Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine, November 2022

& Neighbors

The Sheridan Family Feeling Right at Home

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 Turner-Hilliard, Holly Stupak, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Andrew Martella, Rick Thompson, Eric Fante, Dan Flynn, Steve Mostardi

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. © 2022 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

What a great time of year! From my home near Marple Newtown High School, I’m hearing the Fall sounds of football games and marching bands. And while I continue to get out to more flea markets and fall festivals, I will be increasingly mindful of all that I am thankful for as we move closer to Thanksgiving Day on November 24th.

I’m thankful for my family, my wife Jean and our four sons. I’m thankful too for you, as a new reader of our new magazine. And for our advertising Sponsors who made it possible for us to launch Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors which will continue to come in the mail for free every month, and be available online at: www.TheNEMag.com.

This month I am also thankful for our two new Sponsors who have joined the party! Let’s welcome Newtown Square’s charming gift shop Bunny Hare’s, located in St. Alban’s Circle of Newtown Square. (See Bunny Hare’s first ad on page 14.) This destination gift shop is well-known for its personal assistance in gift selection and wrapping gifts when requested, which Anne Marie Hare and her staff cheerfully provide. Welcome to the party Anne Marie! Christmas is coming soon and I’m inviting all our readers to also visit your charming shop soon too. Thank you for your gift to us by your commitment to be an advertising Sponsor who is making our hometown magazine possible for so many.

We also welcome Bryn Mawr Glass (located now in Havertown), as our newest advertising Sponsor and Expert Contributor. We can all be thankful that the best known glass and mirror experts in our entire region have also joined the party that is Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors. Look for the photos of our new Experts, Dave and Lew Gura, among our directory of Expert Contributors on the following page. And expect to be reading future feature articles authored by our new Glass & Mirror Experts from Bryn Mawr Glass in upcoming issues. (See the first ad of our new Sponsor, Bryn Mawr Glass, on page 4.)

If you enjoyed our first issue last month, and again enjoy reading this new issue Sheila has put together for us in this month of Thanksgiving, please, consider offering a kind word of thanks or even reward one of the businesses seen on our pages with your business for helping to launch our magazine As our magazine motto proclaims, Bringing People Together is our mission, but it is those businesses you see advertising on our pages who we can thank for their sponsorship of our community which tells us that we are important to the success of their business. Let’s give them our thanks. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents,

The holiday season is here! Our calendars are filled with reminders to turn back our clocks, vote in our local elections, thank our military veterans and pause to give thanks for all our blessings.

And just like your November calendar, this month’s issue is packed! Make sure those plans include a trip to Flight On Ice this winter for some family fun. We’ll introduce you to The Sheridan Family, whose focus on family, friends and fun will warm your heart. If you still find yourself a little chilly, check out our Business Profile about R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating and their commitment to professional and reliable service for over 30 years. And, don’t forget to shop local on Small Business Saturday® and throughout the holiday season.

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

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 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

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

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

by

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating has provided its customers with professional and reliable service for more than 30 years. They take pride in servicing both their residential and commercial customers’ needs with superior service at a great value.

Rich Bondurant, Sr, and his son, Rick, take great pride in the success and reputation of their family business. “My father started the business in 1980, and I grew up watching and learning from him,” said Rick. “He has since taken a step back, and now I run the daily operations of the business.” Rick said that what separates them from the competition is their personal approach. They are easy to get in touch with, whether it’s to handle emergencies, answer questions or to give advice and guidance.

And it’s not just Rick and his dad who are committed to delivering that level of personal service. Their team of highly skilled and licensed technicians know the importance of quality customer care. “Putting your family name on a business carries an extra level of responsibility and trust,” Rick explained. “Many of the technicians on our team have been with us for a long time, and we feel confident that our technicians represent our company very well,” he added.

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating services cover all types of residential and commercial plumbing and heating installations, maintenance and repairs. They also do sewer repairs and replacement, and even complete bathroom and kitchen remodeling. Whether you’re building your new home, looking to remodel or simply needing to fix a leaky faucet, they are dedicated to providing you with prompt, professional and friendly service.

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating services, repairs, and installs hot water-based heating systems that involve a boiler and radiators or under-floor heating. Although they don’t service forced-air systems, they can convert them to a hot-water based heating system.

Their heating services include hot water heating and boiler repairs, high-efficiency boiler installation and repairs, radiator heating, baseboard heating, radiant floor heating installation

Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Rick Bondurant

From the Bondurant family photo album

and service, programmable thermostat installation and other hot water boiler heating systems including gas and propane. And they can often provide fast, same-day service for your hot water heating needs.

In addition to general plumbing service and repairs, R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating repairs and installs pipes for gas lines in homes, businesses and commercial buildings. Routing pipes for gas lines can be necessary when installing new appliances or when remodeling a home or a building.

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating can assist you with all your hot water heater needs as well. They diagnose, repair, sell, install and replace hot water heaters in homes and commercial buildings. They repair and replace gas, electric, oil, tankless and hybrid heat pump water systems.

Homeowners whose sewer pipes get clogged can experience big problems such as flooding and contamination. Those sewer pipe problems are often caused by tree roots, debris, corrosion and leaking joints. R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating technicians will perform a video camera sewer line inspection to locate problems and make all necessary repairs.

A properly functioning sump pump in your home or business can make a huge difference if you experience flooding from heavy rain or broken pipes. If you have a sump pump, it’s important to have it inspected and tested by a professional on a regular basis. And if you need one installed, hire the team who can advise you on placement, install the system and help you properly maintain it.

If healthy, clean, better-tasting water is what you’re looking for, then call in the Bondurant team to install a whole-house water filter. It can remove up to 97% of the chlorine in regular tap water. A whole-house water filter also reduces harmful water contaminants such as salt, soil, solvents, pesticides and rust.

Plumbing is, of course, the foundation of any bathroom and kitchen project. Their fully licensed master plumbers have the expertise to completely renovate your kitchen or bathroom to include new fixtures, appliances and other features, to create a space that is both functional and beautiful while also adding to the value of your home.

“Although we’re a small company, we offer a wide variety of services and produce big results for our customers,” Rick said. “Our best advertising resource — and most of our business — comes from word of mouth by our satisfied customers.”

In addition to customer satisfaction, commitment to the community is important to Rich, Rick and their team. “We are very involved in the community. In addition to sponsoring this hometown magazine, we also sponsor local youth softball and basketball teams and camps, theater and school events,” Rick

said. “We get a lot of support from the community in the way of new and repeat business, and we are happy to return the favor.”

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing & Heating is located at 228 Brooke St. in Media. Their office is open Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, but they offer same-day emergency service 7 days a week. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 610-566-0288 or visit their website at www.RFBondurant.com. E

The Sheridan Family: Feeling Right at Home

This month we are pleased to introduce you to The Sheridan Family: Tori, Ryan, Scarlett, Rowan and Russell. Life for the Sheridans is rewarding and fun, filled with family, friends and a deep appreciation for their community.

Ryan grew up in Lancaster County, though most of his family is from Ridley and West Chester. He went to Quarryville Elementary School, Smith Middle School and Solanco High School where he ran track and played on the basketball team. He has a younger brother, Kyle, who lives in Glen Mills and a younger sister, Carly who is in Quarryville.

Ryan earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University, though he and Tori studied on different campuses. After graduation, Ryan began working for SEPTA as a Railroad Signal Maintainer. Today, Ryan is a Railroad and Transit Project Manager specializing in railroad signaling.

Ryan’s work involves writing and testing software that enhances the safety and operational efficiency of our rail and transit systems. “I enjoy problem-solving,” Ryan explained. “I also love being a part of commissioning efforts for local rail lines.” Some recent projects Ryan has worked on were for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), implementing positive train control systems, and recently completing a project to expand the SEPTA Media/Elwyn line extension.

Tori grew up in Middletown Township with her parents, her younger brother, Shane and her younger sister, Hailey. She attended Glenwood Elementary School, Springton Lake Middle School and graduated from Penncrest High School. Tori enjoyed participating in many activities while in school. She took dance lessons, sang in the choir, participated in

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Ryan and Tori Sheridan

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together

the theater program and was a member of the cheerleading and tennis teams.

After high school, Tori went to Penn State, where she earned her degree in Communications. She then went to Drexel University to earn a master’s degree in the Science of Instruction. While finishing her master’s degree, Tori also earned her Home Staging and Redesign certification.

“In 2009, I started my own staging company and began working with Realtors to stage their listings,” Tori explained. “At the same time, I was working as a project manager for a real estate renovation company.” She decided to get her real estate license, and passed the test, but did not sign on with an agency. Instead, she continued to stage homes and oversee residential and commercial renovation projects successfully.

Fast forward a few years to when Tori’s father was listing one of his investment properties for sale. “I was introduced to Vince May, who was representing my dad,” she said. “Vince asked if I would join him in creating the Vince May team.” Tori was interested, but it had been almost three years since she passed her test. She wasn’t even sure if her license had expired. “I looked back at my licensing paperwork and discovered I had just three days left before I would have to retest. So, Vince and I jumped in the car, drove to Harrisburg to make it official, and became the first member of the Vince May Team.”

Tori said that today, the team has grown to seven agents. “I love what I do and genuinely love helping my clients achieve their goal of home ownership,” she said. “I also love my colleagues, and although it sounds cliché, we really are like family.”

Ryan and Tori said they met through mutual friends. “My friend, Alicia, was dating Ryan’s friend, Steve,” Tori explained. “They both kept telling us separately that we really needed to meet each other.” After some convincing from their friends, Tori invited Ryan to her parent’s house for a backyard barbeque. She said that Ryan showed up with his guitar and the rest is history. “We hit it off immediately and started dating right away,” Tori said. “It’s funny now because Alicia and Steve argue over who gets the matchmaking credit.”

The happy couple married at The Reeds in Stone Harbor, NJ overlooking Shelter Haven Basin. Tori said that the location was very special because of her family’s history. In 1908, her great-grandparents came to the United States from Norway and purchased a home in Stone Harbor. Her grandparents also lived there, and Tori and her siblings have very fond childhood memories of summers spent in Stone Harbor.

Rowan, Russell and Scarlett Sheridan

Ryan and Tori then decided that they wanted to settle down and start a family in a place they knew they could call home –Edgmont. “We both wanted to be close to our families,” Ryan said. “My father is in Westtown, my brother is in Glen Mills, and most of my cousins are in Thornbury Township. Tori’s family is just minutes away, too.”

They didn’t have to look too far to find the perfect home because it was a property that Tori was hired to sell. “It was an estate being sold by the original owners, and it needed extensive work,” Tori explained. “But it was on a beautiful piece of land, and we both fell in love with it.” The extra special part for Tori was that it was located in the Rose Tree Media School District and that their kids would someday attend the same schools as she did.

Tori and Ryan’s oldest is Scarlett. She is an active first-grade student at Glenwood Elementary School who loves dance, gymnastics and tennis. Her parents describe her as outgoing, talkative and friendly, and Tori said she is just the best big sister to her younger brothers.

Their second child is Rowan, who joined his sister at Glenwood Elementary for Kindergarten. Rowan loves to play soccer and little league baseball. Tori said that although Rowan is friendly and sociable, he does have a bit of a shy side. She also said that the name Rowan is special because it’s her mother’s maiden name and that in Gaelic, Rowan means “red.” Fitting since their daughter is Scarlett.

Russell is Tori and Ryan’s youngest. Although he is just 17 months old, he does his best to keep up with his older brother and sister. “Russell is a real ham bone,” laughed Tori. “He is always trying to make his siblings laugh and they think he’s absolutely adorable.” Russell is named after Tori’s father, and the name means “little red.”

Last but certainly not least is Finnegan, the family’s nine-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Finnegan isn’t shy about making his presence known in the family; the kids just adore him.

Spending quality family time is important to Ryan, Tori and the kids. Some of their favorite activities are hiking the trails around Ridley Creek State Park and the Okehocking Preserve, visiting Arasapha Farms and participating in community

events like Edgmont Community Day. They also love to host impromptu dinners and backyard bonfires with their neighbors and extended family.

When the Sheridans hit the road for fun, they like to do so with their siblings and cousins. Last month, they traveled to Disney World with Tori’s family – a party of 15, including seven kids under the age of seven! They also love to spend summers in Stone Harbor and recently purchased a condo in Naples, FL, just one mile away from Tori’s parents.

No matter how far they go, Tori and Ryan agree that their favorite place to be is right here at home. They feel fortunate to be a part of a wonderful community surrounded by beautiful parks and trails, the very best neighbors and the love of their families.

Thank you, Ryan and Tori, for sharing your story with our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors. We wish your family the warmest holiday season.

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

Ryan and Tori Sheridan with their children

by Andrew Martella Martella Electric

Most of us have purchased a TV from a major retailer and did our due diligence to ensure it is installed safely and protected. So the next step is often to purchase a point of use surge protector strip, although many people don’t really understand why they need one and why it’s important to protect their devices.

Televisions these days are bigger and more impressive than anything we could have imagined years ago, but whether they’re giant or small, they are all sensitive to electrical power surges. What many people don’t realize is that today’s home appliances – dishwashers, washing machines, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers – are packed with electronic circuits where many voltage surges within the home can originate from. Voltage surges are often caused when an appliance is turned on.

Think about how many times a day the refrigerator alone cycles on and off, or you use your microwave or coffee maker. A second type of voltage surge comes from outside of your home, most commonly when the power goes off and on from storms, accidents, regular system maintenance or other causes.

Voltage surges can be highly dangerous for your electronics, and that’s why surge protectors have become so popular because most will help prevent damage to your things. However, if a surge protector isn’t properly installed, a sudden surge of 120 volts or higher can cause anything from premature device failure, to burned wires and fires. Permanent damage or personal injury is always a possibility as well.

A surge protector is made to provide additional internal protection for your electrics. When a surge does occur, the surge protector strip is the final protective layer, commonly referred to as stage 2 protection. Stage 1 protection is most often a piece of equipment attached to your service panel which provides protection from the small surges originating inside the home as well as those generated externally from the power grid. These two devices working in tandem will extend the life of the electronic components in all of your home appliances.

It’s important to regularly check your surge protectors. A green light indicator, which many are equipped with, shows that the device is functioning. To ensure the protection of your electronics and your home, a surge protection system which includes both stage 1 and stage 2 provisions, along with a properly installed grounding system, is a good and safe plan. E

by Bob Blaisse, Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

Bringing People Together Shows Leadership Our Advertising Sponsors Are Leaders

Some business owners I meet with, to propose they become an advertising Sponsor of our community, will slant a question about how much people read magazines these days, with the mention of everyone getting their news and entertainment online these days. I promise to answer that question but ask if I can first ask them several questions so I can give them a better answer. Then I ask:

“Do you like to read digital ads? Do you think people living in homes where our hometown magazines are mailed, have pride in living in their hometown?”

And then the final question, the one that gets the ball across the line:

“Do you believe people can come together by reading feel-good stories about the community they share, and about people living among them?”

That last question not only gets the ball across the line, it also changes who’s holding the ball.

Nearly everyone enjoys reading special interest magazines, and even the ads in these magazines. That’s because once a

publication has proven itself to be of some special interest to a reader, each new issue elevates greater trust that time spent reading the publication will be a similar rewarding investment of time. Yes, nearly everyone enjoys reading our special interest magazine, with local features and local advertising, because nearly everyone has a personal pride in living in their local community, and interest in learning more about their friends, neighbors and others they’ve never met who also live within the same local community.

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is our new magazine just launched in print, and also online at www. TheNEMag.com. But if what I saw happen so soon after launching Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors (online at NewtownSquareMag.com) and Marple Friends & Neighbors (also online at MarpleMag.com), our new magazine will also become the mail event of the month in every home with a countertop, coffee table or a nightstand.

Our local hometown magazines can achieve nearly a 100% open rate in the thousands of home mailed. Why? Because our magazines are Bringing People Together in communities that share hometown pride, and because everyone likes learning more about their friends and neighbors. But also because homeowners also need the services of businesses and professionals who they can trust. Our magazine does that too, by also bringing homeowners together with local business owners and

Reader Features Ideas Are Welcome. Are You A Reader and a Writer?

By Bob Blaisse

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine is only getting started. With every new issue we hope to bring you new features about people, places and organizations in our community. But we need your ideas. Imagine what your friends and neighbors might like to read about from local history and happenings, or interesting people you know or remember living among us. Let us know your ideas for what or who we might write about in an upcoming issue. Or if you have an idea, and have some writing skills to submit an occasional feature for publication in your hometown magazine, contact our Content Coordinator, Sheila Turner-Hilliard at: STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

professionals who invest in our community as an advertising Sponsor of our free magazine mailed to homeowners.

The specialty of our magazine is one that everyone desires: local, feel-good feature articles and photos in a colorful hometown magazine that can be read at one’s leisure, held in your hands, and picked up again any number of times by multiple people in the same home. People enjoy reading our magazines to learn about the community in which they live, and to find a local business professional whose leadership in the community is seen by their investment in the community. Our local hometown magazines can achieve nearly a 100% open rate!

It’s clear that our friends and neighbors who are local business owners, know the importance of seeing their support of the community every month in the hometown magazine.

That’s who our advertising Sponsors are, and who they are to us: leaders in our community who are Bringing People Together. And we benefit from more leadership coming from more local businesses also willing to become advertising Sponsors. That increase helps us to increase our magazine page count which in turn allows us to bring more local features about friends and neighbors, about youth and youth sports, and about places and non-profit groups in our community.

Here’s a premium request with a premium reward — for just one advertising Sponsor to gain the exclusive opportunity to be our magazine’s monthly Feature Sponsor. With a half-page ad that will anchor our monthly Resident Feature, this one advertising Sponsor will also see their business logo on the left page too, with grateful acknowledgement of that business leading the way as the Sponsor of our monthly cover story feature of each monthly issue. Some might say this premium ad position may be as premium a location as the back cover of our magazine. I call it leadership

of our hometown magazine, with their half-page ad by the Resident Feature. The cover story of each new issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, mailed monthly to thousands of Newtown Edgmont residents and online at: www. TheNEMag.com, is always one the most read monthly features.

To learn more about becoming an advertising Sponsor, or to suggest one of your most trusted local businesses, or professional offering services our hometown residents will benefit from seeing as a premium Sponsor of our community, contact me at: 610-453-5536 or by email to BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com. E

Bob Blaisse

Publisher

Newtown

www.theneMag.com

Here’s how our Resident Feature Sponsor’s half-page ad would look if it were included in this month’s issue.

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

Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

SHOP LOCAL

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Tucked between mammoth national sales events Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday® — a day to celebrate and support our small businesses and all they do for our community. Let's come together this holiday season for our independent merchants on Saturday, November 26th, to thank them for working hard to keep our local economy flourishing.

Small Business Saturday® was originally founded by American Express in 2010 to encourage buyers to support small businesses after the economic slump we experienced from 2007–2009. In 2011, the U.S. Senate joined the cause by passing a resolution supporting Small Business Saturday®. The Small Business Association (SBA) officially co-sponsored this annual initiative, which has since grown to include all 50 states.

We know that now more than ever, our local businesses need our support as they continue to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.

For small business owners, their business is more than just a business — it’s an extension of who they are. When you flip through the pages of our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine, you see all our hometown Sponsors who are not only a large part of our daily lives but big supporters of our community causes and our school fundraisers. These business owners are always the first to thank the community for

their patronage, so take the time to use your holiday dollars this season to ensure their doors stay open for years to come.

Before you buy big, think small. Remember those businesses who are always there to sponsor and support our local sports teams and charity events. How many times have you seen local restaurants donate food? Or hair salons, gift shops and dance studios donate baskets of goods and services?

Small businesses are the backbone of our community. When you shop local, you support the entrepreneurial spirit, driving our economic prosperity and keeping our friends and neighbors employed. Shopping local means that businesses can grow and hire more employees. In fact, the Small Business Association (SBA) says that across the United States, small businesses account for over 64% of new jobs created each year.

Local businesses like Rey Azteca certainly know how vital community support is to sustain and grow a business. They opened their Newtown Square location just two months before the pandemic shut everything down. Co-Owner Jenny Palacios said, “We appreciate all the incredible support from the community during that difficult time.” Rey Azteca is not only surviving but thriving. Consider booking your next gathering there or purchasing a gift card on Small Business Saturday®

Remember our friends at Luigi & Giovanni’s when planning your holiday menus this season. And if you’re looking to add some holiday cheer to your home, take a ride over to Mostardi’s Nursery for beautiful seasonal decor, flowers and plants.

Our very own Newtown Square Business Association (NSBA) is encouraging you to shop local as well. Last year they completed a project to have decorative banners designed and installed along West Chester Pike and St. Albans Circle that encourage you to “Shop the Square.” Graphic Designer and NSBA Member Pam Purser was asked to create the design. “We knew we wanted the banners to be modern and dynamic,” she said. “The squares refer to the square in our town’s name, of course, but they also represent the small businesses that make Newtown Square unique.”

Sure, the deals and steals that flood our mailboxes and social media feeds can be awfully tempting, but nothing beats the feeling of walking into your local gift shop where you’re greeted by name. That level of customer service is what makes shopping local so special. “We care about our customers,” explained Anne Marie Hare from Bunny Hare’s gift shop. “Because we live here and work here, we can help you pick out unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.” Loyal customers certainly agree, not to mention their complimentary gift wrapping is one less thing you need to do this holiday season!

’Tis the season to spread holiday cheer and offer good tidings to all, including our local small businesses. Make a difference and commit this year by choosing to shop local. Put your local bakery, restaurant, coffee shop, gift boutique and neighborhood stores at the top of your gift-giving list. Let’s ensure that our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors business owners and Sponsors receive the best gift of all: your loyalty. E

“ ” Don’t get caught out in the cold. Let us check your vehicle for safe winter driving.

Lou Matteo

Edgemont Automotive

Flight On Ice Skating Rink is Back!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Flight Entertainment

Shake off those winter-weather blues, grab your skates and hit the ice for some fun, November 18th through February 27th at Flight On Ice’s Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink. This pop-up winter wonderland right in our own backyard features a full-size (60’x100’) outdoor skating rink, skate rentals, festive lighting, delicious food and beverages, heated hospitality tents, cozy firepit seating, special events and entertainment for the whole family.

The buzz surrounding the rink’s opening last year was undeniably electric, and the reviews since then have been spectacular, with the rink recently being voted Best of Delco 2022 for Fun Day Family Outing. Season passes, family 4-packs and individual online ticket sales have been as brisk as the weather, as many of our Friends & Neighbors gathered in good cheer last season to enjoy the rink and all its splendor.

This month, the Flight On Ice team is just getting started! Their calendar of events will feature a jam-packed lineup of special events and party opportunities. Weekly events include Movie Nights on Wednesdays, Thank You Thursdays with buy-oneget-one half off skate pass specials and Skating Under the Stars on Fridays with a discount on 2-packs — perfect for a couples night out. Saturday Night Socials will transform the rink into a colorful glow party with music and themed entertainment and Sunday Fundays will feature a special family 4-pack ticket bundle, including a complimentary offering that will enhance the experience along with games, giveaways and more. Whether it’s during the week or the weekend, the rink is this season’s go-to place to enjoy a night out with friends, take your special someone on a date or make family memories.

In addition, the team at Flight On Ice is excited to fill your calendar with extra special events for the upcoming holiday season, so save the date for Thanksgiving Eve skates, Santa Brunches and a New Year's Eve party you won’t want to miss!

It’s hard to believe that what was an empty lot just a few short months ago is being transformed into such a fun, vibrant winter wonderland for all ages. But the Flight On Ice folks and Edgmont Township officials worked hard, along with the deBotton family and National Realty Corporation to make it happen. This is the second year in a row that this rink has been installed in Edgmont, and is one of six rink locations planned to bring outdoor skating fun to communities in PA and NJ this season.

Flight On Ice’s location and its mission were made possible through a partnership between those two partners and the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association (DCVMA). Jon Schaffer said that the mission of Flight On Ice is to donate a significant portion of their proceeds to that worthy organization and other similar organizations that support veterans.

“We want to help shine a light on our veterans,” Jon explained. “Through our donations and our new community-partnering educational program last year, we’re able to help teach younger generations what it means to serve our country.”

A portion of the proceeds from both rink sales and sponsorships will benefit the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, located just blocks away from the rink. Last season, Flight On Ice raised over $55,000 for the DCVMA to support the memorial and local veterans in the community. The donations received from the ice rink were used to start an endowment program for the memorial managed by Lynch Investments. This season, the DCVMA will be creating a match program for all proceeds.

There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available at the rink, including a special educational-focused program that brings groups of school students out to the rink for a private skate session and complimentary refreshments, but more importantly, includes a visit to the Delaware County Veterans Memorial just a few blocks up the road where the students get a guided tour of the Memorial and learn first hand from a local veteran about those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

Jon said that local businesses are welcome to sponsor a field trip that they’ve branded their Skip and Skate event, to show their support and commitment to educating our youth. Interested community leaders, business owners and individuals should contact Flight On Ice for more information on how to become a sponsor.

The Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink is located at 4901 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, right next door to Starbucks and Bonefish Grill at the Shoppes at Marville. It will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays 4 – 8pm; Fridays 4 – 10pm; Saturdays 11am – 10pm; and Sundays 11am – 8pm. Hours are weather dependent. The rink is also available for private and semi-private events with a number of party packages to choose from.

For their current events calendar and for any weatherrelated closings, check their website and social media pages @ FlightOnIce and @FlightOnIceEdgmont. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.FlightOnIce.com. For more information about the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, visit www.DelcoVeteransMemorial.org.

Skaters taking the ice at Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink

by Steve Mostardi PCH Mostardi Nursery

Non-traditional Holiday Gifts

People often look for something different to give as holiday gifts. Blooming plants are always a great idea, either on their own or included in a gift basket. Cyclamen, paperwhites and amaryllis make lovely holiday gifts and offer something different from the traditional poinsettia. Giving these plants while they are in flower makes the most impact, but they can also be given as bulbs to your gardening friends to have the satisfaction of growing them on their own. Be sure to buy a few extra blooming plants for your own holiday décor!

Winter Container Gardens: Live vs. Cut

Since most gardens are not in their prime from November through February, adding colorful accents to steps, porches and pathways with winter container gardens is a way to bring interest closer to the home. While you can buy planted winter gardens ready to go, sometimes it’s good for folks to get creative and assemble their own containers to show off their personal style. The first step is to decide if you’d like to work with live plants or cut branches.

Live container gardens can include, but are certainly not limited to: ornamental grasses, small conifers such as Alberta spruce, heather, wintergreen and pansies. Use the concept of “thrillers, fillers and spillers” when creating a container display. Leave some room for the plants to fill in – both at the top

of the pot and in the soil below for the roots. Creating living containers can be a very artistic outlet – like choosing plants for their foliage textures and colors and how they contrast or blend with the colors of pansies or the red wintergreen berries. Containers using fresh cut plant material can easily last the entire winter season and creating them can be fun, spontaneous and whimsical. Options of what to include are numerous: fresh cut evergreen boughs, red- or yellow-stemmed dogwood and stems or branches from willow, birch or other trees with attractive bark. While all of these materials can be purchased, the best part is adding in finds from your own garden, such as an empty bird’s nest, or a fallen branch with the cones or fall color still on it. As a final touch for both types of containers, adding ornaments and/or twinkle lights can really make your creations shine –especially on dark days and early nights!

Living Christmas Trees

Living Christmas trees can be a focal point in your home, and in your garden, for years to come. When brought inside, place your tree in a water-tight container like a decorative tub or pail. Water your tree thoroughly and keep the root ball moist during the entire time it’s inside. Care should be taken when decorating – small, cool “twinkle lights” are recommended. For the health of the tree, it shouldn’t be inside for more than 5 to 7 days.

Publisher’s Note: How fortunate we are to have Steve Mostardi as our Plant & Garden Expert. Everyone knows Mostardi’s Nursery on West Chester Pike. And most know how well Steve and his staff can answer most any gardening question. But few may know our local Plant & Garden expert is regionally recognized and serves as a board member of the Philadelphia Horticultural Society - that brings us the Flower Show. Thank you Steve for your service to our region and for contributing your expertise through sponsorship of our hometown magazine. E

by Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

An interior paint job can be a great way to make your home feel brand-new, but how do you know when it’s the right time? Here are some top signs that it’s time for you to repaint your interior for a fresh perspective.

Walls Are Damaged

Chances are your walls are going to get damaged at some point. Small dents, holes and dings can be repaired with a quick touch-up coat on the damaged area. But larger issues like water leaks may require more drastic measures. If you notice water spots on your paint, first and foremost, call a plumber

to find and fix the source of the leak. Even if you paint over a water stain, it will just come back if you don’t fix the underlying problem first.

Colors Are Faded

As beautiful as natural sunlight is, over the years it can take its toll on your home, as exposure to light strips away color. Although it may take you a long time to notice, the same happens to your walls. Look around the edges of glass doors, windows and skylights to see if any sharp lines show where the paint color has faded away. A new paint color can make everything seem brighter, cleaner and newer.

Things Are Outdated

Times change, trends change and as much as you may have loved that paint color when you first put it on the walls, it may feel very outdated now. In the 1990s, many homeowners wanted red and yellow walls with wood accents to make their homes feel cozy and luxurious. Today those colors are almost unspeakable in the interior design world – everything is about grays and whites that keep things light and airy.

You’re Ready for a Change

Even aside from cultural fads, you may find that a color you once loved in a room doesn’t spark the joy it used to. Bold jewel tones and patterned accent walls can feel exciting and stylish when you first paint them. But over time, your taste may have changed and you might find yourself wishing you didn’t have to look at that color.

You’re Selling Your House

One of the best times to paint your interior is when you’re getting ready to put your house on the market. Bold colors and décor can be a great choice for your family, but during showings you want buyers to be able to see themselves living in the home.

When selling your house, plan to paint the interior walls to neutral shades. Whites and light grays are best, as these colors are relaxing, clean and easy for potential buyers to see themselves living with. If you want something a little warmer, you can also go for a nice beige color. Paint can change the entire feel of your house from top to bottom, and it’s not a job you should put off. E

Homes Recently Sold in Newtown Edgmont

Address Sold Price Beds Baths Sq. Ft. Acres

911 Pritchard Place, Newtown Township. . . . . . . $305,500 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1,135 . . . . 0.05

135 Parkview Way, Edgmont Township. . . . . . . . $1,479,481 . . . . . 5 . . . . 4.5 . . . . . 5,552 . . . . 0.52 710 Pritchard Place, Newtown Township. . . . . . . $300,000 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1,135 . . . . 0.05 3539 Runnymeade Drive, Newtown Township. . . . $900,000 . . . . . 5 . . . . 4.5 . . . . . 4,954 . . . . 0.46

653 Howe Court, Edgmont Township. . . . . . . . . $1,103,180 . . . . . 3 . . . . 2.5 . . . . . 2,790 . . . . 0.16 27 Langton Lane, Newtown Township. . . . . . . . $880,000 . . . . . 5 . . . . 4.5 . . . . . 5,344 . . . . 0.32 3802 Austin Place, Newtown Township. . . . . . . . $1,575,000 . . . . .4 . . . . 4.5+ . . . . 7,623 . . . . 0.35

407 Barrows Sheef, Edgmont Township. . . . . . . $1,263,253 . . . . .4 . . . . 4.5 . . . . . 5,330 . . . . 0.49 302 Whispering Brooke Drive, Edgmont Township. $550,000 . . . . . 3 . . . . 3.5 . . . . . 3,284 . . . . 0.04 505 Guinevere Drive, Newtown Township. . . . . . $775,000 . . . . .4 . . . . 4.5 . . . . . 3,814 . . . . 0.04 3527 Muirwood Drive, Newtown Township. . . . . . $645,000 . . . . .4 . . . . 3.5 . . . . . 3,957 . . . . 0.09 195 Carnoustie Way, Edgmont Township. . . . . . . $1,325,000 . . . . .6 . . . . . 5 . . . . . 6,722 . . . . 1.22 1267-1269 Gradyville Road, Edgmont Township. . . $650,000 . . . . .4 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 2,231 . . . . 4.25 117 Weatherburn Way, Edgmont Township. . . . . . $1,020,000 . . . . .4 . . . . 2.5 . . . . . 4,585 . . . . 0.48 2 Muirfield Court, Newtown Township. . . . . . . . $420,000 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 1,898 . . . . 0.09 210 Bakers Close, Edgmont Township. . . . . . . . . $1,150,210 . . . . . 5 . . . . . 4 . . . . . 3,036 . . . . 0.43

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

REAL ESTATE SPONSOR

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by Dan Flynn Flynn Tree Services

If you’ve never required the services of a tree service company, you may be unaware of the many services they provide.

TREE TRIMMING

Trimming can serve two purposes, hazard reduction and maintenance. Hazard reduction will get rid of branches that might compromise the structural integrity of the tree; maintenance can make your tree more aesthetically pleasing. Healthy trees provide value to a homeowner’s property and should always be cared for.

TREE REMOVAL

A residential tree crisis caused by natural disasters, excessive rainfall, high winds or tree decay can often throw a homeowner into the land of the unknown. A tree service company can remove a dead, ailing or problem tree quickly and safely, while taking special care to ensure that no other trees in the area are damaged in the process.

STORM CLEANUP

Summer storms or snowstorms can cause heavy damage to your trees and leave your property covered with branches and debris.

LAND CLEARING

Are you looking to prepare a tract of land for development? Maybe you need to clear your yard for the site of a future backyard pool, enhanced back porch or backyard dining area. These days the backyard has become an extension of living space, complete with outdoor living rooms and patio areas with outdoor fireplaces.

STUMP GRINDING

Stumps can be an unsightly blemish on an otherwise stately landscape. With the proper tools and equipment, a tree service company can grind the stump all the way to the ground level or tear it completely out, complete with roots!

TREE CABLING AND BRACING

Certain trees may lose their structural integrity due to pests, disease or weather. Cabling and bracing can provide support for a tree, preventing the need for tree removal, or at the very least in order to prolong the life and beauty of the tree.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

What would you do if a windstorm blew a tree onto your home and into your bedroom? Call a tree service company, and they can do what is necessary to render the hazardous tree or tree-related condition safe, until corrective measures can be performed.

DEBRIS REMOVAL

If you need large or small piles of tree and brush debris removed from your property, a tree service company can help with that too. E

Jack Del Pizzo Marple Newtown’s Expert CPA

by Eric Fante Fante Flooring

Box Stores vs. Small Businesses: Benefits of Buying from Smaller Retailers

Many people want to know why they should shop at a local retailer versus a big box store, where the price seems to be less. The truth is that the price may seem less, but there is a larger price to pay when the product is inferior, workmanship is sourced out and customer service is lacking.

Big box stores often sell inferior products that may contain defects, such as color inconsistencies and sizing defects. Many

times you will find boxes with defective pieces, which not only slows down installation time but also adds cost to the initial purchase price, due to the need to add more material. If you want something that will give you lasting performance, it makes sense to consider a higher-quality option. The old saying, "You get what you pay for," is a saying that certainly holds true in the flooring industry. In addition to ensuring high quality, specialty shops are regulated through state law, which has the highest standards for consumer product safety.

At smaller flooring retailers, the products sold are first quality, even at the builder-grade level. This ensures that customers can rely on the warranties and a smoother installation process. When you buy from a big box store, you may need to purchase extra material to make up for defective pieces. This can be avoided by purchasing higher-quality products from a specialty shop, and the savings can go toward a product upgrade instead. The better the product offered to you, the less waste you will incur.

Quality and installation go hand-in-hand. Local retailers typically use in-house installers or subcontractors that work exclusively for them. They have a vested interest in the company where they work, which in turn, provides quality craftsmanship. Big box stores outsource their work to outside installation companies and cannot regulate the quality of the installation.

When dealing with a small business, most of the time, you are dealing directly with the owner or a family member, not someone only worried about making a sale. Family-owned businesses are built on their reputations. Word of mouth is their main source of advertising. Educating customers on what products best fit their needs is key. A lot goes into a great finished product like subfloor conditions, moisture levels or just design esthetics. One thing is for certain, when you deal with a reputable small business, you can feel at ease that all corners will be covered.

Saturdays in November

Art at The Square Tavern & Arts Center

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

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

Time: 11am–5pm

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

Saturdays in November

Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Rd Newtown Square

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

Time: 1–4pm

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

Saturdays in November

Newtown Railroad Museum

@Drexel Lodge 4140 West Chester Pike

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: 1–4pm

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

Fri. November 11 Rain or Shine

Veterans Day Parade

@State Street State Street, Media

This annual parade to honor our Veterans begins at State and Jackson Streets, and finishes in front of the Delaware County Courthouse. Time: 11:11am Cost: FREE www.VisitMediaPA.com

Wed. November 16

Clara in a Time of War

@Newtown Township Bldg 209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square

Author Cindy McGroarty will do a program on Clara in a Time of War, a novel set in this area during the American Revolution. Time: 7pm

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

Fri. November 18 – Mon. February 27

Flight On Ice

@4901 West Chester Pike

Newtown Square

Newtown Square’s pop-up outdoor ice-skating rink is back and offers fun for the entire family. This winter wonderland features a 60' x 100' full-size outdoor skating rink, a heated hospitality tent with food, drinks and merchandise. Special events and live music are on the schedule to keep you entertained this winter. Time: Wed. and Thurs. 4–8pm; Fri. 4–10pm; Sat. 11am–10pm; Sunday 11am–8pm Cost: Check their website for current Season Pass, Family Pass and Individual Ticket pricing. 610-627-2100 www.FlightOnIce.com

Fri. November 18 – Sun. January 8

A Longwood Christmas @Longwood Gardens 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square

Visit A Longwood Christmas to celebrate botanical splendor in all its forms as they showcase the beauty and bounty of the natural world. Stroll amid floating floral designs, marvel at festive trees dressed in gilded garland to bold blooms and step into an extravagant floral shop complete with an exquisite window display. Outside, gaze upon botanically inspired light displays, explore enchanting treehouses, and find new features that are sure to delight. Timed admission tickets are required.

Time: 10am – 11pm Daily Cost: Adult $30; Seniors $27; Youth 5-18 years $16; Discounts for Military and College Students 610-388-1000 www.LongwoodGardens.org

Sun. December 4

St. Albans Circle Tree Lighting

@St. Albans Circle

Newtown Square

Kick off the Christmas season with hot chocolate, Christmas carolers, candy canes for kids and dance performances. Sweet and savory treats and select local stores will be open for holiday shopping. Donate non-perishable food items for St. Alban’s Episcopal Church’s food drive and unwrapped new children's toy for Toys for Tots. Santa Claus will arrive on a Newtown Township Volunteer Fire Company fire truck for the tree lighting.

Time: 5–7pm

Cost: FREE

Fri. December 9

Edgmont Township Tree Lighting and Food Drive

@Edgmont Township Community Park 800 Gradyville Rd, Newtown Square

Festivities include Santa on the Fire Truck, light refreshments, the collection of non-perishable food items and the lighting of the holiday tree. Food and item donations will be accepted at the Township building from November 1st—December 9th and donated to the local Delaware County food pantries. Time: 6:00–7:30pm Cost: FREE