The June Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Ava Bleckley, who is a Senior at Archbishop Carroll and received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.
If you keep up with area high school sports, you’ve likely seen the name of our June Student of the Month - Ava Bleckley. She is one of the stars of Archbishop Carroll’s girl’s lacrosse team, which is currently in line to add yet another year as undefeated - to the tune of 22 years and counting, in the Philadelphia Catholic League.
As a midfielder, Ava has attained many impressive statistics, including: member of the USA Select Women's U18 Team, 2022 First Team All-PCL (Philadelphia Catholic League) and 2022 & 2021 All-Delco honors and 2022 PIAA 2A High School Lacrosse Championship. She is a four-year varsity starter in lacrosse, a four-year member of Carroll’s soccer team and she also played on the basketball team for two years. Ava plays on the Phantastix Club Team which is ranked No. 23 nationally by US Lacrosse Club.
Ava is also on the academic honor roll, and enjoys math and finance, among her other classes. As one of Carroll’s student ambassadors, Ava is also involved with community service.
The future is beyond bright for Ava, who will be attending James Madison University (JMU) in the fall, which recruited her early, for which she received a lacrosse scholarship.
At JMU, Ava intends to major in business/finance, but at this point, she is leaving her future career options open. Thank you so much Ava for sharing your incredible sports talents, as well as your academic milestones and community involvement with your Newtown Square and Marple Friends and Neighbors. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! M
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
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, Rob D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D., Kevin O’Donnell, Jack Del Pizzo, Dr. Georges Martin D.M.D., Paul Barrett
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.
The Broomall Fire Company on Malin Rd in Broomall
Dear Friends & Neighbors, June’s here! What month could be better? Sure, we’ll celebrate the 4th of July next month, and in August our magazine’s anniversary, but June wins for welcoming in the Summer of 2023. With its milder weather warming newly mulched flower gardens, greener grass, graduation parties and pools now opened, I love June. And I love Jean, without whom I’d not also love Father’s Day in June, which for me is my favorite holiday, even when it sometimes falls on my birthday.
Because June is such a friendly month, we decided several years ago to annually recognize a “Marple Friend & Neighbor of The Year” in our June issue. In past years the decision to choose that person was harder than this year because this month we’re honoring multiple “friends” and “neighbors” for their combined service to our community, some risking their health and life to protect the lives and property of their friends and neighbors in Marple Township.
This year, our 2023 Marple Friends & Neighbors of The Year are all Members of The Broomall Fire Company!
Inside this issue, Holly’s cover feature about The Broomall Fire Company gives us a fuller understanding of the history, local leadership and the names of our friends and neighbors serving as our Firefighters, Fire Police, and Woman's Auxiliary with support of the Marple Township Ambulance Corps. You’ll also see photos of Station 53’s firehouse dedicated in 2019, and some photo history of our hometown fire company’s service to friends and neighbors in Broomall, on the Blue Route and beyond when called into service. Next month consider inviting many of your family, friends and neighbors to join you at the Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade, particularly to cheer extra loudly for our hometown heroes of the Broomall Fire Company. And please recall when not long ago the Broomall Fire Company came to your home. Not loudly, arriving on scene to put out your house fire (although they would come quickly if called), but rather quietly, arriving in your mail with a request for your financial support in 2023. Sadly, too few homeowners responded to that mailing, likely thinking public funding is enough, unaware that tax dollars are a small part of the total cost to operate our local fire company which depends on the generosity of local residents to fund fund operational expenses while our friends and neighbors train to serve us in fire or rescue emergencies.
Congratulations to The Broomall Fire Company for being selected as our “2023 Marple Friends & Neighbors of The Year!” What a friend we have in you!
Enjoy the summer everyone. See you at the 4th of July Parade.
Bob Blaisse Publisher
Dear Residents, June is here and there is a lot to celebrate. School’s out and we can look forward to summer vacations and days by the pool. And don’t forget to honor dad on Sunday June 18. Check out our calendar on page 6 for some fun outdoor events to kick off the summer.
This month we are pleased to introduce you to our Marple 2023 Friends & Neighbors of The Year, The Broomall Fire Company. These hometown heroes have been protecting our community for 100 years. Our Business Profile this month is Signature HVAC, located in nearby West Chester. This friendly team of heating and cooling experts are committed to keeping you comfortable all year long. In sports news, we introduce you to two local runners who competed in the Boston Marathon. And check out MTLL's newest Challenger Division that gives children of all abilities the chance to play ball!
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
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
The magic of make-believe and fantasy characters lasts until around age seven or eight for most children. As a result, generations of parents have used mythical characters and the stories behind them to guide their children’s behavior. To reward their children for being well behaved, parents use positive characters like Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. All of those friendly characters exist in the context of celebration, but the Tooth Fairy is unique. The Tooth Fairy isn’t connected to a holiday but rather exists solely to celebrate the loss of a child’s baby teeth. Through ceremony and reward, the Tooth Fairy fantasy creates a sense of excitement and wellbeing, to comfort children who may be anxious or fearful of this natural transition.
Fun fact - the Tooth Fairy tradition extends as far back as the Vikings in the Middle Ages. Fast-forward to the 17th century and we have a French fairy tale called “Good Little Mouse” by Madame d’Aulnoy. She imagined a “tooth mouse” who changes into a fairy and defeats an evil king by knocking his teeth out and hiding them under a pillow. In 1894, Spanish author Luis Coloma created “Perez the Mouse,” to honor the boy king Alfonso XIII who had lost a tooth at eight years of age. The tradition of the “Ratón Pérez” persists to this day in most Latin countries.
The fairy that we here in the U.S. know and love originated in the 1927 play “The Tooth Fairy” by Esther Watkins Arnold, and later, in a book by Lee Rowgow in 1949. The origins of the tradition of “cash for canines” are less well known.
If you’re planning for that all important first tooth, you should know:
• The average ‘Tooth Fairy’ gift for a single lost tooth is at a record high, averaging around $6.23, up from the previous high of $5.36 in 2022.
• Your child has 20 baby teeth. Multiple kids? You do the math.
• All 20 will fall out between ages 6 and 12 years old. Plan accordingly.
• Keep a stash of crisp, small denomination bills. The Tooth Fairy traditionally doesn’t do Venmo.
Here are the top excuses for forgetful and/or sleep-deprived Tooth Fairies:
• Your room was too messy and the Fairy got lost in the chaos.
• The Fairy couldn’t fly in the bad weather (you choose) last night.
• Maybe the Fairy went to Mom-Mom’s house by accident.
• Her schedule was probably full. She’ll stop by tonight.
Childhood is a brief and precious time. One of the greatest joys of parenting is to immerse ourselves in our children’s world of imagination and make believe as we guide them ultimately toward a safe and healthy adulthood. Have some fun with it! M
Wed. April 26 through Sun. June 11
Million Dollar Quartet
@The Media Theatre
104 E. State St, Media
An extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians.
Time: Shows are Wed.– Fri. 7pm; Sat. 2pm and 7pm; Sun. 3pm
Cost: Tickets are $34 – $59 each 610-891-0100 www.MediaTheater.org
Wed. May 3 through Wed. Sept. 27
Dining Under the Stars
@State St, Media
Every Wednesday, the Media Borough closes State Street to vehicular traffic from 5-11pm. This allows Media’s great restaurants and shops to set up outside (right across the trolley tracks!) for the biggest, most fun, alfresco shopping and dining event around.
Saturdays in Summer
Art at The Square Tavern
@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads
Art displays by local artists, exhibitions and activities.
Time: 11am – 5pm
Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org
Saturdays in Summer
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
Friday afternoons June through September
Newtown Square Farmers Market
@St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
3625 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square
On Friday afternoons starting June 2nd, the Newtown Square Farmers Market will feature local growers, producers and artisans. Fresh produce will be for sale as well as artisan breads, coffee, pickles, flowers, plants and candles.
Time: 3 – 6pm
Saturdays in Summer
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
Weds–Sun evenings mid-June–mid-August
Delaware County Summer Festival Concerts
@Rose Tree Park
1671 N Providence Rd, Media
Free concerts in Rose Tree Park’s scenic outdoor amphitheater resume this June! The series provides many opportunities to enjoy top-notch entertainment of all kinds. Bring blankets and chairs for seating. Light concessions will be for sale and picnics are welcome. No alcoholic beverages. Pets and smoking must remain outside the amphitheater. No rain date for any evening concert.
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Free admission and free parking
610-891-4663 (or 610-891-4455 for cancellation updates)
www.DelcoPA.gov/departments/parks/summerfestival.html
Sat. June 3
27th Annual
Historic Newtown Square Day
@the Square Tavern Museum and Art Center (and @various locations)
Route 252 & Goshen Rd, Newtown Square
This year’s activities at the historic 1742 Square Tavern will take place on the Green at the Tavern, and will include 1st Continental Regiment (Colonial Re-enactors), Lenni Lenape Native Americans, a storyteller, sheep shearing, a beekeeper demonstration and honey, live music, antique cars, children's activities and more. In addition to opening the Tavern, other historic sites in the community, including the Paper Mill House, the Quaker Meeting House, the Octagonal School, the Newtown Square Railroad Museum, St. David’s Church and the Bartram Covered Bridge will be open with guides who explain the significance of the site to visitors.
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: FREE (donations gladly accepted!) www.NSHistory.org
Sat. June 10
Delco Day 8
@J.T. Brewski's Pub
510 S. Oak Ave, Secane
Celebrate Delco Day on 6/10, with proceeds benefiting the HEADstrong Foundation.
Time: 2:00pm – 2:00am
Cost: $6.10 entry
www.DelcoLive.com
Wednesdays June 14–July 19
Summer Yoga in the Park
@Drexel Lodge Park
4140 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
Newtown Township Parks and Recreation is hosting free community yoga classes brought to you by Yoga in the Circle.
Time: 6pm
Cost: FREE
www.YogaInTheCircle.com
Fri. June 16
Media 5 Mile Race
@State Street, Media
Media Borough and the Media 5 Mile Race Committee are pleased to welcome you to the Annual Media 5 Mile Race on State Street! The challenging course will travel two loops through the streets of Media Borough, with awards and finish at Veterans Square. Music, prizes and sponsors complete the festive atmosphere. There will be a FREE Kids Fun Run at 5pm at Barrall Park and Field, across from Media Elementary. Registration for the Media 5 Mile Race will be capped at 1800 runners. A T-shirt will be given to each Registrant.
Time: 7pm
Cost: $40 www.Media5MileRace.com
Fri. June 23
Community Supper Series Picnic
@Rushton Conservation Center
915 Delchester Road, Newtown Square
Pack your picnic blanket, grab your friends and welcome the summer season at Rushton Farm. We are excited to welcome a new food truck partner, Moshava, featuring their twist on traditional Israeli street food. Deer Creek Malthouse will also be on site with their local craft brews and malt products. All food and beverages will be available for purchase onsite. As the sun goes down, Rushton Woods Preserve provides the backdrop to a breathtaking light show.
Time: 5:30–8:00pm
Cost: Donation www.WCTrust.org
Tues. July 4 (raindate Sat. July 8)
Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade
@St. Albans Ave, Newtown Square
Celebrate our great country with the residents of Marple Newtown and surrounding areas. The parade starts at St. Albans Ave and travels eastbound on West Chester Pike to the Broomall Fire Company on Malin Rd.
Time: 10am
Cost: FREE www.MarpleNewtownParade.com
THEFRIENDLYFIREARMPROFESSIONALS
• Gun locks, safes, and safety equipment
• We buy/consign estates & collections
• Gunsmithing & firearm appraisals
• Firearm consulting and training
• New gun owner training
• We have ammunition in stock
“I only sell firearms to those who accept that training in firearm use and safety becomes their duty when choosing toexercisetheir2nd Amendment right to own a firearm.”
~Shawn Brown, Owner Stars & Stripes Tactical
Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm • 610-556-0223
Those hot, humid days are on the horizon and one thing our friends and neighbors can agree on, we want our homes and businesses to be cool and comfortable. Of course, in winter we want to be warm on chilly nights and during winter storms. Comfort starts with our HVAC systems and thanks to Signature HVAC, we can be comfortable all year long.
Located in West Chester, Signature HVAC has been offering trustworthy HVAC, geothermal and plumbing services for decades. Known for putting their customers’ comfort first, they understand heating and air conditioning issues often happen at the worst possible times.
Signature HVAC’s services include HVAC installation and repair of major heating and air conditioning systems, as well as modern, high-efficiency alternatives like geothermal heating and cooling, heat pump technology, ductless mini-split air conditioning and more. Of course, without regular service and maintenance, no heating, AC or air-quality system can work as it was designed. Regular service for each system includes cleaning and maintenance, which can often identify and fix minor malfunctions before they turn into major and often costly system breakdowns. Signature HVAC makes it easy and quick to get set up on a periodic maintenance schedule.
If you face an emergency situation during an extreme cold snap or a heat wave, they’re able to have a fully equipped HVAC professional on the way to provide a fast solution. The same goes for plumbing emergencies, which are among the most urgent you might deal with in your home. Signature HVAC offers a comprehensive list of plumbing services. They install new tankless water heaters, handle burst pipe repair, clean out the sewer line, conduct regular plumbing maintenance and even work with gas piping.
Recently Signature HVAC has joined forces with three highly reputable heating, air conditioning and plumbing companies based in the Philadelphia area: Worcester Heating and Air Conditioning, Len Sciulli and Sons, and Timothy Off Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing.
If the name Len Sciulli and Sons sounds familiar to you, it’s because of their nearly 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. They’ve also been one of our local Friends & Neighbors Sponsors, bringing expert advice to our readers for the past five years. Len and his wife Jen started their business back in 2005. Since then they’ve provided residential and commercial sales, installation, maintenance and repair of all types of heating, AC and indoor air quality systems. Len and his team are experts with forced air, baseboard and radiator heating systems. They know how to keep these systems running reliably and efficiently. Now, as a partner of Signature HVAC, Len Sciulli and Sons can give their customers wider accessibility to services from a team of highly trained HVAC specialists and plumbers.
Earlier this year Signature HVAC also welcomed Timothy Off Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing aboard their service team. Tim’s team had already been serving the West Chester
Seth and his daughter Claudia
area for several years. Known for delivering top-quality products and incredible attention to detail, Tim and his team have a reputation for clean work and friendly service.
By integrating with companies like these, Signature HVAC has been able to provide customers with even more comprehensive services. “We have a breadth of experts, so no matter what our customer is looking for, we can match them up with the best person for the job,” said Kathleen Haffly, Operations Manager for Signature HVAC. “We can also strengthen their legacy of unbeatable customer service and superior work.” Tim Off explained that merging with Signature HVAC helped them accelerate their next phase of growth. “It allows us to offer our customers the most comprehensive HVAC and plumbing replacement options while maintaining our focus on exceptional customer service,” he said.
It’s not just these partnerships with experts that sets Signature HVAC apart from other HVAC companies. They also have a unique business model. By offering EASE Comfort®, customers can lease energy-efficient HVAC systems or water heaters under long-term agreements, that is an all-inclusive system.
“Every EASE Comfort® customer’s monthly payment covers costly repairs, labor fees, installation fees, seasonal maintenance costs and more for HVAC and plumbing needs with zero hidden fees creating total peace of mind. This is a disruption to a legacy industry. We can provide the most comprehensive options in the market,” said Kathleen Haffly. Their EASE Comfort tagline is a perfect summary of the service, Always Covered. Always Comfortable.™
Whether you need a new air conditioning or heating system, are looking for help with your gas lines or plumbing, or need heating or air conditioning repair, maintenance, replacement or installation, Signature HVAC guarantees the finest in
professional workmanship. They also provide customers with 24/7 emergency service and offer high-quality plumbing services done in hours, not days. Visit www.SignatureHVAC. com to learn more or contact the Signature HVAC team at 484 -999- 0602. With this team of professionals, comfort has never been more convenient! M
Marple Friends & Neighbors is proud to feature families, groups and individuals who make a difference in our community. This month, we want to bring recognition to our fire company members and thank them for a century of selfless service and bravery. For the past 100 years, the all volunteer Broomall Fire Company (BFC) has been answering emergency calls and keeping the Marple community safe and protected. Many of these volunteers are our neighbors, friends, coworkers or relatives and we are excited to honor them as our 2023 Marple Friends & Neighbors of the Year!
With a primary response area from Marple to part of Radnor township, as well as a large stretch of the Blue route, the BFC covers 11 square miles and responds to more than 700 calls per year for fires, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies.
Fighting fires and responding to other emergencies is only part of the role of our local firefighters. Not only do they spend countless hours away from their families to train and raise money for their department, but they also visit our schools to teach students about fire safety, and help recruit the next generation of volunteers.
The BFC was officially formed on January 8, 1923, when a group of 26 men met to approve a constitution and by-laws. The purpose was to form an all-volunteer fire company to serve Marple Township, which back then was a community made up of farmers and tradesmen. Today, under the leadership of Fire Chief Tom Dobbins and President Jim Capuzzi, the BFC has about 45 active firefighters and dozens of active life members. For these men and women, joining the company was not only to do something good for the community and help people in need, but for many it’s a family tradition.
Chief Dobbins said joining the BFC was inevitable. “I grew up right down the street from the firehouse and my family had a long history of serving in public safety,” he explained. Tom was a 16-year-old student at Marple Newtown High School when he joined the BFC back in 2000. “Becoming a member of the BFC when I was young had a lot of benefits,”
explained Tom. “I was able to receive an extensive amount of training and it was a real stepping stone for my career.”
After high school, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology from Chestnut Hill College and then a Master’s of Science in Public Safety Management from St. Joseph’s University. For the past five years, he served as Chief and is responsible for directing all volunteer firefighters, ensuring they have adequate training. He also ensures that firefighting equipment is monitored on a regular basis and is in good working order.
While Chief Dobbins handles the day-to-day operations, President Jim Capuzzi oversees the administration, making sure the company’s mission is accomplished and the vision is fulfilled. Jim joined the BFC in 1987 after moving to Marple Township. Becoming a firefighter was also a family affair for Jim. One of six brothers, Jim grew up in Yeadon and served 15 years with the Yeadon Fire Company, along with all of his brothers. “I was hooked at an early age,” he recalled.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Drexel University and a Master’s of Science in Environmental Protection and Safety Management from St. Joseph’s University. He also holds an MBA from LaSalle University. Since moving to Broomall and joining the Broomall Fire Company in 1987, Jim has held several roles in the fire company including Captain and Vice President before serving as the company’s president. What Jim found most rewarding in his career with the fire department is the camaraderie. “We really are a brotherhood,” he said.
That sense of camaraderie and brotherhood is another reason why many BFC members join in the first place. “Not only are you giving back to your community, you find a group of people
who really look out for each other,” said Jan Ceton, a lifetime BFC member. Jan joined the company back in 1973. His family was very involved in the Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade and the BFC was celebrating their 50th anniversary that year. To thank the Cetons for their help in building the anniversary float, the family was invited to the firehouse. “As soon as I visited the firehouse I was hooked,” he added. “I put in my application the next day.”
Ben Fastman, the BFC’s Public Education coordinator, is one of their newest members. A 2018 graduate of Marple Newtown High School, Ben joined the company in 2021. Ben said he was always interested in Public Safety, even doing his high school senior project with the Upper Darby Police Department. Later as a student at West Chester University, he joined the local EMS, but after moving back to Broomall he wanted to give back to his own community. “What is really rewarding about the BFC is the networking,” said Ben. “Not only is it a good career, but I’ve made a lot of new friendships and formed great relationships with the other members.”
BFC volunteers undergo hundreds of hours of training annually. Although there is no specific time requirement or “on-call” system, they’re expected to respond to as many calls and continued on page 12
training drills as they are able. Like most volunteer fire departments, getting new volunteers to join is always a focus. “Today there are more challenges to recruitment and retention,” said Chief Dobbins. “Between family demands and full-time work, it can be a lot to balance.”
When it comes to emergency calls and large incidents, oftentimes the BFC relies on other departments to join them and vice versa. “We have a great relationship with our surrounding volunteer departments,” he added. “We will provide backup to our neighboring departments at a fire or other emergency. We work together.”
Just as the BFC membership has undergone significant changes these last 100 years, so has the firehouse itself. The very first Broomall firehouse was built in 1924. Located on West Chester Pike near Sproul Rd, the members themselves donated their own skills to erect the two-story building. By the 1950s the fire department was seeing tremendous growth and a bigger facility was needed to house more apparatus and equipment. In 1957 they were able to upgrade to a bigger firehouse on Malin Rd and West Chester Pike. Then in 2019, thanks to a grant as well as a large contribution from the township, a new 22,000sf firehouse was erected.
The current firehouse was designed to resemble and preserve the essence of the old station. Inside is even a museum that includes a 1948 Mack fire truck, an old locker with vintage gear and lots of memorabilia. Chief Dobbins said the new firehouse will support the Marple community for years to come. “It’s light years ahead of the previous one,” he said. “It’s truly a state-ofthe-art facility.”
With a fitness center, a multipurpose room and bunk rooms, a full kitchen area w/coffee bar, a patio w/BBQ, laundry facilities, free Wifi and a conference center, the firehouse encourages camaraderie at the station. “Being there and hanging out with the other members is important,” Chief Dobbins added. “It really is a real family feel.”
When the BFC members aren’t at the firehouse or out on calls, they're visible in our community. Not only do they host events such as food drives and vaccine clinics, but local children can look forward to a visit with Santa each holiday season.
Maintaining an all-volunteer fire company would not be possible without the support of the township as well as the Marple residents. Fundraising is crucial for the BFC as fire stations need supplies, staff, and everything else other for-profit businesses need to survive. Jan is the head of the annual fund drive committee, a role he’s been proud to do for the past 15 years. “The fund drive is so important because it helps us defray the costs of life-saving equipment, firehouse expenses and apparatus maintenance,” he explained. The carnival held every fall and spring is a significant fundraiser for the volunteer department
and the BFC’s largest community event. “It’s a great way to have a good time, while supporting the fire company and our community,” added Jim Capuzzi.
Thank you to the BFC volunteers who help keep our homes, businesses and community safe and for being an example of our mission of Bringing People Together. Congratulations on 100 years of volunteer service to the Marple Community!
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
Robert Adams
Jeffrey Anderson
Kim Anderson
Ryan Anderson
William Ankrum
Frank Barnes
Christopher Bassoline
Peter Baylor
Jennifer Bentzley
Albert Bianchi
Elizabeth Bradley
James Bradley Jr.
Lisa Bradley
Eric Brown
Michael Browne
Steven Browne
James Capuzzi
Timothy Capuzzi
James Castaldi
Lynn Castaldi
Anthony Cavarocchi
Jan Ceton
Lucia Cianelli
Dennis DeFruscio
Vince Del Vacchio
Douglas Dillon
Thomas Dobbins
Matthew Dobbins
Brian Drager Jr.
Brian Drager Sr.
William Duranti
Pat Fanelli
Ben Fastman
Michael Gardane
Michael Geraghty Jr.
John Giacomucci
Li Guo
Charles Hall
Skip Johnson
Ken Hughes
Carol Johnston
Elaine Karr-Remington
Scott Lefferts
John Liotta
Paul Liotta
William Maguire
Stefano Matozzo
Madeleine Maust
William McNeill
Stephen Monahan
Donna Moyse
Ruth Moyse
Matthew Murray
Thomas Murray III
Thomas Murray Jr.
Conner Murrin
Edward Murrin
Louis Pace
Earl Pensyl
John Pizzi
Peter Placido
Amy Poole
Gary Ralph
Edward Remington
Thomas Reynolds
Robert Rich
Luca Rizzi
Daniel Rutledge
Quinten Santoro
Jeffrey Scheckner
Richard Schmidt
William Schoepe
Owen Schwerdtfeger
Sean Siegal
Griffin Soda
Karen Standen
Cheryl Stebbins
Garrett Thompson
Gary Thompson
Andy Tucker
Dannon Voight
Ruth Ward
Thomas Wiercinski
Funeral and memorial services are a time for reflection, introspection and thoughtful contemplation. It’s also a time for those who cared about the one who has passed to recall and treasure their personal memories. Below are some ideas to help those who are planning the gathering, to create a unique and positive experience for those who attend.
Create a Memory Tree
We often see memory tables or photo displays at farewell services, but why not create something new and lasting. Start a memory tree that those in attendance can help to create. You can use either a real tree (to be planted later) or an artificial
one, and invite guests to attach photos, messages or mementos to the branches. Later, you can gather all the items in a special memory box to look back on. Be sure to let friends and loved ones know about the tree ahead of time so they can bring their mementos to the service.
Hold a Volunteer Event in Their Honor
Helping others is a wonderful way to honor a loved one. Look for volunteer opportunities to support a cause or organization that was close to their heart and invite others to participate. Get a group together to take part in a cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, pediatric illness or other type of walk. Host an event
to benefit a local animal shelter, homeless facility or other local cause that was dear to them. Gather a group to visit an area elderly facility at holiday time, in their honor.
Celebrate the dreams of your loved one by completing one or two of their bucket list items. This could include things like traveling to a place they always wanted to visit, running a marathon or completing something they started, attending a specific sporting event or even learning a new skill that was of particular interest to them.
• Create a memorial website
• Have a candle lighting ceremony
• Create a memorial video and hold a screening
• Host a book club involving books they loved
• Organize a memorial picnic
• Create an event with live music they loved
Every one of us is unique and distinctive. Think of ways to incorporate those things that were of specific interest to your loved one and come up with a remarkeable way to highlight what made him or her one of a kind. M
Please join us in congratulating Newtown Square resident Matthew DeAngelo on his nomination, appointment and acceptance to attend The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. He will graduate from Marple
Newtown High School (MNHS) this month, enjoy a brief 10-day summer break then head to West Point, NY, to begin his journey.
The oldest of the five American service academies, West Point educates its cadets for commissioning into the United States Army – a goal Matt set for himself as a young boy. “Both of my grandfathers served in the military,” Matt explained. “I have just always felt a need to serve my country.” His plan and his path to this point were solidified when Matt was in seventh grade. “I remember sitting in my living room one afternoon watching the Army–Navy football game when I decided that West Point would be in my future.”
But acceptance to West Point isn’t as simple as submitting good grades, test scores and writing an essay. The application process to the USMA requires a nomination, usually from a member of Congress, submission of transcripts and college-entrance exam scores, completion of a screening questionnaire, an interview with a Field Force Representative, a complete medical examination and a satisfactory fitness assessment.
Matt explained that once he learned what it would take to achieve his goal, he got to work and never looked back. “I was an active kid involved in sports, the Boy Scouts and the youth group at St. Anastasia,” he said. “I set my sights on becoming an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank attainable, volunteering and mentoring at church, running indoor and outdoor track, cross country and playing football.”
That level of determination earned Matt his Eagle Scout medal and a nomination to attend The American Legion Boys State summer leadership program for high school juniors, which focused on exploring American government and politics. It also allowed Matt to excel in academics and athletics at MNHS. Chris Gicking is the Athletic Director at Marple and has coached Matt on the football team. “Matt is an exceptional young man who is wise beyond his years,” Chris said. “He is an unbelievable leader on
Marple Newtown’s Matthew DeAngelothe field but more importantly off the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
Father Michael Colagreco at St. Anastasia Parish agreed with Chris’ sentiments and said he has known Matt for many years. “Matt has always been very focused in a good way,” he remarked. “Matt is very driven, and when he sees something he wants, he figures out a way to make it happen.” Father Colagreco added that he is very proud of Matt and looks forward to watching him excel at West Point.
There is no doubt there is a long list of folks who can attest to Matt’s drive and determination. Still, in order to ultimately earn his place at West Point, he needed to be nominated by a member of Congress and interviewed and recommended by the Service Academy Selection Board. “This past fall, I reached out to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who serves our 5th Congressional District,” Matt explained. “I composed a letter detailing my desire to attend West Point, my academic and athletic achievements, my service work in the community, and my plans for the future.”
Matt was then interviewed by the selection board and was told that he would be notified in December as to whether or not he would receive a nomination. “I learned that the nominations were released on December 23rd,” Matt said. “I saw that my name was on the list for nomination, then I received a phone call from Scott Belveal (USMA ’92), who was one of the selection board members, confirming my nomination.”
“Early Christmas morning, I officially accepted the offer to attend West Point on their portal.” Matt smiled when he said the timing could not have been more perfect. “It was the best Christmas present I could have ever received,” he said.
The academic program at West Point will earn Matt a Bachelor of Science degree with a curriculum that grades cadets' performance upon a broad academic program, military leadership performance and mandatory participation in competitive athletics. Matt said he is keeping his options open to explore all of the programs and majors West Point offers. “I will choose an area of study that is best for me, my future and my commitment to serve our country,” he explained. “The USMA is investing in me, and I take that very seriously. I look forward to earning a top-notch education and continuing the legacy of my grandfathers.”
Publisher’s Note: No surprise here. I first met Matt DeAngelo as a first grade Tiger Cub Scout while I served as Cubmaster of Cub Pack 315. I followed Matt on his trail to Eagle Scout as a youth leader of Boy Scout Troop 315. I tested that leadership four years ago this month, when I called on Matt to muster his cheerful service in joining his family on the cover of our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, on the June 2019 cover you can find online at www.NewtownSquareMag. com. Congratulations Matt. We are proud you're heading to your next leadership trail, in college and in military service at West Point. My only advice, knowing well the young man you are, comes from the wisdom from St. Francis DeSales: “Be you.., and be that well.” M
Marple Township Little League (MTLL) has always been known as a special place in our community, where kids of all playing abilities learn to develop their love of the game. This year MTLL introduced The Challenger Division, a program specifically for children with special needs.
The Little League Challenger Division® was founded in 1989 and is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Mike Noonan, a longtime Marple resident and MTLL board member, has been working on putting together a Challenger Division for MTLL for the past two years. “We’re thrilled the division came to fruition this year thanks to the help of a committee of board members and dedicated coaches and volunteers,” said Mike, who serves as the division’s director.
The MTLL Challenger division committee includes three special education (SE) teachers: Alyssa and Jimmy Galligan and Jackie Sharkey. Their experience in special education helps bring out the best in the players. “These teachers not only had great strategies to teach skills to the players and keep them engaged, but
their insight was helpful for the volunteers too,” Mike said. The committee also includes former MTLL board member Joe Crimmins (Treasurer), Brian McCollum (MTLL Liaison) and Corey Ruff (Technology Director /Buddy Coordinator).
Modeled after other Challenger leagues in the area, MTLL’s division welcomes players ages 4 – 21 and is inclusive of all physical and intellectual challenges. Games are every Sunday at 12:30pm and spectators are welcome and encouraged. Mike explained that Challenger games are three innings long, with each team batting through their lineup each time. The last batter in each inning circles the bases and tags home before taking the field to play defense. “Our players enjoy being part of a team and playing a game that is structured to meet their specific needs,” Mike explained. “The most important thing is we all have fun,” he added.
Just like MTLL’s Little League program, the Challenger Division relies heavily on volunteers and participation from community members. Out in the field, players are paired up with buddies — players from the Majors division who help the athletes and join them in enjoying a day at the ballfield.
“For some players, a goal may be learning how to throw a baseball, while for others it may be learning to field a ground ball, catch a fly ball or swing the bat without the assistance of a buddy,” said Joe Crimmins. He explained that some players may even work towards improving their abilities so that they do not need regular assistance from a buddy. “As players improve their baseball skills, they enjoy a sense of accomplishment as they achieve their goals,” he added.
Challenger players can join the league free of charge and their families participate in MTLL’s Opening Day parade and fundraising events. This season they’re looking forward to the exhibition game in the PA Little League State Tournament this July. In June, the Drexel Hill Little League will host Challenger Day, when all of the local Challenger leagues will come together for a day full of baseball games, food and even a visit from the Philly Phanatic!
MTLL President Pete Baylor said that the first season of the Challenger Division was such a success because of the coaches, parents and volunteers.“When Mike Noonan and his committee brought the idea of a Challenger division to the MTLL board, I had no idea the joy it was about to bring to not only the MTLL family, but the entire Marple Township Community," said Pete. "I would like to thank Mike and his committee, and all the surrounding Challenger Leagues who assisted in making the MTLL Challenger Division possible. Without all of their hard work and our dedicated volunteers we would not get to see all of those big smiles on our Challenger athletes each Sunday afternoon.” For more information about MTLL’s Challenger League visit www.MTLL.org or go to their Facebook page. M
Regular readers of Marple Friends & Neighbors in print, or online at www.MarpleMag.com, know every new issue of our magazine brings friends and neighbors together and facilitates new acquaintances through our feature articles about Marple Township residents.
I always give the credit for our success in fulfilling our mission to our Sponsors - the local businesses you see advertising on these pages. It’s their financial support that brings our Bringing People Together mission to you because those local businesses also value our mission because Marple residents are important to them, and the success of their business.
While our Sponsors play that very significant role in our mission, friends and neighbors, your time spent reading our monthly publication has you fulfilling our Bringing People Together mission in person, just as you might contribute your time to support an organization you value for its mission in our community. As you read this issue, notice how social-media-inprint is bringing you together with people in our community.
As we have annually done in our June issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors, we again recognize our 2023 Marple Friends & Neighbors of The Year - the Broomall Fire Company. And I must admit, I am truly humbled by any attempt to consider the mission of our publication to be Bringing People Together in Marple Township, to the keeping people together mission of the Broomall Fire Company, which has been fulfilled now for one hundred years through generations of selfless volunteers in service to their hometown.
What could be more noble than volunteering to protect the lives of friends and neighbors, and their property, against fire and other life-threatening emergencies, without compensation, and at times at great personal risk?
Join me in congratulating members of the Broomall Fire Company, our 2023 Marple Friends & Neighbors of The Year, by extending your gratitude to fire company member volunteers. And in this hundredth year of service in our community, let’s be mindful of these inflationary times which not only have been increasing operational costs for our fire company, but also lowering needed contributions. Consider your contribution, perhaps even your membership. New members are urgently needed. From young adults to seniors, men and women who can offer service to our #1 service organization, even for roles that may never require you to respond onsite at a fire or rescue scene.
For a tour of the Station 53 and opportunity to become acquainted with fire company members who can share their personal experience of membership, visit the Broomall Fire Company website at: www.BroomallFireCompany.com and fill out an inquiry form. (Click on “Join” in the masthead). A member of the Membership Committee will soon be in touch with you to answer any membership questions you may have. M
Bob Blaisse Publisher Marple Friends & Neighbors
Patio doors invite your loved ones and friends into your backyard, deck or patio wonderland. They provide a large amount of natural light, save space and are visually appealing for your home's design. If your patio door is more than 20 years old, chances are its energy-efficiency isn’t meeting your expectations. Older patio doors are typically made from aluminum and have little to no glass packages that protect your home from hot and cold air.
When shopping for a new patio door, what type of options do you have? Which option should you choose?
Wood Patio Doors: Wood patio doors provide an elegant look. They can be stained for a traditional design, but they do require periodic upkeep. Wood is not the most energy-efficient choice but it can last a long time if taken care of properly. Atmospheric changes such as fading and warping can affect the structure over time. Wood patio doors are quite expensive, and although beautiful to look at, they are typically not the most cost-effective and energy-efficient choice.
Steel and Aluminum Patio Doors: Steel and aluminum patio doors are more reasonably priced than wood patio doors. They’re also much easier to maintain, but they’re easily dented and scratched. They are not the most energy-efficient option because steel and aluminum both conduct heat and cold easily.
Vinyl Patio Doors: Vinyl patio doors are a cost-effective and energy-efficient option for replacement. They can withstand outdoor elements without peeling, rotting or corroding. They can even be designed to look like wood or natural materials. Vinyl can crack during extreme temperature changes, but that is rare. Vinyl is an energy-efficient option especially when paired with an energy-efficient LOW-E glass.
Fiberglass Patio Doors: Similar to vinyl, Fiberglass is a synthetic material that can be made to look like natural materials such as wood. Fiberglass patio doors can last for many years because they require little to no maintenance, they’re extremely
energy-efficient, and they can withstand extreme weather conditions. Fiberglass is typically a bit more expensive than vinyl but offers many benefits that are worth the cost difference. When paired with proper installation, both vinyl and fiberglass patio doors are the most cost-effective and energy-efficient choices. M
On April 17, nearly 30,000 runners battled rain and strong headwinds to conquer the 26.2-mile challenge of the Boston Marathon. Two of the runners in this prestigious long race were Newtown Square’s own Peter Merhige and Broomall’s Sean Egan.
The Boston Marathon is not only a patriotic event for both runners and the city of Boston, it’s also the world’s oldest marathon. Even more special this year was that the event honored the tenth anniversary of the tragic bombing that occurred back in 2013.
What makes the race elite is that to enter, you must qualify with a time of 3 hours or less to run. Peter and Sean competed alongside runners from all over the world who had qualified by scoring fast agegroup times in marathons.
Peter, a 25-year-old Newtown Square native, has competed in several distance races including the Philadelphia half marathon. Nothing could quite compare to competing in what he said is the pinnacle of amateur running competitions: “Runners everywhere strive to compete in the Boston Marathon. To say I got to run in it is an honor,” he said. With the event being held on a regional holiday called Patriot’s Day, Peter explained many people are off from work and droves of fans lined the entire 26 miles of the marathon.
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“Many of them were dressed in blue and gold and Boston Strong gear. There was such unbelievable energy!”
Peter has been running since he was a sixth grader at the Haverford School for Boys. He grew up in Wayne until his family moved to Newtown Square in 2014, and throughout middle school and high school, he participated in the school’s cross-country teams. He went on to college at Bucknell University and although he wasn’t a member of the track team there, he continued to enjoy running as a hobby.
When the pandemic hit during Peter's senior year of college, he moved back home to Newtown Square temporarily that spring before his college graduation. With more time on his hands, he began training more seriously to enter races, even consulting with his former high school coach Brian Long.
For the past few years, Peter has worked for Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership consulting firm and he now lives in Washington DC. Peter also found that running was a great way to unwind after work to detach from screens. “Movement is medicine,” he explained. “It really brings me peace.”
Despite the tough conditions on the day of the Boston Marathon, Peter
Peter Merhige along the course of the Boston Marathonsaid it was an amazing experience. “Having family and friends there to cheer me on made the day extra special,” he said.
Broomall resident Sean Egan, 23, also began his running career in middle school. After tagging along with his older sisters to their cross country practice at St. Annies in Newtown Square, he decided to join the CYO team too and he's been running ever since. During his years as a high school student at La Salle High School, he was a member of their cross country and track and field teams. After high school, he went on to Temple University, where he studied nursing.
His freshman year, Sean was a walk-on for Temple’s Division 1 cross-country team and he ran all four years until he graduated in 2022. Sean is now a nurse
at Lankenau Hospital and continues to run in his free time. “I love running with other people,” he said. “It’s a great way to spend an hour and a half with friends. It’s also great stress relief.”
Sean had run in several local races including the Broad Street Run and Marple Newtown’s own Firecracker Run on the Fourth of July. When his older sister Fiona, who lives in Media, decided to run the Boston Marathon, Sean decided to join. “Ever since she was a student at Boston University, the marathon was on her bucket list,” Sean explained. Now that Sean’s competed in the Boston Marathon, he’s already looking ahead
to train for his next race in October, the Chicago Marathon.
Congrats to Peter and Sean, who finished the Boston Marathon with impressive times of 3:08:42 and 2:37:39, respectively. Thank you for sharing your story with your Marple Newtown Friends & Neighbors! M
Anew roof is one of the biggest investments a homeowner can make in their home and the last thing you want is to hire someone to replace it, and then have issues a few years later. Typically, homeowners will get three quotes from different roofers and then determine who they want to move forward with. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind when selecting a roofing company for the job.
Whether they’ve been in business for 10, 20 or even 100 years, you know they’re an experienced roofer that has built up a good reputation. Reading testimonials and reviews can give you a pretty good idea of how the company operates and whether customers feel satisfied. Look for reviews that mention jobs like yours, how the contractors handled any unexpected problems, pricing, customer service and anything they did to go above and beyond. Almost nine out of ten consumers say that reviews play a major part in discovering a local business. These days, having an online presence isn’t optional; it’s a requirement for success. Less than reputable contractors that haven’t been around for very long and don’t have an online presence might cause damage to your roof, disappear before the work finishes, or take the money and run before performing any work at all.
You want to select a roofing company that offers all the services you need. Do they specialize in residential roofing, commercial roofing or both? Do they offer a variety of materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal, slate, etc.? Do they provide other services like general carpentry to avoid working with multiple contractors on a bigger project? Before you select a roofing contractor, you want to make sure that their company provides all the options and flexibility that you need.
Avoid offers and deals with prices that are too good to be true, as it could be a scam, or they might use cheap materials. Instead, consider a financing plan, because most professional roofing companies offer some type of financing option.
A reputable roofing company has all the necessary permits, licenses and insurance. Taking the time to research licensing and insurance laws for your area will give you a better idea of what to look for or ask about. Most companies display this information somewhere on their website. If a contractor gets hurt on your property, you want to ensure the company has proper insurance for its employees. You certainly don’t want to end up in legal trouble or footing a medical bill. M
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 Doug Humes Photos courtesy of the Marple Historical Society
If you lived in Marple on May 26, 1912, and you had even the slightest curiosity, you would have headed down the Pike to Manoa to see something you had never seen before—an airplane taking off and landing at Eagle Field, now Manoa Shopping Center.
Grover Cleveland Bergdoll, the 19-year-old son of a wealthy Philadelphia brewing family, put on a show that day, taking his Wright Brothers Model B Flyer up for seven flights, dazzling a crowd of several thousand people. On his last flight, he followed the Pike up to Newtown Square, turned north to Wayne, east to Ardmore following the tracks of the Main Line, and then circled back to Manoa.
Bergdoll was in the first class of pilots taught to fly by the Wright Brothers at their flying school in Dayton, Ohio. He then bought his plane from them and built a storage hangar on a flat parcel of land up the road from his family’s summer home in Broomall, which became Eagle Field. For the next several years, he attracted a crowd with his flying accomplishments, including the first flight made between Philadelphia and Atlantic City.
The Model B was the first airplane made in commercial production to be sold to the flying public. The plane was a two-seater with the pilot and a passenger sitting side by side
on the leading edge of the lower wing. On his flights, he invited those brave enough to go up with him to join him on each flight. Whether a spectator or passenger, that was a day you would remember for the rest of your life!
Unfortunately for Bergdoll, those early days of flight were the best days of his life.
When World War I broke out, America declared war against Germany. Bergdoll’s mother had immigrated to the U.S. from Germany and so like many German-Americans, her loyalties were divided. When her son was drafted, he failed to report and went into hiding. He had been a high-profile public figure, and so the draft authorities went to war against Grover. He fled the country but returned after the war to face criminal charges. He was jailed for about five years and then lived the rest of his days in Virginia. His airplane, the Wright Brothers Model B, lives on. It was donated to the Franklin Institute where it is now displayed in their Aviation Hall.
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.
After filing your income tax return, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. You can check on the status of your refund using the “Get Your Refund Status” tool on the IRS website. If you made a mistake or find additional deductions, you generally can file an amended return within three years of filing your original return. Certain records must be kept indefinitely, such as actual tax returns and records related to real estate purchases and improvements, retirement or investment accounts. For tax year 2019 and earlier, most other tax-related records can be disposed of. Contact your accountant if you have any questions about which records to keep and how long you need to keep them.
Taxpayers often rent their own home while moving to a new residence, which can carry both tax and economic benefits and pitfalls. When you start renting your home, you’ll need to report rental income on your tax return but you’re also entitled to offsett the rental income with deductions for expenses such as utilities, operating expenses, maintenance costs and depreciation for the home. However the passive activity loss rules may limit your ability to deduct rental expenses that exceed your rental income based upon your income. If your total income is less than $100,000, the maximum rental loss that can be used to reduce taxable income is $25,000. Between $100,000 and $150,000 the $25,000 allowable loss figure is reduced gradually to zero. Additionally, renting your residence could jeopardize a big tax break when you eventually sell the home. When selling a primary home each taxpayer is entitled
to exclude $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) of the profit from the sale. However, this exclusion is reduced by the amount of depreciation you deducted when renting your home.
When selling depreciable property used in a business, there are various tax consequences to consider. The Internal Revenue Code specifies that gains and losses from sales of business assets are netted against each other. If the net result is a gain, it will qualify for long-term capital gain treatment which is subject to lower tax rates. Previously deducted depreciation can limit long-term capital gain treatment. If the net result is a loss, the entire amount is deductible against your other income. Different rules apply based on the type of property, and the tax treatment can be complex. M
