Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, April 2024

Together Friends & Neighbors

Tommy Highland America’s Best (and Funniest) Handyman

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography CrissyEverhart.com

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Lisa Jeffries

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Sheila Turner-Hilliard

DESIGNER: Kim Cesati

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER:

Crissy Everhart Photography, CrissyEverhart.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Sheila TurnerHilliard, Holly Stupak, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Kaitlin Battiste, Scott Magness, Deborah M. Truscello, Lou Matteo, Rick Bondurant, Jeffrey Stein

ADVERTISING

Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse, 610 453 5536

Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

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

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Content Due the 5th of every month.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2024 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER

Tommy

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

April is here! Of course with some showers, but then the flowers, sun and warm outdoor fun on our run towards summer. Spring has arrived! Let’s all get out walking and talking with friends and neighbors.

April is certainly the month for a closer look at our Calendar of Events on pg. 20, to add some new outdoor activities to your personal calendar to fully spring out of winter. Here we go, with each new day this month, watching about three more minutes of daylight every evening than the day before. Bring it on!

My final April wake-up from winter is always a taxing event at halftime on April 15thTax Day! Stress? Yes! But for business owners, our first taxing event came on March 15th, the deadline to file a business return or at least to file an extension. I suppose that’s why April is the month business owners often decide it’s time to choose a new tax accountant if needed. (If that’s you, don’t forget we all have a friend in the business - our magazine’s Tax Expert, Jack Del Pizzo. (See Del Pizzo & Associates ad this month on pg. 5.)

While reading this month’s issue, see how many of our advertising Sponsors’ businesses, you imagine readers like you will be visiting or calling this month of “April” because of the products or services offered in their ad. To make it more challenging, I’ll name the first three: Niemeyer’s on pg. 15 (for outdoor power equipment), JHL on pg. 8 (for landscape design and landscaping), and Mostardi’s Nursery on pg. 31 (for all things gardening). As you read on, count how many other Sponsors readers might also make a purchase from in April as their way of saying “Thank You” for making it possible for Newtown Square’s hometown magazine to be mailed to your home all year for free and available for reading online at NewtownSquareMag.com.

Later this month let’s also be mindful of Earth Day (April 22), and Arbor Day (April 26). I’ll also be especially mindful on April 24th - National Jeans Day, while celebrating my wife “Jean’s” birthday and big National Day. Although her birthday on April 24th is more often called: National “Denim” Day, for me, it’s National “Jean” Day and “always”my favorite day in April. Happy Birthday Jean!

Bob Blaisse

Publisher

Dear Residents,

Did you know that the month of April is named for the Latin word aperio, which means ‘to open’? How appropriate because April is the start of the growing season, when trees and flowers begin to bud.

Speaking of brighter days ahead, we have lots of news to share this month. We are honoring Earth Day by highlighting Sustainable Newtown Square’s Green Business Coalition. April is also Autism Awareness Month, and we shine a light on a local organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults with autism. Our Resident Feature is Tommy Highland, known around town as America’s Funniest Handyman and our Business Profile highlights the Bad Boys of Newtown Square: The Niemeyer Corporation!

We’re looking for more Newtown Square families, individuals and nonprofit organizations to feature in our magazine. To nominate someone, please email me at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.

Sheila Turner-Hilliard Content Coordinator

Accounting & Tax Preparation

Jack Del Pizzo, CPA

Del Pizzo & Associates

2098 W Chester Pike #101, Broomall

610 - 356 - 2590 • JRD@DelPizzo.com

DelPizzo.com

Automotive Repairs & Service

Lou Matteo

Edgemont Automotive

Expert Article: Pg. 12

5040 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

610 - 353- 9868 • EdgemontAuto@verizon.net

EdgemontAutomotive.com

Carpeting & Floor Covering

Eric Fante

Fante Flooring

39 South Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square

610-232-708 • Info@FanteFloors.com

FanteFloors.com

Commercial & Residential Trash Removal

John Blosinski

J & K Trash Removal, Inc.

Gradyville, PA 610-497-3800 • CustomerService@JandKTrash.com

JandKTrash.com

Dance Instruction

Kaitlin Battiste

From the Top Dance

Electric Service, Residential/Commercial

Andrew Martella, Sr.

Martella Electric Company

484 - 498 - 2965 • MartellaElectric@rcn.com

MartellaElectric.com

Expert Article: Pg. 18

3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square

610 - 353- 2623 • Info@FromTheTopDance.com

FromTheTopDance.com

Exterior & Interior Painting

Rick Thompson

Thompson Custom Painting

610 - 359 - 8500 • Office@ThompsonPainting.net

ThompsonPainting.net

Family Law Trial Attorney

Deborah M. Truscello, Esq.

Expert Article: Pg. 27

Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

610 - 892- 4940 • DmtofLaw@gmail.com

TruscelloLaw.com

Fireplace Products

Scott Magness

Scott’s Fireplace Products

Expert Article: Pg. 10

3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

484 - 422- 8334 • SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

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

DANJOLELL .com

Landscape Design & Landscaping

TJ Warner

JHL Landscaping

610 - 356 - 4104 • TJ@JHLLlandscaping.com

JHLLandscaping.com

Physical Therapy

Mark E. Reitz, PT

Penn Therapy Associates

2010 West Chester Pike, #450

610- 853- 0508 • PennTherapy@comcast.net

PennTherapy.com

Plumbing Service, Residential / Commercial

Rick Bondurant

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing

Expert Article: Pg. 22

610 - 566 - 0288 • RFBPlumbing@comcast.net

RFBondurant.com

Private Investigation & Security Services

Jeffrey Stein

ELPS Private Detective Agency

Expert Article: Pg. 13

882 South Matlack Street, Suite 206, West Chester 610 - 696 - 7799 • JStein@elpspda.com ELPSpda.com

Real Estate Sales

Sarah Forti, Realtor

Forti Homes with Keller Williams Realty

Office: 610 - 647- 8300 • Direct: 610 - 986 - 7170

Sarah@FortiHomes.com

FortiHomes.com

Retirement & Financial Planning

Charles Welde, CPA, CFP®

The CP Welde Group

610-388-7705

Charles@CPWeldeGroup.com

CPWeldeGroup.com

Roofing, Siding & Carpentry

Kevin O’Donnell

O’Donnell Roofing Co.

610 - 624 - 8112

CustomerService@ODonnellRoofingCo.com

ODonnellRoofingCo.com Tree

Resident Feature

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Tommy Highland: America's Best (and Funniest) Handyman

Did you know?

Petaluma, California is a small town located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area and is one of the oldest cities in the state. It may be a small town, but Petaluma’s events calendar is jam-packed with fairs and festivals that are a little bit quirky and a whole lot of fun. Some of the most popular are the Cow Chip Throwing Contest which is held during the Butter & Egg Days Festival and the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the SonomaMarin Fair. Its historic downtown features Victorian iron-front buildings that house many vintage shops and antique galleries and it’s also known to be the birthplace of Tommy Highland, America’s Funniest Handyman.

In Petaluma, Tommy was an active kid who enjoyed playing sports and hanging out with friends. “Growing up, I became known for being really good at making people laugh,” he said. “A few friends challenged me to perform at our high school’s variety show during my senior year, so I came up with a funny skit and took the stage.”

Tommy’s performance not only stole the show that night but also became the moment he knew that comedy would play a big part in his future.

Tommy spent the next few years dabbling

full-time performer, but I was never willing to be broke for as long as you have to be broke to break into show business,” he explained. “To make ends meet, I got an apprenticeship as a painter with a Victorian home renovation company, which eventually led me to discover my love for carpentry and a career in the trades.” Tommy opened his own remodeling company, which he operated for ten years, then decided to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as a telecommunications lineman and installer. By this point, Tommy had found his way to the East Coast. “I thoroughly enjoyed my 20s,” he laughed. “I loved building and fixing things during the day and doing comedy shows at night.” Tommy said that having flexible jobs even allowed him to travel around the country for a full two years while living out of his Volkswagon Camper Van. He eventually landed in Washington, D.C., then moved to the Philadelphia area.

Throughout his time on the road and various job experiences, Tommy collected stories that he turned into material and performed his stand-up at multiple comedy clubs and venues in the area. And while he thoroughly enjoyed working in the trades by day and comedy by night, he often wondered if there was a way to combine his two drastically different careers.

Tommy’s repurposed ambulance makes the perfect work truck

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography

CrissyEverhart.com

Newtown

“I have an engineer’s brain, so I am always curious about how things work and how they are put together,” Tommy explained. “I love to dive in and take things apart, often knowing that I will have to learn something new in order to put it back together.” Tommy turned to watching do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement shows and YouTube videos. “While they are excellent learning tools, you have to admit that most of what is available is excruciatingly boring,” he noted. “You often have to sit through a long, painfully monotonous video just to get to the one or two kernels of information you really need to finish the repair.”

For years, Tommy thought about ways to solve this problem. “Then, one day, while I was working to install data cable in a downtown Philadelphia high-rise building, it finally came to me!” He said that the title, America’s Funniest Handyman, materialized in his head, filling his self-described “weird” brain with endless ideas of how to bring some humor and laughter into the home improvement process.

“I love working on homes and fixing things around the house, and I’m often cracking jokes while I'm doing it,” he said. I thought, why shouldn’t I run with this brilliant idea? Everyone deserves to laugh a little bit while learning to do work around the house.” So, in early 2020, Tommy started making his own DIY videos that allow you to laugh while you learn to work on your home. And just like that, America’s Funniest Handyman was born, and the rest is history.

Continued on page 8

America’s Funniest Handyman performing at Punch Line Philly

NEWTOWN SQUARE’S FLOOR COVERING EXPERTS

Tommy created the America’s Funniest Handyman YouTube channel and began posting his hilarious DIY videos. He said, “Now you can learn to work on your house and have fun while

you do it,” he said. “From painting and plumbing to carpentry and electrical, as the jingle goes, Let’s Laugh and Learn with this Handyman.” Tommy’s YouTube channel has thousands of subscribers who tune in for the knowledge and stay for the laughs. He plans on posting more videos in the coming months along with doing weekly live stream tutorials.

Today, you’ll find Tommy living in Newtown Square with his two daughters, Olivia and Vivian. The girls are active Marple Newtown High School students and enjoy playing on the school’s volleyball team. Olivia is also involved in the performing arts program and recently had a role in their production of Mamma Mia! The Musical. “Olivia and Vivian have very different personalities; Olivia is my quiet one while Vivian makes her presence known,” laughed Tommy. “The one thing they have in common, that I gladly take the credit for, is that they’re both really funny!”

Tommy said he loves living in Newtown Square and enjoys being the local handyman for so many of our friends and neighbors. “A versatile handyman is hard to find these days,” he explained. “I have the skills and tools needed to handle just about anything a

Tommy on the General Jackson Showboat Cruise with daughters Vivian and Olivia Photo courtesy of Tommy Highland

homeowner needs, and I have the vehicle to store my equipment and inventory.” That vehicle just happens to be an out of commission ambulance that he purchased and transformed into his mobile workshop. You may have noticed it around town or parked in his driveway on West Chester Pike. It’s kind of hard to miss!

And while Tommy said he is busy making his home repair clients happy (and laughing), he is also excited to announce that he has recently partnered with Sterling Pig Brewery in Media to host monthly comedy shows. Comedy at the Pig will feature all-star stand-up comedians and will be hosted by Tommy. The first show on April 13th will feature Jake Mattera and is headlined by David James. The lineup for Tommy’s next show on May 18th

will feature Chris Dolan and headliner Missy Hall. “This is a great opportunity to showcase some fantastic comedians from all walks of life,” Tommy said. “And Sterling Pig Brewery is the perfect venue for good food, drinks and lots of laughs.”

Tommy said that although it may have taken some time to hit his stride, he feels as though he is finally where he is meant to be. “Combining my love for comedy with my passion for a career in the trades is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “Knowing you can make a homeowner happy by fixing things around their home and at the same time, make a room full of people laugh at your jokes is a fantastic feeling.”

Thank you, Tommy for sharing your story with our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. For those interested in getting tickets to Tommy’s monthly comedy shows, visit Eventbrite.com and search for Comedy at the Pig.

Do you know a Newtown Square family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com. N S

by Scott Magness Scott‘s Fireplace Products

Spring is the best time to start preparing your outdoor spaces for summer enjoyment! Whether you’re considering a new gas grill, a fire pit or any other outdoor equipment, it’s essential to assess your needs and preferences before making a purchase. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on a new gas grill or fire pit:

• Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a gas grill or fire pit. Prices can vary significantly depending on the size, features and quality of the product.

• Space: Consider the size of your outdoor area and choose a gas grill or fire pit that fits comfortably without overcrowding the space.

• Functionality: Think about how you plan to use the gas grill or fire pit. Are you looking for a simple cooking appliance, or do you want additional features like side burners, warming racks or temperature gauges? For fire pits, consider whether you want a wood-burning or gas-powered option.

• Durability: Look for gas grills and fire pits made from highquality materials that can withstand outdoor elements. Stainless steel is a popular choice for gas grills due to its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion.

• Safety: Ensure that the gas grill or fire pit you choose has safety features such as heat shields, sturdy construction and proper ventilation to prevent accidents and injuries.

• Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the gas grill or fire pit. Some models may require regular cleaning, while others are designed for easier maintenance.

• Style and Design: Choose a gas grill or fire pit that complements the aesthetic of your outdoor space. There are various styles and designs available, from modern and sleek to rustic and traditional.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for the perfect gas grill or fire pit to enhance your outdoor living experience during the summer months. This is when seeking the advice of professionals in all things related to fireplaces and outdoor gas appliances can go a long way. Happy Spring! N S

Student of the Month

by Lisa Jeffries

Rosha Fallahnejad

APRIL STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The April Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Rosha Fallahnejad, who is a Senior at Marple Newtown High School (MNHS), and also received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.

Rosha’s roots are Persian and she takes great pride in her heritage and culture. Throughout elementary school, Rosha participated in a weekend school where she learned fluent

Celebrate Spring

3529 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-353-1212 I CaseysNS.com

543 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn 610-644-5086 I CaseysBerwyn.com

Mon. - Thurs. 11am - 10pm I Fri. & Sat. 11am - 11pm I Sun. 11am - 9pm

Farsi (a Persian language) and quite a bit of Iranian history. After she graduated from the program in 5th grade, she volunteered to help new students, as well as her teacher with ongoing lessons.

Academically, Rosha is very dedicated. She’s a member of multiple National Honors Societies, including English, worldlanguage and Rho Kappa (history). She has also taken honors, AP and college courses while at MNHS.

Rosha has been on the varsity girl’s tennis team throughout her high school career, and in the doubles position during this last season, she was the captain of her team. She is the committee head of the Helping Paws Club, and she participated in volunteer programs through Jefferson Hospital, where she helped to organize a diabetes prevention program and research group.

After graduating this year, Rosha will attend Drexel University’s Honors College in the fall and will major in Health Sciences. She plans to continue her education beyond the undergraduate level, to find her passion within the healthcare field. Rosha works at Luigi and Giovanni’s after school and in the summer, and she loves to travel and visit new places. We here at Friends & Neighbors magazines couldn’t be more impressed with all that you do Rosha. We are so thrilled to count you among our friends and neighbors! N S

Know a terrific teen who should be our next Student of the Month?

Here’s what we look for - Students from grades 7 to 12 who demonstrate excellence in service to school, friendship, community or area groups, and reside within the geographical borders of the Marple, Newtown Square or Edgmont (no matter what school they attend, or if they are homeschooled). Submit your nomination, highlighting what makes them so amazing, to LJeffries@ BestVersionMedia.com. Academic or athletic excellence is not required.

Rosha with Casey’s Manager Steve Jordan

Photo courtesy of Rosha Fallahnejad

by Lou Matteo Edgemont Automotive

Shake

With winter safely in the rear-view mirror, it is time to shake the winter off your vehicle. We had some snow this year so here are some post-winter tips.

• Listen: When you open the windows for that fresh spring air, listen for noises while driving that may not have been there before.

• Inspect Underneath: Have the undercarriage checked for damage from piled snow, potholes, sliding into curbs etc. Even the smallest bumps can cause damage to the suspension and lower body parts under the vehicle.

• Inspect Tires: Those winter road hazards could cause impact breaks or gouges to the sidewall and possibly the tread of tires. Tire pressures tend to drop in the cold winter months, so adjust the pressure for spring weather

• Check the Wiper System: Check the wiper blades. If the windshield is not clear in 5 swipes, replace them. Check the spray of the washers, and adjust, or replace if they do not work properly.

• Check the Fluids: Check and top off all fluids including oil, washer solvent and coolant. Make sure to use the proper fluids when needed.

• Check the Electrical System: The cold weather can deteriorate a battery’s condition quickly. Today’s vehicles require large amounts of electrical power. Have your battery and charging system checked. Check all the exterior lights for proper operation.

• Clean Up: Give your vehicle a thorough wash to remove salt, dirt and winter grime that accumulated during winter driving.

Spray the undercarriage with a garden hose or through a car wash. This will help reduce future rust issues. Vacuum and clean the interior, the same winter grime outside of the vehicle ends up inside on the carpet.

• Maintenance: Consult your repair professional or your owner’s manual and have your factory scheduled maintenance performed. Your technician can solve the small issues now to prevent bigger problems later.

By following these steps, you can shake the winter off your vehicle and be ready for smooth, safe springtime cruising. N S

by Jeffrey Stein ELPS Private Detective Agency

The Crucial Role of Private Investigators for Everyday Citizens in Pennsylvania

In an age where information is abundant yet elusive, and personal privacy feels increasingly threatened, the need for private investigators has become more pronounced than ever. Pennsylvania, like many other states, is home to a diverse array of individuals facing various challenges that necessitate the expertise of these professionals. From uncovering hidden truths to safeguarding personal interests, private investigators play a vital role in assisting everyday citizens in the Keystone State.

First and foremost, private investigators offer a unique skill set that enables them to delve deep into matters that may be beyond the reach of the average person. Whether it’s conducting background checks, locating missing persons or gathering evidence for legal proceedings, their proficiency in surveillance, research and analysis is invaluable. In Pennsylvania, where complex legal procedures and bureaucratic hurdles can often impede progress, private investigators serve as invaluable allies in navigating these intricacies.

Moreover, privacy concerns have become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital landscape. With the proliferation of social media and online platforms, sensitive information is more susceptible to exploitation than ever before. Private investigators possess the tools and expertise to conduct thorough investigations while respecting ethical boundaries and legal regulations. Whether it involves uncovering instances of cyberbullying, identity theft or online fraud, their meticulous approach ensures that the privacy rights of individuals are upheld while seeking resolution to such matters.

Additionally, private investigators offer a level of discretion and confidentiality that is paramount in sensitive situations. Whether it’s dealing with marital infidelity, corporate espionage or insurance fraud, individuals often require assistance without drawing unnecessary attention or risking their safety. In Pennsylvania, where personal reputation and integrity hold significant value, the discreet services of private investigators provide peace of mind to those seeking assistance in matters of utmost importance.

Furthermore, the expertise of private investigators extends beyond mere investigation; they often serve as trusted advisors and consultants, offering guidance and support to individuals facing challenging circumstances. Whether it’s providing expert testimony in court proceedings or offering security assessments for businesses and private residences, their comprehensive approach

ensures that clients receive the assistance they need to safeguard their interests effectively.

In conclusion, private investigators play an indispensable role in the lives of everyday citizens in Pennsylvania. Through their expertise, discretion and commitment to upholding ethical standards, they provide invaluable assistance in navigating complex legal, personal and digital landscapes. In a state where privacy and integrity are cherished values, the services of private investigators serve as a beacon of trust and reliability for those in need. N

Expert

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of Karl Niemeyer

NI E MEYERS

Now The Home Of The Bad Boy

Informed Homeowners Coming to Newtown Square to Find a Bad Boy…

…A Bad Boy Mower, that is! That’s right, folks. Bad Boys have come to Newtown Square, and you can find them right around the corner at Niemeyer’s.

The team at The Niemeyer Corporation is excited to announce that they have added this revolutionary brand of zero-turn mowers to their already impressive line of quality lawn equipment. Owner Karl Niemeyer said he decided to add the Bad Boy line to his inventory because of its solid reputation for building a quality product at a very reasonable price. “I’ve known about the company and its products from being in the industry,” he explained. “I have become increasingly impressed with how ruggedly built their mowers are and how their simple design makes it easy for anyone to operate.”

Headquartered in Batesville, AK, the Bad Boy brand of commercial and residential mowers first debuted at the Lawn and Garden Expo in Louisville, KY, in 2002 and immediately won the Product of the Year award. Since then, Bad Boy mowers sales have been off the charts. You may have noticed a few of these eye-catching mowers on display outside of Niemeyer’s. They’re hard to miss. Bad Boys have a sporty, sleek design and what they like to call an attitude that is one-of-a-kind.

The Bad Boy of Newtown Square Karl Niemeyer (middle), with two Bad Boy tractors

The Niemeyer Corporation - Exceptional Sales and Service for Over 70 Years.

Head over to Niemeyer’s if you’re in the market for outdoor power equipment, or to have your snow blower serviced before storing away until snowy weather returns. Since 1951, the friendly and helpful folks there have been providing the care and expert service that loyal customers have come to know and trust, serving homeowners and commercial businesses in Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

The business is owned and operated by Karl Niemeyer, who took over the family business in 2006. These days, you’ll find Karl, his wife Kathy and their son, Joshua, at Niemeyer’s every day, ready to welcome you and provide a superior customer service experience.

The family business was founded in 1951 by William “Bill”

cakes and crackers all over southeastern PA, out west to Lancaster County and eastward to Cape May, NJ.

Bill worked hard to grow the business into a solid, reliable and trusted source for sales and service of outdoor power equipment. And Karl has proudly kept the business growing with the help of his Sales Manager, Jerry Peda. Jerry, who joined the company back in 1972 when he was a student at Marple Newtown High School, is now celebrating his 51st year with the company.

Today, Niemeyer’s sells and services lawnmowers, tractors, grass trimmers, chain saws, snow blowers and portable electric generators from manufacturers such as Stihl, Honda, Cub Cadet and, of course, Bad Boy. A few years ago, they added robotic lawnmowers to their lineup that will cut your lawn when and how you want, simply by using an app on your phone.

Karl is proud to say his business is also an authorized warranty service center for Bad Boy, Cub Cadet, MTD, Stihl, Generac, Briggs and Stratton, Kohler and Kawasaki. And they’re a

platinum-certified service center for Stihl. Niemeyer’s also offers pickup and delivery of your lawn equipment if you cannot bring it in yourself. Just give them a call for pricing. Karl said, “We take great pride in our sales and service departments and look forward to serving you for years to come.”

Years of experience working and living in this community is how a company like The Niemeyer Corporation stays “small” while selling “big.” Their mission is to offer the latest in parts and products at the best prices, with unparalleled service. They pledge to use their best efforts to make every customer’s experience both beneficial and enjoyable. They know that once you give them a try, you’ll be back for more. Just ask for the Bad Boy!

The Niemeyer Corporation is conveniently located on Route 252, just 100 feet south of West Chester Pike. They are open Monday through Friday 8am–5pm and Saturday 8am–3:30pm. For more information, call 610-356-2672 or visit their website: www.MowersOnline.com. N S

BRINGING PEOPLE

by Bob Blaisse, Founder & Publisher Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Business Leaders and Reader Leaders: What a Great Partnership in Newtown Square!

Six years ago, in April 2018, several Newtown Square Business Leaders and I met, to discuss Newtown Square hometown pride and our hope that residents would “Buy Local” whenever possible. I told them how those two concepts could combine if we could launch a hometown magazine mailed monthly to Newtown Square homeowners and also published online. Thankfully, many Business Leaders agreed.

We now know that Buying Local is strongly related to hometown pride because readers of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors have

proven it while forming a partnership with local business leaders, really hometown heroes, for funding the cost of every issue of your hometown magazine to be mailed to your home monthly, and to also be available online at NewtownSquareMag.com, now for nearly six years. I’ve lived in Newtown Square for 30 years. My wife, Jean, and I have raised four sons here. We’re proud of our town, the people of our town and the businesses operating in or near Newtown Square which all combine to make our community a great place to live and raise a family. But here’s what I have come to know since becoming

PEOPLE TOGETHER

R eadeR LeadeRs: Be Featured in an Upcoming Edition for Growing Your Magazine!

Then name a Newtown Township resident to appear on the cover of an upcoming edition.

Three easy steps to becoming a ReadeR LeadeR …

1

Send an email to a business owner who you know personally, and copy Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine publisher, Bob Blaisse on your email at BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

Then, just let your local magazine publisher and your local business contact do the rest. 2 3

In emails or conversations with business owners, recommend advertising in Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors as the best way to be recognized by Newtown Square residents for making their hometown magazine possible.

If the business owner you connect with Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, becomes an advertising sponsor of our community, you’ll be named a Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine “ReadeR LeadeR.” Reader Leaders helping to grow Newtown Square’s monthly magazine, will be featured in an upcoming edition for their reader leadership, and asked to nominate a Newtown Township resident family to appear on the cover of an upcoming edition of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine.

Help grow your town’s monthly magazine for the benefit of all readers…

Become a R eade R L eade R of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors Magazine!

the Publisher of our hometown magazine – the businesses of our community had vision early on, even while seeing what’s happening with online buying and big box stores, and the roll ups of small contractors who lived among us, into much larger home services companies that are less in touch with our local community. But they never stopped believing in the benefit of bringing us that belief, which is memorialized in the motto of our magazine which is also our ongoing mission, to be Bringing People Together.

The advertising Sponsors of Newtown Square’s hometown magazine are business owners whose years of experience tell them advertising only occasionally, even quarterly, is not as effective as needed to achieve their goal of Bringing People Together, which will not bring them together with people in a community like ours which is so important to their business success. Local businesses need to be remembered every month to remain in business long term. That’s why they sponsor us with interest in being recognized by us every month for bringing us together with our friends and neighbors through our free hometown magazine in print and online at NewtownSquareMag.com.

The hard part is over. This issue is #57! The cold winter months are gone. It’s Springtime now, a time to take notice of what has been made possible for us by our local business leaders for years. After nearly six years of reading new monthly issues of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, do you feel more connected to your community? Has seeing a new monthly issue arriving in the mail become a ready expectation of coming social-media-in-print feelgood moments you recognized have lifted hometown pride over the years? If so, you understand the mission our magazine, why it was launched, and the importance of the investment our advertising Sponsors make by choosing to partner with us in our mission because they know our hometown magazine is a good thing for residents of Newtown Square residents who are important to the success of their local business.

As the Publisher of our hometown magazine, I assure your that my magazine staff and I, and our advertising Sponsors who fund our publication, know how much our readers appreciate our feel-good publication’s features, particularly when the news of the day so often brings unwelcome concerns. With that strength of our commitment, may I boldly ask for your contribution in return, as partner in our mission to be “Bringing People Together,” as a “Reader Leader.”

What is a Reader Leader? You may be one. They certainly live on your street. A Reader Leader is a loyal reader of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, who has gained enough feel-good moments from reading each new monthly issue delivered for free to their home, they want to give back in some way to support our “Bringing People Together” mission. They write feature articles, suggest ideas for features, nominate a family or local resident for a future issue cover story. Reader Leaders want to give something back in return for all feel-good feature moments that keep coming monthly. And they know who and how to give back- by choosing to do business with our magazine’s advertising Sponsors first, whenever possible, with loyalty and gratitude to those business owners they see investing in our community by funding the cost of our hometown magazine to be delivered to your home by mail each month for free, and available online at NewtownSquareMag.com.

Are you a Reader Leader? Likely, but without planning or purpose you choose to shop local and reward local businesses you see sponsoring our community. If you enjoy each new issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, join our mission and turn up your hometown loyalty with planning and purpose. See the simple 1, 2, 3 Steps to be officially recognized as a Reader Leader at the top of this page and soon your story may be published in an upcoming issue. N S

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Expert Contributor

by Kaitlin Battiste

From the Top Dance

Celebrate World Health Day by Committing to Your Health

As we approach the commemoration of World Health Day on April 7th, it prompts us to pause and reflect on our health. By reevaluating our habits, prioritizing self-care and actively seeking opportunities to promote health and wellness within ourselves, we take the first step toward nurturing a healthier community.

In the words of American philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The first wealth is health.” Emerson’s words, penned back in 1860, serve as an important reminder that good health is the foundation in which we build our lives. According to the World Health Organization, health encompasses not only the absence of illness but also the presence of physical, mental and social well-being. Here are six practical steps to work toward a healthier you:

• Self-Assess: Notice your current habits and routines related to nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and overall self-care. Identify areas where there is room for improvement.

• Set Goals: SMART goals encompass specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound steps you can take to work toward a desired outcome when it comes to your well-being.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Carve out time in your daily schedule for activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, like getting outside, mindful movement like dance or yoga, journaling or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

• Build Healthy Habits: Change happens in the little things we do daily. Gradually incorporate healthier habits into your lifestyle through regular exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to nourish the body and brain.

• Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family members or healthcare professionals for support and encouragement on your journey to better health. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek out resources, like support groups, online communities or wellness classes and workshops that can provide guidance.

• Engage in Community Initiatives: Participate in community-based initiatives or programs that promote health and wellness. Whether it’s volunteering for a local charity event, taking a fitness class or attending wellness workshops, connecting with your community can provide additional support and motivation for your wellness journey.

Research has shown that healthier individuals contribute to stronger and more resilient communities. By taking the steps to improve our own health and wellness, we set a positive example for those around us and create a ripple effect that can inspire others to do the same. In this way, World Health Day serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness and shared responsibility in fostering a culture of health for all. Health is wealth! N S

Sharing Special Holiday Recipes

Celebrating Passover

Many friends and neighbors in our community are preparing to celebrate Passover, which begins on April 22nd and ends on April 30th this year. Also known as Pesach, it commemorates the liberation of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. On the first two nights of Passover, a special family meal called the seder is held. During Passover, no leavened food (called chametz) is eaten, and on the first two and last two days of Passover, no work is permitted, as these four days are considered sacred. At the seder, foods of symbolic significance are served, and prayers and traditional recitations are performed.

Just because leavened food is not permitted during Passover, doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy some cake — a flourless cake, that is! The recipe below is for the most delicious flourless chocolate cake topped with fresh berries. It’s easy to make and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Wishing all of our Friends & Neighbors a Passover filled with love, family and LOTS of good food! N S

Enjoy!

Flourless Chocolate Cake for Passover

4 oz unsalted butter, cut into pieces

10 oz semisweet chocolate chips

4 eggs, separated, plus one egg yolk

½ cup cocoa powder, plus more for dusting the pan

• Preheat oven to 350º

½ tsp salt

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

¾ cup sugar

• Grease a 9" round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and dust with a pinch of cocoa powder.

• Melt the butter and chocolate chips in a double broiler. Remove from heat and let cool.

• Once cooled, transfer the chocolate and butter mixture to a large mixing bowl.

• Mix the egg yolks, cocoa powder, salt, cinnamon and cayenne pepper into the chocolate mixture.

• In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until foamy.

• Slowly add the sugar and continue to beat until

• Add ¼ of the egg whites to the bowl with the chocolate mixture and stir to combine, then add the remaining egg whites to the bowl and gently fold them into the batter.

• Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.

• Bake at 350º for 30–35 minutes until the center is set. Cool on a wire rack.

• Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan.

• Top with whipped cream and fresh berries.

APRIL 2024 EVENTS

Saturdays in April

Art at The Square Tavern

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

A variety of rotating art displays by local artists, exhibitions and activities.

Time: 11am–5pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) NSHistory.org

Saturdays in April

Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Rd, Newtown Square

Visit this museum of local history, a place filled with the ghosts and footprints of the millworkers who once lived there.

Time: 1–4 pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) NSHistory.org

Saturdays and Sundays in April

Devon/Berwyn Antique and Vintage Flea Market

@Valley Fair Shopping Center

270 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 PhilaFleaMarkets.org

Daily April through May

Lights Out Newtown Square

Help save thousands of migratory birds from fatal collisions linked to light pollution by turning off your excess lighting during spring migration, April 1–May 31. Support this initiative by the Newtown Township Environmental Advisory Council and Bird Town Pennsylvania. BirdtownPA.org/lights-and-birds/

Sat. April 6

40th Annual Darby Creek Valley Association Stream Cleanup

@Greer Park, Winding Way, Newtown Square

The Darby Creek Valley Association will host a watershed-wide clean-up event focusing on removing trash, tires, and other debris from regional waterways. During this event, volunteers work together to clean up sites located throughout the watershed.

Time: 9–11am

Cost: FREE

Register at DCVA.org/watershed-cleanups

Sat. April 13

Rain Garden Helping Hands

@Newtown Township Building

209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square

Help care for the beautiful native plants in our two rain gardens. Have fun working alongside like-minded people as we weed and mulch these flower-filled gardens. Bring your trowel and work gloves. Sponsored by the Newtown Township Environmental Advisory Council.

Time: 9:00–11:30am

Cost: FREE

Sat. April 13

Comedy Night At The Pig

@The Sterling Pig Brewery

609 W State St, Media

Come out for the inaugural night of comedy at the Sterling Pig Brewery to laugh along with area comedians hosted by America’s Funniest Handyman, Comedian Tommy Highland. This month features Jake Mattera and headliner David James.

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $20

Tickets at Eventbright.com

Sat. April 20

Russell Fun Fair

@Russell Elementary School

2201 Sproul Rd, Broomall

Russell’s annual Fun Fair will have tons of fun games, crafts, face painting, inflatables, prizes, raffles, silent auction, food and fun!

Time: 12-4pm

Cost: Wristbands $30 (Unlimited All Day FUN for Games, Crafts and Inflatables); K+ $25; $15 PRE-K & Under. Adults are FREE

Sat. April 27

Walk for MS with Marple Civic Youth

@Ridley Creek State Park

1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media

Join the Marple Civic Youth’s sustainability committee to take action to fight Multiple Sclerosis. Sign up to join or donate to their team on instagram (@marplecivicyouth).

Time: 10am

Sun. April 28 (rain date Sun. May 5)

Newtown Square Fire Company Auxiliary

85th Semi-Annual Flea Market

@Newtown Square Shopping Center

3590 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Come out for a great day of treasure hunting and lots of bargains. There will be heaps of deals on books, tools, clothes and a variety of collectibles—something for everyone! All proceeds benefit the Newtown Square Volunteer Fire Company through the efforts of the Auxiliary.

Time: 9am–3pm

Cost: FREE admission

NSFC.org

Fri. May 3

Newtown Square’s Public Library

Silent Auction

@Newtown Public Library

201 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square

Join the Friends of Newtown Public Library for a delightful evening featuring light fare, libations and a silent auction. Some of our donors include Yoga in the Circle, Relax: A Massage Studio, People’s Light & Theater Co, Board & Brush, Christopher’s Chocolates, The Sugaree and many more! All proceeds benefit the Friends of Newtown Public Library, a 501(c)3 charity.

Time: 6–8pm

Cost: FREE admission

610-353-1022 NewtownLibrary.org

by Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing Expert Contributor

Sump Pump Prep for Spring and Summer Storms

The spring storm season is underway, so now is the time to check out your existing sump pump and associated equipment instead of trying to deal with it during a heavy rainstorm.

If you have an existing crock or basin in the floor, make sure the pit is free from debris, which can cause the float on the pump to not work properly. Debris can also easily clog the impeller (a small filter on the pump). Make sure the discharge piping from the pump has a check valve, to prevent water from coming right back into the pit once it’s pumped out.

When you replace the sump pump, you should check the valve, to make sure the discharge pipe to the outside is clear. Sometimes, something as simple as a new mulch bed or landscaping can cause the discharge pipe to no longer drain freely — a real problem if the pump kicks on! Check the power outlet once a month, to make sure it’s working properly. Many basement outlets have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) that can easily trip, causing no power to the pump.

It’s also a great idea to seriously consider a backup pump system. It’s a separate pump installed in the same pit that will kick on if the primary sump pump fails. The primary pump may not work due to a power outage or mechanical failure. If you have a

home that heavily relies on the sump pump during storms, then a backup pump system is strongly recommended.

There are two types of backup systems. The first is a battery backup system. It runs on a 12-volt marine battery and comes with a wall charger to keep the battery charged and ready to go. Homeowners can expect to get anywhere from 5–8 hours of pump run time out of the battery.

The other popular option is the water-powered backup system, which is powered by your municipal water supply and requires no electricity to operate. This option will function for a much longer time than the battery backup systems. A water-powered backup system will not work, however, if you have a well water system. Consult with a professional to discuss the options that would be the best fit for your property.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates the average life expectancy of a sump pump at 10 years. It really depends on how frequently the pump is running, and that, of course, varies from house to house. It’s often “peace of mind” for customers to replace sooner so they can be more confident during storms. N S

RF BONDURANT… A small company, producing BIG RESULTS! We believe in doing the job right the first time.

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

~JUDITH HIRSH

Recent Newtown Township Home Sales

Our Community

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photo courtesy of Luigi & Giovanni’s

Luigi & Giovanni's Taste of Italy: A Culinary Journey with Family and Friends

Luigi & Giovanni Specialty Foods has been a staple in our community since 1976. From its beginnings as an old-world butcher shop and deli to the fast-paced present, Luigi & Giovanni’s has remained an important and delicious part of Newtown Square. Last fall, John and Lou announced that they had opened Luigi & Giovanni’s Cafe at Ellis Preserve. The cafe offers all your favorite menu items and daily specials. It’s a beautiful space with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast or lunch meetings with clients, friends or family. When we last spoke to John and Lou,

they said they were looking forward to opening up the cafe in the evenings for special buffets and events, and last month, they did just that with overwhelming success!

Their inaugural Taste of Italy event, held on Saturday, February 24th, offered guests a culinary journey through the flavors of Italy. The all-you-can-eat experience was full of delicious pastas, savory pizzas, flavorful risottos and irresistible desserts. Some of their main dishes included branzino, shrimp and linguine, porchetta, veal scallopini and chicken parmesan. Guests could bring their favorite wine or purchase from a selection of premium Italian wines that Luigi & Giovanni carry in their store on St. Albans Circle. There were two available seating times, both of which sold out well before the event. The evening was made even more special by Nick Desiderio, a musical virtuoso hailing from the picturesque town of Guardiagrele, Italy. Nick has enchanted audiences as a one-man band, weaving magic with his accordion and soulful vocals.

Guests enjoyed a mouthwatering selection of dishes

A wonderful evening gathering with family and friends

“Lou and I were blown away by the overwhelming response to our first event,” John said. “We both had a vision to have our new space be a gathering place where friends and family could enjoy each other’s company over a fantastic meal.” Lou added that their chef’s passion for food and hospitality shone through and received rave reviews. One of the first online reviews after the event read, “It was undoubtedly one of the best events we have ever attended! We can’t say enough how well it was organized! The staff were so attentive and just absolutely wonderful. The food was amazing!”

With the sell-out success of their first Taste of Italy, John and Lou said they’re just getting started. Their next event, Taste of Italy: Regions of Italy, will be on Saturday, April 20th. They invite you to join them for a spectacular culinary journey through various Italian provinces. Two seating times will be available, 4:00-6:30pm and 7:00-9:30pm. Advance reservations are required at 610-353-2080.

Luigi & Giovanni’s Cafe at Ellis Preserve is located at 3807 West Chester Pike behind Chesterbrook Academy and is open Monday through Friday from 7am–3pm and available for special events on evenings and weekends. Luigi & Giovanni’s Specialty Foods is located at 3601 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square, and is open seven days a week. Their hours are Mon. – Fri. 7am – 7pm; Sat. 7am – 6pm and Sun. 8am – 5pm. For more information, visit www. LuigiandGiovanniCaterers.com or call 610-353-4014. To reach catering, call 610-353-2080 or email LGFoods@gmail.com. N S

Nick Desiderio, a musical virtuoso, entertained the sold-out crowd

People In Places

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Sarah Bernardi Carkner

Meet Sarah Bernardi Carkner: Local

Author and Motivator

Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors’ mission is Bringing People Together, and we are pleased to introduce you this month to Sarah Bernardi Carkner, a Willistown resident and Author of Gym Shorts: 10 Lessons I Learned on the Fitness Floor.

Sarah is an energetic educator, speaker, life coach and group fitness instructor. She has an extensive background in Neuroscience and a Master's in Wellness Management. What’s even more remarkable about Sarah is that her approach to personal development is fun, infectious, impactful and memorable!

“Gym Shorts was born out of my need to process some crazy, unbelievable instances of human behavior that I witnessed while working for a large health club,” Sarah explained. “And one of my favorite ways to make sense of what happens in my life is to write.” Sarah said she figured she could take her experiences and transform them into practical, life-enhancing insights and tips to help others reflect on their own behaviors and come up with ways they can live their best lives while having consideration and compassion for others.

Sarah’s book features ten stories, each offering a valuable life lesson. “I deliberately designed Gym Shorts to be “short” and concise because I wanted it to be relatable to everyone,” Sarah said. “Whether you’re a gym enthusiast, a fitness trainer or you only work out because you really like donuts, you will relate and laugh out loud at some of the stories in this book.” Sarah said a few of her favorites are Life Lesson #2: Sometimes the most important weight to lift is someone else’s burdens, Life Lesson #5: Money can buy you a gym membership, but it can’t buy class and Life Lesson #6: Life’s dance is best choreographed with friends.

“I’m a Mary Poppins lovin’ optimist who sees most everything as a potential life lesson. My experiences created the perfect scenario for me to write this book and do what I love most: spread joy and help people grow.”

It’s one thing to talk about personal development, but it’s another to take it a step further and offer strategies and practical action steps. “For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a part of the solution,” Sarah explained. “I want this book to inspire and motivate people to make real-life changes in their lives.” Sarah said that is why, at the end of each life lesson, readers will find pages dedicated to their own personal reflection and the action steps they can take to improve their lives and their relationships with others.

Throughout her career, Sarah has written chapters in Amazon’s best-selling women’s anthologies, Journey to Joy and Empowering Transformations for Women. She also hosts powerful workshops geared toward mental health and personal development for teens and adults. Sarah travels to middle schools, high schools and colleges to offer expert advice and guidance on wellness, nutrition and personal safety and she speaks to women’s groups and corporations on finding balance, practicing self-care and creating a life filled with purpose.

Gym Shorts debuted in November 2023 and quickly became another Amazon best seller. It is available to purchase through Amazon or on Sarah’s website, SarahCarkner.com. Be sure to follow Sarah on Facebook under Sarah Carkner Enterprises. N S

Amazon best-selling author, Sarah Bernardi Carkner

Author meet and greet at Malvern Public Library

Expert Contributor

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

Upon engaging an attorney to represent you, the two most important things for YOU to do are (1) communicate with your attorney, and (2) help your attorney prepare your case. You know the facts. It’s important to tell your attorney all that you remember and know. Most people aren’t aware of the amount of work that they personally need to do to help their attorney to prepare their case.

• Communication: When you remember a detail about your case, write it down. Convey the details to your attorney. Always provide a clear and concise Subject line for each email you send.

Recalling facts about the case can often cause unpleasantness such as reliving the trauma. Such feelings can result in you writing long emails that contain so much emotion that the original details get lost. Try to stay focused and provide only the important details. Your attorney will let you know where and what he or she needs you to expand upon.

Let your attorney determine what details are important and which are not. Your attorney knows what elements need to be proven, and will let you know what details are less relevant or are not relevant at all. Keep an open channel of communication with your attorney. Make sure they always have your current postal mailing address, email address and phone number.

• Preparation: Your attorney needs your help in preparing the case. After you have communicated all the facts, your attorney will master them. Your attorney will guide you on what they need to prepare the case. They may do what many attorneys do: Ask you to start a calendar or diary in which you will record a chronological account of the relevant events of your case. Go back in time and write down what you remember exactly as you remember it. You never know when you’ll remember something, so keep a notepad handy. Taking pictures when the event occurs or soon thereafter can also be very important because those photos could become evidence in your case.

Gathering documentation such as bank statements takes time, so if they’re required, begin gathering them as soon as possible. Just remember that the quality of the information is far more important than the quantity. Your attorney will guide you about what to retrieve and will examine and categorize what you provide. Last but not least, create your own file on the case by making a copy of everything you send or give to your attorney. Remember, the better prepared you and your attorney are, the better your chance of success. N S

Our Community

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photos courtesy of Captain John Newell

Newtown Township

Police Department’s New Logo

When the Newtown Police Department was established in 1954, a uniform was selected to be worn by Newtown Township police officers while on duty. At the time, the department chose to align with Pennsylvania State Police uniforms and selected standard gray and black colors with a matching logo patch. The patch featured the basic Commonwealth of Pennsylvania design along with the words Newtown Twp. Police embroidered inside.

Over the past 70 years, the department’s uniform patch has seen some changes in colors and designs, but one thing has remained

the same. It’s the one thing that our officers say they have been asked more times than they can count - “Are you Newtown Township Bucks County or Newtown Township Delaware County?”

Captain John Newell explained that the decision was made to redesign the police logo because many of the Officers felt that it would be a great way to honor the department’s upcoming 70th anniversary. “One of the most visible assets of the township to the

community is the police department,” he said. “We are out in the public every day of the year and feel it’s important to be recognized as protecting and serving in Delaware County.” He added that the re-design made sense because our township highway and codes department vehicles and uniform logos clearly indicate Delaware County. In re-designing the logo/patch, John said they wanted to keep some of the traditional aspects of the logo, such as the gold and black colors, but also add the identity of the township and recognize the location of the county in which it sits. “We believe we came up with a logo that incorporates the true history and identity of our unique township,” John remarked. “All of our surrounding townships have re-created their police logos several times to reflect township changes since the creation of their departments, and we felt it was time to have our logo reflect the pride we have to work for our township.”

On behalf of your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, we would like to thank the entire Newtown Township Police Department in Delaware County for their steadfast dedication to serving and protecting our community. May our officers continue to protect and serve with our utmost respect and appreciation. N S

Our Community

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos by Shoemaker Films ShoemakerFilms.com

Sustainable Newtown SquareGreen Business Coalition

Local business and government leaders gathered on Friday, March 8th, for the Sustainable Newtown Square—Green Business Coalition Leaders Mini-Conference. The event was held at Boiron USA, the world’s leader in homeopathic medicines whose headquarters is located on Campus Boulevard in Newtown Square.

Hosted by the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors, the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and endorsed by the Newtown Square Business Association (NSBA), the mini-conference served to recognize the sustainability efforts of local businesses, to educate attendees on how our community can get involved and to network with other businesses and government leaders.

Sheila O’Sullivan-Feeney led the initiative as the Chair of the EAC. The morning began with some words from Newtown Square

Chairman of Supervisors, Leonard Altieri and Newtown Township Manager, Stephen Nease. Leonard thanked all the members of the EAC and the township for working together towards the common goal of bringing businesses and government together for a better future. Stephen praised our public works department for their role in sustainability by reusing materials and repurposing equipment that otherwise would have been discarded.

Featured speakers were Fabrice Figliolini, Vice President of Operations, Finance, Information Technology, and Human Resources at Borion, USA; Delaware County Chief Sustainability Officer Francine Locke; and Jan Nash, Senior Director of Research at the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI), which is also headquartered in Newtown Square.

Fabrice described how the company’s Newtown Square location is embracing sustainability today and shared tips for other businesses. Borion has put numerous sustainability practices in place in recent years. They have installed smart lighting and HVAC systems throughout the building, partnered with a composting company, eliminated single-use plastic and paper products, installed an eco-friendly walking path for their employees and the public and planted trees throughout our community.

Francine, who oversees the operating departments of Planning, Public Works, Facilities, Fleet, Parks & Recreation and Conservation, explained how she and her team have developed new and innovative strategies and plans for managing and reducing Delaware County’s carbon footprint through waste, energy, water and transportation initiatives. She gave accolades to the leadership in our county for seeing the value of sustainability and allocating funds that allow us to continue to be an example for other Pennsylvania counties.

The final speaker of the morning was Jan Nash from NMI, a full-service human insights and consulting firm specializing in Health and Sustainability. Jan remarked on how NMI focuses on helping companies create more sustainable futures for themselves, their customers and society. They conduct extensive research to understand how today's green consumers think about environmental and planetary health, including packaging and resource depletion. Jan emphasized that businesses that implement sustainability practices have a positive impact on their customers and the environment.

The Sustainable Newtown Square – Green Business Coalition is a free program sponsored by Newtown Township for businesses that pledge to environmentally sustainable practices and give back to the community. Sheila O’Sullivan-Feeney said, “This is a 100% voluntary and non-binding program that helps to educate businesses on environmentally sustainable practices and reward and recognize

Officials from Newtown Township presented the Newtown Square Business Association with a Sustainability Pledge Certificate. (L to R): Stephen Nease, Tina Roberts Lightcap, Paul Seligson (NSBA Vice President), Sheila TurnerHilliard (NSBA President), Leonard Altieri and Suzanne Wolanin

Members of the Environmental Advisory Council (L to R): Joe Pinto, Cindy Mehallow, Stephen Nease, Janet Krevenas, Tina Roberts Lightcap, Sheila O’Sullivan-Feeney, Leonard Altieri, David Galluch and Suzanne Wolanin

those businesses who have taken steps to be good stewards of their community and environment.” In addition, their goals include encouraging residents to buy locally and consume responsibly.

Sheila explained that once businesses make the “pledge” they will receive a free decal for their business, digital signage for their website and social channels and inclusion in township communications. “Many businesses are already demonstrating sustainability, and this can be an opportunity to share best practices across the community,” Sheila added. “Additionally, each year, one business that has championed sustainability and has gone above and beyond its commitments will be eligible for an award.”

Some ways we can all participate are by:

• Reducing or eliminating single-use plastic (including takeout containers, plastic bags, straws, etc.)

• Volunteering each year in township-sponsored park or stream cleanups and tree plantings

• Making every effort to recycle all eligible materials (i.e. boxes, paper, glass and plastic)

• Evaluating and implementing ways to reduce electric usage and move to renewable electric sources (Electric fleet, LED and/or motion-sensing lighting, Solar)

• Landscaping your home or business using native plants and trees

• Communicating your sustainable efforts and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do the same

• Evaluating and implementing water conservation efforts and managing stormwater runoff best practices

There are many ways residents and businesses can impact the community, and through short-term and long-term planning, we can make Newtown Square a healthier, more beautiful, and more sustainable place to live, work, and play.

If you own or represent a business that operates within Newtown Township, you can sign up by visiting Newtowntownship.org and making the pledge. The form can be found by clicking on the

Government tab, then the Boards and Commissions. If you are interested in getting involved with the EAC, you are welcome to attend their monthly meetings that are held at 5pm on the third Thursday of each month. Meetings take place at Newtown Township’s Municipal Building, 209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square. N S

Fabrice Figliolini from Boiron, USA offers practical sustainability solutions for our local business owners

Photos

The Countess of Newtown Square

by Doug Humes

courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society

In 1931, the Countess, a “broad-beamed woman of middle age, with hazel eyes behind pince-nez glasses, and greying hair pulled back from her high forehead,” could be seen almost daily walking on Bryn Mawr Avenue from her home off of Malin Road just over the line in Radnor, crossing underneath the railroad bridge and continuing up to West Chester Pike. She then turned right and headed on to the post office. Postmaster Charles Hanley recalled that she would visit every day, looking for news from the old country. Clutching her mail, she would then walk back to the ancient farmhouse where she was living, a round trip of about 3½ miles.

In an unheated stone home with no running water, she would fetch water, chop her own wood, and tend to her crops, her pigs and a lone Jersey cow. Local children called her the Pig Lady. She bathed in the creek that runs through the property. At night, by candlelight, she worked on finishing her book about her parents’ stormy

The Countess, on the steps of the ramshackle Radnor farmhouse that was her home in 1932

The Countess’ old farmhouse looking much better today

relationship. Newtown Square was a sleepy country village in those days, so seeing the youngest daughter of one of the greatest Russian authors was a novelty. A Countess! In Newtown Square!

The Countess was Alexandra “Sasha” Tolstoy, the youngest daughter of Leo Tolstoy, the author of “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina.” Until her father’s death in 1910, Sasha was his secretary, companion, and later executor of his works. Then came 1917. Sasha was “a wealthy thirty-two-year-old Russian countess who lived on a three hundred-and-thirty-acre country estate that included a model farm stocked with blooded cattle.” But in 1917, Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks seized power. When the blood had dried, the workers of the world had united – and were ready to throw off their chains. But if you were on the wrong side of that divide, a countess, life would change.

Sasha was accused of anti-Soviet activities and imprisoned. Later released, she threw herself into helping the Russian people, organizing schools, an orphanage and a hospital for the poor. Life was bad under Lenin, but much worse when Stalin succeeded him. Given the opportunity to travel abroad, Sasha did so in 1929, at age 45, fleeing Russia, and eventually arriving in rural Radnor township. Why did a wealthy Countess take up subsistence farming in a dilapidated farmhouse in Radnor? Tune in next month to find out!

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

Sasha acted as the personal secretary for her father, Leo Tolstoy, until his death in 1910

Charity Spotlight

by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Colleen Foti

Community

During the month where we celebrate Autism Awareness, we are pleased to highlight folks in our area who give their time, energy and resources to those in need. There are many organizations across the country and the world dedicated to providing acceptance and understanding of autism and one of those organizations is right here in our community. AALIVE (Adults with Autism Living with Independence, Value and Esteem) was founded in 2007 and has brought smiles through acceptance ever since.

AALIVE was started by Delaware County resident Collen Foti and for the past 16 years, Colleen and her team at AALIVE have been bringing socialization and awareness opportunities to adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. Through social activities like dinners and outings, they’ve been able to integrate these adults with special needs into their communities. “What started as an idea from my father before he passed away has created more acceptance than imaginable,” said Colleen proudly.

Colleen grew up in Bucks County and was one of seven kids. After meeting her husband Frank, they settled in Springfield, Delaware County and raised their two sons Tom and Brian there. When Brian was just 18 months old, Colleen said that she and her husband noticed that Brian was not developing like their older son Tom was and were specifically concerned about his lack of speech. When the autism diagnosis came around age two, Colleen gave her son all the support she could to give him the best chance

at an independent life. While Brian was growing up, Colleen realized what other parents of typical children may not understand. Raising children with autism and other disabilities can be very isolating. Although Brian and his parents had resources through his school, Devereux Cares, as well as through physicians, what was most helpful was connecting with other parents.

It was that need to connect with other families and some inspiration from her father that led Colleen to found the AALIVE organization. In 2006 Colleen’s father was terminally ill and knew he did not have much time left. “He spoke with me about his wish for doing something impactful that could help Brian, who was then a teenager,” Colleen explained. “Thanks to the generosity of so many people who made donations after my dad passed, his wish came true.”

Since Colleen officially started the organization in 2007, AALIVE has been able to work with more than 5,000 families to enhance and improve the lives of their loved ones with disabilities. From seminars to promote awareness to social outings, the families have benefited from experiences that otherwise may not have been available. Outings like an annual trip to Disney on Ice and to Villanova basketball games have been among the favorites. They also hold annual dances and take trips to Linvilla Orchards.

Tom, Colleen, Frank and Brian Foti

What has been most rewarding to Colleen and her team at AALIVE is watching friendships form. “What AALIVE does is create social opportunities for families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people with autism,” she said. “People with disabilities are often lonely. Through these social opportunities we've not only been able to increase their self-confidence, but we’ve helped them form meaningful friendships.”

Running the AALIVE foundation has also allowed Colleen to partner with other organizations that have special meaning to her and her family. In 2017, her son Tom helped develop a program for AALIVE called Inside Voice. The program helps teach non-speaking and limited speaking people with autism ages 16 and up how to communicate by letter board. “It's the same technique that helped his brother,” said Colleen. She also said that while Tom originally planned for a career in sports broadcasting, seeing his brother Brian, who is autistic and non-speaking, use a spelling board to communicate, led him to change course.

gifts and interests,” Colleen explained. “It’s a much-needed program that can serve dozens of people with disabilities in the Delaware County area.

Thank you, Colleen, for sharing your story and for serving the special needs community. Because of your programs, more individuals have been able to live their lives with fulfillment and esteem. For more information about AALIVE and Inside Voice, visit www.Aalive.org and their Facebook page. To learn more about Creative Gifts, go to their website at PeacefulLiving.org. N S

Today, Tom directs the Inside Voice program, along with his longtime friend Emily Pinto Sloan, who serves as co-director. Currently, Emily and Tom have around 35 students in individual and group sessions. The program has already proven to show some remarkable, life-changing results for those who are involved. Colleen and her family’s passion for helping adults with disabilities did not stop with AALIVE and Inside Voice. In 2015, the Foti family worked alongside Peaceful Living to open Creative Gifts, a community-based day program located in Edgmont for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. Colleen explained that when her son Brian aged out of the school system, there were limited opportunities for him to engage with others or to find meaningful work. At Creative Gifts, individuals can enjoy a mixture of activities in the community that foster belonging and skill-building as well as creative activities at the center. Students have enjoyed activities such as cooking, rock climbing at Gravity Vault in Villanova and dancing with Friend & Neighbor’s own Sheila Turner at From the Top Dance Studio. “Each person’s programming is based on their individual

Brian Foti with his brother Tom Foti

Brian Foti with Inside Voice Directors Emily Pinto Sloan and Tom Foti