Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, May 2024

Cover photo

Crissy Everhart

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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, Mike Bradley, Andrew Martella, Rick Thompson, John Blosinski, Charles Welde, Eric Fante

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Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse, 610 453 5536

Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

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

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Content Due the 5th of every month. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, 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

Rebekah D’Angelo-Hewes and Jaycee Hewes at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square

Newtown Square

May I welcome you to this new May issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors in print and online at NewtownSquareMag.com, and to our readers who are also Mothers – may I be the first to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day this month which may well be called a full Month of Appreciation: for the beautiful days of Spring, our mothers, Summer on the way, and recognition of our nation’s veterans who served our country and particularly those who gave their lives in service to protect our freedoms.

Happy Mother’s Day to all our Newtown Square moms, grandmothers, stepmoms and those who bring motherly wisdom and warmth to others. And may I offer a special Happy Mother’s Day to our magazine staff moms: Kim, Sheila, Holly, Lisa and Crissy. Ladies, I see your motherly gifts of care and concern in every new issue. Lastly, Happy Mother’s Day and Thank You Jean; I see your motherly gifts every day in the ways your motherly love is refelected in our four young adult sons.

Later this month, we also stop to our honor our veterans on Memorial Day, and particularly those veterans from Newtown Square who gave their life in times of war to guard and protect the freedoms we have as a nation. And through this month of May, Veteran Appreciation Month, we also honor living military veterans, for your past and/ or current service to our country. Thank you for being a part of our community here in Newtown Square.

I know you’ll enjoy this new May issue Kim, Sheila and our feature writers have for you this month that will see pools opening for summer. So, if you’re heading to the pool or the beach, don’t forget to take Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors along with you.

Let the barbecues begin!

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents,

Well, we certainly had our fill of April showers last month, didn’t we? Let’s welcome the fresh spring air and beautiful May flowers just in time for Mother’s Day.

This month, we celebrate Military Appreciation Month and are proud to introduce you to Retired United States Air Force Officer Rebekah D’Angelo Hewes and her daughter, Jaycee. This dynamic mother-daughter duo loves to have fun, sing, dance and hit the road! We’re also shining the spotlight in honor of Mother’s Day on a few of our local moms you have read about in past issues. Our Business Profile features Casey’s Public House. Whether you are looking for great food, a cocktail or to meet friends, Casey’s is the best place close to home. This issue is packed with family activities and fun features. Enjoy!

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

Sheila Turner-Hilliard Content Coordinator

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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

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

Dance Instruction

Kaitlin Battiste

From the Top Dance

3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square

610 - 353- 2623 • Info@FromTheTopDance.com

FromTheTopDance.com

Electric Service, Commercial & Residential

Andrew Martella, Sr.

Martella Electric Company

484 - 498 - 2965 • MartellaElectric@rcn.com

MartellaElectric.com

Fireplace Products

Scott Magness

Scott’s Fireplace Products

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

Law, Family & Trial Attorney

Deborah M. Truscello, Esq.

Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

610 - 892- 4940 • DmtofLaw@gmail.com

TruscelloLaw.com

Painting, Exterior & Interior

Rick Thompson

Thompson Custom Painting

610 - 359 - 8500 • Office@ThompsonPainting.net

ThompsonPainting.net

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

610 - 566 - 0288

• RFBPlumbing@comcast.net

RFBondurant.com

Private Investigation & Security Services

Jeffrey Stein

ELPS Private Detective Agency

882 South Matlack Street, Suite 206, West Chester

610 - 696 - 7799

ELPSpda.com

• JStein@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

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Rebekah D'Angelo-Hewes and Jaycee Hewes: Teammates in The Game of Life

Please join your fellow Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors this month in recognizing and celebrating our brave servicemen and women for National Military Appreciation Month. Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the chance to publicly show its appreciation for troops past and present. Each year, the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in our country’s history and development.

May is also a time to celebrate and show gratitude to the women and mothers who have been mentors and caregivers in our lives. This month, we are pleased to introduce you to Rebekah D’Angelo-Hewes, a Retired United States Air Force Veteran and dedicated mom to her daughter, Jaycee.

Rebekah was born and raised in Havertown where she lived with her parents, her brother and three sisters. She was actively involved in sports and played field hockey and softball. Rebekah graduated from Haverford High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force.

“I remember that late into my senior year of high school, barely having the time to fill out the paper college applications, and honestly, I hadn’t mailed a single one in,” Rebekah said. “I knew at some point my parents would figure it out, so on my way home from Senior Week, I stopped at the 69th Street military recruitment center and enlisted in the Air Force.”

Rebekah said that her family's reaction was mixed. “My late grandfather and my father were both military veterans, so my dad was excited, but my mom, brother and sisters, not so much,” she recounted. They had mixed feelings. “The younger two did not want me to leave home. I will admit that I was definitely homesick for the first several months of training, but I always wrote letters, and they sent a LOT of packages wherever I was stationed.”

It was December 1994, and Rebekah was in Basic Military Training (BMT) for the U.S. Air Force at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, Texas, known as the Gateway to the Air Force. The base trains approximately 35,000 recruits each year in the fundamentals of being an Airman. This includes military discipline, drills and ceremonies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and

a comprehensive range of subjects are studied and mastered relating to Air Force life.

After basic training, Rebekah served as a Secure Communications Equipment Maintainer, installing and maintaining secure communications equipment for air and ground support of the B-1 Lancer Bomber, a supersonic variable-sweep wing heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force.

“I realized during basic training and through my first deployment that I was where I was meant to be,” she explained. “During the first few years of my career, I needed the guidance, leadership and discipline that the Air Force provided.”

Rebekah served in that role until 1998, retrained to be a medic and was assigned to an Aerospace Medical Squadron, where she later was promoted to Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Medical Operations for special operational duty personnel. By this point, Rebekah felt that her role and her purpose in the military had evolved into a mutual respect and need for

Rebekah with Jaycee Photo courtesy of Rebekah Hewes

each other. “They relied on me for my expertise, as well as continued to invest in my training and my college education. This investment in training allowed me to assist in some advanced medical situations while deployed in 2003 and 2005.”

It was now 2007, and Rebekah was married, living in Ephrata, PA and learned that she was expecting a baby. “I gave birth to my son, Thomas prematurely in 2008,” she said. “Thomas’ life was spent in the NICU at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA when he passed away at just 28 days old from complications due to an infection.”

Rebekah said that losing Thomas was a turning point for her personally and professionally. She wanted to be closer to her family, so she bought a home in Newtown Square. “I was working as a medic and was responsible for ensuring that my team of airmen was physically and mentally healthy enough to be mission-ready,” Rebekah explained. “That position really challenged me because I was grieving the loss of my son and needed to be sure I was taking care of my own well-being.”

It was a time of change for Rebekah, in 2009, she was selected for a three-year term in the position of First Sergeant (First Shirt). Upon completion of the First Sergeant Academy, she was assigned as the advisor to the Commander of the Medical Squadron, where her role was to advise commanders on the readiness, health, morale, welfare, and quality of life of Airmen. “Pulling from my own personal and military experiences, and working with other senior enlisted personnel, we were able to ensure a mission-ready force.” In 2010, she welcomed her daughter, Jaycee to the world.

In 2013, Rebekah was selected and appointed as the Superintendent of Intelligence Operations in support of the Attack Squadron, MQ-9 Reaper Operations. Shortly after being assigned, Rebekah was promoted to E-8, Senior Master Sergeant. This position was the “full circle” of her career. Rebekah said that with her military training, “I was able to experience many facets of military operations from all different sides. It was so rewarding to continue to utilize the conglomeration of training I had experienced over the previous several years.”

Continued on page 8

Rebekah's grandfather, serving in France in 1946

Photo courtesy of Rebekah Hewes

Rebekah “relaxing” on her day off as a medic while deployed in an undisclosed location

Photo courtesy of Rebekah Hewes

Rebekah retired from the Air Force in June 2017 and spent the next four years as an Operations Manager for a private-sector engineering firm working in underground infrastructure. These days, she is the Business Manager for D’Angelo Plumbing & Heating, Inc., a fourth-generation family business started in 1919 by Rebekah’s great-grandfather.

“I wear a lot of different hats, payroll, invoicing, receiving, ordering, plus a supply house run form time to time. I’ve always had diverse roles in my career and I love every minute of it.” Rebekah laughed when she said her most important role though, is keeping caramel macchiato creamer stocked in the office refrigerator for her “retired” father.

These days, Rebekah said that life is “super busy and fun” for her and her daughter. Jaycee is now 14 years old and will graduate from Ss Colman-John Neumann this spring. Jaycee loves archery, volleyball and plays on a lacrosse team coached by Rebekah. In addition to sports, Jaycee loves all genres of music, enjoys all mediums of art and studies world history.

“My absolute favorite thing to do is spend time with Jaycee,” Rebekah said. She is fun, strong-willed, witty and has the kindest heart I have ever known.” However, Rebekah did add that Jaycee loves to play pranks on her! “She knows how to gross me out or drive me crazy, and she does it well! We always end up in hysterical laughter.”

When they’re not at home listening to music, taking in the beautiful sunsets from their deck “on the Pike” or playing with their Sharpei-Puggle mix, Mya, they love to hit the road. “We love to spend time with family and friends down the shore, but this summer, the two of us are going to take the first of many road trips,” Rebekah explained. “We’re going to head south so Jaycee can finally realize her dream of visiting Buc-ee’s, the iconic rest stop, gas station, souvenir shop and restaurant all in one, then to Iowa to check out the Ragbrai Ride, followed by a tour of South Dakota where I was stationed for some time.”

When asked if Rebekah had any special message to share with our friends and neighbors she said, “Everyone needs teammates in the game of life, as there are very few things in life that one accomplishes completely independently of others. Focus on seeing the strengths in each one of your teammates, and value what you learn from them.”

On behalf of your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, we thank you, Rebekah, for sharing your story and for your steadfast commitment to serving and protecting our nation. A strong military relies not only on your dedication but also on the support of strong families who share your mission. Thank you to all who serve and all who love those who serve. We wish you a Happy Mother’s Day and with you both safe travels during your upcoming adventures!

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

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by Mike Bradley Bradley Tree Experts

Trees, Trees, TREES… Help is Here!

Trees make a true statement when placed at key areas around the home. The question many homeowners ask — especially if they’ve inherited a yard with many and various types of trees — is when is it time to perform tree maintenance, and what are specific ways to maintain particular types of trees? To get those answers, first ask yourself these basic questions:

• Do the trees on my property present broken limbs that could possibly be dead or diseased?

• Do my trees encroach on my house, on my neighbor’s property or house, on power lines or on sidewalk areas?

• Are my trees misshapen from overgrowth?

• Do my trees reduce the aesthetic value of my property?

If the answers to these questions are mostly yes, it is most certainly time for the most common form of tree maintenance: tree pruning. Put simply, tree pruning is selectively removing branches from a tree to improve its structure and promote overall healthy new growth. Pruning for tree health focuses on removing dead or dying branches, removing branches that may rub together or removing any branch stubs so the tree will continue to grow healthy for years to come. Dead or dying branches can be removed anytime and in any season throughout the year.

Thinning out a tree’s canopy (the branches and leaves at its top) will let light and air circulate in and around its branches, which then allows for increased foliage and a decreased chance of disease. As trees age, they may grow suckers (more branches at their trunk base or above). Most suckers should be removed because they can weaken wood and take nutrients from the main tree. Helping each tree establish one main trunk or dominant stem is key to the growth process, to ensure the tree is able to withstand winter storms and high winds.

The most important thing you can do for your trees in the spring and summer is to ensure they receive adequate water. Proper watering is crucial for the health and vitality of trees, especially during periods of active growth and hot weather. This includes monitoring your soil moisture levels and adjusting watering them based on the weather conditions. N S

Expert Contributor

by Charles Welde

The Pyramid of Risk

Have you ever heard of The Pyramid of Risk? It helps categorize investments from low-risk (at the bottom of the pyramid) to high-risk (at the top of the pyramid).

The bottom of the pyramid includes low-risk investments such as government bonds, fixed and indexed annuities, life insurance, CDs and cash savings. These are considered low-risk investments because they have no direct market volatility exposure.

The middle of the pyramid is for medium-risk investments such as stock funds, bond funds, index funds and variable annuities. These medium-risk investments have market exposure but have more diversified positions than the higherrisk investments.

The top of the pyramid includes alternative investments such as oil and gas. It also includes commodities such as gold and real estate investment trusts. These investments are considered higher risk because they are less diversified and potentially illiquid, meaning you can’t easily get access to your money.

Individual stocks and bonds are also categorized as higher risk because of a lack of diversification in highly concentrated holdings. No matter how big or strong one individual company is – as we saw years ago with Lehman Brothers and Enron, companies that many thought were “too big to fail” went bankrupt, or their stock value decreased so significantly that people lost a lot of money.

In the universe of investments, you get to choose what to risk, and when to risk it. Safeguard your money today, risk your purchasing power tomorrow. Risk your money today, safeguard your purchasing power tomorrow. There is no such thing as no risk.

The strength of your retirement plan will be determined by having the appropriate amount of money allocated to low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk investments. The ultimate goal is to create an optimal blend of risk-adjusted investments that will generate predictable income, manage short-term market volatility, and reduce the impact of long-term inflation. N S

Student of the Month

by Lisa Jeffries

Mary Benko

MAY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The May Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Mary Benko, 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.

Mary spends her time at MNHS fully involved with various clubs. She is on both the Cross Country and Track teams, and is a member of the Marching Band and the French Club. Academically, Mary is in the National Honor Society as well.

However, what Mary is most proud of is being a Leader in Marple Civic Youth, a group of area students looking for ways to make a difference in our community. With their motto: Teens Taking Action, they have been providing fun and inclusive ways to get teens together. From volunteering at local school events and food banks to organizing proms and dances, the teens have made it their mission to make a difference here in Marple Newtown.

Since Mary will be graduating next month, her plans for the fall include majoring in Education at Millersville University and continuing her cross-country and track career at the D2 level. Her long-term goals include teaching math to

middle school students and encouraging STEM education for young girls. Mary is also proud to have previously worked as a Student Assistant Teacher for the second-grade class at Russell Elementary.

We are so happy to get to know a little more about you Mary, and we look forward to hearing about all of your future accomplishments. 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.

Mary with Casey’s Manager Bobbie Guerriere Photo courtesy of Mary Benko

Expert Contributor

The Legacy of Carmen Martella One of Life’s Experts

by Bob Blaisse, Publisher

No worries, our Expert Electrician, Andrew Martella returns next month with another of his features we always enjoy. I asked Andrew if I could step in to share with readers how my work has helped me to become an expert in recommending experts to be trusted for how they serve customers, treat employees and contribute to the community. Andrew’s father, Carmen Martella, the founder of Martella Electric who passed away in February at 94, was surely an Expert Electrician who lived an expert life.

I am certainly not an Expert Electrician, but this month I’m filling in for one. No worries, our Electrical Services Expert, Andrew Martella, returns next month with another of his Expert Contributor features we’ve come to enjoy reading now for several years.

I asked Andrew Martella if I could take his place this month, to share with readers how, for nearly six years as Publisher of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, I may have become an Expert myself, in being able to recognize businesses to recommend to readers for their good business practices, how they treat employees and how they give back to the communities that have contributed to their business success. Andrew Martella’s father was surely one of those Experts in business, but also in life.

On February 18, 2024, Carmen Martella, the father of our Electric Services Expert, Andrew Martella, and founder of Martella Electric Company, passed away. Carmen was born on December 19, 1930. He came into this world not knowing how much he would influence several generations of family, friends and customers, or how impactfully his legacy would outlive his own life.

Carmen attended Boch Vocational High School where he excelled in the electrical curriculum while leading the stage crew for all auditorium events. Carmen was often called out of class to solve electrical and other mechanical issues in the school, growing his reputation as the go-to guy when a challenging problem needed to be solved. With this talent and determination, Carmen learned the electrical trade from a Master electrician but was soon faced with a decision when his mentor suddenly passed away. In 1955, Carmen made the decision to officially launch his own business, Martella Electric Company, out of a small home on Webster Street in West Philadelphia.

Andrew Martella with father and company founder Carmen in 2000, with young Andrew Martella, Jr., now the 3rd generation of Martella Electric Experts

Bob Blaisse, publisher Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Carmen Martella in 1952, before founding Martella Electric

Martella Electric Family, (L to R): Granson Andrew, Jr., sons Carmen, Jr, Andrew, Sr., father and founder, Carmen Martella, son Rich, and Cousin Franco Tanda

Andrew Martella

Martella Electric

Photos courtesy of Andrew Martella Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Not long after marrying Joan, the love of his life, Carmen’s family grew to seven children, requiring the couple to move their family in 1961 to a larger home in Upper Darby. There Carmen and Joan involved their children in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Choir Groups and Camping, while they helped as active volunteers, ensuring their children put maximum effort into everything they knew could help them be prepared for adulthood.

Andrew Martella and his three brothers worked with their father as young boys and into their teenage years. Andrew and Richard joined Carmen in 1987, leaving their careers in construction to take Martella Electric into the next generation. The company continued to grow and prosper under Carmen’s close eye and demand that Service, Integrity and Excellence always were the top priority of the company he founded. In 2009 Carmen retired and his sons Richard and Andrew Martella took over to carry on the business

and traditions that today make Martella Electric Company one of the bestknown and most trusted residential electrical contractor companies in the area, serving Delaware County, Southern Chester County and the Main Line.

Long before retiring, in 1976 Carmen Martella became interested in stained glass art and attended a class to learn a new craft.

He never stopped creating until his death. In his retirement, he spent every day creating unique pieces of stained glass art which he simply gave away to just about everyone who asked.

Sadly, Carmen Martella created his last piece of stained glass art in February, passing away on February 18, 2024, truly beloved by his family, friends and customers. To the thousands he served in business, Carmen’s expertise kept the lights on, while the life he lived lit up every room he entered. Every piece of his stained glass art continues to contribute sunlight to beauty and will be his legacy, as will the Service, Integrity and Excellence Andrew Martella and the employees of Martella Electric Company today carry on in his honor, proving without a doubt that Carmen Martella was surely one of life’s experts. N S

The last piece of stained glass Carmen created

Carmen lit up every room he entered

by Holly Stupak

A Local Favorite

Created By A Local Favorite

When locals want a place where they can go to relax, connect with friends, and be treated well by the bartender, it’s no wonder they head over to Casey’s Public House. A Newtown Square fixture for nearly four decades, Casey’s has seen lots of growth and change over the years, but their authentic charm has remained.

Owner Steve Graham opened Casey’s in 1976. A Newtown Square native, Steve’s parents moved their family from southwest Philadelphia to Newtown Square back when it was mostly farmland. At the time, Steve’s grandmother worked and lived at Fox Tail Farm in Edgmont. Steve began working at Fox Tail Farms around age 12, first painting fences and then mucking stalls. It was there that Steve began developing a strong work ethic.

Back then, Steve played basketball for St. Anastasia, where he was also a student. “I knew I wasn’t the best player on the team,” said Steve. “I had to work harder than others and put in the time.” That also meant attending a basketball camp each

summer. But being one of six kids, Steve said he knew his parents couldn’t afford it. “As soon as school let out in June, I went to work and worked until August when camp started,” he recalled. “I was able to pay for the camp with the money I earned.”

During high school at Marple Newtown High School (MNHS), Steve took an afterschool job at Dunwoody Village that paid $1 an hour, and he was also a star player on the school’s basketball team. Steve earned a college scholarship to play basketball at LaSalle University, but an injury sidelined him from playing and finishing college.

For several years, Steve owned a local custom sign business called Arrow’s Sign Co. and he bartended on the side to make extra money at local places like Nick’s Roast Beef and Riddle Ale House. When he was 25, he had the opportunity to buy the bar we now know as Casey’s, which back then was a sports bar called the Graham Slam Sports Bar. Steve explained that back then, there weren’t as many sports bars in the area and they were one of the first to

have TVs on the wall. “The Flyers were doing really well during that time, so it was fun for people to come and have a place to watch the game,” he said.

Steve later changed the name to Casey’s, a nod to Casey at the Bat, the poem about a baseball team from the fictional town of “Mudville.” The atmosphere was casual and fun, with a trolley set around the restaurant and the original idea being a chain of “trolley stops” that reached from Upper Darby to West Chester.

That idea may not have stuck, but there was something central to that concept that persists today. With its cozy, comfortable atmosphere, delicious food and friendly staff, Casey’s has been a go-to neighborhood place, where people come back after they try other places. “I like to say it’s a working man’s country club,” said Steve. “Come in after a round of golf with friends or after work with colleagues.”

Pete Crisanti joined Steve as a partner in 2001. Like Steve, Pete grew up in Newtown Square and attended St. Anastasia and MNHS. Steve knew Pete through Pete’s father, who owned a meat market near Casey’s. Pete also opened a beer distributorship in Marple Newtown and operated that business for 20 years. When Steve invited Pete to partner as

Photos courtesy of Steve Graham

Casey’s Owner Steve Graham

Inside Casey’s Public House

Casey’s co-owner in 2001, he knew they shared the same work ethic. “I thought he’d be a good partner,” said Steve. “Pete understood that the restaurant business is 24/7. When everyone else is playing, like on weekends and holidays, we are working.”

The idea of a business partnership in his hometown had Pete immediately excited. “I have never left this town in my three careers,” Pete said with pride. Not only did Steve admire Pete’s work ethic and dedication to the community, but he was a great friend. “He is such a great husband and father and he’s like a brother to me,” Steve said proudly.

Just as important as a wonderful staff is to Steve and Pete, so is the importance of giving back to the community. They are the proud sponsor of our Friends & Neighbors magazine’s Student of the Month, which honors local middle and high school students who demonstrate excellence in service to school, friendship, community or area groups. Casey’s is proud to celebrate each student with a gift certificate to the restaurant.

Mackenzie Duffy was the Student of the Month in July 2023 and recalled how Casey’s employees met her with such enthusiasm. “I loved sharing a bit about myself with the hometown community

The partners also own several other restaurants, including Casey’s Pour House, Berwyn, Casey’s Ale House in Malvern and Casey’s in Drexel Hill. For many years, they owned the Lamb Tavern, which they sold a couple of years ago to Anthony’s Restaurant group. A source of great pride is the number of people who have stayed with their restaurants for years, including some who have been with them for more than 20 years. “We have a lot of long-time staff members, and we treat them like family,” Pete said.

that has been so formative to me over the years,” Mackenzie said. “Whenever I would go to work or the store, someone would stop and mention the article. It was such an amazing way to connect with members all over the township.”

Casey’s also sponsors and supports local sports teams as well as the Marple Newtown High School Marching Band. “I grew up in the neighborhood behind the high school and would hear the band practicing twice a day,” recalled Steve. “Their work ethic really stuck out to me and I continue to support them in whatever way I can.”

July 2023

It’s that friendly, personalized feel that keeps friends and neighbors coming back to Casey’s, no matter what the occasion. Whether you are looking for great food, a cocktail or to meet old friends and new ones, Casey’s is the best place close to home!

Located at 3529 West Chester Pike, Casey’s Public House is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. N S

Above: Casey’s Public House in Newtown Square

The Newtown Square Shopping Center in 1975

Casey’s Student of the Month

Mackenzie Duffy with Casey’s Manager Taylor Garland

BRINGING PEOPLE

by Bob Blaisse, Founding Publisher of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

Who decides which Newtown Square resident will be on the cover every month? What kind of response do businesses gain from advertising? Where do you find features published every month about youth, seniors and organizations in Newtown Township? Why would anyone want to read a magazine when there’s the Internet? And… How is it possible that Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine can look so classy, be mailed for free to so many homes in Newtown Square every month and yet not be crammed with nothing but ads?

Those are the Who, What, Where, Why and How questions I am asked every week. And while there’s a longer answer for each question, if I had to offer the same two-words for each question, it would be this: Reader Leaders.

What’s a Reader Leader? It’s anyone who looks forward to receiving Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine in the mail each month and knows our advertising Sponsors make it possible. It’s readers like you, willing to vote with your wallet to show outright favoritism for any business whose ads are seen on these pages.

Reader Leaders know the businesses that sponsor our community do so for two reasons: (i) because they know a community is made better by having a monthly hometown magazine, and (ii) because the residents of Newtown Township are important to the success of their business.

Reader Leaders also recognize that social media is not just found online because magazines are certainly a form of media and Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors certainly is Bringing People

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

2

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.

3

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

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!

Together in a social way, albeit through monthly feature articles that circulate hometown pride by introducing us to hometown neighbors we may never have known until reading about them in your hometown magazine, which is funded by a very specific group of local business owners that show us every month how important we are to them.

How we choose our cover, who will be our Student of the Month, which feature article we publish, it all comes from you, through your emails that result in Bringing People Together through your good ideas that become features on these pages. And the Reader Leaders with lasting impact are those whose reader leadership even helps us grow our page count by growing our advertising Sponsors. Be a Reader Leader of social-media-in-print. Nominate residents from our community and community organizations to be featured in your hometown magazine. And use your influence with business owners you know, to help grow our magazine page count so we can publish even more pages funded by local businesses that become Sponsors of Newtown Township residents. And if a business you introduce me to does become a new advertising Sponsor, I will reward your reader leadership by asking you to recommend a

Newtown Square resident of your choosing, to be featured on our cover of a future issue of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. N S

Bob Blaisse Publisher, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors

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by Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

Photo courtesy of Rick Thompson

Top Reasons Why Spring Is the Best Time for Painting Your House

Spring is symbolic of a fresh start. Painting the exterior of your house gives it a new and refreshing look. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, so it should be attractive, elegant and stylish, all at the same time. Your choice of paint will have a huge effect on the curb appeal of your house.

One of the most important reasons why late spring to early summer is the perfect time to paint your home’s exterior is because the temperature is ideally suited to achieve the desired outcome. Once early spring is over, the weather pattern of summer begins. The days become warmer and drier, plus there is plenty of sunlight. Low humidity levels mean less risk of moisture getting trapped in the exterior surface, and it allows the paint to dry quickly on its own.

Every homeowner wants their property to look nice and neat. Enhancing the overall curb appeal of your home will not only improve the aesthetics but will also increase the value of your house. If you’re looking to sell, painting the exterior will certainly give you a boost in price.

Winter can be very harsh for the paint on your house. Conditions like ice, snow, frost, rain and storms affect your home’s paint. Moisture has a negative impact because it causes paint to swell or soften, which will lead to blistering, peeling and flaking. Remember that high moisture conditions also trigger the growth of mold or mildew. Don’t wait too long to repaint, because the delay will increase the cost of repair. Painting the exterior helps to protect the underlying surfaces from weather damage such as sunlight, moisture and temperature fluctuations. This can prevent deterioration and prolong the lifespan of the building materials, which in turn can increase the overall value of the home.

Are you planning to paint your home this spring? Every homeowner wishes to see their property look beautiful. Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to do it. Overall, painting offers a cost-effective way to refresh and improve the look of your home, making it an appealing option for homeowners looking to enhance their living space without breaking the bank. N S

by John Blosinski J&K Trash Removal Inc

Corralling Your Trash

Having an area that is both convenient and inconspicuous to store trash cans is a project worth undertaking this spring. It starts with locating a good spot that is both flat and is also wide enough to fit a garbage, recycling and perhaps even a yard waste can. Think realistically about how far the intended placement is from your kitchen, so you are not dragging heavy bags of trash long distances. Especially in the winter months or on a rainy day, this could be problematic. Additionally, consider how far the distance is to the end of your driveway or wherever you need to bring the cans for weekly pick up. Having to travail rocky or grassy areas could present difficulties especially if the cans are very heavy. Next determine if you have the skills to build your own enclosure or if you are better off purchasing a pre-engineered product. There are plenty of pvc/resin and wood options available in every size and configuration. A simple glance at Amazon will provide almost overwhelming options. If woodworking is in your wheelhouse, then customizing an enclosure in order to match home siding, specific stain color, size, etc. may be most appealing. There are plans available online as well if you require assistance designing this project. As you might expect, there’s even an example of a trash enclosure made with “rescued” lumber. Recycling where you can is always a good idea!

Finally consider whether or not you will need a covered structure or can leave your cans uncovered. In snowy weather, a fully closed system will keep the cans free of ice and heavy accumulations that could make opening the cans more difficult. Conversely, having

an open system will allow you to reach over and easily throw in bags of refuse without having to move the cans each time. Get creative! The idea of planting a small garden on top of the structure seems like a great use of space.

Whatever your decisions, having a dedicated spot to keep these necessary items out of view will be a worthwhile investment. N S

Photos courtesy of John Blosinki

MAY 2024 EVENTS

Saturdays in May

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 May

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 in May

Newtown Railroad Museum

@Drexel Lodge

4140 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Full-size train engines, rolling stock and a museum full of artifacts from the trains and trolleys that once served Newtown Square. Great for children!

Time: 1–4 pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!)

NSHistory.org

Daily in 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, May 1–May 31. Support this initiative by the Newtown Township Environmental Advisory Council and Bird Town Pennsylvania. BirdtownPA.org/lights-and-birds

Thurs. May 2

Delaware County National Day of Prayer

@Rose Tree Park, 1671 N Providence Rd, Media

All residents and friends of Delaware County are invited to attend and participate for prayer and worship. Those who attend should bring chairs or blankets for comfort and are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.

Time: 11:30am

Cost: FREE

NationalDayOfPrayerDelco.com

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

Sat. May 11

Mother’s Day Tours

@Square Tavern and Paper Mill House

Explore the changing roles of mothers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy wine, cheese and sweets along the tour. In our Paper Mill art room, there will be crafts for children, and all floral art will be on sale.

Time: 1–4pm

Cost: FREE

NSHistory.org

Sat. May 18

Concert In the Park

Featuring PHEEDBACK

@Drexel Lodge Park

4101 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Local legendary cover band PHEEDBACK will be performing live at Drexel Lodge Park. A Jam Band that creates sonic alchemy by fusing the melodies of PHISH, GRATEFUL DEAD and GOOSE to take listeners on an improvisational journey of sound. Bring a chair or blanket. Everyone is welcome. Rain or Shine event.

Time: 4–6pm

Cost: FREE

Sat. May 18

Grill and Chill Bingo

@Newtown Square Fire Company

2 Charles Ellis Dr, Newtown Square

This is an evening of fun, camaraderie and the chance to win valuable prizes. 100% of the net proceeds directly benefit the Newtown Square Fire Company, a 501(c)3 organization. Prizes include premium outdoor equipment, including renowned brand-name coolers, grills and smokers. There will be eight rounds of Bingo and two special bonus rounds. This is a bring-your-own food and beverage event.

Time: 6pm (doors open at 5pm)

Cost: $40/individual or $320/table of eight NSFC.org

Sat. May 18

Comedy Night At The Pig

@The Sterling Pig Brewery

609 W State St, Media

Come out for a 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 Chris Dolan and headliner Missy Hall.

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $20

Tickets at Eventbright.com

Sun. May 19

Antique Car Show

@Linvilla Orchards

137 West Knowlton Rd, Media

Linvilla Orchards has partnered with The Historical Car Club of Pennsylvania (HCCP) for over three decades to present its annual Spring Meet. More than 250 spectacularly restored and maintained antique, classic and muscle cars take over one of Linvilla’s big fields. Previous highlights have included a 1913 Ford Model T, a 1938 Ford Woody Wagon, a 1958 Chevy Impala and a 1962 Chevy Corvette. Awards will be presented for the best-maintained cars in a variety of classes.

Time: 9am–3pm

Cost: FREE

610-876 -7116 Linvilla.com/family-fun

Sun. May 19

Clover Market

@Bryn Mawr Train Station Parking Lot

7 N. Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr

Stroll through the market and shop a wide range of handmade and vintage items. There will also be live music, kid’s crafts, food trucks, and more.

Time: 10am–4pm

Cost: FREE

TheCloverMarket.com

Mon. May 27

Memorial Day Parade

@Malin Rd and West Chester Pike, Broomall

The Parade will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th, beginning at 10am. The parade route starts at the intersection of Malin Rd and West Chester Pike, then it travels eastbound on West Chester Pike to the American Legion Post 805. Local veterans will lead the parade along with the Broomall Fire Company, Police, EMS and Army vehicles. Spectators will enjoy performances by the Paxon Hollow Middle School and Marple Newtown High School Tiger Marching Bands, local Boy Scout troops and other local performers. A closing ceremony will be held at the Marple Memorial Post 805 of the American Legion Post where there will be a rifle ceremony.

Time: 10am

Springtime Celebrations

Offering a variety of specialty cakes for Mother’s Day, First Holy Communion and Graduates!

We also have an array of cookies and mini pastries to compliment your celebration.

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610-356-9918

www.WeinrichGermanBakery.com 3545 W

Our Community

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Time to Celebrate! Family Fun at NELL and NSPL

Oh, how the sweet sounds of spring fill the air! Birds are chirping, kids are playing and bats are cracking over at Newtown Edgmont Little League (NELL) and Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL). It’s time to play ball!

• NSPL Night at the Phillies on May 21st: NSPL families will cheer on the Phillies!

• Alumni Game on Saturday, June 8th: All past players are welcome to participate. They are hoping to have players from multiple decades. So grab your friends and come on out!

Boys and girls from all over town have been eager to return to the fields. After a long winter of waiting, players and their families have 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.

Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL) is excited to announce unprecedented registration numbers for the 2024 Spring Season, with over 500 athletes, seven Rebels travel teams and 41 In-house teams. This growth has come with challenges, and the generous volunteers who run NSPL are encouraging all parents to volunteer and help as much as they can.

NSPL had a fantastic start to their season! Opening Day was on Saturday, April 6th, and not only was it a celebration of our love for softball but also a day filled with fun, laughter and community spirit. They are excited to announce their lineup of upcoming events and encourage all members of our community to come out to show their support.

• Beef and Beer Night on May 18th: An evening of good food, great company, and fun, all in support of our league.

• Family Fun Day on May 18th: Get ready to add an extra dose of excitement with games, prizes, raffles, moon bounces and other activities.

• Golf Outing on September 9th: A day on the greens for a cause that matters. Consider sponsoring an event or a hole. It’s a fantastic way to promote your business while supporting a great cause.

Details about the above events are listed on their website NSPLSoftball.com. They are also always in need of enthusiastic volunteers to help with events. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to anyone on the board. NSPLSoftball.com/ boardofdirectors.

Now, let’s head across the street to find out what’s happening at NELL (Newtown Edgmont Little League). A spirited Opening Day was held on Saturday, April 13th and NELL’s theme for this season is Honor the Past, Build the Future.

On Saturday, June 1st (rain date Sunday, June 2nd), players, families and friends will gather for NELL Day. 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.

Opening Day for NSPL

Photo courtesy of Anthony Diianni

Quizzo night at NELL was a huge hit in support of the league

Photo courtesy of Mike McCalla

“We are excited to have an incredibly fun and eventful day celebrating the 2024 baseball season with our friends and family,” says Mike McCalla, President of Newtown Edgmont Little League. “Families will be able to watch baseball all day, spend time doing activities they love with the whole family, and also have the chance to win special prizes throughout the day. We are looking forward to having you join us this year.”

The fun kicks off on Friday night, May 31st, with the 12U Home Run Derby, which Mike says draws record crowds! Then on Saturday, June 1st, NELL Day will run from 10am to 5pm. There will be skills competitions throughout the day for kids at all levels to participate in. This year, the league has combined NELL Day with Championship Night. The championship games will begin at 3pm, and all are welcome to stay and enjoy an evening of exciting baseball.

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 signing up to play, volunteer and sponsor, be sure to check out NSPL’s website 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 NELLBaseball.com. N S

The NSPL mascot was on hand to entertain the crowd

Photo courtesy of Anthony Diianni

NELL Day is fun for the whole family

Photo courtesy of Mike McCalla

Our Community

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Gather in the Circle

Newtown Square Food & Makers Market

Tucked away from Newtown Square’s noisy roadwork and neverending new construction is a little slice of hometown pride called St. Albans Circle. This hidden gem is home to many diverse local businesses, charming historic buildings and nearby walkable neighborhoods.

It’s also home to the all-new Newtown Square Food and Makers Market, which will take place once a month in May, June, September and October. You may recall that over the past three years, the Farmers Market was a weekly event where local vendors and community members gathered in the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church parking lot to sell goods, enjoy entertainment and promote community involvement.

The market is made possible by a forward-thinking and generous group of volunteers, township officials and community leaders. For the past three years, they have been working together to

unlock the potential of the St. Albans Circle area by inviting the community to gather there for new and exciting community happenings. That group is called Gather in the Circle and its mission is to make sure this important and unique part of Newtown Square doesn’t get left behind and that it continues to thrive.

Opening Day for the Newtown Square Food & Makers Market will be Friday, May 10th, from 4pm to 8pm

While the previous weekly Farmers Market was successful, the Gather in the Circle committee decided that it was time to evolve for the upcoming season. “We’re thrilled to announce that along with your favorite past vendors, we’ll be adding even more prepared foods and handcrafted goods,” explained Pam Purser, co-chair of Gather in the Circle. She also said that they will be extending hours for your convenience.

It will take place again on Fridays, June 14th, September 13th and October 11th. The market will feature fresh produce from Red Barn Produce, soaps and fragrances by Urban Essence, Traditional Greek Sweets, and artisan fresh breads and prepared foods from Cedar Creek Catering. Other vendors include Buenos Aires Empanadas, Enol Vineyards, Dough Sweet, Kastania Olive Oil, MarRosa’s Old World Cuisine, New Road Brinery, Traditional Greek Sweets and Trotter Hill Alpaca Farm.

West Chester – BYOB!

484-947-0917

Open Daily: 11am-9pm

1257 West Chester Pike, West Goshen ReyAztecaWestChester.com

Newtown Square

484-427-7803

Sun – Thurs: 11am-9pm I Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm

4755 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square ReyAztecaNewtownSquare.com

Pam Purser, co-chair of Gather in the Circle, and Newtown Square Food and Makers’ Market Manager is pleased by the amount of new vendors, foods and handcrafted goods that will be offered each time. “We will have produce, honey, microgreens, mushrooms, pickles, baked goods, bread, chocolates and cookies,” she remarked. “The list goes on with vendors offering flowers, dog treats, soaps, beauty supplies, olive oil, pasta and sauces and prepared foods like pizza, pretzels, Greek specialties and empanadas.” Pam added that visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase handmade ceramics, textile craft items, wine, liquor and cider. There will also be weekly entertainment like live music and Newtown Square library’s story time for the family and plenty of room to sit, relax and let the kids run and play. Visitors can also shop at the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church’s thrift shop on the premises and

Recent Newtown Township Home Sales

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent's ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

learn about community groups like Newtown Square in Bloom and the Garrett Williamson Foundation.

Pam said, “The farmers market has received great support from the community and Newtown Township over the past few years, and we are thrilled that people want it to continue! It really feels like we’ve filled a need in our community — a need for connection, conversation and fun.” Pam added that she would like visitors to know that the Food and Makers Market is committed to Newtown Square’s mission of promoting sustainability. “We are asking all of our vendors to reduce the use of plastics and encouraging those who shop to bring their reusable bags.”

The Gather in the Circle Committee recognizes the generosity and appreciates the commitment of all the volunteers who help each

week. They are also very grateful for our friends at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, who have graciously agreed to host this special event. Pam said that they are always welcoming new volunteers to help set up, direct traffic, clean up and promote the market in our community. “It’s like a block party out there every time, and it’s been fun getting to know all of these business owners,” she said. “I encourage everyone to come out and join the party!”

For more information about the Newtown Square Food and Makers Market and opportunities to volunteer, contact Pam Purser at Pam@GatherInTheCircle.com and follow Newtown Square Food and Makers Market on Facebook and Instagram. N S

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

What Mother’s Day Means to Me

For many, Mother’s Day is a time to reflect and show gratitude to the women and mothers who have been mentors and caregivers who helped shape us into who we are. In honor of this special day, we’ve asked a few of our featured family moms to tell you what Mother’s Day means to them.

Although Mother’s Day as we know it has more recent roots, early celebrations can be traced back to festivals held by ancient Greeks and Romans. In ancient Greece, people honored Rhea, the wife of Cronus and mother of the gods. People from all over Greece offered Rhea food, drinks and flowers.

The Romans also celebrated a different mother of the gods named Cybele, or Magna Mater, which means Great Mother. They even dedicated a temple to her, and in March, they participated in the Festival of Hilaria and provided gifts for the goddess.

The first official Mother’s Day celebration took place in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908. This event was made possible by the financial support of John Wanamaker, a Philadelphia business owner. His backing ensured the success of this inaugural Mother’s Day, which was marked by a large gathering at a local church and a simultaneous event at one of Wanamaker’s stores. Today, the church where the celebration was held is home to the International Mother’s Day Shrine, a testament to the enduring legacy of this holiday.

Today, Mother's Day, is a time for us to express our love and appreciation for our moms. Many of us choose to do this by purchasing or making gifts, giving our moms a much-deserved day off or planning special outings such as dinner or brunch. Flowers and cards remain popular gifts, and the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that Americans spend billions of dollars on holiday purchases, including the ever-popular Mother’s Day roses.

Franca Altieri “Earlier this year, I gave birth to our first child, Lucia, so this Mother’s Day will be extra special for me because it is the first one I will be celebrating as a mom. Lucia means “light” in Italian and she truly is the light of my life. As I reflect on the past few months, I realize that becoming a mother has been the most challenging, but the most rewarding experience of my life. I love watching our daughter grow and am thankful for how she has made me grow as well. In a way, motherhood has made me feel empowered - like I can do anything (especially with one hand!) which is exactly how I want our daughter to feel as she faces the world.”

First-time mom Franca says this Mother’s Day will be extra special with her daughter, Lucia

Photo courtesy of Franca Altieri

Ashleigh Caiazzo

“To have four healthy, beautiful children is my greatest blessing every single day. To me, Mother’s Day is not only a day to reflect on those blessings but also a day to honor and celebrate my own mother and grandmothers, whom I was very lucky to be so closely raised by. It’s the lessons and legacy of those before me that helped shape and create the mother I am today. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day, mamas!”

Lauren Werner

“Being a mom is the most difficult yet most rewarding job, and on Mother’s Day, I find myself reflecting more and more on my relationship with my own mother and how much I appreciate her constant love and support. She is the first call I make after I drop the kids off to school, the one I ask 100 questions to a day, and she is the one person I know I can count on whenever I need help. Now that I have children of my own, I understand all of the sacrifices she has made for me because I would make all of the same sacrifices for my own children without blinking an eye. Watching my children grow over the years and getting to experience things with them for the first time and seeing the joy in their eyes is hands down the best gift I could ever be given.”

Let’s face it: We owe a lot to our moms, and Mother’s Day is the perfect day of the year to show her how much you appreciate her and how much you care. A pampered mom is a happy mom — trust us! N S

a tender let mignon or prime rib dinner, with all the extras. And don’t forget T

Ashleigh’s four children, Bobby, Liam, Lilly and Luna

Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Caiazzo

Lauren with her children, Victoria and Nathan

Photo by Meghan Werner Photography MeghanWerner.com Newtown Square

Our Community

by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Merrie Staurowsky

The Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade Committee: Celebrating 40 Years of Bringing Our Community Together on the Fourth!

Celebrating the birth of our nation is one of America’s (and Marple Newtown’s!) favorite holidays, filled with traditional family picnics, barbecues and fireworks. Of course, the annual Marple Newtown Fourth of July parade has been a staple of our community for over 75 years. This year’s parade is extra special as the Fourth of July Parade Committee will celebrate 40 years of bringing residents together for this beloved tradition.

Bringing together such a large event would not be possible without the volunteers who work tirelessly to organize it each year. Over the years, there have been many people who have contributed to the event. Back in the late 1940s, the Marple parade was sponsored by the Broomall Business Association. Then, in the mid-1950s, the townships joined forces through the Marple Newtown Jaycees (a leadership training organization). The parade events grew to include a flag-raising ceremony, fire trucks, local and regional marching bands, floats and decorated bikes. Little

Leaguers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and politicians rode by in convertibles. The events even continued at night, with live music, fireworks and speeches by visiting dignitaries.

Members of the Fourth of July Parade Committee after a recent parade

By the mid-1980s, the Jaycees organization had dwindled to just a few members, and the parade was threatened with cancellation due to lack of organizers. It was thanks to local businesspeople and residents from Broomall and Newtown Square who came together in 1984 to breathe new life into the parade. Thanks to these dedicated members, it continues to be one of the largest parades in Delaware County.

Jan Ceton was one of the founding members of the committee and served as its chairman for decades. Since then the parade keeps growing and getting better. With the addition of a community decorating contest and a quiet zone in the parade, they strive to have a celebration that everyone can enjoy. “The parade is a wonderful way of bringing our two communities together,” Jan remarked. “It has been a pleasure to serve on this committee from the very beginning. We couldn’t pull it off without the total support of both townships, the participants and the spectators.”

The Red, White and YOU! Contest that the committee started during the pandemic has become a fun way for residents and businesses to show off their patriotic spirit. Each year a caravan of judges tour the area and award prizes such as “Best Window,” “Most Patriotic” and “Most Spectacular.” The deadline to register for the decorating contest is June 29th with judging starting on June 30th.

The Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade and Red, White and YOU! contest would not be possible without the parade committee members who spend much of the year fundraising and planning. To offset the cost of the parade, the committee relies on donations from the bucket brigade, as well as fundraisers and t-shirt sales throughout the year. Long-time Vice Chairman Rich Crowe works with member Leigh Ann Coary on the advertising for the 4th of July commemorative book that is distributed to over 4,000 residents and businesses. Local businesses, civic organizations, clubs and individuals have the opportunity to place an ad to show their community support.“This fabulous parade is funded entirely by the families and businesses in our community,” Leigh Ann explained.

This year’s parade takes place on Thursday, July 4th. It begins at St. Albans Circle and continues eastbound on West Chester Pike to the Broomall Fire Company’s facility on Malin Rd. In honor of leading the Fourth of July committee for the past four decades, Jan Ceton and Rich Crowe will kick off the parade as Grand Marshals.

Spectators will be entertained by favorites like Mersey-British Rock Invasion, the Eagles Pep Band, the Marching Cobras and the Skyliner Drum and Bugle Corps. Local marching bands, fire companies and first responders will also join in the fun. Prepare to be impressed by local businesses, community clubs and neighborhood residents with their decorated floats, marching groups and costumed individuals. For individuals sensitive to loud sounds, there will be a quiet zone, where sirens and blowing air sounds are prohibited, that will stretch a short distance from Evergreen Ave to Ann Road along West Chester Pike.

The parade ends with an awards ceremony, where medals and trophies are given to the top three entries in each division, and their names and photos are featured in the following year’s commemorative book.

For more information visit MarpleNewtownParade.com and like their Facebook page at @MarpleNewtownFourthOfJulyParade. Register for the Parade online! Online registration will be open from June 3rd - 27th. After the 27th, registration can be completed in person at the MN Recreation Office from June 3rd through July 3rd. Day of Parade registration is from 8:30am to 9:30am at St. Albans Circle in Newtown Square. Bikes, Strollers/ Wagons and Hand Drawns register on the day of the parade at St. Anastasia from 9-9:30am. N S

Our Community

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Grill and Chill Bingo to Benefit the Newtown Square Fire Company

The Newtown Square Fire Company (NSFC) is thrilled to introduce a new opportunity for our friends and neighbors to gather to raise funds for its dedicated team of first responders and support staff. Let’s come together as a community on Saturday, May 18th for the inaugural Grill and Chill Bingo night at the Fire House on Ellis Preserve.

This event promises an evening of fun and camaraderie, offering attendees the chance to win valuable prizes, with 100% of the net proceeds directly benefiting the Newtown Square Fire Company, a 501(c)3 organization. Heather Robinson serves as 1st Vice President of the fire company and is this year’s Grill and Chill Bingo Chair. “In anticipation of the upcoming spring and summer seasons, our prize selection will feature premium outdoor equipment, including renowned brand-name coolers, grills, and smokers for backyard leisure,” Heather said. “All of our prizes are generously donated by our local businesses and professional sports franchises.”

In addition to donating prizes and merchandise, local businesses have stepped up to sponsor the event. Louis Rosenthal is a volunteer with the fire company who has been helping to make Grill and Chill Bingo a success. “I’ve been helping the committee with ticketing, finance and working to enlist some of the generous businesses and individuals here in Newtown Square and neighboring townships to become sponsors,” he explained. “It will be a great, fun evening with all proceeds supporting our volunteer

Newtown Square Fire Company.” Louis also added that financial support for the event is tax deductible and attendees will have an opportunity to win some pretty cool prizes.

The event will kick off at 6pm, with doors opening at 5pm. Attendees should bring their own food and drinks for the evening. There will be eight rounds of bingo, called by some familiar faces and a few special guests, with a prize awarded to the winner of each round. “We will also have two bonus rounds,” Heather said. “The winners of the bonus rounds will win package prizes that will feature multiple items bundled together for unique outdoor experiences.” Tickets are on sale now by visiting the Newtown Square Fire Company page on Facebook or going to NSFC.org. Individual tickets are $40, or you can purchase a table of eight for $320.

The NSFC has a long history of fundraising events and efforts designed to bring our community together. Their most recent Pints in the Square Craft Brew Fest/5K has run for the past six years and quickly became the talk of the town. In its first year alone, the festival drew over 500 attendees and raised an impressive $25,000 in donations. Its popularity grew year after year, and the committee hopes to announce its return sometime in the future.

Other popular events run by the NSFC Auxiliary include hosting two annual Flea Markets, a Mother’s Day weekend Plant Sale, and a Holiday Wreath Fundraising Event in November. The Auxiliary also provides meals for firefighters after emergency calls, at their monthly meetings and on the nights Santa Claus tours with the fire company.

Long-time Newtown Square residents may recall an annual fundraising event called the Turkey Fair. It was a community raffle event that began in the 1930s, where winners would take home free turkeys from local supermarkets. This event was a big success that continued well into the 1990s, taking a few years off during World War II. After the war, the Turkey Fair returned with the addition of a Country Fair and Fall Bazaar which became major fundraisers.

industrial kitchen. It soon became the spot to host many events in the old firehouse after they added the addition for the kitchen. The hall would help raise funds for the fire company during their Pancake Days, Breakfast with Santa, Turkey Raffles and community dances.

As a volunteer organization, the NSFC diligently ensures the operational readiness of services around the clock and relies on the generosity of our community to provide essential training for our emergency-response personnel and to maintain the upkeep of our specialized fire trucks and life-saving equipment.

When residents of Newtown Township call for emergency help, they expect a timely response from a highly-trained team of people dedicated to protecting our community. Newtown Square is very fortunate to have just that. But many residents may not know that many of these Firefighters and Ambulance EMTs are not paid for their brave and selfless acts. In fact, the Newtown Square Fire Company is almost entirely operated by volunteers.

The amount of work, funding and time it takes to run a volunteer fire company is astounding and only made possible by those heroes who dedicate their time, talent and resources. In addition to the Firefighters and Fire Police you see on an emergency scene, a team of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly to raise funds necessary to operate an organization that serves and protects our community and responds to over 750 calls yearly. From ensuring our firefighters have the best training, gear and equipment to pro viding home-cooked meals and a clean, comfortable place to rest while on call, these company volunteers and elected officers are also worthy of our appreciation.

When the new firehouse on Route 252 was built in the 1960s, it housed a spacious hall on the second floor complete with an

Thank you to our elected officers and all the volunteers who help keep our homes, businesses and community safe. Your service is appreciated. If you want to volunteer with the NSFC, please com plete the online application at NSFC.org/content/membership or call 610-356-9590 and select Option 2.

Photo courtesy of Heather Robinson

The Countess of Newtown Square, Part 2

by Doug Humes

Why did Leo Tolstoy’s daughter, Sasha, take up subsistence farming in a dilapidated farmhouse in Radnor? When she fled Russia she was accompanied by a friend, Olga Masley. Masley was offered a job as a domestic in Germantown, and agreed to search for a place for them to live. In 1931, the owner of the vacant Radnor farmhouse offered it to them rent-free so they could do what they knew how to do – farm. A 1952 New Yorker article observed, “They managed so competently that they got along without spending money on anything for their dining table but tea, coffee, salt, sugar and flour.” During that time, she finished her book, “The Tragedy of Tolstoy,” and the flyleaf is signed “Alexandra Tolstoy, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1933.” She would also lecture in Philadelphia on the life and work of her father. In 1933, the landlord proposed to begin charging rent. Sasha and Masley searched for a better situation and were offered a farm in Haddam, Connecticut, and so left Radnor in the spring of 1933.

Photos courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society

The old farmhouse in Radnor where Sasha lived and farmed

After six years, Sasha moved to a better situation, and it was there that she began her true life’s work, at the Reed farm in Valley Cottage along the Hudson River near Nyack. Her Tolstoy Foundation offered aid to her displaced countrymen lucky enough to flee the murderous Communist regime. The Foundation helped them emigrate, provided a temporary place to live, and offered language, education and training programs. Over the course of her life, Sasha and her foundation helped to re-settle over 100,000 refugees.

The old farmhouse still stands in Radnor, and I’ve toured the house and grounds, now beautifully renovated. That visit sent me searching for Sasha, and my journey ended on New Year’s Eve a few years ago, when my wife and I stayed in her bedroom at the Reed farm – still owned by the Foundation, with B&B rooms rented out on occasion. Several Russian families were celebrating the holiday in the kitchen below us, and conversation, music and laughter drifted up the steps to our room. We attended services that night at the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church on the grounds. We did not understand one word of what was said, but feasted our eyes on the glittering statues and paintings and icons that filled the space that would have been familiar to Sasha. While Sasha died in 1979, at age 96, her work endures.

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

The main house at the Reed farm in Valley Cottage where Sasha lived from about 1940 till her death in 1979

The Russian Orthodox Church on the campus of the Reed farm

by Eric Fante Fante Flooring

Flooring Trends to Make Your Space Perfect

From your entryway to the kitchen and everything in between, your floors are one of the most important components of your home. The type of flooring that you use in your home speaks volumes about your style, as well as the design aspect of each of your rooms. In fact, the rest of your home’s layout and design will most likely tie directly into your flooring style, which will largely dictate the functionality of your home, depending on the style, durability and cleaning requirements of your choices.

Replacing your floors can be overwhelming, expensive and time consuming, not to mention daunting, so it’s important to make flooring choices that will stand the test of time. Even replacing just a few rooms of flooring can be exactly what your home needs to step into the current trends in interior home design. Plus it

can be a lot of fun to consider all the possibilities, express your style and make a big impact on your home’s overall style and mood. Best of all, refreshing your flooring with quality options can add up to 5% to your home’s overall value.

Vinyl Flooring

The best thing about vinyl flooring, including Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF), vinyl plank and vinyl tile options, is that it comes in a seemingly endless array of formats, colors and styles, so it can fit into your design plan for just about any room. It’s not just a versatile and attractive choice for your floors, but it’s extremely durable, water resistant and remarkably resilient. Plus, vinyl floor choices have come a long way in recent years, including options that look almost identical to solid hardwood.

Wide Plank Laminate Flooring

This option is also often used as a great substitute for hardwoods, because they are machined to imitate both the look and feel of solid wood. One great aspect to wide plank laminate is that because it’s manufactured, your color, grain and style choices are virtually limitless so you can match it to any decor. Matte and unfinished styles give a rustic or industrial vibe, while options with shine offer a more traditional or formal style to your room’s look.

Hypoallergenic Carpet

Although carpet has been a less popular trend recently, designers are predicting that it’s most definitely making a resurgence. Hypoallergenic options are manufactured without the usual allergy-triggering materials, and can include hypoallergenic padding as well. Carpeting has long been considered the luxurious choice and the ultimate in comfort. Low-pile options can help your room maintain a sleek and stylish look, while subtle embossed patterns and prints can help to completely transform your space. N S