Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine, February 2023

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Bringing People Together

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Lisa Jeffries

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Sheila Turner-Hilliard

DESIGNER: Kim Cesati

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Sheila TurnerHilliard, Holly Stupak, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Andrew Martella, Rick Thompson, Eric Fante, Dan Flynn, Vince May, Tori Sheridan

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 information as space permits. Please contact our Content Coordinator Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES

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

ON THE COVER

The Dryer Family at Parque Mansion at Ridley Creek Park

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Did I take the chance? Yes, I did. I took the chance in January when this new issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors went to print. Back when Sheila Turner-Hilliard was getting this new February issue of Newtown Edgmont’s hometown magazine ready for our printer, and going up online at www.TheNEmag.com, by interviewing, writing and coordinating with others on our team, It was time to take that chance.

In mid January, while my very capable Executive Assistant Lisa Jeffries was working with our Experts, and our talented Graphic Designer Kim Cesati was creating page layouts, that executive decision that only the Publisher could make, had to be made. Time was running out. Faithful fandom had to prevail using some Delco attitude weeks in advance of the Super Bowl to keystroke for thousands to read: Go Eagles! Go on to win Super Bowl LVII!

Oh boy! How’s that look now when you’re reading this? I hope come February 12th, that our hometown magazine is still on your coffee table and we’re all watching our hometown Philadelphia Eagles power on to victory. Either way, Sheila’s “Celebrating Super Bowl Sunday’ feature on pg. 22 provides us with great ideas to prepare for the big game we hope to see our hometown Eagles playing.

Taking that chance is not a new thing for our magazine. While we’re now in our fifth month, and the success of our magazine is well affirmed by so many faithful readers responding so often, there were bigger chances taken by those who helped launch our first magazine back in 2018, on a bigger risk than if the Eagles would make it to the Super Bowl this year. And not by our staff either. We knew we would be Bringing People Together. No, the chances taken were taken by our Charter Sponsors, our first advertisers, who saw how important it could be for Newtown Square residents to have a hometown magazine, and so they funded the launch of our publication. It was the right chance to take at that time. It was business leadership in our community. And it still is since most of those same business owners, like you, live in our community and love reading each new monthly issue of our magazine, which they make possible. I call it Reader Leadership.

I know you’ll enjoy this new issue with many enjoyable features we have for you in this new issue. And if you are a reader who enjoys reading every new issue, consider becoming a Reader Leader of our magazine, whether a homeowner or business owner, as I share this month in my “Bringing People Together” feature on page 12.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents,

Oh February, you’re the longest-shortest month of the year! While we’re all looking forward to fresh air and flowers, I hope you’ll take some time to slow down and feel the warmth and love around you. Perhaps we’ll even get a few snowy days and cozy nights by the fireplace, too.

We have several fun and interesting stories to share! First, you’ll meet The Dryer Family, whose home is filled with lots of love this Valentine’s Day. And if you’re starting to plan your Superbowl party, we’ve got some fun and creative ideas for you! Finally, be sure to check out our Business Profile, which highlights Rey Azteca where you can enjoy delicious authentic Mexican food and drinks at our own little piece of Mexico right around the corner!

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

Sheila Turner-Hilliard Content Coordinator

xp

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

Lou Matteo

Edgemont Automotive

5040 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-353-9868 • EdgemontAuto@verizon.net www.EdgemontAutomotive.com

Carpet Cleaning

Luke Anastasio

DriGanic Carpet Cleaning

Delaware County 610-888-4539 • Info@DriGanic.com www.DriGanic.com

Carpeting & Floor Covering

Eric Fante

rt C ontributors

Electric Service, Residential/Commercial

Andrew Martella, Sr. Martella Electric Company 484-498-2965 • MartellaElectric@rcn.com www.MartellaElectric.com

Exterior & Interior Painting

Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

610-359-8500 • Office@ThompsonPainting.net www.ThompsonPainting.net

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

Fante Flooring 39 South Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square 610-232-7080 • Info@FanteFloors.com www.FanteFloors.com

Dance Instruction

Kaitlin Battiste

From the Top Dance 3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square 610-353-2623 • Info@FromTheTopDance.com www.FromTheTopDance.com

Scott’s Fireplace Products

3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 484-422-8334 • SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

Firearm Safety, Training & Sales

Shawn Brown

Stars & Stripes Tactical 1313 West Chester Pike, West Chester 610-556-0223 • Shawn@StarsNStripesTactical.com www.StarsNStripesTactical.com

Glass & Mirror Services

David Gura & Lew Gura

Bryn Mawr Glass

729 West Chester Pike, Havertown 610-853-2990

BrynMawrGlass@yahoo.com www.BrynMawrGlass.com

Landscape Design & Landscaping

TJ Warner JHL Landscaping

610-356-4104 • TJ@JHLlandscaping.com www.JHLLandscaping.com

Plant

Steve Mostardi

Mostardi Nursey 4033 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-356-8035 • Steve@Mostardi.com www.Mostardi.com

Plumbing

Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing Media 610-566-0288 • RFBPlumbing@comcast.net www.RFBondurant.com

Real Estate Sales

Vince May / Tori Sheridan BHHS Fox & Roach / Vince May Team Media / Glen Mills • 610-662-6859 Vince@VinceMayTeam.com Tori@VinceMayTeam.com www.VinceMayTeam.com

David Linn Cook and Joe Soster

Waterproofing One Marple Newtown Edgmont 800-508-4144 Info@WaterproofingOne.com www.WaterproofingOne.com

Expert Contributors needed!

Dentist, Mortgages, Remediation, Hair & Beauty, HVAC, Chiropractic, Home Care, Financial Planning, Sewer & Septic, Insurance, etc. Professionals may contact: Bob Blaisse: 610-453-5536 or BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

A Piece of Mexico in Newtown Square: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo All Year Long!

Think you have to wait for National Guacamole Day, Taco Tuesday or even Cinco de Mayo to celebrate and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine? Think again! At Rey Azteca, every day is a reason to celebrate!

Yes folks, there is a “piece of Mexico” right here in Newtown Square. Tucked away in the Edgmont shopping center is Rey Azteca, serving up authentic Mexican food made with high-quality ingredients. Since opening its doors in January 2020, patrons have been raving about their mouth-watering variety of delicious food served in a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. Their lunch and dinner menus are endless. And their margaritas are, quite simply, Perfecta!

Rey Azteca’s co-Owner Jenny Palacios grew up in the restaurant industry. She worked in her family’s multiple restaurants, at the cash register, as a Server and as a Hostess, but mostly learning the restaurant business from her father. Jenny fell in love with it but wasn’t sold on the idea of making it a career until she met and married Alan Lamarca, who shared her enjoyment of the restaurant scene. Jenny and Alan decided to team up and start their own restaurant.

Rey Azteca Newtown Square is the third of its kind that Jenny and Alan have recently opened in PA. They chose Newtown Square because it has few Mexican restaurants and they saw an opportunity to grow with an active, bustling community. “Even though Alan and I are the co-Owners of Rey Azteca,” Jenny said, “it is and will always be a family effort.” Their families are always helping them change up the menu, to add even more delectable dishes or to modify their guacamole and make it “just right.” And Jenny’s father and uncle came up with the name Rey Azteca. Rey means ‘King’ so why not be the King of the Aztecs and, well, of food.

Opening a restaurant just months before a global pandemic was not something any business owner anticipated, but Jenny and Alan were incredibly grateful for their fan-base of loyal customers. Jenny said, “By supporting us with take-out orders for food and margaritas, the restaurant was able to survive.” Customers not only showed up to financially support Rey Azteca, but many also took to social media, leaving rave reviews and offering recommendations on what to order.

Their success and ability to shift their operations to take-out during the pandemic allowed them to explore and expand to their fourth location, West Goshen. It is right down West Chester Pike, and primarily offers quick take-out menu items. There are a few tables in the restaurant, and though that “piece of Mexico” does not serve alcohol, it serves the same fresh, authentic Mexican meals.

Left: Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant Owners Alan Lamarca and Jenny Palacios Below: The Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant Team Photos by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

Rey Azteca’s extensive menu offers everything that’s delicious and beautiful about Mexican cuisine: a variety of flavors, colors, spices, and fresh ingredients. From sizzling skillet fajitas and burritos to tacos and salads, there’s something for everyone, even a vegetarian selection. They recently introduced some new menu items that will make your mouth water. The Mas Chingon Burrito is a 10” burrito filled with grilled chicken, Spanish rice, and refried beans and topped with a slice of skirt steak, home green tomatillo sauce, pico de gallo and a fried jalapeño. Other new items include Enchiladas El Patron and Pollo Al Gusto.

One of their most popular dishes, Tacos de Pastor, features three tortillas filled with marinated pork and pineapple and topped with fresh cilantro and onions. This dish wouldn’t be complete without a side of refried beans and Spanish rice. But be sure to save room for Churros drizzled with chocolate and topped with whipped cream and a cherry!

If the food alone isn’t enough to convince you to grab your sombrero and head over there, the margarita menu will! Jenny and Alan agree that their signature Rey Azteca Margarita is a powerhouse and, by far, their most ordered drink on the menu. It’s a delicious blend of Patrón Reposado Tequila, Patrón Citrónge Orange and Grand Marnier. In the mood for a margarita without the extra calories? Jenny says their Skinny Jalapeño Margarita is just as delicious. New to the menu are their Margarita Towers and 39oz Monster Margaritas topped with fresh fruit. Other fun options are their Coconut Blue and El Jefe margaritas. They also offer a variety of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

The staff at Rey Azteca is excited for warmer weather and outdoor dining this summer! Make plans to enjoy lunch or dinner on their beautiful patio every day of the week. Gather some friends for a great meal and drinks while enjoying live music and mariachi nights. And get updates about upcoming events and food and drink specials by following them on Facebook (@ReyAztecaOfNewtownSquare).

Combine all their authentic Mexican dishes, friendly and quick service, colorful decor, outdoor dining and music, and this new “piece of Mexico” will soon become your favorite mini staycation!

Rey Azteca at 4755 West Chester Pike (near the Regal movie theater) is open Monday – Thursday 11am–9pm; Friday and Saturday 11am–10pm and Sunday 11am–9pm. Head on over

there sometime soon to enjoy lunch or dinner, or call 484-4277803 to place a take-out order. And be sure to thank Jenny and Alan for bringing this superb piece of Mexico to our community and for being a Sponsor of our hometown Newtown Edgmont

Friends & Neighbors magazine! E

Photos courtesy of Jenny Palacios

Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

The Dryer Family: Loving Life in Edgmont

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

This month, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Dryer Family: Doug, Lindsey, James, Alexander and Joshua. Life for the Dryers is filled with family, fun and football – You know, the 90-minute-long game that involves two goals, a black and white checkered ball and goalies? That football.

Edgmont has always been home to Lindsey. She was born and raised here with Ridley Creek State Park in her backyard. Lindsey’s parents purchased a large farm off of Gradyville Rd and subdivided it into what is known as Cedar Knoll. “They kept a large parcel for our family,” she explained. “It was such a special place for me, my sister and my brother to grow up that I knew I wanted to raise my own kids here someday.”

Lindsey went to Glenwood Elementary School and graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. During high school, Lindsey competed in equestrian events traveling up and down the East Coast. After high school, Lindsey attended Loyola University Maryland and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. “I originally wanted to become a forensic psychologist,” she said. “I planned to attend law school first and then pursue an advanced psychology degree.” After earning her J.D. from Widener University School of Law, Lindsey said she decided to forgo further studies to begin practicing law.

In her professional career and service to the community, Lindsey is known as Lindsey Conan. Her practice, Conan Law Offices, LLC, focuses on estate planning, estate administration, guardianships and orphan’s court matters. “I help clients from the estate planning phase through estate administration after a loved one passes away. Often, I'm retained to seek guardianship of someone who has not properly planned for their later years,” she said. “There is nothing more gratifying than having a client send me a note thanking me for helping them through a stressful or sad time in their life.” Lindsey also said that working for herself has been a privilege, allowing her the flexibility to be home when needed for the kids and attend their special events at school during the school day.

Lindsey is also an elected Edgmont Township Supervisor currently serving a six-year term. “My father was a township supervisor for 18 years. He instilled in me a desire to serve

and Doug Dryer

my community,” she explained. “I knew that if I ever returned to live in Edgmont to raise my family, I would also run for Supervisor, and I did!” Running for such a position isn’t easy, especially with three young boys, but Lindsey said her husband, Doug was very supportive.

Doug is originally from Mendham (Morris County), NJ. He grew up there with his parents and younger sister. Doug graduated from Delbarton School, an all-male Catholic college-preparatory school, and earned his degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a Minor in History from Loyola University Maryland. He continued his studies at Penn State University and earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance.

Today, Doug is a Client Implementation Manager for one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. “Each client provides their own unique set of challenges, and I have learned throughout my 15-year career within the financial service industry which skills to call upon and how best to assess their needs,” explained Doug.

Lindsey

Doug also said that ever since Covid, he works from home and only goes to the office twice a week. “I have enjoyed being able to meet the older boys at the bus or hang out with Josh while he eats lunch,” he said. “There is a healthy work-life balance that didn't exist before the pandemic.” Doug also serves the Edgmont community as the Treasurer for the Edgmont Fire Company and coaches his boys’ soccer teams year-round. In his spare time, Doug enjoys running, golfing and playing soccer in Rose Tree’s men’s league.

Doug and Lindsey met during their Junior year at Loyola. Lindsey explained that Doug and his roommates lived above Lindsey and her roommates. “We didn’t date in college, though; we were just friends,” she said. “When we did start dating the year after we graduated, our parents would laugh and roll their eyes when we insisted that we were just friends in college!”

The happy couple married at St. Mary Magdalen in 2009 and held their reception at Overbrook Golf Club. “Our wedding was really special because one of Doug’s high school teachers, who is a Priest, traveled down from Delbarton to marry us,” Lindsey said. After the wedding, Doug and Lindsey decided that they wanted to travel first before having kids. They spent the next six years exploring London, Paris, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. “Doug is a huge fan of Liverpool F.C. (soccer), so during our trip to the United Kingdom, we were able to travel to northwest England to see a match, fulfilling one of Doug's lifelong dreams,” Lindsey said.

They purchased their first home in Newtown Square in 2010. And, while they enjoyed living there, Lindsey and Doug really wanted to be in Edgmont. “Eventually, we outgrew our Newtown Square home after our second son was born,” said Lindsey. “We looked for a while and held out for the right property.” Their persistence and patience paid off when they found a home that was about to go on the market. “It’s a beautiful neighborhood with a wonderful mix of families and lots of kids,” she said.

James is Lindsey and Doug’s oldest son. He is an active seven-year-old in 1st grade at St. Mary Magdalen. Doug said that James is always up to try anything and loves to play soccer, basketball and golf. James’s favorite subject in school is math, but he is also an avid reader and hopes to play baseball or lacrosse this spring.

Lindsey and Doug’s second child is five-year-old Alexander. He’s in Kindergarten at St. Mary Magdalen. Like his older brother, Alexander plays soccer and golf, and also swims, though Lindsey said that he prefers to be at home in his comfy clothes working on his lego builds and playing with his construction toys.

Joshua rounds out the bunch. He’s 2½ years old and will attend PreK at St. Mary Magdalen this year. Josh takes swim lessons and his parents said that he cannot wait to start playing soccer like his older brothers.

Last but certainly not least is the Dryer’s 13-year-old Welsh Terrier, Sebastien. He’s named after the family’s favorite former Philadelphia Union Soccer Player, Sebastien LeToux. He is wild and energetic and regularly escapes their yard and runs up and down Sycamore Mills Road while Doug chases after him.

Family time for Lindsey, Doug and the boys is active and fun! In addition to soccer, basketball, golf and swim lessons, they enjoy going to Philadelphia Union soccer games. “We have been season ticket holders since their inaugural season,” Doug

Alexander, Joshua and James Dryer

said. “Our two tickets grew to four, and now it looks like we’ll have to add a fifth seat because Josh is getting a little too big to sit on our laps.”

The neighborhood they live in also lends itself to supporting the family’s active lifestyle. Their home is on a cul-de-sac, perfect for their boys to ride bikes and run around with their friends. They also live adjacent to Ridley Creek State Park, so Lindsey and Doug can hop right on the park trail when they want to go for a run. They said that living in the western part of the township still feels relatively untouched by all the recent development. “We love that we can go out for a short walk, see horses and take in the countryside.”

Thank you, Doug, Lindsey, James, Alexander and Joshua, for sharing your story. Your love for each other, your neighbors and your service to the community is admirable and inspirational.

Do you know a Newtown Edgmont family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com. E

by Dan Flynn

Flynn Tree Services

Tree work can be extremely hazardous, and requires in-depth knowledge of cutting, pruning and trimming techniques, as well as rigging, tree growth patterns, diseases and pests. Caution is paramount when removing any tree, branch or tree portion, as well as in the use of ladders, chainsaws and other tree-related equipment.

Hazards that many do-it-yourselfers may not take into consideration include both overhead and underground power lines, which can cause electrocution if accidentally touched. Faulty, dull or defective chainsaws, unstable or broken ladders and not considering the weight and engineering of the tree itself are other pitfalls homeowners often face. Leave it to the tree service professionals if you have any uncertainties about completing the job on your own.

The time between January and early March is the sweet spot of tree pruning season in our climate and area, so it’s time to go out there and assess your trees! It’s a great time to have a professional inspect dead or rotted trees, to identify any defective structure or faulty branches and to determine the correct

procedure for removal. A professional tree service expert knows where and how to safely remove trees without causing injury to you, the crew and the surrounding area, including controlling where the falling tree will land to avoid structures, property, landscaping and other nearby trees. A tree service expert provides a crew that is highly trained to operate potentially dangerous, fast moving equipment, bucket trucks, cranes and stump grinders, to ensure that your tree work gets done efficiently and without incident.

During winter, pruning is also the perfect time to look for and remove any mummified fruit still hanging on trees, as well as keeping an eye out for Spotted Lanternfly eggs. When there are breaks of warmer weather in the winter, it’s a good time to apply an ecologically low-impact dormant oil or winter wash to control a variety of winter hibernating insects, such as aphids, red mites, spider mites, white flies and other soft bodied insects. Make sure the dormant oil covers the entire surface of the tree and its branches, and this must be done when the temperature is above 40F. E

Bringing People Together

by Bob Blaisse, Publisher Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

Our Bringing People Together Mission Is Bringing People To The Party!

If you enjoy the simple pleasure of reading each new issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors in print or online at: www.TheNEMag. com, then you can imagine how our Content Coordinator Sheila TurnerHilliard, and Graphic Designer Kim Cesati, our writers and proofreaders are all encouraged by knowing how likely it is that over twleve thousand Marple Newtown Edgmont residents feel as you when first seeing each new free monthly issue of your hometown magazine arrive in the mail.

If you can multiply your appreciation that we have a hometown magazine, and how our staff feels rewarded by your kind words, you can understand how

wonderful it is for us when one of our advertising Sponsors experiences a thankful reader like you, rewarding them for their decision to give back to Newtown Edgmont residents, by paying the expenses that make our hometown magazine possible.

Advertising Sponsors make our Bringing People Together mission a party, attended monthly by thousands of our hometown friends and neighbors, readers like you who call Newtown Edgmont their hometown. And these business leaders in our community are mindful of that mission, which they make possible because they hear from you, those of you we call Reader Leaders! And we need more of you to join our Bringing People Together mission on a larger scale. More readers who will step up to be advertising Sponsors, and more readers who will reward our advertising Sponsors with a choice to do business with them first, in thanks for funding our magazine.

Any reader of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, whether a business owner or a homeowner, can be a Reader Leader. Either by making contact with me to become an advertising Sponsor, or by contacting one of our Sponsors to thank them for their investment in hometown pride, and to let them know that you’ll choose to do business with them first.

Reader Leadership helps grow our hometown magazine by adding advertising

Sponsors whose decision to advertise allows us to gradually increase our hometown magazine page count, which then allows us to publish more monthly features about Newtown Edgmont residents, sports and non-profit organizations, and local businesses. By adding more advertising Sponsors, we can add to our hometown party that is Bringing People Together.

If you are a local business owner, or know a business expert you trust and believe should be seen in Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, invite them to the party. And if your Reader Leadership brings in a new advertising Sponsor, I’ll be asking if we can share your name with readers, and asking you to select a feature family to be on the cover of an upcoming issue.

The steps to becoming a Reader Leader are below. Think about extending your personal invitation to a business you know, to come join the party that’s Bringing People Together in your hometown.

E

Bob Blaisse

Publisher

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

If

owner

connect with Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine becomes an advertising sponsor of our community, you’ll be named a Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine “ReadeR LeadeR.” Reader Leaders helping to grow our monthly hometown magazine will be featured in an upcoming edition, for their reader leadership, and asked to nominate a Newtown, Edgmont or Willistown resident family to appear on the cover of any upcoming edition of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine.

by Vince May & Tori Sheridan

BHHS Fox & Roach / The Vince May Team

Winter Can Be the Ideal Time to Sell Your Home

While the spring real estate market has the highest inventory of homes for sale and the biggest buyer pool, winter is still a great season to sell your home. In fact, according to Bright Multiple Listing System, close to 500 homes sold in Delaware County in February of 2022! With less competition from your neighbors, and serious buyers who will come out to tour your home no matter what the wind chill, winter months can offer the best opportunity for selling your home. Here are five tips for selling your home this winter:

1. Stage your Home

It doesn’t take a ton of time or money to create a cozy, comfy vibe that will make your buyers feel right at home. Place a throw blanket on the arm of a chair, set the table to look like you’re hosting a dinner party, light the fireplace and bring some fresh cut flowers into the kitchen. Minimize the amount of furniture you have to make the home feel larger and depersonalize by storing away your family photographs and sports memorabilia. There are a ton of great staging articles online and most Realtors have a relationship with a reputable home staging company.

2.

Get your Home Professionally Cleaned

A professional deep clean of your home will allow it to show like new! Hire someone to give the home a really good scrub and make it sparkle before showings.

3.

Turn the Lights On

The sun sets earlier in the winter months and many buyers are viewing properties in the evenings. Make sure that your walkways, doorways, patios and decks are well-lit, not only for safety reasons, but you’ll want to try your best to make any garden space or lawn areas visible. The inside of your home should be bright also. If you don’t have overhead lighting, make sure to add table lamps or floor lamps to help buyers see the space.

4.

Winter Curb Appeal

While it’s disappointing that you won’t be able to showcase your gorgeous crepe myrtle and blooming hydrangea in the winter months, you can still have an attractive exterior with a little bit of clean up. Remove any dead leaves that have piled up in your landscape beds, power wash your siding and walkways and hang a wreath of winter greens on the front door.

5. Market Strategy

Most importantly, work with a Realtor on a strategic marketing plan. A good Realtor will have an off-season plan that differs from their spring and summer marketing. He or she will have a pulse on the local market and ensure your listing gets maximum exposure. E

To determine if your home is as safe as it could be during the cold winter months, here are some things to check regularly and to always keep in mind, both inside and out.

Outside

After the holiday lights are taken down and put away for next season, what needs to be done now in order to keep things safe, neat and tidy for the rest of winter? While you make a visual inspection of your home’s interior and exterior, keep in mind the following:

• Make sure all power outlets have the proper weatherproof covers in place.

• Are your wall lights secured properly with no broken glass or pieces?

• Look at the power cables and meter box, to verify that everything is attached properly and the wiring is in place without any cracks or broken coverings.

• If you have a portable generator, make sure the power outlet is secure.

• If you have a house generator, now is a good time to make sure the area around the unit is clear of trash, leaves or any other debris that could clog the air vent on the unit.

• Is your snow blower tuned up, gassed up and ready for duty?

Inside

• Are your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in working order with fresh batteries?

• Check the plugs and cords on portable electric heaters, to make sure they are not broken or cracked. (This includes ceramic, strip element and fluid-filled units.)

• Make sure your fireplace ash pit is cleaned out and your chimney flue is clean.

• Never run extension cords under carpeting — even for only an hour!

• Are your power/surge strips in proper working order? Make sure they are not overloaded, especially if a portable heater is using one of the plugs.

by Andrew Martella Martella Electric

• Never leave or forget about candles that are burning. They can be especially dangerous if left unattended.

• If you have toddlers, are all safety gates and cabinet locks in place?

Some of these things seem like common sense, but that also makes them less likely to be high on your list of regular safety checks. Stay safe all winter long, so you can welcome spring knowing everything is in perfect working order. E

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. E

Photo courtesy of Fante Flooring

Daily through February 26

Flight On Ice

@4901 West Chester Pk, Newtown Square

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

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

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

Saturdays in February

Art at The Square Tavern

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

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

Time: 11am – 5pm

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

Daily through March 5

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

@Delaware River Waterfront 101 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia

Philly’s favorite Winter wonderland on the Waterfront is back with thousands of sparkling lights, warming cabins, firepits and ice rink. Reserve tickets in advance.

Time: Mon.–Thurs. 1 – 11pm; Fri. 1pm – 1am; Sat. 11am – 1am; Sun. 11am – 11pm Cost: Skating $5, Skate Rental $12 215-922-2386 www.DelawareRiverWaterfront.com

Daily through March 26

Winter Wonder @Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Sq

Explore the warm Conservatory as it charms with captivating color and texture, from soaring baskets, to lush planting beds, to ever-changing surprises. Delight in a performance as the sounds of jazz to classical to organ fill the air. Outside, stroll 200 acres of winter’s beauty. Timed admission tickets required. Time: Visit website for times and tickets. Cost: $16 – $30 610-388-1000 www.LongwoodGardens.org

calendar of events

February

Saturdays and Sundays February through April

Devon/Berwyn Antique and Vintage Flea Market

@Valley Fair Shopping Center 260 W. Swedesford Rd, Berwyn Indoor/Outdoor flea market featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry and clothing, glassware, artwork, vinyl and more.

Time: 9am – 4pm

Cost: FREE admission 215-625-3532 www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org

Sat. February 11 – Sun. March 5

Junie B. Jones The Musical JR. @Media Theatre, 104 E. State St, Media

Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie's best friend Lucille has found new best friends, and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Add in an intense kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting.

Time: Shows are Saturdays and Sundays. Check the website for show times. Cost: $17 – $22 610-891-0100 www.MediaTheatre.org

Sun. February 12 15th Annual Feel the Love 5K @Wilson Farm Park, 1601 Darby Rd, Wayne Scoring for the race will consist of a couple’s COMBINED final times. This is a unique and motivational race where it takes two to do well! There are four couple categories to choose from. INDIVIDUALS ARE WELCOME TO RACE. A virtual race option is also available. Proceeds benefit the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at Jefferson Hospital and the Bryn Mawr Running Club.

Time: 11am Cost: $35 www.RunSignUp.com/Race/PA/Wayne/FeeltheLove5K

Tues. February 14

Valentine’s Day Pick Your Project Workshop

@Board & Brush 210 S Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square

Join our most popular DIY workshop with your best friend or loved one! Create your own unique wood signs when selecting a wood project from our gallery. We provide all the materials and instruct you step-by-step to create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of paint and wood stain colors in the workshop.

Time: 6:30 – 9:30pm

Cost: $73 each or 2 for $110. Use the discount code

VDAY23 when placing 2 bookings of a $73 value on the same transaction. Must place 2 bookings - one project per person in order to get the discount. Pre-registration is required. 610-883-2679 www.BoardAndBrush.com

malvern family photographer seasonal outdoor pictures and studio portraits in one location. pets welcome! holiday sets oct–dec. portraits, headshots, and events www.crissyeverhart.com

by Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

Now Is the Time to Plan to Paint Your Home Exterior in Spring

Spring is just around the corner. Soon the weather will become more mild and sunny, which makes now the perfect time to start thinking about your spring “to-do” list! A task often overlooked is having the exterior of your house painted. Have you noticed the exterior of your house is looking somewhat blah? It may simply need a fresh coat of paint. Although exterior painting can be done at any time of the year, spring is the perfect season to accomplish your outdoor paint projects, and here are some reasons why.

Weather Conditions

Paint and bad weather do not go well together. Snow, rain and humidity can all wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. If the weather is too hot your paint could dry too quickly causing it to blister and crack later on. If the weather is too cold, your paint could stain or grow mildew on the surface due to moisture. As spring gets into full bloom, leaving snow and frost behind, it’s the ideal time to start painting.

Your Home’s Exterior is Stressed Out

Through the years, your home’s exterior has been exposed to blizzards, ice, humidity, strong ultraviolet rays and more. Over time the paint begins to peel, fade, crack and blister due to sun damage from hot summer days or the harsh winter weather. These conditions can actually change the color of the existing exterior paint. With the arrival of spring weather, it’s the perfect time to fix these issues.

Boost the Value of Your Home Painting the exterior of your home is an easy way to dramatically increase the value of your property and improve your curb appeal. Potential home buyers are looking for a picture perfect property that they can call their own. If your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression – they’ll want to see what’s inside. If you’re looking to move this summer or early fall, revamping the outside of your house now could potentially put your home on the market sooner than expected.

Prep and Repairs

Most homeowners are not aware of the many small things which are going wrong on their home’s exterior until they paint it. The prep work that goes into an exterior paint job usually reveals the many areas in need of repair. If the exterior paint on your home is close to the end of its life expectancy, you are taking chances by postponing the new paint job. It doesn’t take long for exposed wood to begin rotting. It’s usually much more expensive to replace things than to repair them; so you don’t want to wait too long.

An exterior paint job can last up to 15 years. When you use a better quality of exterior paint, you can wait longer before the next paint job is needed. If you are looking to get your house painted this spring, don’t hesitate to call the professionals today! E

Jane Levis Carter and the History of Edgmont

by Doug Humes

Photos courtesy of The Newtown Square Historical Society

The United States celebrated its 200th birthday in Philadelphia on July 4th, 1976. The Bicentennial was a stone in the pond, whose ripples continue to be felt. The ripples reached to Oak Lodge on Middletown Road in Gradyville, where long-time resident Jane Levis Carter had been keeping research notes and records on Edgmont Township since her childhood. Born in 1909, she recalled hearing local history the old fashioned way, from conversations among customers in the busy nearby general store. The Bicentennial announcement spurred her to action with her lifetime of research – she began to weave it all together for a planned book.

With no Internet, she researched in local libraries, reviewing documents, maps, photos and records. But she also talked with people: “I’ve talked to six generations of people and their memories go way back. The oldest woman I talked to was Mrs. Lydia Ann Baker. She was born in 1838.”

Jane’s previous writing effort was a book of poetry published in 1966. She tried to infuse her history book with the same style: “I think it is documentarily accurate, but

written with poetry and lyricism.” Her book, “Edgmont: The Story of a Township” was published in 1976, just in time for the Bicentennial.

Long-time Edgmont resident Bob Steiner met Jane several years before her death in 2004, as he had questions about his historic home. He remembers her as “a lovely lady, passionate for what she did.” He asked whether she was a Quaker – because

Author Jane Levis Carter at the time of publication of her book

Jane’s 1976 book on Edgmont’s history

of the Quaker values that permeate her book, and still seem to be rooted in the Township. Interviewed in 1976, Jane described what she found in the writing effort:

“I found my own book screaming back at me, saying “Look at what we’ve lost”. …There is a tremendous lesson to be learned here. Somehow we must find this sense of purpose again. Through the book I see that the great strengths of the past have been when man was unified with a common purpose. We need to find that again.”

It’s a timely lesson for today’s generations as well. There is currently no historical society or other group dedicated to the preservation of the stories and history of Edgmont. If we take any value from Jane’s effort, it is that our local history has value and should be preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Are there current or former Edgmont residents who would be willing to meet and talk about creating such a group, dedicated to gathering and preserving the Township history, and teaching it to the next generations of Edgmont residents? If that appeals to you, I would love to hear from you and see if we can get a group of like-minded citizens together and talk about what might be possible. Please contact me at doughumes@alumni.psu.edu or call or text me at 610724-7222, and let’s see if we can honor the life and work of Jane Levis Carter, and plant some seeds that may yield a new crop of Edgmont historians!

For more history on Newtown Square, and membership in the Newtown Square Historical Society, vist www.NSHistory,org. If you interested in local history and possibly coming together those who are like-minded, or to discuss forming an Edgmont Township Historical Society, call or text Doug Humes at 610-724-7222, or email Doug at doughumes@alumni.psu.edu. E

Jane on her wedding day in 1928 Jane’s grave at Willistown Friends Meeting

Celebrating Super Bowl Sunday:

Fun and Creative Ideas for Your Super Bowl Party!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The countdown to Super Bowl LVII (57) is on! Whether you tune in for the game, the commercials or the halftime show, this year’s celebration calls for friends, fun and “fan”tastic food.

The game, where the National Football Conference (NFC) champion will face the American Football Conference (AFL) winner, will be played on Sunday, February 12th at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, home of the Arizona Cardinals. It will air live on FOX but can also be streamed live through subscription services like YouTube TV, Hulu and Sling.

The featured performer for the halftime show sponsored by Apple Music is Grammy Award winner Rihanna. The entertainment continues with a line-up of some of the best and most-watched commercials from seasoned advertisers such as Toyota, Doritos and TurboTax. In a twist of events, AnheuserBusch has relinquished their exclusive advertising arrangement, so we will see ads from Molson Coors and a few more beer companies. Additional expected advertisers are those with online gambling platforms and virtual shopping services.

If you’re planning to host your own Super Bowl party, we’ve got some great ideas to score a touchdown with your guests. All it takes is a little creativity and some ideas from our Sponsors

When you think of a Super Bowl party, the first thing that comes to mind is food. There’s just something about gathering around the big screen with a plate full of wings, nachos and chips, right? Lucky for us, we have one of the best places to pick up freshly prepared foods right around the corner at Luigi & Giovanni’s. Owner John D’Alessandro said business is booming on game day, so it’s best to call a few days ahead and pre-order your selections. “We sell a lot of our homemade strombolis that, when sliced thin, make a great game-time snack,” John said. “We have your traditional Italian meat stromboli as well as cheesesteak, chicken cheesesteak, pepperoni and cheese, buffalo chicken and vegetable strombolis.”

Other fun foods to serve on game day are cheesesteak egg rolls, tomato pie and nachos. If you’re looking for some healthier alternatives, include fruit and vegetable trays along with some grilled chicken skewers and dipping sauces. For the low-carb lovers out there, a quick online search for low-carb Super Bowl recipes yields hundreds of mouth-watering results.

Have some fun by making your own commercial-rating signs

Just like the two teams competing for the trophy should be evenly matched, so should your savory to sweet selections for your guests. Our friends at Weinrich’s Bakery not only have a wide selection of sweet treats like mini cheesecakes, cookies and lemon bars, they also make their own German Bavarian Pretzels perfect for pleasing a crowd.

How about stepping up your game this year with a Super Bowl Sundae ice cream bar? Another fun idea is to dip pretzel rods in chocolate and decorate them with white icing lines that look like yard markers on a football field. Football-shaped decorated cakes and cinnamon churro chips with chocolate dip are more fun ideas to consider.

If your party plans include the little ones, why not create a kids’ zone with games and crafts? A simple do-it-yourself game is to pin the football on the goalpost. Draw a goalpost on a large poster board. Using either felt or construction paper, cut out some football shapes and attach double-sided tape to one side. You’ll also need a bandana as a blindfold and a few prizes on hand for the winners.

Get your commercial-watching crowd in on the fun by making your own commercial-rating signs mounted on popsicle sticks. The signs can say things like “Funniest,” “Best of the Night,” “Change the Channel,” “Pass the Chips,” and “Most Memorable.”

You will definitely earn extra points this football season with just a few simple adjustments to your party playbook. Just be prepared to be crowned the champion and the host for years to come! E

Finding Our Feature Stories: We Want to Hear From YOU!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Over the last four years, we have had the privilege of introducing our Newtown Square neighbors to many friendly faces in our community and we are excited to do the same for our Newtown Edgmont neighbors. The families and individuals you have read about all share the same love for our community, but each has their own unique story about where they came from, why they live here, how they are making a difference and how they spend quality time together.

Some families travel the globe, while others love the Jersey shore. We have featured residents who are making a difference in the world and those who are volunteering their time to support our local youth programs. And for those of us who grew up here, it’s a treat to learn about families who choose to move to Newtown Edgmont because they have heard it’s a great place to live!

It’s always fun to scroll though our library of issues at www. NewtownSquareMag.com and www.TheNEMag.com to learn about who we have highlighted through the years. You’ll see a community of friends and neighbors from different backgrounds, religions and ethnicities who all love to call the Newtown Edgmont area their home.

Day Edgmont

Edgmont

There are often times along the way when we are asked how we find and select our Resident Feature and Community Feature stories. That’s a question that doesn’t have a standard answer, because each feature is unique. What we can tell you is that many times the recommendations come from you, our valued readers of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors.

We want you to keep those referrals coming! Who would you love to see on the cover of your hometown magazine? Do you have friends and neighbors who are making a difference in our community — people who work here, live here and make Edgmont, Willistown and Newtown Square a better place? Perhaps you know of a family or an individual who has a great story to tell about their journey or their plans for the future. Whatever it may be, we want to hear from you!

If you’d like to nominate a family, individual or nonprofit organization, please email me at STurnerHilliard@ BestVersionMedia.com. E