Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, April 2023

Cover photo by Deb Putter

by Lisa Jeffries

Max Zhang

APRIL STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The April Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Max Zhang, who is a Junior at The Haverford School and received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.

In 2022 Max received the rank of Eagle Scout, for which he built trout hatchery pen covers and a picnic table for a nonprofit organization called the ‘Stony Creek Anglers,’ which stocks thousands of fish for free in local creeks and lakes. With more than 1,000 hours of work, Max has attained an incredible 123 Merit Badges, and is well on his way to acquiring the maximum number available, which is 136.

Celebrate the Season

at

Max was awarded the Congressional Award Silver Medal from the United States Congress in January 2023 for his community engagement and goal setting in four areas – Personal Development, Personal Fitness, Voluntary Public Service (400 hours volunteer work) and Exploration/Expedition. He’s also been very involved in robotics since 8th grade, and is currently the driver and builder of his robotics team, which qualified for both the 2022 and 2023 VEX Robotics World Championship.

Max is an active musician in school and the community, playing the drums for the school jazz band. He is also the lead guitarist in his own band, and started to perform for others when he was just seven years old! He often plays at churches, schools and within the community, and has been teaching young kids to play the guitar and drums since 2021. He is a teaching volunteer with over 150 hours. He was also an academic tutor at Marple library during the summer of 2022.

SINCE 1976

3529 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square

610-353-1212 I www.CaseysNS.com

543 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn

610-644-5086 I www.CaseysBerwyn.com

A passionate fisherman, Max has caught 184 species of fish to date and has his own fishing YouTube channel, MZFishing, https://youtube.com/@mzfishing, where others can learn from his personal technique and knowledge. “It has been a blast educating and entertaining people about fishing, environmental conservation and aquatic sustainability via an educational approach,” shared Max.

Your giving and caring ways in everything you do is incredibly impressive Max! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with others, as well as all of us here at Newtown Square and Marple Friends and Neighbors. M

Nominate the Next Student of the Month!

Any grade 7–12 student who resides within the borders of the Marple Newtown School District (no matter what school they attend, or if they are homeschooled) 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 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.

April Casey’s Student of the Month Max Zhang with Casey’s Manager Lyn Masi Photo courtesy of Jane Xing

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Lisa Jeffries

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Holly Stupak

DESIGNER: Kim Cesati

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Deb Putter www.DebPutterPhotography.com

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

ADVERTISING

Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse

Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

Phone: 610-453-5536

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

Have feedback or questions about how to submit events, updates, ideas for articles, high resolution photos, etc.? We will do our best to include as much community info. as space permits. Please contact our Content Coordinator Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES

Content due the 5th of every month. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, ratepayers or homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2023 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER

The McFetridge family visiting a friend’s home near Newtown Square

Dear Friends & Neighbors, April is springing new leaves on trees, flowers in time for Passover and Easter, yellow daffodils that seem to be everywhere and the countdown to that first cut of our greener grass growing longer.

Marple Friends & Neighbors also anticipates some growth this spring, to prepare for our Fifth Anniversary Year as the monthly hometown magazine for Marple Township residents, mailed to homes and online at: www.MarpleMag.com. To celebrate, I am looking to add FIVE new advertising Sponsors, in the months ahead that have certain recognition in our community, to be rewarded with a Business Profile feature article in an upcoming 5th Anniversary Year issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors

The five new advertising Sponsors we look to add in the coming months will allow Marple Friends & Neighbors to be springing out this Spring with an increase in our monthly issue page count. We’ll use the added pages to celebrate the 5th Year Anniversary of our publication with more monthly features about Marple residents, local Marple Township history, non-profit groups, youth and upcoming local events. Our 5th Year Anniversary celebration needs your support too. Please reach out to Holly Stupak (Email: HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com) with your ideas for future feature articles, and contact me directly to recommend a local Broomall business to receive the benefits planned for FIVE new 5th Anniversary Year Sponsors of our monthly hometown, that have this in common: the business is known by Marple Township residents as having a history of supporting at least one Marple Township non-profit organization or annual special event.

In the months ahead, I will reward FIVE local businesses who join the party that is Bringing People Together through our social-media-in-print publication, for their past sponsorship of Marple Township residents in other ways, with special recognition in Marple Friends & Neighbors during our 5th Anniversary Year celebration.

Growth is all around us this month. Take in the spring with this first issue of spring made possible by the financial support of our advertising Sponsors. Please consider giving your business to them first, in gratitude for Bringing People Together through this new April issue I know you’ll enjoy.

Enjoy the Spring. Wishing all a Happy Passover and a Happy Easter.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents,

Spring flowers are starting to bloom and the days are getting longer. April is here! Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all of our friends and neighbors!

This month’s issue is full of inspirational stories. First is our Resident Feature where you’ll meet the McFetridge family. Phoenix is a young woman who with the help of her dad and family has been able to overcome many obstacles and continues to stay strong. We also highlight the Be the Joy Foundation who are always coming up with new and fun ideas to support the local community. Marple Presbyterian Church is also supporting our community with their new Thrift Shop that is full of unique and affordable treasures. Lastly, it’s tax season, so who better to hear from this month than Del Pizzo & Associates, our Sponsor and trusted tax and financial advisors for over 25 years.

We’re looking for more Marple families, individuals and nonprofit organizations to feature in our magazine. 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

Nick Ortiz

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

Signature HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning

11 Wilson Ave, West Chester 484-406-4485

LSciulli@SignatureHVAC.com

www.SignatureHVAC.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

Waterproofing & Weatherization

David Linn Cook and Joe Soster

Waterproofing One

Marple Newtown Edgmont

800-508-4144

Info@WaterproofingOne.com

www.WaterproofingOne.com

Tree Care and Inspection

Mike Bradley

Bradley Tree Experts

Broomall

610-325-8600

Mike@BradleyTreeExperts.com

www.BradleyTreeExperts.com

Expert Contributors needed!

Medical, Catering, Real Estate, Vacations, Public Adjuster, Education, Landscaping, Home Health Care, Mortgages, Financial Planning, Senior Care, etc. Professionals may contact: Bob Blaisse: 610-453-5536 or

BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

by David Linn Cook and Joe Soster

Basement

Structural Repair with Proper Wall Bracing

When an anxious buyer had to forgo the normal home inspection prior to purchase, the young couple did what was necessary and made an offer, which was accepted. The attractive, 40+ year-old frame colonial had recently been rehabbed and sold two years prior, so the first and second floors were in good shape. The basement however was not so. The 12" concrete block foundation had ruptured at the top, corner and center support.

This means that they were not dealing with the usual 8"10" cinder block foundation that’s found in most mid-century homes, which get a bow at the middle and pushes inwards 1" - 2". These kinds of horizontal cracks can cause significant damage to the home, as well as unsafe settling of the floors upstairs.

The professional correction was to retrofit the hollow block wall with concrete mortar and steel rods “pinned” from top to bottom, then filled and patched from the inside. This two-day, permanent correction stopped any additional cracks and settlement of the basement wall, which allowed the young couple to quickly pack up and move, as they needed to do after accepting a new position in the area. The young family was able to move in, with no concerns about mold or more wall damage.

Part of the reason for the demise of the home was that it had been a rental property for some time. The homeowners wanted to be sure of not having just a “pretty looking” home, that would then fail due to poor previous maintenance, resulting in a total foundation collapse. If the wall bracing procedure wasn't done, the home would have needed the foundation to be lifted and leveled. Next, the progression would include an exterior dig, so that the foundation drain/rubber wall barrier would stop hydro-Static pressure to the walls.

With proper long-term maintenance, as well as new porous/ self-cleaning gutter guards and the completion of positive grading away from the walls, the belly of the wall would stay flat.

For homes that have older/narrow cinder blocks, a combination of steel/concrete wall pins and the new technology of carbon fiber internal wall bracing is recommended.

The strapping of no-flex/highstrength fiber can be done for both horizontal and vertical cracking, to ensure secure, permanent wall bracing. This treatment would then be covered with waterproofing sealing/ stucco for both concrete and block foundations.

Problem found, fixed and forgotten to allow the young homeowners a safe/usable basement den. M

by Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co.

Transform Your Home with New Siding

First impressions are everything, and some may even say your home is a symbol of your success. Keeping it updated and refreshed not only improves your home’s appearance, but it provides great value and protection as well. If you are thinking of ways to improve your home’s exterior, here are five reasons why it makes sense to replace or install new siding.

1.

Low Maintenance

Whether you’re installing vinyl or fiber cement siding, both eliminate the monotonous cycle of exterior scraping, touch ups and repainting every few years. Since siding is more durable and resists fading, chipping, cracking or flaking longer, both types of siding continue to look fresh and new for years with little upkeep.

2.

Energy Efficient

If you are looking for ways for your home to be more sustainable, siding is a viable option. Using better-insulated materials, today’s siding is less likely to allow your home’s heated or cooled air to escape, or the outside air to infiltrate your home. This reduces the amount of energy required to keep your home toasty warm in winter and comfortably cool in summer, which in turn can save you quite a bit of money.

3.

Long-Term Durability

New siding materials are more water and weather resistant (fiber cement is fire resistant too), allowing you to maintain even more of your home’s structural integrity. The flexible material also holds up well to extreme temperature changes and is a strong defense against insects and mold. When installed and maintained properly, vinyl siding can last anywhere from 20-40 years, while fiber cement siding can last even longer.

4. Custom Appearance

One of the many advantages of new siding is it comes in any shade of color you can think of, along with a variety of options in texture, trim and accents to choose from. This gives you the opportunity to truly customize the exterior of your home to your liking, while giving it a striking design that will stand out amongst your neighbors.

5. Increases Property Value

The installation of new siding is one of the most effective ways to significantly increase your home’s value. Most realtors and home renovation professionals will tell you that new siding not only enhances the overall look of your home, but the increased energy efficiency and weather resistance make it worth the investment.

If you are considering new siding, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced contractor who can guide you through the best options based on your home structure and budget. M

Homes Recently Sold in Marple

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 Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Del Pizzo & Associates

Providing Quality, Financial Guidance Personalized for Business Owners

Right about now, you’re probably wading through piles of receipts, struggling to understand ever-changing tax laws and attempting to fill out your annual return. It’s a daunting task, one that can be frustrating and eat up more hours than you have to devote to it. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone.

For over 27 years, Del Pizzo & Associates has been providing quality, personalized financial guidance to individuals and businesses. Their expertise ranges from basic tax management and accounting services to more in-depth services such as audits, financial statements and financial planning. Located in Broomall, Owner Jack Del Pizzo, CPA, and his team’s mission is to help clients build and maintain financial success in the present while taking a proactive approach to achieve future goals.

That type of positive outlook is evident as you meet members of the team. Sales Coordinator Marie Russell reminds the staff to start every single day and every single phone call with a smile. From the administrative staff and the bookkeeping team to the professional staff led by Jack’s right-hand man, Emile Cianfranni, clients will be welcomed, heard and serviced with the highest standards and personal touch.

With tax season already well under way and the constantly changing laws, it’s easy to get confused and frustrated. Jack and his team are here to help. “We are knowledgeable and up to date on the tax laws,” explains Jack. “Our expertise, experience and constant training allow us to optimize financial opportunities.” Tax implications and laws don’t take a break when you retire, either. When you choose to do your retirement planning with Del Pizzo & Associates, you will be guided through tough decision-making processes such as asset allocation, investment performance, college education funding and estate planning.

Whether you need corporate or personal financial advice and guidance, Del Pizzo & Associates’ professionals can assist you in sorting out the different options. From debt consolidation, accounting services, bookkeeping, business acquisitions and mergers to litigation support, employee benefits and profit-sharing plans, clients will benefit from this firm’s expertise, experience and team approach. Assurance that every client receives the close analysis and attention they deserve is paramount.

Service to their clients as well as to their community is what sets Del Pizzo & Associates apart. Jack is proud to serve with The Rotary Club, originally in Upper Darby and now in Ardmore. The club consists of a group of business leaders who are committed to serving their communities. Jack has also served on the Board of the Community Y of Eastern Delaware County: 12 years as Treasurer and 2 years as Chairman of the Board. Their mission is to be a positive part of family life by promoting the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

A life-long Delaware County resident, Jack grew up in Ardmore and went to grade school at St. Denis in Havertown. After graduating from Lower Merion High School, Jack stayed local for college, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University and his MBA from Drexel University. After college, Jack married his high school sweetheart Arlene, tying the knot back at St. Denis where they had been classmates years before.

Owner and community leader, Jack Del Pizzo

Photo courtesy of Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com

The team at Del Pizzo & Associates

Photo courtesy of Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com

Arlene and Jack, who have three grown children, now enjoy splitting their free time between playing golf and spoiling their five grandchildren. Their oldest son John and their daughter Jeannine live nearby with their spouses and children. Their son Michael had other plans: He moved to California, to become the lead singer and songwriter for a rock band that hopes to start touring again this year.

When Jack and Arlene want to have some fun in the sun, they hit the links. They are long-time members at Llanerch Country Club in Havertown where Jack has served as President for four years, Vice President for two and Treasurer for ten. They are also members at The Classics Club in Naples, FL. “Arlene has been the Women’s Club Champion at Llanerch and the Senior Women’s Champion at The Classics Club,” boasted Jack, “and I’m the one carrying her bags.”

Jack and Arlene’s love for this area and strong family ties ultimately convinced him to open his own firm in the Marple Newtown area. Jack is proud to say that for Del Pizzo & Associates, business is most certainly personal. “Our clients are our friends and family,” he says. “And if they weren’t when they first walked in, they certainly are now.” He says he enjoys helping his clients solve problems because, as he preaches to his staff, “Problems are simply an opportunity for a solution.”

Their dedication to high standards, hiring of seasoned accounting and tax professionals, and impeccable work ethic are the reasons their client base returns year after year. Whether you are a current or prospective client, rest assured that individuals and businesses who choose Del Pizzo & Associates receive competent and timely advice. Del Pizzo & Associates’ office is

located in Broomall at 2098 West Chester Pike Suite 101. Call 610-356-2590 or visit www.DelPizzo.com to join the family!

Publisher’s Note: I smiled seeing Del Pizzo & Associates’ new ad this month, recalling how I first met Jack Del Pizzo back when I was “not smiling about my tax filing.” Becoming Jack’s client for my business accounting ended my concerns. We’ve all benefited from Jack’s expertise as a CPA through the feature articles Jack writes for us to publish in his hometown magazine. Thank you Jack. I still may not “smile when I file,” but since meeting you my business accounting is no longer mounting, and my tax filings in sight, are always right. M

◆

Right: Jack with his wife Arlene

Below: Jack and Arlene with their grandchildren

Photos courtesy of Jack Del Pizzo

The McFetridge Family: Phoenix Strong!

by Holly Stupak

You may recognize this month’s Resident Feature family from the annual Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade. Phoenix McFetridge is a two-time winner of the bike brigade, and behind her, every step of the way in the parade and every day is her loving dad, John. We’re honored to share their story that will inspire readers to keep pushing ahead no matter what obstacle.

John McFetridge grew up in Broomall with his parents, his sister Debbie and his brother Eric. John was born in southwest Philadelphia, but after a few years, his parents wanted to move out of the city and settled in Harleysville, PA. “Being from the city, my mom found Harleysville to be a bit too rural,” John explained. “They ultimately found Broomall to be a better fit.” After moving here in 1966, they never left and John enjoyed the area so much that he bought his own home here in 1991, just down the road from his parents.

John went to Russell Elementary, Paxon Hollow Middle School and eventually Marple Newtown High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team. When he first graduated high school, John went to work for his dad, who had his own manufacturing business. When John wasn’t working, he loved being active, working out, and being outdoors. He even became certified in scuba diving. An avid motorcyclist, John could also be found fixing up and riding his Harley Davidson. And for many years, he coached the Marple Newtown Junior tigers in wrestling.

In 1985, John’s dad decided to close his business, leading John to look for his next career move.

“I decided the post office would be a good fit, so I took the US Postal exams for several nearby towns,

including Broomall,” he explained. Bryn Mawr was the first to offer him the job, and he spent 34 years with the Bryn Mawr Post Office. Many of his customers became lifelong friends. “The most rewarding part of the job was definitely the relationships I formed with both my coworkers and the residents,” recalled John. “They became like family to me.”

John’s own family includes his two children, 24-year-old Phoenix and 23-year-old Beau, who both graduated from Marple Newtown High School. When Beau was young, he was a gymnastics state champion from KMC Gym in Kennett Square and he wrestled for Paxon Hollow Middle School and the Marple township league. His gymnastics skills eventually led him to dive for the Rose Tree Woods diving team, where he qualified for the elite diving champions tournament. After he graduated from MNHS Beau moved to Media and now works at the Church of Good Samaritan in Paoli as part of their maintenance team.

Phoenix is a 2016 graduate of MNHS, where she played field hockey and lacrosse, served as secretary of her class and was in the choir and drama club. After high school, Phoenix went on to the University of Delaware to study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and Agriculture and Natural Resources. She was an active member of the university’s Outing Club, the choir and a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority. She was also a DJ at the University’s radio station WVUD.

Phoenix McFetridge at the Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade

Photos courtesy of John McFetridge

John McFetridge when he was with the Bryn Mawr Post Office

Phoenix and her family’s life was forever changed in February 2019 when she suffered significant complications from the flu. Because of the virus, she developed fluid around her heart and battled heart complications. When the doctors were draining the fluid from her heart, her heart stopped and they had to perform CPR for 45 minutes. The lack of oxygen led to an anoxic brain injury and she lost her ability to speak. Phoenix also underwent numerous medical procedures, including a fasciotomy of her legs and dialysis for her failing kidneys. Because she was on ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a life-saving but risky procedure, there was poor blood flow to her legs, which caused her to lose her right leg.

amount of support from family, friends, former customers and the Broomall community. “From visiting Phoenix in the hospital to supporting us with meals and even organizing a Beef and Beer fundraiser called Phoenix Strong, our friends and family went above and beyond,” he said. Even strangers who heard Phoenix’s story would often come up to him in town to offer their prayers. “We were lucky to have the community rally around us.”

STREAMLINE YOUR ROUTINE IN STYLE

Although Phoenix’s condition began to improve, she spent months in the hospital, followed by a long stay in Bryn Mawr Rehab. During Phoenix’s illness, John received a tremendous

Phoenix was finally able to come back to her home in Broomall in the summer of 2019. Friends once again stepped into action to help Phoenix to adjust to life back at home. “I’ve been blessed with friends who came in to help get the house ready to be wheelchair accessible, and another friend helped me get a van that makes it easier to transport Phoenix to appointments and bring her out in the community,” John recalled. Phoenix’s cousin Robyn also

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610-544-3977

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610-544-3977

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Phoenix McFetridge with her care team at Bryn Mawr Rehab

Beau and Phoenix McFetridge at Beau's high school graduation party

lovingly cares for Phoenix once a week so John can run errands and so Phoenix can spend time with Robyn’s young daughters. “I’d be lost without Robyn,” he added. “She’s a huge help to us!”

Shortly after Phoenix’s illness, John retired from the post office to care for Phoenix, and for the past four years, he’s been her biggest champion and faithful companion. The two of them keep a busy schedule that includes several therapies and getting out in the community as much as possible. Phoenix receives occupational, speech and physical therapy twice a week at Bryn Mawr rehab, where her therapists and care team are more like family. Recently Phoenix was awarded a scholarship from Fighting Back, an organization in Malvern whose mission is to recognize and provide scholarships for individuals fighting back from a life-changing injury or illness. “Phoenix is a fighter and she continues to grow stronger,” said John.

Despite a busy therapy schedule, John and Phoenix make time to get out and enjoy life. Tuesdays and Fridays, they can be found at Bingo night at McSorley’s in Havertown, where Phoenix has made many new friends. Phoenix’s weekly routine also includes a trip to Pink Nails for a manicure, where her favorite part is the neck massage at the end. This winter, they tried something new and went ice skating at Flight On Ice in Edgmont. “The staff there couldn’t have been nicer, helping Phoenix get out on the ice,” John said. “We ended up going back a few times because Phoenix enjoyed it so much!”

On Sundays Phoenix and John attend church at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Broomall, where John has been

a longtime member. “It’s a very special place because Beau and Phoenix were both baptized there,” said John. “And when Phoenix was sick, Pastor Ken frequently visited her in the hospital.”

Although Phoenix’s life was forever changed, anyone who interacts with her is always rewarded with a radiant smile and laugh that lifts the spirits of everyone around her. “Phoenix has a great sense of humor,” said John. “She loves comedy shows, stand-up comedians and even my jokes. Anyone who has the pleasure of being around her knows her humor and laugh will brighten up their day!” John said fondly.

Thank you, John and Phoenix, for sharing your story of courage and perseverance and showing your Marple Friends & Neighbors what it means to be Phoenix Strong!

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

Phoenix and John McFetridge at Flight On Ice

Phoenix McFetridge on the Appalachian Mountains

by Ryan Corbett, Master Plumber Dream Team Home Services

Since even before the pandemic changed all of our lives in very big ways, the housing, construction and related industries, including plumbing, were in a state of transition. Housingstart fluctuations, raw materials becoming harder to source in a timely manner, as well as the outrageous price increase of everything, have made plumbers look for new solutions.

Increasing environmental concerns play a big role in consumer preferences when it comes to plumbing fixtures and systems, including water treatment and conservation systems. Homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of water consumption and are seeking new, environmentally friendly ways to deal with plumbing issues while still lessening their carbon footprint and creating a healthier home.

Here are some current trends we are seeing in the plumbing industry:

Tankless/Instant Water Heaters These are energy-efficient, low-cost and easy to install. Their popularity is primarily driven by severe energy and water-supply interruptions.

Low-flow Systems By using less water to accomplish everyday activities, such as showering, washing your hands or flushing the toilet, these systems can reduce water usage by as much as 60 percent over standard fixtures.

Rainwater Harvesting This involves collecting the run-off from structures or other impervious surfaces, and diverting it or storing it for later use.

Greywater Recycling Systems Greywater is reusable wastewater from washing machines, showers, baths and basins, which can then be reused for your garden and landscaping. It is a good source of useful nutrients for many plants, and it can be a source of water for irrigation all year round.

Sustainable Materials Copper, brass and PVC piping are all becoming even more popular because they are long-lasting and help reduce waste.

Solar-powered HVAC Systems These are great for homeowners and businesses who want to reduce their carbon/water footprint while still saving money.

Smart Plumbing Technology This includes smart toilets, showers and water heaters. Water usage and leak detectors, smart analytics and motion-sensor faucets help to improve efficiency and conserve both energy and water. Some can even be monitored and operated remotely from your smartphone.

Infrared Remote Leak Monitoring Through wireless technology, these smart water-management systems alert owners to early leak-detection, water outages and system faults in real time so they can be remedied quickly without too much loss of resources.

Customization Through 3-D Printing Components can be measured and created on-site, allowing for the ability to create parts that aren’t typical shapes or sizes, and fit perfectly. M

by Scott Magness Scott‘s Fireplace Products

Fireplace Accessories -The Options Are Astounding!

The fireplace is a beautifully visible part of the home. It plays an important role in our lives and is a soughtafter feature for people looking to build or buy a house. The fireplace reflects the heart and soul of its owners, and can turn a plain room into an inviting retreat. Yet, one of the most exciting characteristics of a fireplace is its role as a design focal point, bringing together furniture, artwork, lamps and draperies in a pleasingly harmonious décor within a room.

The Key is Accessorizing

Adding accessories is the secret to creating a fireplace that integrates form and function. A basic fireplace can be enhanced by simply adding an attractive standing firescreen, which offers a myriad of finishes, including satin and textured black, brushed nickel, natural iron, polished brass, vintage iron and many others. We also have spark guards available which can be a more traditional alternative to a firescreen.

Quickly Get Your Fire Burning

There is no more need for newspaper or traditionally hard to ignite kindling to get your fire started. Two or three sticks of Fatwood or just one Lightning Nugget FireStarter is all it takes to quickly get your fire burning.

Grates and Log Rings

Grates - A quality grate offers good airflow and ensures excellent combustion, plus the tight casting design holds the

burning logs and bed of hot coals until they are rendered to ash.

Self-Feeding - The high front and low back profile of the self-feeding grate allows wood to self-feed to the rear of the fireplace where the natural draft is.

Safety - The self-feeding grate features a higher front edge, which minimizes the possibility of a burning log rolling off the grate into the living area.

Log Hoops - Made of a solid grade steel material in a barstock design, log hoops traditionally come in three sizes: 24", 36" and 48".

Outdoor Log Racks

Wood racks are designed with quality and simplicity in mind. They feature the look and strength of a traditional firewood rack, and include a standard reinforced vinyl cover that fits over the rack posts, and slides down as wood is used. The stack of firewood is protected from rain and snow while allowing cross ventilation. M

Photo courtesy of Scott’s Fireplace Products

About Our Sponsor

Pop Fit Studio: 5 YEARS of Inspiring Movement!

by Lisa Jeffries

In 2018 Christine DeFilippis’ dream came true when she and her husband Pat opened Pop Fit Studio in Havertown. Since then, she’s been on a mission to inspire joyful movement and make sure their members not only feel good about their workouts, but feel good about themselves and their bodies. Now, this May 8 - 12 they’ll be holding their 5th Anniversary event, with a week of Friends, Family and Fitness for FREE!

A special Studio Showcase is being held on Saturday, May 13th, when classes will be complimentary and open to the public, but registration is required. Win prizes, enjoy special offers and take part in lots of shopping to celebrate their 5 years of fun and inclusive fitness.

Located in Havertown above Applebee’s restaurant on West Chester Pike, Pop Fit Studio offers a variety of fun and

inclusive fitness classes. Their facility includes two large studios, a dedicated barre and TRX (total body resistance exercise) studio as well as a large studio where they offer cardio dance, trampoline, strength training, boxing and an exclusive BungeeWorkout. Aside from in-studio classes, Pop Fit Studio also offers live-streamed classes and an on-demand website with recorded workouts.

What sets Pop Fit Studio apart from other gyms is their fun approach and shame-free atmosphere. Christine and her staff have created a variety of classes that incorporate fun and motivating music. “Music is the driving force in our classes,” said Christine. “When you find something you love you don’t think of it as a chore or obligation. You get up every day excited to make it a part of your day, and your life.”

The fitness programs at Pop Fit Studio are unique because they are Health At Every Size (HAES) aligned. They specialize in helping people make peace with food, enjoy exercise and reclaim the energy and time they lost due to diet and weight cycling. Christine aims to make fitness more inclusive and to help her clients know that health and fitness doesn’t have to have a specific look. She wants to change the industry from a weight-centered industry to a behavior-focused one and help other fitness professionals take a weight-neutral approach. “I knew I wasn’t alone and that many people struggled with this messaging. That’s why I was inspired to disrupt the fitness industry,” she explained.

In addition to their classes for adults, they also offer kids classes and private parties including bachelorette and girls’ nights out. Christine also hosts a weekly podcast called Breaking Body Bias, where she and her colleagues talk to inspiring people about their relationships with food and ideas about what being healthy really means.

Christine, Pat and their staff have not only created an environment that helps clients feel their best and that fits their lifestyles and schedules, but they make working out FUN! No wonder their members keep coming back for more. “It’s so rewarding and inspiring to see people with similar goals help each other succeed,” Christine said, proudly. Pop Fit Studio is conveniently located at 1305 West Chester Pike in Havertown. To learn more visit their website at www.PopFitStudio.com or call 484-453-8533. Come join their 5th Anniversary Celebration! M

by Bob Blaisse, Publisher

Bringing

People Together

Marple Friends & Neighbors

Our Sponsors Are Known For Bringing People Together. Finding New Sponsors Is An Easy Puzzle For Reader Leaders.

Most of you reading Marple Friends & Neighbors are not aware you’ve actually become Reader Leaders. The first requirement is simply to recognize the names of our advertising Sponsors, and know they make it possible for our free hometown magazine to be mailed monthly to your home, and be available online at www.MarpleMag.com

You’ve become a Reader Leader when you “get it.” Not when you start receiving your hometown magazine in the mail, but only when you’ve realized that you are reading every new issue, just as your friends and neighbors in Marple are also doing, do you get how we are Bringing People Together by our unique brand of social-media-in-print. When business owners “get it,” that’s when they want to join the party as an advertising Sponsor of residents of Marple Township.

Our Bringing People Together, social-media-in-print mission is to deliver the simple reading pleasure that has become the mail highlight of the month for most Marple residents - reading each new issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors, made possible by the financial commitment made by our advertising Sponsors. And when more join the party, we can increase our page count that allows us to publish a greater number of feature articles about our community’s history, its residents and organizations and local events happening in Marple or nearby.

Finding new advertising Sponsors can be an easy puzzle to solve for Reader Leaders when so many local businesses depend on Marple residents for the success of their business. When local business owners understand how Marple homeowners value their hometown magazine, and willingly reward them for being hometown Sponsors, the puzzle is solved.

Thanks to your loyalty, our advertising Sponsors know they are making a good return on their investment in Marple residents by making our hometown magazine possible. Those local businesses depend on us to help grow their business. And we depend on local businesses to help grow our free hometown monthly magazine. It's easy to solve if we look closer into this puzzle to search for new advertising Sponsors to grow our hometown magazine.

See the Word Find Puzzle on page 17. Hidden are the names of 20 Marple businesses you would now. None of them are yet “at the party,” and each would make a great new Sponsor to help our hometown magazine grow still larger in page count so we can continue to increase the number of feature articles in each issue. Read the cryptic “Hints” I’ve provided for the business names hidden in the Word Find Puzzle. See how many Marple area business names you can find in the puzzle, businesses that are not yet advertising Sponsors of our community magazine.

The local business names to look for in the puzzle are not provided because some, which are hidden among the many letters, may jump right out of the puzzle – just like the businesses you do see advertising on our pages are rewarded with your loyalty whenever possible for Bringing People Together as a Sponsor of Marple residents through our hometown magazine. M

Bob Blaisse Publisher Marple

Use the cryptic hints at the right to find twenty names of Marple area businesses we can invite to the Marple Friends & Neighbors party as new advertising Sponsors of our hometown magazine. The names of possible future Sponsors hinted, can all be found in the Word Find Puzzle below when spelled up, down or diagonally, right to left or left to right.

Can You Find Names of Possible New Sponsors?

1. No trains to ride the pike anymore, but you can still buy a train at this store.

2. Be humble, and don’t fumble, rumble or mumble when you visit .

3. Don’t get mad if you can’t remember this Broomall business’ slogan from years ago.

4. An easy drive to, and drive through, a short hike down the pike.

5. If you stop to buy at this west end of Marple spot you'll have a clean drive home.

6. Pajamas worn out here may give you a short nickname, named after where you ate.

7. The day before a holiday, waiting in line at this store, is a chore, for any man, wanting his

8. This Broomall eatery has the owner’s parents to thank: her father, and his mother.

9. If your hair has you at your wits’ ends, you should get a cut at . We need a “Banking Expert!” Is there one among these SIX banks in Marple?

by Len Sciulli Signature HVAC

Is Your Home Ready for Summer?

Flowers are blooming, trees are leafing out and our sunny days are getting longer. Spring has officially begun and that means the summer heat will be here before you know it. Here’s a list of 10 things you can do to ensure your AC is running efficiently while keeping your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months ahead.

Change Your Air Filter

We recommend that you change your air filter every month during the summer and winter and every two to three months during the spring and fall. A good rule of thumb – if you can’t see light through it, replace it.

Clean Your Bathroom Fans

We recommend that you take off your bathroom fan covers,

wash them in soapy water and use an old toothbrush to clean the crevices and fan blades. Be sure to run your fans after you shower to keep humidity levels down.

Unblock All Air Vents

To maximize the airflow throughout your home, move any furniture or rugs that may be covering air vents.

Close the Blinds or Curtains

During the heat of the day, block the sun’s rays from heating up your rooms.

Use

Fans

When you’re in the room the air movement will feel cooler on your skin and allow you to set the thermostat up a degree or two and still be comfortable. Remember to set your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise in summer.

Fire Up the Grill

Your oven and stovetop can really heat up a room. Cooking outside is a great way to get some fresh air and helps save money on your cooling costs.

Load It Up

Your home’s major appliances produce a lot of heat, conserve energy and keep your AC from working harder than necessary by running full loads in the dishwasher and laundry.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat could save you up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs. Setting an efficient schedule will ensure your home is cool when you arrive home but not working harder than necessary while you’re away.

Seal the Gaps

One of the most effective ways to save energy is to seal air leaks in the home. Caulk and seal cracks or openings in window frames, doors and around the openings in attics and basements.

Schedule AC Maintenance

Routine maintenance will increase your energy efficiency, maintain the life span of your equipment, and reduce the risk of a costly breakdown.

We are looking forward to the warmer days ahead, and are always here to help make sure your home is ready for summer. M

On a Mission to Spread Joy

by Holly Stupak

Back in December of 2020, Brittany Scharr was known as the Media Santa Claus. A former waitress who spent years in the restaurant business, she was simply looking to spread a little joy to people in the industry who were suffering during the pandemic and restaurant shutdown. That year she drove around Media during the holidays, dropping off $100 to various service workers. “I just wanted to show people that they were valued and important,” said Brittany. Three years later she was able to turn simple acts of kindness like these into an official non-profit organization called Be the Joy Foundation.

A Delco native, Brittany was born in Media and graduated from Garnet Valley High School and Bloomsburg University, where she earned a degree in Public Relations. After college, she spent over 10 years as a restaurant bartender and manager, which is what sparked her passion to give back to restaurant staff in 2020.

Since 2020, Brittany has been able to raise funds for causes simply by creating a fundraising page on social media. That first year, her goal was to give 12 restaurant service members $100 each for the 12 days of Christmas. Thousands of dollars were donated to her “Christmas Restaurant Staff Support Fund.” Even after the 12 days of giving were over, donations kept pouring in. “I knew that since I had created an outlet for kindness as long as people wanted to continue to give I would continue to give!” she said.

Brittany’s surprise giftings even caught the attention of local and national news stations, and she was featured on 6ABC and PHL17 and on Good Morning America’s website. What sets her mission apart from some other charity organizations is the active engagement of the local community. “What I love about our organization is that we spread joy around our community highlighted by the element of surprise,” Brittany said. All the funds raised have been used for surprise gifts for small business owners and community members. From surprising people at the gas pump and paying for gas, to paying for someone’s groceries at the supermarket and delivering supplies to families in need, all the donations are about bringing joy to someone else.

The foundation’s most recent mission is to pay off student lunch debt in several Delaware County School districts, an idea that came about from chatter on social media. “I noticed a local mom had sparked a conversation about lunch debt on a Facebook page with like-minded residents,” said Brittany. She explained the idea behind it was also due to the fact that the federal government’s free lunch program that began during the pandemic was ending. “We knew that with the program expiring, it would leave many families and school districts left with the financial burden,” she added.

Be the Joy has already worked with several local districts, including Marple Newtown School District (MNSD) to ease the burden for students. Last month Brittany, along with Marple mom Jennifer Dalton Simpson, delivered a check for $4,480.74 to MNSD Superintendent Dr. Tina Kane. The check total not only covers all 273 student lunch debt accounts, but includes $2,000 to be added across 40 accounts to keep them in the green. Be the Joy was also able to donate $1,000 in grocery gift cards for the school to distribute to families going through hardship. “We were able to do this through incredible community support and many local businesses in Marple Newtown who jumped in to support this cause,” Brittany said proudly.

Brittany said the foundation will continue its ride through Delco this spring to pay overdue student lunch accounts and has already donated thousands of dollars to Rose Tree Media and Penn Delco School districts.

Since 2020 Be the Joy has surprised nearly 800 people. “Recently I read a quote that said One act of kindness can’t change the world but it can change the world for one person,” said Brittany. “I fully believe that.” The foundation is continuously coming up with new ideas to surprise and support people. “Our goal is to deliver joy year-round to remind recipients that their community supports them!” To learn more about Be The Joy, visit www.BeTheJoyFoundation.org. M

Be the Joy presents a check to the Marple Newtown School District (L-R) Jennfier Dalton Simpson, Dr. Tina Kane and Brittany Scharr

Photo courtesy of Brittany Scharr

Tim’s Inn –Early Fast Food

by Doug Humes

In 1946, West Chester Pike was a two-lane country road, with lots of empty space between the villages of Llanerch, Havertown, Broomall and Newtown Square. Tim McCarthy, newly discharged from the Marines, saw an opportunity. New homes were being built in Marple and Newtown, and that meant more traffic on the Pike. He secured a piece of land near Smith’s sawmill, where the Pike crosses Darby Creek and opened up Tim’s Inn.

From his home at 33 Fairlamb Ave in Havertown, Tim could walk down the road to his “Inn” – really a roadside hamburger stand. Locals remembered it as a place to get a good burger and milkshake. In the days before “fast food,” this was as fast as it got – you sat at the counter, Tim greeted you and cooked your burger and made your milkshake to order.

The business thrived. The rise of the suburbs meant more teenagers with money in their pockets needing a place to take their dates. There were challenges to running the business. In 1951, Tim and a young assistant were robbed at gunpoint, the thieves taking the cash from their wallets – while overlooking the cash drawer. In 1954, a short circuit led to a fire and the Broomall Fire Company put the fire out by pumping water from Darby Creek. A local stolen car ring started using a nearby field to strip the cars – and several of the thieves were arrested in Tim’s parking lot. Suburban growth led to zoning laws; Tim’s Inn should have been grandfathered in, but Tim sought a zoning change. Several other luncheonettes had sprung up nearby –The Thunderbird, Moore’s Luncheonette – and plans were

announced to widen West Chester Pike to four lanes. Tim’s business sense told him it was time to move on. Tim’s Inn closed in 1957.

Tim simply moved further west, opening up Tim’s Dairy Bar in Newtown Square, which generated the money to build a beautiful new banquet facility, The Timbers, which became the place for fine dining in Newtown in the 1960s. In 1971, Tim moved further west, taking over the Dilworthtown Inn, where he spent “a fortune” to get the approvals to renovate and restore it as a fine dining restaurant, offering French cuisine in a colonial setting to a clientele he identified as sophisticated and “upper class.” A far cry from his first customers at the Inn. Tim passed away in 1991.

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

Photos courtesy of the Marple Historical Society

Tim McCarthy, about 1965, after his move to The Timbers Restaurant in Newtown Square.

The newspaper account of the robbery at Tim’s Inn in 1951.

Tim’s Inn along the south side of Old West Chester Pike. When Tim moved to Newtown around 1957, Gentile’s produce store moved into his old building.

Ad for Tim’s Inn in 1946 Marple Newtown High School yearbook.

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

Critical Steps for Choosing the Right Lawyer

When facing a legal challenge, choosing the right lawyer makes all the difference in the world. It could literally mean the difference between success and disaster. Here are four steps to take to choose the right lawyer for your situation.

Identify the Subject Matter and Keywords

Just as doctors have specific areas of medicine, lawyers also practice specific areas of law. Here are some examples of areas of law and the keywords for each.

“Wills and Estates” (a loved one passes or financial planning is needed)

“Workers’ Compensation” (injury on the job)

“Personal Injury” (car accidents, slip and falls, defective products, malpractice)

“Family Law” (divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, adoption)

“Contract Disputes” (lemon law, contractor mistake, failure to pay, landlord/tenant)

Research Lawyers by Location and Subject Matter

The next step is to look at the geographic area where you live and/or where the legal issue arose. For example, if you were injured at work and live in Media, PA, you can search for these words: work injury lawyer Media PA or Delaware County PA. Another example is if you are disabled with a non-work-related disability and cannot work, you might use these search key-words: social security disability lawyer Media PA. Other law-related search engines include Findlaw, Avvo, Martindale,

Lawyers.com and Google Business. You may also want to call the Bar Association of the county where you live or where the legal issue arose and speak to someone directly. Bar associations have lists of attorneys for different areas of law, so it’s easier to speak with someone who will help identify what kind of lawyer is needed.

Experience Is Vital for Success

Once you have a list of lawyers to choose from, it’s very important to look for a lawyer who has quite a bit of experience practicing law in the area of your legal issue. Take a look at their resume, website and client reviews. Keep in mind however that sometimes the party from the other side of the case, who did not do well, may give a very good, successful lawyer a bad review. You also have to be careful of reviews from other lawyers because sometimes competitors will do negative reviews of very good lawyers.

Schedule an Appointment to Interview Your Chosen Attorney

Some interview questions to ask include:

How long have you been practicing in this area of law?

How many cases have you handled?

When was the last time you had a case in this area of law, and/or conducted a trial with presentation of evidence and direct/cross-examination of witnesses?

You should be in good hands if you choose the lawyer who knows the most about and has the most real-world experience with case law and rules of practice and procedure in the specific area of your legal issue. M

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS 2023 DATES

Holy Week Palm Sunday April 2

Holy Thursday April 6

Good Friday April 7

Easter Sunday April 9

PASSOVER

Begins Wednesday Evening April 5

Ends Thursday Evening April 13

Christ United Methodist Church 2900 Springfield Rd, Broomall 610-356-6136

www.ChristUMCBroomall.org

Congregation Beth El - Ner Tamid 715 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall 610-356-8700

www.CBEnt.org

Cornerstone Christian Church 2275 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610-356-3385

www.CornerstoneDelco.org

Grace Lutheran Church 2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610 356-1824

www.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

www.LatvianLuthChurchPhila.org

Liberti Church 3722 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-356-1082

www.LibertiChurchNSq.org

Marple Christian Church 475 Lawrence Rd, Broomall 610-356-6186

www.MarpleChristian.org

Marple Presbyterian Church 105 N Sproul Rd, Broomall 610-356-1098

www.MarplePres.org

in Our Community

New Hope Christian Church

551 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall

610-356-8211

www.NewHopeBroomall.com

Newtown Square Friends Meeting House 120 N Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square 484-424-6347

www.NewtownSquareFriends.org

Newtown Square Presbyterian Church 3600 Goshen Rd, Newtown Square 610-356-8063

www.NewtownSquarePres.org

Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church 3625 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square

610-356-0459

www.StAlbansNewtownSquare.org

Saint Anastasia Roman Catholic Church 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-356-1613

www.SaintAnastasia.net

Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church

35 N Malin Rd, Broomall

610-353-1592

www.St-Luke.org

Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church

2220 S Sproul Rd, Broomall 610-356-1199

www.StMarksUMCBroomall.net

Saint Pius X Roman Catholic Church

220 S Lawrence Rd, Broomall 610-353-4880

www.SaintPius.net

Spruce Street Baptist Church 3701 Gradyville Rd, Newtown Square 610-353-1525

www.SpruceStreetBaptist.com

Temple Sholom in Broomall 55 Church Ln, Broomall 610-356-5165

www.Temple-Sholom.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

721 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall 610-356-3400

Facebook: ValleyForgeStakeLDS

Trinity Christian Reformed Church 144 Lawrence Rd, Broomall 215-586-1673

www.TrinityCRCPA.org

Sharing Special Recipes

by Holly Stupak

Broomall resident Anne Weiss is sharing a recipe for Charoset (ha-ro-set) that she serves during Passover. Anne’s family moved to Broomall 23 years ago. They joined Congregation

Beth El - Ner Tamid, and she and her husband raised three kids in the Marple Newtown School District. “We enjoy the cultural diversity of the community and the small-town friendly attitude of neighbors and local shops,” said Anne.

Anne’s recipe for Charoset was passed down from her Moroccan mother-in-law and is a mixture of sweet wine, fruit and nuts (or matzah meal). Used in the Passover Seder meal, it represents the mortar used by the slaves in Egypt building the great pyramids.

Sephardic Charoset

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 oz. or more fresh pitted dates

• ½ - 1 cup toasted almonds (you can substitute matzah meal or matzah farfel for nuts)

• ½ - 1 cup. sweet red wine or grape juice

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 heaping tbsp. ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

• Toast the almonds on low heat in the saucepan until they just begin to smell delicious, be careful not to burn. Set the almonds aside to cool.

• Place the dates in saucepan and add wine or grape juice to just cover, add cinnamon sticks and simmer on low for 5-10 min, until dates are softened.

• Remove cinnamon sticks, add ground cinnamon and allow to cool.

• Once cool, put almonds and date mixture (with all the liquid) in a food processor and pulse until it becomes a thick paste.

Anne Weiss’s Charoset for Passover Photos courtesy of Anne Weiss

Saturdays in April

Newtown Railroad Museum

@Drexel Lodge,

4140 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Full size train engines, rolling stock and a museum full of artifacts from the trains and trolleys that once served Newtown Square. Great for children!

Time: 1 – 4 pm

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

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!) www.NSHistory.org

Saturdays and Sundays in April

Devon/Berwyn Antique and Vintage Flea Market

@Valley Fair Shopping Center

260 W. Swedesford Rd, Berwyn

Indoor/Outdoor flea market featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry and clothing, glassware, artwork, vinyl and more.

Time: 9am – 4pm

Cost: FREE admission

215-625-3532 www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org

Saturdays in April

Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Road Newtown Square

Visit this museum of local history, a place filled with the ghosts and footprints of the millworkers who once lived there.

Time: 1 – 4 pm

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

Sat. April 8

Early Evening Owl Prowl

@Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd, Media

Guided hike to see owls in the Pinetum, as well as some areas outside the deer exclusion fence. We’ll be on the lookout for Great Horned, Screech and Barred Owls. Less likely but always possible are Saw-whet and Long-eared owls. If the weather cooperates, we will be treated to a sky full of stars. For Adults 18+ and Youth ages 15-17. Pre-registration is required.

Time: 7:30 - 9:30pm

Cost: Members, $5 adult, $3 youth 15-17; Non-members, $18 adult, $12 youth 15-17 610-566-9134 www.tylerarboretum.org

April 2023

Wed. April 12

CPR Training

@Marple Township Ambulance Corps

8 N. Malin Rd, Broomall

The Marple Township Ambulance Corpsis offering free, bi-monthly CPR training courses for residents 16 and older. Advance registration is required. Please email Maria Tucker at MTucker@marpleems.com.

Time: 7pm

Cost: FREE

Sat. April 22

Russell School’s Fun Fair

@Springfield Rd, Broomall

Come out for the biggest fundraiser of the year! Russell Elementary School’s fun fair will have plenty of games, raffle prizes, a bounce house, food and more! Proceeds benefit the Russell school.

Time:12 – 4pm

Sat. April 22 and Sun. April 23

Philadelphia Spring Home Show

@Pennsylvania Convention Center Hall F 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia

The Spring Home Show features a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. Meet with experts and get inspired and motivated to start planning your next project.

Time: Sat. 10am – 8pm; Sun. 10am – 5pm

www.GreaterPhillyHomeShows.com

Firearm Education, Sales & Service

Stars & Stripes TACTICAL

• Gun locks, safes, and safety equipment

• We buy/consign estates & collections

• Gunsmithing & firearm appraisals

•

•

• 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 Tactical

Sat. April 15 through Sun. May 7

Disney’s Moana JR.

@The Media Theatre

104 E. State St, Media

This thrilling and heartwarming story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Time: Shows are Saturdays & Sundays at 11:30am

Cost: Tickets are $17 – $22 each 610-891-0100 www.MediaTheater.org

Sat. April 29

Free Shredding Event

@Marple Newtown Senior High School

120 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square

The office of PA Representative Lisa Borowski will host a free document shredding event in partnership with Representative Greg Vitali. Residents may drop off up to 2 boxes of documents. Papers with staples and paper clips are acceptable, but large binder clips must be removed. This event is first come, first serve until the shredding truck is filled.

Time: 10am – 1pm

Cost: FREE 484-427-2884 www.PAHouse.com/Borowski

The PennDOT Experts!

Over 40 years of experience helping others.

• Transfering a vehicle to/from a family member?

• Importing a vehicle from another country?

• In need of a PA Handicap Parking Tag?

• Need a Notary or FBI Fingerprinting Services?

• Need a Driver’s License Renewed/Replaced?

Come in and meet with us.

by Nick Ortiz C&J Automotive Specialists

It’s Time to Spring Clean Your Vehicle’s Fluids

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house; your vehicle should also regularly have the fluids flushed.

What Is a Flush? When you bring your car in for an oil change, most mechanics will check and top-up your fluids for you, but a top-up is no replacement for a flush. Here are three types of fluid flushes you should know about and their timing.

Transmission Flush

Why It’s Important: Over time, your transmission oil picks up dirt and grime that can coagulate on your friction clutches and

cause clogs that can lead to severe damage to your transmission, which is one of your vehicle’s most expensive components.

What It Does: A transmission flush replaces 100% of your transmission fluid. By doing a 1-for-1 transfer of fluid, it allows for a purging of accumulated particles and deposits from the entire transmission with a specialized, cooler line flushing machine or pump inlet. A 1-for-1 transfer of fluid is done using a specialized cooler line flushing machine or pump inlet. During this fluid transfer, the entire transmission is purged of accumulated particles and deposits.

When to Get One: Every two years or 30,000 miles.

Coolant Flush

Why It’s Important: Your engine’s coolant (also known as antifreeze) includes ethylene glycol, a chemical compound that regulates the engine’s temperature and prevents it from overheating or freezing. As your coolant ages, the ethylene glycol breaks down and loses its ability to regulate temperature, which increases the risk of your engine overheating or freezing. Chemical buildups could clog your radiator or heater core and cause your car to overheat. Old coolant also loses its antiacidic properties, which can lead to corrosion of engine parts.

What It Does: A coolant flush removes all of the old coolant, which could turn acidic and start to clump. Other contaminants like rust and scale deposits that have built-up are also removed. New coolant is added, to help the engine run smoothly again.

When to Get One: Every two years or 40,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush

Why It’s Important: Your brake fluid is highly susceptible to gathering dirt and grime. Brake fluid is also hygroscopic, which means it pulls in moisture. If not regularly serviced, it can lead to inefficient or ineffective brakes — yikes!

What It Does: Your mechanic will use a brake-flushing machine to flush your brake hydraulic system of old brake fluid before replacing it with new fluid. A brake flush will also remove any water that may have built up in your brake lines due to condensation.

When to Get One: Every two to three years or every 25,000 to 35,000 miles. M

Marple Presbyterian Church’s Thrift Shop: Affordable Treasures

Article and photos by Holly Stupak

Marple Presbyterian Church in Broomall has always been passionate about serving the community and helping neighbors facing some of life’s greatest challenges, from grief and illness to hunger and homelessness. Their most recent ministry project is a Thrift Shop where anyone can stop by to purchase clothing and other items at a deep discount. Marple Newtown High School graduate and longtime member of the church Amy Eckels is the driving force behind the project.

Amy grew up in Broomall and her family has been very involved with the Marple Presbyterian church since she was a young girl. She was looking for a way to support the church that would also benefit the community. “Since the pandemic, many members of the community have been impacted financially,” said Amy. She explained that the Church has also definitely suffered financially with less attendance and that many members still only attend virtually. A frequent “thrifter” herself,

she thought the idea of a thrift shop was a win-win. “It’s not only helping people in our community who need to save money, but proceeds from the sales will help keep our church thriving,” she added.

Last year, Amy tested her idea by holding pop-up vendor shops. Around that time, she also noticed one of the rooms in the church was underutilized and she realized they may be able to do something more permanent to support the community. “I pitched the idea of the thrift shop to the church board members as well as Pastor Karen Nelson and everyone was on board,” said Amy.

After a soft opening in December 2022, the shop officially opened for business in January. The shop is staffed by Amy and her family and a few church members and they’re always looking for more volunteers. They spend hours diligently going through the items to get them ready to sell. Come by the shop and you can find anything from furniture and appliances to clothing and collectibles. “Shoppers can find a oneof-a-kind item, discover a collectible or something to hang on a wall,” Amy explained. “People even find things that can be fixed up or even be resold as-is for a profit.” Most of the items are under $5 to make it affordable. Amy welcomes everyone in the community to the Thrift Shop and encourages people to spread the word. “We are constantly getting new inventory,” said Amy. “You never know what you’re going to find. Every trip is a new adventure.”

Since they’ve opened, Amy and her staff have also been able to help many families as well as single and new moms facing hardships. “Thanks to donations, we were able help people in need right in our own community,” said

Amy. “Our goal is to help the community however we can.”

In addition to the Thrift Shop, Marple Presbyterian has several other ministries and partnerships including the Deacon's Medical Lending Closet, hosting Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, cooking and serving meals at the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County, volunteering with Kids Against Hunger Philadelphia and sponsoring the annual Suicide Prevention 5k hosted by the Delaware County Suicide Prevention & Awareness Task Force. The Thrift Shop is open Monday 10am2pm, Tuesday 10am-3pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. Donations can be dropped at the front office during their office hours (Weekdays, 9am-1pm). Interested in volunteering? Stop by during Thrift Shop hours to see how you can help. For more info. visit www.MarplePres.org. M

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A wide selection of vintage goods at the Thrift Shop

Books for sale at Marple Presbyterian’s new Thrift Shop

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