Marple
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
Pg. 4 Does Your Home Have Surge Protection? Pg. 14 Five Financial Planning Tips… Pg. 19 People in Places: Bill Guarnere
The Pavones:
Together as a Family
2019 February
Cover photo by: Michele Moran www.MicheleMoranPhotography.com
Bringing People Together February 2019
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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
Electric Service, Residential/Commercial Andrew Martella, Sr. Martella Electric Company 484-997-3097 martellaelectric@rcn.com www.MartellaElectric.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
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
Painting & General Contracting Services Tom Rafferty Rafferty Painting & General Contracting 610-626-9141 info@raffertypainting.com www.RaffertyPainting.com
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. 311 Lenox Road, Havertown 610-449-8188 office@odonnellroofingco.com www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com
Financial Planning Michael S. Brady, MBA LPL Financial 484-472-7704 michael.brady@lpl.com www.LPLFinancial.lpl.com
Expert Contributors needed! Medical, Catering,Pet Services, Law, Real Estate, Fitness, Public Adjuster, Education, Vacations, Landscaping, Senior Care, Mortgages, Senior Care, Taxes, etc. Professionals may contact: Bob Blaisse: 610-453-5536, or bblaisse@bestversionmedia.com
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We’re Now Online at www.MarpleMag.com
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Fireplace Products Scott Magness Scott's Fireplace Products 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484-422-8334 sfp@scottsfireplaceproducts.com www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.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: Michele Moran, Michele Moran Photography, www.MicheleMoranPhotography.com COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Mary Rosato, Salon Bella CONTRIBUTORS: Bob Blaisse; Craig Whitney; Doug Humes; Chris Stack; Andrew Martella, Sr.; Michael S. Brady, MBA; Robert D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D. 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.
2019 has already brought a major award for your magazine, a change of staff, and two new Expert Contributors. Since launching only six months ago, Marple Township residents and magazine readers have been so happy and supportive of their hometown magazine, that our advertising sponsors have made it possible for Marple Friends & Neighbors to also be read online. (See: www.MarpleMag.com.) Last month a Reader Leader recommended The Moran Family, for our cover. That Moran Family photo was taken by Michele Moran Photography. I was so impressed with Michele’s own family photography, that I offered Michele an ongoing role in her hometown magazine as our new staff photographer for Marple Friends & Neighbors. News also came last month from our publishing company, Best Version Media, which honored me as their “Rookie of The Year Publisher” for launching the most successful magazines in 2018. How wonderful for our staff and our readers. We have a #1 Nationally Ranked Hometown Magazine! This month we welcome two new sponsors as Expert Contributors: Broomall resident and expert Financial Planner, Michael Brady, of LPL Financial, and Andrew Martella, Sr., expert electrician and owner of Martella Electric Company, headquartered in Broomall. In this month’s edition you’ll read the first Expert Contributor feature articles by our new sponsors. I’m asking our readers to reach out to Mike Brady and Andrew Martella to thank them for supporting Marple residents as new advertising sponsors of Marple Friends & Neighbors.
Bob Blaisse
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES Content due the 5th of every month.
Publisher
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. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Dear Residents, January has flown past, and now we are looking into a beautiful wintry February. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, take some time to look at the events on our calendar to find out what is going on in the area.
ON THE COVER The Pavone Family, at home in Broomall
Marple
This month, we had the pleasure of speaking to Tom Rafferty and Natalie Barilotti from Rafferty Painting and General Contracting. They have a very interesting story about the painting and power washing business and how it has evolved over the past 23 years into general contracting as well. They have spent years serving the citizens of the community. Be sure to check out their feature!
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
n? Have Surge Protectio Pg. 4 Does Your Home l Planning Tips… Pg. 14 Five Financia Bill Guarnere Pg. 19 People in Places:
es: The Pavon a Family Together as
2019 February
Moran Cover photo by: Michele aphy.com www.MicheleMoranPhotogr
Bringing People Together February 2019
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We hope you enjoy this edition and read the feature articles from our expert contributors and enjoy our cover family, The Pavones, and their story! Also, we are looking for more families to feature from the area! If you know of a family that you would like to nominate to be in our magazine, please reach out to us at our email or give us a call!
Craig & Olivia Whitney Content Coordinators
February 2019
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Expert Contributor Written by Andrew Martella, Sr. Martella Electric
Home Electrical System
Surge Protection
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ost of us have purchased a TV from a major retailer and almost always purchase a point of use surge strip with it. Despite this being a common add-on for this purchase, many people don’t know why they would need it and why it is important for a television.
refrigerator alone cycles on and off. A second source of voltage surge comes from outside of your home, most commonly when the utility power goes off and on from storms, accidents and regular system maintenance.
The fact is televisions are sensitive electronic devices that do not react well to electrical surges. Most home appliances today such as dishwashers, washing machines, microwaves, and refrigerators are packed with electronic circuits. The majority of voltage surges in the home originate from some of these same appliances. Voltage surges are caused when an appliance with a motor is turned on. Just think about how many times a day the
Voltage surges can be highly dangerous, and surge protectors will help prevent damage or injury. If a surge protector is not properly installed, anything higher than 120 volts may cause issues such as decreased device lifetime, burned wires, permanent damage or personal injury. A surge protector is made of an iron core transformer and a zener diode, and when a voltage surge occurs the surge protector provides additional internal protection. 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 • Expert Lighting Services • Circuit Breaker Panels • Snow Melting Cable • Home Rewiring • Recessed Lighting • Electric Vehicle Charging • LED Under-Cabinet Lighting • Lighting Controls • Exhaust Fans
484 - 997- 3097 www.MartellaElectric.com
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“Don’t be shocked when we show up on time!” Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
When a voltage surge occurs for televisions, the point of use surge strip is the final protective layer. The point of use surge strip for the TV is only one layer of protection which is commonly called stage 2. An additional layer of protection is called Stage 1, most often a piece of equipment attached to your service panel. This device provides protection from the small surges originating inside the home as well as those generated externally from the power grid. These two devices working in tandem will extend the life of the electronic components in all of your homes appliances. It is important to check your surge protectors regularly to keep your devices safe. Generally, a green light indicator shows the device is functioning. One small add-on to the purchase of a new television can be trusted protection against any dangerous high-voltage scenarios. To ensure the protection of your electronics and your home, a surge protection system which includes stage 1 and stage 2 units is a good and safe plan. Andrew Martella, Sr., is owner of Martella Electric Company, located in Broomall, PA. M
History Spotlight
Moore’s Store Written by Doug Humes The Moore’s Store in the 1880s
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his photo is one of the oldest I’ve seen of a Marple subject. I date it to around 1880. It shows the general store of Phillip Moore, Jr. on West Chester Pike. I am guessing various Moore family members have gathered on the porch in their Sunday best to pose for this newfangled idea called a photograph. That building already had a long history by the time of this photo – from the first owner, Isaac Lawrence in 1817, to Isaac Haldeman, George Esrey, Garrett Williamson, and then brothers Philip and Samuel Hale Moore. The Moores ran it from 1878 until 1904 when it was sold to brothers Edgar and Harry Bonsall, who ran the Bonsall Brothers general store through about 1946. They continued to own and lease it, and the old store building survived until it was demolished around 1965. There was no Lawrence Park shopping center or other retail stores in Marple during most of that time, so the storekeepers at this store provided for the basic wants of the farm community during that time. This included clothes, tools, fresh vegetables from the local farmers, drugs and potions, and candy for the children. The first Broomall post office was established here in 1870 and continued there until Edgar Bonsall retired as postmaster in 1944 after 40 years of service. Many who grew up
The location of the Moore’s Store in 1909 Photos Courtesy of The Marple Historical Society
in Marple still remember going to this store, whether to shop, pick up the mail or just gossip on the porch with neighbors. And what is there today, in place of a wonderful old stone store building with almost 150 years of history inside and out? The McDonald’s restaurant at 320 and West Chester Pike. Progress! For more information 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
Auto Service
Tree Care
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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
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www.FritschsLibertyBroomall.com I 610-356-1845 2109 S. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008 February 2019 February 2019 /
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Resident Feature
The Pavones:
Together as a Family Written by Craig Whitney Photography by Michele Moran Photography
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ick and Theresa Pavone got married and started their family in Marple fifteen years ago, and since then, they have grown as a family and as a neighborhood community. Only one generation ago, Nick’s family was living in Italy about 4,000 miles from Marple, and now Nick, his parents, and his wife and children all live in Marple on what Nick proudly calls “the greatest street in the world.” The Pavones have two daughters, Giovanna and Alessandra. Giovanna, or Gia, is thirteen and her younger sister Alessandra, also called Allie is eleven. They do everything together, pitching in softball in the spring, playing soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter. Allie runs track and cross country as well, and Theresa was very proud of how seriously she takes her sports. Not only is she naturally very fast, but she also has a fiercely competitive mentality that pushes her to always be the best at what she is doing. In addition to her athletic success, even though academics may come easier to Gia, Allie also manages to get great grades in school out of determination. Gia is more calm than Allie, though they participate in many of the same activities. When Gia isn’t competing in softball, soccer and basketball, she loves designing and drawing. Nick and Theresa raved about how artistically gifted she is. Several months ago, Gia drew a wildflower that she found in the yard, and the painting currently hangs in their kitchen. Allie and Gia have very busy schedules all year round, but Nick and Theresa make a point to always get to their games, and for the two girls to be at each other's games. 6
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Nick and Theresa Pavone
“We do everything together as a family. If one is playing sports, the other will watch. You have to support each other, that’s what family is all about. We tell them ‘you got one sister, that’s it.’’’ Steeler is their third child, a five-year-old and five-pound Maltese. Theresa happily labels him a ‘mama’s boy,’ which was punctuated by the fact that he was laying on her lap during the whole interview. Several years ago, Nick and Theresa installed a bell on the back door by hanging tiny cat-toy bells on the doorknob with a Christmas ribbon and letting it dangle to the floor. Whenever Steeler wants to be let out and use the bathroom, he smacks at the bell and it rings through the house. “It took about five weeks for him to catch on,” Theresa explained. “But one day I was in the kitchen and heard the bell ringing. I walk in and see him sitting by the door looking up at me.” Nick’s family lives right down the street from them, despite his parents growing up in Italy. His parents moved to America in the 1960s and started their family in West Philadelphia. Nick grew up there and would attend Temple University, where he met Theresa. While the two began dating at school, Nick’s parents moved from West Philly to Marple, and soon afterward Theresa’s family would too. After graduating, the two moved back in with their families and dated for another seven years. “I think one of the most important things I can teach my kids is to appreciate what you have, that life isn't all about materialistic things,” Nick explained.
“So many people may have more than we do, but they don’t have that,” Theresa said in agreement. Nick works as a plumber for Bryn Mawr Hospital after working three years as a securities analyst at the Philadelphia stock exchange. While working in the stock market, Nick came to a realization that he was unsatisfied with an office environment, and made the bold decision to change his career trajectory completely.
“ ” You have to support each other, that’s what family is all about.
“I like putting things together and learning how systems work. I like making things work and seeing the finished product,” Nick explained. “Plus, the work hours get me home by 3:30 in time to take the kids to all of their sports and activities.” Theresa went to school for nursing. She worked at Lankenau Hospital as a nurse while pursuing a master’s degree in nursing to become a nurse practitioner. She currently works as a cardiac nurse practitioner at Lankenau.
Broomall 's Destination Salon
590 Reed Road, Suite 5, Broomall, PA
Giovanna (Gia, 13) and Alessandra (11) Pavone, and “Steeler”
“I like nursing, I like listening to patients’ stories and making them feel heard. I like knowing that, perhaps, I could do something to help them feel better,” Theresa said. Nick and Theresa take great pride in their street, both considering it a shining example of the classic community neighborhood. Many of the people on the street don’t currently have children in the house, and are usually happy to come over and help out whenever possible. Their close friend Rosemary continued on page 8
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 www.SalonBellaBroomall.com
“Every one of my patients is a member of our family.” ~ 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
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. February 2019
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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. The Pavone Family
is often over their house having dinner in the backyard or talking by the fire pit, and was the one who recommended them for this magazine. Their other friend, Skip, is always eager to come over and spend time with Steeler when they need him to. When the family went to Niagara Falls together this summer, Skip watched after Steeler for the whole trip. There are many neighborhood activities that happen every year and are examples of neighbors going above and beyond to spend time with each other. Every Halloween after the kids are done trick-or-treating, everyone gets together in the Pavones backyard and hangs out by the fire pit. Over Christmas this year, there was a street-wide gingerbread house party. Every summer there are several block parties that take up the street, but the event that the Pavones took the most pride in was Fry Fest. Fry Fest occurs on Black Friday every year, and has become a tradition that even Gia and Allie have started looking forward to weeks before. Nick and Theresa have always cooked two turkeys for Thanksgiving, one in the oven and a second in a fryer. One year, Nick had the great idea to take his fryer outside the next day and set it up by the street for whoever had leftovers. People would bring their leftovers, from extra turkey to prime rib to sliced potatoes, and everything would go into the fryer. Fry Fest has grown to over thirty people, with tables set up all down the street with every fried food imaginable. The street is what every neighborhood should strive to be: social, generous, kind and connected. Seeing everyone the day after Thanksgiving sharing food and wine at the same table, it is never more clear that their street is a second family. “We’ve considered getting a new house some day, but we can’t imagine ever leaving this neighborhood,” Theresa raved with a glowing smile. The Pavones have been a central part in the creation of something special on their street, and something they hope to protect and grow every year. M 8
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
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
Around Town
Great Backyard Bird Count Workshop By Craig Whitney
The Great Backyard Bird Count Workshop is a free workshop hosted on February 6 by the Newtown Township’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). Bird watchers of all ages and skills can come to learn how to count birds and prepare for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The GBBC is a free, fun event from February 15 to 18 that aims to better understand and capture a snapshot of bird populations around the world while engaging bird watchers in a common goal. Every bird watcher is asked to count birds for at least fifteen minutes during the four-day event and report their findings to www.BirdCount.org. Philip Witmer will host the workshop at Newtown Township Building 1st Floor, 209 Bishop Hollow Road from 6 - 8pm. Whether you have years of experience or would like to try bird watching for the first time, everyone is invited to join. M
Come in and see the baking magic waiting for you! • Cookies • Sticky buns • Mini pastries • Artisan Breads • Party trays • Homemade Pies • Famous cream filled donuts
Plus, custom cakes & desserts for all occasions
www.JacquettesBakery.com 610-353-2550 2076 Sproul Road, Broomall
• Escape
Rooms coming soon parties • Fundraiser events • Group & company events • Birthday
610-544-4524
www.SproulLanes.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
February 2019
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Bringing People Together Written by Bob Blaisse, Publisher
Bringing People Together Marple Friends & Neighbors
Magazine Sponsors and Readers Gave Us National Attention
Let’s Nominate More Marple Families and Experts
F
or months, Marple Township residents have been telling me how they enjoy receiving their monthly hometown magazine: Marple Friends & Neighbors. Now that the magazine is also available online, I get even more daily emails and texts congratulating us. I CAN’T TAKE THE CREDIT! It’s the Sponsors of Marple, our advertising Sponsors who made launching our hometown magazine possible. They make it happen for us every month and we’re better for it. PLEASE reach out to our Sponsors whom you see advertising in your hometown magazine, and let them each know how thankful you are that they bet on Marple, and choose to spend their limited marketing budget here in our community. And by all means, if you really want your hometown magazine to grow in page count, so we can add more features about youth, seniors, non-profit groups and families, please SHOP LOCAL, vote with your hometown wallet, and let our advertising Sponsors know they have wisely invested in Marple Township. With credit for Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine being able to be mailed to your door each month (and now available online too at www.MarpleMag.com) going to our advertising sponsors who pay the bills, our success has also been driven by you, friends and neighbors of Broomall. You have recommended features, families and business leaders to be our community Sponsors and Expert Contributors. You are our “Reader Leaders” and we need to hear from you more in 2019. Of course, much credit has to also be given to Craig and Olivia
Bob Blaisse accepting the “2018 Rookie Publisher of The Year” award on behalf of Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, from Best Version Media executive, Tom Fassbender.
Whitney, our young, married, and very talented Content Coordinator Team that brings our editions together each month. Thank you, Craig & Olivia. While I know it’s our Sponsors and you readers and staff who make our magazine a success, I was forced to stand in for all of you last month at the annual awards dinner hosted by our publishing company, Best Version Media, which honored me as their “2018 Rookie of The Year Publisher” for launching the most successful magazines in 2018. Of course I accepted in Your Name, our readers, and our staff. We are all “Bringing People Together” in Marple where we now have a #1 Nationally Ranked Hometown Magazine! M
Bob Blaisse
Publisher, Marple Friends & Neighbors
Come See Delaware County’s #1 Choice for Eyewear Serving Broomall, Newtown Square, Havertown, Springfield, Drexel Hill and surrounding areas.
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Lawrence Park Business Center, 580 Reed Road, Ste A5-6 Broomall (Behind the Lawrence Park Shopping Center)
10 Marple Friends & Neighbors
Where are We?
Can You Spot it From the Air?
865 W. Springfield Rd., Springfield, PA 19064
// theporchpa.com
Photo Courtesy of FAA Certified Drone Pilot, Chris Stack.
Hint: These baseball fields, in either Marple Township or Newtown Township, are at the “center’’ of fun all year long. The answer can be found on page 16.
About Marple Friends & Neighbors Stylist
BERWYN
NEWTOWN SQUARE
543 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, PA 19312 // caseysberwyn.com 3529 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Sq., PA 19073 // caseysns.com
Tuesdays 4-11pm: 14oz Prime Rib - $20 (eat in only)
Mary Rosato, owner of Salon Bella in Broomall, is a local business leader, sponsor of Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, and Expert Contributor of occasional feature articles on Hair and Beauty. Mary is also our magazine’s “stylist” who provides Marple residents, featured on our cover each month, with a courtesy hair and make-up styling session before their cover photo shoot. Marple Friends & Neighbors know Broomall’s Destination Salon for expert hair styling & coloring for women (and men), has always been “Salon Bella.” When looking to improve your style, contact our magazine’s stylist, Mary Rosato of Salon Bella at 610-353-9133. February 2019
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Business Profile
PAINTING & GENERAL CONTRACTING By Craig Whitney
R
afferty Painting and General Contracting has been working in the Marple community for the past 24 years. Starting as a power washing company, Rafferty has grown, evolved and adapted to the needs of the community to the point where they now do painting, remodeling and general contracting. Through all of the change, Tom Rafferty has worked hand in hand with the office manager, Natalie Barilotti. The deep professional trust between Tom and Natalie as been the bond that has led the company through many evolutions while still preserving a code of excellent work and commitment to the Marple residents. The company began in 1995, when Tom decided he wanted to start a power washing company. He saw the opportunity and the demand around him for this service, and began teaching himself the skill right away. He received proper certification through self-training and quickly began to find the clients around town. “One job led to five, five led to ten. Eventually, it was a full-blown business,” Tom explained. The business expanded and grew all based on one simple philosophy, something that is still true today. The work that is done, whatever it may be, is done to the highest possible quality and the customer is always left satisfied. Natalie was browsing for office jobs one year out of high school, and in 1998 she answered an ad for Rafferty Power Washing. The company was young and growing very rapidly, despite Tom Rafferty, with daughters Casey and Chelsea.
ing Leadership Team. Rafferty Painting & General Contract lie Barilotti and owner, Tom Rafferty From Left to Right: Paul Bowell, Nata
Tom being the only full-time employee. Natalie would take on the very challenging task of organizing and strengthening a young business on the rise, first and foremost making the company’s customer service consistently impressive. “When it comes to customer service, Natalie goes above and beyond,” Tom raved. “She makes constant contact and communication, follows through with everyone, and has built such a great level of trust with the customers. She knows the business so well, more than a lot of people in this industry, and our customer service is unmatched because of it.” Natalie smiled and continued the sentiment. “People want to feel important and taken care of, their questions responded to quickly. That’s the heart of any successful business.” Power washing would not be the sole service of the company much longer; the more that Tom would work with people in the community, the more he noticed different needs and opportunities. It became clear that painting would be the more lucrative option, and in the early 2000’s Tom quickly became educated and certified in the business. “Interior and exterior painting became our main business, especially with homeowner associations and residential work,” Natalie explained. Several years after focusing on painting, the customer demand for contracting work became clear too. “In the last seven years, Tom has flipped houses using a number of different skills in general contracting,” Natalie continued. “The flipping of houses led to customers asking ‘do you know how to redo a kitchen or a bathroom?’ which led us into the contracting phase of the company.”
Tom Rafferty, coach of his son’s football team, with son, Thomas. 12 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Painting has remained a core element of the business, but with every client Rafferty makes it a point to analyze the state of the room or the home as a whole and recommend additional work when appropriate. As always, customer service is at the core of the work that is done, and additional work is recommended
only when the need seems clear. Even then, the recommendation is part of a conversation with the client. “There has been a very natural progression born out of customer service,” Tom said. “Then we started getting calls for those services specifically and the business grew. Now we have carpenters on our team and mechanical subcontractors for the many different kinds of jobs that can be done around a home.” Tom has always worked in this way, since he was working as a power washer and saw the need for painting. When he is working, he not only sees what he’s working on, but on what he can turn the place into. This can be a difficult conversation for some people, but the level of trust with the client allows for conversations like this. “The people we work with trust us,” Natalie said. “We have had situations where we need to come in and finish a job another contractor never completed. We work really hard to be the opposite experience for people, someone that stays with a job all the way through and then some.”
“ ” The people we work with trust us.
The company grew steadily ever since its formation, and three years later Tom and Natalie made the decision to promote an employee, Paul Bowell, to assume many of Tom and Natalie’s responsibilities. Paul started with the company eleven years ago as a painter, and after years of consistently good work he was promoted to foreman. The foreman oversees the workers and the specific jobs, and Tom and Natalie had always been the ones that oversaw the foremen and ensured the quality of all projects. Paul was promoted to the role of superintendent a year ago and now oversees all foremen and reports to Tom and Natalie.
Residential painting work in a local home.
The company now has many more employees and a longer list of services, but the core is still the same as it was in 1995 when Tom would knock on doors in his neighborhood offering to power wash homes. With every client, from individual homes to HOA neighborhoods to college campuses, Rafferty ensures the highest quality customer satisfaction. Natalie is on the phone speaking with the client and Tom or Paul could be on-site checking and re-checking the quality of work. The code has always been ‘quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.’ “We like being a part of the community,” Tom beamed. “We live in the area and want to make sure people are being treated fairly and get what they’re paying for. When you live in a community with your clients, you want them to be taken care of.” “We have raised our families here, everyone knows everyone in Delaware County, we work hard on building a strong reputation every time we do a job,” Natalie added. Rafferty Painting and General Contracting can include many different services, but there will always be the comforting assurance of work being done well and with the interest of Marple and its neighbors at heart. M
Love Your H
ouse!
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
www.RaffertyPainting.com
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610 - 626 - 9141
•
Residential & Commercial Painting
info@RaffertyPainting.com February 2019
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Expert Contributor Written by Michael Brady, MBA LPL Financial
Five Financial Planning Tips
Aimed at Making 2019 a Success
T
he 2018 holiday shopping season showed incredible results. It is true our economy is consumer-driven and I imagine you played some part in these historic results. Now that we are into February, the credit card bills have arrived and everyone’s savings accounts have taken a hit. It is time to rebuild and the following tips can help. 1. Complete a monthly budget. This may sound basic. However, a sizable amount of US families do not have a monthly budget. Just completing this exercise can help start your journey towards financial success. When completing a budget, overestimate the expenses that can change from month to month.
2. Pay that credit card debt down. Interest and finance charges from credit cards act as quicksand to your overall financial position. Put a plan together to get those cards paid off in full as soon as possible. Remember, most of those interest rates are at or above 10% so there is no reason to hang on to extra savings which pays nearly nothing while allowing that interest to pile up. 3. Set realistic financial goals. If you want to finance a large project such as a vacation home, remodeling project or even a wonderful vacation experience make sure to plan how this will be paid for. Be realistic about your goal and how to accomplish it and your chances of success grow tenfold.
TRUST MATTERS. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S YOUR MONEY. 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.
4. Save for the future. If you are employed, I hope you are participating in your current employer retirement plan. That is one of the best ways to save for your retirement years. If you are fortunate to be offered a match of your contributions, please contribute at least up to the match. Building a retirement nest egg can help you navigate the many financial challenges that come during the postworking years.
Invest with a knowledgeable financial advisor who’s on your side; someone who truly cares whether your investments are right for you. Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
5. Your investments should reflect you. Any and all of your investments should be based on two important factors: time and risk tolerance. Each account you have should be attached to a future need that helps define when those investments need to be used. That is a vital factor in how those funds should be invested. The second piece, risk tolerance, is a very personal factor that is attached to your emotion on your money. How you will react as those investments move up and down over time is a clear indication of your risk tolerance. Be sure your investments reflect both to be financially confident.
Michael Brady, MBA 780 Parkway Blvd. Broomall, PA 19008 (484)472-7704 (484)472-7388 michael.brady@lpl.com Independence Powered By LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC MKT-06061-0410 Tracking #641747
14 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
*Content of this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. *Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. M
SOLD
Real Estate
Homes Recently Sold In Marple Township Address
Sold Price
Bedrooms
Full Baths Half Baths
36 Ann Road . . . . . . . . $243,000 . . . 2 . . . . . 1 . . . . . 0 2508 Franklin Avenue . . . $242,500 . . . 4 . . . . . 1 . . . . . 1 72 Bonsall Avenue . . . . . $320,000 . . . 3 . . . . . 1 . . . . . 1
Who’s Your Realtor? Nominate Your Real Estate Agent to be Marple Friends & Neighbors Real Estate Sponsor here and online at www.MarpleMag.com! Contact Bob Blaisse at 610-453-5536 to nominate your real estate professional.
93 Verona Road . . . . . . $389,900 . . . 3 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1 2183 Princeton Place . . . $390,000 . . . 3 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1 214 Foxcroft Road . . . . . $415,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1 2020 S Parkway Street . .
$410,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1
424 Farnsworth Drive . . .
$290,000 . . . 4 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1
1 Lincoln Lane . . . . . . . $470,000 . . . 5 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 0 349 Marple Road . . . . .
$412,500 . . . 4 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 0
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.
About Our Photographer Michele Moran is the new Marple Friends & Neighbors staff photographer. While interviewing Michele and her husband Tom for last month’s cover, we discovered that besides being the mother of five beautiful children, this supermom is also a professional photographer and owner of Michele Moran Photography, based in Broomall. After supplying her own family photo for our January, 2019 cover, we realized why Michele is a widely known wedding and family portrait photographer. Marple residents are fortunate to have a friend and neighbor with a love for family photography to be our magazine cover photographer each month. Find out how fortunate. Ask Michele Moran to create your family portrait and wedding photos. Contact Michele through her web, www.MicheleMoranPhotography.com.
February 2019
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FEBRUARY Calendar of Events
Wednesday, February 6
Great Backyard Bird Count Workshop @ Newtown Township Building 209 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square Learn about participating in the GBBC at this free workshop. The international GBBC is a fun and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Anyone can take part from beginning bird watchers to experts! Time: 6 - 8pm Cost: Free
Saturday, February 9
Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild 9th Annual Natural Beekeeping Symposium @The Franklin Institute 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia Featuring advanced beekeepers, this event will help all levels through talks by Mel Disselkoen, Landi Simone, Vince Aloyo, George Datto, and Brian Walsh. They will give lectures on new systems, methodologies, and techniques to build a successful, natural hive. Time: 8am - 5pm Cost: $45 - $55
Tuesday, February 12
Saturday, February 16
Haverford Job Fair
Bowling for Babies
@Administration Building, Room 026 50 East Eagle Road, Havertown
@Wynnewood Lanes 2228 Haverford Road, Ardmore
Are you interested in becoming a substitute teacher? Come to Insight’s Job Fair and Onboarding Session on Tuesday, February 12th from 2 - 4pm in Room 026 at the Administration Building in Havertown to learn more. Insight representatives will be on-site to answer any questions and help you with your application.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Kappa Omega Zeta Chapter presents Bowling For Babies. Included with ticket: Shoe Rental, Finger Foods, and Soft Drinks. There will be fun, food, 50/50, Raffles and a DJ. All the proceeds of the event are to Benefit March of Dimes. Lane Sponsorship is available!
Time: 2 - 4pm Cost: Free
Thursday, February 14
Brandywine River Conservancy & Art Museum Valentine’s Day Dinner @Millstone Café 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford Treat your honey to a Valentine’s Dinner to remember! Let the Brandywine River Conservancy & Art Museum take care of the planning — this is an evening for you and your Valentine to relax and enjoy being together. Arrive at 6:30pm for our very special “Bubbly Hour” filled with chocolatecovered fruits and sweet sparkling wines. Just before dinner, take a docent-led tour through the galleries, or explore at your leisure. Then, at 7:30 sit down to a fourcourse dinner presented by Chef MacGregor Mann, overlooking the Brandywine River. Each course will be served with a paired wine selected to complement the menu offerings. Time: 6:30 - 9:30pm Cost: $175 per Couple
www.Brandywine.org Thursday, February 14
www.PhillyBeekeepers.org
Cabrini University’s Dinner & a Show
Sunday, February 10
@Cabrini University Mansion 610 King of Prussia Road, Radnor
No Strings Attached @Meagher Theatre Neumann University One Neumann Drive, Aston The Delaware County Symphony presents the third chamber concert of the 2018-2019 season with a delightful potpourri of music featuring a Percussion Ensemble, Franz Tausch, Concertante for Two Clarinets and Brass Ensemble. The concert is under the baton of Dr. Robert Whalen, Director of the DCS Chamber Music series. Time: 3 - 4:30pm Cost: $15
www.dcsmusic.org/chamber-series
From The Air Answer (pg. 11): Two of the seven baseball diamonds of the Jack Daly Baseball Complex, home of the Newtown Edgmont Little League, which includes the popular Flanagan “Center.”
Enjoy a three-course dinner with an exciting performance by Riddlesbrood Traveling Theater Company. The evening's featured show will be Sherlock Holmes: Case of Cupid’s Arrow. All are invited to BYOB (wine & beer only) to the dinner and show. Time: 7:30 - 9pm Cost: $35 per ticket
Saturday, February 16
Make-up for Mature Women: A Workshop on Tools, Technique, and Color @Beke Beau Make-up Studio 4100 Main Street, Suite 401, Philadelphia
Time: 5 - 8pm Cost: $25 Kids Under 12, $35 Adults
Tuesday, February 19
Beer & Bonsai Workshop at 2SP Brewing @ 2SP Brewing Company 120 Concord Road, #101-103, Aston Terrarium Therapy and 2SP Brewing present this fun and educational workshop, attendees will plant and create their own bonsai display to enjoy for years to come. Workshop fee will include: a healthy jade, landscape with decorative rocks, one six-inch ceramic pot as well as a pint of beer from 2SP Brewing Company! You must be 21 to attend this event. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required to hold your spot. Time: 7 - 8:30pm Cost: $50
Saturday, February 23
Tyler Arboretum Pancake Breakfast @Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media Join us for our ever-popular annual celebration of all things maple syrup-related, and, of course, pancakes! Take a stroll through our maple sugaring stations and discover how the tasty topping we all know and love gets turned from sap into syrup. Explore Tyler’s Great Nature Reads with kids activities and learn about the impact climate change has on maple syrup – both led by the Penn State Brandywine Sustainovation Team. Then satisfy your appetite with our famous allyou-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast. Fun and food for all the family. Bring a group! Rain or shine event, snow date March 2. Time: 8am - 1pm Cost: Adults/$16; Children/$10 (2 & under/Free)
www.TylerArboretum.org/events Saturday, February 23
The JLF “Serving the Underserved” Second Annual Fundraising Gala @Anthony’s Ristorante & Banquet Center 4990 State Road, Upper Darby
Women in their 40’s and beyond have evolving concerns related to their beauty routines. At the same time, menopause, lifestyle habits, and heredity all play a role in the texture and appearance of aging skin and knowing which make-up to use to look one’s best can be frustrating… With this in mind, make-up artist and esthetician Beke Beau has developed a fun, interactive and informative three-hour workshop specifically for mature women.
The Dr. Johanne Louis Foundation is hosting their second annual gala dinner with cash bar, dancing, entertainment, networking, award presentations, and special keynote speaker. The night will be topped off by an amazing fashion show by Lady Boutique. The JFL mission is to serve the underserved through programs that improve quality of life through health promotion, hunger relief, community outreach to underserved, low-income individuals, the homeless and our Veterans.
Time: 10am - 1pm Cost: $125 (includes refreshments)
Time: 7 - 11pm Cost: $50 - $75
www.BekeBeau.com
www.DrJohanneLouisFoundation.org
16 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Expert Contributor
Choosing the Right Funeral Director
I
Written by Robert D'Anjollel, Jr., F.D. D’Anjollel Memorial Homes
t can be a challenging and often overlooked task to choose the right funeral director in your time of grief. The choice may seem arbitrary, and the opinions of them may be negative at times, but the right funeral director can help comfort those in mourning and manage the service so that it is honoring and beautiful.
Reverence The work of a funeral director can be challenging, but a good funeral director should have a constant unwavering respect for life and the service they provide. They should value their role and understand the large importance of honoring the dead and bidding farewell in a respectful and loving way.
The job of a funeral director is often misunderstood, but a good funeral director can be caring and supportive while also being incredibly helpful. Directors will have to work unpredictable schedules and routinely do the difficult job of caring for those in time of grief and suffering. A good director should be able to withstand that adversity in their profession and showcase the following skills when working with a grieving family.
Dedication A good funeral director should be dedicated to their work and every client they work with. The schedules are very unpredictable, just as life and death can be. Work hours can be random and often grueling, but a funeral director should be able to come to the aid of those in need no matter the time. It is his job to help the grieving whenever they need him and begin the process of a respectful and appropriate funeral from the moment the deceased has passed.
Empathy A good funeral director should have high empathy when they do their work. Every time a director arranges a service and speaks with the family, they need to be able to relate with them on a deeply personal level. That kind of true empathy is what gives a family comfort when they need it most.
These three elements of a good funeral director can be used as a rubric when determining the right funeral director for your needs. This decision is very instrumental in how appropriate and efficient the service can be, especially as the family is still in grief and not able to put adequate time into the process. M
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.
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 February 2019
D’ANJOLELL Barone Memorial Home of Wallingford 908 S. Providence Road Wallingford, PA 19086 610-874-7700 Edward S. Barone, Supervisor
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Tell me
about it
Submitted by… …Gary Neal
My young son ran to me, crying. “Daddy, I stubbed my toe,” he sobbed. “Let me kiss it and make it better,” I said. “Which toe was it?” “The one that has no roast beef.”
Have a cute moment you'd like to share? Please email us at cwhitney@bestversionmedia.com to submit it and have it published in our magazine!
Marple Newtown’s Most Popular Pizza! 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.
Our pizza is made on site daily using the finest ingredient dough, mouthwatering sauce, 100% of specially blended Wisconsin cheeses and outrageous quantities of special choice toppings. • Pizzas • Strombolis • Steaks • Hoagies • Burgers
Have Newtown Square Pizza and Grill cater your next party.
• Clubs • Pasta • Seafood • Wings • Quesadillas
www.NewtownSquarePizza.com 3113 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 18 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
•
610-353-4234
Marple Family History Gene side-by-side with Father Bill Guarnere
A Family History:
The Guarneres Written by Craig Whitney
G
ene Guarnere has been a member of the Marple community for nearly 20 years, a veteran of the Vietnam War, and the son of celebrated World War II veteran Bill Guarnere. Bill was very respected in his community and around the world after being portrayed in the hit HBO series Band of Brothers. The past twenty years has been filled with celebrity encounters such as meeting Tom Hanks and going to the AFI awards, a newfound level of celebrity around the neighborhood, and a deeper understanding of who his father was at the time of World War II. “I wasn’t even born yet while he was there, and afterward he never talked about the war. I found out about him from Band of Brothers,” Gene explained. Bill was tight-lipped about his experience in the war, similar to many veterans of that time and still today. Gene never pushed the question, understanding the immense weight time at war can be to a person. Gene himself went to war when he was drafted in 1965 for the Vietnam War. At nineteen years old, Gene was young and nervous but he also understood that he has a responsibility to his country and that he shared that responsibility with many men his age at that time. Gene joined the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper, just as his father had done, and once he arrived in Saigon he became a small arms specialist. This meant that he was able to take machine guns, rifles and pistols apart and put them back together. This was a highly valuable role in the army, and Gene was prepared to be placed in the most dangerous locations.
Gene and his daughter, Gabrielle, founder of the Wild Bill Memorial Fund
“Every morning, they would tell you where you need to go, and I was ready to go wherever I was needed,” Gene said. He ended up with an engineering battalion and spent much of the war building roads and fortified locations. The battalion was shot at and mortared, but he was fortunate to not see the field of battle. There is a bond between veterans that can’t always be understood. The difficult decisions a soldier makes in the field and an unwavering commitment to one’s country can only be felt in shared experience. The relationship between Gene and his father grew out of a shared understanding, even if it was unspoken. After Band of Brothers premiered and the legend of Bill Guarnere grew immensely, Gene was able to more fully understand Bill not just as a loving father but as a true hero of World War II. After Bill passed away in 2014, Gene and his family started the Wild Bill Memorial Fund that contributes to the support of veterans. The Fund was also used to create a bronze statue of Bill that now exists at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial. The Guarnere family has helped create some interesting American history, and still work together now to preserve the legacy of Bill and all other American veterans. If you have a family history you would like to share, please email Craig Whitney at cwhitney@bestversionmedia.com. M
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 February 2019
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Bringing People Together
Marple 2988
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS