CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Holly Stupak, Sheila Turner-Hilliard, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Scott Magness, Dr. Marc Belitsky
ADVERTISING
Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
We’ve marched into Spring and now are weathering April showers with new hope for May flowers in a great month that even has Holy Week, with Passover, Good Friday and Easter. And spin towards Earth Day and Arbor Day too, all coming after we all respect that rather taxing April 15th deadline day I won’t mention.
Yes, April has us back in the garden, landscaping and hearing local lawn mowers cutting greener growing grass. Surely Spring has sprung with much ahead. Prom and graduation parties, barbeques heating up and baseball being back calling us towards summer.
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 info. as space permits. Please contact our Content Coordinator Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.
You’ll find that this new April issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors reflects our Broomall community of friends and neighbors: seniors, couples, teens, moms and dads, kids, teachers, businesses and volunteers. At this time of year, also the many upcoming events in our area, often made possible through the support and sponsorship of local businesses.
You know I’m always impressed by our hometown Sponsors you see advertise on the pages of our hometown magazine. Not just to sell their services or products. But because I know their advertising is their sponsorship of our community, because they know our hometown magazine is serving the Broomall community well, the same community that is also important to our Sponsors for ongoing success of their local business. Spring is the perfect time for us to spring towards sponsoring our Sponsors –the local business hometown heroes who make our magazine possible.
I know you’ll enjoy this month’s issue. When you find yourself reading a Sponsor’s ad, pay it forward. Reach out to a business leader you see on our pages. Call or email them to simply tell them “Thank You” for Bringing People Together, in print and online at MarpleMag.com, as a simple monthly pleasure that reflects one of the best versions of ourselves and our community during these renewing and interesting times.
Bob Blaisse
Publisher
Dear Residents,
Spring flowers are starting to bloom and the days are getting longer. April is here! Check out our calendar of Events on page 13 to see what fun, local events are happening.
This month’s issue is full of inspiring stories from people in our community. First is our Resident Feature where you’ll meet the Aigeldingers. Evan and Angela are a young family who are very happy to be raising their new baby here in Marple. Our Business Profile features the Speer Swim School. Just in time for summer, we have a Q&A with Emily Speer to find out what sets apart her swim school from others. We also revisit a fantasy artist’s story and hear what he is up to in our Back In The Spotlight.
Lastly, we are always looking for more Marple families, individuals and organizations to feature in our magazine. If you’d like to nominate someone, please email me at hstupak@bestversionmedia.com.
Holly Stupak
Content Coordinator
by Marc Belitsky, D.C., D.A.C.R.B. Broomall Total Health Center
Understanding Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms can occur unexpectedly, causing pain or discomfort and interrupting daily activities. As specialists in musculoskeletal injuries, chiropractors understand how crucial effective treatment is and want to help you understand muscle spasms and how chiropractic care should be your first choice for relief.
What Are Muscle Spasms?
Muscle spasms, often referred to as muscle cramps, are sudden, involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. They can be caused by several factors, including muscle fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or injury. Spasms can affect any muscle but commonly impact the back, neck, legs and feet.
Common Causes and Symptoms
The symptoms of a muscle spasm include sudden pain, muscle
I ’ ll Help You Mend, So You Can Bend!
Dr. Marc Belitsky, D.C.
Back, Neck, Knee, or Shoulder Pain? Disc Herniation? Headaches or Whiplash? Our comprehensive team approach of chiropractic care and physical therapy (performed by licensed therapists) will get you feeling better again! 2633 West Chester Pike
tightness and the feeling of a knot in the affected muscle. Spasms can be acute or chronic. Causes vary but often relate to:
• Overuse of a muscle
• Stress or tension
• Inadequate blood flow
• Nerve compression
• Dehydration or mineral deficiency
Chiropractic Care for Muscle Spasms
• Chiropractic Care & Physical Rehabilitation
• Muscle & Function Movement Testing
• Cold Laser & Ultrasound Therapy
• Spinal Decompression Therapy
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation
• Weight Loss Programs
A holistic approach to treating muscle spasms can not only alleviate pain but can also address the root causes of the spasms to prevent future occurrences. By addressing the cause, you will have much better relief and decrease the possibility of recurrence. Some spasms can occur from dehydration and lack of proper nutrition. You may notice this with nighttime cramping in the legs or significant fatigue during strenuous activity. Repetitive stress such as prolonged working on a computer, excessive cell phone use, knitting or video game use can cause tight, tense muscles that can cramp and go into spasm. Most muscle spasms come from irritation to a spinal nerve or malfunction of a joint. Spasms are often triggered to protect the body against further damage. Have you ever bent over and felt sharp pain in your back and then a spasm? This is your body protecting itself from further irritating the nerves, discs or joints.
What to do if you have a spasm. If it is just a cramp from exercise or sleep, immediately stretch and hold the muscle for more than 30 seconds, then hydrate. Spasms that are for protection should be professionally evaluated to determine what is the underlying cause that triggered it. Medications that reduce spasms are engineered to take away this protection making the body more vulnerable to further injury until the underlying cause has been treated.
• Spinal Adjustments correct misalignments in the spine that contribute to nerve compression, which can trigger muscle spasms.
• Stretching Exercises can help relieve tight muscles and reduce the risk of spasms.
• Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial to ensure ssential minerals and fluids that can help prevent spasms.
Muscle spasms can be more than just a nuisance – they can be a barrier to enjoying life to its fullest. Listen to your body, hydrate, stretch and see a chiropractor. M
Where Are We?
by Bob Blaisse
Do You Remember Our Monthly Feature… Flying Back Five Years…
Can You Spot It From the Air?
Longtime readers of Marple Friends & Neighbors will recall our popular recurring feature from 2019 through 2020 — “Can You Spot It From The Air?” It was intended originally as a one-issue fun photo feature. But it became one of the most read pages of our magazine with each new issue that followed because readers loved the combination of local trivia questions with the answer hidden by a cryptic hint about a local place and a photo of it taken from the air.
Readers rose up to the monthly challenge of considering a riddled hint through the lens of the drone camera because everyone has pretty good awareness of sites across Marple Newtown. They loved the monthly testing of their hometown geography, even with brain pain realizing that places seen from the ground all the time can look very different from the air. And if the photo or hint could land readers an answer, they could always turn to a page in the same issue for the answer so they could learn or prove that yes, they could spot it from the air.
Can You Spot It From The Air? Take the challenge first published in our April 2019 issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors. Look at the aerial photo while considering this same cryptic hint that stumped readers six years ago this month.
I can’t share all of it yet, but something new is in the air that could have us bringing back “Can You Spot It From The Air?” after five years. Readers are still asking for its return and I have a new idea that can make the feature more interesting for more readers. But I need your help to get this project back up in the air. I need a drone pilot willing to contribute their drone flying skills and their time of only an hour or so each month.
If you’re a drone hobbyist, come fly with us. I can’t pay you, but you’ll meet nice people and become known in your community as a highflier, through your published photo credits. And (if you want), your contact information will be published too, so perhaps readers who may need your aerial photography can contact you. Even more, your drone-flying hobby will serve your hometown with you on the Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine team, serving our Bringing People Together mission with each new monthly issue in print and online at MarpleMag. com. Call me, or tell your drone-flying family member or friend to call Bob Blaisse at 610-453-5536, or email BBlaisse@ BestVersionMedia.com. M
Hint: This site, located in either Marple Township or Newtown Township, should be known by anyone, 1,2,3..., and for its many years of ABCs. Can You Spot It From the Air? (If not, the answer can be found on pg 13 in this issue.)
by Holly Stupak
The Aigeldinger Family: Happy to Call Marple Home
This month, we are pleased to introduce you to Evan and Angela Aigeldinger. A little over five years ago, the Aigeldingers were looking to find a forever home that gave them a sense of hometown pride. What better place than Marple for them to call home?
A lifelong Marple resident, Evan grew up here with his parents Karen and Mark, and older brother Patrick in the Brook Thorpe Hills section of town. While Evan was growing up, his neighborhood was full of dozens of young kids who all became a tight-knit group, even taking an annual camping trip together. Whether it was the Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade or the Broomall Fire Company carnival, Evan said he and his neighborhood friends always made it a tradition to do community events together. “These were some of my greatest childhood memories,” Evan recalled. “We usually entered the bike brigade or had a decorated float together in the Fourth of July Parade. We even won one year!”
Evan went all through the Marple Newtown School District from Loomis Elementary, to Paxon Hollow Middle School and then Marple Newtown High School, where he was on the golf, swimming and lacrosse teams. During high school, Evan also started his own landscaping business, where he served about 30 customers in the Broomall area.
Evan enjoyed his landscaping business but ultimately said he always knew he’d go into his family’s business, Penn Wynne
Plumbing & Heating LLC, started by his grandfather. Evan’s dad ran the business while Evan was growing up, and he fondly remembers spending time with his dad while he was working. “I was always following him around on jobs,” he added.
Before going into the family business full-time after high school, Evan first furthered his education. He earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science from the Pennsylvania College of Technology and then, in 2015, received a Certificate in Small Business Management from Temple University.
Evan is now the third-generation owner of Penn Wynne Plumbing & Heating LLC. “I’m proud to continue in the family tradition as third generation owner of the company,” said Evan. Not only does he get to work alongside his dad, but his mom is also the company’s office manager. “I enjoy working with my parents and a great team that is like family. I hope someday to pass it on to the fourth generation.”
Angela grew up in the shore town of Belmar, NJ, with her parents and younger sister, Marissa. Growing up, she was active in gymnastics, participating in club teams as well as her Manasquan High School team. After high school, Angela decided she wanted to go to college in Pennsylvania and enrolled at Neumann University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2015. She then went to Eastern University and earned a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a type of therapy that can
Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography CrissyEverhart.com
Angela and Evan, Savannah Rae and Cooper
improve social, communication and learning skills through reinforcement strategies. A common treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental conditions, Angela explained that being an ABA therapist was both challenging and rewarding. “It requires patience, creativity and a commitment to helping children develop essential life skills,” she said. “I worked closely with clients to improve behaviors, communication and social interactions,” she said.
Angela was also a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS), providing behavioral health services, often working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges. Shortly after graduate school, she worked as an early intervention behavior specialist for Building Blocks Behavioral Services at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.
For about 12 years, Angela also coached gymnastics at Delco Gymnastics in Woodlyn. “I loved helping kids become the best versions of themselves,” she said. “Whether it was getting a new skill at gymnastics or helping a young child through tough behaviors, I love watching them succeed.” Today, Angela is enjoying life as a stay-at-home mom to her three-month-old baby, Savannah.
Angela and Evan met in 2015 at Jocelyn’s Sports Bar in Media. They married in April 2022 at the Star Barn in Elizabethtown, PA followed by a honeymoon in Greece, where they explored Athens, Santorini and Mykonos.
Before the couple moved to Broomall, Evan lived in Media, where he owns a duplex. One of Evan’s best friends, John Gallager, had been living with him while owning the adjoining duplex. Sadly, John passed away in 2017, which has had a significant impact on Evan. “Losing a friend at a young age had a huge impact on me,” Evan said. “It’s definitely taught me that life is short and I should take advantage of opportunities.”
continued on page 8
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Savannah Rae, born December 19, 2024
For the past six years, Angela and Evan have lived in the Foxcroft section of Broomall. It was Evan who discovered the neighborhood while working as a landscaper. “The great thing about the landscaping business was that I got to see a lot of different areas of Broomall,” he explained. “I really liked the homes here, and, similar to the neighborhood where I grew up, I knew it would be a great place to raise a family.”
Meeting their neighbors was easy thanks to Cooper, their sixyear-old Australian sheepdog. “We love getting to chat with neighbors when walking Cooper,” Angela said. Cooper, who they adopted when he was just eight weeks old, is no longer the baby of the family, as the couple welcomed Savannah Rae on December 19, 2024.
This now family of three is very happy to call Broomall home. Their neighborhood is like one large family, with block parties, holiday events and neighborhood parties. “We feel comfortable here in Marple,” said Evan. “Everyone has a sense of hometown pride.”
Do you know a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com. M We
Electric Company is
Evan Aigeldinger, owner of Penn Wynne Plumbing & Heating LLC
Student of the Month
by Lisa Jeffries
Kylie Ebbecke
APRIL STUDENT OF THE MONTH
The April Casey’s Student of the Month is Kylie Ebbecke, a dedicated and hard-working 10th-grade student at Villa Maria Academy. Kylie has been recognized for her outstanding commitment to academics, extracurricular activities and community service. As a recipient of this honor, she has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement, along with a Gift Card from Casey’s Public House, the generous Sponsor of this award.
Kylie is an ambassador for the National Dance Foundation, an
Celebrate the Season
organization that promotes kindness, inclusion and a sense of community through the art of dance. Her passion for dance extends beyond her ambassadorship, as she is also an active member of her school’s dance company, where she hones her skills and performs with her peers. Additionally, Kylie holds a leadership role as a Student Broadcasting Club Executive, contributing to her school’s media and communication efforts. She also serves as a Mission and Ministry Representative, further demonstrating her commitment to service and faith-based initiatives. As a Villa Maria Scholar, Kylie excels academically and takes on a challenging curriculum that includes STEM-based courses in mathematics, science and computer programming.
Beyond her school involvement, Kylie dedicates significant time to volunteer work, both within her school community and at Paoli Presbyterian Church. She has accumulated over 70 hours of service through various projects and initiatives that benefit those in need. One of her most meaningful upcoming endeavors is hosting a unified dance class in April for children with Down syndrome and Autism. This initiative, part of her Scholars' Passion Project, will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for children of all abilities to experience the joy of dance.
Kylie’s dedication to academics, leadership and service makes her a shining example of what it means to be a wellrounded student. Congratulations, Kylie! M
Who do you think should be our next Student of the Month?
You see them grace the pages of our magazines each month, now it’s your turn to choose! We are looking for students in grades 7 through 12 who excel in serving their school, community, friends or local organizations. Eligible students must reside within the Newtown Edgmont area, regardless of the school they attend or if they are homeschooled. To nominate an outstanding student, email LJeffries@BestVersionMedia.com and share what makes them exceptional. Academic or athletic achievements are not required.
Kylie with Casey’s Manager Kelly Pezzotti
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ebbecke
Back in The Spotlight
by Holly Stupak
Back In the Spotlight: Catching up with Illustrator
David Hoffrichter
Since its inaugural issue in 2018, Friends & Neighbors magazines have featured many inspirational individuals and families on our covers. This month, we are excited to check back in with David Hoffrichter, a passionate and talented fantasy illustrator. If you recall, David’s story first appeared in our September 2022 issue, and if you missed it, you can catch up by reading about his journey at MarpleMag.com. David’s advice was that whether you are a student or retired, it's never too late to start doing something creative.
Over the years, David, a Marple Newtown High School grad, has received numerous accolades and awards for his artwork. His fantasy illustrations have been featured on a number of game art and book covers. Although his passion is fantasy illustration, he’s often commissioned for more traditional works including wedding and pet portraits.
This past fall, 78 Tarot commissioned David for a new piece of art and used his painting Luna for their oracle deck. “This was my first big project that includes some absolute legends of illustration,” said David. “I was very excited to see my art in print!”
David continues to spend 10-13 hours a day in his art studio that is attached to his childhood home. He sells his pieces through word of mouth and through his Etsy and Ebay stores. He also has a large Facebook and Instagram following where he posts his artwork. “Someting I am definitely trying to be more conscious of now is quality over quantity,” he explained.
What David has found the most helpful in developing and ultimately selling his art pieces are strong personal connections. He attends various workshops including IlluXCon, a symposium dedicated solely to the art of the fantastic (imaginative realism), where he can meet and network with other artists. “Not only do these workshops allow me to connect with artists, it rejuvenates my love of art,” he explained. In September he showed several pieces at the IlluXCon held in Reading, PA.
Marple
David also had exciting news to share. He was recently named a finalist in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contest, a contest that has cultivated new professional illustrators for decades. “It has a significant impact in the field of both science fiction writers and illustrators,” he explained. This month David will travel to Hollywood, CA and be one of 12 fantasy artists from all over the world to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field. The grand prize winner will receive a $5000 cash prize. “Just getting the opportunity to attend the workshop makes me feel like I’ve already won,” he added. “There will be really prolific artists there and it will definitely be a great experience.”
Looking ahead David said he’d love to have a book published that he’s both written and illustrated. He’d also like to give back by teaching art to others,.”Two teachers in particular helped me grow as an artist,” he recalled fondly. “I have to give a shout-out to Mr. Winterbottom and Mrs. Can from MNHS. Both were so inspirational to me. I’d like to do the same for others.”
Thank you David, for catching up your Friends & Neighbors on your artistic endeavors! We wish you luck at the Illustrators of the Future Contest! M
Photos courtesy of David Hoffrichter
A few of David’s most recent pieces (L-R) Bluberrys Mysterious Brew, Towards Their Fate and Resplendent-Angel
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS 2022 September
Illustrator David Hoffrichter Finding Purpose Through Art
Bringing People Together
Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com
by Scott Magness
Elevate Your Outdoor Space with a Gas Fire Pit
As the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than spending time outdoors. Why not bring the comfort of your indoor space outside? A gas fire pit is the perfect addition to your backyard, offering warmth, ambiance and style!
While fire pits have become a backyard staple, many municipalities have restrictions on burning wood. A gas fire pit provides a fantastic alternative—clean, convenient and safe—while still serving as a beautiful focal point for your outdoor retreat.
Why Choose a Gas Fire Pit?
Clean and Smoke-Free – Gas burns cleaner than wood, meaning no irritating smoke, no lingering smells and no waiting for embers to die down before heading inside. Plus, no flying sparks or unpredictable flames make it a much safer choice.
Effortless Operation – With automatic ignition, lighting and extinguishing your fire pit is as simple as pushing a button. Whether you opt for natural gas or propane, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Versatile Placement – Unlike wood-burning options, gas fire pits can be placed under covered patios, canopies or even in a gazebo, giving you more flexibility in your setup.
More Bang for Your Buck – Since there’s no wood to burn down, you can enjoy your fire pit whenever you want, even for just a short time.
Multi-Functional Design – Many gas fire pits double as tables, providing extra surface space for meals, drinks or games. With a quick switch, it transforms back into a cozy fire feature.
Safe for Everyone – With no open flames or unpredictable sparks, gas fire pits are safe even for older children to enjoy.
Stylish and Customizable – Available in countless shapes, sizes and designs, gas fire pits effortlessly enhance any outdoor space. For a modern, high-end look, add glass beads inside the burner—just like you see on home makeover shows! Mix and match colors to suit your style and create a dazzling effect.
A gas fire pit is more than just a heat source—it’s an invitation to gather, relax and make the most of your outdoor living space. Ready to upgrade your backyard? A gas fire pit might be just what you need! M
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
by Bob Blaisse, Founding Publisher of Marple Friends & Neighbors
Bringing People Together Mission
Seven years ago this month, I began meeting with local businesses and organizations to ask them to join with me in a mission to bring our friends and neighbors together (in print and online), through a new hometown magazine.
I told the business owners the success of our “Bringing People Together” mission hinged on reader loyalty. And that loyalty would transfer onto the local businesses who made our hometown pride project possible as advertising Sponsors. Thankfully many business owners agreed and the rest, as they say, has now become nearly seven years of Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine you're reading now.
I’ve lived in the Marple Newtown area for over 30 years. My wife Jean, and I have raised four sons here. We’re proud of our town, the people of our town and the businesses of Marple Newtown who, like us, get involved in local organizations. But here’s what I learned over the years: The businesses of our community had vision early on, even while seeing what’s happening with online buying and big box stores, but they never stopped believing in the benefit of bringing us together.
The businesses you see advertising in your hometown magazine were willing to bet on Bringing People Together, (which is our motto), by their willingness to commit a portion of their advertising budget to support their hometown magazine mailed to you each month for free and available online at MarpleMag.com.
Mini Pastries
Party Trays
Homemade Ricotta Pies
Famous Cream Filled Donuts
The cold winter months are now over. It’s Springtime now, a time of renewed notice of many things valued. If the simple pleasure of reading your hometown magazine deserves a new Spring notice, that you very much have grown to anticipate reading each new issue, please take a little extra notice this month of the advertising Sponsors who make it all possible. And if it springs to mind that you are a loyal participant in this Bringing People Together mission, consider springing your loyalty onto the local businesses who have sprung for this new feel-good issue of hometown pride. Call or stop in on one of our advertising Sponsors to thank them for the monthly investment they make on your behalf, and whenever possible, doing business with them first in return for the loyalty they show to us and our Marple friends and neighbors.
If you like how your monthly magazine is increasing Marple hometown pride with each new monthly edition, be a Reader Leader and partner with local Business Leaders who make it possible now for us all to be Bringing People Together as Marple Friends & Neighbors. M
Bob Blaisse Publisher Marple Friends &
Neighbors
April 2025 Calendar of Events
Daily April through May
Lights Out Newtown Square
Help save thousands of migratory birds from fatal collisions linked to light pollution by turning off your excess lighting during spring migration, April 1– May 31. Support this initiative by the Newtown Township Environmental Advisory Council and Bird Town, Pennsylvania. BirdtownPA.org/lights-and-birds/
Saturdays in April
Art at The Square Tavern
@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads
A variety of rotating art displays by local artists, exhibitions and activities.
Time: 11am – 5pm
Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) NSHistory.org
Saturdays in April
Paper Mill House & Museum
@3 Paper Mill Rd, Newtown Square
Visit this museum of local history, a place filled with the ghosts and footprints of the millworkers who once lived there.
Time: 12–4 pm
Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) NSHistory.org
Saturdays and Sundays through April
Devon/Berwyn Antique and Vintage Flea Market
@Valley Fair Shopping Center
270 W. Swedesford Rd, Berwyn
Indoor/Outdoor flea market featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry and clothing, glassware, artwork, vinyl and more.
Time: 9am – 5pm
Cost: FREE admission
215-625-3532 PhilaFleaMarkets.org
Tuesdays in April
Marple Library's Lego Club
@Marple Public Library
2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall
Families with children ages 5+ can drop in 4:30-5:30pm for Lego Club. No commitment to future sessions, simply stop by and be creative with all our Legos. It is first come, first serve in the meeting room that has a room limit of 100.
Time: 4:30– 5:30pm
Cost: FREE
Thurs. April 10
Marple Library's Babble and Brew
@Marple Public Library
2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall
Parents join us for the return of our very popular Babble & Brew. Drop in anytime between 10am and 11:30am to socialize with other parents and share experiences and strategies while children can play with our toys. No registration required but it is first come, first serve with a 100 total room limit.
Time: 10 – 11:30am
Cost: FREE
Thurs. April 10 – Sun. April 13
CCC Shine’s Presents Disney’s Newsies Jr.
@Cardinal O’Hara High School
1701 Sproul Rd, Springfield
Disney’s Newsies JR. is a version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Awardwinning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
Time: Thurs. & Fri. at 7pm; Sat. & Sun. at 2pm
Cost: $14
CCCShines.com
Sun. April 27 (rain date Sun. May 4)
Newtown Square Fire Company
Auxiliary Semi-Annual Flea Market
@Newtown Square Shopping Center
3590 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
Come out for a great day of treasure hunting and lots of bargains. There will be heaps of deals on books, tools, clothes and a variety of collectibles— something for everyone! All proceeds benefit the Newtown Square Volunteer Fire Company through the efforts of the Auxiliary.
Time: 9am – 3pm
Cost: FREE admission
NSFC.org
Sun. April 27
MNHS PTO 5K & 1MI Color Fun Run
@Marple Newtown High School
120 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square
This race will help support the students and staff at Marple Newtown High School. No Dogs Allowed. Service Dogs welcome. Have fun and get COLORED! To register visit HTTP://BIT.LY40LJB7Q
Time: 9am: 5K; 10am: 1 MI; 9 - 10am
FREE Face Painting & FREE Fun Photo Booth
Cost: $40 for 5k; $20 for 1 mile fun runner/walker
Fri. May 2 – Sun. May 25
Grease
@Media Theatre, 104 E. State St, Media
Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gumsnapping “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. “Greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as Greased Lightnin’ and It’s Raining on Prom Night.
• Need a Driver’s License Renewed/Replaced? Come in and meet with us. We can figure it all out together!
• Gun locks, safes, and safety equipment
• We buy/consign estates & collections
• Gunsmithing & firearm appraisals
• Firearm consulting and training
• New gun owner training
• We have ammunition in stock
“I only sell firearms to those who accept that training in firearm use and safety becomes their duty when choosing to exercise their 2nd Amendment right to own a firearm.” ~Shawn Brown, Owner Stars & Stripes
by Lisa Jeffries
Excellent Educator of The Month Dr. Justin Manno
This month’s Excellent Educator is Dr. Justin Manno, who is in his 21st year in the Marple Newtown School District, the past 12 of which have been at Paxon Hollow Middle School (PHMS) teaching mathematics to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Before that he spent nine years teaching at Worrall Elementary School. Justin has also been coaching the boys' track team at PHMS for the past 12 years. He’s proud that he helped to reinstitute their cross country team, which was no longer active when Justin came to the school. During the winter season, he also helps coach indoor track at Marple Newtown High School.
As a graduate of Marple Newtown High School, Justin has really enjoyed his reintegration into the community that helped raise him, guiding him to strive even more to be the kind of teacher he was inspired by back in the day. Justin also loves this community and giving back whenever he can. In recent years, Justin was the manager of the Rose Tree Woods Swim Club for a span of five years. Your dedication and enthusiasm have made all the difference Justin. Thanks for getting an A+ as an Excellent Educator! M
We gratefully thank Substitute Teacher Service, Inc., for sponsoring our Excellent Educator of The Month.
Congratulations
Dr. Justin Manno! School: Paxon Hollow Middle School
Education: Univ. of Delaware, BS in Elem Ed; St. Joseph’s Univ., M.S. in Instructional Technology; Temple Univ., Dr. of Education in Educational Leadership Years Teaching: 21
Favorite Subject as a student? Math
Who inspired you to become an educator? I had many great teachers throughout my Marple Newtown education, and my mom was also a middle school math teacher.
Best Part of Being a Teacher? Seeing the students be successful and have a positive experience
Favorite Book/Movie? Life of Pi and Inception
If not a teacher, what? Accountant or financial advisor
Something that may surprise people? “Nothing. I consider myself an open book.”
Family owned and operated business from Delco for over 30 years, we work closely to serve our community’s schools with your staffing needs!
STS recruits educational professionals ranging from newly graduated teachers, individuals seeking a career change, or certified retirees.
Photo courtesy of Tom Gorman
by Holly Stupak
Worrall Elementary School PTO Hosts
Bingo Fundraiser
Get ready for a fun-filled night of bingo and prizes! The Worrall Elementary School PTO is hosting its Prize Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, April 26, at 7pm (doors open at 6pm). The event will take place at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 35 N. Malin Road, Broomall.
Worrall’s PTO President, Jen Warner, said Prize Bingo is a great opportunity to get to know other parents while also supporting a great cause. “It’s a rare opportunity for many parents who have a lot in common to share in a fun evening!” she said. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards opportunities for the students such as the 5th grade field trip, field day and materials for classrooms. “We want to be able to give the students here more experiences during their time at Worrall,”
Jen added. “It’s also a great way to support the teachers who do so much for our children.”
Entry to this exciting 21+ event includes a pack of bingo cards for 10 games, with incredible prizes such as designer bags, a Blackstone grill, Solo Stove, Yeti Cooler and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks, and additional raffle opportunities will be available.
Tickets can be purchased at Zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/worrallprize-bingo. Cost: $40 per ticket - $300 per table of 8 - $375 per table of 20. For more information visit the Worrall PTO Facebook page. Don’t miss this chance to support a great cause while enjoying a fun night out! M
DANJOLELL Memorial Home of Broomall 2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 610-356-4200
Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. F.D.
DANJOLELL Stigale Memorial Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of Aston 3260 Concord Road Aston, PA 610-497-5505
James Stigale, Supervisor
DANJOLELL Memorial Home & Crematory of Malvern-Frazer 392 Lancaster Avenue Frazer, PA 610-296-9555
John Burdsall, Supervisor
PA 610-874-7700
Edward S. Barone, Supervisor
by Holly Stupak
Q & A with Emily Speer, Owner of Speer Swim School
Since 2017, Speer Swim School has taught hundreds of children in our community how to swim. Owner Emily Speer and her husband Ed are active members of the Marple community and are raising their five children here in Broomall. I sat down with Emily to hear about her inspiration for becoming a swim instructor and how Speer Swim School’s approach to teaching swim lessons sets them apart from other swim schools.
Q: What inspired you to start Speer Swim School?
Emily: As a mom of five children from ages 4-12, I understand the importance of water safety. I also realized that each of my children needed a different approach to learning how to swim. That’s what we aim to provide for our clients—personalized swim instruction that builds both safety skills and confidence.
Q: What led you to officially launch Speer Swim School?
Emily: After having my third child in 2017, swim safety became even more important to me. I realized there was a need for flexible, high-quality swim instruction, so I started Speer Swim School. Through word of mouth and social media, our client base quickly grew.
Q: How did you get started in swim instruction?
Emily: I’ve always loved working with children and being around water. At 13, I started teaching swim lessons. A family friend who went to the Olympic trials encouraged me to teach at Malvern Prep, and I continued teaching through high school and college. While studying Elementary Education at Penn State, I developed my own swim curriculum and taught lessons to children of faculty and staff.
• Optician on staff
Q: What did you do before starting Speer Swim School?
Emily: After graduating from Penn State in 2004, I became a math teacher at Paxon Hollow Middle School. I later earned a Master’s in Instructional Technology from Arcadia University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Even while teaching, I continued offering private swim lessons in backyard pools during the summers.
Q: What services does Speer Swim School offer?
Emily: Since 2017, we’ve been providing personalized swim lessons in backyard pools throughout Delaware County and the Main Line. We offer individual and small group lessons for all levels, from beginner to expert. Speer Swim School offers weekly lessons at Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) throughout the spring and fall and weekly on Sundays at Splash Swim Club or in your backyard. We also offer two-week intensives in June (at MNHS and mobile), July (Splash and mobile) and August (Splash and mobile). We also run an after-school program at Villa Maria Academy, teaching swimming to their K-5 students.
Q: What makes your swim school different from others?
Emily: My mission is to make swim lessons as easy as possible for parents. Whether it’s summer camps, weekend lessons, afterwork hours, spring, evening, summer, fall, indoor, outdoor or in your backyard, we want to make it convenient for parents. Our instructors also focus on building relationships with their students, which helps boost confidence and makes learning more effective.
Q: What is Speer Swim School’s teaching approach?
Emily: Our curriculum is based on over 30 years of swim instruction experience. We start with safety skills before progressing to proper swim techniques. All of our instructors are highly trained in our method, and they tailor lessons to each child’s needs. The groups allow us to personalize every lesson and continue to teach the next-level skills when the student is ready.
• Diagnosing/treating eye conditions
Q: How has your business grown since its launch?
• Eye exams (glasses & contacts)
• Fashion eyewear
• Lab on site
Emily: We are now in our eighth year and have 38 instructors. Last year, we taught nearly 10,000 lessons to more than 750 students. Our staff has expanded to include an administrator and pool deck supervisors. And we are always looking to improve. We are part of the United States Swim School Association, an association for swim schools and learn-to-swim programs that focuses on supporting better, safer swim school businesses and fosters a community of passionate professionals
Photos courtesy of Emily Speer
in the aquatic education industry. I’m always looking for ways that we can better serve our students and our community.
Q: How has swim safety impacted your own family?
Emily: Teaching my own children to be safe around water has been a top priority. All five of my kids have been in our program. Four continue to take lessons because they love them so much! I’m looking for my youngest, Winnie, to pass her swim test this summer.
Q: What do you love most about running Speer Swim School?
Emily: The best part is seeing our students succeed. I love getting texts from parents saying their child is swimming independently, passed their swim test or made the swim team. For parents, having their children be safe in the water gives them peace of mind. And of course, it’s always fun to be in the pool!
Visit SpeerSwimSchool.com for more information on their programs and how to sign up. M
Emily Speer, Owner, Broomall Resident
Emily Speer, Owner of Speer Swim School
Emily Speer giving a swim lesson
Emily Speer giving a swim lesson
War Comes to Marple
by Doug Humes
courtesy of the Marple Historical Society
In the Fall of 1777, the countryside was in an uproar. The previous summer, the “colonies” had declared independence, but now those chickens had come home to roost. The British army landed 17,000 troops at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, and they arrived in Pennsylvania in early September. George Washington and his troops had set up a defensive position along the Brandywine Creek to stop the British advance, but on September 11, 1777, they were defeated in a hard-fought battle now called Brandywine.
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British Capt. John Montressor summarized the raid as follows:
“Lt. Col. Harcourt with a party of dragoons and Light Infantry made an Excursion on the Philadelphia road and brought in 150 horses, which were much wanted, got from New Town square 6 miles from hence.” Much more was taken. Nicholas Pechin of Haverford added a note to his claim saying “In a word, a number of things too tedious to mention; as not even a spoon left to eat my victuals, nor a comb to comb my hair.”
The British moved through the countryside over the next few days, aiming to cross the Schuylkill River near Valley Forge, with the American troops following them. The British had marched from the Chesapeake, and so their supply lines were quite long. Their solution: they requisitioned what they needed from the countryside.
On September 19th, the British army, camped near Howellville, sent out raiding parties to capture supplies. Lieutenant Colonel William Harcourt was the commanding officer of the 16th Queen's Light Dragoons, a light cavalry unit that was used for scouting and, on this day, raiding. The British made the rounds of Newtown, Radnor, Haverford, and the tip of Marple where the Burns farm overlooks Darby Creek. The Burns reported large losses:
£. s. d.
From William Burns, Sr., September 19 56 0 0
From Daniel Cameron 51 16 6
From Joseph Burns, taken by the adherents 129 5 5 of the King of Great Britain, September and December
217 1 11
William Burns, Jr., 21 years old, was left hopping mad by this and a subsequent raid in December. A Quaker, he could not, in good conscience, turn the other cheek. He and another local boy, James Lawrence, joined the local militia.
The local farmers got off relatively easy that day. The next day, General Wayne and his troops were surprised by a midnight British raid of their camp in Malvern. The British swept into the darkened camp with only bayonets and took a fearful toll of 53 American lives.
The Burns house remains today, overlooking Darby Creek – a witness to history.
For more on the history of Marple, visit the Marple Historical Society website and Facebook page, and join the Society to learn about coming events: MarpleHistoricalSociety.org. M
Photos
The Burns house where today’s Sproul Road crosses over Darby Creek Claims filed by area residents after the British raids
The Burns house today, looking up from Darby Creek
British soldiers looting the Burns farm during the September raid. (AI
Places of Worship in Our Community
HOLY WEEK
Palm Sunday April 13
Good Friday April 18
Easter Sunday April 20
PASSOVER Begins
Saturday Evening April 12 Ends
Sunday Evening April 20
Christ United Methodist Church 2900 Springfield Rd, Broomall 610-356-6136 / ChristUMCBroomall.org
Congregation Beth El - Ner Tamid 715 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall 610-356-8700 / CBEnt.org
Cornerstone Christian Church 2275 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610-356-3385 / CornerstoneDelco.org
Grace Lutheran Church 2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610 356-1824 / GraceBroomall.org
Holy Mary Korean Catholic Church 100 S Media Line Rd, Newtown Square 610-325-2240 / Facebook: SLA100MEDIA
Latvian Lutheran Church of St. John 301 N Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square 610-353-2227 / LatvianLuthChurchPhila.org
Marple Christian Church 475 Lawrence Rd, Broomall 610-356-6186 / MarpleChristian.org
Marple Presbyterian Church 105 N Sproul Rd, Broomall 610-356-1098 / MarplePres.org
New Hope Christian Church 551 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall 610-356-8211 / NewHopeBroomall.com
Newtown Square Friends Meeting House 120 N Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square 484-424-6347 / NewtownSquareFriends.org
Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church 3625 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square 610-356-0459 / StAlbansNewtownSquare.org
Saint Anastasia Roman Catholic Church 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-356-1613 / SaintAnastasia.net
Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church 35 N Malin Rd, Broomall 610-353-1592 / St-Luke.org
Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church 2220 S Sproul Rd, Broomall 610-356-1199 / UMC.org
Saint Pius X Roman Catholic Church 220 S Lawrence Rd, Broomall 610-353-4880 / SaintPius.net
Temple Sholom in Broomall 55 Church Ln, Broomall 610-356-5165 / Temple-Sholom.org
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 721 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall 610-356-3400 / Facebook: ValleyForgeStakeLDS
Our Community
by Sheila Turner-Hilliard
Photos courtesy of Kevin O’Donnell
O’Donnell Roofing Co. On to the Next 100 Years!
O’Donnell Roofing Co. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by The Exton Region Chamber of Commerce at its newest location in Berwyn this past October to celebrate 100 years of family ownership. The celebration continued when family, friends, co-workers and clients gathered for a well-deserved anniversary bash at Paxon Hollow Country Club.
The company, still strong and growing, has experienced many transitions over the past century. While much has changed, the family-owned and operated company says its values and commitments have stayed the same and have passed from generation to generation: quality workmanship, honest advice, a dedication to doing things right and putting the customer first.
O’Donnell Roofing Co.’s reputation for professionalism and dependability goes back four generations and an entire century. Owner Kevin O’Donnell’s great-grandfather Clement Aloysius (C.A.) O’Donnell founded the company in West Philadelphia in 1924. C.A. was taught the roofing trade and started doing small repairs and installing new roofs with a Philadelphia roofing and sheet metal company. His ambition led him to become a skilled roofing mechanic and entrepreneur. Back then, C.A. didn’t just focus on roofing but also provided a number of other services to its customers. During the winter season, he serviced oil burners and owned a metal shop that fabricated roofing and heating materials.
Since the 1920s, both the roofing industry and the O’Donnell family business have seen significant changes.
In the 50s, Kevin’s grandfather, Clement Aloysius Jr., took the reins from his father and maintained the company’s values for nearly 30 years. He explored newer options in roofing and siding as a more cost-effective way to meet client’s needs and expanded the company’s service to the Philadelphia suburbs. Then, in the 1980s, Kevin’s father, Laurence (Larry), took on the executive management role. Larry renamed and incorporated O’Donnell Roofing Co. and expanded services to include commercial roofing and historic restoration. Several of Larry’s restoration projects garnered attention, including projects at Longwood Gardens, Merion train station and Pomona Hall in Camden, among others. “My dad’s work became the area’s premier standard for custom metal and restoration roofing,” said Kevin.
Kevin was 12 years old when he began working with his dad and learning the business. He attributes that time spent with his dad to his strong work ethic. After graduating from Haverford High School, Kevin moved to Vermont to study Business Administration Management at the Community College of Vermont. Kevin enjoyed running a deli and skiing as much as possible during his college years. But, ultimately, he knew he’d want to return to Pennsylvania and decided to move back to Havertown to work with his dad again.
Kevin quickly became a journeyman roofer and job site foreman. A few years later, he began focusing on sales and the growth of the business. Larry eventually passed the torch to Kevin, who took full ownership of the company in 2017. The company has been growing rapidly ever since, going from
Owner Kevin O’Donnell with his dad Laurence
Photo by Dan Hall, Prestige Photography
Our Community
five employees to 20+. Larry continues to be a project manager, focusing on quality control, troubleshooting leaks and providing ongoing training to their installers and estimators.
O’Donnell Roofing Co.’s training and production hub is located in Upper Darby, and they recently opened a Berwyn location for offices and a showroom. In addition to residential and commercial roofing services, O’Donnell Roofing Co. also offers siding, gutter and window installation, solar panels and many other custom home exterior options.
Kevin said that not only are their staff experts in installation, but they are all hard-working and dependable. “From the sales staff, the managers to the roofing mechanics and installers, they’re happy and motivated, and that holds a lot of weight,” he said.
In addition to being a valued valued Sponsor in Marple Friends & Neighbors, Kevin and his team actively volunteer with and donate to our local sports teams, to our community and to charity organizations. “We appreciate the strength of our community, and we wouldn’t be who we are without our customers,” said Kevin. This past fall, Kevin and his team raised a significant amount of money for Unite for HER, a local non-profit organization supporting those affected by breast and ovarian cancers. They held a “Dink for Pink” pickleball tournament that well exceeded their fundraising goal.
In addition to the tournament, O’Donnell Roofing Co. helps many other organizations throughout the year. They sponsored a family through Grands Stepping Up, a local nonprofit that helps grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, donated toys to the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, donated a new roof for a shed for the Newtown Square Petticoat League as well as sponsored quite a few youth baseball and softball organizations. Their generosity was also extended to sponsor two nonprofits in the first-ever Delco Gives Day, the Mighty MoJo’s Warriors Run in honor of Molly Joan, who fought fiercely for 44 days against Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) at CHOP before passing away in September 2021 and held a food drive for the Chester County Food Bank.
That commitment to customers and the community has kept O’Donnell Roofing Co. in business for nearly 100 years. Over the past century, their mission to provide quality roofing services to their customers in a timely and professional manner hasn’t changed. Whether you are building a new house or renovating your current home, the exterior home will boost your curb appeal and show off your style. Call 610-624-8112 or visit their website at OdonnellRoofingCo.com for a free estimate on any of their services. M
Kevin O’Donnell with his wife Lisa and their children Kaitlyn and Ryan
Photo by Kathryn Norbeck Photography KNorbeckPhotography.com
Dink for Pink Pickleball Tournament to support Unite for HER Photo courtesy of Kevin O’Donnell
