Marple
2020 July
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
The Meiklejohn Family
Thankful for the Marple Community Cover photo by: Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com
Bringing People Together
Marple’s Expert Contributors Automotive Repairs & Service Bob Wilkinson C&J Automotive Specialists 99 S. Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square 610-616-2411 BWilkinson@CandJAutoRepair.com www.CandJAutoRepair.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 Drive, Broomall 484-472-7704 Michael.Brady@LPL.com www.MikeBradylpl.com
Senior Living & Housing Lindsey Poeth, CSA Oasis Senior Advisors – Main Line Malvern 484-947-4266 LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline
Fireplace Products Scott Magness Scott's Fireplace Products 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484-422-8334 SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com
Veterinary Medical & Surgical Care Dr. Sarah Alexander, DVM The Spayed Club Veterinary Clinic 800 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill 484-540-8436 Info@TheSpayedClubClinic.org www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org
Funeral Home Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. DANJOLELL Memorial Homes 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610-356-4200 RobJr@DANJOLELL.com www.DANJOLELL.com
Waterproofing & Weatherization David Linn Cook Weatherproofing Plus, Inc. Marple Newtown 610-325-0596 Info@Weatherproofing-Plus.com www.Weatherproofing-Plus.com
Expert Contributors needed! Medical, Catering, Real Estate, Fitness, Law, Public Adjuster, Education, Vacations, Landscaping, Home Health Care, Taxes, Mortgages, etc. Professionals may contact: Bob Blaisse: 610-453-5536 or BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com.
Glass & Mirror Services David Gura & Lew Gura Bryn Mawr Glass 729 West Chester Pike, Havertown 610-853-2990 BrynMawrGlass@yahoo.com www.BrynMawrGlass.com
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
PUBLICATION TEAM
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Liz Burnett CONTENT COORDINATOR: Holly Stupak DESIGNER: Kim Cesati COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Duff Micduff Photography, 610-359-1569 www.Micduff.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Sierra Clark, Sierra Clark Photography, www.SierraClarkPhoto.com COVER PHOTO STYLISTS: Mary Rosato, Salon Bella CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Holly Stupak, Liz Burnett, Doug Humes, Chris Stack, Jim Casar, Len Sciulli, Scott Magness, David Linn Cook, Mike Brady and Bob Wilkinson 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 Holly Stupak at HStupak@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 Meiklejohn Family at The Willows Preserve in Radnor
Marple
2020 July
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
This issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors completes our second year serving as your hometown magazine. How quickly time passes when you’re having fun! Twenty-four issues have now gone to print since my first Dear Friends & Neighbors note like this one, introducing myself and our magazine to you, with grateful appreciation to our Inaugural Sponsors who made it possible for us to have our hometown monthly magazine in print and online at www.MarpleMag.com. One Inaugural Sponsor, Bill Fritsch of Fritsch’s Liberty Service Center, Broomall’s oldest family owned and operated business, quickly recognized the value that a community magazine like this one would be for the residents of Broomall. And so Bill agreed to be one of our first Sponsors, and we’re better for it. Thank you, Bill. I also want to thank Bill Fritsch for serving as one of our first Expert Contributors. Bill’s Automotive Repair & Service feature articles have been a great resource for our community. Now Bill has agreed to allow another Automotive Specialist to follow his lead in sharing automotive expertise with us as Bill continues his advertising sponsorship. This month Marple Friends & Neighbors welcomes Bob Wilkinson as our newest Expert Contributor. Bob will be stepping into the role Bill Fritsch pioneered, to provide us with Automotive Repairs & Service features articles. As the Service Manager of C & J Automotive Specialists in Newtown Square (across from Gentile’s Market), Bob Wilkinson is perfect for the role. This month look for Bob Wilkinson’s first Expert Contributor feature on page 7. If you stop by C & J Automotive Specialists for gas or needed car repairs, or find yourself driving into Fritsch’s Liberty Service Center on Sproul Rd (across from Freddy’s) for gas or repairs this month, please, thank these business leaders, as you might also thank any advertising Sponsor you see on the pages of this magazine, for providing needed local services while making our hometown magazine possible to be mailed home for free every month. Enjoy the Summer everyone. Don’t forget to Get Your Splash On!
Bob Blaisse Publisher
We’re Online! www.MarpleMag.com
Dear Residents, Summer is in full swing, and although it’s been an unusual one, the Marple community is finding ways to make the best of it. Check out how the Splash Surf Club was able to adapt and get creative with their use of space so its members can still enjoy the pool this summer! This issue highlights Marple residents who continue to make our community a better place. Meet the Meiklejohns, a family who found support through our generous community when they faced a very difficult time. And, we introduce you to Marple Township’s Health Inspector, Joe Grande. Although much has changed since he moved to Broomall more than 50 years ago, Joe said that one thing has remained the same… this is THE best place to live! We’re also excited to share a peek into the new Broomall Firehouse, now better equipped to serve our community for decades to come. I hope your families enjoyed celebrating Independence Day. Whether it was participating in the “Celebrate in Place” contest or just being with family and friends, I hope it was fun.
Family The Meiklejohn le Community
Thankful for the Marp
Photography Cover photo by: Micduff www.Micduff.com
Bringing People Together
Holly Stupak Content Coordinator
July 2020
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Expert Contributor Written by Scott Magness Scott’s Fireplace Products
Getting Together with Friends & Family
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hat are the normal thoughts a person might have as we move into July and summer really begins to take shape? Baseball season, 4th of July festivals, summer camps and vacations, just to name a few. As we all know, 2020 has been anything but normal! In the first half of this year, the few things just listed have not happened and quite possibly will not happen this year due to business closures and stayat-home orders across the nation, the cancellation of all sports, concerts, and festivals, and simply our average daily routines being turned upside-down. It has seemed like a lifetime, but Delaware County is slowly opening back up. Nothing major so far, but small steps toward getting everyone up and running again. While most of us still remain at home, why not invite a few friends over for a barbecue on a gas grill, and spend some time by the gas fire pit on those cool summer nights? Compared to charcoal grills, gas grills are not messy (well, depends what is being grilled!) and can start with the push of a button. On a charcoal grill, there can be a lot of having to shift the charcoals around, to get temperatures right. Gas grill temperatures, however, can be controlled with pinpoint accuracy. And with the turn of a knob, a gas grill can create a hot side cooking surface and also a cooler side, allowing for a variety of foods to be grilled. When grilling is done, just turn the gas grill off! Yes, that’s it. No waiting for the coals to cool down and be disposed of later.
Gas fire pits are very similar to gas grills with the only difference being no cooking. Gas fire pits also turn on with the push of a button. Unlike wood fire pits, gas fire pits require no kindling and no chopping of wood. With a fire pit’s control knob, it’s a breeze to raise or lower the flame height to control the amount of heat it puts out. And having to dodge a wood fire pit’s smoke is no longer a worry or a necessity. Gas fire pits have a controlled flame with no smoke emissions, and there’s a variety of decorative glass colors or rocks, to use as media for the flames to come right through and create a timeless appearance. And here’s the best part: No messy clean up! Just like gas grills, when it’s time to call it a night, just turn the knob off and that’s it! 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 4
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
s n o i t a l u C ongrat July Sproul Lanes Student of the Month July Sproul Lanes Student of the Month Sofia Petroccia Photo courtesy of Sofia Petroccia
We’re pleased to announce that the July Sproul Lanes Student of the Month is Archbishop John Carroll High School rising Senior Sofia Petroccia! To celebrate this recognition, Sofia received a Certificate of Achievement and looks forward to enjoying her award: a “Pizza Bowl” party courtesy of Sproul Lanes, our Sponsor of this program. As a member of Carroll’s Community Service Corps (CSC), Sofia has delivered turkeys and Thanksgiving dinners and also wrapped and delivered Christmas gifts to needy families in the community. She served as Manager of Carroll’s 2019 Softball Team, and was prepared to serve again this Spring but couldn’t because the season was cancelled. For the 2019-2020 school year, Sofia headed up the school’s Yearbook Committee. She’s also head of Carroll’s Student Ambassador Program, is the school’s #1 tour guide for visitors, and has helped 8th-graders and transfer students get comfortable in the school as they “shadowed” her for a day. Since Freshman year, Sofia has served as a Class Representative on Carroll’s Student Council, and her leadership skills resulted in her recently being elected to serve as 2020-2021 Student Council President. A talented and hard-working student, she was inducted into the National Honor Society this past school year. Sofia has studied dance since age 5, and now gives back by teaching young dancers ages 4-7 every Friday and Saturday. She enjoys being a member of ACTS (Archbishop Carroll Theatre Society), and has been in their plays every year.
Student of the Month Written by Liz Burnett
Sofia Petroccia! Nominate the Next Student of the Month! Any student in grades 7–12 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 is 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
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Book online TODAY! www.EscapeSproul.com
Congratulations again, Sofia! We wish you a wonderful Senior year, full of many fond memories, and much success in college and beyond!
Questions? Call us: 610-544-4524, ext. 2 July 2020
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Expert Contributor Written by David Linn Cook Weatherproofing Plus, Inc.
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Nasty-Smelling Crawl Spaces: A Case Study
his is the story of three waterproofing contractors’ failed attempts and the final solution to fix the bad moldy smell that had been causing headaches for the wife of a senior couple, long-time residents of a 1950s ranch-style home in the Springton area of Marple Newtown. The home’s basement heater room was OK, but the bedrooms above the two crawl spaces were damp and nasty-smelling. The three so-called fixes had been: 1. French drains and sump pumps had been installed in the basement and the two crawl spaces. But the sump pumps never really ran at all, and had little impact on the humid/moldy smells. 2. Three portable dehumidifiers had been installed and set to below 45% relative humidity. They made a lot of noise and heat, and the drip hoses leaked through the crawl spaces.
Your Basement DOES NOT Have to Look this Way!
3. HVAC UV filters and HEPA air filters had been installed. They helped significantly reduce pollen and dust but did nothing to eliminate the musty smell in the bedrooms. The fourth attempt to fix this problem HAD to be permanent and easy for this senior couple to maintain. This was even more necessary due to recent stay-at-home orders that affect all of us. Indoor air is normally over 300% worse than outdoor air. If COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, then breathing clean “natural” air is now more important than ever. For homes built since the 1950s, musty or nasty smells in crawl spaces cannot be solved using sump pumps, dehumidifiers, charcoal humidifiers or HEPA UV air filters. The solution for this home’s nasty-smelling crawl spaces was this multi-phased approach: 1. In the two crawl spaces, all dehumidifiers were removed and replaced with box fans and oscillating fans. Vent ports between the basement and the crawl spaces were kept open! 2. To manage exterior surface water along the crawl spaces’ foundation walls, the perimeter that had been covered with flower mulch was replaced with sand and decorative stones/pebbles. 3. Surface water was also managed with drains and spout runoffs at critical points.
• Basement Waterproofing • Waterproofing Coatings • Foundation & Crack Repair • Sump Pump Install /Service • Mold Remediation • Humidity Control Management David Linn Cook 30 Year MN Resident Weatherization Expert
The next two proprietary corrections were game-changers and not at all expected by the homeowners. Unlike the basement, which has mold-reducing windows and vents, the crawl spaces have neither, and instead had complete darkness and humidity.
610- 325- 0596 FREE Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured
www.WeatherProofing-Plus.com 6
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
4. Added low-energy light bulbs throughout, and permanently closed open/wet foundation vents. 5. The floors and walls of the crawl spaces became clean and dry after being completely hosed down safely without harmful chlorine bleaches. The bad foundation smells were due to organic matter (mud) composting in a damp, dark and typically 55-degree crawl space. By adding light and low air-flow fans, removing exterior perimeter surface water, and doing a one-time hose-down cleaning, the bedrooms are now quiet, and gone are the noise, moldy smell and headaches. A permanent no-maintenance solution! M
Expert Contributor Written by Bob Wilkinson C & J Automotive Specialists
Great Habits for CAR MAINTENANCE
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ou may think that you only have to spend money on repairs for your car as they’re needed. But more often than not, spending money on proactive maintenance now will save you money in the long run. Here’s a few tips! Read the Owner’s Manual The Owner’s Manual will be your best resource for understanding which services are the most important for your car, and how frequently each service should be done. Change the Oil Regularly This is the #1 basic service of them all. Today, due to advances in engines and oil, auto manufacturers recommend 4,000 to 6,000 miles between changes. Make sure to check your Owner’s Manual for this information or ask your mechanic. Check the Tire Pressure You don’t need to check the tire pressure often. If you have a newer car, the light will come on if you need to worry about it. Don’t panic on the few days when temperature dips down to single digits. When the outside temperature drops, so does the tire pressure. But it will restabilize when the temperature rises again. Keep an Eye on Gauges and Indicator Lights The gauges on your dashboard are the first signals of something that needs attention. Take each signal seriously! Keep your eye on the gas gauge and don’t let it get too low. Driving with low gas may damage the fuel pump. Keep your eye on the temperature gauge. If it goes up to HOT, pull over and call for a tow. It may be only a bad hose, but if you keep driving, the engine will overheat and very expensive repairs will be needed.
The gauges and indicator lights are designed to help you be proactive about automotive maintenance. Checking your vehicle’s systems should not be done only during scheduled maintenance. The better you take care of your car, the longer it will last. M
OUR FAMILY PUTS YOUR FAMILY FIRST!
Marple Newtown’s Auto Repair Experts • • • • • • • • • • •
Family owned and operated State of the art facilities Expert certified technicians Check engine light diagnostic Repair customers SAVE 5¢/gallon State Inspection & emissions Factory service interval maintenance with EVERY fill up! Ask Bob for details. Engine & transmission repair Oil change, tires, preventative maintenance 24-month / 24,000 mile warranty w/ every repair Service all makes & models, including all imports Ceramic coating & detailing 610 - 353- 2290
I
www.CandJAutoRepair.com
99 S. Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square (across from Gentile’s)
The check engine light is the most serious signal. Once the light goes on, bring the car in immediately. Be Battery Proactive Batteries normally last about five years. After five years, test the battery and replace it if the results are low. If the engine cranks slowly when you turn the car on in cold weather, you should bring it in for a battery check.
We Always Beat Dealer Prices. We Honor & Price Match Competitor. July 2020
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Resident Feature
The Meiklejohn Family: Thankful for the Marple Community Written by Holly Stupak
Photos by Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com Bob and Kim Meiklejohn
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eet Broomall neighbors, Bob and Kim Meiklejohn and their four children. The Meiklejohns are long-time Marple residents, and when they faced a challenging time a few years ago, the community showed an outpouring of support and kindness, making them forever grateful to live in Marple. Growing up, Bob lived in a couple different areas of Marple Newtown. Bob’s uncle still owns one of Bob’s childhood homes, on 3rd Avenue in Newtown Square. Bob graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1976. Since 1981, he has worked for Accurate Metal in Lansdowne, where he’s been a truck driver, a salesman, and now a Supervisor and Manager. The owner of a 1965 Mustang, Bob loves classic cars and belongs to the Historical Car Club of Pennsylvania. Also an avid motorcyclist, Bob is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and Warrior Watch, and he participates in motorcycle rides to escort Veterans to their final resting place. Kim grew up in Darby Borough and graduated from Pennwood High School in 1986. After attending Delaware County Community College, she earned a B.S. from Albright College in 2007, and an M.B.A. from Strayer University in 2016. She worked for 10 years as an Assistant Controller for a local bank, and last year, she started working as a Compensation Analyst at Main Line Health in Newtown Square. “Working at Main Line Health is definitely one of the best jobs I’ve ever had!” Kim said. “It’s a diverse group of people who always go above and beyond.” Kim also volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which offers free tax help for low-income families and others who need assistance preparing their tax returns.
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Kim and Bob met in 1995, at a party hosted by Bob’s company. The two hit it off, and after dating for a few years, Bob planned an exciting marriage proposal. He arranged for a plane to fly over a Dover Downs Nascar race, pulling a banner that said “Kim, will you marry me?” Unfortunately, the timing didn’t quite work out: Kim wasn’t in the stands when the banner flew over, so she missed seeing it! With a photo of the banner in hand, Bob proposed a week later. In June 2002, they got married at Rolling Green Golf Course in Springfield, and honeymooned in Jamaica. After Kim and Bob got engaged, they found a great For Sale By Owner ranch home in the Marple Gardens section of Broomall, but they learned it was already under contract. Bob took a chance and left a note that said, “Call us if the other deal doesn’t work out.” Two weeks later they got the call: The deal had indeed fallen through! They jumped on it, and eventually added a second floor, to make more room for their children. Kim and Bob have two children Liz and Chris, as well as Bob’s two son’s from a previous marriage, Bobby and John. They also have two adorable twin granddaughters, Ophelia and Alexandria, age 3, and a cat named Puds. Bobby graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1999. He then pursued a B.A. in Film Production from Full Sail University in Florida. Now he lives in
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Los Angeles, and works in TV production for such networks as ESPN, Fox, A&E, and MSNBC. His favorite part of TV production? Getting to meet people and travel to places many people don’t get to see. Most recently, he was on the production team for a show called West Texas Investors Club, a docuseries that aired on CNBC. John, a 2003 Archbishop Carroll High School grad, earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice from West Chester University in 2007. He runs his own entertainment business that hosts Pub Trivia nights. That’s a fun job and, more importantly, his schedule allows John to stay home with his twin daughters. John and his wife Ani live in Downingtown, where she works as the General Manager at the Victory Brew Pub. Liz graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 2019. She’s attending Delaware County Community College (DCCC), and works as a Chiropractic Assistant at a local office. As a young girl, Liz was very active and spent her summers lifeguarding at Rose Tree Woods Swim Club and working as a counselor at local camps. She also played softball from age 6 through high school for the Newtown Square Petticoat League, and was a member of MNHS swim, diving and volleyball teams. When Liz was 14 and just a freshman in high school, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After months of tests, Liz endured aggressive chemotherapy treatments once a week for seven months. During that time, she missed school and was unable to play the sports she so enjoyed, especially softball with
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Chris and Liz Meiklejohn
her NSPL teammates. That year, her team won the championship, and Liz was very honored that her team dedicated the season to her. That fall, she returned to school and resumed swimming and playing volleyball. She was also inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS). continued on page 10
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The Meiklejohn Family
After DCCC, Liz wants to transfer to a four-year program for radiology, to become a technician or possibly a doctor. “After being a patient myself,” said Liz, “I saw what an important role radiologists played in my health and treatment. Their example gotme interested in this field.”
The Meiklejohns loved spending summers at Rose Tree Woods Swim Club, watching their kids compete on the swim team and lifeguard there. Wanting to help improve the club for its members, Kim served on that Board, and Bob was on the Grounds Committee.
Bob and Kim’s youngest, Chris, is a senior at MNHS. He also spent many years lifeguarding and working at youth sports camps. Chris loves sports and plays football, lacrosse and wrestling for his school. This past year, he earned the “Most Dedicated Player”’award from his football coaches. “I spent a lot of time after practice, doing extra workouts in the weight room,” said Chris. “My coaches noticed how hard I was working and honored me at this past year’s banquet.” Chris was also inducted into NHS for Social Studies, and he was chosen to serve on a Leadership Council that helped keep the younger team players motivated during the pandemic. He is still deciding what his post-high-school plans are, and hopes to continue playing football.
In 2017, the Meiklejohns were granted the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “We got to experience so many things we normally couldn’t, like scuba diving with sharks, visiting Pearl Harbor, and hiking Diamond Head,” Liz recalled. “It was a well-deserved trip for Liz!” Kim added. “We are still very grateful to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for that vacation!”
Being involved in the Marple community has always been im-portant to Kim and Bob. When her kids attended Worrall Elementary, Kim joined the PTO, as a way to meet people. She has continued serving on her kids’ schools’ PTOs, and now serves as Vice President of MNHS PTO.
The Meiklejohns are thankful for Liz’s outcome: She’s been cancer-free for four years. Although she will continue to have scans throughout her life, all the Meiklejohns are maintaining a positive attitude. Their family motto is “Every day is a second chance.” And, to the Marple community who generously organized fundraisers, delivered meals, and provided shoulders to lean on during that difficult time, they send a heartfelt Thank You! Do you know a family that readers of our magazine might like to meet in an upcoming issue? Nominate them by email to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com. M
Come See
Auto Service Your Summer Fun is in Clear View! Optician on staff Diagnosing/treating eye conditions • Eye exams (glasses & contacts) • Fashion eyewear • Lab on site • •
Dr. Michael Allodoli, OD
www.BroomallEyeCare.com
•
610 -325-7688
Lawrence Park Business Center, 580 Reed Road, Ste A5-6 Broomall (Behind the Lawrence Park Shopping Center)
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Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
The longest family owned and operated business. Serving Marple Township residents since 1950. Offering exceptional service at a fair price, plus: • Tire installation, repair and wheel alignment • Brake repair and rotors • Oil changes • PA state inspection station • Propane sales and exchange • A/C repair and recharge • Towing service provided with our own tow truck
2109 S. Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008 www.FritschsLibertyBroomall.com I 610-356-1845
Where Are We?
Can You Spot It From the Air? Hint: This intersection leads to a new
development of homes being built in either Marple or Newtown Township, or both. Can you name the intersection? The answer can be found on Page 19.
Photo Courtesy of FAA-Certified Drone Pilot Chris Stack (NewPigeonImaging@gmail.com)
Affordable, High Quality Veterinary Care
Veterinary Examination for Dog or Cat – $40
See our website for a list of services and transparent pricing.
www.TheSpayedClubClinic.org
484-540-8436 800 Chester Pike, Sharon Hill, PA 19079 Conveniently located 9 short miles from Marple!
The Mission of The Spayed Club Clinic Eliminate unnecessary dog & cat euthanasia through affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter surgeries. The Spayed Club is a 501 (c)3 non-profit charity organization. July 2020
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People in Places
Joe Grande:
Always Giving Back Written by Holly Stupak
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t 83 years old, Marple Township Health Inspector Joe Grande will tell you that age is just a number. He loves his job and has no plans to retire. “What I love about the job is meeting new people, talking to and helping them,” said Joe. ”And l love keeping busy because even though I’m almost 84, I feel 24.” For the past 10 years, Joe has been responsible for the issuance of permits, notices, certificates and orders as well as making inspections to determine conformance with applicable codes and ordinances. He performs housing and pool inspections and also coordinates community service. Because Newtown Township doesn’t have a full-time Health Inspector, they also use Joe’s expertise. He has adapted well to all the recent changes to his job due to the pandemic. His department shortened their hours, and he could only go into homes and buildings that were empty. “Although
Joe Grande (L) and Joe Romano (R) of Marple Township’s Code Enforcement Dept. Photo courtesy of Joe Romano
we’ve had to make changes like wearing masks on the job, I just continue to do my job and keep a positive attitude,” he said. Joe came to the United States from Cuba in 1946, when he was only 9 years old. He and his mother, a clothing designer, left Cuba and settled in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City, a neighborhood rich with diversity and interesting people. Joe’s
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Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
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father, a doctor who was researching leprosy, stayed back in Cuba while Joe and his mom came to make a life in the US. Joe attended St. Patrick’s Military Academy and Aviation High School in NYC. Riding the subway to school, playing ball with his friends at 36th & 9th Streets near the Lincoln Tunnel, and going to Coney Island for Nathan’s hot dogs are some of Joe’s fondest memories of that time. When Joe was 17 and “feeling a little lost and looking for discipline,” he joined the Army and served for five years. He received a BA from the United States Armed Forces Institute and served in the Navy for 25 years. “Serving our country is a privilege that I’ll never forget,” said Joe. “I remember the guys we served with and think about them a lot. There are only a few of us still around, and when we get together we get a little emotional thinking about all of the guys. We drink a few beers, and thank God that we live in this great country. God bless my family, God bless the Navy, and God bless America!”
Joe was also a mentor to young men in the community. He got emotional when recalling how he worked with a boy who was doing community service at the Paxon Hollow Country Club (PHCC). “I helped him learn about responsibility by showing him how to clean the golf carts and do work around the golf course. Years later, we met again and he thanked me for turning his life around,” Joe said.
“
Joe Grande is an asset to Marple Township! He knows everything about this Township, inside and out!.
”
After retiring from the military in 1999, Joe worked for many years for Sears and Roebuck. After he retired from S&R, he worked as a golf course ranger at PHCC. It was there that he met Joe Romano and learned of the job opening at Marple Township’s Code Enforcement Department. He trained under Romano, took the necessary courses to learn about Code Enforcement, and he’s been there ever since. “Joe Grande is an asset to Marple Township!” Joe Romano said. “He knows everything about this township, inside and out. He’s great with people. And the fact that he is fluent in Spanish is a bonus!”
Joe and Arleen Grande with their large and loving family (not included are a son-in-law, two grandsons and one great-grandson) Photo courtesy of Joe Grande
Joe said that by joining the military, he was able to see the world. “I couldn’t believe a kid like me from New York was able to experience places like Turkey and Greece!” An art lover, he got to visit the Guggenheim and other museums in Europe. “I love Picasso, and every time I look at one of his paintings, I feel something different,” he said. “I believe the more your mind grows, the more your imagination grows.” Joe met his wife Arleen, whom he calls “Queenie,” in New York. They got married in 1962. Arleen was from West Philadelphia, so they decided to move to the Philadelphia area, to raise a family. After living in Upper Darby for a few years and after their first child was born, they moved to Broomall and have been here for almost 57 years. Joe and Arleen raised their five children here: Dean, Daren, Dana, Elana, and Lisa, all of whom graduated from Marple Newtown High. They still live locally except for Dean who lives in San Diego, giving Joe and Arleen an excuse to take trips to California. And they are blessed with 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. When Joe’s kids were growing up, he was very involved in the community and coached the Marple Junior Tigers and South Marple Little League for many years.
Since 2002, Joe Grande has spent many enjoyable hours at the baseball fields for Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL) and Newtown Edgmont Little League (NELL), watching his grandchildren play ball. Joe’s son Daren, a Newtown Square resident, has been NELL President since 2015. “Even though my dad was always busy when I was growing up and he’s still busy working full-time, he always found and still finds the time to do things with his kids and grandkids,” Daren said with admiration. Joe is still enthusiastic about Broomall after living here for over 50 years and having raised his 5 children here. “This is the best township there is!” he said. “There are so many more advantages here than where I grew up in New York City.” M
Special Moments Captured Sierra Clark Photography
Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com • 610 - 772 - 3740 July 2020
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Expert Contributor Written by Mike Brady, MBA LPL Financial
You’re in the Driver’s Seat When Deciding How to Manage Your Retirement Investment Plan
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our company offers a major benefit through its retirement plan: a powerful vehicle that helps you save. It’s up to you to decide how to make the most of its many features, including deciding on your investments. But you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you want to “do it yourself,” have a professional “do it for you” or “get some help doing it,” most plans offer a wealth of resources to get you started and keep you on track. Drive the “Car” Yourself If you’re interested in learning about the investment markets and comfortable making the choices that are right for you, you
may want to be more involved in managing your plan. When you choose to “do it yourself,” you: • Mix and match individual funds from your plan’s investment menu. • Select an asset allocation fund that invests in accordance with your tolerance for risk, and then decide when you want to change to another fund when your risk tolerance or new financial circumstances warrant. • If you are interested in an “all-in-one” type of investment that automatically invests according to your time horizon to retirement and beyond, you may want to consider a target-date fund Uber Your Future! Would you rather focus your time on interests outside of investing, taking more of a hands-off approach to managing money? Maybe you’re a “do it for me” investor. This option may be appealing to you if your finances are complex. Say your financial goals include buying a first home, having children or caring for parents. As a “do it for me” investor, you can have an investment professional select and manage the funds in your account and, for an annual cost, provide financial planning, to help you pursue your goals.
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. Invest with a knowledgeable financial advisor who’s on your side; someone who truly cares whether your investments are right for you.
Enjoy the Destination — and the Journey! No matter how you choose to manage your retirement plan, it’s important to stay active and on top of your retirement plan. To maximize your investment results, follow these important tips: • Periodically review your portfolio and rebalance to your preferred target allocation if necessary.
Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
• Think about combining accounts, to take advantage of potentially lower fees and built-in fund monitoring that’s available in your current company’s plan. Michael Brady, MBA
• Update beneficiary designations after major life events; e.g., having a child, entering into marriage or going through divorce.
780 Parkway Blvd. Broomall, PA 19008 (484)472-7704 (484)472-7388 michael.brady@lpl.com
• Choose income options that fit your needs (e.g., systematic, partial, lump-sum withdrawals) or keep investing if you don’t need income right away. M Independence Powered By LPL Financial.
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Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
History Spotlight
Foxcroft: Witness to History Written by Doug Humes
I
n 1686, David Morris came to Marple from Wales, with a land grant from William Penn, for 400 acres in the northeast corner of the Township. That land today would reach from West Chester Pike near Pacifico Ford down to Darby Creek, bordering Haverford and Radnor townships. The Radnor and Chester road (Sproul Road) was laid out in 1691, and provided access to his land. He built his house up the hill from the creek, and commuted to work along the same route I do: down the Sproul hill into Haverford, where he owned a gristmill on the creek. His descendants would own that property for the next 170 years. Foxcroft in bloom Photo courtesy of Doug Humes
David’s son Mordecai inherited part of the property and his father’s best carpentry tools. With them, he built a fine stone home and huge barn on the hill. The datestone facing the road tells us the date: 1754. British troops visited during the American Revolution. On December 10, 1777, they looted the farm, taking, among other things, a silk gown, stays, knee buckles and a hat. They also broke open locks and drawers, and destroyed furniture while searching for money and silver. Mordecai Sr. had died just two weeks before the raid. His son, Mordecai Jr., could only stand and watch helplessly as his farm and home were stripped of all valuables. When Mordecai Jr. died relatively young in 1787, his wife and daughter Rebecca continued living in the house. Rebecca married Nathaniel Fawkes, and they had five daughters. By the time Rebecca died in 1855, the property had been subdivided several times, and was again divided among the daughters, one of whom, Anna (Dickinson), received the lot with the old family home. When Anna sold the property in 1880, the house went out of the family for the first time. Charles Brentz, a carriage maker from West Philadelphia, owned the farm as a country estate, and was likely the first to give it a name: Foxcroft. That name was also adopted for the railroad station on the Newtown Square branch that crossed Sproul Road at the bottom of the hill, and the stone quarry that it served.
Mordecai’s datestone Photo courtesy of Doug Humes
1925 Church Farm Cuties Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Inquirer
From 1920–1945, The Church of Saint Luke & The Epiphany in Philadelphia used the property as “Fresh Air Farm,” a church farm and summer camp for its congregants. The house returned to private hands after 1945. It stands today back from the roadside, as it has for 266 years, a witness to the entire history of Marple township. 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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Bringing People Together Written by Bob Blaisse, Publisher
Bringing People Together Marple Friends & Neighbors
This Local Business Leader Will Be Bringing People (Back) Together!
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elaware County has moved further towards reopening from the coronavirus shutdown. The most severe restrictions have gone away, including the stay-at-home order we all endured. But our Marple Friends & Neighbors Sponsors sacrificed even more for the health and safety of our community, by closing their businesses. As more of the economy begins to reopen, restrictions are being adjusted as necessary, based on public health indicators. Many businesses have been allowed to reopen, while others still not. At the time of this writing, hair salons are yet to open as are gyms. And restaurants still remain limited to takeout and delivery only, but restaurants can open for outdoor dining. I’m looking forward to going out for dinner at local restaurants again, and so this month I thought I’d ask a well-known and loved restaurateur in our community, someone who has been Bringing People Together for years and who is also a Sponsor of Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, for his insights into these times, which no doubt have affected his local restaurant businesses we have all come love and rely for gathering, good food and good times. I asked Pete Crisanti, owner of Casey’s Public House and The Porch at The Lamb Tavern, to share some of his thoughts about these times. Pete has allowed me to share his thoughts with our readers. How have these past months been for you as an owner of restaurants forced to be closed or open only for takeout? Pete: Very trying, to say the least! We have multiple locations, and business had never been better in our 30+ years than before
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the March 15 “punch in the gut.” For two weeks, we did takeout at two of our locations, to use some inventory we had. Then, while we were closed completely for a month, we did a lot of renovations and expensive preparations to be COVID-ready when we reopen. We started takeout again in early May, but we and all our friends and neighbors want us to get back open!
Do you have a date for when Casey’s and The Porch at The Lamb Tavern will be reopening? Pete: That’s up to Governor Wolf. I’m cautiously optimistic that our two Casey’s will have been reopened for two weeks by the time Readers receive this magazine, and The Porch around July 8th. A few weeks ago, we started outdoor dining at Casey’s in Berwyn, and that’s going very well. Have you heard from customers who also look to return to your restaurants? Pete: Oh yes, from countless customers! We’ve developed many loyal patrons over the past 30 years. Some of them have been enjoying BYOB happy hour at Casey’s Newtown Square behind the restaurant, in the back parking lot, because they want to feel close to the building!
we noticed was her smile. Your child’s job is to play. When it’s time to tidy up, we’re happy to help. Why not schedule a cleaning today? 610-359-8181 Kristen@MarpleDental.com
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2004 Sproul Road, Suite 304, Broomall
Will things be different when the restaurants reopen? Pete: Absolutely! We will follow all the state and CDC guidelines, of course. All employees will wear a mask. All around each restaurant, we have hand-sanitizing stations. All day long every day, we’ll be cleaning and wiping down all door handles and all active touch surfaces. We’ve put up partitions for social distancing, and will also follow maximum occupancy guidelines, currently at 50%. We’re doing everything necessary to ensure our staff and guests are safe and protected, and to make this new way of doing business possible. Is there anything you’d like to share with our Marple Friends & Neighbors Readers? Pete: We know everyone is eager to get back out again. We sure are, and we’re looking forward to seeing all our old friends again! I’m hoping and praying that all local businesses big and small will all rebound and recover from this, and we can get back to where we were. Or to the new normal, which will be better than what we’ve all just lived through.
865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield www.ThePorchPA.com
OPEN for DINING on JULY 8TH!
CALL for RESERVATIONS!
610-544-3300
Pete Crisanti is the co-owner of Casey’s Public House in Newtown Square and Berwyn, and The Porch at The Lamb Tavern. Pete is also an inaugural Sponsor of Marple Friends & Neighbors. As the Publisher, I cannot imagine anyone in our community who has served more Broomall residents than Pete, nor anyone more deserving our loyalty and local business when we feel we can go out to share good times and a good meal with friends and family at a local hometown restaurant, especially one that has been such a faithful Sponsor of our hometown by making our hometown magazine possible. M
Bob Blaisse
Publisher, Marple Friends & Neighbors
SINCE 1976
3529 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square www.CaseysNS.com 543 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn www.CaseysBerwyn.com
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Our Community
Splashing Around This Summer! Written by Holly Stupak
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hen we stopped by at Splash Surf Club in Broomall, we noticed right away that they’ve already started making big waves this season! They opened in June, and they’re committed to again making Splash the best “staycation” in Delaware County and, this summer, also the healthiest. After Splash Club’s very successful first season last summer, owners John McKenzie and Nick Reynolds spent the off season working on many ways to make Splash even better! Their Summer 2020 opening was delayed two weeks as they planned and implemented COVID -19 guidelines. But since they opened on June 5th, all systems are a GO! and everyone is glad to again be enjoying fun in the sun and in the pool! “Our goal this summer is to provide our members with some sense of normalcy,” said John McKenzie. “It’s time to come out and enjoy a little sunshine!”
Photo courtesy of Splash Surf Club
– JOIN NOW –
So, what all is new this summer at Splash? Some trees were removed, to create space for over 50 new parking spots. There’s more outdoor dining space to enjoy the Wave’s great food — and outdoor dining in general is something that we’ve all greatly missed for the past few months! “I’m looking forward to members enjoying all our different amenities,” said Nick Reynolds, “including some added cabanas, pergolas, firepits and new synthetic turf areas for members to gather.” There’s also 2,500 more square feet of concrete, to spread out chairs. “Our plan for more space this summer was originally to accommodate new memberships,” said McKenzie, “but instead we will use the new areas for social distancing and to accommodate our members who may want additional space.” To fully meet CDC guidelines, the Splash Club got creative with use of their space: Until PA enters the “green phase” of reopening, the wiffleball field and the basketball courts will instead be available to provide more seating space for their members.
G e t Yo u r S p l as h O n !
To ensure everyone’s safety, members and guests will have their temperature taken when entering. Anyone with an above-normal temperature will not be allowed into the club. Floor markers are set six feet apart at the entrance, the restaurant, the slide and the diving board. Splash Club is counting on parents and guardians to ensure their children follow all the guidelines. Although masks are recommended, they’re not required while moving around the club and they are not recommended for use in the pool. For complete details, visit www.Splash-Club.com. Splash will continue to monitor the situation and provide its members with a safe environment to enjoy their summer!
A LIMITED NUMBER OF M E M B E RS H I P S A R E ST I L L AVA I L A B L E !
www.Splash-Club.com 2705 Sunset Blvd, Broomall, PA 18
Splash Club workers position a new Poseidon statue to a high perch overlooking summer bathers
•
610- 601-4868
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Thank you to our Sponsors, Splash Surf Club and Speer Swim School, for doing what it takes to help create a safe, healthy, fun and exciting summer! M Emily Speer, Owner of Speer Swim School, giving a swim lesson Photo courtesy of Emily Speer
Another Marple Friends & Neighbors Sponsor, Emily Speer says her Speer Swim School is also making waves this summer, in backyard pools and at Splash Club. “I’m looking forward to spending the summer with lots of pool time with our swim students and with my own children!” Emily said. Emily has some swim safety tips for our Readers: • Always have a “water watcher.” Take 10-minute shifts with other parents in your group who will watch the kids distraction free — no phones, no socializing, no drinking alcoholic beverages. • Create verbal cues for kids to get in the water, and use such cues every time. For example: “It’s time to swim!” • Invest in swim lessons to start introducing water safety and to build confidence. • Make sure all children and adults know the pool rules. To prevent the spread of COVID -19, Speer Swim School is also taking precautions that will meet or exceed the CDC guidelines. They will require face shields in the pool, and students should wear masks when not in the pool. Daily wellness checks will be mandatory for staff and students. They’ve also hired an Assistant Instructor to help with lessons at Splash Club. It is still their mission to get water safety messages out to schools, libraries, and parent groups when it’s safe to do so. Interested organizations can book a free presentation by visiting www.SpeerSwimSchool.com and submitting an inquiry using the form on the Contact page.
From the Air Answer (pg. 11): The intersection in “Marple Township” at Newtown Street Rd. (Rt. 252) and Media Line Road, nearest to the site of 38 new homes being developed on the new “Cherry Blossom Lane,” just outside of Newtown Township and just off Rt. 252, between Gradyville Rd. and Media Line Rd.
Splash Club Photos by Annie Whittington Photography
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Entertaining and Educational E-vents Written by Holly Stupak
“When in the course of human events,”
government officials require citizens to protect public health and safety by practicing social distancing, our towns’ and cities’ usual gathering places are not available to us. Organizations are not planning our usual delightful array of local events for July. As we are all temporarily “netizens” only, our Calendar pages here offer E-vents — online tours, activities and live or on-demand videos that can entertain and educate people of all ages.
Delco Libraries Virtual Events www.DelcoLibraries.LibCal.com/calendar Although local libraries may be closed, they’re offering two county-wide programs to help connect people. Paperless Pen Pals helps Delaware County residents who share similar interests connect with each other through email correspondence. Fill out the library system’s Google Survey form and a neighborhood librarian will connect you with a pen pal. If you’re in need of a friendly conversation, fill out their Neighborly Chat form and you will be paired with a friendly librarian or volunteer who will check on you once a week by phone.
Philly Zoo Live and On-Demand Videos www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org The Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo and home to almost 1300 animals, recently introduced a new series to keep us entertained from home. Halfway down the HOME page on the zoo’s website, click on Discover and Learn, a page from which you can watch videos, complete activities and ask questions about the amazing zoo animals. Some videos are from the zoo’s Facebook Live series. If you attend a live event (weekdays at 2pm), you can write in and ask questions about the animals.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens www.PhillyMagicGardens.org Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) opened in 2008. It’s an immersive mixed media art environment that’s completely covered with mosaics. Although they are currently closed to the public for tours and exhibitions, they are offering many ways to explore PMG from your home. Their virtual tour lets you view the outside of the space. You can also print out coloring and activity sheets, and connect to their social media channels for more videos, photos, and fun content.
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. 20
D’ANJOLELL Stigale D’ANJOLELL Memorial Home & Cremation Memorial Home & Crematory Services, Inc. of Aston of Malvern-Frazer 3260 Concord Road 392 Lancaster Avenue Aston, PA 19014 Frazer, PA 19355 610-497-5505 610-296-9555 James Stigale, Supervisor James W. D’Anjolell, Supervisor
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
D’ANJOLELL Barone Memorial Home of Wallingford 908 S. Providence Road Wallingford, PA 19086 610-874-7700 Edward S. Barone, Supervisor
NOW OPEN by Appointment Only!
Arts+Culture To Go
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Courtesy of The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance www.PhillyFunGuide.com/togo The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Arts Alliance supports the growth of arts organizations as well as their audiences. The GPCA offers virtual classes and activities that inspire, educate and entertain kids. Your child can experience, for example, a virtual Betsy Ross House tour, take their pick of books from the library’s Digital Media Databases, and even get their groove on during a live stream dance class! This site's "Lunch & Learn" page offers dozens of links to online classes, lectures and seminars so kids and adults can use their downtime to get inspired or learn or try something new. For self-guided tours of famous historic and cultural Philly tourist attractions, be sure to visit the “Community Table” page. Wind down the day on the “Snackable Shows” page and watch some of the region’s best dance, theater, and music!
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The Philadelphia Orchestra www.PhilOrch.org The Philadelphia Orchestra is a 97-member American symphony orchestra based at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “We know that now, more than ever, music is an incredibly powerful force for good, for inspiration, and for healing.” Search the site for the word virtual or on-demand and results will offer many links to music in video and audio forms, as well as interactive education and enrichment.
Be Inspired
Smithsonian Museum Virtual Tours NaturalHistory.SI.edu Search: Virtual Tour The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers virtual tours of some of their most famous exhibits past and present. Experience exhibits such as Bone Hall, Butterfly Pavilion, External Life in Ancient Egypt and many more! The website also offers educational information on their various departments, such as Botany, Vertebrate Zoology, and Mineral Sciences. The Smithsonian offers a wide range of topics for the whole family to enjoy!
We hope these e-vents help you all regain some of your connection to the many interesting and enriching things our wonderful world offers. Discover more by searching the internet for topics that interest you, such as “workout apps” or “arts and culture” or “free online activities.” And until our local events resume Bringing People Together in person, enjoy getting good at thinking outside the box! M
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Real Estate
Homes Recently Sold In Marple Township Address
Sold Price
Beds
Baths
Sq. Ft.
Acres
413 Portland Drive . . . . . . $390,000 . . . .3 . . . . 1.5 . . . 1,320 . . . 0.21 205 N Central Boulevard . . $315,000 . . . .3 . . . . 1.5 . . . 1,520 . . . 0.17 678 Gerard Road . . . . . . $504,000 . . . .4 . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,312 . . . 0.28 1 Lawrence Road #M2B . . . $150,000 . . . .2 . . . . 1 . . . . 985 3 Erika Lane . . . . . . . . . $760,000 . . . .5 . . . . 3.5 . . . 4,061 . . . 0.70 218 Morton Avenue . . . . . $408,000 . . . .3 . . . . 2 . . . 1,930 . . . 0.35 2648 Kirk Avenue . . . . . . . $325,000 . . . .3 . . . . 1.5 . . . 1,582 . . . 0.11 302 Candlewood Road . . . $419,900 . . . .3 . . . . 2.5 . . . 1,752 . . . 0.28 325 N Central Boulevard . . $490,000 . . . .4 . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,300 . . . 0.18 293 Meadowbrook Lane . . $490,000 . . . .4 . . . . 3 . . . 2,723 . . . 0.51 800 Springton Lane . . . . . $570,000 . . . .4 . . . . 3 . . . 3,360 . . . 1.04 113 Bonsall Avenue . . . . . $430,000 . . . .4 . . . . 2 . . . 2,074 . . . 0.29 2529 Parke Lane . . . . . . . $375,000 . . . .3 . . . . 2.5 . . . 1,869 . . . 0.52 2162 Mary Lane . . . . . . . $340,000 . . . .4 . . . . 1.5 . . . 1,594 . . . 0.38 2420 W Chester Pike . . . . . $285,000 . . . .2 . . . . 1 . . . 1,232 . . . 0.16 206 Bramber Drive . . . . . . $440,000 . . . .3 . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,150 . . . 0.18 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
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22 Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
Expert Contributor Written by Len Sciulli
Cooling System
Len Sciulli & Sons
Options
B
efore the advent of home air-conditioning systems, the best you could do as the temperature climbed outside was to open windows and turn on a fan. Nowadays, you have multiple options for cooling your home depending on your budget and lifestyle. CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING A common option for many homes in North America, central air conditioning systems are integrated with furnaces, to provide ooling throughout your home during the summer months. Refrigerant circulates through a coil in your supply ductwork, to remove heat from your air and provide cool air to your house. This method is convenient because it uses existing ductwork and provides comfort throughout your home. WINDOW UNITS If your home is small or you don’t have a duct system, you can use a window unit to cool an area in your home. You aren’t limited to one window unit. You can install one per bedroom and one in the living room, for example. MINI SPLIT If you’d rather not see a large unit on your wall, a small mini split provides an alternative to the window unit. With many sleek designs, these units are more aesthetically pleasing while allowing individual room control. As with window units, they don’t cool your entire home and are often used for homes without existing ductwork. MULTI SPLIT Mini split units use one outdoor condensing unit for each indoor unit. If you want cooling in multiple rooms without having more than one outdoor unit, a multi split unit may be right for you. This allows for individual room control as well as the possibility of cooling your entire house. Keep in mind that it isn’t cheap and there are limitations on the length of refrigerant piping. So you may still need to supplement with another air conditioner for more distant rooms.
HEAT PUMP Heat pumps are becoming more common because they provide both heating and cooling, making them ideal for “shoulder seasons” like spring and fall. Now with new inverter compressors, they are more efficient than previous versions. Each cooling system option has its price range, of course, and for some homes, some options are more appropriate than others. An experienced heating and cooling systems expert can help you choose the best cooling system for your home and budget. M
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Our Community
Broomall’s New Firehouse A Modern Update Borrowed from the Past! Written by Holly Stupak
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roviding the community with the very best in emergency services and keeping its citizens safe has always been the #1 priority of the Broomall Fire Company. The new firehouse, the third in Broomall’s history, was built with safety and efficiency in mind. It was also designed for the future, but with a nod to the past.
On November 2, 2019, Broomall Fire Company (BFC) members held a dedication ceremony, to give the public a glimpse of the new state-of-the-art facility. Designed by the Bernardon architecture firm, the firehouse is a 22,000-sf stone building with a cupola on top as its centerpiece. It contains a “museum,” which includes a 1948 Mack fire truck, an old locker with vintage fire gear, and lots of memorabilia. The facade of the firehouse was designed to resemble and preserve the essence of the original station and to give it added character. Paul Andrew Sgroi, a Principal of Bernardon, plans to submit the Broomall Fire Company for Firehouse magazine’s 2020 Station Design Award program, which recognizes station designs that contribute greatly to the well-being of the responders and encourage interaction with the community. The Broomall Fire Company was founded in 1923 and, in 1924, its members donated their own skills and talent to build the original Broomall Firehouse, a two-story stone building on West Chester Pike (now Drexel Hill Style Pizza). As apparatus and equipment needs increased in the 1950s, more space was needed,
Engaging Broomall Fire Station history in the new station design Photo by Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.
so in November 1957, a new firehouse was built on Malin Road at West Chester Pike. For the past 20 years, the Broomall Fire Company has needed to increase the size of the firehouse again, to accommodate more modern fire equipment and more fire trucks. With only one bathroom in the old station, there was a real need to add more facilities
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to allow crews to stay overnight. The new space enhances comfort and encourages interaction among the volunteers. Funding for the new firehouse came from a $3.25 million state grant and a $3 million contribution from the township, with the fire company responsible for the remaining costs. Next year, the Marple Ambulance Corps will move into the old firehouse. “Plans for this firehouse were in the works for 20 years,” said Jim Capuzzi, BFC President. “The old station built in the 1950s was not designed to protect the safety of our volunteers and wasn’t equipped to support our fleet
The Broomall Firehouse Crew at the dedication ceremony Photo courtesy of Broomall Fire Company
of eight trucks and our apparatus.” The new firehouse protects volunteers even further: The exhaust system safely sends diesel smoke out of the building; the living quarters are now separated from the gear, which can carry toxic fumes that have been known to cause cancer; and to avoid cross-contamination, the compressor system for breathing apparatus is now in a separate room.
View of new apparatus bays from training mezzanine Photo by Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.
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Our Community “Our new fire station is light-years ahead of the previous one,” said Fire Chief Tom Dobbins. “It’s now a state-of-the art facility that will help support the Marple community for decades to come.” The new facility features an engine room, a multipurpose room, a fitness center with gym equipment donated by Planet Fitness, a day room, bunk rooms, and administrative offices. Three of the five dormitories are bunk style, and there’s an initiative to bring in local college students who could live there and volunteer. And although it’s not technically certified as a “green” facility, it was designed for energy reduction with LED lights on timers, insulation, and radiant floor heating.
Mack Room proudly showcases Broomall Fire Company history and memorabilia Photo by Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.
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Turnout gear room facilitates safe and ready access to serve our community Photo by Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.
With the new firehouse also came some new traditions. Traditionally during the holidays, Santa visited Broomall neighborhoods on one of the fire trucks. This past holidayseason, the Broomall Fire Company instead hosted “Santa Saturday,” attended by over 500 people. “Because of inclement weather or emergency calls, some members of the township often missed Santa’s neighborhood visits,” Capuzzi said. “Santa Saturday was a more personal experience because the children got a chance to meet Santa and tour the firehouse.” With BFC’s annual Spring Carnival cancelled and the Fall Carnival still pending, they won’t bring in additional funds to help with equipment maintenance and firehouse expenses. For information about ways to support Broomall Fire Company so their volunteers can continue to protect Marple residents, visit the SUPPORT page on www.BroomallFireCompany.com. M
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