Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, January 2020

Marple

2020 January

The Speer Family

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

Lovers of the Outdoors and All Things Sports

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

Bringing People Together

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Contributors needed!

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

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

Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

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Dear Friends & Neighbors,

T

he New Year has arrived, and this new year returns us an easier time when stating the number of the year. It has become short and simple again: Twenty Twenty. We no longer will be stumbling to say as “two thousand and… whatever.” Some 20 years past Y2K, we’ve entered the 20s of the 21st century, and life is good, with 20/20 vision for a great new year and a new decade. Happy New Year, Everyone!

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER and CONTENT COORDINATOR: Liz Burnett DESIGNER: Kim Cesati CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Sierra Clark, Sierra Clark Photography, www.SierraClarkPhoto.com COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Mary Rosato, Salon Bella CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Liz Burnett, Doug Humes, Chris Stack, Jim Casar, Len Sciulli, Scott Magness, David Linn Cook, Bill Fritsch ADVERTISING

Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com Phone: 610-453-5536 COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Have feedback or questions about how to submit events, updates, ideas for articles, high resolution photos, etc.? We will do our best to include as much community information as space permits. Please contact our Content Coordinator Liz Burnett at LBurnett@BestVersionMedia.com.

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

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

ON THE COVER The Speer Family at Veterans Memorial Park in Broomall

Marple

2020 January

The Speer Family

FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

Lovers of the Outdoors and All Things Sports

Yes, I am one of those who has set a New Year’s goal to lose a few pounds, and more than a few. And yes, I have a resolution to take a little more vacation in 2020, more than I took last year when taking Marple Friends & Neighbors to the next level, and getting us launched online at www.MarpleMag.com.

My 2020 goal for our magazine is simple, but I can’t achieve it without our Reader Leaders. What’s a Reader Leader? It’s someone who gets our magazine. By that, I not only mean a reader who looks forward to our magazine arriving in the mail each month; it’s a reader who “gets it,” how Marple Friends & Neighbors is Bringing People Together, as a hometown magazine about the people, for the people, and by the people of Marple Township. But Reader Leaders especially recognize our hometown magazine is only possible because of the business leaders in our community who have agreed to become Advertising Sponsors, committing financially to support the residents of Marple Newtown.

Will you be a Reader Leader in 2020? It’s simple. Just Buy Local when you can in 2020. And whenever possible, choose to buy from one of our Advertising Sponsors first. And be sure to let them know why. Thank them for their leadership in our community, which is Bringing People Together in Marple Friends & Neighbors each month.

Be a Reader Leader in 2020, and start by enjoying our first issue of the 2020s.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents, Happy 2020! I trust you and your loved ones all enjoyed joyful, safe and healthy holidays, even if some of those days were at warp speed! You may now be thinking ”AAHHH, I can slow down and smell the roses again!” If that feels good, a New Year’s Resolution to “Chill More” could help you create a beneficial new habit.

This month’s issue introduces you to many fascinating neighbors!

You’ll meet The Speer Family, a family of 6 who love all things outdoors. And John Wolferth, a Broomall resident, Executive Chef and former owner of several restaurants, whose life has become more fulfilling as he’s ventured out of his comfort zone and literally sailed into opportunities to serve disaster-stricken parts of the world. Our Business Profile acquaints you with one of our Expert Contributors whose advice and services could benefit your financial future: Financial Advisor Mike Brady of LPL Financial.

MORE interesting neighbors are waiting to meet you at the events on our Calendar page 20. May this be your most interesting year yet!

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

Bringing People Together

Liz Burnett

Content Coordinator January 2020

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Expert Contributor Written by David Lynn Cook Weatherproofing Plus Inc.

Humidity’s Effect on Air Control

M

aintaining great air quality in your home is possible in every season if you keep in mind two key strategies: simple home maintenance and a waterproofed basement.

areas are the kitchen and bathroom, by using exhaust fans. If your kitchen and bathroom have windows, open and close them as often as possible (something homeowners seem to rarely do these days).

A recent TV report stated that Americans spend at least 90% of their time indoors. Yet, indoor air quality is typically 3 to 4 times more polluted than outdoor air, due to insufficient ventilation and excessive moisture content throughout the house.

Maintaining moderate moisture levels in your home is primarily accomplished by rainwater and melted snow and ice running off your roof and down the rain gutters and siding.

Two areas in your home that absolutely require ventilation are the attic and the basement (or crawlspace). Other recommended

We have three seasons for humidity control: 4 months of the heating season (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb); 4 months cooling season (May, Jun, Jul, Aug); and 4 months venting season (Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct), when little heat or A/C is used.

You’re Going to LOVE Your DRY BASEMENT!

During heating season, the best way to maintain comfortable relative humidity is Passive Moisture Generation through showers, dishes, laundry, houseplants, etc. Setting a central heating system’s mechanical humidifier above +25% ambient can cause excessive condensation (dew drops) in pre-1970s empty side walls and under-insulated attics.

Expertly serving the Philadelphia region for 25+ years with the most affordable basement waterproofing services.

To control humidity in the spring and fall venting months, keep windows open, and ensure your rain gutters aren’t clogged.

Portable basement dehumidifiers are ineffective, according to the manufacturer, unless the exterior temperature is above 65° and the unit is set in the center of the room. Moisture is only an issue at above 60% relative. Dehumidifiers set lower than 50% use excessive energy and may run continuously, causing heat build up or even a fire.

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

610-325-0596 FREE Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured

Most basement air ducts are not foil-taped and mastic-sealed.

This causes, on average, 20% to 35% of the duct air to leak into the basement. During the heating and A/C seasons, this actually helps control humidity.

David Linn Cook 30 Year MN Resident Weatherization Expert

WEATHERPROOFING PLUS, INC.

www.WeatherProofing-Plus.com 4

Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

Foundation leaks that cause a wet basement make the humidity go off the scale in any season. French drains and sump pumps only work when they are mud-free and flowing.

So what's the best way to have great air quality? By keeping basements dry and vented, using kitchen and bathroom fans, and fully functioning rain gutters.

Hey! Grandma was right when she insisted on emptying kitchen trash before sleep-time and getting a fresh start every day by pulling open the drapes and cracking open the windows! M

Student of the Month Written by Liz Burnett

s n o i t a l Congratu

Matthew DeAngelo!

January’s Sproul Lanes Student of the Month Sproul Lanes Manager Fred Conaway and Matthew DeAngelo Photo courtesy of Sproul Lanes

Nominate the Next Student of the Month!

Any grade 7-12 student who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District can be nominated by a parent, teacher or themself. Send a 200-word essay to SOTM@SproulLanes.com explaining why the student excels in Service to friendship, school or other local communities.

Academic or athletic excellence may be considered but are not required. The Winner will be featured in next month’s magazine and will also receive a Sproul Lanes Pizza Bowl gift certificate good for 2 hours of bowling for up to 10 people plus pizza, sodas, snacks and free shoe rental. M

We’re pleased to announce that the January Sproul Lanes Student of the Month is Marple Newtown High School Freshman Matthew DeAngelo! To celebrate this recognition, Matthew received a Certificate of Achievement and a gift certificate for a “Pizza Bowl” party from Sproul Lanes, our Sponsor of this award program.

Matthew is very deserving of this award: He was recently elected by his peers to serve as Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout Troop 315. In that role, he serves as liaison between his peers the Troop’s Scouts and the adult Troop Leaders. Matthew believes it’s very important to take an active role and lead by example. He made it a priority to help several Scouts as they were developing and managing their Eagle Scout service project.

Upon graduation from St. Anastasia School, Matthew received two notable awards: The American Legion School Award from Marple Post 805, and the Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence (for a 4-year general average of at least 93).

Matthew played on NELL Baseball teams from age 5-12. He’s currently on a baseball team in the Broomall Newtown Babe Ruth League.

At Marple Newtown High School, Matthew was on the Freshman football team, and he now runs indoor and outdoor track.

Matthew was recently nominated by his teachers to speak to Paxon Hollow 8th graders about his experience at MNHS. As a kid, Matthew loved playing with Legos and toy soldiers. He now has his sights set on attending West Point, to prepare for a career in the Army. Congratulations, again, Matthew, and thanks for your excellence in service to so many local communities!

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

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

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

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

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Where Are We?

Can You Spot It From the Air? Hint: This site in either Marple or Newtown

Township will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with lots of ladies this year. Can you name it?

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.

The answer can be found on Page 13

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

484 - 997- 3097 www.MartellaElectric.com

Photo Courtesy of FAA-Certified Drone Pilot Chris Stack (NewPigeonImaging@gmail.com)

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

Be Inspired

State-of-the-art Kitchen and Bath Showroom • Experience

the latest products & technologies from leading manufacturers

• No

appointment required but recommended for a personalized consultation

• Serving

homeowners, “do-it-yourselfers,” and trade professionals of all sizes

• Showroom Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am-4pm, Sat. 9am -1pm

www.WeinsteinBath-Kitchen.com • 484- 471-3822 650 Abbott Drive, Broomall (Lawrence Park Industrial Park) 6

Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

Expert Contributor

Things You Should Know About

CARBON MONOXIDE

Written by Len Sciulli Len Sciulli & Sons Heating & Air Conditioning

4. Broken or blocked vents and flues are probably the most common cause of CO buildup. If you see any holes, discon- nections, or rust stains indicating corrosion, call a professional immediately. Be sure rooftop vents have guards to prevent birds’ nests or other debris from falling into the chimney and blocking the escape of harmful gases.

5. Carbon monoxide results from incomplete combustion.

Many appliances have built-in safety components that prevent operation if an unsafe condition exists. If an appliance keeps shutting off, don't keep turning it back on, especially if you experience any of the above symptoms. Have it checked by a professional.

T

asteless, colorless, odorless carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by almost every fuel-burning appliance, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, grills and gas space heaters. When such equipment works correctly, very little CO escapes. What does escape gets vented harmlessly to the outside.

When something goes wrong with the equipment or the venting, CO becomes a deadly household hazard.

6. CO detectors should be installed where they will be heard, including outside bedrooms so people can hear the alarm while sleeping and unable to detect any symptoms. Installing a detector near a furnace, water heater, or other CO-emitting appliance will likely result in many false alarms. M

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Here are some things to know about CO and how to guard against it causing a tragedy in your home.

1. Some symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, sleepiness, and disorientation. Unfortunately, these same symptoms are associated with flu, food poison ing, and other afflictions, leading to many misdiagnoses. A cherry red face is also a possible sign of CO poisoning.

2. For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when it reaches a level higher than 35 ppm (parts per million) with continuous exposure over an 8-hour period. This is the maximum expo sure tolerated by OSHA. Mild exposure over 2-3 hours (a CO level between 35 ppm and 200 ppm) will produce dizziness, drowsiness, and vomiting in as little as 1 hour. This level of exposure is life threatening once three hours have passed.

Extreme exposure (800+ ppm) will lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, and death in as little as a few minutes. Infants and people with heart conditions are more susceptible to CO poisoning than healthy adults.

3. If anyone experiences CO poisoning symptoms, vacate the home immediately and notify the fire or police department.

Don’t open doors and windows because that makes it hard for authorities to determine whether there is a CO problem when they inspect the home.

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

January 2020

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Resident Feature Written by Liz Burnett

The Speer Family: Lovers of the Outdoors and All Things Sports Photographs courtesy of Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

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d and Emily Speer have had a LOT in common since they were kids. They both grew up in West Chester and attended West Chester East High School. Their parents and most of their siblings still live in West Chester or other nearby communities. And now, their common “mission” is parenting four children under age 8.

Ed met Emily after they graduated from high school and Ed started hanging out with his older sister Mary and some of her friends. One of those friends was Emily.

“Things just clicked for me and Ed!” Emily said fondly. Perhaps they clicked due to their common interest in sports: In high school, Ed had played football, basketball and lacrosse; Emily started teaching swimming lessons when she was 13. As their romance developed, they discovered that their paths had crossed before they met, and that Ed knew a lot of Emily’s friends before he met her.

After Emily graduated from high school, she attended Penn State. While pursuing her B.S. in Elementary Education, she continued developing her skills as a swimming instructor, giving private and semi-private lessons primarily to faculty members’ children. After graduating in 2004, she moved back to West Chester, and started teaching 7th-grade Math at Paxon Hollow Middle School. While teaching full-time, Emily also attended Arcadia University part-time, and earned her Master’s degree in Instructional Technology in 2009. Emily’s love of teaching (and learning) motivated her to earn a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Neumann University in 2013.

Emily and Ed Speer

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Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

After Ed graduated from high school, he decided to attend St. Joseph’s University (“St. Joe’s”) because his older sister Bernadette had gone there. He liked the campus and the school’s basketball program. Ed was on the JV basketball team, when the Varsity team was “in its heyday.” He enjoyed sports so much that he pursued a degree in Marketing with an emphasis on Sports and Entertainment Marketing.

In 2005, as a Junior at St. Joe’s, Ed got the opportunity to intern with the Phillies. Although it wasn’t in their Marketing Department, he hoped it might lead to that after graduation.

His two-year internship in the Phillies Operations Department went very well, and helped him realize that Operations, not Marketing, is his “niche.” Ed started working there full-time in 2007. When the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, Ed got a World Series Ring too. Ed says his job is very interesting and each day is different. He sometimes travels with the team, for security purposes. His Feb-Oct schedule is busy and hectic, with many 12-hour days (or longer when a night game goes into extra innings). Other months, his work schedule is typically weekdays 9-5. Ed loves his job with the Phillies, and plans on staying there indefinitely.

Once Ed and Emily met in 2007, they quickly discovered their common love for camping and hiking. They started camping with local friends, a tradition that continues today. Their love of the outdoors prompted Ed to propose to Emily while they were on a hike at Ridley Creek State Park.

In September 2010, they got married at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church in West Chester. They honeymooned that Christmas on a cruise to the Bahamas. As their cruise ship sailed out of Baltimore harbor, it was snowing. When they woke up the next morning off the coast of Miami, they laughed as they watched deep snow quickly melting on the ship’s decks!

Emily and Ed have lived in Broomall for 10 years. It’s the perfect location for them: Near their families in West Chester, a convenient commute for Ed, and a great town in which to raise a family.

They fell in love from the minute they saw their house in Woods at Langford. “We love living here! We’ve met some wonderful, kindhearted neighbors. We all enjoy our neighborhood’s “walkability,” to Rita’s for water ice or to Wawa for milk,” raved Emily.

A big fan of those neighborhood walks is Ed and Emily’s daughter Beatrix, age 7. A 1st-grader at St. Anastasia School, she plays softball and soccer, and loves to swim. Beatrix is in the Girl Scouts, and loves reading and arts and crafts projects. Her motherly personality is evident as she plays with her American Girl dolls and dotes over her younger siblings.

Eddie, age 5, attends Little Explorers Preschool in Havertown.

He also loves to swim, and he plays soccer, basketball, T-Ball and lacrosse. Gymnastics and Pokémon are his other favorite activities. A “friendly and kind” little guy, Eddie LOVES working outside with his dad Ed.

Warm Up to

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

continued on page 10

Broomall 's Destination Salon

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.”

Solar Installation

~Kevin O’Donnell, Owner

Senior Citizen Discount 4 Generation Owned & Operated th

Residential & Commercial Roofing Windows / Skylights / Siding / Gutters Historic Restoration & Metal Roof Specialist

610-449-8188 • www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com

January 2020

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seasonal water safety training school that serves clients in the Marple Newtown area and all along the Main Line. Emily thinks one reason for the school’s success is that in individual and group lessons, each swimmer’s current skill and comfort level is recognized, and instruction brings them along from there, at their own pace.

In Summer 2019, Speer Swim School started also offering swim lessons at an outdoor location for clients who don’t have their own backyard pool. This additional service was made possible by partnering with The Splash Club in Broomall.

“I love knowing that we’re giving children the ability to be safe in and near the water, and giving parents the peace of mind that their children have skills to help them enjoy the water,” Emily proudly explained.

The Speer children (left to right): Eddie, Daphne, Richie, Beatrix

Little sister Daphne is a “silly, loving and outgoing” 3-year-old.

Not attending school yet, she loves playing with her baby dolls and getting creative with arts and crafts. Daphne also swims and enjoys her weekly gymnastics lessons.

Toddler Richie just turned 1. He’s very social and determined, perhaps due to seeing so much fun ahead of him with his three older and fun-loving siblings. Emily says Richie is “into everything, climbing everywhere, and making us babyproof things we’d never think to babyproof!” Richie’s first words were ball, soccer, and goal. Clues to what he wants to do as soon as he masters running!

When Eddie was born, Emily resigned as a middle school teacher, to be a stay-at-home mom. The Speers adopted two kittens, and named them Cringer and Quincy. Having literally grown up around infants and toddlers, those cats are great with kids and are also quite friendly to strangers.

Every summer since 2017, Emily has been the busy Owner and Manager of Speer Swim School (www.SpeerSwimSchool.com).

What started as “just a summer weekends side job” giving private swim lessons to children of neighbors and local friends in their own backyard pools has expanded into a well-respected

This summer, Emily hopes to give talks at local libraries and schools about Water and Swim Safety. Speer Swim School is a member of Stop Drowning Now (SDN; www.StopDrowningNow.org), a global nonprofit organization whose mission is “Educate to Eliminate Drowning.” Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children of all ages. Emily is excited to share with the Marple Newtown community SDN’s unique, fun and desperately needed Water Safety Curriculum, which teaches kids how to recognize drowning risks and to protect themselves and others.

These busy parents of 4 young-uns still find time to serve their local communities. Emily serves as St. Anastasia School’s Home & School Association Treasurer. Ed enjoys helping to coach youth sports teams. Last summer, he coached Eddie’s NELL T-Ball team, and he looks forward to helping with Eddie’s MN Youth Basketball Association team this winter.

Almost everyone in the Speer Family has already enjoyed several camping, hiking and kayaking trips. They expect to enjoy many more as well as an annual family vacation with Emily’s dad at a campsite near Avalon.

Ed and Emily’s lifelong love of all things outdoors and sporty has created the threads that they have woven into a unique tapestry. And we’re all blessed that they decided to hang it here in Broomall! M

“Your Family is our first priority.” ~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 10 Marple Friends & Neighbors

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.

Expert Contributor

What’s Trending for Carpets in 2020

Written by Jim Casar Carpet Warehouse

I

f you’re gearing up for some changes in 2020 and freshening up your home is one aspect that you feel like working on, one project that will make a big impact is installing or changing your carpets. This year, we’ll see a continuance of color, texture and pattern playing a role in the selection of carpet.

Patterns will continue to reflect international style, with an emphasis on Morocco. The intertwined lines herald from an ancient time but add a modern arabesque feel to the carpets. The geometric carpet trend should last beyond 2020. Think classy and subtle, not large and loud. Animal prints will also continue trending into the 2020s. They can definitely make a big statement, but going in the direction of an area rug will define your spaces so that you don’t think jungle all over.

Floral patterns aren’t the first print people might consider, but think vines.

And yes, floral can look modern and refreshed. The fleur-de-lis pattern is timeless and won’t go out of season or retro. Patterns can have an Asian flair or the look of watercolor prints. Try to find a print that is not too busy, to avoid clashing with furniture or wall color.

Texture is another factor to consider when purchasing carpet. The most popular textured carpet sold is the twisted pile carpet, which comes in a variety of colors to match most decors. This type of textured carpet has yarn that has been tightly twisted and the loops are cut to achieve the finished style. It’s available in a large range of pile height and density, to fit any budget. Beige is still the most popular color that any carpet comes in, but there are plenty of colors and shades to suit all tastes.

For those of us old enough to remember shag rugs and carpets, there’s now a similar modern style, thick, soft and luxurious, like a plush robe you wrap yourself up in after a shower or bath. Think how that would feel as you step on it in your bedroom. Don’t rule it out. Check it out!

Whatever carpet style you’re looking for, there are plenty of options that will make your home cozy and feeling new to you. M

75 Years of Carpeting and Floor Covering Expertise • We carry all major brands of carpet as well as

waterproof vinyl plank flooring

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

See our Jaunty Rugs, handmade in India by old world craftsmen who weave, tuft & knot wool to create traditional & modern designs.

610-353-1312 www.CarpetWarehouseCo.com 620 Parkway Drive, Broomall (Lawrence Park Industrial Park)

Warehouse Pricing For Residential and Commercial Carpeting, Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl Tile and Waterproof Plank January 2020

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Business Profile Written by Liz Burnett

Mike Brady of Our Home-Grown Financial Planning Expert

W

hen you first meet Mike Brady, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy he is to talk with. He’s a downto-earth guy who has lived in Delaware County since his family moved from Philly to Ridley Park in 1978, when he was 3. The more you talk with Mike, you’ll understand why his clients find Independence it easy to talk with him about goals Powered Bytheir LPLfinancial Financial. and how to achieve them.

Mike’s interest in money management and growth goes way - 06061- 0410 MKT back: On Sunday afternoons, when he and his parents would Tracking #641747 visit Mike’s grandparents in South Philly, Mike loved sitting with his grandfather, separating and counting the coins his grandfather had saved in a big jar since their last visit. As Mike rolled the coins into paper wrappers, he practiced his math skills by proudly totaling what would be taken to the bank, and excitedly showed his grandfather the financial progress he had made by being a dedicated coin saver.

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.

LPL Financial Team (left to right): Adam Marone, Mike Brady, Rachael Kemmy and Al Danish Photo courtesy of Mike Brady

When Mike attended St. James High School in Chester, his participation in the TV Club helped develop his communication skills and comfort level being in front of people. In his last two years there, he took some Accounting courses at nearby Widener University. He chose to attend Widener because he was already familiar with the campus and some of the Accounting teachers there, and he planned to pursue an Accounting degree because he loved and was good at math and designing budgets.

During college, Mike’s experience as President of his fraternity further developed his communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. In the Spring semester of his senior year, as he interviewed with several large accounting firms, he realized his personality wasn’t suited for being an Accountant, and that his “hybrid” personality and strengths had prepared him for a different financial career.

After graduation, Mike stayed at Widener, working in their Development Department while also enrolled in Widener’s MBA program. When he took an “Intro to Financial Planning” course as an elective, he immediately knew that was EXACTLY the type of work he wanted to do with his life. So he enrolled in Widener’s Certificate in Financial Planning program. While completing an assignment to study how to enter that industry, he discovered LPL, a brokerage firm he felt offered his perfect professional solution. As an LPL financial advisor, he could run his business as an entrepreneur and “more on the advice side,” as Mike knew he would prefer. And the investment strategies, products and services he would recommend to his clients would be solely his decision and not anything “passed down from above.” One month after completing his MBA in 2001, Mike started his career with LPL.

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.

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

12 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

Over the past 18 years, Mike has built his practice backed by the support LPL provides its more than 18,000 financial advisors and their clients. He owns and manages his business, operates independently, and is not tied to or required to offer any specific products or services. But Mike’s relationship with LPL provides him with exceptional resources, such as LPL’s state-of-the-art research and compliance departments and the trading platform that helps him deliver the tools he needs to ensure his clients’ success.

Mike’s practice manages about $160 million in assets for about 250 families and individuals and about a dozen businesses who use his services for any and all financial matters at every life stage. Examples include budgeting, debt reduction and elimination, vehicle purchase or lease, paying down/off their mortgage, insurance needs, buying a vacation property, retirement planning, estate planning, and their kids’ college education planning; and for businesses, retirement planning and other associated group benefits.

Mike is proud that some of his clients are families that span three generations. Many of his clients are his family, friends and neighbors. He specializes in serving those who are financially stable and who understand the need to save and grow their savings but don’t know the best path for that journey.

He especially enjoys helping folks who are 5-10 years away from retirement and have a solid retirement fund but are “5 or 6 mistakes away from not remaining comfortably retired the rest of their lives.”

Mike says his professional satisfaction and his clients’ results wouldn’t be possible without his terrific staff who interact and communicate directly with clients for scheduling or service issues. Adam Marone, who has been with Mike for 10 years, functions as Mike’s Chief Operating Officer and also often serves as a “second set of eyes” when Mike is reviewing pros and cons of modifying a client’s plan. Rachael Kemmey serves as Office Manager, and Al Danish works part-time and focuses on group benefits. With Mike and his staff, clients get very complicated issues simplified, an empathetic ear that understands their financial needs, and a financial planning and review experience that’s fun. This deliberate approach helps clients make smart financial decisions.

Mike and his wife Annette have lived in Broomall for five years.

Their home is five blocks from his office, making it convenient and quick for him to help during the work week with activities, transportation and care for their three children under age 6.

Mike gives back to the local community by serving on the Boards of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA. He’s also President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global nonprofit organization with over 14,000 members worldwide. These activities help Mike expand his understanding of business trends and best practices.

Financial planning advice and strategies are available from many sources, almost too many these days. To ensure your choose a knowledgeable financial advisor who’s on your side, be sure to look in your own backyard! M

Creative problem-solving is another skill Mike uses with his clients. He helped an elderly couple pay for an expensive home repair project without making a significant withdrawal from their retirement fund. Instead, Mike connected them with several of his trusted business colleagues, who assisted with the mortgage, insurance and legal services needed to refinance their home at a lower interest rate, and use some of their home equity to pay for two expensive home projects and also take a much-needed vacation! They were delighted that their lower homeowner’s insurance reduced their monthly expenses and their home value increased.

Thanks Everyone For a Great First year!

JOIN IN ON THE FUN! NOW ENROLLING 2020 MEMBERSHIPS VISIT:

From the Air Answer (pg. 6): The softball fields on Bishop Hollow Rd in Newtown Township, at the Troop Fields park, home of the Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL), which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. Lady alumnae from the early years of the Petticoat League's founding (circa early 1970s) are asked to reconnect and share your fond memories in celebration of NSPL. For details, visit www.NSPLSoftball.com.

www.splash-club.com

-JOIN NOW2705 Sunset Blvd, Broomall, PA January 2020

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610-601-4868

www.MarpleMag.com 13

Expert Contributor Written by Scott Magness Scott’s Fireplace Products

Is a Gas Log Fireplace in Your Future?

T

he next time you’re heading outside to collect logs and kindling for your wood-burning fireplace, think about all the advantages of a gas fireplace. Chopping wood and gathering kindling might soon become a thing of the past.

Gas fireplaces were invented as an alternative to wood-burning fireplaces, not to replace them. However, gas fireplaces have become very popular because they’re so convenient. While they can’t mimic the natural crackling and popping you hear with a wood-burning fireplace, a gas fireplace is an easier, safer, and cleaner way to enjoy a fire.

For wood fires, you must find time to gather kindling. After lighting the kindling, you must position the logs on the grate and wait for them to catch fire from the kindling. And the final chore is cleaning up and disposing of ashes. Most people don’t have the time or interest to get involved in all that, which is why so many wood-burning fireplaces rarely or never get used.

Some people think there’s no comparison between gas and woodburning fireplaces in terms of appearance, but that isn’t always true. Gas fireplaces offer a level of ambiance and realism comparable to wood. The hand-painted ceramic gas logs give an authentic look of real wood, and with their amber glow, it looks like they’re actually on fire. Some gas fireplaces have even been known to be mistaken for a wood-burning fireplace!

Most gas fireplaces produce more warm radiant heat than you get from a wood-burning fireplace. Some gas fireplaces can even supplement a home’s basic heating system. The temperature and flame appearance on gas fireplaces can easily be adjusted.

You can instantly increase or decrease the flame height to keep the room at a comfortable temperature, while still enjoying the ambiance and atmosphere created from the gas fire.

No matter your home’s decor, there’s a gas fireplace to compliment every style. Even if your home doesn’t have an existing wood fireplace, a gas fireplace can easily be added because no chimney is required.

Finally, gas fires burn clean. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, they don’t give off smoke, require an annual chimney cleaning or leave behind ashes to sweep up. Most gas fireplaces have remote options to control temperatures and set timers. Best of all, there’s no waiting for the flames to die down. Simply push a button or flip a wall switch to turn off a gas fireplace. And it’s just that easy and quick to enjoy a cozy fire anytime! 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 14 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

History Spotlight

Randal Pratt, Quaker Farmer

Written by Doug Humes

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few years ago, I was given an old book on Quaker history. Inside was the signature of the book’s owner, Randal Pratt. I immediately thought “Who was Randal Pratt?” Today, with a laptop and the internet, the answer is usually literally close at hand. So off I went, in search of Randal Pratt.

He was born in 1801 on his family’s farm, the 10th of 11 children of David Pratt and Lydia Hoopes, near Goshen Friends Meeting, still standing by the intersection of Rte 352 and Paoli Pike. He no doubt visited his grandfather Pratt’s farm, which is still welcoming visitors today, at the Colonial Plantation at Ridley Creek State Park.

The Pratts moved to Newtown, where Randal’s mother died in 1836. That event cast a pall over Randal’s marriage to Mary G. Lewis of Newtown in 1837, at the Quaker Meeting House.

Randal brought his bride back to a 750-acre farm along Crum Creek, in the northwest corner of Marple Township, where they raised eight children. Randal was industrious: In addition to operating the farm and an adjacent mill, and reading Quaker history (over 900 pages!), he came up with an improvement to a horse rake and patented it in 1856.

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Pratt family on porch at farm Photo courtesy of Marple Historical Society 1848 map showing Pratt farm Photo courtesy of Marple Historical Society

Pratt signature from book Photo courtesy of Doug Humes

Randal died in 1866, at age 64. He is buried near his parents at Newtown Square Friends Meeting. His farmhouse, described in 1920 as “one of Delaware County’s historic homes,” was knocked down in 1931 when a dam was erected on Crum Creek, flooding the entire Pratt farm, to create Springton Reservoir.

Randal, a man of learning, would probably be delighted to know that every time the local residents turn their faucets on, out comes pure fresh water from the reservoir named after his family’s old property, “Springton Farm.”

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

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January 2020

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www.MarpleMag.com 15

Bringing People Together Written by Bob Blaisse, Publisher

Bringing People Together Marple Friends & Neighbors

Bringing People Together Works!

Here’s a Great Example Photos courtesy of The Vickers Family

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any readers know Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine is also online at www.MarpleMag.com.

And some readers know our magazine has a sibling, serving residents of Newtown Square, similarly called Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors which is also available online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com. Each month, readers receive one magazine in the mail, but everyone can read how we’re Bringing People Together with features about people and places across the Marple Newtown community.

One example of a great local story Marple Friends & Neighbors would not have read unless reading the online version of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is the November 2019 feature about 104-year-old Henry (Eugene) Vickers, likely Newtown Square’s oldest WWII veteran. In the feature about Mr. Vicker’s long life, readers were requested to send him a Happy Birthday card for his 104th birthday, and they did! More than 100 cards arrived and they still haven’t stopped coming to Mr. Vickers’ home. If you missed the feature, you can read it online at www.NewtownSquareMag.com, click on Past Issues, and then select the November 2019 issue with Mr. Vickers on the cover.

Mr. Vickers and his family at the Navy ceremony honoring him on November 11, 2019

Mr. Vicker’s Happy 104th Birthday cards have arrived from PA, CA, VA, OH, NC and FL, most all from people he’s never met but who read his story in our magazine, each offering birthday greetings and thanking Mr. Vickers for his service as a veteran.

In addition to mailed cards, over 100 handmade cards arrived from local school students. And not just cards! A beautiful flower arrangement arrived from one local resident, and the Delaware County Christian School sent chocolates to Mr. Vickers, to help him recall the sweet memories from 1955, when he and his wife 16 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

Betty and several other families founded Delaware County Christian School.

Our “Bringing People Together” magazine motto was certainly embraced by readers, and by Newtown Township officials who sponsored a Township Resolution after seeing our feature, to honor Mr. Vickers’ long life, his 65 years of residency, and his years of service to his country, his family and his community. In Newtown Square now for months, I’ve been asked, “How’s Mr. Vickers?” and have been told by readers how much they enjoyed learning about Newtown Square’s oldest World War II veteran. I tell everyone it has been my honor to come to know Mr. Vickers, a Newtown Square hometown hero.

Mr. Vickers’ 104th birthday and his life story featured in our Newtown Square magazine have notably been Bringing People Together in Newtown Square just as Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine does with each new issue. And none of it would Mr. Vickers surrounded by the many birthday cards he received be possible without our hometown heroes of another kind, our Advertising Sponsors of our Marple community who make this hometown magazine possible. They are responsible for Bringing People Together each month, and we’re all better for it!

If you know of a Marple Township resident or Marple organization with a story that should be told, or a local business that values the residents of Marple Township, willing to support Bringing People Together through our magazine as an Advertising Sponsor, reach out to me. Be a Reader Leader! We’re all doing this together: Bringing People Together. And it’s working. M

Bob Blaisse

Publisher, Marple Friends & Neighbors

Real Estate

Homes Recently Sold In Marple Township Address

Sold Price Beds Baths Sq. Ft. Acres

2026 Maclarie Lane . . . . . $505,000 . . . 3 . . . .2 . . . 1,979 . . 0.36 11 James Road . . . . . . . . $185,000 . . . 2 . . . .1 . . . 855 . . 0.18 205 Oakwynne Road . . . . $400,000 . . . 3 . . . 2.5 . . 2,418 . . 0.28 113 S New Ardmore Avenue $330,000 . . . 2 . . . 1.5 . . 1,134 . . 0.45 11 Cambridge Road . . . . . $409,000 . . . 5 . . . 2.5 . . 2,189 . . 0.77 2607 Franklin Avenue . . . . $375,000 . . . 3 . . . 1.5 . . 1,700 . . 0.17 504 Westbourne Drive #A2 . $225,000 . . . 2 . . . .2 . . . 1,067 . . .

59 Sonia Lane . . . . . . . . . $365,000 . . . 3 . . . 2.5 . . 1,840 . . 0.33 405 Sussex Boulevard . . . . $330,000 . . . 3 . . . 2.5 . . 1,520 . . 0.17 53 Sonia Lane . . . . . . . . . $331,000 . . . 3 . . . 2.5 . . 1,532 . . 0.28 2626 Cynwyd Avenue . . . . $324,000 . . . 3 . . . .1 . . . 1,504 . . 0.30 28 Schoolhouse Lane . . . . $297,000 . . . 3 . . . 1.5 . . 1,574 . . 0.14 121 Lovell Avenue . . . . . . $399,999 . . . 3 . . . .2 . . . 2,056 . . 0.52 2975 Pennview Avenue . . . $410,000 . . . 4 . . . 3.5 . . 2,689 . . 0.27 309 Hastings Boulevard . . . $400,000 . . . 3 . . . 1.5 . . 1,510 . . 0.22 694 Barclay Lane . . . . . . . $525,000 . . . 4 . . . 2.5+ . . 2,312 . . 0.46 150 3rd Avenue . . . . . . . . $260,000 . . . 3 . . . 1.5 . . 1,216 . . 0.10 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the entire real estate community in the area.

Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

Which real estate agent would you chose for your Marple Friends & Neighbors?

Real Estate Agents tell us they know Broomall, but the agent who brings Marple Township homeowners monthly home sales data will be recognized for knowing Broomall best. Become the Real Estate Sponsor Marple Township residents trust for buying and selling homes.

Contact Bob Blaisse at 610-453-5536.

Come in and try our Premium Baked Goods!

• Cookies • Sticky buns • Mini pastries • Artisan Breads • Party trays • Homemade Pies • Famous cream filled donuts • Custom cakes & desserts

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

Special Moments Captured Sierra Clark Photography

Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com • 610 - 772 - 3740 January 2020

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www.MarpleMag.com 17

Expert Contributor Written by Bill Fritsch Fritsch’s Liberty Auto Service

Is Your Vehicle

Winter-Ready?

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mericans turning our clocks back to “fall behind” has become an annual ritual. Days are shorter, nights longer, and cold temps are returning. These annual changes should also bring to mind this question: Is my vehicle ready for the upcoming winter?

Summer’s scorching heat usually affects and can warp wiper blades. Have you noticed on rainy days that those blades are less efficient than when they were new? Now imagine those blades trying to wipe sleet or snow off your windshield. Now’s the time to invest in new wiper blades so your vision won’t be obstructed if you’re driving during nasty winter weather.

Also think about how below-freezing temperatures affect your vehicle’s radiator. If the fluid in your radiator isn’t a 50/50 water and antifreeze (aka coolant) mix, radiator fluid will freeze, which will cause the engine to overheat, which may crack the radiator (expensive to replace!). Be sure to use only the specific antifreeze recommended for your vehicle’s make and model.

Driving in bad weather can be a chore but even more so if your tires aren’t safe. If they’re worn or bald, stopping quickly may be impossible. Bald tires can also cause you to hydroplane.

Check the treads for wear and if questionable, replace them, not just for your own safety but for those on the road with you.

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

Affordable, High Quality Veterinary Care

Veterinary Examination for Dog or Cat – $35

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

www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org

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

Make Your New Year’s Resolution to Come See Us in 2020!

FritschsLibertyBroomall.com I 610-356-1845 2109 S. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008 18 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

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

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

Tree Care

If the tires look good tread-wise, make sure you check the tire pressure. Properly inflated tires ensure the best possible contact between the tires and the road, essential for safe traction when driving in wintry conditions.

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

610-525-3789

Don’t overlook headlights when winterizing your vehicle. Holidays often involve more driving, shopping and visits with family and friends. The idea of having weak headlights or diminished vision on dark nights is truly terrifying and very dangerous. Vehicles driving with dim lights or only one light are a danger to everyone sharing the road.

Finally, the regular checkups, such as an oil change, refilling the washer fluid, checking the battery and inspecting the brakes, will prepare you to face the weather as the winter months continue into the new year. And remember to pack an emergency road kit: Jumper cables, a flashlight, an ice scraper and, of course, a charged cell phone will be invaluable in an emergency. M

www.RyanTree.biz

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 January 2020

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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January 2020 Calendar of Events Weds. – Sun. through January 12

Daily through Thurs. January 16

Mon. January 20

Fri. January 24

Elf, The Musical

Wild Bird Seed Pre-Sale

Calling All Handicrafters!

@The Media Theatre 104 E State St, Media

@Tyler Arboretum’s website

@Marple Public Library 2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Class

Based on the cherished 2003 movie, this modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf.

Time: 2pm, 3pm or 7pm (varies by date) Cost: Varies

610-891-0100 www.MediaTheatre.org Thur. January 9

“Prohibition: 100 Years Later” @Marple Public Library 2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall Join us for a lecture that will examine the 18th Amendment, better known as Prohibition. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the enactment of this law, which declared the production, transport, and sale of intoxicating liquors illegal (though the actual consumption of alcohol was not included). Shortly after the amendment was ratified, Congress passed the Volstead Act to provide for the federal enforcement of Prohibition. Historian Roger Arthur will present. Registration in advance is requested.

Time: 7 - 8pm Cost: FREE

Help feed your feathered friends through the tough winter months while also supporting Tyler Arboretum. Pre-order from a wide variety of options, then pick up your order at Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Rd, Media) on Sat. Jan. 25.

This Pre-Sale is made possible through a partnership with family-owned Moyer & Son, which manufactures Scarlett Wild Bird Blends at their mill in Souderton, PA. Cost: Varies (Member discount not valid on purchases.)

www.TylerArboretum.org (search for seed) 610-566-9134 Sat. January 18

Mental Health First Aid Certification @Riddle Hospital Annex Conf., Rm 1 1068 W Baltimore Pike, Media MHFA certification can save a life. This certifications teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The course is designed to build mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and offer practical help. Mental Health First Aid USA is operated by the National Council for Behavioral Health.

Time: 9am - 5:15pm Cost: FREE

All adults who like to knit or crochet are invited to come and join this friendly group. Beginners to experts are welcome. Helping each other with projects is just part of the fun!

Time: 1 - 3pm Cost: FREE (bring your own materials)

Mon. January 20

25th Annual MLK Day of Service @All Across the US The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

To find volunteer opportunities in your area, visit www.NationalService.gov/ serve/search

@Liberti Newtown Square, 3722 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square Join us for American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. Learn adult, infant, and child CPR, choking care, and how to use an automated external defibrillator.

The first aid portion will cover wound care, burn care, how to recognize and care for victims of stroke, diabetes, allergic reactions and more. You’ll receive certification for American Red Cross First Aid and CPR. Registration required.

Time: 9am - 12pm Cost: $90

www.ShoenSafety.com/events Sun. January 26

“Interested in History” @The Thomas Massey House 469 Lawrence Rd, Broomall Are you interested in history? Join us at the 1696 Thomas Massey House, to learn about the history of where we live. Come explore Colonial crafts and activities, and tour this 300-yearold home. Refreshments provided.

Time: 1 - 4pm Cost: FREE (Donations Welcome!)

www.MarpleHistoricalSociety.org www.ThomasMasseyHouse.org

610-664-7374

Marple Newtown’s Most Popular Pizza!

Pizzas fresh & made to order!

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

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

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

Let us cater your next party!

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

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

www.NewtownSquarePizza.com 3113 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 20 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

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610-353-4234

Made to order hot & cold subs!

Spring Will Come Written by Bob Blaisse

Snow might be in the forecast but think Spring by thinking about baseball and softball because it’s now time to register for Little League Baseball and Newtown Square Petticoat League Softball. Each league requires certain township residency or attendance at a school within the league’s borders, so check registration rules. Don’t get left out in the cold this Spring. It’s Batter Up time now, for online registration of girls and boys for baseball or softball. See details below, to consider which league to register your son or daughter.

SINCE 1976

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

South Marple Little League (SMLL) Baseball and Softball teams for boys and girls ages 4-12 who reside in or attend a school within the SMLL boundaries (see website) Registration fee increases by $25 after Feb 14 www.SouthMarpleLittleLeague.org / SouthMarpleLL@yahoo.com

Marple Township Little League (MTLL) Baseball teams for boys and girls ages 5-12 who reside in or attend a school within the MTLL boundaries (see website) Registration ends Feb 4 (Some fees increase slightly after Jan 15)

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

www.MTLL.org / MarpleTownshipLL@gmail.com

Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL) Softball teams for Marple Newtown girls ages 4-17 as of Jan. 1 Registration ends March 1 www.NSPLSoftball.com / Registration@NSPLSoftball.com ATTENTION NSPL ALUMNAE Help celebrate NSPL’s 50th Anniversary this summer! Some planned events include a skills competition, Alumnae game, Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend, as well as our usual slate of in-house softball, stylish uniforms, Family Fun Day and All-Star Game festivities. It’s sure to be a fun year that Players won’t want to miss! Email us for details.

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

Play Ball!

January 2020

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www.MarpleMag.com 21

Local Star Written by Liz Burnett

How Forks in the Road Led Chef and Restauranteur John Wolferth to a More Fulfilling Life

Broomall resident John Wollferth Photo courtesy of John Wolferth

C

weeks, exploring and getting excited about all the great San Francisco restaurants. When he returned home, John convinced his wife Kim to move there.

It was a fairly easy decision because they were young and had no kids yet.

hange is inevitable. Sometimes it’s caused by something we have no control over, like the calendar changing to a new year or the passing of a loved one.

Sometimes such externally caused changes motivate us to make New Year’s Resolutions or tell people we love them more frequently. This is the story of John Wolferth, a long-time Broomall resident whose life has changed in many ways, but most dramatically over the past seven years.

John grew up in Bala Cynwyd. His mother and one of his grandmothers, both great cooks, got him interested in food and cooking. One summer during high school, John worked as a dishwasher in a French restaurant. The chef took a liking to John, and soon started training him to do food prep and appetizers.

John had a strong creative bent, which found a great outlet in creating food. Over the next 20 years, as he perfected his craft by working front and back of the house in many Philly area restaurants and hotels, John became a fine dining Executive Chef and also a partner or owner of several restaurants.

In 1989, John’s brother who had moved to California asked if John would drive out there in the car he had left back in the Philly area. John agreed, and after arriving, stayed on for two

After six years working as an Executive Chef in several top San Francisco restaurants and hotels, John and Kim decided to move to New York, so he could take the 2-year program to get his Culinary Arts degree at The Culinary Institute of America. When John graduated in 1995, he and Kim moved to Broomall because they both still had family in the Philly area. Their two sons attended the great Marple Newtown schools and are both now in college. Kim has worked as a Nurse at Lankenau Hospital for 25 years. John says they’ve been blessed to have “great neighbors who look out for each other.”

After settling in Broomall and until seven years ago, John worked as an Executive Chef and Restauranteur on the Main Line. He had expected that would be his life’s trajectory until he retires. He never expected that his future included being a licensed sailing captain who has sailed over 8,000 miles to work with NGOs providing donated disaster relief supplies to Caribbean islands, and seeing and doing things he would never have imagined.

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(www.SailAidInternational.org), a nonprofit run by Sequoia Sun, with whom John has sailed. John says Captain Sequoia “does exceptional, very selfless work� and donations to that cause are much needed and greatly appreciated.

John Wolferth loading donated supplies onto a relief vessel in St. Thomas USVI Photo courtesy of John Wolferth

John’s life trajectory changed in 2012, when he started working as a Food Stylist with QVC in West Chester and was assigned to work with Emeril LagassÊ. From that experience and as a consummate Chef, John developed food preparation and presentation skills that led him to develop a unique restaurant consulting business: He and his team of professional photographers image food and sometimes also provide copy for his clients’ social media marketing. John’s consulting services also include rewriting recipes, menu redesign, costing and profit analysis, and staff training.

That consulting business freed John up considerably from his “24/7� life as a chef and restauranteur, giving him time for other interests. He started volunteering and enlisting other supporters for a nonprofit disaster relief organization. When Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated so much of the Caribbean in summer 2017, John volunteered to personally go and serve there.

John’s sailing trips have connected him with many sailing Captains and boat owners. Some of them have referred John to yacht owners who’ve engaged him as a Chef so they can serve restaurant-quality food when they have their friends on board or for other special occasions. Opportunities like that are doubly satisfying: Yacht galley kitchens as well-equipped as his kitchen at home combined with the delight of preparing meals for many interesting people from all over the world.

Interacting directly with guests again has John considering his next fork in the road: Building and managing a unique restaurant and beach bar on an island in the Bahamas.

With change comes growth, a lesson we learned as kids comparing how much taller we got each year. For adults, growth tends to come as we make choices when life presents “forks in the road.� John Wolferth realizes that not everyone can get away to volunteer in another part of the world for several weeks at a time like he can. But he hopes his story will prompt readers to create their own fork in the road by volunteering for at least one local opportunity to help people or a good cause.

John says his experience is proof that many positive things and a more interesting and personally fulfilling life are possible when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone, overcome fear of the unknown, and learn to embrace change. M

One of John’s first sailing trips was as a crew member in January, 2018, delivering construction supplies to the British Virgin Islands.

Seeing firsthand such shocking and heartbreaking devastation combined with experiencing the warmth, humility and gratitude of the islanders made a profound and lasting impression on John.

He then volunteered for several more such sail-and-serve trips, some of which took up to a month. He just returned from delivering relief supplies to the Bahamas, which were devastated by Hurricane Dorian in September. Humanitarian aid and recovery efforts are ongoing through NGOs such as Sail Aid International

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