Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine, May 2024

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography CrissyEverhart.com

Accounting & Tax Preparation

Jack Del Pizzo, CPA

Del Pizzo & Associates 2098 W Chester Pike #101, Broomall 610-356-2590 • JRD@DelPizzo.com

DelPizzo.com

Carpeting & Floor Covering

Eric Fante Fante Flooring

39 South Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square 610-232-708 • Info@FanteFloors.com

FanteFloors.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

SpineDr.org

Electric Service, Residential/Commercial

Andrew Martella, Sr.

Martella Electric Company 484-997-3097 • MartellaElectric@rcn.com

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

MarpleDental.com

Family Law Trial Attorney

Deborah M. Truscello, Esq.

Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello 610-892-4940 • DmtofLaw@gmail.com

TruscelloLaw.com

Fireplace Products

Scott Magness

Scott’s Fireplace Products 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484-422-8334

SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

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

DANJOLELL.com

Retirement & Financial Planning

Charles Welde, CPA, CFP®

The CP Welde Group 610-388-7705 • Charles@CPWeldeGroup.com CPWeldeGroup.com

Roofing, Siding & Carpentry

Kevin O’Donnell O’Donnell Roofing Co. 610-624-8112 CustomerService@ODonnellRoofingCo.com

ODonnellRoofingCo.com/bvm

Tree Care and Inspection

Mike Bradley

Bradley Tree Experts Broomall 610-325-8600 • Mike@BradleyTreeExperts.com

BradleyTreeExperts.com

Waterproofing & Weatherization

David Linn Cook

Weatherproofing Plus Inc.

Marple / Newtown / Edgmont 610-325-0596

WeatherProofing-Plus.com

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Lisa Jeffries

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Holly Stupak

DESIGNER: Kim Cesati

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER:

Crissy Everhart Photography CrissyEverhart.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Holly Stupak, Sheila Turner-Hilliard, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Mike Bradley, Andrew Martella, Dr. Marc Belitsky, Charles Welde, Eric Fante add David Linn Cook

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, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2024 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER

The Brannick Family at their home in Broomall

Dear Friends & Neighbors, May I welcome you to this new May issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors in print and online at MarpleMag.com, and to our readers who are also Mothers – may I be the first to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day this month which may well be called a full Month of Appreciation: for the beautiful days of Spring, our mothers, Summer on the way, and recognition of our nation’s veterans who served our country and particularly those who gave their lives in service to protect our freedoms.

Happy Mother’s Day to all our Marple moms, grandmothers, stepmoms and those who bring motherly wisdom and warmth to others. And may I offer a special Happy Mother’s Day to our magazine staff moms: Kim, Holly, Sheila, Lisa and Crissy. Ladies, I see your motherly gifts of care and concern in every new issue. Lastly, Happy Mother’s Day and Thank You Jean; I see your motherly gifts every day in the ways your motherly love is refelected in our four young adult sons.

Later this month, we also stop to our honor our veterans on Memorial Day, and particularly those veterans from Marple who gave their life in times of war to guard and protect the freedoms we have as a nation. And through this month of May, Veteran Appreciation Month, we also honor living military veterans, for your past and/or current service to our country. Thank you for being a part of our community here in Marple Township.

I know you’ll enjoy this new May issue Kim, Holly and our feature writers have for you this month that will see pools opening for summer. So, if you’re heading to the pool or the beach, don’t forget to take Marple Friends & Neighbors along with you.

Let the barbecues begin!

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents,

Welcome to May! Let’s hope all of those April showers will bring us May flowers. There are lots of fun events on our calendar on page 20 to get us outside enjoying the spring weather. Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Marple Friends & Neighbors!

In this issue we are proud to introduce you to Dana and Bill Brannick, two educators who are raising their family here and are passionate about the future of Catholic education. Our Business Profile features DANJOLELL Memorial Homes, a family business whose mission is to provide dignity and respect to families during difficult times. This issue also highlights MNHS’s recent 5K Color Run and the upcoming Firecracker 5K. Time to lace up those sneakers!

We are always looking for more Marple families, individuals and organizations to feature in our magazine. If you’d like to nominate someone, please email me at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.

Holly Stupak Content Coordinator

by Eric Fante Fante Flooring

Flooring Trends to Make Your Space Perfect

From your entryway to the kitchen and everything in between, your floors are one of the most important components of your home. The type of flooring that you use in your home speaks volumes about your style, as well as the design aspect of each of your rooms. In fact, the rest of your home’s layout and design will most likely tie directly into your flooring style, which will largely dictate the functionality of your home, depending on the style, durability and cleaning requirements of your choices.

Replacing your floors can be overwhelming, expensive and time consuming, not to mention daunting, so it’s important to make flooring choices that will stand the test of time. Even replacing just a few rooms of flooring can be exactly what your home needs to step into the current trends in interior home design. Plus it can be a lot of fun to consider all the possibilities, express

your style and make a big impact on your home’s overall style and mood. Best of all, refreshing your flooring with quality options can add up to 5% to your home’s overall value.

Vinyl Flooring

The best thing about vinyl flooring, including Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF), vinyl plank and vinyl tile options, is that it comes in a seemingly endless array of formats, colors and styles, so it can fit into your design plan for just about any room. It’s not just a versatile and attractive choice for your floors, but it’s extremely durable, water resistant and remarkably resilient. Plus, vinyl floor choices have come a long way in recent years, including options that look almost identical to solid hardwood.

Wide Plank Laminate Flooring

This option is also often used as a great substitute for hardwoods, because they are machined to imitate both the look and feel of solid wood. One great aspect to wide plank laminate is that because it’s manufactured, your color, grain and style choices are virtually limitless so you can match it to any decor. Matte and unfinished styles give a rustic or industrial vibe, while options with shine offer a more traditional or formal style to your room’s look.

Hypoallergenic Carpet

Although carpet has been a less popular trend recently, designers are predicting that it’s most definitely making a resurgence. Hypoallergenic options are manufactured without the usual allergy-triggering materials, and can include hypoallergenic padding as well. Carpeting has long been considered the luxurious choice and the ultimate in comfort. Low-pile options can help your room maintain a sleek and stylish look, while subtle embossed patterns and prints can help to completely transform your space. M

by Lisa Jeffries

Mary Benko

MAY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The May Casey’s Public House Student of the Month is Mary Benko, who is a Senior at Marple Newtown High School (MNHS), and also received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Casey’s Public House, our Sponsor of this program.

Mary spends her time at MNHS fully involved with various clubs. She is on both the Cross Country and Track teams, and is a member of the Marching Band and the French Club. Academically, Mary is in the National Honor Society as well.

However, what Mary is most proud of is being a Leader in Marple Civic Youth, a group of area students looking for ways to make a difference in our community. With their motto: Teens Taking Action, they have been providing fun and inclusive ways to get teens together. From volunteering at local school events and food banks to organizing proms and dances, the teens have made it their mission to make a difference here in Marple Newtown.

Since Mary will be graduating next month, her plans for the fall include majoring in Education at Millersville University and continuing her cross-country and track career at the D2 level. Her long-term goals include teaching math to

middle school students and encouraging STEM education for young girls. Mary is also proud to have previously worked as a Student Assistant Teacher for the second-grade class at Russell Elementary.

We are so happy to get to know a little more about you Mary, and we look forward to hearing about all of your future accomplishments. M

Know a terrific teen who should be our next Student of the Month?

Here’s what we look for - Students from grades 7 to 12 who demonstrate excellence in service to school, friendship, community or area groups, and reside within the geographical borders of the Marple, Newtown Square or Edgmont (no matter what school they attend, or if they are homeschooled).

Submit your nomination, highlighting what makes them so amazing, to LJeffries@ BestVersionMedia.com. Academic or athletic excellence is not required.

Mary with Casey’s Manager Bobbie Guerriere

Photo courtesy of Mary Benko

by Holly Stupak

Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography CrissyEverhart.com

The Brannick Family : Pride in Their Community

This month’s Resident Feature is the story of a principal and a teacher who met on a blind date and fell in love. Dana and Bill are two passionate educators who are raising their three children here in Broomall. Their dedication to their family, their students and the Marple community shows in everything they do.

Back in 2008, Dana and Bill’s friends set them up on a date at Maggie O’Neill’s in Drexel Hill. “Mutual friends of ours thought we’d hit it off, and we really did,” said Dana. At the time Dana was teaching in the Upper Darby School District and Bill was Principal at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast. Dana said Bill got the seal of approval from her dad right away. “They’re both Bonner grads!” said Dana. “After only our first date, my dad said: ‘you’re going to marry this guy!” Father knows best, as they say! The couple married in 2011 at St. Eugene’s in Primos followed by a reception at the Inn at Mendenhall Chadds Ford.

Both Bill and Dana grew up in Delaware County. Bill is from Swarthmore where he lived with his parents and sister Susan. He attended St. John Chrysotom in Wallingford and later St. James High School and then Bonner High School, where he played football, ran track and was a member of the community service corps. Sports were always a big part of childhood, including CYO basketball and track. He was also a cub scout and later a boy scout. Sports are still a big part of Bill’s life as he has enjoyed years of coaching and being an avid Philadelphia sports fan.

After high school, Bill attended Penn State University and earned a degree in Communications with a minor in Business. Bill coached Bonner football while he was a student at Penn State Brandywine, a role that led to his passion for coaching and teaching. “After I transferred to Penn State main campus, I realized how much I missed coaching,” Bill explained. “I knew then that becoming a teacher was something I’d want to pursue.”

In his early professional career, Bill was in outside sales then transitioned to teach Business and Technology and coach football and track at Bonner High School. He later became assistant principal, then Principal at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. During that time he also earned a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership. After Bonner and Prendie, Bill became the Director of Technology, PreK-12, for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Today, Bill serves as the Director of Technology at Methacton School District. “I really enjoy working in a team environment to continuously discover ways to improve educational

outcomes for students,” said Bill, who is also looking to pursue his doctorate degree someday.

Dana, the youngest of four children, is originally from Upper Darby. She attended Highland Park Elementary School, Beverly Hills Middle School and graduated from Upper Darby High School. As a kid, Dana loved playing field hockey and later as a student at Upper Darby she became involved in TV and radio production and part of the school’s televised news program.

Growing up Dana spent a lot of time babysitting and always enjoyed working with kids. Although she began her college career at Temple University as a Communications major, her passion for working with children and teaching led her to shift her focus to education. In 2004, she graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education from Temple and 10 years later, earned a Master's of Education from Cabrini College.

For several years after college, Dana taught in the Upper Darby School district, first at Aronimink Elementary, then Drexel Hill Middle School and later Stonehurst Elementary where she taught second grade. In 2014 after her second child was born she made the decision to take some time off to raise her children. “I could not sit still for long and was looking for a way to contribute financially to the family,” she explained. For several years she ran an in-home daycare before returning to teaching and in 2021 landed at St. Annie’s to teach third grade. “I went back in the later part of the pandemic and filled in for a teacher on maternity leave,” Dana explained. “I realized how much I missed teaching.”

Dana currently works as a Pre-K teacher at Ss. Coleman JohnNeumann Catholic School in Bryn Mawr, which is actually where she started her teaching career back in 2007 as a third

Bill and Dana Brannick

grade teacher. “It’s funny how I started my education career at a Catholic school before switching to public education in Upper Darby to only come back full circle after all these years!” she said.

Now as a Pre-K teacher she loves seeing the progress and growth of Pre-K children from September to June. She also loves running into current and former students. “I’m feeling my age though as I am now old enough to be their mothers,” she said jokingly. What Dana finds especially rewarding is when a student finds her on Facebook and shares a special memory about when they had her as a teacher. “I always love hearing what they are up to in life when they’ve reached adulthood,” she added. Now a mom of three, Dana hopes to continue teaching while raising her children. “My hope is to continue to strengthen Catholic education and education as a whole.”

Heights in what

Dana and Bill’s early married life began in Clifton

Dana lovingly referred to as “Bill’s bachelor pad.”

When their second child was born in 2014 they began looking for more space and found the perfect home in the Rosetree Woods section of Broomall. Since then they’ve found they could not ask for a better community. “Our neighbors are wonderful, kind hearted people,” said Dana. “They’re always looking to lend a hand or a stick of butter.”

From the St. Anastasia School to the Marple Township Little League, Dana and Bill are both actively involved in the community that their three children Will, Layla and Luke are a part of. Bill has coached a number of local teams for all three continued on page 10

of their children, is a member of St. Anastasia’s CYO board and the secretary for Marple Township Little League board of directors. Dana enjoys volunteering any chance she gets at St. Anastasia for field trips, lunch duty and classroom events. She also tutors students after school and in the summer and gets involved in many nonprofit organizations. Some of her latest passions include Luciano’s Light Foundation, A Lily for the World, St. Jude and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

All three of Bill and Dana’s children attend St. Anastasia’s School. “We love the St. Anastasia community,” said Dana. “Bill and I are both passionate about Catholic education. We love the spiritual aspect and the strong family based environment.” Their oldest, Will, is a fifth grader there. Will was born in 2013, a little over a year after their wedding. “During our wedding Dana prayed to the blessed mother for children,” said Bill. “Less than six months later, we were pregnant with Will!” Will’s parents describe him as sweet, kind, smart and athletic. “He’s a heartthrob for sure,” said Dana. “He’s got dimples to kill!” A history buff, social studies is one his favorite subjects. Outside of school he is active in sports, including baseball, football and basketball and he loves Fortnite and hanging with his buddies. “He’s a great friend to his peers,” Dana added. Layla Christine is the middle Brannick child and she’s charismatic and sassy. “Layla is named after her godmother and earned the nickname “LC,” said Dana. “She is kind and loving and loves Starbucks, skincare and anything pink-related.” A fourth grader, Layla is athletic and plays softball, basketball, lacrosse and field hockey. In her free time she loves riding her bike and going to the pool or the beach.

The youngest Brannick is seven-year-old Luke, also known as Luke the Duke, Lukey, Lukers and “boss baby.” Dana said most days you will find Luke shooting hoops or swinging his bat. He loves anything sports related, especially baseball, basketball and football. He’s currently in first grade at St. Annies.“Luke is really smart,” said Dana. “He’s very business minded when it comes to school. But at home and with his friends, he’s a total goof!”

Dana and Bill call their golden retriever/lab Daisy their fourth child. “Our joke about kids was always two, four or more!” said Dana. “We didn’t want an odd number, so we got a fur baby to complete our pack.” When Luke was just a year old, Dana and Bill drove through an awful rainstorm in their mini-van to pick up Daisy in Lancaster. “She sat on my lap the entire white knuckle trip home due to horrendous weather conditions during a nasty storm,” she explained. “This was mom’s “mothers day gift” for 2017,” added Bill. “A fur baby to add to the bunch with kids ranging from the ages of four, three and a one-year-old toddler!” A wonderful family dog, Dana said that is as long as you can keep up with her. “When I walk her up the street people often stop and say ‘who’s walking who!?’” she said, jokingly.

For all of the Brannicks, quality time with family and friends and making time for their faith is a priority. They said, “Whether it’s on the field or in the neighborhood, we just enjoy the company of our friends and neighbors here in Marple!”

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

Lessons designed by a Mom and Educator. Personalized to push each child to their highest potential while giving them the love and care they need to gain confidence and be successful.

“My 5 Year old just completed her lessons with (Speer). I was surprised to see how much she learned after just 4 sessions! I will never go through any other program besides Speer from now on!”

Lauren A.

The Brannick Family

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

Summer Activities That Can Improve a Healthy Back

As the sun climbs higher and the days stretch longer, summer beckons us outdoors with its promise of warmer weather and vibrant energy. This season offers an excellent opportunity to engage in activities that not only fill our days with enjoyment but also contribute to a healthier back and lifestyle. Here are some summer activities that can help you enjoy the season to its fullest while fostering a strong and healthy back.

Swimming: The Ultimate Back-Friendly Exercise, swimming is often hailed as one of the best exercises for back health. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on the spine, allowing for a gentle yet effective workout. Regular swimming sessions can strengthen the muscles that support your back, enhance flexibility and decrease the risk of back pain. Whether it’s laps in a local pool or a leisurely swim in a natural body of water, incorporating swimming into your summer routine can significantly benefit your spinal health.

Walking on the Beach: A Simple Pleasure with Big Benefits, taking walks on the beach is not only a serene way to connect with nature but also a fantastic exercise for your back. Walking on the soft, uneven sand engages the stabilizing muscles in your feet and legs, which in turn supports your lower back. Moreover, the scenic beauty and soothing sounds of the ocean can also have a stress-reducing effect, further contributing to a healthy back.

Yoga in the Park: Strengthen and Stretch Outdoor Yoga, combines the physical benefits of yoga with the refreshing qualities of being outdoors. Many yoga poses are designed to strengthen core muscles, improve posture, and enhance flexibility—all of which are crucial for a healthy back. Practicing yoga in a park or a similarly tranquil outdoor setting can also help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

Cycling: Pedal Your Way to a Strong Back, biking is another excellent low-impact exercise that can strengthen the muscles around your spine, improving both posture and back health. Choose scenic routes and enjoy the summer breeze as you pedal. Remember to wear a helmet and to adjust your bike properly to ensure a comfortable posture throughout your ride.

Gardening: Nurturing Your Back and Your Garden, believe it or not, gardening can be a great back-strengthening activity. It involves a variety of movements, such as bending, lifting and stretching, that can help keep your back muscles active and

flexible. Just be mindful of using proper techniques to avoid strain. Incorporating these activities into your summer can lead to a healthier back and a more enjoyable season. Remember, maintaining a healthy back is about regular movement and mindful practices. Let this summer be the start of a healthier, happier you. M

by David Linn Cook Weatherproofing Plus Inc.

There Was a French Drain: A Case Study

There once was a Marple Newtown homeowner who had a meticulously cared-for home. Every shrub was pruned and fertilized to perfection. Trees were planted selectively through the yard, to create shade. Over 30 years, the property had been upgraded with functioning gutters and exterior grading, and every fall, the house perimeter was raked out. But this homeowner believed he did not want or need to install a French drain. His floor drain and sump pit did a good job for the back door. And like many of his neighbors, he ran several dehumidifiers, which created a very hot basement.

One day in August 2020, 8" of rain fell, and the total rain that month was over 14", causing moisture problems for his basement’s cedar paneling and custom carpet with built-in bookshelves. Instead of cutting the walls 2½ feet off the floor to do mold treatment and install a french drain, the baseboard trim was removed, and a jackhammer and pick were used to tunnel under the wall studs. A french drain was installed without damaging the walls and at no additional cost. (This is one of many cost-saving waterproofing solutions that typically take decades to learn and perfect.) The cedar wall panels still looked great after they were wiped clean of the mold. The property was listed and sold with a fully warranted French drain system transferred to the new owner.

Another similar case occurred for a couple who traveled extensively for business for weeks at a time. Their basement had a few leaks, but they were more concerned that stagnant water on the basement floor would create mold and bad smells. An emergency sump pump that would discharge outside was installed. During their first trip away, the hot water heater ruptured and continuously spilled steaming hot water on the floor. Though the basement didn’t flood due to rainwater, without this emergency provision there would have been no stopping the basement from filling up like a bathtub. Though the basement was like a sauna, the emergency sump pump worked as designed, and it prevented total destruction.

Another homeowner had three dehumidifiers. After a crossvented windows solution was offered that would do a far better job and would use no electricity, the dehumidifiers were eliminated. The basement is now much drier, less noisy, has no mildew and no electric bill.

Sometimes an ounce of prevention is the cure when the big rain comes! The new normal in weather is to have extremes in dryness, rain, wind and even hurricanes and spot tornadoes. What used to be a “once every 50 years” storm is now just a normal weather event. Keep venting the basement for humidity, mold control, Radon removal and breathable clean dry air. M

From This to This with Our Expert Help!

by Holly Stupak

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

DANJOLELL Memorial Homes and Crematory stands as a beacon of compassionate care and dignified services for families during their times of loss. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1963, this family-owned funeral home has become synonymous with professionalism, empathy and personalized support.

Founded in 1963 by Robert L. D’Anjolell, Sr. (“Rob Sr.”), has four locations in Delaware County and the Philadelphia area, including Broomall, Malvern-Frazer, Aston and Wallingford. All four locations have a traditional and distinguished exterior design and a firstclass interior that includes a chapel, rooms and lounges specifically designed to accommodate the flow of family and guests for all types of funeral, cremation and memorial services.

Born during the Depression, Rob Sr. grew up in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. After graduating from Overbrook High School, he followed his mother’s recommendation to become a Funeral Director and graduated from Temple Uni-versity, and then from mortuary science school. When he was 27 he opened his first funeral home in Overbrook. His great success in serving that community enabled him to expand to Delaware County and open the Broomall location in 1978.

Rob Sr.’s son Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. (“Rob Jr.”) joined the business as a Licensed Funeral Director in 1985. After attending St. Joe’s Prep and Franklin and Marshall College, he graduated from the American Academy McAllister Institute. An Executive Director of the business, Rob Jr. serves as Supervisor of the Broomall location and handles financial matters for the entire business. Rob Jr. and his wife Carol live in Newtown Square with their four children. Their son Michael graduated from Northampton University in 2021 and is now a resident intern at DANJOLELL Memorial Homes.

Rob Sr.’s other son, James W. D’Anjolell, Sr. (“Jim”), sadly passed away in 2020. For many years James served as Executive Director of the business and Supervisor of the Malvern-Frazer location. He is survived by his wife Margaret and two children.

DANJOLELL Memorial Homes offers a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of families during their time of bereavement. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services and memorial gatherings, every aspect of the funeral process is handled with utmost care and professionalism. There’s a wide price range, to meet the needs of everyone in the community. The dedicated team at DANJOLELL Memorial Homes works closely with each family to create meaningful tributes that honor the life and legacy of their loved ones.

Traditional funeral services can include a viewing or visitation with family before a church or on-site chapel service. A cemetery burial service attended by family and guests is another option. Cremation services can include a memorial service. There are numerous Memorialization and Life Celebration options to fit your wishes and budget. “At DANJOLELL your choices determine the cost,” explained Rob.

continued on page 12

Photos courtesy of Sierra Clark and Michael Duff

DANJOLELL Memorial Homes Broomall LowerLevel Lobby

Robert L. D’Anjolell, Sr. and son Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr.

Licensed Funeral Directors and Supervisors

John Burdsall (L) and Edward S. Barone (R)

What sets DANJOLELL Memorial Homes apart is their personalized approach to funeral services. Understanding that every family is unique, the staff takes the time to listen to the wishes and preferences of the bereaved, ensuring that every detail is tailored to reflect the individuality of the deceased. Whether it’s arranging special music, incorporating personal mementos, or organizing themed tributes, DANJOLELL Memorial Homes goes above and beyond to create a truly memorable and dignified farewell. Rob Jr. explained that funeral services have undergone significant changes since the pandemic. “Virtual services, including live streaming of funerals and memorial services, became more common to allow family and friends to participate remotely,” he said.

Many individuals and families began considering and arranging funeral plans in advance to ensure their wishes were known and to lessen the burden on loved ones during challenging times. Two of DANJOLELL Memorial Homes’ Licensed Funeral Directors are also Certified Pre Planning Consultants and can help you make all those plans and arrangements at any DANJOLELL location or in the comfort of your own home.

Beyond their exemplary services, DANJOLELL Memorial Homes is deeply involved in supporting and giving back to the communities they serve. Through partnerships with local organizations, educational initiatives on end-of-life planning and participation in charitable events, the funeral home remains

610-497-5505

James Stigale, Supervisor

Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr. F.D. DANJOLELL Stigale

DANJOLELL

Anthony F. Romano, Supervisor

Edward S. Barone, Supervisor

Lisa Cerami, Controller (L), with Intern Assistant Madison Dombrowski (R)

an active and valued member of the community, extending its compassion beyond the walls of its facilities.

Through their rich history, comprehensive services, personalized approach, community involvement and legacy of excellence, DANJOLELL Memorial Homes have touched the lives of countless families and continue to be a pillar of support in times of need. For more information visit Danjolell.com or call their Broomall location at 610-356-4200. M

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

by Bob Blaisse, Founding Publisher of Marple Friends & Neighbors

Who decides which Marple Township resident will be on the cover every month? What kind of response do businesses gain from advertising? Where do you find features published every month about youth, seniors and organizations in Marple Township? Why would anyone want to read a magazine when there’s the Internet? And… How is it possible that Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine can look so classy, be mailed for free to so many homes in Marple every month and yet not be crammed with nothing but ads?

Those are the Who, What, Where, Why and How questions I am asked every week. And while there’s a longer answer for each question, if I had to offer the same two-words for each question, it would be this: Reader Leaders.

What’s a Reader Leader? It’s anyone who looks forward to receiving Marple Friends & Neighbors magazine in the mail each month and knows our advertising Sponsors make it possible. It’s readers like you, willing to vote with your wallet to show outright favoritism for any business whose ads are seen on these pages.

Reader Leaders know the businesses that sponsor our community do so for two reasons: (i) because they know a community is made better by having a monthly hometown magazine, and (ii) because the residents of Marple Township are important to the success of their business.

Reader Leaders also recognize that social media is not just found online because magazines are certainly a form of media and Marple Friends & Neighbors certainly is Bringing People Together in a social way, albeit through monthly feature articles that circulate hometown pride by introducing us to hometown neighbors we may never have known until reading about them in your hometown magazine, which is funded by a very specific group of local business owners that show us every month how important we are to them.

How we choose our cover, who will be our Student of the Month, which feature article we publish, it all comes from you, through your emails that result in Bringing People Together through your good ideas that become features on these pages. And the Reader Leaders with lasting impact are those whose reader leadership even helps us grow our page count by growing our advertising Sponsors.

Be a Reader Leader of social-media-in-print. Nominate residents from our community and community organizations to be featured in your hometown magazine. And use your influence with business owners you know, to help grow our magazine page count so we can publish even more pages funded by local businesses that become Sponsors of Marple Township residents. And if a business you introduce me to does become a new advertising Sponsor, I will reward your reader leadership by asking you to recommend a Marple resident of your choosing, to be featured on our cover of a future issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors. M

Our Community

by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Merrie Staurowsky

The Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade Committee: Celebrating

40 Years of Bringing Our Community Together on the Fourth!

Celebrating the birth of our nation is one of America’s (and Marple Newtown’s!) favorite holidays, filled with traditional family picnics, barbecues and fireworks. Of course, the annual Marple Newtown Fourth of July parade has been a staple of our community for over 75 years. This year’s parade is extra special as the Fourth of July Parade Committee will celebrate 40 years of this beloved tradition.

Bringing together such a large event would not be possible without the volunteers who work tirelessly to organize it each year. Over the years, there have been many people who have contributed to the event. Back in the late 1940s, the Marple parade was sponsored by the Broomall Business Association. Then, in the mid-1950s, the townships joined forces through the Marple Newtown Jaycees (a leadership training organization). The parade events grew to include a flag-raising ceremony, fire trucks, local and regional marching bands, floats and decorated bikes. Little Leaguers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and politicians rode by in convertibles. The events even continued at night, with live music, fireworks and speeches by visiting dignitaries.

By the mid-1980s, the Jaycees organization had dwindled to just a few members, and the parade was threatened with cancellation due to lack of organizers. It was thanks to local businesspeople and residents from Broomall and Newtown Square who came together in 1984 to breathe new life into the parade. Thanks to these dedicated members, it continues to be one of the largest parades in Delaware County.

Jan Ceton was one of the founding members of the committee and served as its chairman for decades. Since then the parade keeps growing and getting better. With the addition of a community decorating contest and a quiet zone in the parade, they strive to have a celebration that everyone can enjoy. “The parade is a wonderful way of bringing our two communities together,” Jan remarked. “It has been a pleasure to serve on this committee from the very beginning. We couldn’t pull it off without the total support of both townships, the participants and the spectators.”

The Red, White and YOU! Contest that the committee started during the pandemic has become a fun way for residents and businesses to show off their patriotic spirit. Each year a caravan of judges tour the area and award prizes such as “Best Window,” “Most Patriotic” and “Most Spectacular.” The deadline to register for the decorating contest is June 29th with judging starting on June 30th.

The Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade and Red, White and YOU! contest would not be possible without the parade committee members who spend much of the year fundraising and planning. To offset the cost of the parade, the committee relies on donations from the bucket brigade, as well as fundraisers and t-shirt sales. Long-time Vice Chairman Rich Crowe works with member Leigh Ann Coary on the advertising for the 4th of

Members of the Fourth of July Parade Committee after a recent parade

2024 t-shirt honoring the Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade Committee

July commemorative book that is distributed to over 4,000 residents and businesses. Local businesses, civic organizations, clubs and individuals have the opportunity to place an ad to show their community support.“This fabulous parade is funded entirely by the families and businesses in our community,” Leigh Ann explained.

This year’s parade takes place on Thursday, July 4th. It begins at St. Albans Circle and continues eastbound on West Chester Pike to the Broomall Fire Company’s facility on Malin Rd. In honor of leading the Fourth of July committee for the past four decades, Jan Ceton and Rich Crowe will kick off the parade as Grand Marshals.

Spectators will be entertained by favorites like Mersey-British Rock Invasion, the Eagles Pep Band, the Marching Cobras and the Skyliner Drum and Bugle Corps. Local marching bands, fire companies and first responders will also join in the fun. Prepare to be impressed by local businesses, community clubs and neighborhood residents with their decorated floats, marching groups and costumed individuals. For individuals sensitive to loud sounds, there will be a quiet zone, where sirens and blowing air sounds are prohibited, that will stretch a short distance from Evergreen Ave to Ann Road along West Chester Pike.

The parade ends with an awards ceremony, where medals and trophies are given to the top three entries in each division, and their names and photos are featured in the following year’s commemorative book.

For more info. visit MarpleNewtownParade.com and like their Facebook page @MarpleNewtownFourthOfJulyParade. Register for the Parade online from June 3rd – 27th. After the 27th, register in person at the MN Recreation Office from June 3rd through July 3rd. Day of Parade registration is from 8:30 to 9:30am at St. Albans Circle in Newtown Square. Bikes, Strollers/Wagons and Hand Drawns register on the day of the parade at St. Anastasia from 9-9:30am. M

STREAMLINE YOUR ROUTINE IN STYLE

Now available in a classic farmhouse design, the chef-inspired Riverby sink features a range of accessories that makes quick work of prepping, cooking, and cleanup.

STAYS CLEAN 5X LONGER*

Visit weinsteinbath-kitchen.com to learn more.

Combining an innovative toilet bowl cleaner system and a powerful 360-degree swirl flush, ContinuousClean and Revolution 360 ® technologies deliver our cleanest flush ever .

kohler.com/Corbelle

Learn more about the complete Crue kitchen faucet collection at KOHLER.com or at your local Weinstein Bath & Kitchen Showroom

Learn more about the complete Crue kitchen faucet collection at KOHLER.com or at your local Weinstein Bath & Kitchen Showroom

*Compared to KOHLER toilet without ContinuousClean and based on consumer perception study and bacterial counts.

650 Abbott Dr Broomall, Pennsylvania 19008

610-544-3977

650 Abbott Dr, Broomall, Pennsylvania

650 Abbott Dr

650 Abbott Dr Broomall, Pennsylvania 19008

610-544-3977

Broomall, Pennsylvania 19008

610-544-3977

610-544-3977

weinsteinbath-kitchen.com

weinsteinbath-kitchen.com

by Charles Welde The CP Welde Group

The Pyramid of Risk

Have you ever heard of The Pyramid of Risk? It helps categorize investments from low-risk (at the bottom of the pyramid) to high-risk (at the top of the pyramid).

The bottom of the pyramid includes low-risk investments such as government bonds, fixed and indexed annuities, life insurance, CDs and cash savings. These are considered low-risk investments because they have no direct market volatility exposure.

The middle of the pyramid is for medium-risk investments such as stock funds, bond funds, index funds and variable annuities. These medium-risk investments have market exposure but have more diversified positions than the higher-risk investments.

The top of the pyramid includes alternative investments such as oil and gas. It also includes commodities such as gold and real estate investment trusts. These investments are considered higher risk because they are less diversified and potentially illiquid, meaning you can’t easily get access to your money. Individual

stocks and bonds are also categorized as higher risk because of a lack of diversification in highly concentrated holdings. No matter how big or strong one individual company is – as we saw years ago with Lehman Brothers and Enron, companies that many thought were “too big to fail” went bankrupt, or their stock value decreased so significantly that people lost a lot of money.

In the universe of investments, you get to choose what to risk, and when to risk it. Safeguard your money today, risk your purchasing power tomorrow. Risk your money today, safeguard your purchasing power tomorrow. There is no such thing as no risk.

The strength of your retirement plan will be determined by having the appropriate amount of money allocated to low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk investments. The ultimate goal is to create an optimal blend of risk-adjusted investments that will generate predictable income, manage short-term market volatility, and reduce the impact of long-term inflation. M

The Countess of Newtown Square, Part 2

by Doug Humes

Photos courtesy of the Marple Historical Society

Why did Leo Tolstoy’s daughter, Sasha, take up subsistence farming in a dilapidated farmhouse in Radnor? When she fled Russia she was accompanied by a friend, Olga Masley. Masley was offered a job as a domestic in Germantown, and agreed to search for a place for them to live. In 1931, the owner of the vacant Radnor farmhouse offered it to them rent-free so they could do what they knew how to do – farm. A 1952 New Yorker article observed, “They managed so competently that they got along without spending money on anything for their dining table but tea, coffee, salt, sugar and flour.” During that time, she finished her book, “The Tragedy of Tolstoy,” and the flyleaf is signed “Alexandra Tolstoy, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1933.” She would also lecture in Philadelphia on the life and work of her father. In 1933, the landlord proposed to begin charging rent. Sasha and Masley searched for a better situation and were offered a farm in Haddam, Connecticut, and so left Radnor in the spring of 1933.

After six years, Sasha moved to a better situation, and it was there that she began her true life’s work, at the Reed farm in Valley Cottage along the Hudson River near Nyack. Her Tolstoy Foundation offered aid to her displaced countrymen lucky enough to flee the murderous Communist regime. The Foundation helped them emigrate, provided a temporary place to live, and offered language, education and training programs. Over the course of her life, Sasha and her foundation helped to re-settle over 100,000 refugees.

The old farmhouse still stands in Radnor, and I’ve toured the house and grounds, now beautifully renovated. That visit sent me searching for Sasha, and my journey ended on New Year’s Eve a few years ago, when my wife and I stayed in her bedroom at the Reed farm – still owned by the Foundation, with B&B rooms rented out on occasion. Several Russian families were celebrating the holiday in the kitchen below us, and conversation, music and laughter drifted up the steps to our room. We attended services that night at the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church on the grounds. We did not understand one word of what was said, but feasted our eyes on the glittering statues and paintings and icons that filled the space that would have been familiar to Sasha. While Sasha died in 1979, at age 96, her work endures.

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 MarpleHistoricalSociety.org. M

The old farmhouse in Radnor where Sasha lived and farmed from 1931 to 1933

Sasha in 1953, living at Valley Cottage, New York

The main house at the Reed farm in Valley Cottage where Sasha lived from about 1940 till her death in 1979

The Russian Orthodox Church on the campus of the Reed farm

Our Community

by Holly Stupak

Reflecting on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a cherished occasion globally, dedicated to celebrating the love, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions of mothers in our lives. It's a day to express our gratitude for the unconditional love and support our mothers provide.

The roots of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where mothers were revered and honored in various cultural rituals and festivals. In modern times, the official observance of Mother’s Day began in the early 20th century, thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis in the United States. Since then, it has become a widely celebrated holiday worldwide.

Mother’s Day is also a time for reflection, acknowledging the challenges and joys of motherhood. It’s a chance to express gratitude for the lessons learned, the sacrifices made, and the unconditional love that forms the foundation of family bonds. In honor of this special day, we’ve asked one of our featured families to reflect on what Mother’s Day means to them.

Back when the Kingslands were featured in 2022, Megan Kingsland was a new mom, settling into her new home with her husband Steve. They had just welcomed Cole Christopher in March that year and were adjusting to life as a family of three. Cole, an easy-going baby with a lot of personality, is now two years old and loves going to school and learning with his friends and teachers. “It’s been a whirlwind couple of years since we settled down in Broomall and had our son Cole,” Megan said. “He also loves going to the shore and Phillies games.”

Life is busy for the Kingslands. Steve manages the family business, Bywood Seafood, and Megan is still producing evening news for Fox 29, with an emphasis on all things Delco. This Mother’s Day, Megan is reflecting on the true meaning of love and happiness. “I am finding that joy is now found in the simplest of things, like a hug, or a sleeping child in a warm bed,” she said.

In November 2020, we met Zaya and Tsolmon and their son Khangai, who was excited to soon be a big brother. At the time, two-year-old Khangai was learning to speak English and Mongolian, and was a curious kid who loved to explore. Now five, Khangai is a kindergartener at Loomis, where he loves

his teachers and friends. His younger brother, born shortly after the Tsolmon family appeared on the cover of our magazine, is now three. Khangal loves playing with trucks and trains and following in his big brother’s footsteps. Zaya said she is looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day at her home and hosting relatives with a BBQ. Reflecting on motherhood, she said the best part is seeing the boys growing up active and healthy. “It goes so fast though!” she remarked.

Thank you to our local moms for updating us on their lives and sharing their thoughts on Mother’s Day. Wishing all Marple moms a Happy Mother’s Day! M

Photo courtesy of Zaya Tsolmon

Photo courtesy of Megan Kingsland

May 2024 Events

Saturdays in May

Art at The Square Tavern

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

A variety of rotating art displays by local artists, exhibitions and activities.

Time: 11am–5pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) NSHistory.org

Saturdays in May

Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Rd, Newtown Square

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

Time: 1–4 pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) NSHistory.org

Saturdays in May 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!) NSHistory.org

Daily in May

Lights Out Marple Newtown

Help save thousands of migratory birds from fatal collisions linked to light pollution by turning off your excess lighting during spring migration, May 1–May 31. Support this initiative by the Newtown Township Environmental Advisory Council and Bird Town Pennsylvania. BirdtownPA.org/lights-and-birds/

Thurs. May 2

Delaware County National Day of Prayer

@Rose Tree Park, 1671 N Providence Rd, Media

All residents and friends of Delaware County are invited to attend and participate for prayer and worship. Those who attend should bring chairs or blankets for comfort and are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.

Time: 11:30am

Cost: FREE

NationalDayOfPrayerDelco.com

Fri. May 3

Newtown Square’s Public Library Silent Auction

@Newtown Public Library

201 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square

Join the Friends of Newtown Public Library for a delightful evening featuring light fare, libations and a silent auction. Some of our donors include Yoga in the Circle, Relax: A Massage Studio, People’s Light & Theater Co, Board & Brush, Christopher’s Chocolates, The Sugaree and many more! All proceeds benefit the Friends of Newtown Public Library, a 501(c)3 charity.

Time: 6–8pm

Cost: FREE admission 610-353-1022 NewtownLibrary.org

Sat. May 11

Mother’s Day Tours

@Square Tavern and Paper Mill House

Explore the changing roles of mothers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy wine, cheese and sweets along the tour. In our Paper Mill art room, there will be crafts for children, and all floral art will be on sale.

Time: 1–4pm

Cost: FREE NSHistory.org

Sat. May 18

Concert In the Park Featuring PHEEDBACK

@Drexel Lodge Park

4101 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Local legendary cover band PHEEDBACK will be performing live at Drexel Lodge Park. A Jam Band that creates sonic alchemy by fusing the melodies of PHISH, GRATEFUL DEAD and GOOSE to take listeners on an improvisational journey of sound. Bring a chair or blanket. Everyone is welcome. This is a Rain or Shine event.

Time: 4–6pm

Cost: FREE

Sat. May 18

Comedy Night At The Pig

@The Sterling Pig Brewery

609 W State St, Media

Come out for a night of comedy at the Sterling Pig Brewery to laugh along with area comedians hosted by America’s Funniest Handyman, Comedian Tommy Highland. This month features Chris Dolan and headliner Missy Hall.

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $20

Tickets at Eventbright.com

Sat. May 18

Grill and Chill Bingo

@Newtown Square Fire Company

2 Charles Ellis Dr, Newtown Square

This is an evening of fun, camaraderie and the chance to win valuable prizes. 100% of the net proceeds directly benefit the Newtown Square Fire Company, a 501(c)3 organization. Prizes include premium outdoor equipment, including renowned brand-name coolers, grills and smokers. There will be eight rounds of Bingo and two special bonus rounds. This is a bring-yourown food and beverage event.

Time: 6pm (doors open at 5pm)

•

•

•

Cost: $40/ticket or $320/table of eight NSFC.org •

• We buy/consign estates & collections

•

by Holly Stupak

Ready, Set: Run!

As the weather gets warmer, communities are switching into high gear for the run/walk season. Fun runs are a great way to combine physical activity with fundraising. There is no shortage of 5Ks in our area that bring people of all ages together, including the first annual Marple Newtown High School Color Run that took place last month.

Color runs in particular are a popular way to celebrate wellness and add a splash of vibrancy to their lives. On April 7, more than 150 runners of all ages and abilities gathered at MNHS for the PTO’s sponsored 5K Color Run and 1 mile Family Fun Walk. Along the course that took runners around the high school campus and athletic fields, runners were doused head to toe in colored power. Not only was there joy from crossing the finish line, but being colorful at the end of the race brought smiles to the runners faces!

MNHS PTO President Stacy McCauley said the PTO had been brainstorming ways to raise funds for the high school and bring the community together. “There are a lot of events at our elementary schools that bring families together and we were excited to bring one to the high school,” said Stacy. “When Superintendent Dr. Tina Kane suggested a fun run, the PTO was excited to take it on.”

The run would not have been possible without the local sponsors and donors. There were also plenty of volunteers on hand who helped manage the needs of the runners, marking the course and standing along the side to cheer on the racers. “We were so lucky to have a number of MNHS students and staff as well as parents who helped participants sign in, pick up their shirts and keep people informed,” Stacy said.

After the race, awards were given out to males and females in a number of age categories. “I love running in the Marple community,” said Mary Benko, who won the award for top female overall. “Being able to share my passion with others always brings me joy.” Stacy said that she and the PTO were excited about the positive response they received for the first Color

Run and they learned a lot about organizing this type of event. “We look forward to making it an annual event and making it even bigger and better,” she said.

Runners looking for another 5K can lace up their sneakers for the 15th annual Fourth of July Firecracker Run, a Marple Newtown tradition. Sponsored by the Broomall Rotary Club, this 5K race takes place every year just before the start of the Independence Day parade. Proceeds from the run fund the club’s local charitable service projects.

Chris Dervishian, a longtime Broomall resident and Rotarian explained that the Broomall Rotary Club strives to keep this a family oriented community event with reasonable registration fees, a family registration option, and by allowing jogging strollers.

One of the other perks to the run preceding the parade is the amount of spectators cheering on the runners. “Many runners get accustomed to running alone and not seeing many spectators along a course,” Chris said. “But on the Fourth of July, West Chester Pike is lined with people waiting for the parade, so there is a big crowd there to support the runners.”

The race begins at 9:25am at West Chester Pike and Malin Rd near the Fire Station. It proceeds up West Chester Pike just beyond Bryn Mawr Avenue in Newtown Square. Runners then U-turn back to the starting point and lead the parade back to the Broomall Fire House. Following the race, awards and prizes are given out to winners in a variety of categories. Some of the top prizes have included a Timex GPS, Saucony shoes, Tifosi sunglasses, gift cards and more. For more information and to sign up for the run, visit Firecracker5KRun.com. Runners can register up to the date of the race.

Whether you’re new to running, a seasoned runner or looking to run for a good cause, there are plenty of local runs this season. Visit HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org, RuntheDay.com or RunningInTheUSA.com for a list of runs in the Delaware County area, including the upcoming Media 5 Miler and a Schoener Music Man 5K. M

Broomall police officer leads runners up West Chester Pike on the Fourth of July

Photo courtesy of the Broomall Rotary Club

The 5K Fun Run Committee (L-R): Liz Chilberti, Sue D’Angelo (Secretary), Tina Quinn (VP), Kelli Merrifield, Stacy McCauley (PTO President), and Wendy Fasbinder (Treasurer)

Photos courtesy of Stacy McCauley

Runner Kim Maida getting doused with color

MNHS Principal John Beltrante and health teacher Ron Braverman with student volunteers

Photo courtesy of Stacy McCauley

Expert Contributor

by Andrew Martella Martella Electric

Get Ready for Summer By Following These Safety Tips

Much of what we know about electrical safety is from childhood – don’t get electrical devices wet, don’t go near power lines and don’t put anything into electrical outlets. These are certainly important, but there are more ways to protect yourself against electrical hazards.

Here’s a list of sensible electrical inspection to-dos that will help you sleep better all summer long.

• Cover Outdoor Outlets: Use water-resistant covers for outdoor outlets and near pools to prevent electrical shocks.

• Check Ceiling Fans: Ensure ceiling fans are in working condition for ventilation and cooling.

• Test Smoke Detectors: Verify smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure safety.

• Unplug Unused Devices: Reduce energy waste and prevent hazards by unplugging unused devices.

• Install Surge Protection: Protect appliances and electrical circuits from power surges.

• Address Tripped Circuit Breakers: Investigate and fix the cause of tripped breakers.

• Avoid Extension Cords: Replace them with permanent solutions to prevent fire risks.

• Consider Buying a Generator: Prepare for power outages, especially during summer.

• Trim Trees Near Power Lines: Prevent tree-related hazards like power outages and fires.

• Ground Electrical Connections for Pools: Ensure safety during pool parties by grounding connections.

• Install GFCI Outlets: Increase safety with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets.

• When Working Outside: Always stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines, and keep your work area free of clutter, stray paper and wood shavings.

• Properly Store Fuel: Store fuel for gasoline-powered tools away from heat sources, open flames and direct sunlight. Proper storage reduces the risk of fire or explosion.

• Store Electrical Equipment Safely: Keep electrical equipment stored indoors in a dry, secure location.

• Schedule Electrical Inspection: Prioritize safety by having a professional inspect electrical systems before summer.

The combination of electrical safety measures during inspection and maintenance, along with precautions for working with power tools, ensures a comprehensive approach to safety. By addressing potential hazards both indoors and outdoors, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents, fires and injuries.

Have a Happy, Healthy and Safe Summer! M