Santa Visits the New Marple Civic Association

Resident Feature by Holly Stupak

Photos by Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com

Santa Claus is extra-busy this time of year, so what brought him to Marple so early this holiday season?

I was pleased to hear about the new Marple Civic Association,” said Santa. “Building a community through a civic association is a wonderful undertaking. And what I am most excited about is that I’ll have the opportunity to visit children in Broomall before Christmas, to spread holiday cheer!”

Santa visiting the the American Legion Post 805 building at 2340 West Chester Pike. where the new Marple Civic Association will hold its meetings starting in 2021

The Marple Civic Association (MCA) was the idea of local business owners and close friends for 25 years Nick Reynolds and John McKenzie, who are the founders and now volunteers of the organization. “I was vacationing at the shore this summer and the idea came to me,” said Nick. “Looking around the downtown area there, I thought of some ideas that could be incorporated in Broomall. I talked to John and we agreed that starting a civic association would be a great way to bring people together to enhance our community.”

Nick and John, co-owners of Splash Surf Club, Delco Steaks, and the new Marple Pub (opening soon), both grew up in Marple Newtown and consider themselves “lifers.” Nick lived in Newtown Square and attended St. Anastasia and then graduated from Marple Newtown High School. He and his wife Alana are raising their four children here in Broomall. John grew up in Broomall, attended St. Pius X and graduated from Malvern Prep. He and his wife Jackie live in Broomall with their four boys.

Some of the New Marple Civic Association Board Members L-R: Bob Blaisse, Steve Reynolds, John McKenzie, Nick Reynolds, Jill DeMarco, and Ken Klein

We’re proud to live and own businesses here,” said John, “and we want to use our skills to address some of the community’s needs. The mission of the Association will be to keep Marple the great close-knit community it is, and to make it even better.

We asked Santa how the Marple Civic Association plans to kick off the holiday season.

I’ll be bringing back a Marple community tradition,” he said. “Just as in years past, I’ll be visiting neighborhoods on a fire truck. I know this is something families look forward to each year, and I do too!” Santa paused thoughtfully, and then added: "A civic association really says to its residents ‘We care about our community.’ When members get together behind a vision for the area, big changes can happen to the look and feel of the area.

With the holidays approaching, Nick and John agreed that a great way to start the season and introduce the new Marple Civic Association would be to have Santa do it.

Seeing Santa come through our neighborhoods has always been a highlight of the holiday season,” said Nick. “We were able to purchase a fire truck so that we can keep this tradition alive in Broomall!

The Marple Civic Association Team

Executive Director Steve Reynolds of Delco Steaks

Assistant Executive Director Jill DeMarco of Splash Club and Your Travel Connection

Secretary & Treasurer Ken Klein of Republic Bank

Marple Civic Association Board Members

John Salgado of J.M. Salgado Disposal Services

Lou DiLuzio of DZO Mechanical

Pat McIntyre of Synergy Glass and Door

Dan LaPella of Ericsson Inc.

Jim Jackominic of MNFL

Brian McTear of Crumdale Partners

Anthony Paoletti of TB Philly

Mike Grassi of TLC Drain & Sewer

Rob D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D., of DANJOLELL Memorial Homes

Mike Noonan of Noonan Design & Consulting, LLC

Dan Hatch of Robert Hatch & Sons Plumbing

Chris Gicking, MNSD Athletic Director

Bob Blaisse, Publisher of Marple Friends & Neighbors

Melanie Tamarro of Cami’s Closet Clothing

Tom Mitros of Mitros Insurance

Pat DiCola of M Shop 360

Scott Hahn of Hahn Electric

The Mission of the Marple Civic Association is to increase Marple hometown pride in old and new ways. An “old way” shown here is the 1948 4th of July Parade on West Chester Pike at Sproul Rd.

Photo courtesy of the Marple Historical Society.

I love this place," said MCA Executive Director, Steve Reynolds. "With the assistance of the Board, local businesses and our community members, we can continue to make Marple a desired place to live and raise a family. To be in this position is an honor, to say the least. I am happy to bring my experience of nonprofit work from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association and apply it to serve this community.

Marple Civic plans to hold meetings starting in the new year at The American Legion Post 805 building at 2340 West Chester Pike. “The building was up for rent,” said Nick, “and because we’re a nonprofit organization, we were a great fit for them. The meetings will provide great opportunities to discuss local issues and work toward common goals.”

As a Broomall resident, I think the MCA is going to be a great way to get people excited about our town!” said Board Secretary and Treasurer, Ken Klein, Vice President of Republic Bank. “And when Nick told me about the fire truck, that really sealed the deal!

One of the first initiatives the Marple Civic hopes to implement is to improve the overall appearance of the businesses along West Chester Pike. “We’d love to add flowers along the median and trees and Holiday lights outside the businesses along this strip,” said John McKenzie. “We’d also like to create more of a unified look for the businesses along this area. Other nearby towns like Paoli have done something similar, and it really enhanced the area. We’d love to give Broomall the same type of downtown feel that you get in places like Media or Wayne,” Nick Reynolds added.

Nick said that they want as many local businesses involved as possible. “It would be a great benefit to the businesses here, especially new businesses, if Broomall is in the best shape it can be,” he said.

Our own Bob Blaisse, Publisher of Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, is also excited about the new Marple Civic Association. “MCA brings a new energy to the mission it shares with our magazine: Bringing People Together! Of course we want to support this new movement of Marple residents, to increase hometown pride with hometown activities.”

When it comes to events and fundraising, Marple Civic already has some ideas in the works. “There will be opportunities to volunteer for food and toy drives this holiday season,” said John McKenzie. “We are also looking to hold a Casino Night and a Black Tie Gala this summer and family friendly events such as community days and fun fairs.”

We’ve received a positive response on social media about the MCA,” John added. “Residents and business owners are excited about this opportunity to preserve and enhance the Broomall community. By bringing our abilities and passions together, we can affect real change.

(L-R) Santa with Nick Reynolds and John McKenzie

To learn more about the new Marple Civic Association and for updates, information about initiatives and how to become a member or to offer suggestions, visit www.MarpleCivic.org and their Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/MarpleCivic).

“Volunteering your time is a great way to give back to the community, meet new friends, and have some fun!” Santa said. “There are many ways to join the Marple Civic Association and support its mission. Contact them to find out more about volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and ways that you can get their message to your friends and family.”

Santa had one more message to the community:

Look for me in my fire truck visiting your neighborhood soon! Mrs. Claus and I wish the new MCA and everyone in Broomall a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2021! Oh, and THANK YOU to Broomall resident Michael Duff, owner of Micduff Film, Photography & Screenwriting (www.Micduff.com), for these great photos here!

Do you know a Broomall family, resident or organization who should become known by our community?

Make your nominations for upcoming magazine features about Broomall residents, families, youth, seniors or nonprofit groups by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.