Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, January 2023

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Matthew DeAmicis

JANUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The January Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Matthew DeAmicis, who received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program. Matthew is an 8th grade student from St. Anastasia’s, who always tries to balance academics with creativity and sports, because he loves them all.

Matthew loves math! He is proud to be part of the Honors Math Program at St. Annie’s, which offers excellent students the opportunity to get exposure to Algebra before high school. Along with his commitment to his schoolwork, Matt

also participates in many other school activities and CYO sports. He is a member of the track, cross country and soccer teams, and last year he even ran in the Penn Relays! One of his favorite things about being part of CYO is that the teams do more than just play sports. Last year his track coach organized a car wash and the athletes participated to raise money for St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Last fall, as a member of the Theater Arts Program, Matt played a lead role in St. Annie’s production of Annie Jr., playing the character Rooster. It was a great fit because one of the things his family, friends and teachers enjoy most about Matt is his incredible sense of humor. Matt has been described as one of the most kind, polite, pleasant and authentic students, who radiates joy that is felt by the students and teachers around him, according to several faculty members at his school. He is quick to lend a hand or a kind smile, and nothing is too much to ask.

Matt has been playing piano since the 2nd grade and still takes classes locally in Broomall. He loves music and hopes to continue focusing on music into the future. Although he’s still a bit young to have solidified ideas of what he wants to do in his adult life, Matt aspires to have a career one day where he can help others like a doctor or scientist. We would like to congratulate you Matt for being such an outstanding student, athlete and person. We have no doubt that your future will be bright! M

Any grade 7–12 student who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District may be nominated by a parent, teacher or other adult who submits in writing some ways the student demonstrates Excellence in Service to friendship, school or other local communities. Academic or athletic excellence is not required. Email your nomination to Lisa Jeffries at LJeffries@BestVersionMedia. com. The selected nominee will be featured in a future issue and will also receive a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 Casey’s Public House gift card.

January Casey’s Student of the Month Matthew DeAmicis with Casey’s Owner Pete Crisanti Photo courtesy of Kathy DeAmicis

by Lisa Jeffries

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Lisa Jeffries

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Holly Stupak

DESIGNER: Kim Cesati

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Holly Stupak, Sheila Turner-Hilliard, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Scott Magness, Deborah M. Truscello, Len Sciulli, Dr. Marc Belitsky, Jack Crowley, Ryan Corbett, David Linn Cook, Joe Soster

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Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse

Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com Phone: 610-453-5536

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CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES

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ON THE COVER

The DiFrancesco Family at the Thomas Massey House in Broomall

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

What will be in 2023? We’ll see. Happy New Year everyone, from all of us at Marple Friends & Neighbors. Here’s hoping new year happiness continues through to next month when we may be rooting for our Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. That kind of success will push all our teams further, with the Phillies and Union just warming up, the sparks may ignite all our professional sports teams in 2023. We can only hope. Go Eagles!

This year Marple Friends & Neighbors will celebrate our 5th Anniversary in print, and online at: www.MarpleMag.com. Throughout 2023 we hope to be announcing some changes, upgrades and new benefits for our readers and advertising Sponsors, whose support makes our “Bringing People Together” mission possible all year long. We like to call it: “Social-Media-in-Print.” What will be in 2023? We will see, and as readers of our hometown magazine you and your friends and neighbors will be a part of it with each new issue, which our Sponsors make possible by choosing to become advertisers in our magazine, because they know how important Marple residents are to the success of their business.

Every week a business owner will ask me, “Does advertising in your magazine really work to help local businesses grow?” When first launched in 2018 I had no way of being sure. But now we know, it does work. We know it works because most of our advertising Sponsors are in their fourth year of continued advertising, and because more than half are Sponsors of all three of our local magazines serving Marple, Newtown Square and Edgmont townships.

David Linn Cook, our Waterproofing & Weatherization Expert Contributor, for the past three years, just renewed his sponsorship by also committing to serve as our Waterproofing Expert and Sponsor for all three of our magazines. Why? Because you returned your loyalty so much so that Dave has now joined forces with another waterproofing expert, Joe Soster, of Waterproofing One. Joe and Dave will now combine to co-author expert features, starting this month. (You know David Linn Cook. Meet Dave’s co-expert now for sharing waterproofing expertise, Joe Soster, through their first combined feature as our new Sponsor, Waterproofing One, on page 27.)

The timing to celebrate our 5th Anniversary in 2023 couldn’t be better. We’ll bring on new advertising Sponsors who, as seasoned business owners, have seen these economic times before, and know that it is these very times that make us all thrive. It is through the loyal support of Marple residents like you, that our advertising Sponsors make our hometown magazine possible, delivered to your home every month.

Let’s continue Bringing People Together with this first issue of 2023 that I know you’ll enjoy.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents, Happy New Year! Here’s hoping your holiday season was filled with fun and festive gatherings with family and friends. Our Calendar of Events has some fun ideas to keep us from getting into a post holiday slump. Check out our Holiday Recap to see how the Marple community celebrated the season last month.

January traditionally has us setting goals and looking ahead, so we asked a couple of our Sponsors for their tips on how to make those resolutions last all year long. We are also excited to introduce you to Melissa and Ben DiFrancesco who reconnected with the Marple community after moving away for many years. Our Business Profile features Marple Dental, where Dr. Martin and his staff take pride in treating all of their patients like family. You’ll also hear from Marple grads and authors Mike Mathis and Johanna Sullivan about their new book.

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

Marple’s Expert Contributors

Accounting & Tax Preparation

Jack Del Pizzo, CPA

Del Pizzo & Associates 2098 W Chester Pike #101, Broomall 610-356-2590

JRD@DelPizzo.com www.DelPizzo.com

Automotive Repairs & Service

Jack Crowley, Jr. C&J Automotive Specialists 99 S. Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square 610-616-2411

JCrowleyJR@@CandJAutoRepair.com www.CandJAutoRepair.com

Body Image & Fitness

Christine DeFilippis

Pop Fit Studio

1305 West Chester Pike (above Applebee’s) 484-453-8533 info@PopFitStudio.com www.PopFitStudio.com

Chiropractic Care Rehabilitation

Dr. Marc Belitsky, D.C., D.A.C.R.B. Broomall Total Health Center 2633 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610-353-2220 BroomallTH@gmail.com www.SpineDr.org

Electric Service, Residential/Commercial

Andrew Martella, Sr. Martella Electric Company 484-997-3097

MartellaElectric@rcn.com www.MartellaElectric.com

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

Family Law Trial Attorney

Deborah M. Truscello, Esq. Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello 610-892-4940 DmtofLaw@gmail.com www.TruscelloLaw.com

Fireplace Products

Scott Magness

Scott’s Fireplace Products

3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484-422-8334

SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

Funeral Home

Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D.

DANJOLELL Memorial Homes

2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610-356-4200

RobJr@DANJOLELL.com www.DANJOLELL.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

Plumbing Service, Residential / Commercial

Ryan Corbett, Master Plumber

Dream Team Home Services

3703 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-609-7771

Service@DreamTeamPA.com www.DreamTeamPA.com

Residential Door Installation

Paul Barrett

PB Contracting Company, LLC Broomall 484-466-3221

DoorsAndWindows@PBContracting.com www.PBContracting.com

Roofing, Siding & Carpentry

Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co. 610-624-8112

Office@ODonnellRoofingCo.com www.ODonnellRoofingCo.com/bvm

Senior Living & Housing

Lindsey Poeth, CSA

Oasis Senior Advisors – Main Line Malvern 484-947-4266

LPoeth@YourOasisAdvisor.com www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Mainline

Mike Bradley Bradley

Mike@BradleyTreeExperts.com www.BradleyTreeExperts.com

Daily, January through February Flight On Ice

@4901 West Chester Pk, Newtown Square

Newtown Square’s pop-up outdoor ice-skating rink is back and offers fun for the entire family. This winter wonderland features a 60’ x 100’ full-size outdoor skating rink, a heated hospitality tent with food, drinks and merchandise. Special events and live music are scheduled to keep you entertained this winter.

Time: Wed. and Thurs. 4–8pm; Fri. 4–10pm; Sat. 11am–10pm; Sunday 11am–8pm

Cost: Check their website for current Season Pass, Family Pass and Individual Ticket pricing. 610-627-2100 www.FlightOnIce.com

Saturdays in Winter 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!) www.NSHistory.org

Saturdays in Winter Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Road, Newtown Square Visit Newtown Square’s museum of local history,

a place filled with the ghosts and footprints of the millworkers who once lived there. Time: 1–4pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org

Wed. January 11 and January 25 Babble & Brew Parents Group @Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Rd, Broomall Playtime for them, coffee for you! Longing for grown-up conversation but don't want to pay a babysitter? We will have coffee and snacks for the grownups and lots of exciting, age-appropriate toys for the kiddos (newborns to preschoolers). No registration required! The library meeting room capacity is limited to 50. Time: 10:00am–11:30am

Cost: FREE 610-356-1510 www.MarpleLibrary.org

Thu. January 12

Documentary on Ellis School @209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Township Bldg. Filmmaker Louise Miller explores the history of Newtown Square’s Charles E Ellis School through the eyes of thirty-four alumnae spanning 1940-1977. Time: 7:00 pm Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org

Honoring The Life of a Loved One DANJOLELL

MEMORIAL HOMES AND CREMATORY

DANJOLELL

Memorial Home of Broomall

2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008 610-356-4200

Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. F.D.

DANJOLELL Stigale

Memorial Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of Aston 3260 Concord Road Aston, PA 19014 610-497-5505

James Stigale, Supervisor

DANJOLELL

Memorial Home & Crematory of Malvern-Frazer 392 Lancaster Avenue Frazer, PA 19355 610-296-9555

Anthony F. Romano, Supervisor

DANJOLELL Barone

Memorial Home of Wallingford

908 S. Providence Road Wallingford, PA 19086 610-874-7700

Edward S. Barone, Supervisor

by Deborah M. Truscello, Esq. Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

The holidays, such a wonderful time of year, came and went by so quickly this year. While we were busy decorating, shopping and cooking, hopefully we all enjoyed true peace of mind. Now that it’s the New Year, here are a few practices you can adapt into your everyday life that can allow you to be at ease in 2023 and beyond.

In Custody Situations - Parents are encouraged to make phone calls to each other to discuss upcoming plans in a timely manner. If there is a custody order in place, keep it on hand for reference. Custody orders often outline specific days, times and vacation time for each parent to adhere to as best they can. Wonderful plans can be made around the outlined custodial periods which makes it less stressful for everyone. Turns can be taken for visiting family, getting together with friends and

attending special events so that everyone benefits. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Engaging a Contractor - Before hiring a contractor of any type and giving them a deposit, check out reviews on Angi, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau and Google, as well as any other applicable sources. Check with your municipality and the state’s website to see if they have information about the contractor. Insurance information and certifications should be on file, so request a copy of them from the contractor.

Shopping Online - Always delete the internet history after each purchase, and do the same thing when banking online. Hackers love to get your information from your internet history. You will know if you are ordering from a secure site when there is a picture of a lock or it states in the browser that it is a secured website. Make a list of your purchases to make sure you receive everything ordered.

Shopping at Stores - When you go shopping, make sure the area is well lit, take a friend along, park as close to the doors as you can and keep your eyes open and on your mirrors for any approaching strangers. Secure your packages in your car before responding to anyone asking for help. If you feel that perhaps you’re being followed or targeted, go straight to the police station instead of going home.

Enjoy the New Year, and remember that when you smile, people will smile back. M

by Scott Magness

Scott‘s Fireplace Products

Current Trends in Fireplaces

Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Inserts

With their ability to keep you warmer, improve indoor air quality and save money, direct vent gas fireplace inserts are all the rage on home renovation shows. Traditional open-flue fireplaces draw air from inside your home for combustion, however direct vent gas fireplace inserts take air from outside of your home. They are sealed to stop cold drafts and to prevent warm air from escaping.

Gas Flames That Look Just Like Wood Flames

With advancements in gas burner technology, you can now enjoy the clean convenience of natural gas flames that dance and flicker just like real wood burning flames. Head over to your local fireplace products store to learn more about how you can have a gas fireplace that would look as beautiful as the real thing.

High Efficiency Heat

You can lower your monthly home heating bill with a high efficiency fireplace insert. Most fireplace inserts cut the chilly draft from the chimney, but superior gas fireplace inserts are

engineered to keep you warmer for less. The improvements include ceramic radiant heating technology, multi-speed blowers, programmable heat controls and multi-room heat distribution kits.

Smart Gas Fireplace Inserts

It’s common to use a remote to turn on your gas fireplace, but now with wifi and bluetooth technology, gas fireplace inserts can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, or program temperatures you want to maintain at specific times of the day or night.

Small Gas Fireplace Inserts

Smaller gas fireplace inserts are perfect for heating cozy spaces, such as a small bedroom, bathroom or home office. It’s best to pick a gas insert that fits the size of your room, but sometimes that’s not possible. If your existing fireplace opening is too narrow or shallow to fit a medium or large insert, a small insert may be your only option. Keep in mind that if you need to heat a large space with a small insert, it’s important to choose one that has a built-in blower. M

by Holly Stupak

Photos by Michele Moran Photography

Treating Patients Like Family

At Marple Dental, postcards from all over the world sent by patients, line one of the walls in the office. It’s evident that owner Dr. Georges Martin, D.M.D. and his staff treat their patients like family. “It’s so important to get to know my patients and who I am taking care of,” said Dr. Martin. “That’s how we’ve been doing it for 35 years and that is how we will continue to do so.”

Marple Dental, conveniently located in Marple Commons on Sproul Rd, offers people of all ages the treatment and education they need to achieve a lifelong healthy smile. Their motto is even “Your Family’s Smile is Our Business.” Dr. Martin and his highly trained staff have been working together for more than a decade to provide their patients with the most comfortable and friendly treatment environment possible.

For as far back as he can remember, Dr. Martin wanted to be a dentist. While growing up in Massachusetts, he admired his own dentist and had a special connection with him.“Not

only did he share my interest in Judo and model airplanes, but he made every dental visit relaxing and comfortable,” Georges recalled. “He really inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry.”

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst, Georges went on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He has also received extensive, ongoing training in all aspects of state-of the-art dentistry, including: cosmetic dentistry, implant supported crown and bridge, and implant stabilized dentures.

During his time at Penn, Georges fell in love with the state of Pennsylvania. An outdoorsman and fisherman, he appreciated Pennsylvania’s beautiful open spaces. Living here also made him an Eagles fan! He decided to stay in Pennsylvania after dental school and opened his first practice in Lansdowne. Eventually he moved his office to Havertown where he raised his family. In 2011 the opportunity came up to move the practice to a better space here in Broomall. Georges decided he would give it a hometown name as well and changed the name to Marple Dental. Surrounded by several other professional offices, the dental suite is a perfect fit in an area well known in the community for great medical care.

Marple Dental offers services from preventive care to cosmetic, crown and bridge restoration, as well as implant supported dentistry. No matter what the procedure, the staff’s goal is to make all of their patients feel at home in our office. “What sets us apart from other dental practices is that patients know us and who they will be seeing,” said Dr. Martin. “And we never double book, so that we can give our patients our full attention without feeling rushed.”

Office manager Kristen Dumigan has been working with Dr. Martin since 1995. A certified dental assistant, she handles all aspects of patient management as well as insurance processing. Dr. Martin’s full time chair assistant is Anna Verdacchio. “Anna has a remarkable aptitude for

WE LOVE TO SEE YOU SMILE

Dr. Martin in front of postcards from his patients

(L to R) Kristen Dumigan, Dr. Georges Martin D.M.D., and Anna Verdecchio

the demanding skills required for today’s cosmetic and restorative procedures,” said Dr. Martin. “And most importantly she puts our patients at ease with her kind and calm demeanor.”

It is this kind of personal care that keeps patients coming back year after year and bringing in their next generation of family members. “Many of my patients have been with me for more than 25 years and now I am even seeing some of my patients’ grandchildren,” said Dr. Martin. “I always make it a point to catch up with them and hear about their lives.” Dr. Martin said many of his patients also remember his own children when they were young and running around his first office.

Proudly providing state-of-the-art dental care with the highest priority on patient safety and comfort. We Offer: Cosmetic and preventive dentistry, smile whitening, Implant restoration, tooth replacement and denture solutions to meet the needs of your entire family.

www.MarpleDental.com 2004 Sproul Road, Suite 304, Broomall office@MarpleDental.com • 610 -359 - 8181

That connection to his patients and being part of the Marple community is what Dr. Martin finds the most rewarding part of his job. “Dental treatment is an intensely personal process that requires sensitivity,” he explained. “That’s why it’s so important that we earn that trust from our patients.”

Whether it’s simply a dental cleaning or teeth whitening, or a full-mouth rehabilitation, including lasers and implants, Marple Dental offers the full spectrum of treatment for all of your family members. Dr. Martin and his staff welcome your inquiries by phone at 610-359-8181. For more information visit their website at www.MarpleDental.com. M

“

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What sets us apart from other dental practices is that patients know us and who they will be seeing.

The DiFrancesco Family: Reconnecting in Marple

by Holly Stupak

This month we are pleased to introduce you to the DiFrancesco Family: Melissa, Ben and their three children. After moving away from the area for college, neither Ben nor Melissa imagined they’d move back to the area. But since moving back to Broomall in 2015, they’ve come to realize just how important family and community are and they appreciate more than ever all that Marple has to offer… even if we don’t have a Chick-Fil-A!

Ben grew up in Newtown Square with two younger sisters. He went to Culbertson Elementary, Paxon Hollow Middle School and eventually Marple Newtown High School (MNHS). His family still lives in the area including his parents and grandmother who is 102 years old. When Ben was at MNHS he was part of the Marching Band, where he played the trombone and saxophone. He also sang in the choir and ran track. After high school Ben chose the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) to further his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2009 in Aerospace Engineering. During his time there Ben was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity and took advantage of all that the city of Atlanta had to offer like restaurants, museums and theaters.

After college Ben worked as a software engineer at Boeing. He also spent a few years as a developer for a small publishing company before eventually starting his own company called ScopeLift. ScopeLift is a software engineering consultancy company that combines a passion for high quality engineering and a keen understanding of business strategy. “One of the great privileges of running a tech consultancy is getting to meet and work with so many intelligent, creative and driven people,” said Ben. “Our clients constantly amaze me. It’s an honor to help them build the future.”

Ben loves the technical aspects of his work, but what is especially satisfying is mentoring and supporting his employees. “Helping my employees achieve their goals and progress in their careers has been the most rewarding aspect of running a small business,” he added. Running his own company out of his home has other benefits, too. He’s able to spend much more time with his family. “That was part of the reason why I wanted to do this in the first place,” he explained. “It allows me much more flexibility.”

Ben’s wife Melissa also went to MNHS. Her parents emigrated from Taiwan in the 1980s and decided to raise Melissa

Melissa and Ben DiFrancesco with the Chick-Fil-A cow on their wedding day

Photo courtesy of Melissa and Ben DiFrancesco

and her two siblings here in Broomall while her father taught engineering at Villanova University. Melissa attended Russell Elementary, Paxon Hollow Middle School and graduated from MNHS 2003, a year before Ben.

She was also in the high school Marching Band and played the flute and piano. Melissa’s interest in international studies led her across the country to the University of Southern California (USC) where she pursued a degree in International Relations and Chinese. During college Melissa worked in the admissions office, which gave her the opportunity to interact with prospective students and their parents. “I also became a very enthusiastic Trojans fan,” she said. “Especially football!” Another highlight of her college years was a semester abroad in Taiwan. “This experience really impacted my perspective and opened up my world,” said Melissa. “It definitely changed the trajectory of my career.”

humanitarian non-profit. “I love connecting talented individuals with mission-focused career opportunities,” said Melissa. “And being able to do meaningful work in a remote environment allows me to support my family’s busy schedule.”

Back when Melissa and Ben were both Georgia Tech students, they started a tradition on Valentine’s Day: an affordable date at Chick-Fil-A. To this day, they’ve kept the tradition going. So, when Ben proposed to Melissa in Atlanta in 2010, he made sure to do it on the Georgia Tech campus with Chick-Fil-A in hand. On their wedding day, they even served Chick-Fil-A as appetizers and the Chick-Fil-A cow made a surprise appearance!

After their wedding the couple spent a week in Costa Rica and a second week in Honduras where they volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. In their early married life they purchased a home in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia and enjoyed the young professional life there. As members of the St. Francis Xavier Church in Fairmount, they made lifelong friends in its young adult group the Secular Oratory.

In 2015 the DiFrancescos moved out of the city. At that time they were expecting their second child and were looking for more of a suburban life. They found a home that was in close proximity to both of their families, in fact, just a convenient three minute drive from Melissa’s mom and dad. “Neither one

It was during their college years that Melissa and Ben started dating seriously. The couple had been longtime friends since their MNHS band days and even attended each other’s proms. But they didn’t actually start dating until Melissa’s senior year of college when they dated long-distance. When Melissa was about to graduate from USC, she began looking at graduate schools and received full funding to attend Georgia Tech. With Ben about to start his senior year there, the timing was perfect for her to join him in Atlanta and earn her Masters in International Relations.

After earning her graduate degree, Melissa worked at the University of Pennsylvania for over 10 years. She supported East Asian studies programs in various roles and also worked at the office of Penn Global, encouraging students to participate in eye-opening study abroad programs. Now she works remotely as a Talent Acquisition Partner for a global faith-based

of us expected to end up back in Marple Newtown,” said Ben. “But after having children we realized the importance of having family nearby.” “Being back in Marple has been a blessing and we are grateful for our parents and for our St. Pius X community,” added Melissa.

Ben and Melissa have three children: Benedict (Ben), Anna and Maximillian (Max). Ben is an earnest and curious eight-yearold. A third grader at St. Aloysius Academy in Bryn Mawr, his parents say he’s smart and competitive and participates in his school’s karate, LEGO robotics and music programs. He already won a bronze medal in his first karate tournament and started playing the trumpet this year. Outside of school, Ben plays soccer for the Marple Newtown Soccer Association (MNSA) and takes piano lessons.

Seven-year-old Anna is a first grader at St. Pius X. Her mom and dad say she's sweet and caring and at school she’s known as the “little mom” of her class. Anna also enjoys adding to her ever-growing collection of stuffed animals. This past fall was her first year playing soccer for MNSA, which she loved, and she also started taking piano lessons like her big brother. “Anna is energetic and determined. And she loves to keep up with her older brother,” said Melissa. “The two of them love playing Pokemon and Minecraft together.”

The youngest DiFrancesco, four-year-old Max, is silly and funny with a great sense of humor. A preschooler at St.

Pius X, he enjoys dancing and listening to music. Max can often be found with his well loved dinosaur Squishmallow named Squishy.

Melissa and Ben said that they love their home in the safe, quiet and supportive Broomall community. “Our neighbors really watch out for each other,” said Melissa. “We feel comfortable letting the kids play outside and we are grateful to have so many nice families nearby.”

During the pandemic, the DiFrancescos gained a new appreciation for the outdoors. They took lots of hikes and nature walks in the area, eventually doing longer trips. After a trip to Berkeley Springs, a small mountain town in West Virginia, they fell in love with the area and purchased a small cabin there. “Now we visit regularly and love exploring the woods and fishing at Cacapon State Park,” said Melissa.

Their family also loves the Jersey shore, especially Ocean City, where Ben’s parents own a home. Their annual trip there includes the beach, playing arcade games on the boardwalk, eating ice cream and crabbing and fishing. Although they’ve yet to do any international travel as a family of five, they hope to get to Taiwan in the next year to visit Melissa’s extended family and teach the kids a little bit of Mandarin.

What is central to the DiFrancesco’s life is their Catholic faith and they are active members in the St. Pius X Parish. Ben and Melissa strive to maintain schedules that reflect their philosophy and work together to instill the importance of faith and family in their kids. “Although we both love our respective careers, we view our role as parents as God’s primary calling in our lives and strive to make family our priority,” said Ben. The DiFrancescos have found Marple to be the perfect place to live out their life philosophy. “It’s great to live in a place we both have a strong connection with,” said Melissa. "Now that we're the parents raising our family here, we have a new appreciation for having been raised in such a wonderful community.” Sounds like the only thing missing here in Marple is a Chick-Fil-A!

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

The DiFrancesco Family

Homes Recently Sold in Marple

Address

Sold Price Beds Baths Sq. Ft. Acres

2227 Windsor Circle . . . . . . . $425,000 . . . . 4 . . . . 2 . . . . 1,864 . . . 0.35

118 Lovell Avenue . . . . . . . . . $399,000. . . . 4 . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,205 . . . 0.26 331 Candlewood Road . . . . . . $385,000 . . . . 3 . . . . 1.5. . . . 1,614 . . . . 0.29

817 Cedar Grove Road . . . . . . $789,900 . . . . 4 . . . . 4.5 . . . 4,200 . . . 1.00

3087 Dorman Circle . . . . . . . $647,000 . . . . 5 . . . . 3 . . . . 2,288 . . . 0.29 2638 Summit Avenue . . . . . . $370,000 . . . . 3 . . . . 2 . . . . 1,248. . . . 0.17

420 Ravenscliff Drive, #48 . . . $690,000. . . . 3 . . . . 2.5 . . . 3,660 . . . 0.05

215 Media Line Road . . . . . . . $410,000 . . . . 3 . . . . 1.5. . . . . 1,311 . . . . 0.28

450 N Sproul Road . . . . . . . . $600,000 . . . 5 . . . . 3.5 . . . 2,480 . . . 0.64 131 1st Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . $595,000 . . . . 5 . . . . 2 . . . . . n/a . . . . 0.11

345 Robinson Drive . . . . . . . $485,000. . . . 3 . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,346 . . . 0.22 2426 Gilbert Street . . . . . . . . $390,000. . . . 2 . . . . 1 . . . . . 864 . . . . 0.18 146 Sylvan Drive . . . . . . . . . $100,000 . . . . 3 . . . . 1 . . . . 1,092. . . . 0.84

125 Lori Lane . . . . . . . . . . . $630,000. . . . 5 . . . 2.5+ . . . 3,780 . . . 0.44 382 Barclay Lane . . . . . . . . . $532,550 . . . . 4 . . . . 2.5 . . . 2,193 . . . . 0.27 326 N Central Boulevard . . . . $480,000 . . . 3 . . . . 1.5. . . . 1,320 . . . . 0.22

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.

by Len Sciulli Len Sciulli & Sons

What You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide

Tasteless, colorless, odorless carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by almost every fuel-burning appliance, including furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, grills and gas space heaters. When such equipment works correctly, very little CO escapes, and what does escape gets vented harmlessly to the outside. However, when something goes wrong with the equipment or the venting, CO becomes a deadly household hazard.

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

1. Some symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, sleepiness and disorientation. Unfortunately, these same symptoms are associated with flu, food poisoning

and other afflictions, leading to many misdiagnoses. A cherry red face is also a possible sign of CO poisoning.

2. For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when it reaches a level higher than 35 ppm (parts per million) with continuous exposure over an 8-hour period. This is the maximum exposure tolerated by OSHA. Mild exposure over 2-3 hours (a CO level between 35 ppm and 200 ppm) will produce dizziness, drowsiness and vomiting in as little as 1 hour. This level of exposure is life threatening once three hours have passed. Extreme exposure (800+ ppm) will lead to unconsciousness, brain damage and death in as little as a few minutes. Infants and people with heart conditions are more susceptible to CO poisoning than healthy adults.

3. If anyone experiences CO poisoning symptoms, vacate the home immediately and notify the fire or police department. Don’t open doors and windows because that makes it hard for authorities to determine whether there is a CO problem when they inspect the home.

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

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

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

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Marple Holiday Festivities Recap!

by Holly Stupak

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Last month’s holidays brought lots of holiday spirit to Broomall. The Marple community held its annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 3. The event kicked off with a parade, courtesy of the Broomall Fire Company. Children and their families waved to Santa along West Chester Pike as he headed through parts of Broomall and ended at Veterans Memorial Park for the tree lighting. The event was co-sponsored by Mrs. Marty’s Deli, who provided delicious refreshments, and featured performances by Art in Motion Dance studio and the Marple Newtown High School choir. There were also plenty of edible tree decorations provided by local scout troops. The evening ended with a visit from Santa in the gazebo.

Santa had so much fun at the Tree Lighting that he returned to Broomall the following weekend and greeted children at the Broomall Fire Company on December 10. Plenty of cookies, candy canes and music were on hand to celebrate. There was also an area to color pictures and children wrote letters that Santa delivered back to the North Pole.

The Marple Civic Youth (MCY) group also got into the holiday spirit this year by holding its Annual Holiday Lights Contest, sponsored by the Marple Pub. What better way to bring the community together than to see which of your neighbors had the most elaborate light display? MCY board members spread the word via social media for the contest. Youth board members Bella Dreger, Nick D'Ambrosio, Rachel D’Ambrosio, Sumit Jani, Mary Benko, Eva Karasavas, Justine Rimple and Ava Castellante along with the newly appointed MCY ambassadors and club members served as the judges and awarded $350 in prizes. The winners were: 1st place: Melissa Antieta, Hilldale Rd; 2nd place: Rudi Witzel, Cove Rd; 3rd place: Kim Anderson, James Rd. Ross & Rock awarded the first place winner with their very own special Delco Tree Ornament and generously donated $2 back to MCY for anyone purchasing the ornament who mentioned MCY.

Under the direction of parent advisors Demetra D'Ambrosio and Josie Karasavas, the Youth Board was founded in 2020 by Marissa D’Ambrosio (now attending the University of Pittsburgh) to create fun and safe activities for teens. “The holiday light contest is a way to promote community involvement in a fun and 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.” 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! M

TheTree

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First place winner of the Holiday Lights Contest

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Second place winner of the Holiday Lights Contest

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Third place winner of the Holiday Lights Contest

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Chief Dobbins and his family enjoy a visit with Santa at the Broomall Fire Company

courtesy of the Broomall Fire Company

Lighting at Veterans Memorial Park

courtesy of Maria Tucker

courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio

courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio

courtesy of Demetra D’Ambrosio

Art in Motion snowmen dancers

courtesy of Diane Caporella

by Bob Blaisse, Publisher

Bringing People Together

Marple

Friends & Neighbors

Bringing People Together is a Partnership of Hometown Pride and Loyalty Which Includes You.

This year Marple Friends & Neighbors will continue to grow our partnerships with local business leaders who are the advertising Sponsors of Marple Township Residents now taking us toward our fifth anniversary of publishing your hometown monthly magazine. That partnership with our hometown Sponsors has always included You!

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After nearly five years now, if you’re reading this, you likely look forward to a new issue of our free, feel-good, hometown

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magazine arriving in your mail every month. In 2023 twelve new issues will continue to serve our magazine motto and mission to be a catalyst for “Bringing People Together.” You know we call it: “Social-Media-in-Print.” That’s just what it is, what you experience monthly as a regular reader. And that makes you an important part of our Bringing People Together partnership with our advertising Sponsors. The part that comes easy to you and most of us, is having hometown pride, and that natural instinct to be loyal to those who have been loyal to us.

Ever since we launched Marple Friends & Neighbors in 2018, readers have told us how reading the local features in our magazine is like meeting new neighbors in the community they did not know well, including local business leaders, whose sponsorship of our exclusive publication for Marple Township residents can be seen on every page. Those local business owners have also told us how every month our readers are rewarding the decision to use their marketing budgets for Marple residents, and not just because they are important to the success of

their business, but also because the uniqueness of our magazine truly is Bringing People Together – readers with other readers, friends and neighbors, and business owners with their current customers and new customers needed to keep local businesses, in business.

When the news of the day brings fears over the economy or political debate, we all find ourselves at risk of failing to remain happy, and feeling good about all that we do have, with hope in a very Happy New Year ahead. Our “Bringing People Together” mission brings this back through recollection of hometown pride found on our pages, in our feel-good feature articles that drive loyalty to our community, friends and neighbors and our local businesses.

In this new year, let hometown pride drive your loyalty to our advertising Sponsors, whose products and services you need. Let’s make a New Year’s Resolution together: to commit to being even more loyal to our friends and neighbors, to our Broomall community, and to the businesses we see supporting our needs and our local community, especially those businesses who make our hometown “feel-good” magazine possible in print and online at www.MarpleMag.com.

Whenever possible in 2023, Shop Local. Return the loyalty you see our advertising Sponsors showing us through the pride they have in Marple residents who they depend on to succeed in business. In that way you will be contributing to the mission of your hometown magazine in the partnership we have to be Bringing People Together. M

Blaisse Publisher Marple Friends & Neighbors

Bob

by Ryan Corbett, Master Plumber Dream Team Home Services

What do you do when you go to hop into a nice warm shower in the dead of winter, but instead, the water coming out is freezing?

Every time you cook a meal, wash the dishes, use your washing machine or take a shower, you count on your water heater to work. Taking care of the home's water heater is something that typically falls to the wayside by homeowners. Without proper maintenance, it will become less efficient and have a shorter lifespan.

What if you’ve had a brand new water heater installed, what steps can you take to extend its life as long as possible? The more you prolong the life of your water heater, the more money you’ll save and the fewer headaches you will suffer.

Here are five essential tips to extend the life of your water heater:

1. Inspect Regularly: Look for signs of wear and tear. Inspections can help you catch potential problems before they turn into bigger repairs or even replacements. It's best to give your local plumber a call if you see obvious wear and tear.

2. Flush Yearly: It’s important to drain your water heater annually. This allows you to clean out the interior of the tank and remove any buildup. Doing so will help prolong the life of your unit.

3. Install Insulation: An insulated water tank will prevent heat from escaping. This, in return, will lead to lower energy bills and less work your water heater will have to do to perform essential functions. Insulation will also prevent water from freezing in the pipes and avoid costly repairs or a burst pipe inside your home.

4. Lower the Temperature: As a rule, all uses for hot water in your home can be accomplished with a temperature of 120 degrees or lower. Temperatures any hotter can result in burns. Lowering your water heater's temperature will also help reduce your overall energy bill.

5. Replace the Air Intake Filter: If you have a tankless water heater, this maintenance tip is critical! Over time, tankless water heaters build up debris on the filter. A clean filter allows your unit to function correctly. Replacing the filter regularly will ensure your tankless water heater will continue to provide the necessary functions.

When you have a problem with your water heater, call a skilled and experienced plumber. Your water heater is essential to your everyday life. Without proper maintenance, it will become less efficient and have a shorter lifespan. M

The Wellness Center at Grace Lutheran Church: Support for Mind, Body and Spirit

by Holly Stupak Photos courtesy of Grace Lutheran Church

For more than 80 years, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Broomall has been caring for its members who are in need with prayers, love or help. They strive to be an inclusive community where people can discover a renewed sense of faith, belonging and purpose. But it’s not just through their weekly worship services that this mission is carried out. Through their Wellness Center, they are working to build a community and justice-minded center whose mission is to care for the mind, body and spirit of its members and our community.

From counseling services with licensed professionals, cooking and fitness classes to promote good health, to Reiki somatic therapy and craniosacral therapy that can help reduce stress and anxiety, the Wellness Center partners with organizations who align with Grace’s mission to support wellness in our community. They recently partnered with Chef Dad’s Table (a local cooking school) and built a garden in front of the church for the cooking classes to use. Other partners include Heart Light Healing and local practitioners.

Grace Lutheran Church has a long history of supporting Broomall and its surrounding communities with its ministries. Several times a year they shop and prepare food to feed the homeless. They also support Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity and since 2008 have donated numerous hours to reconstruct and build several homes. The congregation also delivers food to the food bank, collects monies for Autism and Alzheimer’s research and collects and delivers toys at Christmas to those in need.

This fall, the Grace Wellness Center welcomed the community to many events including a weekly support group for grief and loss, an advent retreat and Pub Theology where groups meet at a local pub. “We encourage people to come with questions and leave with questions,” said Kayla. “We engage with curiosity and show respect for each other’s diverse views.” They also blessed animals at the Providence Animal Shelter’s Bark in

The Park and on the front lawn of the church. “When we say we welcome everyone, we mean it. Even our four-legged friends can use a little grace!”

Reverend Kayla Sadowy has been the Pastor of Grace Lutheran since 2020 and is proud that through Grace’s Wellness Center, health and wellness will be available for all people with low or no barriers. “We're always seeking to meet new people and connect them to our services,” said Pastor Kayla. “We are a faith based community, but we welcome anyone in the community regardless of anyone’s beliefs, religion, class, sexuality, race, citizenship status or any other cultural factor.”

Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Kayla moved to Philadelphia to study music therapy at Temple University after completing her studies at Capital University in Columbus, OH. As a music therapist, Kayla has worked with various populations, including children, senior adults receiving memory care, cancer patients and adults with intellectual disabilities. “It was during my time in hospice and palliative care that I experienced the presence of God in a way that no longer allowed me to ignore God’s call and led me to seminary,” she explained.

Before coming to Grace Lutheran, Kayla studied at United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) and completed her field education with The Welcome Church, a church focused on serving people experiencing homelessness. “My work as a music therapist and minister have cultivated a passion for creating imaginative, meaningful worships and a desire to share the expansive embrace of God’s love and grace,” Kayla explained.

Kayla said Grace Lutheran and its Wellness Center are always looking to make new friends and welcome anyone to join. “We are guided by our core values of helpfulness, hospitality and community,” she said. For more information about supporting the center or becoming a partner, contact The Wellness Center at www.GraceBroomall.org or call 610-356-1824.

Reverend Kayla Sadowy

Grace church members planting a garden for Chef Dad’s Table

Pastor Kayla at the blessing of the animals

New Year, New Goals: Secrets for Making Those Resolutions Stick

by Holly Stupak

Ringing in a new year always carries something magical about it. It’s a bittersweet time, when we say goodbye to the past and optimistically look forward to our future. As 2022 changes to 2023, we’re motivated by opportunities to restart, set goals, accomplish tasks, and sometimes, completely start over.

We all make New Year Resolutions, planning in this new year to do everything better than we did last year. We pledge to do things differently. We resolve to save more money or go to the gym consistently. We’ll keep in touch with family more often or we’ll finally check an important item off our bucket list. Some of the most common New Year Resolutions are to exercise more, lose weight, practice self-care, get organized, learn a new skill or hobby, save more money and spend more time with family and friends.

But did you know that less than half of those New Year Resolutions actually stick? Sure, we may start out strong, but studies — and our own personal experiences — prove that those pledges to do better wither away within the first two months. No matter what you are resolving to do, there are a few ways you can set yourself up for success in 2023. It’s going to take some extra effort on your end, but it will be worth it.

Set Meaningful Goals

Be sure that the goal you are striving for is for reasons that are internal to yourself and not put upon you by others. Ask yourself WHY you want to reach your goal. If it’s truly something YOU want, then you are much more likely to succeed.

Make a Plan

Abstract resolutions are harder to execute than ones that describe specific ways you will work towards your goals. Sit down and write down HOW you will make this the year you finally achieve what you want. Your plan should also include detailed steps about how you will get back on track if you start to lose your way.

Tell Someone

Your resolutions are more likely to fade away if no one knows about them. Find someone you trust and someone who will be supportive and tell them about your goals and your plan. Sharing your why and your how is a crucial component, and doing so will make you more resolute and persistent.

Celebrate the Little Wins Goals aren’t achieved overnight, which is why you’re much more likely to succeed if you reward yourself for the steps you take along the way. This should be part of your overall plan,

Hassle-Free Headshots

20 minute

so be specific about how and when you will reward yourself. Just be sure your reward isn’t allowing yourself to perform the habit you are trying to overcome!

We checked in with some of our Sponsors for tips and advice on great ways to start and what to focus on. First up is Christine DeFilippis, movement motivator, body liberator and owner of Pop Fit Studio. Christine said that there can be a lot of pressure on people to make massive changes to their diet and exercise routines at the start of the new year. “This can often be intimidating and feel unattainable and most definitely unsustainable,” she said. “Instead, I encourage clients to let go of any shame and judgment and find ways to move their bodies that they enjoy.”

Is there a class you want to take, a new skill you want to learn?

Christine also suggests setting small goals like moving your body for 5 minutes a day or trying a new workout class without the pressure of any expectations. “The number one new year's goal is often weight loss or body change,” she added. “Yet 95% of people fail at weight loss attempts in the long run.” Her advice is to take a different approach and instead of focusing on the scale or your body size, start incorporating new activities and behaviors that make you feel better about your body, give you energy, strength and confidence in 2023.

Christine and her team at Pop Fit Studio love creating FUN and habit forming workouts. “When you find something you love you don’t think of it as a chore or obligation,” she said. “You get up every day excited to make it a part of your day and your life.”

If getting your finances in better shape is your priority in 2023, then it’s best to listen to professional advice from Jack Del Pizzo, CPA of Del Pizzo & Associates. “My advice is to save money for retirement,” explained Jack. “It doesn’t matter how young or how old you are, you should be saving for a secure future.” Jack said that people often get overwhelmed with the thought of saving a significant amount of money so they never get started. He said, “Your retirement journey starts with a single step, and you have to be willing to take it.”

A Shooting Star: Alice Y. Matthews

by Doug Humes Photos courtesy of American Rifleman magazine

In 1942, 25-year-old Alice Y. Matthews was a weekend widow when husband George went off to compete in pistol competitions. In response, George came home one day to their house at 108 Greenhill Road in Broomall with a package for Alice: “Well, one night he came in, dropped a package beside me on the bed and told me to go to it. In it was my first gun… a .22 Woodsman, standard barrel. So, I became a pistol shooter.”

It was a challenge. With George coaching her, she began to practice her target shooting. The following weekend, Alice went to the match, competed with 29 men and beat them all. A star was born.

The news accounts from the 1940’s are replete with reports of Alice’s championships. Photos showed her among the many trophies she had won. She won the National Women’s Pistol Championship in 1946, and by July of 1947 she was the poster girl for women’s shooting – with a cover appearance and feature article in the American Rifleman magazine. A 1950 article said that women were barred from many shooting ranges in Pennsylvania, and so she had to shoot in the woods near her home.

Perhaps her experience was impetus for the establishment of the Broomall Sportsmen’s Club, chartered by the NRA in 1945, with first President Lester Downs. Alice became a spokesperson for women in sports, at a time when there were only a few role models such as Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Olympian

Cover Girl for Women’s Shooting

sprinter, and championship golfer. In 1950, Alice urged women to get involved in the sport: “It doesn’t require great strength or a mass of equipment – a normal set of nerves, patience to practice and her own gun are about all a woman needs.”

Her time in Broomall was relatively brief – in 1949 George took a job in Michigan, and the couple moved to Grosse Point outside of Detroit. She continued to appear in the news for several years, and then the stories ended. A check with the NRA disclosed nothing further. Like so many shooting stars, she flared up and lit the sky and then disappeared from sight.

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: ww.MarpleHistoricalSociety.org. M

1947

Alice takes aim in 1950

Alice amidst her trophies at home in Broomall

Alice at home in Broomall in 1947

by Marc Belitsky, D.C., D.A.C.R.B. Broomall Total Health Center

As the New Year begins, we tend to reflect on our lives and make resolutions and goals for the coming year. Often these resolutions fall by the wayside within a few weeks. However there are ways to bring fulfillment into your life. It would be nice to lose weight, exercise more and focus on health, however the most important goal is to find happiness. The root of happiness is often found with gratitude. Being grateful is humbling but also empowering. What better way to start the year?

In Arthur C. Brooks’ article “Three Biggest Happiness Rules –A good life isn’t just about getting the details right. Here are some truths that transcend circumstance and time” outlines these three maxims of happiness:

Maxim 1: Mother Nature doesn’t care if you are happy. Happiness is your responsibility, not Mother Nature’s. That means you need to curtail your worldly appetites, and instead pursue what truly brings enduring happiness: a faith or life philosophy, family relationships, real friendship and meaningful work.

Maxim 2: Lasting happiness comes from habits, not hacks. We live in a culture of “hacking,” or finding shortcuts. For enduring happiness changes, you need habits, not hacks. Commit to daily practices to strengthen your relationships, deepen your wisdom and uncover meaning in your life. Happiness is a combination of enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose. Improvement in these areas requires commitment and effort, like anything else that is worthwhile. However if you do the work, you will most definitely see substantial results.

Maxim 3: Happiness is love.

The happiest people have lives focused on love – love of family, friends, others (through work that serves others) and in some cases of the divine as well. Research on people who wind up happy (and healthy) as they grow old shows that the most important part of life to cultivate is a series of stable, long-term love relationships. You have a great deal of control over this, because love is a decision and a commitment.

Here’s a handy formula to go by: Happy people love people and use things; unhappy people use people and love things.

Living these ideas raises one of the most important principles of happiness: gratitude, which powerfully improves well-being. So making a habit of using words of gratitude may, in time, make you feel more grateful too. Grateful people tend to use words such as blessed, lucky and fortunate. I appreciate my wellbeing every day and I am lucky to have the opportunity to help my patients regain their health and quality of life. For this I am grateful. What are you grateful for? M

Gretchen Harrington Tragedy Remembered:

Marple Newtown Graduates Examine a Tragic Unsolved Crime of Long Ago

by Holly Stupak

It’s been almost 50 years since eight-year-old Gretchen Harrington was kidnapped while walking to a vacation Bible school from her home in Marple. The daughter of a local Presbyterian minister and his wife, Gretchen’s body was found months later in Ridley Creek State Park, but her murder remains unsolved. Marple Newtown High School graduates and writers Mike Mathis and Joanna Falcone Sullivan were both ten years old when the tragedy happened and have been haunted by it ever since. Their recently published book, Marple’s Gretchen Harrington Tragedy: Kidnapping, Murder and Loss of Innocence in Suburban Philadelphia, is not only a tribute to Gretchen but to all the other children whose lives were forever changed and shaped by this event.

Authors Mike and Joanna both grew up in Broomall. Mike’s family moved here in 1966. Joanna and her family moved to Broomall from Philadelphia in 1975, just a few months before Gretchen’s murder occurred. The book describes the day Gretchen disappeared on August 15, 1975, as a typical summer day in the suburbs. “Young children played with their friends, adults prepared for work or planned for their vacation at the Jersey Shore,” said Mike. “But that all changed in the hours before noon. Kids who were playing at the Lawrence Park Swim Club that day heard the sound of a helicopter hovering. They’d later learn that it was searching for a missing child.”

Joanna and Mike said that the crime forever changed the lives of both the children, who were about Gretchen’s age and their parents. “Many people chose to live in Marple Newtown because they considered it a safe refuge from the crime-ridden streets of Philadelphia,” explained Mike. “But after Gretchen’s murder, we were no longer allowed to walk to friends’ houses or the swim club by ourselves. Joanna said that their parents and friends’ parents began watching over them more closely. “The crime made us more wary of strangers, even making us cautious as we parented our own children while they were growing up,” she added.

As children, Mike went to Loomis Elementary, and Joanna attended Russell Elementary. They met and became friends in middle school, and both had a passion for storytelling and journalism. Their writing careers began back when they both started working on The Hollow Log, Paxon Hollow Middle School’s student newspaper. When they got to Marple Newtown High School (MNHS), Mike ran the student newspaper there, The Mar News, and Joanna was active in the Marching Band.

After Joanna and Mike graduated from MNHS in 1983, they both had successful careers in the communications field. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University, Mike worked as a publication and video manager for the New Jersey Courts. He was also a reporter and editor for several newspapers, including the Burlington County Times in Willingboro, NJ, where he covered the state and federal criminal and civil courts, major crime, school districts and municipal government. Since 1995, he has been an adjunct professor in the Visual, Performing and Communication Arts Department at Camden County College. Mike is also the author of five books and is the co-author of Cherry Hill: A Brief History. He also works as a freelance writer and is a contributor to the Encyclopedia of New Jersey and State Supreme Courts.

Meanwhile, Joanna graduated from Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park. For the past 20 years, she has been the editor-in-chief of the Baltimore Business Journal, which is part of the American City Business Journals publications. She has also worked as an editor and reporter for the American Banker newspaper in Washington, D.C., the Annapolis Capital in Maryland, and the Hagerstown, Maryland Herald-Mail.

Over the years, Mike and Joanna stayed in touch via social media and often discussed collaborating on a book about Gretchen’s murder. “We were perplexed that the crime had not been solved for nearly five decades,” said Joanna. “It remains

Authors Joanna Sullivan and Mike Mathis at a meet and greet and book signing at Barnes & Noble in Broomall Photo courtesy of Holly Stupak

one of Marple Township’s few recorded murders to this day.” It wasn’t until the two writers reconnected in person at their 30-year high school reunion that they officially decided to write the book.

Published in the fall of 2022, Marple’s Gretchen Harrington Tragedy: Kidnapping, Murder and Loss of Innocence in Suburban Philadelphia examines the decades-long investigation. With the help of the Marple police, including chief Brandon Graeff, they were given rare access to police files in what is still considered an open investigation. “Brandon welcomed us into the station on several occasions,” said Joanna. “His passion for solving the crime showed the Marple police’s dedication to the case.” Most of the police officers who worked on her case back when it first happened have since retired or died. Joanna said that the case still haunts detectives who were unable to solve it.

While researching the story for the book, Mike and Joanna also met with Gretchen’s sister Ann (Harrington) Myers. Joanna spent hours in her home, and Ann expressed gratitude to the authors for shedding light on the case that changed her family’s life forever. “The Harrington family was never the same after this tragedy,” said Joanna. “Ann thanked us for writing the book and hopes that her sister will be remembered for being the sweet girl that she was and not just for what happened to her.”

Gretchen’s death remains a topic of conversation on local Facebook groups, and former and current residents recall similar

recollections of the fateful day she disappeared. The case continues to generate much speculation online, including amateur detectives still trying to solve the murder. It was because of the impact the case had on the Marple Newtown community that led Joanna and Mike to write the book. “It was a story that needed to be told,” said Joanna. “We really just want to shed light on this little girl and the impact the crime had on so many people.” For more information about the book, visit www.Amazon. com/Marples-Gretchen-Harrington-Tragedy-Philadelphia.

Publisher's Note: For some readers this feature about Gretchen Harrington will create sad feelings not typical of the feel-good stories we typically publish. With the same cautious respect our two local MNHS grads, Mike Mathis and Joanna Falcone Sullivan conducted their research, while contacting Gretchen Harrington's surviving family, Marple Friends & Neighbors has similar hope that greater awareness of this tragic unsolved loss in our community more than 47 years ago may yet surface new information to bring greater peace to Gretchen’s family. If you feel you may have such new information, please contact the Marple Township Police department at 610-356-1500. M

An issue of Paxon Hollow Middle School’s The Hollow Log that featured authors Joanna Falcone Sullivan and Mike Mathis

Photo courtesy of Joanna Sullivan

by Jack Crowley, Jr. C&J Automotive Specialists

Driving Less? Your Car Still Needs You

Now that winter is in full swing, many people will be driving less frequently. This may seem like a win, since obviously using your car less seems like it would save money. But beware! Unexpected repairs could potentially be needed by allowing your vehicle to sit untouched for longer periods of time. Below are some helpful tips to keep your vehicle ready for when you need it.

One of the biggest issues when a car sits for an extended period of time is the battery dying, especially in winter. The best way to prevent this is to take your car for a 20-minute drive at least once every two weeks. Doing so will do wonders for your car’s health. Not only will it help preserve your car’s battery life but

it will also help keep your tires from degrading, and keep all those moving parts under the hood well lubricated.

Driving your car will naturally help lubricate the engine and other moving parts. If a car sits for too long, oil can start to settle, fluids can separate and seals can begin to dry out, all of which can lead to costly unwanted repairs. Tires will naturally lose pressure over time, and if a car sits for too long in one spot, the weight of the vehicle can cause flat spots to develop where the rubber meets the road. Inspecting your tires before driving your car and checking your tire pressure regularly will help prevent unwanted tire damage. Be mindful of parking under trees and around wooded areas since small animals love to find new homes under a car’s hood.

Do not leave the parking brake on for an extended period of time! Doing so can cause the brake pads and rotors to stick or fuse together. Moisture is the biggest cause, so avoid engaging the emergency brake if it just rained. Something that can cause your brakes to squeak after a period of not moving is rust, which will naturally occur over time, of course, but rust will build up more quickly when a car sits stationary for a period of time. Driving the vehicle will help knock rust off and prevent it from building up to a level that would damage the brakes and rotors.

Do not ignore the warning or maintenance lights on your vehicle just because you are not driving it much during this time. Stay current on all preventive maintenance items such as oil changes, flushes, etc., so your car will be ready to go when you need it. M

A customer for almost 30 years, I have nothing but the highest Praise for C&J. Check out their Newtown Square Gulf station too and say hello to Bob the manager. These guys can fix anything!

- Ken K.

When basement waterproofing installation jumpstarts a new utility storage room and/or a basement den/ office, humidity control and air quality ventilation are key factors. This must be maintained to assure continued full utilization of the new “third floor.”

A senior couple's home had recently flooded due to a lack of ongoing maintenance and job detailing. This became an even bigger issue since they started babysitting their very first grandchild five days a week!

Their lawn, leaf raking, mulching and snow removal was done by local individuals, so it wasn’t always adequately maintained. Walking around the home’s exterior was not easy and in places was even impossible, especially with baby pick-ups and drop-offs, two senior dogs needing to be walked, and an active home with family and neighbors visiting and checking in on the couple.

The water and mold prevention crew removed wet carpets and the lower sheetrock walls, but the main source of where the water emanated from was still a mystery. Quickly replacing a mud filled section of a 20 year old French drain system helped, but the partial replacement and sump pump/well upgrade was still insufficient to prevent another flash flood disaster.

This simple question remained – how do we eliminate water entering the basement? Another question being why, after two decades plus, did everything fail? A thorough exterior inspection quickly revealed the reasons why. The downspouts were all backed up so the window wells were completely filled with mud, leaves and debris. On top of that, most if not all of the sump pump discharge was circling back into the basement, with lots of silt clogging mud.

The solution – proper basement window well vents were opened up for the first time in many years, the sump discharge was changed and the gutter spouts were extended away from the exterior perimeter. After cleaning out the sump pump closet and coating the mold free walls, the basement could then be restored with new flooring and paint.

You can’t do “clean laundry” in the dirtiest room in the home. With the dry storage area compromised and leaky HVAC ducts

spreading moldy/moist air to the floors above, the answer is yes, it matters that seasonal maintenance is done correctly to maintain a truly waterproofed basement year round. Composting mulch with closed window vents, prevents water run-off and provides sweet smelling, fresh air intake. Problem solved with accurate diagnosis and detailing by a local Waterproofing expert.

Publsiher’s Note: Now with Joe Soster and Dave Cook combining their legendary waterproofing expertise, wet basements don’t have a chance! M