgemont Automotive

5040 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610 - 353- 9868 • EdgemontAuto@verizon.net www.EdgemontAutomotive.com

Dance Instruction

Kaitlin Battiste

From the Top Dance 3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square 610 - 353- 2623

• Info@FromTheTopDance.com www.FromTheTopDance.com

Electric Service, Residential/Commercial

Andrew Martella, Sr. Martella Electric Company 484 - 498 - 2965 • MartellaElectric@rcn.com www.MartellaElectric.com

Exterior

& Interior Painting

Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting 610 - 359 - 8500 • Office@ThompsonPainting.net www.ThompsonPainting.net

Family Law Trial Attorney

Deborah M. Truscello, Esq. Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello 610 - 892- 4940 • DmtofLaw@gmail.com www.TruscelloLaw.com

Fireplace Products

Scott Magness

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

Funeral Home

Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D. DANJOLELL Memorial Homes 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610 - 356 - 4200 • RobJr@DANJOLELL.com www. DANJOLELL .com

Hair Salon

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

Abbott Drive, Broomall 610 - 328 - 4341 • SciulliAndSons@hotmail.com www.LenAndSons.com

Investor Coaching

Brendan Magee

Inevitable Wealth Coaching

Real Estate Sales

Sarah Forti, Realtor

Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty

610- 299- 3969

• Brendan@CoachGee.com www.CoachGee.com

Landscape

TJ Warner

Design & Landscaping

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

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

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The Malloy Family Hearts Full of Love

This month, we are pleased to introduce you to The Malloy Family, whose love for their family, our community and lifelong service toward others will warm your heart.

Mary Beth grew up right here in Newtown Square. She said her parents moved here from Havertown when she was two years old. Mary Beth is the middle child of five with two older brothers, a younger brother and a younger sister. She went to St. Anastasia for grade school and graduated high school from Cardinal O’Hara.

Mary Beth continued her education at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, then received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Villanova University. “My first job out of college was with a risk management company’s marketing department,” she explained. “I then went to work for PMG Capital on the trading desk alongside my father and my brother.”

Though Mary Beth enjoyed working outside the home, she decided to switch gears after the birth of her second child. “I put my time and energy into raising my growing family,” she said. “I loved volunteering at my children’s schools and enjoyed being involved in their activities.” Today, Mary Beth is a busy Mimi! She watches her two adorable grandchildren a few days a week and volunteers for The Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps, dedicated to improving the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Dave was born and raised in York, PA, where he lived with his parents and five older siblings. He attended East York Elementary and York Suburban High School, where he played drums in the marching band and with a blues/rock band in his spare time. He went to Lehigh University, where he enjoyed serving as Social Chairman for his Sigma Chi fraternity and earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

From there, Dave went to Georgia Tech for his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Drexel University for his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and earned his M.B.A. from Columbia University. "I went to Drexel and Columbia while married, with a growing family and a full-time job," Dave said. "It certainly was a crazy time that my wife likes to remind me of from time to time!"

Dave began his career as a Flight Controls Engineer at Boeing Helicopters and then as a Management Consultant at Deloitte Consulting. He also worked part-time as an adjunct professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at Villanova. Today, Dave works as the Director of Facilities for a division of Lockheed Martin. “I really enjoy leading a team that provides services to locations that manufacture helicopters, radars and defense systems

Dave and Mary Beth’s grandkids, Rosie and Brendan

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Dave and Mary Beth Malloy

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia and Poland,” he explained. “Every single day is different and exciting.”

Mary Beth and Dave’s love story began after they first met at Smokey Joe’s Bar in Philadelphia. “Dave and I had mutual friends that kept trying to set us up, but neither one of us was interested in going on a blind date,” Mary Beth said. “It just happened to be that we both showed up at the bar that night to meet our friends and we hit it off.” The couple began dating and a few years later, got engaged and began planning their wedding.

They married at St. Anastasia’s and had their wedding reception at Aronimink Golf Club. “For our honeymoon, we rented a house in a remote part of St. Johns in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Dave said. “The house was at the end of a long road which was peaceful and serene until the power went out!”

He laughed when he said the best part was that, right before Mary Beth fell sound asleep, she said that with no power and no communication, if something bad happened to them, no one would ever know. “Needless to say, I didn’t sleep a wink that night!”

When they returned from their honeymoon, Mary Beth and Dave began married life in Broomall, then bought a home on Tyson Road in Newtown Square. “We lived there for 24 years before moving back to the house

I grew up in to care for my ailing father,” Mary Beth said. “We loved our time on Tyson Rd. It was the perfect neighborhood to raise our kids, and many of our neighbors have become life-long friends.”

Maureen is Mary Beth and Dave’s oldest child. She went to St. Anastasia for grade school and the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur for High

School. Maureen graduated from the University of Notre Dame and works as a Director of Product Marketing for Evidation Health. She is married to Kevin Loester and their kids, Rosie and Brendan, bring so much joy to the family. Their second-born, Maggie, also went to St. Anastasia and the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. Maggie graduated from St. Joe’s University, where she ran cross country and track. She is still an avid runner today and competes in local races. Maggie works as a Marketing Manager of Investment Manager Services at SEI Investments.

Michael is Dave and Mary Beth’s third child who went to Culbertson Elementary School and graduated from St. Katherine’s

Dave and Mary Beth’s kids (L to R): Danny, Maggie, Michael, Bridget and Maureen

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Day School. Michael was born with Down Syndrome and Esophageal Atresia, leading him to significant medical challenges throughout his life. “Despite all his challenges, he is such a bright light in our lives,” Mary Beth explained. “We are in awe of his perseverance; he is such a blessing to us.”

These days you will find Michael with his friends at The Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps and competing in Special Olympics events. You also may have spotted Michael and Dave riding their tandem bicycle around town. Michael loves bowling, basketball, bocce, baseball and spending time with his friend and support staff, Otweenlaa Youssef (OT). “OT is a gift and has become a member of our family,” remarked Mary Beth.

Next in line is their fourth child, Bridget. Bridget went to St. Anastasia and the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur like her older sisters. She graduated from Fordham University and now works as a Business Analyst for DaVita Kidney Care. Bridget also enjoys running and spending time at the beach with her friends. Rounding out the crew is their youngest, Danny, who went to St. Aloysius Academy and Malvern Preparatory School. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame last year and works as an analyst for Altman Solon in New York City. Danny enjoys working out at the gym, playing basketball with his friends and entertaining as a DJ at parties. The Malloys have a lot of love for each other and recently made more room in their hearts and home by adopting some furry

friends. Finn, a Weimaraner Dachshund mix, and Montana, a Golden Retriever named after Joe Montana, joined the family a few years ago and are inseparable.

Service to the community is paramount for Mary Beth, Dave and their kids. They are members of St. Anastasia and say they live their lives guided by their Catholic faith.

“The most important value we taught our kids is to serve the community,” Dave said. “We believe that helping others will not only spread happiness but bring you happiness as well.”

Mary Beth said that after Michael was born, she met Jennifer and Rex Hudler, who also had a son with Down Syndrome. Rex was playing baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies at the time, and together, they started Team Up for Down Syndrome, which raises funds to help improve the lives of those with Down Syndrome. Rex and Jennifer now live in Kansas City, where they continue the mission.

Today, Dave and Mary Beth are founding members of The Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps. “We teamed up with a group of amazing parents and professionals in 2021,” explained Mary Beth. “The Service Corps’ mission is to provide adults with intellectual disabilities the resources and support to live every day with purpose and joy.” The members include individuals with intellectual disabilities, professional staff and volunteers from Villanova University and the local community. They meet three afternoons each week to engage in exercise, cooking, arts, dance and life skills development. Mary Beth was proud to say, “This year, we have partnered with Bunny Hare’s Gift Shop, where we sell our craft projects. All of the money raised goes directly back to our group.”

Father Bill Atkinson was an Augustinian priest and teacher who became a quadriplegic due to a tobogganing accident in 1965. He studied at Villanova University and taught for 30 years at his alma mater, Monsignor Bonner High School. Despite his disability, he lived an exemplary life of service. Dave said, “We chose him as our patron because, like Father Bill, our members thrive on volunteering and serving the community with the help of volunteers.”

Molly Shawhan directs the Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps. A few of Mary Beth and Dave’s siblings are part of the team, and

Otweenlaa Youssef and Michael share a very special bond

Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Malloy

all their children are volunteers. The Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps is looking forward to serving more individuals in 2023, and they invite our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors to learn more and get involved. If interested, please visit their website www.FriendsOfFatherBill.org.

Publisher’s Note: Sheila’s feature about The Malloy Family is one of her best. Thank you Sheila. And thanks too for including how Dave and Mary Beth Malloy recently founded The Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps, named after the paraplegic priest who I remember well in his first assignment at Monsignor Bonner. I was too young to fully comprehend the significance of Fr. Bill being the first quadriplegic ordained to the priesthood in the 2000year history of the Catholic Church. But now, my older self reads Fr. Bill’s beautiful poem (below), as saintly words of wisdom to more often give help to others and to accept help when I need it. Dave, Mary Beth, you surely have selected a likely future Catholic saint as your patron and inspiration for the service mission of your foundation. For readers interested in learning more about Servant of God, Fr. Bill Atkinson, and his cause for canonization to sainthood, visit: www.augustinian.org/atkinson-guild. N S

The Strength of Others - Father Bill Atkinson

“How’d you do it?” People would say So confining, day after day Having others around for constant care Ever wonder if life’s unfair?

“How’d you do it?” People would ask Is it better now than in the past? To see others do what you did before Realizing, you can’t do them anymore

“How’d you do it?” People have said Needing help in-n-out of bed Doubts at times? Patience wearing thin? Ever wonder how it will end?

How’d you do it? Day after day This path taken wasn’t my way The choice was Another’s, not my own He sent me help. Couldn’t do it alone

How’d I do it? Let me confide Always with others right at my side Family and friends from the start Gave me love in no small part

How’d I do it? Day after day Would not have it, any other way They shared triumphs and setbacks too Been blest, when I look back in review

How’d I do it? Let me reply On those who help me, I totally relied They taught me to live, not just to cope With their love they gave me hope

How’d I do it? Day after day Help of others along the way Valued friends, sisters and brothers I simply borrowed – the strength of others

Keep

Call Deborah M. Truscello TODAY!

• Personal injury

• Family law

• Wills & Estates

• Social security disability

• Work injury claims

• Real estate

You Know the Legal Expert. Is It Time to Get Expert Legal Advice?

Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello 206 West State Street, Suite 100, Media www.TruscelloLaw.com 610-892-4940

by Lisa Jeffries

Jared Kaplan

FEBRUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The February Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is JaredKaplan,aSenioratMarpleNewtownHighSchool(MNHS), who received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.

Jared’s vast array of accomplishments and activities make it obvious as to why he is our Student of the Month this month. He has been on the Honor Roll every marking period dating back to the 7th grade, and he is a two time winner of the Positive on People Award. As the President of the National English Honor Society, as well as a member of both the Science and Social Studies National Honor Societies, Jared takes his academics and affiliations very seriously.

Jared is also a Student Council Representative, a Renaissance Program Leader (which encourages its members to get involved, keep their grades up and maintain good attendance), a committee member of Feeding Fellow Americans and the Head of the Donor and Alumni Relations Committee for the ‘For the Kids’ (FTK) organization, which raises money to combat childhood cancer.

At the same time, Jared enjoys plenty of other extracurricular activities including being the Captain of the Varsity Tennis team for two years, playing Varsity Soccer and acting as the Team Representative for the Tiger Athletic Leadership Council. Since the age of 10, Jared has also been an active member of the Marple Newtown Basketball Association. He’s also very

environmentally minded, volunteering for the Darby Creek Valley Association’s environmental cleanup efforts.

Along with all of his academic, athletic and volunteer efforts, Jared also works as Floor Manager at Jumpers Family Fun Zone, where he’s known for his kind and friendly manner with everyone he meets. He will be heading to college in September, where he hopes to continue his forward path to even greater accomplishments and accolades. You are a rising star Jared, and your Marple Newtown Friends & Neighbors wish you well in all of your future endeavors. N S

Any grade 7–12 student who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District may be nominated by a parent, teacher or other adult who submits in writing some ways the student demonstrates Excellence in Service to friendship, school or other local communities. Academic or athletic excellence is not required. Email your nomination to Lisa Jeffries at LJeffries@BestVersionMedia. com. The selected nominee will be featured in a future issue and will also receive a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 Casey’s Public House gift card.

Nominate the Next Student of the Month!

February Casey’s Student of the Month Jared Kaplan with Casey’s Manager Chuck Rawlings Photo courtesy of Josh and Lisa Kaplan

by Andrew Martella Martella Electric

To determine if your home is as safe as it could be during the cold winter months, here are some things to check regularly and to always keep in mind, both inside and out.

Outside

After the holiday lights are taken down and put away for next season, what needs to be done now in order to keep things safe, neat and tidy for the rest of winter? While you make a visual inspection of your home’s interior and exterior, keep in mind the following:

• Make sure all power outlets have the proper weatherproof covers in place.

• Are your wall lights secured properly with no broken glass or pieces?

• Look at the power cables and meter box, to verify that everything is attached properly and the wiring is in place without any cracks or broken coverings.

• If you have a portable generator, make sure the power outlet is secure.

• If you have a house generator, now is a good time to make sure the area around the unit is clear of trash, leaves or any other debris that could clog the air vent on the unit.

• Is your snow blower tuned up, gassed up and ready for duty?

Inside

• Are your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in working order with fresh batteries?

• Check the plugs and cords on portable electric heaters, to make sure they are not broken or cracked. (This includes ceramic, strip element and fluid-filled units.)

• Make sure your fireplace ash pit is cleaned out and your chimney flue is clean.

• Never run extension cords under carpeting — even for only an hour!

• Are your power/surge strips in proper working order? Make sure they are not overloaded, especially if a portable heater is using one of the plugs.

• Never leave or forget about candles that are burning. They can be especially dangerous if left unattended.

• If you have toddlers, are all safety gates and cabinet locks in place?

Some of these things seem like common sense, but that also makes them less likely to be high on your list of regular safety checks. Stay safe all winter long, so you can welcome spring knowing everything is in perfect working order. N S

by Mike Bradley Bradley Tree Experts

If you’ve ever read the book ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein, you realize how much our trees have to give. But it’s our responsibility to take care of them so they don’t have to give all they have, only to disappear.

Pruning and Shaping

When done properly, pruning can improve a tree's healthy appearance, as well as increase the life expectancy of the tree. Proper pruning opens the canopy of the tree to permit air movement and sunlight penetration. It’s important to prune in accordance with accepted tree care standards to ensure that your tree receives the maximum benefit from pruning without being subject to damage.

Cabling and Bracing

This procedure involves the installation of threaded steel rod braces and/or high strength cables to preserve the integrity and natural structure of the tree.

Lightning Protection

This procedure protects your highly valued trees from Mother Nature. Hardware is installed on the tree’s parent limbs which grounds electricity into ground rods instead of bringing disaster to your tree, or possibly your home.

Fertilization

In a forest, decayed leaves and dead plants provide mineral elements and nutrients which trees require to grow. In urban and suburban landscapes, these natural nutrient sources are often raked up or removed. Fertilizing replenishes these deficiencies and helps maintain trees and shrubs in a vigorous condition. Trees and shrubs in good condition are less susceptible to attack by insects and disease, and are able to tolerate other environmental stresses.

Tree Removal

Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. However, tree removal can be dangerous, not just in the use of high-strength equipment, but also to the surrounding area, structures and fellow trees. This is a good time to seek the advice of expert tree care specialists to figure out the logistics.

Stump Removal

Mechanical stump grinding is the most efficient way to remove a stump/roots, because you can replant almost immediately.

Firewood

When a tree has given all it has to give, as in ‘The Giving Tree’, the firewood and mulch can be useful all year long. N S

Bringing People Together

by Bob Blaisse Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

If you enjoy the simple pleasure of reading each new issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors in print or online at: www. NewtownSquareMag.com, then you can imagine how our Content Coordinator Sheila Turner-Hilliard, and Graphic Designer Kim Cesati, our writers and proofreaders are all encouraged by knowing how likely it is that nearly ten thousand Marple Newtown residents feel as you when first seeing each new free monthly issue of your hometown magazine arrive in the mail.

If you can multiply your appreciation that we have a hometown magazine, and how our staff feels rewarded by your kind words, you can understand how wonderful it is for us when one of our advertising Sponsors experiences a thankful reader like you, rewarding them for their decision to give back to Newtown Square residents, by paying the expenses that make our hometown magazine possible.

Advertising Sponsors make our Bringing People Together mission a party, attended monthly by thousands of our hometown friends and neighbors, readers like you who call Newtown Square their hometown. And these business leaders in our community are mindful of that mission, which they make possible because they hear from you, those of you we call Reader Leaders! And we need more of you to join our Bringing People Together mission

on a larger scale. More readers who will step up to be advertising Sponsors, and more readers who will reward our advertising Sponsors with a choice to do business with them first, in thanks for funding our magazine.

Any reader of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, whether a business owner or a homeowner, can be a Reader Leader. Either by making contact with me to become an advertising Sponsor, or by contacting one of our Sponsors to thank them for their investment in hometown pride, and to let them know that you’ll choose to do business with them first.

Reader Leadership helps grow our hometown magazine by adding advertising Sponsors whose decision to advertise allows us to gradually increase our hometown magazine page count, which then allows us to publish more monthly features about Newtown Square residents, sports and non-profit organizations, and local businesses. By adding more advertising Sponsors, we can add to our hometown party that is Bringing People Together.

If you are a local business owner, or know a business expert you trust and believe should be seen in Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, invite them to the party. And if your Reader Leadership brings in a new advertising Sponsor, I’ll be asking if we can share your name with readers, and asking you to select a feature family to be on the cover of an upcoming issue.

The steps to becoming a Reader Leader are on the next page. Think about extending your personal invitation to a business you know, to come join the party that’s Bringing People Together in your hometown.

Blaisse

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

A Piece of Mexico in Newtown Square: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo All Year Long!

Think you have to wait for National Guacamole Day, Taco Tuesday or even Cinco de Mayo to celebrate and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine? Think again! At Rey Azteca, every day is a reason to celebrate!

Yes folks, there is a “piece of Mexico” right here in Newtown Square. Tucked away in the Edgmont Shopping Center is Rey Azteca, serving up authentic Mexican food made with highquality ingredients. Since opening its doors in January 2020, patrons have been raving about their mouth-watering variety of delicious food served in a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. Their lunch and dinner menus are endless. And their margaritas are, quite simply, Perfecta!

Rey Azteca’s co-Owner Jenny Palacios grew up in the restaurant industry. She worked in her family’s multiple restaurants, at the cash register, as a Server and as a Hostess, but mostly learning the restaurant business from her father. Jenny fell in love with it but wasn’t sold on the idea of making it a career until she met and married Alan Lamarca, who shared her enjoyment of the restaurant scene. Jenny and Alan decided to team up and start their own restaurant.

Rey Azteca Newtown Square is the third of its kind that Jenny and Alan have recently opened in PA. They chose Newtown Square because it has few Mexican restaurants and they saw an opportunity to grow with an active, bustling community. “Even though Alan and I are the co-Owners of Rey Azteca,” Jenny said, “it is and will always be a family effort.” Their families are always helping them change up the menu, to add even more delectable dishes or to modify their guacamole and make it “just right.” And Jenny’s father and uncle came up with the name Rey Azteca. Rey means ‘King’ so why not be the King of the Aztecs and, well, of food.

Opening a restaurant just months before a global pandemic was not something any business owner anticipated, but Jenny and Alan were incredibly grateful for their fan-base of loyal customers. Jenny said, “By supporting us with take-out orders for food and margaritas, the restaurant was able to survive.” Customers not only showed up to financially support Rey Azteca, but many also took to social media, leaving rave reviews and offering recommendations on what to order.

Their success and ability to shift their operations to take-out during the pandemic allowed them to explore and expand to their fourth location, West Goshen. It is right down West Chester Pike, and primarily offers quick take-out menu items. There are a few tables in the restaurant, and though that “piece of Mexico” does not serve alcohol, it serves the same fresh, authentic Mexican meals.

Rey Azteca’s extensive menu offers everything that’s delicious and beautiful about Mexican cuisine: a variety of flavors, colors, spices, and fresh ingredients. From sizzling skillet fajitas and burritos to

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Left: Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant Owners Alan Lamarca and Jenny Palacios Below: The Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant Team

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

tacos and salads, there’s something for everyone, even a vegetarian selection. They recently introduced some new menu items that will make your mouth water. The Mas Chingon Burrito is a 10” burrito filled with grilled chicken, Spanish rice, and refried beans and topped with a slice of skirt steak, home green tomatillo sauce, pico de gallo and a fried jalapeño. Other new items include Enchiladas El Patron and Pollo Al Gusto.

One of their most popular dishes, Tacos de Pastor, features three tortillas filled with marinated pork and pineapple and topped with fresh cilantro and onions. This dish wouldn’t be complete without a side of refried beans and Spanish rice. But be sure to save room for Churros drizzled with chocolate and topped with whipped cream and a cherry!

If the food alone isn’t enough to convince you to grab your sombrero and head over there, the margarita menu will! Jenny and Alan agree that their signature Rey Azteca Margarita is a powerhouse and, by far, their most ordered drink on the menu. It’s a delicious blend of Patrón Reposado Tequila, Patrón Citrónge Orange and Grand Marnier. In the mood for a margarita without the extra calories? Jenny says their Skinny Jalapeño Margarita is just as delicious. New to the menu are their Margarita Towers and 39oz Monster Margaritas topped with fresh fruit. Other fun options are their Coconut Blue and El Jefe margaritas. They also offer a variety of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

The staff at Rey Azteca is excited for warmer weather and outdoor dining this summer! Make plans to enjoy lunch or dinner on their beautiful patio every day of the week. Gather some friends for a great meal and drinks while enjoying live music and mariachi nights. And get updates about upcoming events

and food and drink specials by following them on Facebook (@ReyAztecaOfNewtownSquare).

Combine all their authentic Mexican dishes, friendly and quick service, colorful decor, outdoor dining and music, and this new “piece of Mexico” will soon become your favorite mini staycation! Rey Azteca at 4755 West Chester Pike (near the Regal movie theater) is open Monday – Thursday 11am–9pm; Friday and Saturday 11am–10pm and Sunday 11am–9pm. Head on over there sometime soon to enjoy lunch or dinner, or call 484-4277803 to place a take-out order. And be sure to thank Jenny and Alan for bringing this superb piece of Mexico to our community and for being a Sponsor of our hometown Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine! N S

Photos courtesy of Jenny Palacios

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography

Historic Friends & Neighbors: Newtown and Edgmont Townships

by Doug Humes Photos courtesy of Newtown Square Historical Society

The United States celebrated its 200th birthday in Philadelphia on July 4th, 1976. The Bicentennial was a stone in the pond, whose ripples continue to be felt. In Newtown Square, some history-minded people got excited about their own history, noticed that Newtown Township would be 300 years old in 1981, and ended up writing a thorough local history book, “Historic Newtown Township”, reinvigorating their historic society, and then planning and hosting one of the largest parades in the history of Delaware County, 1981’s Tricentennial Parade.

The ripples reached to Oak Lodge on Middletown Road in Gradyville, where long-time resident Jane Levis Carter had been keeping research notes and records on Edgmont Township since her childhood. Born in 1909, she recalled hearing local history the old fashioned way, from conversations among customers in the busy nearby general store. The Bicentennial announcement spurred her to action with her lifetime of research – she began to weave it all together for a planned book.

With no Internet, she researched in local libraries, reviewing documents, maps, photos and records. But she also talked with people: “I’ve talked to six generations of people and their memories go way back. The oldest woman I talked to was Mrs. Lydia Ann Baker. She was born in 1838.”

Front cover of “Historic Newtown Township” book. Reprints are available from the Newtown Square Historical Society.

Jane’s previous writing effort was a book of poetry published in 1966. She tried to infuse her history book with the same style: “I think it is documentarily accurate, but written with poetry and lyricism.” Her book, “Edgmont: The Story of a Township” was published in 1976, just in time for the Bicentennial.

Long-time resident Bob Steiner met Jane several years before her death in 2004, as he had questions about his historic home. He remembers her as “a lovely lady, passionate for what she did.” He asked whether she was a Quaker – because of the Quaker values that permeate her

book, and still seem to be rooted in the Township. Interviewed in 1976, Jane described what she found in the writing effort: “I found my own book screaming back at me, saying “Look at what we’ve lost”. …There is a tremendous lesson to be learned here. Somehow we must find this sense of purpose again. Through the book I see that the great strengths of the past have been when man was unified with a common purpose. We need to find that again.”

It’s a timely lesson for today’s generations as well. The Newtown history book closed with the following prescient forecast: “(G)reat changes await us in the near future. If these expectations are realized, even the modest town of today will be in large measure obliterated, or vastly changed. This book and our Mill House Museum will remain for future generations to contemplate, to bring to life again the bygone days as a record for all time to come.”

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

Jane’s grave at Willistown Friends Meeting

Carl & Alice Lindborg, husband and wife authors of “Historic Newtown Township” in their home in Newtown Square, circa 1976.

Daily through February 26

Flight On Ice

@4901 West Chester Pk, Newtown Square

Newtown Square’s pop-up outdoor ice-skating rink is back and offers fun for the entire family. This winter wonderland features a 60’ x 100’ full-size outdoor skating rink, a heated hospitality tent with food, drinks and merchandise. Special events and live music are on the schedule to keep you entertained this winter.

Time: Wed. and Thurs. 4 – 8pm; Fri. 4 – 10pm; Sat. 11am – 10pm; Sun. 11am – 8pm

Cost: Check their website for current Season Pass, Family Pass and Individual Ticket pricing. 610-627-2100 www.FlightOnIce.com

Saturdays in February

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

Daily through March 5

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

@Delaware River Waterfront

101 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia

Philly’s favorite Winter wonderland on the Waterfront is back with thousands of sparkling lights, warming cabins, firepits and ice rink. Reserve tickets in advance.

Time: Mon.–Thurs. 1 – 11pm; Fri. 1pm – 1am; Sat. 11am – 1am; Sun. 11am – 11pm

Cost: Skating $5, Skate Rental $12 215-922-2386 www.DelawareRiverWaterfront.com

Daily through March 26

Winter Wonder

@Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square

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

Time: Visit website for times and tickets.

Cost: $16 – $30 610-388-1000 www.LongwoodGardens.org

Saturdays and Sundays February through April

Devon/Berwyn Antique and Vintage Flea Market

@Valley Fair Shopping Center 260 W. Swedesford Rd, Berwyn

Indoor/Outdoor flea market featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry and clothing, glassware, artwork, vinyl and more.

Time: 9am – 4pm

Cost: FREE admission 215-625-3532 www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org

Mondays in February

Book Trip Mondays with Miss Mel

@Marple Public Library

2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall

Have the most wonderful time together by taking a trip around the children's department to find all the books you want to take home! During our traditional book treks, we will continue to learn about all the sections of the children's department and where to find our favorite books. Recommended for children of all ages accompanied by parent(s) and/or guardian.

No Registration Required.

Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm Cost: FREE 610-356-1510 www.MarpleLibrary.org

Sat. February 11 – Sun. March 5

Junie B. Jones The Musical JR. @Media Theatre

104 E. State St, Media

Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie's best friend Lucille has found new best friends, and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Add in an intense kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting.

Time: Shows are Saturdays and Sundays. Check the website for show times. Cost: $17 – $22 610-891-0100 www.MediaTheatre.org

Sun. February 12

15th Annual Feel the Love 5K

@Wilson Farm Park

1601 Darby Rd, Wayne

There is no other race like this! Scoring for the race will consist of a couple’s COMBINED final times. This is a unique and motivational race where it takes two to do well! With four couple categories to choose from, there is something for everyone! INDIVIDUALS ARE WELCOME TO RACE. A virtual race option is also available. Proceeds benefit the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at Jefferson Hospital and the Bryn Mawr Running Club.

Time: 11am Cost: $35 www.RunSignUp.com/Race/PA/Wayne/FeeltheLove5K

Tues. February 14

Valentine’s Day

Pick Your Project Workshop

@Board & Brush

210 S Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square

Create your own unique wood signs when selecting a wood project from our gallery. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful finished piece for you or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint and wood stain colors.

Time: 6:30 – 9:30pm

Cost: $73 each or 2 for $110. Use the discount code VDAY23 when placing 2 bookings of a $73 value on the same transaction. Must place 2 bookings - one project per person in order to get the discount. Pre-registration is required. 610-883-2679 www.BoardAndBrush.com

Wed. February 15

CPR Training

@Marple Township Ambulance Corps 8 N. Malin Rd, Broomall

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

Time: 7pm Cost: FREE

Wed. February 15

The New Newtown Firehouse

@Newtown Firehouse

2 Charles Ellis Dr, Newtown Square

Preston Tyrrell will give a short history of the Newtown Square Fire Department and then give a tour of their beautiful new facility.

Time: 7pm Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org

Sun. February 19

Valentine’s Fashion Show Fundraiser

@Anthony’s at Paxon Hollow 850 Paxon Hollow Rd, Media

The Marple Civic Youth and Mad Hatter Boutique are hosting a Valentine’s Fashion show. Price includes a lunch buffet and fashion show featuring Spring fashions and prom dresses. Visit the Marple Civic Youth’s Facebook or Instagram pages for the sign up link.

RSVP by February 9th.

Time: 11am – 3pm Cost: $40

Fri. February 24

An Evening with Medical Professionals in the Arts

@Newtown Public Library

209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square

Medical professionals have made tremendous sacrifices over the last few years. But some have found solace and inspiration in the arts! We’re fortunate to share 24 of their beautiful works in oil, acrylic, and watercolors. Join us for an Artist’s Reception in the library. Time: 6 - 8pm Cost: FREE www.NewtownLibrary.org

by Brendan Magee Inevitable Wealth Coaching

Want to lose weight? I bet you know exactly what to do to get to your target weight. This would not be the first time you’ve heard –eat less, move more. So why do people fail to lose weight?

My assertion is that, like myself, you have been conditioned to work on the wrong end of the problem. When it comes to solving a problem, human beings tend to look for information. The thought being, the more information and knowledge a person has the more effective they will be at dealing with their issues. What we fail to see is that your results have absolutely nothing to do with how much you know. Results come strictly from behavior. Avoid the doughnuts, hit the gym and the weight will come off. Own equities, diversify globally, buy low/sell high on a systematic basis and you will become wealthier.

The problem is these behaviors must be repeated over a lifetime, not just on an occasional basis. They need to be done even when you do not feel like it. Ask yourself, have you ever said you were going to do something and not done it? Have you ever said you were not going to do something, then done it anyway?

So, who or what is driving the bus? Human beings are anything but automatic. Yes, working out before work would help

lose weight, but getting out of bed for that early workout on a cold morning can become painful. Selling out of a stock portfolio that took a 30 percent plunge would be breaking the golden rule of investing, but you cannot sleep at night thinking about your retirement taking a dirt nap. Instincts and emotions can, without you even realizing it, take control and have you behaving in ways that sabotage your best interests. It happens in the blink of an eye.

Human beings cannot escape being human. We like to think we always act in calm rational ways, but that is not reality. Human beings react to pain, pleasure, fear, greed, biases and misperceptions. There are some things human nature serves well. For example, survival. Human beings dominate this planet like no other species. However, there are some things that our brains are not wired to do well. Consider for example long-term investing, dieting and consistent exercising. It is not that we do not know what to do, our brains simply are not wired to do them over long periods of time. Until we start working on the right end of the problem, our behavior and what is driving it, we’re not going to get the results we’re after. So for 2023, let’s make this the year we start working on the right end of the problem. N S

Recent Newtown Township Home Sales

Address Sold Price Bedrooms Bathrooms Sq. Ft. Acres 219 Charles Ellis Drive . . . . . . $660,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,176 . . 0.76 3705 Columbia Court Way $380,000 3 2.5 2,268 0.03 114 Mulberry Lane $532,500 3 1.5 1,890 0.18 283 W Chelsea Circle. . . . . . $250,400 . . . . 2 . . . . . 1.5 . . . 1,350 . . 0.03 445 Barrows Sheef Lot 123 $1,037,471 4 2.5 3,036 0.10 19 Ridgeview Road . . . . . . . $687,500 . . . . 5 . . . . . 3.5 . . . 3,332 . . 0.13 330 Foxtail Lane . . . . . . . . . $990,462 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,200 . . 0.02 24 26 Paper Mill Road $825,000 3 2.5 2,123 3.63 302 Echo Valley Lane . . . . . . $830,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,603 . . 1.39 447 Barrows Sheef Lot 122 $926,669 3 2.5 2,670 0.10 3525 Runnymead Drive $1,074,000 5 4.5 5,538 0.42 2905 Cornell Court . . . . . . . $340,000 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2.5 . .

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.

MNDrama Presents “The Addams Family”

by Holly Stupak Photos courtesy of MNDrama

America’s darkest family will come to life this Spring at Marple Newtown High School’s Performing Art Center. MNDrama’s production of The Addams Family opens March 16th and this musical adaptation about this creepy and kooky cast of characters is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Based on The Addams Family characters created by Charles Addams, this story about the ghoulish American family explores themes of love, family and growing up. The Addams Family began as a New Yorker cartoon in 1938 and eventually became a primetime show in the 1960s. Since the series, there have been several animated adaptations, blockbusters, a Broadway musical and most recently a Netflix adaptation called Wednesday.

Directed by veteran director Brian Walsh and produced by Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) graduate Tiffany Caprice, MNDrama’s production of The Addams Family features more than 80 MNHS high school students as actors, dancers, stage crew members and musicians. The musical tells the story of the Addams family, a closeknit extended family with macabre interests and supernatural

abilities. Brian said this year was the perfect time to put on a production of The Addams Family. “With the new Netflix series and the cartoon adaptation just a couple years ago, it seems to be the ‘it’ show these days. It’s exciting to bring it to our stage.”

Brian, a fifth-grade teacher in the Upper Darby School district, began directing Marple Newtown students back in 2015. He grew up in Drexel Hill and graduated from Upper Darby High School and Kutztown University. He’s been actively involved in the Upper Darby Summer Stage program since he was young and still works there today as a director, working with elementary-aged students.

Producer Tiffany Caprice graduated from MNHS, where she was active in the drama program as a stage crew member and enjoyed producing one-act plays. She’s now an executive producer with the We The People Company (www.WeThePeople.tv), a production company that merges entertainment with advertising.

Roham Shirazi plays the part of Gomez Addams

What drew Brian and Tiffany to The Addams Family was not just the quirky characters, but the message it brings to the audience. “It’s really about how appearances can be deceiving,” said Brian. “Despite how different someone may seem on the outside, what matters is what is on the inside. And at its core, it’s really about a family who really cares and loves each other.” Tiffany said the show also gives the students the opportunity to create a lot of fun and excitement on stage. “The storyline and musical numbers are really engaging,” she said. “And the crew had a great opportunity to get very creative with the costumes and set.”

The premise of this musical comedy is that 18-year-old Wednesday Addams meets a sweet, smart boy from a “normal” family. From this connection and then a funny meeting between the two families, everything changes for the Addams family. Told through lots of jokes and entertaining song and dance numbers, the show is sure to please fans of the original show as well as those who may be unfamiliar with this ghoulish family. Sophomore Julia Izzo plays Wednesday Addams, a girl obsessed with death who enjoys performing odd science experiments. “Wednesday is really dark and straightforward. It’s fun to play a character who is so different from me,” she said. “And she really inspires people to be open to change.”

Playing the role of Morticia Addams is junior Margaret Schiller who also starred in MN Drama’s 2022 productions of Clue and Matilda the Musical. Margaret said she was a big fan of the original Addams Family television show and especially admired the character of Morticia. “She’s so majestic,” said Margaret. “And even though she’s a more serious character, she still adds humor to the show, so she’s really fun to play.”

Working behind the scenes and at the heart of any successful theater production, is the stage crew. The crew for the production of The Addams Family are responsible for everything from lighting, sound and props to set design. Junior Kaylie Pohlig is the student producer of the show, a role that has given her the opportunity to branch out and take on a leadership role. “It has really changed my whole high school experience,” said Kaylie, who also worked as the student producer of Matilda in 2022. “Not only has it been fun, but I am hoping for a career in theater, so it is really preparing me for the future.”

During production of The Addams Family, the cast and crew were able to meet professional actors, attend workshops and work with dialect coaches. “We really wanted to give the Marple drama

students a bigger, better and memorable experience,” Tiffany explained. They were even able to hear from a stunt coordinator who taught the students how to do some of their own stunts on stage. “This is a great opportunity for them to learn from professionals,” she added. “It’s especially important to those students who want to pursue theater production after high school.”

New to the MNDrama program this year is something called: A Star for A Day. Marple Newtown students of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in an all day acting workshop this Spring that will end with a live cabaret style show for family and friends. “It’s a great opportunity for the high school students to mentor students in the elementary and middle schools who are interested in our drama program,” said Brian.

MNDrama’s cast, crew and orchestra have been working diligently five days a week to perfect the production of this year’s Spring Musical. Audiences will not want to miss The Addams Family: an entertaining, original story that embraces the wackiness in every family. Performances start Thursday, March 16th and run through Saturday, March 18th. Visit www.MNDrama. org for showtimes and ticket information. N S

Above: Rebecca Kennedy (Grandma Addams) and Kayley Brown (Pugsley) rehearse a scene for the show.

Left: Oscar Padilla gets ready to play the part of Uncle Fester

by Michele Quinn & Brittany Naab Blush Salon

Facts About Hair Loss in New Moms

Hairstylists are frequently asked by their clients who are new moms about postpartum hair loss. Here are a few myth-busting facts and good advice about this topic.

Even though it may feel as if you are going bald, you are NOT! Everyday we naturally shed between 50 and 100 hairs. What happens during pregnancy is that due to a rise in hormones and increased blood volume and circulation, we barely shed any hair at all. This is how we end up with gorgeous thick manes that almost every woman wishes she could have for the rest of her life.

After your baby arrives, your hormone levels drop, your hair makes up for lost time by falling out in much bigger clumps than you’re used to. The total volume of your hair loss probably isn’t more than you would have lost over the last nine months, It just seems that way because it’s happening all at once.

Here’s what you need to know and remember:

• Hair loss generally starts sometime between 3-6 months after you give birth.

• Hair loss can last for up to 6 months.

• Hair loss is completely unrelated to breastfeeding.

• No vitamins have been shown to help prevent hair loss, although they are great to keep taking.

• Be gentle when brushing.

If balding in spots does occur and does not return to normal, you can always ask your doctor for minoxidil (generic Rogaine) or similar products.

You may also want to start using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Try Pureology’s Clean Volume, paired with one of their volumizing styling products, to achieve more thickness and overall fullness in your hair. Also using a leave-in treatment such as Redken’s Anti-Snap can help strengthen your new hair strands that are coming in.

As a new mom, you must remember to feed yourself! A healthy diet is always good for a healthy head of hair. You want to make sure you’re eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins, to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs.

It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania kicked off their 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Season on January 19th. Our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors can support their local Girl Scout troops by purchasing their favorite cookies now through March 13th. The assortment of cookies this year includes timeless favorites like Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites®, and Peanut Butter Patties®. New this season is Adventurefuls™, an indulgent brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored creme and a hint of sea salt.

Supporting the Girl Scout Cookie Program is critical to not only sustaining local Girl Scout programs and events, but also to expanding the reach of the Girl Scout experience overall.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program allows girls to earn new Cookie Business badges and to get a taste of what being an entrepreneur involves. Learning important skills like goal setting, decision making, money management and people skills add to the benefits.

To support local Girl Scouts and pick up a box of your favorite Girl Scouts Cookies, contact a Girl Scout in the neighborhood. You can also visit their booth locations at many of our area supermarkets and other local businesses. Finding cookie locations can be done online by visiting www.GirlScoutCookies.org or using the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app for free on iOS or Android devices. N S

2811 West

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) designates the Sunday that falls before February 8th as Scout Sunday, or Scouting Anniversary Day, the day in 1910 on which the Boy Scouts were founded by William Bryce here in the United States. The origins of the Boy Scouts date back to 1908 when Robert Baden-Powell founded the group in London, England, after returning from his time serving with the British Army. He fought in the Second Boer War in South Africa and became a national hero when his troops successfully defended the town in the Seige of Mafeking. Much of his success was credited to his military training manual called Aids to Scouting which he re-wrote to suit youth groups when he returned to England.

Robert Baden-Powell’s revised publication, Scouting for Boys, was published in 1908 in six installments and quickly sparked a movement to form Scout troops across England and beyond. By the

end of 1910, there were over 100,000 Scouts in England, and by 1939, the number of Scouts had grown in excess of 3.3 million around the world.

William Bryce’s introduction and interest in founding the Boy Scouts of America began after a trip to London. Bryce was a businessman who traveled from Chicago to London for a meeting. When he arrived, he became disoriented on the foggy streets of London and was having trouble finding his way. That is when a young lad in a uniform appeared and helped show him the way. Bryce offered to give him a tip, but he refused and said it was simply his good deed for the day as a scout.

When William Bryce returned to Chicago, he told his fellow businessmen about the Boy Scouts and officially founded The Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910. The movement gained momentum, and troops began to spring up across the country and here in Marple Newtown. While the start of World War I took a toll on the scout troops that had been established, some managed to weather the storm of lack of leadership with the men being off at war, while others made a strong comeback as new troops after the war.

My family has a long history of scouting, including my mother, who was a Girl Guide in Canada in her youth. She remained true to scouting roots while living in Newtown Square and raising her family. She volunteered her time with various groups in Delaware County and watched me, my brother and my sisters become scouts ourselves. The legacy continues as I now watch my daughter grow as a female member of Scouts BSA.

Our area’s history of scouting runs deep, and our troops continue to thrive today. Just this past Christmas Eve, my brother pulled out a shirt with a collection of patches my mother had sewn on it. One of the patches showed a joint camporee of five BSA Troops from Newtown Square with patches from 1971 and 1973. After a quick internet search, I discovered that these camporees were regular occurrences held at the Garrett Williamson Lodge and the adjoining Sun Company property for several years.

If you go to the BSA website and look for a current troop to join in Newtown Square Proper, you have a great choice: Troop 315, the oldest in town. Troop 315 traces its roots back to Newtown Square Troop 1, founded in 1922. When the BSA switched to a three-digit troop identification system, it was reassigned 315, with the 1 indicating its original number. Several other options are close by; Troop 122 Broomall / Newtown Square, the second

Article and photos by Preston Tyrell

Newtown Square Troop and Troop 151 out of Marple Presbyterian Church. Radnor 284, while their scout cabin has a Newtown Square address, is in Radnor, as the name suggests. Each offers Cub Pack and Scouts Troops and Radnor 284 provides a female scout program.

The Scoutmaster of Newtown Square Troop 1 was F.J. Ballaron. In 1941 he became Chief Ballaron of the Newtown Square Fire Company. His sons Frank and Albert would continue in community service. In 1951 Frank Ballaron became President of the Newtown Square Fire Company and Albert was elected Fire Chief. Frank would serve for two years and Albert for three.

Today Troop 1’s legacy continues through Troop 315 and Cub Pack 315, chartered by St. Anastasia Church. One of many dedicated Scout Leaders is Broomall resident, Don Johnson who began serving as a Cub Scout Den Leader in 1984, later Cubmaster, and for the past thirty years as Scoutmaster of Troop 315. When asked why he has been so dedicated to local Scouting, Johnson replied, “Because my own experience as a Boy Scout taught me to... Be Prepared... for my life ahead, and I wanted that same experience for my sons and other boys. I made a promise on my sacred honor when I was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, that I would always support Scouting in my community.”

Expanding its footprint in community service, the Newtown Square Fire Company charted a Boy Scout Troop in January 1943. Presumably, Newtown Troop 2. This event would have a future impact on a member of the community.

During the Newtown Square Fire Company Banquet in April of 1937, one of the goals of the fire company was to take a more active interest in the young men of the community. By December of that year, the Scouts had moved in. Some troops charted by local churches and even one by the Newtown Township School District used the firehouse as a meeting location.

In exchange for using the firehouse, the scouts performed different jobs around the building, such as grading the back lot area and building a closet or two. Similar to what the scouts do today at locations across the country.

The Fire Company would be the charter organization for the Boy

Scouts in the Newtown Square area until 1951. As with many scout troops today, storage of camping equipment and other items is always a concern. In 1950s Newtown Square they were competing for space with the ever-growing fire company. With a mutual agreement, the Scouts started to look for more space. They found that space with the help of the Rotary Club of West Chester Pike. The charter was then switched to the Rotary Club of West Chester Pike, with meetings taking place at Messiah Lutheran Church under the direction of Scoutmaster Robert Allison, Sr. One of the young boys in the troop at the time was his son Robert Allison, who eventually became Chief and President of the Newtown Square Fire Company.

This Boy Scout Troop is still alive and well. Having changed its charter organization a few times over the years, it is the current Troop 122 Newtown Square/Broomall, and they meet at St. Marks United Methodist Church.

Several other troops in our community over the years have since closed their chapters. In January of 1952, Rev. L. Phillip Samuelson was the first Scoutmaster of Troop 121, which met at the First Baptist Church on West Chester Pike, just past Bishop Hollow Road. Records indicate they continued strong into the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Troop 533 met at the Presbyterian Church on Goshen Road in the 1950s. They had their first Eagle Scout Court of Honor in July of 1962. James J. Donnon became their first Eagle Scout at the age of 14. He had earned 24 Merit Badges, three more than the required 21. Troop 533 was still turning out Eagle scouts in the 1980s. They also had an Explorer Post (now called Venture Scouts), and Marple Police had an Explorer Post as well in the 1970s and 80s.

Also turning out Eagle Scouts was Troop 237, which met at St. Alban’s Episcopal church. They also offered another element of scouting, the Sea Scouts, and hosted Ship 327 and Cub Pack 327. Troop 147, which met at the Immanuel Church of the

Longtime Troop 315 Leaders, Scoutmaster Don Johnson (L), Steve Weidner (R)

Brethren on Darby Paoli Road, was chartered in 1964 and lasted a few years.

As the scouting movement grew in size and popularity, many troops also had Cub Scout Packs for boys in grade school. Alice Grim School had a standalone Cub Pack, Pack 422, up to when it closed in the 1970s.

Currently, Troop 122 has 85 scouts that have reached the rank of Eagle, the highest level in Scouting. Troop 315 has many Eagle Scouts, but their list only includes Eagle Scouts after 1967. Presumably, in the four decades before that, a few earned the rank of Eagle during the hay day of Scouting. They are in the process of researching and updating their records.

As I was concluding my research of newspaper articles, I discovered that Sun Oil Labs charted an Explorer post in 1964 that focused on Science. That post met at the Sun Oil location on Bishop Hollow Road, hidden behind the cornfields, which, oddly enough, is where this whole story began.

There are several Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troops in the area. Visit www.BeAScout.scouting.org to find one. The Girls Scouts also have active troops in the community. That information can be found at www.MyGS.girlscouts.org. N S

Troop 533 in 1964

Publisher’s Note: Preston Tyrell grew up in Newtown Square and while attending St. Anastasia School and Marple Newtown High School, was a Boy Scout of Troop 315. Now a teacher of Business and Video Production classes at Ridley High School, Preston is also father to son Alex and daughter Avery. Having served as a Cub Scout leader, Preston is currently a leader of Radnor Troop 284, where his daughter and her fellow female Scouts, are now on their trail towards earning their rank of Eagle Scout. Thank you Preston, for your support of Scouting and our community, by writing this feature for our hometown magazine and for still serving your community in uniform as a volunteer with the Newtown Square Fire Department.

If you have an idea for a feature story you feel passionate about and may even be interested in writing the feature that would carry your byline in Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, email Sheila Turner-Hilliard at: STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.

By Sheila Turner-Hilliard

We are excited for baseball and softball season to begin! It might be hard to imagine the sweet sounds of spring right now, but they’ll be here before we know it. The birds will be chirping, kids will play outside, and bats will be cracking over at Newtown Edgmont Little League (NELL) and Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL).

Boys and girls from all over town are eager to return to the fields. It’s a long winter of waiting, and players and their families can’t wait to come back to the place they call their second home. NELL and NSPL are truly special spots where kids ages 4 through 12 of all playing abilities learn to develop their love of the game. From Tee Ball to competitive tournament teams, our top-notch community programs offer an ideal environment for players to excel and for families to enjoy their time at the fields.

Player registrations for both programs end this month, and plans are underway for player evaluations, team assignments, opening day parades and family-fun special events. The season runs from early April through June.

Over at NELL, players, families and friends will gather for NELL Day on Saturday, June 3rd (rain date Sunday, June 4th). It’s a day-long event featuring raffles for cash and prizes, games and activities for all ages, themed gift baskets and a silent auction. Some gift basket prizes include sports memorabilia and game tickets, home and garden decor, spa treatment packages, gift cards galore and more. But there is more exciting news. “For the first time since 1996, NELL has been chosen to host the Pennsylvania State Tournament this July!” said NELL President Daren Grande. The tournament, for 11- and 12-year-old players, will bring the top eight teams in the state to NELL. The winning team will then advance to the Mid-Atlantic region tournament, where they will play for the opportunity to go to the Little League World Series.

This year, the Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL) will celebrate its 53rd anniversary. What started as a piece of farmland back in 1970 has transformed, with the hard work of dedicated volunteers, into four beautifully manicured softball fields. Troop Farm, as we know it today, has grown quite a bit over the years, and is now home to over 450 girls on recreational softball teams, along with six Rebels travel teams and over 100 coaches. NSPL will hold their Family Fun Weekend in mid-May with an All-Star Game, family events and games throughout the weekend. The festivities will wrap up with a Skills Competition throughout the different divisions. None of this would be possible without the generous folks who volunteer and financially contribute to help ensure that NELL and NSPL remain so special. Many have fond memories of their own time as a player. Passing the experience down to younger generations is simply saying Thank You for the memories!

For more information about playing, volunteering and sponsoring, visit www.NSPLSoftball.com and like their Facebook page @NSPL. More information and updates about NELL’s schedule can be found by following @NELLBaseball on Facebook or visiting their website www.NELLBaseball.com. N S

by Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

Now Is the Time To Plan to Paint Your Home Exterior in Spring

Spring is just around the corner. Soon the weather will become more mild and sunny, which makes now the perfect time to start thinking about your spring “to-do” list! A task often overlooked is having the exterior of your house painted. Have you noticed the exterior of your house is looking somewhat blah? It may simply need a fresh coat of paint. Although exterior painting can be done at any time of the year, spring is the perfect season to accomplish your outdoor paint projects, and here are some reasons why.

Weather Conditions

Paint and bad weather do not go well together. Snow, rain and humidity can all wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. If the weather is too hot your paint could dry too quickly causing it to blister and crack later on. If the weather is too cold, your paint could stain or grow mildew on the surface due to moisture. As spring gets into full bloom, leaving snow and frost behind, it’s the ideal time to start painting.

Your Home’s Exterior is Stressed Out

Through the years, your home’s exterior has been exposed to blizzards, ice, humidity, strong ultraviolet rays and more. Over time the paint begins to peel, fade, crack and blister due to sun damage from hot summer days or the harsh winter weather. These conditions can actually change the color of the existing exterior paint. With the arrival of spring weather, it’s the perfect time to fix these issues.

Boost the Value of Your Home Painting the exterior of your home is an easy way to dramatically increase the value of your property and improve your curb appeal. Potential home buyers are looking for a picture perfect property that they can call their own. If your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression – they’ll want to see what’s inside. If you’re looking to move this summer or early fall, revamping the outside of your house now could potentially put your home on the market sooner than expected.

Prep and Repairs

Most homeowners are not aware of the many small things which are going wrong on their home’s exterior until they paint it. The prep work that goes into an exterior paint job usually reveals the many areas in need of repair. If the exterior paint on your home is close to the end of its life expectancy, you are taking chances by postponing the new paint job. It doesn’t take long for exposed wood to begin rotting. It’s usually much more expensive to replace things than to repair them; so you don’t want to wait too long.

An exterior paint job can last up to 15 years. When you use a better quality of exterior paint, you can wait longer before the next paint job is needed. If you are looking to get your house painted this spring, don’t hesitate to call the professionals today! N

How To Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday: Fun and Creative Ideas for Your Super Bowl Party!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The countdown to Super Bowl LVII (57) is on! Whether you tune in for the game, the commercials or the halftime show, this year’s celebration calls for friends, fun and “fan”tastic food.

The game, where the National Football Conference (NFC) champion will face the American Football Conference (AFL) winner, will be played on Sunday, February 12th at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, home of the Arizona Cardinals. It will air live on FOX but can also be streamed live through subscription services like YouTube TV, Hulu and Sling.

The featured performer for the halftime show sponsored by Apple Music is Grammy Award winner Rihanna. The entertainment continues with a line-up of some of the best and most-watched commercials from seasoned advertisers such as Toyota, Doritos and TurboTax. In a twist of events, Anheuser-Busch has relinquished its exclusive advertising arrangement, so we will see ads from Molson Coors and a few more beer companies. Additional expected advertisers are those with online gambling platforms and virtual shopping services.

If you’re planning to host your own Super Bowl party, we’ve got some great ideas to score a touchdown with your guests. All it takes is a little creativity and some ideas from our Sponsors.

When you think of a Super Bowl party, the first thing that comes to mind is food. There’s just something about gathering around the big screen with a plate full of wings, nachos and chips, right? Lucky for us, we have one of the best places to pick up freshly prepared foods right around the corner at Luigi & Giovanni’s. Owner John D’Alessandro said business is booming on game day, so it’s best to call a few days ahead and pre-order your selections. “We sell a lot of our homemade strombolis that, when sliced thin, make

a great game-time snack,” John said. “We have your traditional Italian meat stromboli as well as cheesesteak, chicken cheesesteak, pepperoni and cheese, buffalo chicken and vegetable strombolis.” Other fun foods to serve on game day are cheesesteak egg rolls, tomato pie and nachos. If you’re looking for some healthier alternatives, include fruit and vegetable trays along with some grilled chicken skewers and dipping sauces. For the low-carb lovers out there, a quick online search for low-carb Super Bowl recipes yields hundreds of mouth-watering results.

Just like the two teams competing for the trophy should be evenly matched, so should your savory to sweet selections for your guests. Our friends at Weinrich’s Bakery not only have a wide selection of sweet treats like mini cheesecakes, cookies and lemon bars, they also make their own German Bavarian Pretzels perfect for pleasing a crowd.

If your party plans include the little ones, why not create a kids’ zone with games and crafts? A simple do-it-yourself game is to pin the football on the goalpost. Draw a goalpost on a large poster board. Using either felt or construction paper, cut out some football shapes and attach double-sided tape to one side. You’ll also need a bandana as a blindfold and a few prizes on hand for the winners.

Get your commercial-watching crowd in on the fun by making your own commercial-rating signs mounted on popsicle sticks. The signs can say things like “Funniest,” “Best of the Night,” “Change the Channel,” “Pass the Chips,” and “Most Memorable.” You will definitely earn extra points this football season with just a few simple adjustments to your party playbook. Just be prepared to be crowned the champion and the host for years to come! N S

Gameday Super Salsa

• 1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained

• 1 can (15oz) yellow corn*, drained

by Henry Jeunet

• 1 can (4oz) green chiles

• ½ cup Italian dressing

• 2 stalks scallions, chopped

1. Add all of the canned ingredients to a bowl and stir.

2. Next, add the chopped scallions. If you’re only using canned foods, the scallions add an aroma that freshens up the other ingredients.

3. Finally, add the Italian dressing. This is the secret weapon that makes this salsa stand out.

4. Refrigerate (overnight if possible).

(con Frijoles Negros)

By Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Over the last four years, we have had the privilege of introducing you to many friendly faces in our community. The families and individuals you have read about all share the same love for Newtown Square, but each has their own unique story about where they came from, why they live here, how they are making a difference in our community and how they spend quality time together.

Some families travel the globe, while others love the Jersey shore. We have featured residents who are making a difference in the world and those who are volunteering their time to support our local youth programs. And for those of us who grew up here, it’s a treat to learn about families who choose to move to Newtown Square because they have heard it’s a great place to live!

It’s fun to scroll through our library of issues at www.NewtownSquareMag. com to learn about who we have highlighted through the years. You’ll see a community of friends and neighbors from different backgrounds, religions and ethnicities who all love to call Newtown Square their home.

There are often times along the way when we are asked how we find and select our Resident Feature and Community Feature stories. That’s a question that doesn’t have a standard answer, because each feature is unique. What we can tell you is that many times the recommendations come from you, our valued readers of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. We want you to keep those referrals coming! Who would you love to see on the cover of your hometown magazine? Do you have friends and neighbors who are making a difference in our community — people who work here, live here and make Newtown Square a better place? Perhaps you know of a family or an individual who has a great story to tell about their journey or their plans for the future. Whatever it may be, we want to hear from you! If you’d like to nominate a family, individual or nonprofit organization, please email me at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com. N S

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into the police academy. He graduated later that year, while con-

to work at the prison.

spent the next few years working for various police departments in Delaware County, including Ridley, Millbourne and Aldan. Then in 2018, Chris was hired as a Patrolman for the

Township Police Department – a place where Chris made his career goals known and where the Chief of Police lis- tened. “I am very goal-oriented,” said Chris. “When got to Newtown Township, I sat down with the Chief and laid out my plans and my career timeline.” Aside from effectively serving our Newtown Square residents, Chris also wanted to become a SWAT officer with the Central Delco Tactical Response Team. This team has specialized equipment and training to handle high-risk incidents beyond the capabilities of the police department. Chris knew that his strong work ethic, commitment to the force and consistent physical training would make him qualified for the job, and he was right. Just five months after joining Newtown Township, Chris passed the test and became a SWAT officer and also serves as a sniper and an explosives breacher for the team. It’s a dangerous job that requires its members to be both physically and mentally fit. Quick thinking, teamwork and exceptional strength and endurance are key elements in this line of work. Chris said that there is an annual fitness test that they must pass, but just recently the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) developed a national challenge, to estab- lish a standard for all SWAT officers across the country. The challenge took place in April 2021, and consisted of an 800-meter sprint, followed by a 400-meter sprint with weights, then burpees, jump squats and pull-ups. If that doesn’t sound exhausting enough, most of the challenge was performed wearing full SWAT gear and a gas mask with no filter. It is the ultimate endurance test with just three minutes to breathe fresh air between challenges.

in

People in Places

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of Chris Signore

Congratulations, Chris Signore! Newtown Township Police Officer Ranked Top 10 in Nationwide SWAT Physical Fitness Challenge