Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, February 2020

Marple

2020 February

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

The Cowley Family Open to Life’s Windows of Opportunity Cover photo by: Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

Bringing People Together

Marple’s Expert Contributors Automotive Repairs & Service Bill Fritsch Fritsch’s Liberty Auto Service 2109 South Sproul Road, Broomall 610-356-1845 www.FritschsLibertyBroomall.com

Hair Salon Mary Rosato, Owner Salon Bella 590 Reed Road, Suite 5, Broomall 610-353-9133 SalonBella1@verizon.net www.SalonBellaBroomall.com

Carpeting & Floor Covering Jim Casar Carpet Warehouse 620 Parkway Dr, Broomall 610-353-1312 CarpetWarehouseOutlet@gmail.com www.CarpetWarehouseCo.com

Heating & Air Conditioning Len Sciulli Len Sciulli & Sons Heating & Air Conditioning 500 Abbott Drive, Broomall 610-328-4341 SciulliAndSons@hotmail.com www.LenAndSons.com

Electric Service, Residential/Commercial Andrew Martella, Sr. Martella Electric Company 484-997-3097 MartellaElectric@rcn.com www.MartellaElectric.com

Painting & General Contracting Services Tom Rafferty Rafferty Painting & General Contracting 610-626-9141 Info@RaffertyPainting.com www.RaffertyPainting.com

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Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Georges P. Martin, D.M.D. Marple Dental 2004 Sproul Road, Suite 304, Broomall 610-359-8181 Office@MarpleDental.com www.MarpleDental.com

Roofing, Siding & Carpentry Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co. Havertown 610-449-8188 Office@ODonnellRoofingCo.com www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com

Financial Planning Michael S. Brady, MBA LPL Financial 780 Parkway Blvd. Broomall 484-472-7704 Michael.Brady@LPL.com www.MikeBradylpl.com

Senior Living & Housing Lindsey Poeth, CSA Oasis Senior Advisors – Main Line Malvern 484-947-4266 LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline

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

Veterinary Medical & Surgical Care Dr. Sarah Alexander, DVM The Spayed Club Veterinary Clinic 800 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill 484-540-8436 Info@TheSpayedClubClinic.org www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org

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

Waterproofing & Weatherization David Linn Cook Weatherproofing Plus, Inc. Marple Newtown 610-325-0596 Info@Weatherproofing-Plus.com www.Weatherproofing-Plus.com

Expert Contributors needed!

Medical, Catering, Real Estate, Fitness, Law, Public Adjuster, Education, Vacations, Landscaping, Home Health Care, Taxes, Mortgages, etc. Professionals may contact: Bob Blaisse: 610-453-5536 or BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com.

Glass & Mirror Services David Gura & Lew Gura Bryn Mawr Glass 729 West Chester Pike, Havertown 610-853-2990 BrynMawrGlass@yahoo.com www.BrynMawrGlass.com

Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

ley Family: Open to Life’s

Dear Friends & Neighbors, The first month of this new decade has passed into history for Marple Friends and Neighbors. And our new year of 2020 is moving fast. It’s February and we’re weathering winter’s weather well. I’m already looking to March, with expectation to march into Spring sooner as I expect our groundhog friend to give us a win on Groundhog Day this year, which is also Super Bowl Sunday, February 2nd.

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER and CONTENT COORDINATOR: Liz Burnett DESIGNER: Kim Cesati CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Sierra Clark, Sierra Clark Photography, www.SierraClarkPhoto.com COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Mary Rosato, Salon Bella CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Liz Burnett, Doug Humes, Chris Stack, Tom Rafferty, Andrew Martella, David Gura & Lew Gura, Mike Brady, Sarah Alexander, DVM ADVERTISING

Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com Phone: 610-453-5536 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 Liz Burnett at LBurnett@BestVersionMedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES Content due the 5th of every month.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, ratepayers or homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER The Cowley Family at New Ardmore Park

Marple

2020 February

Windows of Opportunity

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

The Cowley Family

Open to Life’s Windows of Opportunity

Clark Photography Cover photo by: Sierra www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

Bringing People Together

This February is different. And not only because one Friday Night Date Night in February will fall on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. This year, our intentions of Valentine’s Day all month long can last an extra day, on Leap Year Day, February 29th. It’s a gift to us only every four years, so find some way to be Bringing People Together on that extra special day.

This month, Marple Friends and Neighbors welcomes someone who truly is an expert in Bringing People Together, Lindsey Poeth, CSA, owner of Oasis Senior Advisors Main Line. Lindsey has agreed to serve as an Expert Contributor for our hometown magazine in print and also online at www.MarpleMag.com. I’m honored that Lindsey agreed to sponsor Marple Township residents while offering her free expert consulting services to Marple seniors and their families, to assist them in investigating Senior Living and Housing. (See Lindsey Poeth’s first Oasis Senior Advisors ad on page 16.)

With Lindsey Poeth coming on as a Sponsor of Marple Township residents, I took stronger notice of how aligned Lindsey’s expertise is with our magazine mission to be “Bringing People Together.” So, this month I’ve used my Bringing People Together feature article (on page 16), to share how I’ve come to recognize how our advertising Sponsors have been Bringing People Together for many years, by services they provide for our community. I’m no longer surprised by our business leaders who now also bring you Marple Friends and Neighbors magazine, including this new February 2020 issue I know you’ll enjoy.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents, It’s February and Love is in the air! As you feel the love and help it keep spreading to those you love, we hope those warm & fuzzy feelings keep you cozy as we slowly inch toward Spring.

This month’s Resident Feature introduces you to The Cowley Family. We think you’ll find inspiring their story about what can happen when Life offers you an opportunity to learn and grow. And this issue includes two Business Profiles. You’ll learn about the history of DANJOLELL Memorial Homes, founded over 40 years ago by Robert L. D’Anjolell, Sr. At each of their five locations, they help families memorialize and celebrate loved ones’ lives with the utmost dignity and respect.

Our second Business Profile is about MSP Consulting Group, whose Owner Stephen Palmerio, CPA, specializes in Accounting & Bookkeeping services.

Be sure to check out our Calendar of Events on pages 20-21. You’ll see opportunities to experience the many ways this great community puts its heart and soul into entertaining, educating and celebrating all the things that make this a wonderful place to live, learn, work and play!

Liz Burnett

Content Coordinator

www.MarpleMag.com

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February 2020

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Expert Contributor Written by David Gura & Lew Gura Bryn Mawr Glass

Frameless Glass Shower Doors and Enclosures

I

s it time to update your bathroom? If so, don’t just look at the economic side of what an update will mean for your home value. Also measure it in the joy value. That’s right, joy value. In other words: How much joy will an upgraded bathroom bring to you and your family?

One aspect that will bring your bathroom into the 21st century is the use of a glass shower door, especially the modern feel of frameless glass doors. Before stepping into the project, there are certain questions you must ask yourself: 1. What is your budget for this project?

2. How much space is available for this project?

Time to Replace Your Shower or Tub Enclosure?

Let the experts at Bryn Mawr Glass help guide you through the process, while staying within your budget!

Specializing in Custom Shower Enclosures: • Frameless • Semi-Frameless • Framed & Frameless Sliders • For any budget

Ask us about OUR NEW SERVICE! Cleaning & Surface Protection for your Existing Shower Enclosure.

Finest Quality Glass & Mirror Materials:

• Tempered & Laminated (safety) glass • Acrylic & Polycarbonate • Insulated Glass • Antique Mirror • Heavy Glass Table Tops • And much more!

610-853-2990 • www.BrynMawrGlass.com 4

Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

3. What type of glass will you use for your frameless glass shower doors?

4. What type of hardware will you use?

5. What’s the bathroom’s “foot traffic” and likely future use?

If you’ve decided you have the budget for this project and you’re wild about the look of frameless doors, the next step is taking measurements. Precision is critical here, to ensure an adequate seal. Next, think of the angle of the shower doors: Most shower hardware is designed to fit 90, 135, or 180 degree angles.

Will you have sliding glass doors or a single panel door? Doors can be configured for 90-degree angles or they can be made to a custom size. Some doors are perfect for a corner shower; smaller bathrooms could benefit from a single door installed to update the look of the bathroom. For larger bathrooms, consider a frameless shower enclosure, to add dimension to your room.

Like frameless doors, this design gives your bathroom a clean and modern feel. Enclosures can be rectangular or hexagonal, depending on the configuration of your bathroom and budget.

Next, consider glass design: Trends have led to a variety of glass types, colors, and patterns to choose from such as frosted glass, rain glass, polar glass, bronze or gray glass. In addition to the different finishes to the glass, you can select glass that has been coated to make cleaning even easier.

If you already have framed shower doors, why not upgrade to the modern look of frameless shower doors? Such a transformation is easy and typically in line with any budget concerns. M

Student of the Month Written by Liz Burnett

s n o i t a l Congratu

Colin McCusker!

February’s Sproul Lanes Student of the Month Sproul Lanes Manager Fred Conaway and Colin McCusker Photo courtesy of Sproul Lanes

Nominate the Next Student of the Month!

Any grade 7-12 student who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District and attends any public, private or home school can be nominated by a parent, teacher or themself.

Send a 200-word essay to SOTM@SproulLanes.com explaining why the student excels in Service to friendship, school or other local communities. Academic or athletic excellence may be considered but are not required. The Winner will be featured in next month’s magazine and will also receive a Sproul Lanes Pizza Bowl gift certificate good for 2 hours of bowling for up to 10 people plus pizza, sodas, snacks and free shoe rental. M

We’re pleased to announce that the February Sproul Lanes Student of the Month is Devon Preparatory School Junior Colin McCusker!

To celebrate this recognition, Colin received a Certificate of Achievement and a gift certificate for a “Pizza Bowl” party from Sproul Lanes, our Sponsor of this award program.

Colin’s SERVICE to his community is exemplary. His Eagle Scout service project was to install a butterfly garden and information board at a local elementary school. Colin designed, planned, and managed this project with the assistance of some fellow Troop 315 Scouts.

Since Colin was a Freshman, he’s been involved in SpeakUp!, a Philadelphia-area nonprofit that helps teens learn to talk openly, honestly and without judgment with their peers, teachers and parents about difficult topics in their lives such as stress, anxiety, suicide, drinking, drugs, social and academic pressure. For the past two years, Colin has served as a Student Ambassador on his school’s SpeakUp! Student Leadership Team, helping to plan each year’s annual event. Colin appreciates how SpeakUp! has taught him to encourage conversations and listen empathetically.

Colin also excels academically, having achieved Honor Roll status every quarter in high school. Since age 7, he has enjoyed playing the piano, which he did in Devon Prep’s Jazz Band as a Sophomore.

He also enjoys being on his school’s tennis team each Spring, and serving as Goalie on his school’s soccer team each Fall. Colin finds being Goalie interesting and rewarding because he “likes the pressure of being the last line of defense.”

A Digital Design course Colin recently took has him considering majoring in Engineering Design in college. Colin, may your future include interesting and rewarding ways to use your talents and time in service to many more communities!

Two Themes – One hour to escape: • Prison Break • Book of Secrets

• Birthdays /Corporate / Groups • Private event room available • Escape Room & Bowling Packages

Escape Rooms are not just the latest trend, but can help improve cognitive functioning as well as teamwork and communication skills.

Book online TODAY! www.EscapeSproul.com Questions? Call us: 610-544-4524, ext. 2 February 2020

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Where Are We?

Can You Spot It From the Air? Hint: This site in either Marple or Newtown Township creates a great divide between Friends & Neighbors. Can you name it?

Remodel Reward Receive up to a $2000 rebate* with the purchase of select Café Appliances.

January 1- June 30, 2020

The answer can be found on Page 23

Modern Glass Collection *See a sales associate for details.

D & K Appliances, Inc. 3510 West Chester Pike Newtown Square 610-356-2424 Store Hours Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur: 9am - 8pm Fri: 9am - 7pm Sat: 10am - 6pm & Sun: 11am - 5pm www.dkappliances.com

Photo Courtesy of FAA-Certified Drone Pilot Chris Stack (NewPigeonImaging@gmail.com) “We’ve repaired and replaced so many roofs in Marple Newtown, I moved my young family here to be closer to my work and to get more involved in the community.”

Solar Installation

~Kevin O’Donnell, Owner

Senior Citizen Discount 4th Generation Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Roofing Windows / Skylights / Siding / Gutters Historic Restoration & Metal Roof Specialist

610-449-8188 • www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com

Value, at the end of the day, is what bridges the gap between low price desires and the premium products we offer at Scott’s Fireplace Products.

484- 422- 8334

Direct Vent Inserts & Fireplaces Contemporary & Electric Fireplaces Glass Doors, Grates and Log Rings Vented & Vent-Free Gas Logs Gas Stoves & Accessories Outdoor Living Fire Pits

www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

3137 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA 6

Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

Expert Contributor

Considering Finishing Your Basement?

Written by Tom Rafferty Rafferty Painting & General Contracting

Now, all these issues can be corrected, but will substantially increase the price of the remodeling project. You have to consider the price in relationship to the amount of square footage you will gain.

When finishing your basement, remember these important things that should be done or used.

1. Make sure pressure-treated lumber is used on the framing.

At a minimum, the bottom plate has to be pressure-treated.

F

inishing your basement is a great idea and can add more living space and value to your home. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for some basements because of their size, the mechanical layout or other variables.

Most older homes were not designed to be finished. Here are some key things that will help you determine if such a project is feasible for your basement.

1. Do you have a lot of pipes and wires on the ceiling areas?

2. Are the heater, hot water heater and electrical box located in one area or spread out in various basement locations?

3. Is the ceiling height low? (often the case in older homes) 4. Is the floor level or buckled?

5. Does the floor take on water?

6. Are the walls deteriorating?

7. If you’re hoping to add a half- or full-bath in the basement, how feasible and how much expense will that add to the project?

2. Make sure any deteriorated walls are scraped and coated with the dry lock waterproofing paint.

3. Most importantly, if there is any chance of water getting into your basement, we recommend installing a French drain. There’s nothing worse than finishing your basement and finding out you have water problems after the fact.

4. Make sure all walls are insulated with the proper R value insulation.

5. Make sure a vapor barrier is installed behind the wall, cover ing all insulation and studs.

6. Make sure there’s proper airflow to prevent any mold or mildew from accumulating.

If you and your contractor determine that your basement is a viable candidate for a remodeling project, your contractor will then provide you with a detailed proposal including your agreed-upon specifications. As the project progresses and nears completion, you and your contractor should agree on what is completed to your satisfaction, what’s still to be done and the completion timeline. M

ous Love Your H

e!

PAINTING & GENERAL CONTRACTING

General Contracting

Interior/Exterior Residential Painting Specialties: Custom Colors, Wallpapering, Waterproof Coatings General Contracting Expertise Including: Additions/Remodels, Kitchens, Baths, Flooring, Carpentry, Tile, Windows, Doors and More!

Powerwash & Soft Washing Services: Specializing in low pressure dryvit and stucco cleaning, Soft roof washing, Removal of mold, mildew and dirt

RaffertyPainting.com

•

610 - 626 - 9141

•

Residential & Commercial Painting

info@RaffertyPainting.com February 2020

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Resident Feature Written by Liz Burnett

Shawn and Ali Cowley

The Cowley Family: Open to Life’s Windows of Opportunity

Photographs courtesy of Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

M

eet some Marple neighbors, The Cowleys, a family of four who’ve lived in Broomall for 12 years.

Parents Shawn and Alison (“Ali”) Cowley are perfect examples of what’s possible when we take a “Try it!” and tenacious approach to life’s windows of opportunity.

Shawn Cowley grew up in Upper Darby. He has only one brother but otherwise a “typical DELCO family: tons of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family,” all of whom still live in Delaware County. Shawn attended Upper Darby High School.

He graduated from Penn State in 2002, with a B.S. in Turfgrass Science.

Unlike Shawn, Ali lived in two other states before age 7, when her family moved to Emmaus, PA, her dad’s hometown. Ali attended Emmaus High School, where she was a Varsity diver and served as her class Vice-President. She then also attended Penn State, at first pursuing an Engineering degree, thinking she might like working for her father’s engineering firm. But she decided to switch to “something more social”: Secondary Education with a focus in Biology, and graduated in 2001.

Even though Ali and Shawn had both been students at Penn State’s main campus at the same time, their paths didn’t cross until after graduation. On Memorial Day weekend 2002, Ali had off from her part-time retail store job. She asked her good friend, Jim, if she could come hang out at a Long Beach Island, NJ beach house with him and other mutual friends who’d be there that weekend. Ali got lost trying to find Jim’s house, and didn’t arrive until 2am. When she walked in and met one of Jim’s friends, Shawn, Ali said “it was love at first sight!” (They laugh when Shawn says “It was love at first week” for him with Ali.) When they met, Shawn had just started working as an Intern doing golf course maintenance at Aronimink Golf Club, and Ali had recently signed a contract to teach in Hawaii starting that August. Their romance blossomed so quickly that Shawn followed Ali to Hawaii. The “chance encounter” through their mutual friend Jim was the window of opportunity for this charming couple to meet.

Shawn returned from Hawaii in April 2003, to help with Aronimink hosting the Senior PGA Championship. Ali moved back to PA that summer, and started teaching Science at Arcola Middle School in Eagleville. In May 2005, they got married, at Ali’s parents’ house. In 2006, she earned her Master’s degree in 8

Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

Curriculum & Instruction, and five years later, she was transferred to Methacton High School, where she’s been enjoying teaching Biology and Environmental Science ever since.

In 2007, Shawn and Ali moved into their house in the Old Marple Estates section of Broomall. They were thrilled to find a great house just two doors down from Shawn’s brother. and about an equal commute to their jobs.

Shawn and Ali’s son Owen, who turns 11 this month, is a 5thgrader at Russell Elementary. He loves outdoor games, swimming, hiking, playing Minecraft and building Legos. Since 1st grade, he’s been a Troop 315 Cub Scout. Owen was on Team SPAIN, the Marple Newtown Soccer Association team that won the championship in November. He’s smart, loves reading and is very creative, a combination that’s enabled him to write and illustrate his own interesting comic books. He’s also a very caring and protective big brother for his little sister, Brooke.

Brooke, age 4, is a super-happy high-energy little girl who attends Cornerstone Learning Center two days a week. The other weekdays, Shawn’s parents care for Brooke. She loves swimming, playing soccer, climbing on playground equipment, running, and riding her new bike. She’s also quite creative with Legos, play dough and paint.

Shawn and Ali love their neighborhood! “Our neighbors are really nice,” Ali raved. “We love how everyone waves Hi, and how convenient it is to walk to the library and some stores, especially to The Soft Pretzel Factory, which sells $1 ice cream cones on Mondays.” And The Cowleys’ tradition of hosting an annual Halloween party for family and friends is a costume party invitation that their guests always take VERY seriously!

As Shawn worked at some of the well-known local golf clubs, he proved himself a natural for that type of work. By 2008, he was working as the Superintendent at Radley Run Country Club in West Chester. A sudden and serious autoimmune disease prevented him from continuing there. Thanks to a surgery and a hard but steady four-year recovery, he returned to full health.

While regaining his health, he evaluated his priorities, and in 2014, he confidently started his own business, Expert Lawn Care Services (www.ExpertLawnPA.com). His company provides fertilization, weed control, and general lawn repair services for residential and commercial customers in Delaware County, the Main Line, and Chester County. Shawn’s education and experience combined with his detailed approach to his customers’ lawn maintenance and two great team members have resulted in steady business growth every year.

A “random” good deed by a neighbor in the summer of 2017 put Ali on the path for starting her own business. The neighbor gave Ali a small used snow cone machine, which reminded her how much she had loved those slushy summer treats as a kid.

Unable to find any ready-made or recipes for syrups that don’t contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, flavors and dyes, Ali the Scientist got busy concocting and testing her own all-natural recipes that use organic sugar and nothing artificial. By the following summer, her taste-testers (family and friends) encouraged her to start selling her deliciously flavored snow cones. Ali named her new business OBA’s All Natural Snow Cones (www.OBASAllNatural.com), using the first letter of each family member’s first name to create the word

The Cowley children (left to right): Owen and Brooke

OBA’s. Ali the Teacher became Ali the Entrepreneur as she learned how to get a startup business and unique product fully licensed, insured, certified, and marketed both online and locally.

OBA’s All Natural Snow Cones come in almost 20 yummy flavors, and are popular at fundraisers for schools and youth sports programs and also at farmers’ markets. When Ali and Shawn sell snow cones at an event, Owen runs the cash register and provides great customer service. This business is continued on page 10

Auto Service

Tree Care

Tree & Stump Removal • Tree Pruning/Deadwooding Emergency Storm Damage Service • Seasonal Tree Care Crown Thinning/Reduction • Large Tree Specialists 24-HOUR STORM RESPONSE

610-525-3789

www.RyanTree.biz

The longest family owned and operated business.

Serving Marple Township residents since 1950.

Proudly offering exceptional service at a fair price, plus: Tire installation, Repair and Wheel alignment Brake repair and rotors Oil changes Shocks, struts and suspension PA State Inspection and PA Emission Testing Towing service provided with our own tow truck Propane sales and exchange A/C repair and recharge

• • • • • • • •

Keep Your New Year’s Resolution to Come See Us in 2020! www.FritschsLibertyBroomall.com I 610-356-1845 2109 S. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008 February 2020

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Resident Feature

SINCE 1976

3529 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square 543 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn www.CaseysNS.com // www.CaseysBerwyn.com

Owen, Ali, Shawn and Brooke Cowley

environmentally friendly: The snow cone machine runs on a giant battery that’s recharged at their home using renewable energy credits. Ali’s dream is to someday run the business from a food truck that’s covered with solar panels whose energy runs the snow cone machine and the truck’s engine with zero emissions.

The Cowley Family’s spare time is often filled with large family gatherings and parties. Other activities Shawn and Ali enjoy are exercising and running (often with Owen) and competing occasionally in sprint triathlons. Shawn also likes “playing some blues harmonica (“not in a band, just for fun”) and taking lessons to improve.

.50 cent wings: bone-in & boneless Wednesday 3:30 - 10pm and all day Sunday

Ali and Shawn love traveling. Later this month, they’ll celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary in Hawaii (“where it all started”). They also love adventures, like when they camped out for two nights on the street in New York City to get tickets to see Saturday Night Live.

Shawn and Ali Cowley are teaching their children by example how powerful their “Try it!” approach to life is. They both admit that turning an idea into a successful business is a lot of hard work. But their results show that a tenacious spirit and commitment to find a way to fix challenging problems is more rewarding than not trying and wondering for the rest of your life “What if I had tried?” M

Special Moments Captured Sierra Clark Photography

Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com • 610 - 772 - 3740 10 Marple Friends & Neighbors

www.ThePorchPA.com 865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield, PA

Expert Contributor

5

REASONS to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Written by Sarah ALexander, DVM, Lead Veterinarian The Spayed Club Clinic

#2: Your pet will be happier and healthier.

Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates some serious potential health problems such as pyometra and uterine or ovarian cancer.

Spaying before the first heat significantly reduces mammary cancer, which can be fatal in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Neutering your male dog or cat prevents testicular tumors and may prevent future prostate problems.

H

ere’s the Top 5 reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet dog or cat.

#5: Your male pet will be better behaved.

To find a mate, an unneutered dog will do almost anything, including digging under fences and attempting to slip out the door of your house. A loose dog can get hurt in traffic or in a fight with another animal. Unneutered dogs and cats tend to spray strong-smelling urine, to mark their territory, and dogs will sometimes mount furniture and people. Neutering can solve those problems, and may make your pet less aggressive and more attentive to you, his human friend. #4: Your female pet won’t go into heat.

A female cat typically goes into heat four to five days every three weeks throughout breeding season. While in heat, they will try to attract a mate by yowling and urinating more frequently, sometimes outside the litter box. When a female dog goes into heat, she has a bloody discharge for about a week.

She can conceive for up to two weeks thereafter, and can easily end up with an unwanted litter. #3: It makes sense financially.

In older unspayed female dogs and cats, pyometra is a common life-threatening uterine infection. Treatment is surgery, which can cost thousands of dollars. Spaying eliminates the possibility of pyometra. The cost of your pet’s spay or neuter surgery is much less than the cost of caring for a litter of puppies or kittens. It’s also cheaper than vet bills, which may result if your dog or cat gets hurt while searching for a mate. Lastly, it’s less expensive than getting your furniture or carpets cleaned after your female pet goes into heat.

#1: Spaying or neutering your dog or cat helps reduce pet overpopulation.

Millions of animals (and thousands in the Greater Philadelphia area) are euthanized every year because they’re born into unwanted litters. For every puppy or kitten born, one is euthanized in a shelter. There are not enough homes for all. Spaying or neutering pets is the only thing that has statistically proven to lower the euthanasia rate.

Have a discussion with your veterinarian about the appropriate time to spay or neuter your pet. M

Affordable, High Quality Veterinary Care

Veterinary Examination for Dog or Cat – $35

See our website for a list of services and transparent pricing.

www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org

484-540-8436 800 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA 19079 Conveniently located 9 short miles from Marple!

The Mission of The Spayed Club Clinic Eliminate unnecessary dog & cat euthanasia through affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries.

The Spayed Club is a 501 (c)3 non-profit charity organization.

February 2020

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Business Profile Written by Liz Burnett

Robert L. D’Anjolell, Sr. and the Family Mission of

DANJOLELL

MEMORIAL HOMES

AND CREMATORY

Photographs courtesy of Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

T

he passing of a loved one is an inevitable life event.

Many decisions must be made by families during what is often an exceptionally stressful time. This is when guidance from an experienced and caring Funeral Director can be invaluable. For over 40 years, Marple Newtown area families have been blessed by such guidance provided by family owned and operated DANJOLELL Memorial Homes and Crematory.

Founded in 1963 by Robert L. D’Anjolell, Sr. (“Rob Sr.”), DANJOLELL Memorial Homes has four locations to serve the community in Delaware County and the Philadelphia area. The main location is in Broomall; other locations include MalvernFrazer, Aston and Wallingford. All four locations have a traditional and distinguished exterior design and a first-class interior that includes a chapel and a specific design whose rooms and lounges accommodate the flow of family and guests for all types of funeral, cremation and memorial services.

Rob Sr. was born during the Depression and grew up in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. After graduating from Overbrook High School, he followed his mother’s recommendation to become a Funeral Director, and graduated from Temple University, and then from mortuary science school. At age 27, he opened his first funeral home in Overbrook, with the help of his first wife, Elinore, at his side. His great success in serving that community enabled him to expand to Delaware County and open the Broomall location in 1978. (Elinore passed away in January 1980.)

DANJOLELL Memorial Homes Broomall 12 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

(left to right) James W. D’Anjolell, Sr., Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., Robert L. D’Anjolell, Sr., and Anthony Romano

Rob Sr. and his wife Maryann have two sons who work in the business, and a lovely daughter, Dana Barshak, who is a resident of Broomall with her husband, Eric, and two daughters Amanda and Sara, who helped in the early years of the business. Son Rob Jr., a graduate of St. Joe’s Prep and Franklin and Marshall College, joined the business as a Licensed Funeral Director in 1985, after graduating from the American Academy McAllister Institute. Rob Jr., an Executive Director of the business, serves as Supervisor of the Broomall location. He also handles financial matters for the entire business. Rob Jr. and his wife Carol live in Newtown Square with their four children. When their son Michael graduates from Northampton University in May, he will begin his internship with the family business.

Rob Sr.’s other son, James W. D’Anjolell, Sr. (“Jim”), is also an Executive Director of the business, and serves as Supervisor of the Malvern-Frazer location. Jim received his Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree from Lynn University. He and his wife Margaret have two children, one of whom, James Jr., is the Manager and Certified Crematory Operator of DANJOLELL Memorial Homes Malvern-Frazer.

In the Philadelphia area, DANJOLELL Memorial Homes and Crematory offers the broadest range of affordable and tasteful funeral, cremation and memorial services and options for families of all faiths and traditions. There’s a wide price range, to meet the needs of everyone in the community. DANJOLELL Funeral Directors simply guide the family: They introduce and explain each service option, answer questions, and then let each family choose whatever combination of services they feel is most desirable and appropriate for their circumstances.

Traditional funeral services can include a viewing or visitation with family before a church or on-site chapel service. A cemetery burial service attended by family and guests is another option. Cremation services can include a memorial service. The Memorialization and Life Celebration options to fit your wishes and budget are many: A few examples include flowers preserved for a meaningful keepsake, a dove or butterfly release, and Video Tributes, Memory Tables and Picture Boards that display your loved one’s photos and personal cherished possessions.

In addition to a Licensed Funeral Director at each DANJOLELL location, there’s 10-12 full-time staff members, and part-time staff to help as needed with funeral-related services such as driving family and guests in the well-maintained fleet of funeral vehicles. There’s also on-site rooms for planning and selecting everything needed for a beautiful way to celebrate and memorialize your loved one’s life.

Two of DANJOLELL Memorial Homes’ Licensed Funeral Directors are also Certified Preplanning Consultants who are available to help you make important informed decisions that will make it unnecessary for your loved ones to have to make complex choices at the difficult time of your passing. You can make all those plans and arrangements at any DANJOLELL location or in the comfort of your own home.

As Rob Sr. reviewed with us the history, services and staff of DANJOLELL Memorial Homes, he asked that we include his personal message of thanks to Anthony F. Romano and Joseph Colantuono, for their dedicated longtime service and commitment to excellence.

The hallmark of DANJOLELL Memorial Homes’ service to the community continues to be the dignity and respect they show for all families and their loved ones while professionally and discreetly guiding each family through difficult days and decisions. Rob Sr. knows he speaks for all DANJOLELL Funeral Directors and Staff when he says:

“

DANJOLELL Memorial Homes Broomall Upper- and Lower-Level Lobbies

We sincerely appreciate the confidence the community has shown us and our family by using our services for over 40 years. We all get great satisfaction by always doing our best to fully meet each family’s needs in an affordable, caring and confidential way. That has always been and will always be the primary Mission M of our family’s business.

Honoring The Life of a Loved One

DANJOLELL

MEMORIAL HOMES

”

AND CREMATORY

Butterfly Releases • Memory Tables • Bookmarks with Seeds • Flower Selection • Dove Release Picture Boards • Remembrance Jewelry • Online Remembrance • Candlelight Ceremony • And more Visit www.DANJOLELL.com to learn how we honor the life of a loved one.

DANJOLELL Memorial Home of Broomall 2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008 610-356-4200 Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. F.D.

DANJOLELL Stigale DANJOLELL Memorial Home & Cremation Memorial Home & Crematory Services, Inc. of Aston of Malvern-Frazer 3260 Concord Road 392 Lancaster Avenue Aston, PA 19014 Frazer, PA 19355 610-497-5505 610-296-9555 James Stigale, Supervisor James W. D’Anjolell, Supervisor February 2020

DANJOLELL Barone Memorial Home of Wallingford 908 S. Providence Road Wallingford, PA 19086 610-874-7700 Edward S. Barone, Supervisor

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www.MarpleMag.com 13

Expert Contributor Written by Mike Brady, MBA LPL Financial

How to Guard Against

Tax-Related Identity Theft

N

ow that tax season is upon us, it’s as important as ever to guard against scammers stealing your identity.

Below are some ideas and steps to keep you safe!

• Protect your information. Keep your Social Security card and any other documents that show your Social Security number in a safe place.

Tax-related identity theft occurs when a thief uses your Social Security number to file a tax return and claim a fraudulent tax refund. In 2017 alone, there were 597,000 confirmed identity theft tax returns.1 The IRS has become increasingly diligent in efforts to thwart identity theft with their program of prevention, detection, and victim assistance called “Taxes. Security.

Together.” It’s designed to build awareness among taxpayers about the need to protect personal data when conducting business online and in the real world.

• Monitor your email. Be on the lookout for phishing scams, particularly those that appear to come from a trusted source such as a credit card company, bank, retailer, or even the IRS.

By remaining vigilant and following these commonsense guidelines, you can support the IRS in keeping your personal information safe.

TRUST MATTERS.

• Safeguard your computer. Make sure your computer is protected by using a firewall and a regularly updated anti virus program.

• Be alert for suspicious phone calls. The IRS will never call you to threaten a lawsuit or demand an immediate payment for past due taxes.

• Be careful when banking or shopping online. Only use web sites that protect your financial information with encryp- tion, especially when using your smartphone on a public wireless network.

• Google yourself. See what information is available about you online.

ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S YOUR MONEY.

If you feel you’re the victim of tax-related identity theft — e.g., you can’t file your tax return because one was already filed using your Social Security number — there are several steps you should take.

Have you ever wondered who your financial advisor really works for? I work strictly for you. I work hard to build a relationship of trust by providing thoughtful, unbiased guidance and placing your interests first.

• File your tax return the old-fashioned way: on paper and mailed in via the U.S. Postal Service.

Invest with a knowledgeable financial advisor who’s on your side; someone who truly cares whether your investments are right for you.

• Print an IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit from the IRS website and include it with your tax return.

• File a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

• Contact one or all of the national credit reporting agencies (Experian, Transunion, Equifax) and request that a fraud alert be placed on your account.

If you’ve been confirmed as a tax-related identity theft victim, the IRS may issue you a special PIN to use when e-filing your taxes. You’ll receive a new PIN each year.

Michael Brady, MBA 780 Parkway Blvd.

Broomall, PA 19008 (484)472-7704 (484)472-7388 michael.brady@lpl.com

For more information, search for ‘identity theft’ on the IRS website (www.IRS.gov). M 1

The Internal Revenue Service, IR-2018-21, February 8, 2018.

Independence Powered By LPL Financial.

Member FINRA/SIPC MKT-06061-0410 Tracking #641747

14 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

History Spotlight

Preserve the Lincoln Banner!

Written by Doug Humes

Lincoln Banner: The Candidate Photo courtesy of Delaware County Historical Society

During the contentious election of 1860, with four candidates running for President, each candidate’s backers took to parading through the streets, at night and by torch light, to promote their candidate. Abraham Lincoln’s supporters called themselves the Wide Awakes, and the local chapter in Media marched under a huge banner featuring a clean-shaven Lincoln (he did not grow the beard until after the election), and slogans about preserving the Union.

A later description of the banner noted that “The marching club at Media penetrated all sections of the county and engaged in many a miniature riot. In Kellyville [now a part of Clifton Heights – Ed.], it was fired upon by the Democrats who had sworn that the man who had carried a Lincoln banner into that district should not carry it out.” When that account was written, the banner was hanging in the office of the Republican Party in Media, and was described as “a relic of the past” with “bullet holes through the folds of it.”

When the election votes were tallied in Delaware County, Lincoln received more votes that the three other candidates combined: Lincoln . . . . . . . . . 3,181 . . . . . . . 63.05% Breckenridge . . . . . 1,500 . . . . . . . 29.73% Douglas . . . . . . . . 195 . . . . . . . . . 3.87% Bell . . . . . . . . . . . 169 . . . . . . . . . 3.35% TOTALS . . . . . . . . 5,045 . . . . . . . 100.00% That Lincoln banner still exists, 160 years later, and is now cared for by the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS). They are raising funds for its preservation, with the ultimate plan being to restore, protect and then display it in a clear plexiglass, airpressurized case so that visitors can view both sides. We have over half a million people in Delaware County. If every person sent along a donation, the banner would be preserved for future generations.

In what promises to be another contentious election year, let’s show that we can still come together to help preserve this important piece of Delaware County history. More information

Lincoln Banner: The County Photo courtesy of Delaware County Historical Society The Wide Awakes on Parade Public Domain

about this Lincoln banner preservation project and how to financially support it by making a donation can be found at www.PADelcoHistory.org.

For more on the history of Marple, visit the Marple Historical Society website and Facebook page, and join the Society to keep up to date on coming events: www.MarpleHistoricalSociety.org. M

Sweet VALENTINE TREATS Will Be LOVE at FIRST BITE! • Cookies • Sticky buns • Mini pastries • Artisan Breads • Party trays • Homemade Pies • Famous cream filled donuts • Custom cakes & desserts

2076 Sproul Road, Broomall 610-353-2550 • www.JacquettesBakery.com

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Schedule your appointment TODAY! 610 -359-8181 office@MarpleDental.com www.MarpleDental.com 2004 Sproul Road, Suite 304, Broomall

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Specializing In: Cleanings, Smile whitening, Cosmetic dentistry, Implants, Denture care, Tooth replacement, and more.

February 2020

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www.MarpleMag.com 15

Bringing People Together Written by Bob Blaisse, Publisher

Bringing People Together Marple Friends & Neighbors

Our Sponsors Have Been Bringing People Together for Years!

T

his month, Marple Friends and Neighbors welcomes Lindsey Poeth, CSA, owner of Oasis Senior Advisors Main Line, a new Sponsor who provides free services to seniors and/or their families, to research and develop options for Senior Living and Housing. Lindsey Poeth’s skill and services can’t be overstated.

When I first met Lindsey, I wondered why I had not known about Oasis Senior Advisors when I had to place my parents into Assisted Living. My siblings and I would have avoided worry and lost time if we used Lindsey’s free consulting. We had no idea which facility we needed, or how to fund nursing and memory care services for our elderly parents. Who does? (See Oasis Senior Advisors ad on this page.)

When I discovered how perfectly the mission of Oasis Senior Advisors aligns with our magazine’s mission to be “Bringing People Together,” I realized even more how the Sponsors of Marple’s free monthly magazine have been Bringing People Together for many years, by the services they provide for us in our local community.

Readers tell me how they love our magazine for its local features about Marple residents and organizations. Our advertising Sponsors make that possible. While I can’t name them all here, it’s important that I ask: Do we value our hometown business leaders, not just for bringing us this magazine, but for the services they provide in our community? It’s important. In this time of Big Box stores and online buying, we’re blessed to have such great local business leaders who choose to spend their limited marketing budgets in Broomall, to make our hometown monthly magazine possible in print and online at www.MarpleMag.com.

Think about our Sponsors when seeing their ads. For example: Dr. Martin’s Marple Dental (pg 15), or Dr. Allodoli’s Broomall Eye Care (pg 19). Or Mary Rosato’s Salon Bella (pg 21).

These are very respected professionals in our community who have long been Bringing People Together, to help us look and feel our best with confidence.

Consider the restaurants that are our hometown Sponsors: Newtown Square Pizza and Grill (pg 22), Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (back cover), Casey’s and The Porch at The Lamb (pg 10), Jacquette’s Bakery (pg 15), and The Splash Surf Club (pg 21). They’re Bringing People Together, and not 16 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

only by the quality of their food and good service but also by investing every month in this hometown magazine for Marple Township residents.

All our advertising Sponsors have been Bringing People Together in different ways for years. But now they have one thing in common: They’re showing us that Broomall is important, how we’re all important to the success of their business, and how they want to be Bringing People Together through our hometown magazine. So, whenever possible, choose to do business with our hometown heroes first, and thank them for their business services in our community. M

Bob Blaisse

Publisher, Marple Friends & Neighbors

Understanding Senior Living Options Can Be Overwhelming and Confusing A Free, Personalized Senior Housing Placement Service For: • • • • • • • •

Retirement Communities Independent Living Assisted Living / Personal Care Memory Care Respite Services Residential Care Homes Hospice Care Skilled Nursing Homes

www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com 484-947-4266 Lindsey Poeth, CSA

Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

Real Estate

Homes Recently Sold In Marple Township Address

Sold Price

Beds

Baths

Sq. Ft.

Acres

37 Crespy Lane . . . . . . . . . $420,250 . . . . 4 . . . .2.5 . . . 2,128 . . 0.30 529 S Central Boulevard . . . . $385,000 . . . . 3 . . . .2.5 . . . 1,593 . . 0.18 218 Canterbury Drive . . . . . $340,500 . . . . 3 . . . .1.5 . . . 1,520 . . 0.19 321 Harvard Avenue . . . . . . $386,500 . . . . 3 . . . .1.5 . . . 1,434 . . 0.31 64 Lindbergh Avenue . . . . . $360,000 . . . . 4 . . . . 3 . . . 2,226 . . 0.24 106 Beechtree Drive . . . . . . $399,900 . . . . 3 . . . . 2 . . . 1,877 . . 0.31 2404 W Chester Pike . . . . . . $289,750 . . . . 4 . . . . 2 . . . 1,816 . . 0.19 2 Hawthorne Road . . . . . . . $300,000 . . . . 4 . . . . 2 . . . 1,208 . . 0.20 363 Swanage Drive . . . . . . $415,000 . . . . 3 . . . . 2 . . . 1,720 . . 0.31 2026 Maclarie Lane . . . . . . $505,000 . . . . 3 . . . . 2 . . . 1,979 . . 0.36 11 James Road . . . . . . . . . $185,000 . . . . 2 . . . . 1 . . . . 855 . . . 0.18 205 Oakwynne Road . . . . . $400,000 . . . . 3 . . . .2.5 . . . 2,418 . . 0.28 113 S New Ardmore Avenue . $330,000 . . . . 2 . . . .1.5 . . . 1,134 . . 0.45 11 Cambridge Road . . . . . . $409,000 . . . . 5 . . . .2.5 . . . 2,189 . . 0.77 2607 Franklin Avenue . . . . . $375,000 . . . . 3 . . . .1.5 . . . 1,700 . . 0.17 504 Westbourne Drive #A2 . . $225,000 . . . . 2 . . . . 2 . . . 1,067 59 Sonia Lane . . . . . . . . . . $365,000 . . . . 3 . . . .2.5 . . . 1,840 . . 0.33 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.

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www.WeinsteinBath-Kitchen.com • 484- 471-3822 • 650 Abbott Drive, Broomall (Lawrence Park Industrial Park) February 2020

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www.MarpleMag.com 17

Business Profile Written by Liz Burnett

MSP

Consulting Group

A CPA with Experience, Knowledge and Integrity

I

f one of your personal or business goals for 2020 is to get and keep your financial records in order, one of our Sponsors can help you with that!

have enabled him to build relationships with business associates who help him directly or indirectly provide his clients with whatever expert advice and solutions they need.

MSP Consulting Group provides Accounting and Bookkeeping services for small- and mid-size businesses and also for nonprofits and individuals. MSP is locally owned and operated by Stephen L. (“Steve”) Palmerio, a CPA who has over 40 years experience in the industry, proudly providing the Marple Newtown community with quality services.

Steve has enjoyed his career as a CPA. He likes working directly with people and helping them keep their financial records in order. It puts a smile on his face when “the books” balance, everything ties out, and he provides his clients with everything they need.

A Broomall resident since the early 1960s, Steve attended Cardinal O’Hara High School and especially enjoyed the Bookkeeping course he took in his senior year. He took that as a sign he might like a career as an Accountant, so in college at St. Joseph’s University, he pursued and earned a B.S. in Accounting. His intuition was correct: He has been a CPA since 1977.

MSP Consulting Group also prepares and files Federal and State tax returns for businesses and individuals. To ensure those returns are accurate and take advantage of all eligible deductions, Steve’s firm also provides tax law advice and tax planning.

The third type of service MSP offers is management consulting and advisory services for businesses and individuals. Areas of expertise include selecting, setting up and training in accounting software, and computer systems hardware and networking. Steve also provides QuickBooks setup, training and ongoing bookkeeping services if needed. Steve’s many decades of industry experience

MSP ConSulting grouP

Accounting & Bookkeeping Services 40 years of professional accounting experience with small business and non-profit organizations.

• Accounting & Business Consulting • General Business Ledger Set Up • Tax Law Advice and Tax Planning • Federal & State Tax Filing Services • QuickBooks Management

EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE INTEGRITY

484.367.5358 Stephen L. Palmerio, CPA

18 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

Another thing that puts a smile on Steve’s face is Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine. After Steve had received several monthly issues at his home and he realized our magazine articles were helping him get to know local families and businesses, he thought, “This is a great hometown magazine, something the good people of our community deserve to have. I’m going to help continue making this possible by being a Sponsor!”

Steve and his wife Nancy live in Broomall with their two Norwegian Elkhounds, Penny and Lucy. Their son, Adam, is a middle school teacher in the School District of Philadelphia.

Steve was a member of the Marple Newtown Jaycees Chapter for 10 years. He’s currently a member and Vice-President of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners, a group for CPAs who specialize in working with small businesses.

Whether you’re starting a new business and need help setting up your General Ledger or considering changing your current accounting advisor or system, MSP Consulting Group has all the accounting, bookkeeping and tax returns expertise any business, nonprofit or individual needs. For a free initial consultation, call Stephen L. Palmerio at 484-367-5358, to schedule your appointment to discuss your needs. You’ll connect with a CPA who’s more than qualified to help you achieve your financial record-keeping goals.

Publisher’s Note: CPA and Broomall resident, Stephen L. Palmerio, a person of longtime professional service to his clients, is also a proud Sponsor of his hometown community. As a reader of Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine from its first issue in 2018, Steve recognized it was both good business and good leadership in his community to support the Marple Newtown community as an Advertising Sponsor of both Marple Friends & Neighbors and Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazines. Thank you, Steve. Your leadership as a Sponsor makes our hometown magazines possible. M

Hometown Sports Written by Liz Burnett Photos courtesy of Laurie DiCola

Six Decades of Positive Leadership in Youth Sports Since 1959, the Marple Jr Tigers Football and Cheerleading Association (MJT) has provided for boys and girls ages 5-14 who live in or attend a school in the Marple Newtown School District a Football and Cheerleading program that promotes the fundamentals, physical and mental conditioning, good sportsmanship, and fair play. Many of our Readers are very familiar with MJT’s programs, having participated themselves as a kid and/or having their own kids or even grandkids participating. To discover the “secret sauce” that has enabled MJT to serve our community so well for 60 years, we interviewed Newtown Square resident and longtime MJT Cheer Program Coach Laurie DiCola.

Laurie first connected with MJT in 2006, when her sister was Director of MJT’s Cheer Program and her niece was a Cheerleader.

That was also the year MJT added the Flag Football and Cheer Programs for boys and girls ages 5+6. Laurie’s son would be playing Flag Football that year, so when she was asked to coach the new Flag Cheer Program, she agreed to “give it a shot.” “To be honest,” admitted Laurie, “I was never a cheerleader myself, but there was something about it that came naturally to me. I had learned enough from watching the women who coached my niece to be able to assume the role.” Laurie proved to indeed be a natural: She eventually became MJT’s Director of Cheerleading while continuing to coach the Cheer Teams for various age groups.

As Laurie’s son proceeded in MJT’s several Football levels and Laurie continued coaching the Cheer Teams, she says “MJT was the focal point of my life. It became an identity.” It was a job she says she never took lightly. She also knows she could never have accomplished so much without the support and help from parents and other volunteers, for whom she is still very grateful. “Along the way, we faced challenges and shared much success, all of which I feel strengthened us as a community,” Laurie said confidently. “MJT has flourished due to the countless volunteers who have donated their time, energy, and experience to ensure that this youth sports program would thrive. The dedication from parents and volunteers is the driving force behind the longevity of the program.”

Even though Laurie has no daughters, being an MJT Cheer Coach has given her the opportunity to be like a mother to hundreds of girls. When Laurie’s son exited MJT’s Football program after 8th grade, her continuous years as a Cheer Coach also came to an end. But the impact of the experience never left her. When her son headed off to college and she was again asked to help coach the Flag and Pee Wee Cheer Teams (ages 5-8), she was thrilled. “It was exactly what I needed, and I welcomed the invitation!” said Laurie. “Coaching at the youngest levels is both very challeng-

MJT Senior Football Team (7th & 8th graders) (L to R) Amanda DiStefano, Laurie DiCola and Katie Fusaro

MJT Cheer Coach Jackie Evans (L) and Laurie DiCola (R) with MJT PEE WEE Cheer Teams who won 1st Place at Haverford Competition in December

ing and rewarding. My goal is always to hopefully start them off on the right path and form good habits early. If the girls are progressing and having fun at the same time, I know we are succeeding as an organization.”

Laurie’s 13 years of coaching and working with MJT youth, their parents and great program leaders such as Amanda DiStefano, Katie Fusaro, Steve Reynolds and Kevan Strigle have given her firsthand proof that this program is “so much more than first-place trophies and championships. The joy comes from the relationships and friendships formed, and the mentoring of young children through a sport we are all passionate about.” MJT is a “feeder program” into Marple Newtown High School. Laurie feels honored and proud to have coached many of the MN Tiger High School Cheerleaders who now are at the top of their sport.

For many years, studies and personal experiences have proven that youth sports programs with positive leadership build strong communities. Marple Jr Tigers Coaches, Program Directors and other volunteers continue to help today’s kids prepare for a world that runs best on the principles of sportsmanship and fair play. M

Come See

Bring life into focus!

Eye exams (glasses & contacts) Diagnosing/treating eye conditions • Optician on staff • Fashion eyewear • Lab on site • •

Dr. Michael Allodoli, OD

www.BroomallEyeCare.com

•

610 -325-7688

Lawrence Park Business Center, 580 Reed Road, Ste A5-6 Broomall (Behind the Lawrence Park Shopping Center)

February 2020

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www.MarpleMag.com 19

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

February 2020 Calendar of Events Sat. & Sun. through February 23 and Fri. February 14

Wine & Chocolate Pairings

Marple Newtown’s family owned and operated heating and cooling specialists for over 20 years.

We are fully licensed and insured to provide service, repair and installation for all of your residential and light commercial heating and cooling needs.

Our commitment is to provide the dependable and high quality services that our customers have come to expect and count on.

24 Hour Emergency Service Service Plans Available 500 Abbott Drive, Suite E, Broomall, PA

610-328-4341 www.LenAndSons.com

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• Basement Waterproofing • Waterproofing Coatings • Foundation & Crack Repair • Humidity Control Management • Sump Pump Install /Service • Mold Remediation

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www.WeatherProofing-Plus.com 20 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

@Chaddsford Winery 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford Celebrate the month of love with an intimate, sit-down wine and chocolate pairing at Chaddsford Winery! You'll explore several unique flavor combinations as you taste 5 artisan chocolates carefully paired with our award-winning wines - a perfect choice for Valentine’s outings or a Girls Day Out. Time: Sessions on the hour 12, 1, 2, 3

and 4pm (Plan to check in 15

min. before session start time.)

Cost: $30 per person in advance

$35 at the door

610-388-6221 www.Chaddsford.com Sundays through March 1

The Princess and the Pea @The Media Theatre 104 E State St, Media The classic tale of the Princess who must prove herself with several tests gets a contemporary update in this new hour-long musical for children. It’s energetic, fun, and funny as we witness several wanna-be Princesses trying to get the attention of a young Prince.

Lessons include Don’t Judge a Book

By Its Cover and How To Make Friends.

Time: 12noon

610-891-0100 www.Tickets.MediaTheatre.org Now through March 6

Fore! The Planet!

@Linvilla Orchard Garden Center 137 Knowlton Rd, Media This is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia! This exhibition pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf. 18 unique educational holes explore butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rain forest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains, and more. Perfect for kids of all ages, your entire family will enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment – every step of the way!

Time: Daily 9am - 4pm Cost: $6.95; Children under 11 $5.95

610-876-7116 www.Linvilla.com

Sat., February 8

Marple Newtown Jazz Band Spaghetti Dinner @Marple Newtown High School Cafeteria, 120 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square Get an early start on Valentine’s Day with Marple Newtown Tiger Music at an event for the whole family.

Enjoy a buffet-style dinner of Italian dishes provided by local merchants while being entertained by the high school’s two jazz bands and various small group ensembles. Food and music will be available throughout the evening, so come for all or just part of the event (although we suggest being there for all of it!). Space is limited.

Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm Cost: $15 Adults

$12 Students & Seniors (Pay at

the door. Walk-ups welcome.)

RSVP to cluver@juno.com www.TigerMusic.org/upcoming-events Fri. February 14

Valentine’s Day Couples Class @Board & Brush, 210 S Newtown Square Rd, Newtown Square Looking for a fun way to bond with your Valentine and/or connect with friends or family? Join our most popular DIY workshop and create your own unique wood sign! Select a wood project from our gallery. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-bystep to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Light snacks and free wine will be served!

Time: 6:30 - 9:30pm Cost: $68 per couple (pre-registration is required)

610-883-2679 www.BoardAndBrush. com/newtownsquare Sat. February 15

Walk-In Pet Vaccine Clinic @The Spayed Club Veterinary Clinic 800 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill Low-cost pet vaccines, microchips, flea and tick prevention, heartworm testing & more.

Time: 9am - 1pm Cost: (Cash only) Rabies vaccine $15 See website for more information

484-540-8436 www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org

Tues. February 25

Thurs. February 27

“The Ardmore Autocar Fire”

The Kennedys in Concert

@Marple Christian Church 475 Lawrence Rd, Broomall

@Twentieth Century Club 84 S Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne

Pancake Breakfast & Maple Sugaring Celebration

In this month’s lecture, Bart Van Valkenburgh looks at the 1954 fire of the Autocar factory in Ardmore, once the largest employer in Lower Merion.

Time: 7:30pm Cost: FREE (Donations appreciated!)

Come enjoy folk duo Pete and Maura Kennedy, who draw influences from the Byrds and other 1960s-era rock and folk artists. During their two-decade career, they’ve produced 12 albums, and have performed throughout the US. Free on-street parking.

Time: Doors open at 7pm

Show 7:30 - 10pm Cost: $17 in advance;

$20 at the door (cash only)

@Tyler Arboretum 515 Painter Rd, Media Join Tyler Arboretum for the annual celebration of all things maple syrup-related, and, of course, pancakes! Discover how the tasty topping gets turned from sap into syrup. Satisfy your appetite with our all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.

Time: 8am - 1pm Cost: Ages 13+ $16; Kids 3 -12 $10

2 & under FREE

484-466-6213 www.FolkClub.org

610-566-9134 www.TylerArboretum.org

www.MarpleHistoricalSociety.org

Sat. February 29

Fri. March 13

(Snow Date: Sat. March 7)

Cabrini University’s Theatre Alumni Cabaret @Cabrini University Grace Hall Atrium 610 King of Prussia Rd, Radnor Alumni and friends of the Cabrini Theatre department are invited to come back to campus for a fun-filled evening of light hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and live musical performances from theatre alumni and current students.

Time: 8 - 10pm

610-902-8100

Residential and Commercial Carpeting, Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl Tile and Waterproof Plank at Warehouse Pricing!

• We carry all major brands of carpet as

well as waterproof vinyl plank flooring

• Quality pre-bound area rugs and remnants • Carved college logo rugs including Penn State • Full-service work shop for cutting and binding • We install all of the products we sell

THINK SUMMER and plan to GET YOUR SPLASH ON! Limited Memberships Available for the 2020 Season!

Reserve Yours Today!

610-353-1312 www.CarpetWarehouseCo.com 620 Parkway Drive, Broomall

(Lawrence Park Industrial Park)

Marple Newtown’s Carpeting and Floor Covering Expert

Warm Up to

Winter Styles Creative Cuts & Formal Styling Hair Coloring Smoothing Treatments Hair Extensions Perms and Relaxers Waxing Services Sunless Tanning Eyelash Extensions Make Up Services

– JOIN NOW –

www.Splash-Club.com 2705 Sunset Blvd, Broomall, PA

•

610- 601-4868

Broomall 's Destination Salon

610-353- 9133 SalonBellaBroomall.com

590 Reed Road, Suite 5, Broomall, PA February 2020

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www.MarpleMag.com 21

Our Community Written by John Lucas, Sr.

What I Love about

M

Marple

y earliest recollections of Marple Township go back to when I was a very young child, maybe 9 or 10 years old. I lived in South Philly, and every summer, I’d visit some of my Broomall relatives, usually for several weeks at a time.

Some lived on Old Cedar Grove Road; others lived on Delores Drive.

I remember a time when the area known as Cedar Grove Farms was actually a horse farm. My cousin Frances boarded her horse there.

Fast forward to 1994: I’m married, and my wife, Pamela, and I are living in South Philly. Our daughter was almost two years old. Pamela and I were discussing the possibility of moving out of the city to an area that would give our daughter more room to run around, good schools, and youth sports programs at least as good as those the city offered. Most of our friends who had already moved out of the city went to South Jersey, a natural progression at that time. I remember telling Pamela that I wanted to move to Broomall. She had absolutely no idea what or where Broomall was. I remember her response was “What is Broomall?”

John Lucas, Sr.

I took her for a ride and tour of Broomall. She was a bit hesitant at first, but we decided to give it a try.

That same year, we bought a home in Lawrence Park, where we’ve lived ever since. Our son was born here in 1997. The past 25 years have been a blessing for me and my family. This town gave our kids everything they needed: great schools and sports programs, and many wonderful friends and memories. Both kids went away for college, but they both came back home after graduation, to live with us while they planned or started their next “life chapter.” I think that says a lot for Broomall.

I’ve enjoyed opportunities to give back to this community. I loved helping out for many years when our kids were on South Marple Little League (SMLL) teams. I’ve also served the great folks of Marple Township as 4th Ward Commissioner for the past 20 years.

I have loved Broomall ever since I was a little kid. And now that Pamela and our children love this town as well, it makes it an even better place to live. M

Marple Newtown’s Most Popular Pizza!

Pizzas fresh & made to order!

• Pizzas • Strombolis • Steaks • Hoagies • Burgers • Clubs • Pasta • Seafood • Wings • Quesadillas

Our pizza is made on site daily using the finest ingredient dough, mouth-watering sauce, 100% of specially blended Wisconsin cheeses and outrageous quantities of special choice toppings.

Join our Newtown Square Pizza Rewards Club and get rewarded every time you order.

Join online and you will start earning points towards FREE food and more with every purchase.

Register Today & get 10% Off your first online order.

www.NewtownSquarePizza.com 3113 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 22

Let us cater your next party!

Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

•

610-353-4234

Made to order hot & cold subs!

Before, During and After a POWER

Expert Contributor Written by Andrew Martella Martella Electric

FAILURE

If your neighborhood loses power, calling your local utility company can usually keep you updated about repair status and estimated time until power restoration. Many power companies now have a mobile app that provides such information.

During a power failure, you can extend the life of your cold and frozen food by keeping your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Many times, the power is out for only a few hours and food spoilage is not an issue.

W

hat causes your electrical power to go out? Automobile accidents can damage utility poles. High winds, snow and ice can pull down power lines.

Utility company maintenance sometimes doesn’t go as planned.

And occasionally, the cause is in your own home’s electrical system.

There are some things you can do to avoid a power failure, and many things you can do to be prepared before, during and after the power and lights go out.

When your cellphone’s battery needs to be charged and your power block is empty, you can recharge both batteries by plugging them into the live power sources inside your car.

If you see anything unusual such as water dripping from the breaker box or the outside electrical wiring or equipment pulled away from your home, or if you smell a strange odor, you should immediately have an inspection done by a licensed and insured electrical contractor. M

A short or extended widespread power failure is not a problem if your home has a gas-powered backup generator system. Some folks feel such an investment is well worth the cost because it ensures they’ll have electricity, heat and A/C year-round regardless of what may cause a power failure.

When weather forecasters predict conditions that could result in a power outage, make sure you have on hand plenty of bottled water and a battery-operated radio. Fully charge your cellphone and one or two mobile power banks/blocks, and put fresh batteries in your flashlights. Discuss with your family a plan to relocate if authorities require residents to evacuate.

If your lights go out but your neighbors’ lights are still on, an electrical problem is affecting only your home. Check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box, to see if any breakers are tripped or fuses are burned out. A tripped circuit breaker or burned-out fuse may control many lights, making it seem like your entire house has no power. If all looks fine, check the meter box and electrical cables on your home’s exterior.

From the Air Answer (pg. 6): The great divide between Friends & Neighbors is literally the dividing line between Marple and Newtown townships at Media Line Road / Line Road, and West Chester Pike. In this photo are the corners of the Gauntlett Community Center property (with school buses), Meineke Car Care & GreenDrop, Tag-R-Up / County Mortgage, Soprano’s / Broomall Auto Body / Verizon building.

Martella Electric Company is a team of courteous, professional, and highly trained electricians. Our priority is to deliver superior customer service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

• Electrical Service Upgrades • Landscape Lighting • Circuit Breaker Panels • Fireguard Circuit Breakers • Security Lighting • Recessed Lighting • Electric Vehicle Charging • LED Under-Cabinet Lighting • Lighting Controls • Exhaust Fans

484 - 997- 3097 www.MartellaElectric.com

“Don’t be shocked when we/ show up on time!”

February 2020

www.MarpleMag.com 23

Bringing People Together

Marple 2988

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS