Marple
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
The Grosso Family,
Building a Heritage Cover photo by: Dan Hall, Prestige Photography
2018 December
Bringing People Together December 2018
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www.MarpleMag.com
Marple’s
Expert Contributors Funeral Home Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. D'Anjolell Memorial Homes 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610-356-4200 robjr@danjolell.com www.Danjolell.com
Roofing, Siding & Carpentry Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co. 311 Lenox Havertown 610-449-8188 office@odonnellroofingco.com www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com
Hair Salon Mary Rosato, Owner Salon Bella 590 Reed Road, Suite 5, Broomall 610-353-9133 salonbella1@verizon.net www.SalonBellaBroomall.com
Painting & General Contracting Services Tom Rafferty Rafferty Painting & General Contracting 610-626-9141 info@raffertypainting.com www.RaffertyPainting.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
Family & Cospetic 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
Fireplace Products Scott Magness Scott's Fireplace Products 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484-422-8334 sfp@scottsfireplaceproducts.com www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com
Expert Contributors needed! Dental, Medical, Pet Services, Real Estate, Law, Financial Services, Fitness, Education, Vacations, Senior Care, Taxes, etc. Professionals may contact: Bob Blaisse: 610-453-5536, or bblaisse@bestversionmedia.com
We’re Now Online at
www.MarpleMag.com Have friends and family living outside of Marple Townsquare? Tell them Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine is now online every month!
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Automotive Repairs & Service Bill Fritsch Fritsch’s Liberty Auto Service 2109 South Sproul Road, Broomall 610-356-1845 www.FritschsLibertyBroomall.com
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
PUBLICATION TEAM
PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse CONTENT COORDINATORS: Craig & Olivia Whitney DESIGNER: Kim Cesati MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHER: Dan Hall, Prestige Photography, 610-470-4456 www.PrestigePhoto.com COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Mary Rosato, Salon Bella CONTRIBUTORS: Bob Blaisse, Craig Whitney, Doug Humes, Chris Stack, Bill Fritsch, Len Sciulli and Dr. Georges Martin, DDS ADVERTISING
Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse Email: bblaisse@BestVersionMedia.com Phone: 610-453-5536 COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Have Feedback? We would be happy to hear from you. Please contact Olivia & Craig Whitney at cwhitney@bestversionmedia.com for information on how to submit ideas, articles, updates, reminders, events, high resolution photos and more. We will do our best to include as much community information as we can without space limitations. 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. © 2018 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
ON THE COVER The Grosso Family, Celebrating Christmas at home in Broomall
Marple
The Grosso Family, ge Building a Herita
Cover photo by: Dan Hall, Prestige Photography
2018 December
December 2018
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A major Christmas gift has come early for us. And I can’t take credit for it because it comes to us from the Business Leaders who are the sponsors of Marple Township residents. They’ve doubled down on their investment in Marple hometown pride, which has now allowed our magazine to the next level in time for the new year. Marple’s only monthly magazine: Marple Friends & Neighbors, can now also be read online at: www.MarpleMag.com. How wonderful is that! Tell your friends, especially friends and family who once lived in Marple but have moved away, that they can now keep up on local happenings by reading our hometown magazine online now thanks to our sponsoring advertisers who really value Marple Township. On behalf of my wife Jean, our family, our magazine staff, contributors and advertising sponsors who bring Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine to your door each month, and now online, we wish you the Happiest of Holidays this month. I invite you to open your Christmas gift from our sponsors at www.MarpleMag.com. Please try to reach out to one of your sponsors who bring your community magazine to you. Thank them for their investment in Marple, and whenever possible, try to always Shop Local.
Bob Blaisse Publisher
Dear Residents, What an issue we have in store for you this month! With the sweet and savory tastes of Thanksgiving still on our tongues, we are thrown full force into the holiday madness. We feel it truly is the "most wonderful time of the year!" We loved speaking to the Grosso Family on the cover and hearing about their family holiday traditions! We also have the most incredible news. We spoke to SANTA HIMSELF! He gave us the dish on his traditions and his life with the elves, as well as some of his favorite Christmas memories. Be sure to check out that article. We would like to remind everyone that, as a community, it is important to shop local and support the businesses around us this holiday season. When you’re meeting your friend for a holiday brunch, maybe try a new local spot instead of the classic chain coffee shop. Check out the deals at the small retail stores for gifts before going online. For some businesses, this time of year is the reason they are able to stay afloat the next eleven months.
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
Bringing People Together
What a Wonderful Time of Year the Holiday Season is, with family, friends and neighbors Bringing People Together. December holidays do that for us. To our Jewish friends and neighbors, “Hanukkah Sameach!” (Happy Hanukkah). And to our friends and neighbors who will celebrate the birth of Christ, a Very Merry Christmas to all. And to all our Marple Township friends and neighbors, my wish for 2019 is a Very Happy New Year.
www.MarpleMag.com
There are a lot of great community articles, we hope you enjoy all of our hard work putting this together for you! Also, we love hearing from our readers! If you have a story to share with us, a person or family to highlight, a business to praise, or an event to showcase, make sure you send us an email or give us a call!
Craig & Olivia Whitney Content Coordinators
December 2018
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www.MarpleMag.com
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Expert Contributor Written by Bill Fritsch Fritsch’s Service Station
One of the Most Overlooked Car Insurance Options
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ecisions and advice should go hand in hand. Maybe with good advice, a better decision can be made. This is advice that could be worth thousands of dollars to you. When selecting car insurance for your vehicle, the option of collision coverage can be glossed over when in reality it is one of the most valuable elements of a car insurance coverage plan.
Auto Service 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
• • • • • • • •
Happy Holidays to All Our Customers. Make Your New Year’s Resolution to Come See Us in 2019! FritschsLibertyBroomall.com I 610-356-1845 2109 S. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008 4
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
You have to have liability, but when it comes to collision, the coverage that covers your car, that’s an option. On older cars, it’s the option that too many people drop. The problem is that an old car still has a value of $2,000 or $3,000. If you get in an accident and it’s not entirely the other driver’s fault, your insurance company doesn’t know you. Towing fees from an accident are very different than regular towing fees. Normal towing is about $40 or $50. But from an accident they become $125 for towing, $50 a day for storage, clean up costs an additional $25 and admin fees are $25. Have an accident on Friday, and by Monday your bill is already $375. Without collision, you’re responsible for the bill. And you get nothing for your smashed up car. Collision coverage, for the most part, is about $100 to $200 a year. With the right insurance, your company will pay you for the value of your car, as well as the towing bill. Now you have a down payment for a new car and no hassle with the towing bill. It just doesn’t make sense to throw away thousands of dollars over just a few hundred a year. It takes a lot of anxiety away knowing that you have full coverage and that your agent is there to help you. M
History Spotlight
Christmas in Newtown, 1777
Springfield Friends Meeting – period sketch
Written by Doug Humes
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here were no silent nights in Newtown in December of 1777. The British army had marched through during the fall, fighting a series of battles, and now occupied the American capital of Philadelphia. 17,000 soldiers had to eat, and so they sent raiding parties out into the country on a regular basis. Washington and his troops were then camped at Valley Forge, but he had various spies as his eyes and ears in the countryside, including Major John Clark, who had requisitioned a Quaker farmhouse on Goshen Road in Newtown Square [still there!] as his base of operations.
Major Clark outpost house on Goshen Road
Major Clark outpost house – fireplace
Clark wrote on 12-21 to Washington: “A spy from the city… confirms the account of the enemy’s intentions to plunder. They intend to visit Derby, Marple and Springfield townships this week.” On the next day he wrote, “At 8 this morning, about 20 dragoons of the enemy came up to Fox Chase [still in existence
Fox Chase Inn
Photos Courtesy of The Marple Square Historical Society
on West Chester Pike] to give the alarm, and then took the route to Derby [Marple road to Darby road and then back to the city].” On Christmas Day, “our troops have retired to Springfield Meeting house and are endeavoring to get some refreshments. The wretched situation of the troops here is much to be lamented, no provisions for them, ill clothed, many of them no shoes, and they are scattered in sixes and sevens all about the neighborhood.” Soldiers of both sides were showing up at homes in the vicinity, staying in them, and eating the food found at each farm, and at times carting it off together with the livestock. The local inhabitants were mostly Quakers, opposed to war, and willing to sell their goods for hard money, which the British had and the Americans did not. Better to sell their crops and livestock then simply have them stolen by both armies. But the Continental Congress had announced, in an article published in the Pennsylvania Packet on Christmas Eve, that any person who was found to have supplied the enemy with supplies would be treated as a traitor, tried by military court-martial, and sentenced to death. A Newtown farmer had to weigh the consequences of his decisions. Christmas in Newtown was not a merry one that year. For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit the web site of the Newtown Square Historical Society at www.HistoricNewtownSquare.org NS
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
ScottsFireplaceProducts.com
3137 West Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA December 2018 December 2018 /
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Resident Feature
Written by Craig Whitney
The Grosso Family: Building a Heritage
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nthony and Rita have connections that weave through each other’s history before they had even met. The two were connected through mutual friendships, mutual schools, the marriage of an uncle and aunt from each side, and a culmination at an Eagles playoff game. Both of their ancestries begin in nearby coastal towns in southern Italy, so from a long-term perspective the Grosso heritage has been built over hundreds of years and continues to build here in Marple. The two had initially met at their uncle’s surprise party. Anthony’s uncle had married Rita’s aunt years before, one of many unexpected connections between the two. Rita had heard of Anthony at that point but never met him. “I had never met him, but my aunt had been trying to convince me to go out with him for years,” Rita explained. The two finally met at the party, hitting it off and building onto a relationship that had unknowingly been connected for years. They had just missed each other at Villanova University, where Anthony had graduated the year before Rita came in as a freshman. Despite the missed connection there, Anthony was friendly with Rita’s sister, who went to Villanova at the same time as Anthony. The party was not the place where the two were meant to start dating, though. Rita was days away from an extended stay in Italy, and Anthony was working for the Philadelphia Eagles as they were on their way to their third straight NFC championship game. Rita went on a pilgrimage through Italy, 6
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Photography by Dan Hall, Prestige Photography
visiting old towns and learning about her roots over the course of a month. By the time she got back, Anthony was ready to forget about football for a little while and the two hit it off from the beginning. In 2006, Anthony and Rita got married, and started their life together in Marple several years later. Rita worked for Sunoco as a chemical engineer straight out of college. She currently works for a number of different engineering companies, managing her schedule so she can spend time with her family during the week. “I prayed, and then God took care,” Rita explained. “It’s been really great to keep in the industry and have time for my family.” Anthony works as a senior accountant and enjoys his work. Similarly to Rita, Anthony was in an uncertain situation professionally and had to trust in whatever life gave him. “The past fourteen months have been challenging, but right now I’m happy where I am.” The Grossos have three children, Chiara, Monica and Joseph. Chiara, 11 years old, is thoughtful and artistic. She is in choir, plays softball and golf, and is currently in a production of Peter Pan jr. at her school. “She loves so many artistic things,” Rita acclaimed. “She loves to play piano, to sing, to draw, to learn. Everything she does is beautiful.” Monica, 9 years old, is considered the kind and compassionate child of the three. She is always eager to help and support her family in any way she can. She just finished cheerleading
for St. Anastasia. Joseph, the youngest of the family, walked over while his parents talked about Monica and gave his own opinion of his older sister.
town called Acquaviva delle Fonti. It is a ten minute drive to the Adriatic beaches, and a half hour south of her grandparents and generations of ancestors before them.
“She is generous and has a very gentle heart,” Joseph said of Monica.
Earlier this year, the whole family took a trip to see her parents’ Italian home along with the many towns that make up their heritage. Packing a rental car full of family and exploring the many different towns along the Italian coast, Anthony and
Joseph is 6 years old, the youngest in the family. At the mention of Joseph, his father laughed. “Joseph is crazy,” Anthony laughed. “A total social butterfly, full of energy, and has the ability to make anyone laugh.” He is also considered a renaissance boy by his parents. At six, he has already studied planets, nature, the weather and a long list of other interests that he has picked up. He loves to play baseball, and is currently playing basketball and enjoys that as well. After Monica was born, the Grossos decided it was time to pick the home and the town they wanted to raise their children in. “We decided after we had Monica that we wanted to pick the right town but still stay in the area close to our family,” Rita explained. Rita’s sister lives in Media, and her brother lives nearby as well. Both Rita and Anthony grew up in Delaware County, and they are blessed to still be surrounded by family. “School district was a huge draw,” Rita said. “We really like it. It’s a great neighborhood, with great neighbors all around the block.”
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Rita continued to extol her neighbors and the neighborhood as a whole. On any given weekend, the neighborhood kids could come over their house to play or Joseph, Monica and Chiara could be found playing with the neighbors. The open, inviting nature of the community is something the Grossos cherish.
Our neighbors are all so kind and generous, it’s a great environment to raise kids in, ~Rita glowed.
Roots are very important to the Grossos, not just for the family around them in Delaware County but the ancestry in Italy that has spanned hundreds of years. Chiara is named after the Church of Santa Chiara in Assisi, Italy, and both Rita and Anthony have spent time in Italy retracing the steps of their heritage. Rita, in particular, has dedicated a large amount of time and effort into connecting to her Italian roots. She has visited Italy and taken extended stays, sometimes longer than a month. Her parents bought an apartment on the east coast of Italy, in a
From Left to Right Chiara, Anthony, and Monica Grosso
Rita were able to trace their stories across the country and show it all to their children. They stayed with their parents, visited extended family in the towns further south, and ended their journey in Rome. “We put 700 miles on the car, it was such a great experience to see family and go on this journey together after so many years.” Family and food are staples of the holidays, and Rita loves the baking and cooking that comes with this time of year. The holiday season is a warm, wonderful time for the Grosso family. Football is heading toward the playoffs, the whole family gets together and Rita gets to make Christmas cookies for everyone. Surrounded by family and friends this time of year, it is easy to see glimpses of the heritage that has brought a family to where it is today. Having travelled to their roots and seen the effects of a family that commits to staying together, the Grossos have a special appreciation for the value of family, the Christmas season, and the building of a heritage. Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at cwhitney@bestversionmedia.com. M December 2018
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Tell me about it
Submitted by…
…Santa Claus
All You Ever Needed to Know About Life You Can Learn from Santa q Encourage people to believe in you. q Always remember who’s naughty and who’s nice. q Don’t pout. q It’s as much fun to give as it is to receive. q Some days it’s ok to feel a little chubby. q Make your presents known. q Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want. q Bright red can make anyone look good. q Wear a wide belt and no-one will notice how many pounds you’ve gained. q If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you’re very important. q Whenever you’re at a loss for words, say: “HO, HO, HO!” Send us your short, clean “Tell Me About It” moment, maybe your real life humor will be the January “Tell Me About It” feature of the month. Email your funny story to Craig Whitney at cwhitney@bestversionmedia.com
Honoring The Life of a Loved One
D’ANJOLELL
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.
D’ANJOLELL Memorial Home of Broomall 2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008 610-356-4200 Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. F.D. 8
D’ANJOLELL Stigale D’ANJOLELL 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
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
D’ANJOLELL Barone Memorial Home of Wallingford 908 S. Providence Road Wallingford, PA 19086 610-874-7700 Edward S. Barone, Supervisor
Interview with Mr. & Mrs. Claus: Coming Back to Marple Newtown Again This Year Written by Craig Whitney
Claus spoke with over 300 children at St. Anastasia’s alone during a breakfast with Santa, but these little moments can be just as beautiful. “You don’t have to have material things to pass back and forth, they will come and go anyway,” Santa explained. “You only have to give yourself to the ones you love, that’s what will last forever.” On my way to work that day, I couldn’t help but hum old Christmas songs and smile as I drove. I felt the same as I did when I was a child bounding down the steps on Christmas morning. The gifts and the food may be wonderful, but the true meaning of Christmas is something closer to the spark in Jimmy’s eyes or Santa’s eagerness to offer me a seat when he was on a date with his wife. That brotherly love, the acts of true kindness to our friends and neighbors that we could do every day, is the closest we can get to true Christmas spirit.
It was a cold morning in late November when I was lucky enough to run into Mr. and Mrs. Claus at a local coffee shop in the area. Santa told me many stories about different children he has been able to speak to over the years, the many great questions he’s been asked. Questions like ‘Where are your reindeer?’ ‘Why is Rudolph’s nose red?’ and ‘do the elves get raises?’ Santa smiled as he recounted the questions and told me the reindeer can only fly on Christmas Eve, and a sleigh would be too loud dragging on the pavement. Rudolph’s nose is a lot like a lightning bug that flashes yellow on summer nights. Elves get free housing, playtime with the reindeer, and always stick to the main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. Santa told me one special memory about a child who was too sick to get out of bed on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is obviously the busiest and most hectic day of the year for Mr. and Mrs. Claus, but once they heard that the grandson of a friend of theirs, named Jimmy, was so sick that he couldn’t get out of bed, they put their plans on hold and made the trip to Marple to see him. After sitting with him and encouraging him with stories of their own hard Christmas Eve’s Jimmy was bounding down the stairs the next morning with a spark in his eyes.
Anyone in the Marple area interested in reaching out to Santa can email him at santa.southpole.workshop@gmail.com. NS
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“You’re never gonna believe it, Grandma! Santa and Mrs. Claus were in my bed talking with me last night!” Those are the kinds of stories Mr. and Mrs. Claus remember with the most fondness. I could hear a lump in Mrs. Claus’ throat as she described the pure joy in Jimmy’s eyes when he bounced down the stairs to talk to his grandmother. There are very busy days in the holiday season, last year Mr. and Mrs.
www.RyanTree.com December 2018
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Bringing People Together Written by Bob Blaisse, Publisher
Bringing People Together Marple Friends & Neighbors
Christmas Comes Early Marple Newtown Business Leaders Have Given Us a Gift!
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them listed in the “Business Directory” of the online version of Marple Friends & Neighbors.
f asked what I wanted for Christmas, I’d say: “More Business Leaders of Marple Newtown who will help us put Marple’s monthly magazine online.” Well, Christmas has come early this year, and we have the Advertising Sponsors of the Marple community to thank: Check us out at www.MarpleMag.com.
Will you help me thank our Advertising Sponsors? Seriously! Will you reach out to them, call them and thank them? Tell them how wonderful it is that their financial commitment to the residents of Marple Township, has made it possible for us to have our own monthly magazine in print and online.
Most readers of Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine have come to recognize something different is happening, something very good for the residents of Marple Township who are being “sponsored.” We have Advertising Sponsors to thank for launching Marple’s monthly magazine. These Business Leaders of our community are investing in Marple and in the hometown pride of living in Marple Township. That collective investment has allowed us to come together to launch and grow your magazine, and to now get it online!
Please reward that investment in our community. Patronize these Business Leaders in loyalty to those whose leadership in our community has gifted us with a monthly magazine for Marple. Let’s give a Christmas gift back to our Advertising Sponsors who have made all this possible for the Marple residents. Our Advertising Sponsors made 2018 a great year for Marple Friends & Neighbors by Bringing People Together in print, and now also online at www.MarpleMag.com. M
Who are these Business Leaders? You know them. You see them on the pages of this magazine and you can now find
Bob Blaisse
Publisher, Marple Friends & Neighbors
From the Staff and Advertising Sponsors of
Marple
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
To Our Readers, Contributors and Residents of Marple Township, We Wish You All Happy Hanukkah, A Very Merry Christmas, And Happy New Year! MA 31:11
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81/61/11
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ia.70969079_kcotSebodA
Can You Spot it From the Air?
Hint:
Photo Courtesy of FAA certified drone pilot, Chris Stack.
This time of year, this spot in either Marple or Newtown, “de-lights” in day, and brings joy at night. The answer can be found on page 16.
Gift Certificates Available • Birthday parties • Fundraiser events • Group & company events •
610-544-4524
www.SproulLanes.com December 2018
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Business Profile
A Neighborhood Company You Can Trust Written by Craig Whitney Photos by Mark Strohm, Strohm Photography
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roomall Eye Care has been a neighborhood optometry practice that has treated the Marple community for 19 years. The new location is in the Lawrence Park Shopping Center, across the street from Salon Bella and paired with other medical businesses such as NovaCare and private practice physicians. Dr. Michael Allodoli first purchased the practice in 2006, and has spent the last 13 years building a relationship of trust with the employees and the patients that continue coming back. Dr. Allodoli first worked for a national eyewear retail business, diagnosing customers and prescribing eyeglasses. “The job was fast-paced and enjoyable, but the personal connection with the patient wasn’t there,” Dr. Allodoli explained. “One exam runs into another, with no time to get involved. It felt like filling in a number, jumping from one patient to another.” In 2006, Dr. Allodoli decided to leave his secure job to take a risk and own a practice of his own. There would be risk, and the risk would have to rest on him above all else, but working for himself has been fulfilling in ways his previous jobs never were. “In my own practice, everything is much more personable. When the patients come back, they always see me. You’re gonna see me, my optician who I’ve worked with since 2006, it’s been the same people here for 13 years,” Dr. Allodoli said.
Dr. Michael Allodoli, OD, Broomall
Eye Care
There are many benefits to having the same doctor over a long amount of time. From a practical perspective, having the same doctor for years can allow for a more informed diagnosis and treatment plan. An optometrist can become very familiar with the patient, finding trends and working from a personal, long-term understanding of the patient.
“ ” Patients become familiar friends, often neighbors in Marple.
In a more personal sense, there is a sense of reliability and trust between the doctors and staff at Broomall Eye Care and the patients that keep coming back. Patients become familiar friends, often neighbors in Marple. Dr. Allodoli can walk to work from his home, the connection between his work and the community he lives in is one of his favorite things about owning his own practice in Marple. Dr. Allodoli has grown up in the Philadelphia area, raised in Overbrook. He always knew about Marple, and appreciated the vibrant community. He had moved his family to Marple before the opportunity to open an optometry practice right down the street presented itself. Having his business grow and develop in the same town that he has raised his children in has made this new career path more fulfilling and enjoyable. Dr. Allodoli met his wife, Lisa, at a Christmas party for the previous eyewear retail company he had worked for. He and Lisa’s sister were coworkers, and after hitting it off at the Christmas party, Dr. Allodoli and Lisa would marry and start their life together with a move to Marple. 12 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
In Marple, the Allodolis raised their two children and became active members of the young families in Marple. Their younger son, Robert, graduated from high school and is currently taking a gap year to focus on work and family. Their oldest son, John Michael, currently works as an HVAC technician for Len Sciulli and Sons, a proud expert contributor for this magazine! Dr. Allodoli and Len Sciulli both lived in Overbrook and moved to Marple at similar times, continuing to foster personal and professional relationships within the Marple community. Having raised both children in Marple and built a small business here, the Allodolis have been able to foster and nurture many relationships with other young families and professionals that own businesses in Marple. “I always knew about Broomall and loved the neighborhood,” Dr. Allodoli responded. “We have been able to socialize with other parents as we have raised our children in the area and become a part of this great community.” The new location, behind the Lawrence Park Shopping Center, has been a welcome opportunity to grow as a company. There are new patients from Marple and referred patients from those who have had good experiences and keep coming back. Every time a person enters the office, they are treated to the warm atmosphere of a company full of committed employees that have known each other for more than a decade. After enough times, the patients know everyone by name, see the same faces every time they come. The trust and reliability of Broomall Eye Care is not just a testament to a well-run business, but an example of the supportive and reliable culture of the Marple community. M
Come See Delaware County’s #1 Choice for Eyewear Serving Broomall, Newtown Square, Havertown, Springfield, Drexel Hill and surrounding areas.
Optician on staff Diagnosing & treating eye conditions • Eye exams (glasses & contacts) • 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)
Come see Santa’s Favorites! • Cookies • Mini pastries • Party trays
• Sticky buns
• Artisan Breads • Homemade Pies
• Famous cream filled donuts • Custom cakes & desserts
610-353-2550 2076 Sproul Road, Broomall
www.JacquettesBakery.com December 2018
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Expert Contributor Written by Georges Martin Marple Dental
What Every Parent Needs To Know About Cavity Prevention
D
id you know, that Early Childhood Caries (tooth decay) is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease in the United States? It is five times more common than Asthma, and seven times more common than hay fever. In fact, the National Institute of Health has characterized dental caries as an infectious, communicable disease. Did you know, that mothers with untreated cavities are the principal transmitters of cavity-causing bacteria to children under two years old, and that those bacteria grow on the gum tissues of newborns until they get their first teeth? Food tasting and utensil sharing are among the most frequent sources of transmission. The good news is that tooth decay is also one of the most preventable diseases! Here are some of the best practices for effective cavity prevention: Limit exposure to harmful bacteria Expectant mothers should take steps to resolve their own dental needs prior to birth, thus minimizing the risk of transmitting the most aggressive cavity-causing bacteria to their child. Disrupt the bacterial plaque on your child’s teeth & gums: Newborns: Prior to tooth eruption, wipe your child’s gums after each feeding with a warm moist washcloth. The washcloth easily removes the soft plaque in which the bacteria lives. Ages 0-2: Once teeth begin to erupt, brush your child’s teeth with a non fluoridated toothpaste until they have learned to brush without swallowing. Once your child has learned not to
swallow, use a smear of paste on the brush twice daily. Ages 2-6: Use a pea sized portion of fluoridated toothpaste on your child’s brush, and continue to monitor their brushing habits. Fluorides, in the form of fluoridated water, fluoride supplements, and fluoride toothpaste are considered to be the single most effective weapon in the war against tooth decay. Exposure to fluoride during the development of the adult teeth makes the enamel significantly less susceptible to decalcification from acid-producing bacteria. Healthy dietary practices The principal food sources for the bacteria that cause dental decay are carbohydrates. Sugars in food and drink are readily metabolized by the bacteria in your child’s mouth into acidic by products that rapidly lower the pH of the mouth. The acidification of dental plaque leads to decalcification of the enamel, and eventually damages the integrity of the teeth. Limit foods and beverages that are high in sugar content: Sports drinks, soda and Tea cooler are the greatest offenders. Limit snacking: Especially sugary snacks, which further expose the teeth to low pH. Regular visits to your dental professional Lastly, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to find a family-centric “dental home” for their children. Ultimately, comprehensive dental care is as essential to your child’s dental health, as regular visits to their family physician is to their overall health and wellness. M
“Wishing you a very happy and health Holiday Season, from our family to yours.” ~ Dr. Georges P. Martin, D.M.D.
Schedule your appointment TODAY! 610 -359-8181 office@MarpleDental.com www.MarpleDental.com 2004 Sproul Road, Suite 304, Broomall 14 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Proudly providing state-of-the-art dental care with the highest priority on patient safety and relaxation. Specializing In: Cleanings, Smile whitening, Cosmetic dentistry, Implants, Denture care, Tooth replacement, and more.
Real Estate Homes Recently Sold In Marple Township Address Sold Price Acres Bedrooms Full Half Sq. Ft. Baths Baths 1 Drew Circle . . . . . . . . . $500,000 . . . 0.91 . . . . 3 . . . . . 2 . . . . 1 . . . 2,606 1 Lawrence Road, Unit#E1A . $125,000 . . . 0.1 . . . . 2 . . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . . 985 307 Yale Avenue . . . . . . . $340,000 . . . 0.28 . . . . 3 . . . . . 1 . . . . 1 . . . 1,723 207 Lindbergh Avenue . . . $450,000 . . . 0.67 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2 . . . . 1 . . . 2,869 2580 Gilbert Street . . . . . . $405,000 . . . 0.11 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2 . . . . 1 . . . 2,522 15 N Manor Road . . . . . . $270,000 . . . 0.22 . . . . 2 . . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . 1,055 2609 Highland Avenue . . . $386,000 . . . 0.26 . . . . 3 . . . . . 1 . . . . 2 . . . 1,956 315 Beechtree Drive . . . . . $500,000 . . . 0.47 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2 . . . . 1 . . . 3,178 76 5th Avenue . . . . . . . . $535,000 . . . 0.17 . . . . 5 . . . . . 3 . . . . 1 . . . 3,208 27 Hillside Road . . . . . . . $248,450 . . . 0.18 . . . . 2 . . . . . 1 . . . . 0 . . . . 855 233 Sussex Boulevard . . . . $400,000 . . . 0.22 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2 . . . . 1 . . . 3,000 8 Rose Tree Drive . . . . . . . $351,100 . . . 0 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 1 . . . . 1 . . . 1,764 413 Portland Drive . . . . . . $245,000 . . . 0.21 . . . . 3 . . . . . 1 . . . . 1 . . . 1,120 610 Cedar Grove Road . . . $320,000 . . . 0.42 . . . . 4 . . . . . 2 . . . . 0 . . . 2,099 16 Ann Road . . . . . . . . . $260,000 . . . 0.23 . . . . 2 . . . . . 1 . . . . 1 . . . 1,464 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
Marple Newtown’s Most Popular Pizza!
From All of Us to All of Our Marple Newtown Customers, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let us Help You With Your Holiday Party Menu.
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. • Pizzas • Strombolis • Steaks • Hoagies • Burgers
• Clubs • Wings • Pasta • Quesadillas • Seafood
Join our Newtown Square Pizza Rewards Club and get rewarded every time you order. Join online and you will start earning points for FREE food and more with every purchase. Register Today and get 10% Off your first online order.
www.NewtownSquarePizza.com 3113 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
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610-353-4234 December 2018
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www.MarpleMag.com 15
December Calendar of Events December 1 - 31
Saurday., December 8
Thursday, December 13
Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails
St. Pius X Craft and Vendor Fair Featuring Breakfast with Santa
Newtown Square Rotary Guest Speaker & Dinner Series
@St. Pius X, 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall
@Charlotte’s Restaurant 3207 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
@Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia Help Thomas the Tank Engine be a “really useful engine,” as children explore the sights and sounds of the island, including Knapford Station and Sodor Steamworks. Learn valuable STEM skills throughout the exhibit by building an intricate wooden train set, assembling a large train and navigating through Thomas’ imaginary world.
Not only will the kids be able to meet and enjoy breakfast with Santa, but mom and dad will have a chance to finish their Christmas lists with access to 50+ specialty vendors and an array of homemade crafts.
Time: Mon. - Sat., 9am - 5pm, Sun, 11am - 5pm
www.StPius-x.com
www.PleaseTouchMuseum.org Friday & Saturday, December 7 & 8
Upper Darby Summer Stage’s Holiday Spectacular @601 N Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill Audience members of all ages will enjoy seeing their favorite holiday numbers performed by extremely talented performers in sparkling costumes, with festive music, on a creative set. The group performs Broadway-style production numbers and share heartfelt holiday memories throughout the 80-minute production. Time: 7:30 - 9pm, Sat: 2 - 3:30pm Cost: $10 - $14
Time: 9am - 2pm Cost: Free
Time: 6 - 8pm Cost: $25/Cash bar
Saturday & Sunday, December 8 & 9
The Nutcracker at Neumann University
215-939-4848
@One Neumann Drive Aston, PA 19014-1298
Saturday, December 15
Neumann University and International Ballet Classique presents The Nutcracker. The enchanting story of Clara’s adventures with her Nutcracker doll, the Rat King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy is a superb visual feast!
A Very Bovine Birthday Party!
Time: 2 - 3pm Cost: General $28; Students/Children/Seniors $18
www.ibtcompany.org Sun, December 9
Santa Cares
www.udpac.org
@Springfield Mall 1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield
Saturday, December 8
A Sugartown Christmas: 1805 William Garrett House @690 Sugartown Road, Malvern Explore the historic village and hear about Victorian Christmas traditions. Kids will get a chance to decorate cookies and a gingerbread village, and make Victorian-style ornaments and Christmas cards. Visit with Santa and see demonstrations in our Book Bindery. Enjoy treats and hot cocoa! Time: 11am - 3pm Cost: $7, Children ages 2 & younger FREE
www.HistoricSugartown.org
PRESTIGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Celebrating 20 Years OF CREATIVE IMAGERY
Portraits Groups Weddings Events
Children within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session, to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus during dedicated hours. Time: 9:30 - 11am Cost: FREE
@ Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation 3900 N. Sandy Flash Dr., Newtown Square At Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, Rust, our working steer, will turn 4 years old and we’re having a birthday party! Admission goes directly to our Animal Fund, which helps to support Rust and his other animal buddies. We’ll have a BIG birthday cake, hot cocoa, and hot cider. Visitors will also have a chance to be a teamster and help drive Rust and learn the voice commands we use to work with him. Young visitors can decorate a Rust-shaped cookie, make their own set of horns, and more. Time: 12 - 3pm Cost: $8.00/adults & children ages 4 - 12 Children age 3 and under/FREE
www.ColonialPlantation.org December, 27, 29, 30 and January 3
Sat. & Sun., Dec. 8 & 9, 15 & 16, and 22 & 23
Santa’s Express on West Chester Railroad @West Chester Railroad Company 230 E Market Street, West Chester Climb aboard the Santa Express with the ‘Elf from the North Pole.’ The heated, decorated train takes guests for a ride to the historic Glen Mills station for plenty of photo opportunities so remember to bring your camera. Time: 11am, 1pm, and 3pm Departures Cost: Adults/$25.00; Children (2 - 12 yrs.)/$18.00; Toddlers (9 mon - 23 mon)/$8.00
www.WestChesterRR.com
Saint Alban’s Railroad 28th Anniversary Open House @Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square HO scale layout fills 4000 square feet with 250 ft of four track with working signals, branch lines, and a large passenger terminal, controlled by DCC with computer-enhanced tower operation. Always something new to see. Donations Appreciated Time: 12/27 & 1/3, 7 - 10pm 12/29 & 12/30, 1 - 4pm
www.starr-mcr.or
Tuesday, December 11
Saturday, December 28
Delco SHRM Annual Holiday Cocktail Party
Candlelight Fonthill Castle Holiday Tour
@Uno’s Pizzeria & Grille 3910 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
Modeling portfolios
Come enjoy the savory food and hospitality of Charlotte’s Restaurant during a fulfilling discussion featuring special guests, industry leaders, experts, celebrities, and regional community stakeholders. Sit Down/Served THREE COURSE DINNER includes: soup/ salad, entree, dessert and coffee.
@Fonthill Castle 525 E Court Street, Doylestown
Join Delco SHRM for it’s annual Holiday Cocktail Party! Great networking with great HR people at a great venue!
Join us for a special evening guided tour of Fonthill Castle and experience fifteen of its rooms with a candlelight glow for the holidays.
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm Cost: $15
Time: 6:15 - 9pm Cost: $18/$12 Members. Reserve Tickets
www.dchra.org
Executive portaits
PrestigePhoto.com I 610 -470 -4456 One Whitewoods Lane, Malvern, PA
16 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
www.MercerMuseum.org
From The Air Answer: St. Alban’s Circle in Newtown Square, with its large centered evergreen tree, brings joy with its colorful holiday lights.
Expert Contributor Written by Len Sciulli Len Sciulli & Sons
How To Save Money This Winter and once in the fall, so they will perform optimally during the periods of greatest use. Beyond saving money, annual service is a safety issue for combustion heating systems. Don’t risk your family’s safety or waste your money.
H
ere are a few simple steps you can take to cut your heating bill down to size.
Bundle Up & Lower Your Thermostat It is nice to wander around the house in shorts and a t-shirt, but you will pay more for it in the winter. By wearing a sweater or sweatshirt, you might find yourself just as comfortable. Even a slight downward adjustment of the thermostat in the winter has a big impact on utilities. Use Programmable Thermostats Using a programmable setback thermostat will help to avoid forgetting after changing the thermostat. Plus, you can program the thermostat to restore the temperature just before you get out of bed and just before you get home. Lower Temperatures More Overnight & When You’re Out Overnight, add an extra blanket and set the temperature back a couple of degrees to save more money. Of course, set the temperature back when no one’s home. Seal Air Leaks Walk around the outside of your home and look for plumbing and electrical penetrations through the walls. If any are not well-caulked, add extra sealant. Don’t forget to weather-strip and/or caulk doors and windows. Reduce Fireplace Heat Loss If you have a fireplace that is not in use, you should seal the flue. Even closed, fireplace flues are the source of a lot of air leaks. If the fireplace is used, add custom fitted tempered glass doors and seal the edges. Tune Up Your Heating System Combustion furnaces and boilers require annual maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. Burners, for example, fall out of adjustment over the course of a heating season, wasting fuel. Heat pumps need maintenance twice a year, once in the spring
Upgrade Your Heating System If your system is older than 20 years, it’s time to consider replacing it. Replacing the unit with a higher efficiency unit will improve your comfort and reduce your heating costs. You may even be able to qualify for an energy tax credit! Almost all of these are easy and inexpensive measures that you can take to lower your energy consumption (which is great for the environment) as well as your heating bills. Have a happy, healthy & safe winter! NS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
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
PA HIC #PA030844 610-328-4341 www.LenAndSons.com
December 2018
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Local Stars
Craig & Olivia Whitney: Our Content Coordinators Written by Bob Blaisse
Craig & Olivia Whitney are a young, married, talented couple who are passionate about serving our community and getting to know our readers. Craig Whitney is our journalist, copywriter and proofreader who writes many of our monthly features. Craig’s wife Olivia handles the coordination of everything that goes into each new edition of Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine each month. Olivia and Craig love working with our Expert Contributors and content partners from the Marple Newtown Community. Craig and Olivia make great music together, and not just by delivering an interesting magazine for us every month, they really do make great music together, as a musical duo with nearly 20K subscribers to their YouTube channel. Check out “Craig & Olivia” at www.youtube.com/c/craigolivia. For any content ideas and submissions for your hometown magazine, contact Craig and Olivia at: cwhitney@bestversionmedia.com. M
Craig & Olivia Whitney, the content coordinators for the magazine and married musical duo.
Broomall 's Destination Salon for the Holiday Season
Creative Cuts & Formal Styling Hair Coloring Smoothing Treatments Hair Extensions Perms and Relaxers Waxing Services Sunless Tanning Eyelash Extensions Make Up Services
610-353-9133 SalonBellaBroomall.com
590 Reed Road, Suite 5, Broomall, PA “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.” ~Kevin O’Donnell, Owner
Solar Installation Senior Citizen Discount 4th Generation Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Roofing Windows / Skylights / Siding / Gutters Historic Restoration & Metal Roof Specialist
610-449-8188 • ODonnellRoofingCo.com
18 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Around Town
People in Places:
Marple Newtown Recreation’s Rich Enhow Written by Craig Whitney Joe Rufo, Resident of 25 Years
R
ich Ehnow has been a part of the Marple Newtown Joint Recreation Commission for over 20 years and has helped provide physical and educational opportunities to members of the Marple Newtown community. The programs and activities that are organized by the Recreation Commission have given the people of Marple Newtown a great opportunity to have fun, get active, and make new friends in their own town. Children in the community can join teams in many different sports and try a number of summer camps, while the adults can take classes such as yoga, fitness training and academic studies. Nearly all activities are held in the Gauntlett Community Center, a large building with a gymnasium, classrooms, and multi-purpose rooms for larger athletic classes and activities. The Joint Recreation Commission first started in the early 1970s, as Marple Newtown was growing rapidly and was in high demand for organized athletics and activities that could bring the community together. Rich Ehnow first joined in 1992, becoming the director in 1994. Alongside Ehnow are many important people to the organization such as Tracey Dudek, the director of the highly popular child care center known as Kid Stop. Amber Maslo is the administrative assistant, instrumental in the daily operation of the organization. In addition to this core trio are many full-time and part-time employees, volunteers, and class instructors. “I like the people I work with, what we do. I like working with the people and for the people,” Rich explained enthusiastically.
The Facility of Marple Newtown Recreation Commission
Facility Staff from left to right; Amber Maslo, Rich Ehnow, and Tracey Dudek
Despite the recent growth in popularity, the recreation department in Marple Newtown may surprise many. There are people that speak to Rich and are shocked to find that this type of organization exists in Marple Newtown. The basketball league has roughly 700 players each season, and Kid Stop is always very popular year-round, but there are still more classes and leagues that people do not know about. “We’re always telling somebody new that we’re here, that we’re an opportunity for the community to have fun and do something together, maybe meet some new Marple families,” Rich said. All of the detailed information on programs and activities can be found at www.MNRecreation.com. After finding the program you want, you can register for it online as well. M
Give her what she really wants for Christmas! ouse! H r u o Y e v o L PAINTING & GENERAL CONTRACTING
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RaffertyPainting.com
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610 - 626 - 9141
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Residential & Commercial Painting
info@RaffertyPainting.com December 2018
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www.MarpleMag.com 19
Bringing People Together
Marple 2988
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
TODAY AND EVERY DAY
WE SALUTE OUR FALLEN HEROES Freddy Simon, along with the entire Freddy’s team, salutes all those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the freedoms we all enjoy.
Freddy Simon A Troop
I
I
WWII VETERAN
12 Cavalary th
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1st Cavalry Division