December Was Full of Holiday Cheer in Marple

Our Community Feature Written by Holly Stupak

Last month’s holidays brought lots of holiday spirit to Broomall. After the 2020 holiday season was marked by pandemic-related cancellations, the Marple community welcomed back their traditional in-person festivities in 2021 and even offered new holiday events for the community to come together.

One of our community’s favorite holiday traditions, the Marple Tree Lighting ceremony was back and better than ever. On December 4th, the event kicked off with a parade, courtesy of the Broomall Fire Company and the Marple Civic Association. Children and their families waved to Santa along West Chester Pike as he headed through parts of Broomall and ended at Veterans Park for the tree lighting.

The Marple Tree Lighting ceremony at Veterans Park

The event was co-sponsored by Mrs. Marty’s Deli, who provided delicious refreshments, and featured performances by Art in Motion Dance Studio. There were also plenty of edible tree decorations provided by local scout troops. The evening ended with a visit from Santa and legendary mailman Jim in the gazebo.

Santa ready to greet the children in the gazebo at Veterans Park

Photos courtesy of Maria Tucker

Not only did Art in Motion entertain the crowd at the Tree Lighting ceremony, but they held their first ever Holiday Spectacular on December 11th, a fundraiser called “Raising for Rosie.” The holiday showcase was a benefit for three-yearold Rosie McKenna, the younger sister of two Art in Motion dancers. Rosie was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor when she was 11 months old. After initially undergoing a successful brain surgery, 16 months of chemotherapy and proton beam radiation at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, her tumor unfortunately returned just eight short weeks after treatment. Rosie underwent another brain surgery and started a new chemo protocol, which she continues today.

Art in Motion Dance Studio owner Diane Caporella with Rosie McKenna

Photos courtesy of Diane Caporella

Diane Caporella, owner of Art in Motion, said that despite all of this, Rosie has continued to be a bright, beautiful, sweet and extremely strong little girl. She is adored and supported by many, especially her parents, two older sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. “Art in Motion Dance Studio wanted to show Rosie how much we admire her resilience and strength,” said Diane. “We were happy to show our love and support to Rosie and her family by making her the focus of our holiday show this year!”

The event was held at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church and featured Art in Motion dancers of all ages. Performances included excerpts from the Nutcracker as well as holiday classics like Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bell Rock. The finale was a “gold out” for childhood cancer and everyone from Art in Motion danced freestyle to Rosie’s favorite song by Nicki Minaj. All of the proceeds from the event were donated to “Raising for Rosie.” For more information about Rosie, visit the Facebook page Raising for Rosie.

Art in Motion's Gold Out Finale at their Holiday Spectacular

Photos courtesy of Diane Caporella

The Marple Civic Youth group also got into the holiday spirit this year by holding a Holiday Lights Contest. What better way to bring the community together than to see which of your neighbors had the most elaborate light display? Marple Civic Youth board member Kaley Musi handled the social media and publicity for the contest.

We were excited about the response we got and the large number of entries,” said Kaley. “After last year’s holidays were rough for so many people, this was a great way to get people of all ages excited about the holidays this year.

Holiday Lights Contest first place winner: Trista and Toni Frese of Malin Rd, Broomall

Photos courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio

Holiday Lights Contest second place winner: Kim Anderson of James Road, Broomall

Photos courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio

Holiday Lights Contest third place winner: Rudi Witzel of Cove Rd, Broomall

Photos courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio

Kaley and her fellow Youth Board members Marissa D’Ambrosio, Christian Sessa, Dominic Carafa and Joe Downs served as the judges and a total of $400 in prizes was awarded for first to fourth place and honorable mention. Under the direction of parent advisor Demetra D’Ambrosio, the Youth Board was founded last year to create fun and safe activities for teens.

The holiday light contest was a way to promote community involvement in a fun & festive way,” said Demetra. “It created a reason for the kids to get together to go out and look at the lights and have something fun to do.

The contest also raised money for the MCY 8th grade graduation celebration dance. For more information and to see more of their upcoming events visit their Marple Civic Youth Facebook and Instagram pages. Thanks to everyone in the Marple community who helped make the holidays extra special and festive this year!