Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine, December 2022

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

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, Jack Del Pizzo, TJ Warner, Rob Coughlin, Shawn Brown, Luke Anastasio

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.

ON THE COVER

Chip

Dear Friends & Neighbors, December is bringing colder chills, and darker days falling away to winter. But fear not people of good cheer, the Holiday Season is here! Dates set for holiday parties are coming closer just as the hol idays are coming closer together this year, with Hanukkah observed this year at the same time as Christmas.

The Festival of Lights, celebrated as the eight-day Jewish obser vance of Hanukkah, December 18th through December 26th to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple after it was reclaimed by the Jewish people in the second century BCE. While they expected a small amount of oil to light the temple for only a short time, the oil miraculously burned for a full eight nights.

Christmas and Hanukkah are historical observances that are spiritually significant to many of our friends and neighbors living in Newtown and Edgmont Townships. It’s wonderful that this Holiday Season our Jewish and Christian friends and neighbors will be joyfully Bringing People Together to celebrate their respective faith beliefs at the same time in our community.

2022 delivered up Bringing People Together in a big way with our successful launch of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine and our unique brand of socialmedia-in-print, also available online at www.TheNEMag.com.

We’re ending 2022 with a great new beginning thanks to our newest advertis ing Sponsor – The Vince May Team of Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach Realtors. Last month, when Ryan and Tori Sheridan’s family were our November issue cover and Resident Feature, it became clear that Tori and her mentor for real estate sales, team leader Vince May, could serve us well as our Real Estate Experts. Certainly! Look for Vince and Tori’s expertise related to buying and selling real estate through feature articles they’ll write and we’ll publish in 2023.

I cannot let this year end without thanking you for your kind feedback and support of our new publication, and ask for your support of our advertising Sponsors who make it possible for Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors to be mailed monthly to your home without cost and also published online at www.TheNEMag.com. Please add our Sponsors to your Christmas List this year just as I’ve added them to mine on page 13.

From the staff of your hometown magazine, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, to all our Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown friends and neighbors, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year 2023!

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents, It’s the season to celebrate! I am especially looking forward to spending the holidays surrounded by friends and family, and I hope you are as well. I have enjoyed sharing your stories over the past three months and look forward to meeting many more Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors in 2023.

This month's issue features Chip Miller and Joanne Hartley: Siblings who share their family’s story of hard work and steadfast commitment to our community. Our business profile features Newtown Square’s Scott’s Fireplace Products and their commitment to personal attention and professional service. We also share a special holiday sweet treat and explore the history and mystery of the many ZIP codes in Newtown Edgmont.

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

Sheila Turner-Hilliard Content Coordinator

Chip Miller & Joanne Hartley

Edgmont

Friends & Neighbors

Miller and Joanne Hartley at Den of Antiquity in Gradyville

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 Glass

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

by Shannon Lynn

Scott’s Fireplace Products: Keeping You Warm This Winter

Cooler weather calls for comfort, and there is no better place to be on a chilly night than snuggled up in your favorite chair, basking in the warmth of a cozy fireplace. If thoughts like these have you longing for winter weather, it may be time to pay a visit to Scott’s Fireplace Products in Newtown Square.

Conveniently located at 3137 West Chester Pike, Scott’s Fireplace Products specializes in gas fireplaces, from vent-free to vented to direct vent. They also offer custom glass door enclosures made for any type of fireplace, and a wide variety of decorative and functional accessories. Whether you’re in the market for a new gas fireplace or need to get your existing fireplace winter-ready, you can trust father and son Scott and Ray Magness and their team of expert installers, plumbers and service technicians.

If you have lived in our area for any amount of time, you will remember that Scott’s Fireplace Products was formally DeYoung’s Fireside Shoppe, which opened its doors in 1985. Robert DeYoung was the original owner of the fireplace company where the current owner, Scott Magness, worked as an installer. The Magness and DeYoung families had been close for many years, so when it came time in 2009 for Robert to step away from the business, Scott was there to make the smooth transition as the new owner.

Long before Scott began working for Robert DeYoung, he first became an expert plumber after learning the trade from his uncle. The value of working with his hands was instilled in Scott early, and in 1987, he started his own plumbing business, to serve the residents of Delaware County. Scott soon began adding gas fire place installations and service to his offerings, something most other plumbers avoided because installation can be complicated depending on the setup of the house, and the skills involved can be unique to gas fireplaces.

But Scott recognized a growing demand for gas fireplaces and customers looking for knowledgeable and reliable local gas fire place sales and service. That combination prompted him to specialize in gas fireplaces and eventually led him to work for Robert DeYoung and then become the owner of his own busi ness. “I really enjoy working with people and solving problems,” Scott said. “Many times people don’t know how gas lines are run so they ask me if I am sure that what they want can be done.” Scott assures his customers that it is not only possible, but it can also be done efficiently.

For the past 13 years, Scott said he has seen his business flourish in our community, and for the past 11 years, he has shared the joy with his son, Ray. Scott and his wife Sundey live in Havertown

Scott and Ray Magness, the father-and-son team behind Scott’s Fireplace Products

Some of the many items Scott’s Fireplace Products offers

Scott’s is located at 3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Photos

Photography Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

and have three grown sons: Ray, Colin and Troy. Their oldest son, Ray, attended Haverford High School and after gradua tion, he enrolled in several business courses that aligned well with his plans to join his father in the family business. Ray’s understanding of marketing and advertising, coupled with his appreciation for the value of labor, made him the perfect fit for the role of in-store sales and management.

Ray lives in Drexel Hill with his wife Amanda, their 8-yearold daughter Juliana, their 15-month-old daughter Lilian, and Milo, the family pup. While at work, Ray spends his days in the showroom, talking with prospective customers about their wants and needs. He particularly enjoys this aspect of the job because he has the opportunity to build a relationship with each customer. “I like talking to customers, learning their style, understanding their vision and getting a sense of what would work best in their home,” Ray explained. “My goal is to bring their vision to life and exceed their expectations when it comes to our products, installation and service.”

Unlike many large retail stores, Scott’s Fireplace Products has its own team of installers and service technicians. This personal approach and attention to quality service is something that Scott and Ray take very seriously. “It’s important to us that we are a one-stop shop,” Scott explained. “We provide the neces sary maintenance as an additional service so that the products we install will have a full and efficient life.”

From plumbing to gas fireplaces, working for DeYoung’s and eventually owning his own business that also includes sales and service of gas grills, Scott Magness has created an interesting and meaningful career. He and his son Ray, along with the team at Scott’s Fireplace Products look forward to keeping our community warm and cozy for many years to come. For more information, visit their showroom, call 484 422 8326 or visit their website: www.ScottsFireplaceProducts.com E

Chip Miller & Joanne Hartley:

This month, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is proud to highlight Elmer “Chip” Miller III and Joanne Hartley: siblings who are lifelong Gradyville residents with a rich history in our community.

The Millers’ ancestors first settled in Edgmont in the 1860s. In the 1920s, Chip and Joanne’s grandfather, Elmer Miller Sr., bought the property on the corner of Middletown and Gradyville Roads from his uncle. Back then, the property fea tured a trucking company and a small shop that sold items like gum, tobacco and newspapers primarily to truckers. “There was a larger general store across the street,” Chip explained. “When that closed in the late 1950s, our grandfather enclosed the porch of his home, which housed the smaller general store and expanded into our own family general store.”

“Our grandfather was a carpenter by trade,” Joanne explained. “But he was also a visionary and community advocate.” Joanne said that whenever their grandfather saw a need, he worked to provide a solution. When the local post

office needed to find a new location, he built a small build ing next to the general store. When their local school burned down in 1941, Elmer Miller, Sr. partnered with his good friend, Walter Jeffords, and raised money to form a local fire company, purchased the trucks and served as both President and Vice President for many years.

By the 1950s, their grandfather was elected a township super visor, and Chip and Joanne’s parents, Elmer “Bus” Miller Jr. and his wife, Marylou, took over the general store. Joanne said that she, Chip and their sister Linda, who passed away in 2004, loved helping at the store, stocking shelves and greet ing customers. “You could buy just about anything there and it was a fun place to hang out with our friends,” she said. “We also learned a lot about how to treat customers and the importance of community.”

By the 1970s, shopping habits quickly changed as supermar kets became more prominent and the Granite Run Mall was built. Realizing that the days of the general store were ending,

Joanne Hartley and Chip Miller in the Christmas Shop

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Marylou convinced her husband to go into the antiques business. She was already collecting antique items as a hobby and learning about them from experts in the field. In just a few short years, their Den of Antiquity became the place to go for unique and beautiful crystal, estate jewelry, clocks, vinyl records, lamps, vintage Halloween and Thanksgiving decor and Christmas items.

As Bus and Marylou grew older, Chip and Joanne stepped up to help, learning more about their parents’ business. When Bus died at age 79 in 2009, Marylou continued working at the store and running an antiques appraisal show for local community groups. When Marylou passed away in 2016, Chip and Joanne were already operating the store.

Chip said that his parents poured many hours into the family business but also took time to bring the community together for social events and community projects. “My mother orga nized bingo and card nights and hosted banquets and dances,” he said. In addition, Marylou volunteered with the Edgmont Township Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary. She also was a founder and charter member of the Okehocking Heritage Society, dedicated to preserving the history of Edgmont Township. Chip said, “Our parents raised us to know that it was our duty to give back and actively participate to improve our community.”

Chip followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and became an active member of the fire department when he was 16 years old. He quickly rose through the ranks and became Vice President, then President. When it came time to add more firetrucks and garage bays, Chip went to the township to ask for financial support. After a public hearing held by the super visors, a fire tax was approved by elected officials. Being a part of this process and attending township meetings inspired Chip to run for a township supervisor position. Chip served as an elected Township Supervisor for three six-year terms, and most of that time was spent as Chairman. He has also served 25 years as a member of the Edgmont Township Planning Commission, the majority of that time serving as Chairman.

Recently retired from medical sales, Chip, a 1975 graduate of St. James High School and a trained paramedic, lives with his wife Meg in a home next door to the store where he spends most of his time. Joanne, a 1976 graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School, recently retired from a 44-year career as a dental assistant, as well as working four days at the store. She also lives down the road. The siblings have been the owners/opera tors for six years, although they grew up living and breathing

The Miller’s General Store Photo courtesy of Chip Miller

the business.

Joanne said that Marylou passed her extensive knowledge of antiques through stories and hands-on experience. “Every time mom would come home from a trip to buy items, she would sit us all down at the kitchen table to explain where they came from, why they’re considered antiques and how she deter mined the value,” she explained. “We would touch and feel each piece, examine them thoroughly and help her set them up for display.”

Chip added that Marylou also became an expert in dolls and often visited the world-renowned Mary Merritt Doll & Toy Museum in Douglassville, PA. “Our mother became fast friends with Marjorie Darrah, who was the museum curator and president of Merritt’s Antiques,” he said. “Marjorie was a pillar in the industry.”

In addition to every kind of antique item imaginable, the shop has a “Christmas room” on the first floor, which welcomes vis itors of all ages. Many of the vintage Christmas holiday items are from Marylou’s own personal collection. Upstairs, there is an entire floor of holiday items that became the inspiration for a Letters to Santa mailbox inside the store. “A little girl came into our shop one day and thought our Christmas room on the second floor was Santa’s workshop,” Joanne explained.

“When the young girl came back for another visit with her parents, she placed a letter to Santa in a sleigh up there.” Every Christmas season, Chip and Joanne make sure the letters get back to the children’s parents in time for Santa’s annual arrival.

Under Chip and Joanne’s leadership, the Den of Antiquity has continued to thrive year-round and attract customers from all over the map. They add to the shop’s impressive collection of inventories by appraising estates, purchasing items and occa sionally shopping yard sales for unique finds. The inventory is constantly changing, with new items added almost daily. Joanne noted that most items in the store are from the 1960s or earlier. Browsing and looking can take a while because Chip estimates the shop has anywhere from 10-15,000 items. “Over the years we’ve learned that there is a buyer for everything,” Chip said. “We take great pride in offering affordable items for any size budget.”

“Our favorite part is getting to know our customers and helping them discover pieces that are meaningful to them,” Joanne said. “Chip and I enjoy sharing the stories and the history behind the items, so our customers have even more reason to appreciate and cherish their finds.” Sharing the stories behind each piece also helps Chip and Joanne honor their parent’s hard work and continue their legacy.

Thank you, Chip and Joanne, for sharing your family’s story and steadfast commitment to improving our community. On behalf of your Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

Publisher’s Note: Do you know a family, individual or nonprofit goup in Newtown, Edgmont or Willistown Towsnhip 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

Downtown Gradyville in the early 1940s

Photo courtesy of Chip Miller

END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 2022

Personal tax returns (1040) are due on April 18, 2023 (usually April 15th), with Partnerships (1065) and S-Corporations (1120-S) both being required to file by March 15th. These dates can be automatically extended for six months. Filing for a federal extension automatically extends the Pennsylvania return due date as well.

First, review your 2021 tax return to see what income and deductions you reported previously, to get a better idea of what you need to complete your returns this year. The most common documents for individual filers are as follows:

Form W 2: A report of salary and withholdings from your employer

Form 1099: Payments made to you during the year for services

Form 1099 B: Investing or trading accounts, including cryptocurrency, will need a report of capital gains from sales and any interest or dividends. Most investment firms will mail you a Form 1099 Consolidated that will have all the needed information.

Form 1098 T: If you’re a parent, you may have tax documents for tuition payments and interest, or scholarships payments received in 2022.

There were several significant tax changes for 2022. For those focused on saving for retirement, the maximum contribution

by Jack Del Pizzo, CPA Del Pizzo & Associates

limits for your 401(k) increased from $19,500 to $20,500. Investors over 50 years of age can take advantage of the increase in “catch-up” contributions, allowing for up to an additional $6,500 into their 401(k). The maximum deduction to an IRA remains at $6,000, plus a $1,000 “catch up.” Remember, IRA contributions must be made by April 18, 2023. Keep these amounts in mind when deciding where to allocate funds for retirement.

If you’re looking to make capital expenditures for your busi ness or real estate, the clock on utilizing the 100% bonus depreciation benefits from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has begun to tick; 2022 is the last year in which qualified improve ments can be fully expensed in a single year. Starting in 2023, the 100% deduction of the cost of a qualified improvement is being reduced to 80%. In each following year, the special depreciation deduction will be reduced by 20% until it is phased out completely.

Although accelerated depreciation will still be around thanks to Section 179, there are some key differences to bonus depre ciation that make it attractive. A Section 179 deduction can't exceed the amount of annual income for a business, meaning excess losses cannot be deducted or carried forward. Bonus depreciation however is not restricted by business income and can be carried forward as a tax deduction for future years. So if you are planning an expansion and want to take accelerated depreciation, there will not be a better time than now. E

Jack Del Pizzo

Marple Newtown’s Expert

by Bob Blaisse, Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

Bob’s Annual Christmas List for Our Sponsors

Do We Realize How Blessed We Are

By Those Who Are Bringing People Together?

Around the holidays, parents are quick to find simple gifts for their children to give to their Teachers. And people of goodwill remember their Letter Carriers and Trash Collectors with tips for their faithful service all year. Most of us will make end-of-year gifts to our churches, synagogues and charities we support. Some even give extra tips to restaurant staff who have served them all year long. It’s right. Those who serve, deserve our thanks. So this year, let’s also remember our hometown Sponsors.

Think about our advertising Sponsors of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors. Imagine one of them saying to me, “This business supports my family, and we are blessed by the loyalty of our customers.” And then imagine that same business owner asking me, “How can I thank our customers? What gift can I give them to show them how important they are to the success of our business all year long?”

If I were asked that question by an advertising Sponsor, I would tell them, “Your customers already know you value them, and you have been giving them a gift all year long: their hometown magazine, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, which they love receiving in the mail every month for free, thanks to you.” It’s true. The gift of hometown pride and Bringing People Together, through our special brand of social media in print, is only possible by the annual support of all the businesses that

you see every month advertising on these pages. Maybe we should be thinking about a gift for those hometown heroes.

Our Sponsors are on my Christmas List, and I am asking you to put them on yours too. Pick out a few. Find their ad in our magazine and make the effort, visit them, or call them to tell them, “Thank you for making our hometown magazine possi ble.” And consider, as your personal show of gratitude, gifting them with your business before this year ends. Buy an item, or buy a gift card or gift certificate for goods or services offered by some Sponsor of this magazine, which you enjoy receiving in the mail every month for free.

Pick a few Sponsors listed on this page, add them to your Christmas List, and Shop Local for a Christmas gift this year for someone. Do it with hometown pride, knowing that your pur chase makes our hometown magazine possible for another year.

Stop By… And Make a Purchase! When they say Thank you for your business, tell our Sponsors: No… Thank You… for sponsoring our hometown. E

Bob Blaisse Publisher Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

by Luke Anastasio DriGanic Carpet Cleaning

Protecting Your Floors from Winter

As we enter the winter and holiday season, weather changes will inevitably follow. In November, we all got our first taste of the cool mornings yet beautiful after noons. Inevitably, the daylight will continue to dwindle and the frost will soon move in. So it is of utmost importance this time of year to protect your floors — especially your carpets — from precipitation, dirt and leaves that foot traffic and pets will track in.

Vacuuming on a regular basis is the best way to clean, protect and extend the life of carpeting. However, it is not recom mended that you vacuum a wet surface. So how can you protect your carpets when they continually get wet? Protect your entrances and exit doors with either a throw rug, runner or even a moving blanket. Yes, you read that correctly, a moving blanket (sometimes called furniture padding).

Experts recommend that you use moving blankets in front of high-traffic entrances, as well as in front of doggie doors. Why you may ask? First, they are thick and durable, so dogs and excessive use won’t easily destroy them. Second, they are inex pensive and replaceable. You can purchase a 4 x 6' moving blanket for as little as $4.99 at any area hardware store. Third, they are washable, so when they get heavily soiled, you can just pop them in the washer and they’re good to go, like new!

Placing moving blankets or runners in high-traffic areas — particularly those leading to and from the outdoors — will drastically reduce the soil that is tracked into your home. This will greatly improve the life of your carpet. Of course, you can use this same method to protect your hard surfaces from unnecessary exposure to moisture, such as tile (along with its easily discolored grout), vinyl flooring and wood.

It’s always a great idea to protect these entrances from the ele ments, but don’t be afraid at this time of year to protect your decorative throw rugs by using an inexpensive yet functional option like moving blankets.

Best wishes to everyone for a great holiday season and a spec tacular 2023! E

calendar of events

Saturdays in Winter

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

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 website for current Season Pass, Family Pass & 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 gild ed garland to bold blooms and step into an extrava gant 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 $16; Discounts for Military & College Students 610-388-1000 www.LongwoodGardens.org

Daily December 2 – January 1

The Festival of Lights

@Rose Tree Park 1671 N Providence Rd, Media

Rose Tree Park sparkles at night with its annual Festival of Lights display. Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere. A treasured Delco tradition for more than four decades, The Festival of Lights provides a perfect opportunity to get in the holiday spirit with friends and family or take a sweetheart stroll after dinner. The 2022 Festival of Lights opens with a brief Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 2, at 5:00 PM. Time: 5 – 10pm Cost: FREE

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 lo cal 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 New town 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

Wed. January 18

Documentary on Ellis School @209 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Township Bldg. Documentary on Ellis School with producer/director Louise Miller Time: 7:00 pm Cost: FREE (donations accepted!) www.NSHistory.org

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

The History and Mystery Behind Our ZIP Codes

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Have you ever stopped to wonder why there are so many ZIP Codes in Edgmont Township? Perhaps you haven’t thought about it, or maybe you already know. Which one do you use: 19073, 19342, 19063, 19028 or 19039? Either way, we’re going to take a few minutes to explore the history behind how ZIP Codes came to be, what the sequence of numbers means and why there are so many in Edgmont.

First, we need to go back to the early 1960s. As many postal service workers went off to war, post offices were left struggling with the significant increase in the number of letters, advertise ments and bills being sent to households across the country. The sudden increase in volume was because companies had begun using computers to send automated mailings and billing statements.

Recognizing a need to improve the speed and accuracy of mail delivery, the Postal Service created the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) in 1963. The ZIP was introduced on July 1, 1963 as part of a larger plan called the Nationwide Improved Mail Service (NIMS) that included a new, less time-consuming mechanical sorting system.

ZIP Codes were determined by breaking the five digits into sec tions. The first digit, (0-9) identified one of ten areas of the country, the second 2 digits indicated either the State, a portion of a heavily populated State, or two or more less-populated States. The fourth and fifth digits identified the smaller city post office that delivered mail to your address.

A nationwide print and television campaign was launched to make the public aware of the new ZIP Code system and to encourage them to start using ZIP Codes to speed up mail delivery. Two of the most popular campaigns were the creation of the cartoon character, Mr. ZIP and a catchy tune performed by the popular singing group, The Swingin’ Six.

“You know you’ve got to have a ZIP Code on the envelope, a ZIP Code so you won’t just have to hope. A ZIP Code morning, noon and night and everything will be alright.”

So, what do our area ZIP Codes mean? Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York all share the number 1 as the first digit in their ZIP Codes, whereas folks living in Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska share the number 6 as the first number in their ZIP Codes. The next two digits in our area (90 or 93) repre sent the larger sorting station area and, depending on which post office is delivering your mail, your ZIP Code ends in 73

(Newtown Square), 63 (Media), 42 (Glen Mills), 28 (Edgemont Post Office Boxes only), or 39 (Village of Gradyville Post Office Boxes only).

Our Resident Feature story this month highlights Chip Miller whose family has deep roots in our area. He explained, “Within our township, there are three rural delivery post offices; Media, Newtown Square and Glen Mills. Folks who want their mail delivered to their homes use 19063, 19073 or 19342 ZIP Codes.” He then explained that the lesser known 19028 is for residents with a Post Office Box in the Edgemont Post Office, and 19039 for Post Office Boxes in the Village of Gradyville Post Office.

When ZIP Codes overlap townships and counties, things can get confusing, and it’s not just when ordering pizza delivery. “There are many streets in Newtown Township and Edgmont Township that share the same name like Chestnut, Walnut and Locust Streets,” Chip explained. “It’s important to remember that if you have to call 911 in an emergency you tell the dis patcher which township you live in, otherwise help may be directed to the wrong house.”

Just like advancements in technology, our ZIP Codes are evolving. In 1983, the USPS expanded ZIP Codes further by introducing the ZIP+4 system. This nine-digit system added four numbers to everyone's ZIP Code, identifying the side of the street for an address or, in the case of some very large build ings, the part of the building where the addressee is located. This allowed more detailed sorting, so postal carriers could get your mail to you more quickly. These days, ZIP Codes are being used to create Geocodes to pinpoint an exact location that can be used for deliveries, data analytics and more tar geted marketing campaigns.

But the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just listen to Ethel Merman who sang it best to the tune of Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah...

“Welcome to Zip Codes, learn it today. Send your mail out the five-digit way.” E

by Shawn Brown Stars & Stripes Tactical

Safety

With the holidays right around the corner, remember to think about safety when you’re out and about shopping, visiting or taking part in other holiday events. With so much to do, it’s easy to forget about paying attention to your surroundings. However, now more than ever it’s crucial to pay attention to what is going on around you, and to generally be aware of any potential threats or unsafe situa tions. Safety is a job for all of us. Think of the word SAFETY as an acronym to remind you how to be as safe as possible.

S is for Secure - Are your safety devices secure, and out of reach of children and others? This is job number one for any safe home and responsible ownership.

A is for Actions - Hopefully you will never need to but it’s important that you’re ready to take defensive action if needed. Having a plan for you and your family’s protection is key to enjoying a safe holiday season.

F is for Friends and Family - Protecting your home, your family, your friends and your neighborhood are important parts of feeling safe and secure any time of year. Making sure your safety devices are accessible to you when needed, yet away from those who should not have access to them, is your responsibility.

E is for Education - Responsible ownership means being edu cated on how to properly use the items you have in place for safety. If it’s a firearm, be educated in its proper usage. Take it apart and clean it. Practice at the range to get a feel for it.

T is for Training - Be sure to get some training on how your particular product works, what it is and isn’t appropriate for and most importantly, how to use other actions first, before having to use it.

Y is for Your Plan - The first part of your plan must include both you and each member of your family being aware of escape options. Be aware of various escape routes or hiding places no matter where you are.

Keeping yourself and all those around you safe is the best present you can give to those you care about. Wishing you, your family and your friends all a very wonder ful holiday season! E

by TJ Warner JHL Landscaping

Add Interest to

Winter Landscaping

Even when winter’s cold and snowy weather has taken over, a beautiful landscape is still possible. Here are some ideas on how to highlight winter's quiet, special beauty in your yard.

Four-Season Perennials

Many perennials feature year-round, attractive foliage, making them a great option for winter landscaping. Even here in the colder northeast, perennials such as black-eyed Susan and tall sedum offer attractive seed heads that can add visual interest to your winter landscape, provided you leave them alone until spring.

Boxes, Baskets and Containers

Wintertime is the perfect time to dress up window boxes, hanging baskets and containers with cold weather plants, dec orations and sprigs such as spruce, broadleaf evergreen shrubs, holly boughs and rhododendron. These live plants need to be watered even though it’s winter. Just avoid watering them when it’s below freezing.

Bark is Beautiful

Because deciduous trees shed their leaves for winter, their branches and trunks can become a beautiful work of art. Many smaller deciduous trees and shrubs are easier to find spots for in your landscape. Some favorites include dogwoods and birch trees, which offer outstanding winter color and texture.

Think Berries

Holly bushes with their shiny green leaves and red berries are a natural choice for winter and holiday color. But there are many other trees and shrubs that have berries that remain

throughout the fall and winter as well. In fact, Crabapple trees make a great addition to your winter landscape, since most of their fruit remains throughout the winter.

Ever Popular Evergreens

Did you know that evergreens, the quintessential winter choice for landscaping, come in colors other than green? There are some that are a beautiful yellow with green, and others like the Blue Spruce is blue, like the name says.

Your Hardscape Can Be Your Focus

In many cases, the solution to enhancing your winter landscap ing may not be plant related at all. This is the best time to think about your hardscaping options. Consider adding an arbor, a garden bench or even a sculpture. Or perhaps something even bigger like a paver or gravel path, a patio or deck or even some built-ins. E

Homes Recently Sold in Newtown Edgmont

0.43

444 Washington Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $230,000 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1 . . . . . 836 . . . . 0.14

4256 Fairview Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $665,000 . . . . .4 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 2,828 . . . . 0.64 1160 Hedgerow Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,021,101 . . . . . 5 . . . . 4.5 . . . . . 6,311 . . . . 0.73 3427 Tyson Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $650,000 . . . . .4 . . . . 2.5 . . . . . 2,322 . . . . 0.48

610 Autumn Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $434,000 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 1,412 . . . . 0.18

3151 Woods Edge Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $610,000 . . . . .4 . . . . 3.5 . . . . . 3,236 . . . . 0.14

1700 N Ridley Creek Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800,000 . . . . . 3 . . . . 3.5 . . . . . 3,168 . . . . 2.15

1 Paxon Hollow Road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $520,000 . . . . . 3 . . . . 2.5 . . . . . 2,142 . . . . 0.99

2805 Half Mile Post S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$415,000 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 2,055 . . . . 0.14

3 Clark Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $565,000 . . . . .4 . . . . 2.5 . . . . . 2,440 . . . . . 1.11 19 Hutton Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575,000 . . . . . 3 . . . . . 2 . . . . . 2,011 . . . . 0.18 1293 Naamans Creek Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $359,900 . . . .

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.

Why is Newtown Square in Delaware County? The Battle of Turks Head

by Doug Humes

Following the American Revolution, a civil war took place in Chester County. The county seat was the town of Chester, on the Delaware River, equally inconvenient to everyone in the huge county other than the locals. Court was held there, and

The Turks Head Inn at High and Market streets.

Public Domain Postcard

Chester County as it existed during the American Revolution (outlined in yellow).

Marple Historical Society

voting was done there – a long trip before cars and trains. As the population moved west, a movement formed to “remove” the county seat to a more convenient location: Turks Head. What was Turk’s Head? A village with a crossroads tavern by

An ad in the Pennsylvania Gazette of July 22, 1789, giving notice of the petition seeking the creation of Delaware County.

Public Domain Newspaper

Typical tavern signs of the type that would have hung outside the building.

Wikipedia –public domain

that name that one opponent called “that elegant and notori ous place vulgarly called the Turk’s Head, a place as unfit for the general convenience, and much more so, than any one spot that might be pointed out …”

The two factions battled back and forth in the legislature. One law autho rized the “removal,” and the removalists began constructing a new courthouse near the tavern in late 1784. Walls were built before winter halted construction. Meanwhile, the forces of Chester, the “anti-removalists” had the legislature pass a new law in March, forbidding removal. “The people generally in the neighborhood of Chester, had been violently opposed from the beginning to the projected removal, and a number now resolved to demolish the walls already erected.” The Chester lads assembled with arms and a small cannon, and began marching to Turks Head – stopping at the Greentree Tavern for the night for refreshments. Meanwhile, at Turks Head, the leaders put out word for men to come to the defense of the town. “Grog and rations were freely distributed, and a pretty respectable force was soon upon the ground.”

The Chester boys marched into town and assembled in battle line near the Quaker Meeting House. The defenders had boarded up the windows of the courthouse walls, leaving holes from which their muskets poked out at the attackers. For several hours they faced off, neither side wanting to fire the first shot. Cooler heads prevailed – some ‘pacific” locals negoti ated a truce – the Chester attackers would be allowed inside to inspect the new building, provided they then agreed to go home peacefully. The cannon that had pointed towards the walls was turned around and fired off to celebrate the peace treaty.

The legislature fixed the issue permanently – in 1789 the eastern townships were given their own county – Delaware County –and the western townships remained in Chester County, giving their county seat a more respectable name: “West Chester.”

For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit our website a www.NSHistory.org. E

Home for the Holidays: Sharing Special Traditions

From traditional family gatherings to surviving long shopping mall lines, this holiday season is shaping up to be one reminiscent of years gone by. Our hearts are filled with joy and good cheer, and the magic — or madness — of the season has returned! ’Tis the season to celebrate, and of course, indulge.

Welcome to Amy’s kitchen! Amy Pasnak has lived in the Runnymeade Farms section of Newtown Square for the past 13 years with her husband Erik and their two daugh ters, Emma and Sophie. Amy says she loves this area because it’s not only family friendly and inclusive, it’s super convenient to Center City Philly where they enjoy seeing shows and going to dinner.

Amy loves family traditions, especially during the holi days. Amy said that some of her fondest memories were the times she spent in the kitchen with her mom. “I was my mom’s “sous chef,” helping her cook for holidays,” she said. “We had so much fun laughing, singing and cooking, and I still make a lot of the same recipes from all those years ago.” Amy’s mom still loves to cook, and she spends a lot of time in the kitchen with her grand daughters Emma and Sophie. She even created an In the Kitchen with Mimi cookbook for them, complete with recipes and pictures of them cooking together.

Today, Amy shares a recipe that has become a tradi tion for her family for both Hanukkah and Christmas. “I am Jewish and Erik is Catholic,” she explained. “Our girls are being raised Jewish, but in our home, we are lucky to celebrate both holidays.” Sufganiyot is a fried, round jelly-filled doughnut, eaten in Israel and around the world during Hanukkah. Foods fried in oil hold special meaning because they symbolize the miracle of when oil enough to burn for only one night burned for eight nights in the ancient Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

A cross between a beignet and a jelly doughnut, sufgani yot are traditionally filled with jelly or jam, but the filling options are limitless: custard, pudding, pumpkin butter, apple butter, or dulce de leche are all great options. Sufganiyot are also delicious plain. Amy said that on Christmas morning, her family enjoys sufganiyot filled with vanilla pudding and drizzled with chocolate.

Sufganiyot

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Tbs active dry yeast

• ½ C warm water (100 – 110º)

• ¼ C plus 1 tsp sugar, plus more for rolling

• 2½ C all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

• 2 large eggs

• 2 Tbs unsalted butter at room temperature

• ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

• 2 tsp salt

• 3 C vegetable oil, plus more for bowl

• 1 C seedless raspberry jam

DIRECTIONS:

• In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water and 1 tsp. sugar. Set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes.

• Place flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Add eggs, yeast mixture, ¼ cup sugar, butter, nutmeg and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a sticky dough forms. On a well-floured work surface, knead until dough is smooth, soft, and bounces back when poked with a finger (about 8 minutes). Add more flour if necessary. Place in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place to rise until doubled (1 to 1½ hours).

• On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough to ¼" thickness. Using a 2½" round cutter or drinking glass, cut 20 rounds. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 15 minutes.

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil until a deep-frying thermometer registers 370º. Using a slotted spoon, carefully slip 4 rounds into the oil. Fry until golden (about 40 sec.). Turn doughnuts over; fry until golden on the other side (another 40 sec.). Using a slotted spoon, transfer doughnuts to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Roll in sugar while warm. Fry all remaining dough, and roll in sugar.

• Fill a pastry bag fitted with a #4 tip with jam or your choice of filling. Using a wooden skewer or toothpick, make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fit the pastry tip into the hole, then pipe about 2 teaspoons of filling into the doughnut. Repeat with remaining doughnuts.

• Serves 8

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard Photo courtesy of Amy Pasnak

by Rob Coughlin RPC Services, LLC

Now that the leaves have changed, and that beautiful tapestry of color is gone, beware. As those color ful leaves changed and fell, they ended up on most homes’ roofs and into your gutters. Soon the snow will fall and create an even more beautiful scene, but again beware of nature's wrath under all that beauty. Here are some things you can look into in order to prepare your home and roof for the winter deep freeze:

• Take a look at your roof or have it professionally inspected for missing shingles, flashings, vents/stack penetrations, siding transitions and chimney wash deterioration.

• Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clean and free of all debris/leaves.

• Check to make sure there’s no roof damage from pests –birds, insects or squirrels and other rodents.

• Make sure the gutters are properly pitched to the downspouts to ensure that they carry the water away from the house.

• Check your interior ceilings for any damage due to leaks. Water stains on the ceiling are a good indication of roof leaks.

• Eliminate any tree branches that hang over your roof to avoid wind and snow damage from them.

• Have your siding/stucco inspected for missing pieces, flashings, rotted trim work or cracking.

• Make a plan ahead of time to remove snow from your roof. Snow and ice build up on your roof could cause ice dams which can damage your roof and lead to costly repairs.

• Have your roof replaced if it shows major signs of damage, staining, buckling or other obvious signs.

The winters in our area can be long and brutally cold, so pro tecting your roof is the first line of defense in protecting your most valued asset, your home. The roofing season in the past many years has extended well into December but as always the weather is unpredictable. Don’t wait until it's too late, make sure your home is “Roof Proof” for the winter. I hope everyone has a happy and joyous holiday season! E