Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine, April 2023

Rafferty Subaru has partnered with Partners in Outreach, an all-volunteer group dedicated to improving the lives of children residing in Chester County.

Family owned since 1977!

PUBLICATION TEAM

PUBLISHER: Bob Blaisse

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Lisa Jeffries

CONTENT COORDINATOR: Sheila Turner-Hilliard

DESIGNER: Kim Cesati

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Deb Putter www.DebPutterPhotography.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Sheila TurnerHilliard, Holly Stupak, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Kaitlin Battiste, Scott Magness, Deborah M. Truscello, Lou Matteo, Rick Bondurant, Dave Gura, Lew Gura, David Linn Cook, Joe Soster

ADVERTISING

Contact Publisher: Bob Blaisse

Email: BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

Phone: 610-453-5536

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS

Have feedback or questions about how to submit events, updates, ideas for articles, high resolution photos, etc.? We will do our best to include as much community information as space permits. Please contact our Content Coordinator Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINES

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

ON THE COVER

The Putter Family hiking in Okehocking Preserve

Friends & Neighbors

Dear Friends & Neighbors, April is springing new leaves on trees, flowers in time for Easter, yellow daffodils that seem to be everywhere and a countdown for that first cut of greener grass growing longer.

You’re also holding April growth in your hands with this new issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors that feels a bit heavier. With four more pages this month, this new April issue of your hometown magazine is springing out too.

Our page count accommodates a few more ads published with gratitude to those purpose-driven businesses that recognize our magazine is good for our community they know is important to their business success. And with this page count increase we’re able to also add more features about Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown residents, local history, non-profit groups, youth and upcoming local events.

Our page count growth means more advertising Sponsors are supporting our mission to be Bringing People Together through our unique brand of social-media-in-print. We need your support too. Reach out to Sheila with your ideas for future feature articles, and consider rewarding our advertising Sponsors with your business in gratitude for the loyalty they are showing they have for our community and homeowners like you.

Two new iconic business brands join us as our newest advertising Sponsors this month. Both are known by all, but for vastly different services to many for many years. One is Riddle Village Lifecare Retirement Community. Everyone has known someone who has called Riddle Village home. And who better than Riddle Village VP, Kristen Lamanna to also serve us as our new Expert Contributor of feature articles of interest to aging seniors (and their adult children), on matters related to Continuing Care Retirement. Welcome Kristen. We’re grateful for Riddle Village’s sponsorship of our community. (Look for Riddle Village’s first ad on page 9, and Kristen’s first feature article coming in June.)

Our other new Sponsor this month is J&K Trash Removal, which for more than 80 years has been operating their family owned and operated waste removal business for our wider community from their homebase in Gradyville (Edgmont Township). J&K President John Blosinski has also agreed to serve as our Expert Contributor of articles he’ll write from his vast, eco-friendly expertise, on matters of recycling and safe and secure best practices for Commercial & Residential Trash Removal. (Look for J&K’s first ad on our back cover, and John Blosinski’s first Expert Contributor feature article in next month’s issue.)

Growth is all around us this month. Even in our new April issue I know you’ll enjoy reading this month thanks to all our advertising Sponsors who make it all possible. Enjoy the Spring. Wishing all a Happy Passover and a Happy Easter.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents,

Fresh air, flowers and meteor showers? That’s right! Keep your eyes to the skies the evenings of April 21st and 22nd to catch the Lyrid meteor shower. Located close to the bright star of Vega, Lyrids are known for surges that can bring up to 100 meteors per hour!

This month, we are busy little peeps as we gather to celebrate Easter, Passover and Earth Day. Be sure to check out the Calendar of Events on page 17 for lots of family activities. Our Resident Feature is the Putter Family, whose love for family, fun and fresh air will put a spring in your step. We also feature Del Pizzo & Associates, our Sponsor, and trusted tax and financial advisors for over 25 years, and introduce you to Lisa Borowski, our newly-elected PA State Representative dedicated to serving the needs of our community.

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

Commercial & Residential Trash Removal

John Blosinski

J & K Trash Removal, Inc.

Gradyville, PA

610-497-3800

www.JandKTrash.com

CustomerService@JandKTrash.com

Continuing Care Retirement Community

Kristen Lamanna

Riddle Village

610-891-3700 kristen@riddlevillage.com

www.RiddleVillage.org

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 & Mirror Services

David Gura & Lew Gura

Bryn Mawr Glass

729 West Chester Pike, Havertown

610-853-2990

BrynMawrGlass@yahoo.com

www.BrynMawrGlass.com

Landscape Design & Landscaping

TJ Warner

JHL Landscaping

610-356-4104 • TJ@JHLlandscaping.com

www.JHLLandscaping.com

Plant & Garden

Steve Mostardi

Mostardi Nursey

4033 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

610-356-8035 • Steve@Mostardi.com

www.Mostardi.com

Plumbing Service, Residential / Commercial

Rick Bondurant

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing Media

610-566-0288 • RFBPlumbing@comcast.net

www.RFBondurant.com

Real Estate Sales

Vince May / Tori Sheridan

BHHS Fox & Roach / Vince May Team

Media / Glen Mills • 610-662-6859

Vince@VinceMayTeam.com

Tori@VinceMayTeam.com

www.VinceMayTeam.com

Roofing & Siding

Rob Coughlin RPC Services

Edgmont 484-428-3504 • Info@ServicesByRPC.com

www.ServicesByRPC.com

Tree Trimming & Removal

Dan Flynn

Flynn Tree Services

Newtown Square

610-850-2848 • Sales@Flynn-Landscaping.com

www.FlynnTreeServices.com

Waterproofing & Weatherization

David Linn Cook and Joe Soster

Waterproofing One

Marple Newtown Edgmont 800-508-4144

Info@WaterproofingOne.com

www.WaterproofingOne.com

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Del Pizzo & Associates A

Providing Quality, Financial Guidance

Personalized for Business Owners

Right about now, you’re probably wading through piles of receipts, struggling to understand ever-changing tax laws and attempting to fill out your annual return. It’s a daunting task, one that can be frustrating and eat up more hours than you have to devote to it. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone.

For over 27 years, Del Pizzo & Associates has been providing quality, personalized financial guidance to individuals and businesses. Their expertise ranges from basic tax management and accounting services to more in-depth services such as audits, financial statements and financial planning. Located in Broomall, Owner Jack Del Pizzo, CPA, and his team’s mission is to help clients build and maintain financial success in the present while taking a proactive approach to achieve future goals.

That type of positive outlook is evident as you meet members of the team. Sales Coordinator Marie Russell reminds the staff to start every single day and every single phone call with a smile. From the administrative staff and the bookkeeping team to the professional staff led by Jack’s right-hand man, Emile Cianfranni, clients will be welcomed, heard and serviced with the highest standards and personal touch.

With tax season already well under way and the constantly changing laws, it’s easy to get confused and frustrated. Jack and his team are here to help. “We are knowledgeable and up to date on the tax laws,” explains Jack. “Our expertise, experience and constant training allow us to optimize financial opportunities.” Tax implications and laws don’t take a break when you retire, either. When you choose to do your retirement planning with Del Pizzo & Associates, you will be guided through tough decision-making processes such as asset allocation, investment performance, college education funding and estate planning.

Whether you need corporate or personal financial advice and guidance, Del Pizzo & Associates’ professionals can assist you in sorting out the different options. From debt consolidation, accounting services, bookkeeping, business acquisitions and mergers to litigation support, employee benefits and profit-sharing plans, clients will benefit from this firm’s expertise, experience and team approach. Assurance that every client receives the close analysis and attention they deserve is paramount.

Service to their clients as well as to their community is what sets Del Pizzo & Associates apart. Jack is proud to serve with The Rotary Club, originally in Upper Darby and now in Ardmore. The club consists of a group of business leaders who are committed to serving their communities. Jack has also served on the Board of the Community Y of Eastern Delaware County: 12 years as Treasurer and 2 years as Chairman of the Board. Their mission is to be a positive part of family life by promoting the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

A life-long Delaware County resident, Jack grew up in Ardmore and went to grade school at St. Denis in Havertown. After graduating from Lower Merion High School, Jack stayed local for college, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s

Owner and community leader, Jack Del Pizzo Photo courtesy of Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com

The team at Del Pizzo & Associates

Photo courtesy of Micduff Photography www.Micduff.com

University and his MBA from Drexel University. After college, Jack married his high school sweetheart Arlene, tying the knot back at St. Denis where they had been classmates years before.

Arlene and Jack, who have three grown children, now enjoy splitting their free time between playing golf and spoiling their five grandchildren. Their oldest son John and their daughter Jeannine live nearby with their spouses and children. Their son Michael had other plans: He moved to California, to become the lead singer and songwriter for a rock band that hopes to start touring again this year.

Newtown area. Jack is proud to say that for Del Pizzo & Associates, business is most certainly personal. “Our clients are our friends and family,” he says. “And if they weren’t when they first walked in, they certainly are now.” He says he enjoys helping his clients solve problems because, as he preaches to his staff, “Problems are simply an opportunity for a solution.”

Their dedication to high standards, hiring of seasoned accounting and tax professionals, and impeccable work ethic are the reasons their client base returns year after year. Whether you are a current or prospective client, rest assured that individuals and businesses who choose Del Pizzo & Associates receive competent and timely advice. Del Pizzo & Associates’ office is located in Broomall at 2098 West Chester Pike Suite 101. Call 610-356-2590 or visit www.DelPizzo.com to join the family!

Publisher’s Note: I smiled seeing Del Pizzo & Associates’ new ad this month, recalling how I first met Jack Del Pizzo back when I was “not smiling about my tax filing.” Becoming Jack’s client for my business accounting ended my concerns. We’ve all benefited from Jack’s expertise as a CPA through the feature articles Jack writes for us to publish in his hometown magazine. Thank you Jack. I still may not “smile when I file,” but since meeting you my business accounting is no longer mounting, and my tax filings in sight, are always right. E

When Jack and Arlene want to have some fun in the sun, they hit the links. They are long-time members at Llanerch Country Club in Havertown where Jack has served as President for four years, Vice President for two and Treasurer for ten. They are also members at The Classics Club in Naples, FL. “Arlene has been the Women’s Club Champion at Llanerch and the Senior Women’s Champion at The Classics Club,” boasted Jack, “and I’m the one carrying her bags.”

Jack and Arlene’s love for this area and strong family ties ultimately convinced him to open his own firm in the Marple

Right: Jack with his wife Arlene

Below:

The Putter Family: Capturing Meaningful Moments

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

This month Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Putter Family: Andrew, Deb, Luke, Sam and Max. Whether they are busy making memories as a family or helping others create their own, the Putters appreciate and embrace the adventure.

Andrew is originally from Melville, NY, on Long Island. He attended Half Hollow Hills High School in Melville before attending the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and was a member of the Penn Rowing Team. Andrew then continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, earning his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry (DMD) with clinical honors.

Today, Andrew owns Dental Associates at Pitman in Pitman, NJ. “My career is very rewarding,” he said. “I enjoy making my patients feel more comfortable about their smiles and appreciate being able to relieve any pain they are experiencing.”

Aside from his career, Andrew enjoys staying active. He is an avid runner who has completed many marathons, including the Boston Marathon and is a current member of the Penn Alumni Rowing Team; who will be competing in the Head of the Charles and Head of the Schuylkill races this year. “I’ve recently started playing racquet sports like squash and pickleball,” he said. “I just added padel to my list and enjoy playing with friends at Merion Cricket Club.”

Deb grew up in Millville, NJ, with her parents and two brothers. She attended Millville Senior High School, where she played tennis and softball. Deb said, “Millville may be a small town, but major league baseball player and avid Philadelphia sports fan Mike Trout put us on the map!”

After high school, Deb furthered her education at the University of Delaware, earning her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources. After college, she worked as a personal banking officer at MBNA America in Wilmington and Baltimore. “I was with MBNA for 10 years before deciding to stay home to raise my boys,” Deb explained. “Now that my boys are older, I have had the opportunity to turn my love for photography into a thriving business.”

“I have always been passionate about photography since I can remember, but once I became a mom, it became much more

important to me,” Deb explained. “Kids grow and change so fast, and when I realized how much my own family portraits meant to me, I decided that I wanted to give that gift to others.”

Deb enjoys working with families and clients of all ages, using her creativity for both the photo shoots as well as the editing process. “I love to create prints in my studio and capture the beauty of nature for wall-art photography.” Deb said that she continually challenges herself to learn new techniques in shoots and editing. She also uses her talents to give back to the community, often donating photo sessions and framed photography to local schools and charities.

Deb and Andrew first met in the fall of 2002 after they “clicked” on Match.com. Their first date was at Mikimoto’s in Wilmington for sushi. “We realized we had so many common interests and goals right away, so it was a very natural

Photos by Deb Putter www.DebPutterPhotography.com

Deb and Andrew Putter

connection,” Deb remarked. The couple married in October of 2004 at Aronimink Golf Club and honeymooned in the Islands of Tahiti, where they enjoyed the sun, sand and scuba diving in the South Pacific. “That was the very beginning of 20+ years of building a life and family together.”

Married life began in the Society Hill neighborhood in Philadelphia. While it served them well in the early stages, Andrew and Deb wanted a larger home with a big yard to raise their family. They began their search in the suburbs and found the perfect home in Edgmont. Andrew said they fell in love with the scenic tranquility and living so close to Ridley Creek State Park and Okehocking Preserve. Deb said that they knew it would be a great place to raise their children because there were so many choices of excellent schools.

Deb and Andrew’s oldest son, Luke, is a Junior at The Haverford School where he is on both the water polo and swim teams. He enjoys weightlifting and woodworking and wants to play water polo in college. Andrew said that Luke is a hard worker and self-motivated. “In addition to Luke being a lifeguard in the summer, he and his lifelong friend (also Luke) run their own power washing business called 2 Lukes Power Washing.”

Sam, Andrew and Deb’s second child, is a Freshman at The Haverford School and on the water polo and swim teams. Sam also loves to ski and shares his mother’s love for photography.

“Sam has a wicked sense of humor and loves to play pranks on us,” Deb laughed. “One time, he came running up to us in a

panic and yelled, ‘Mom, Dad, water is running from the dishwasher!’ We came sprinting into the kitchen, expecting a flood, only to find he had lined up sneakers filled with water bottles that were "running" from the dishwasher.”

continued on page 10

You spent a lifetime doing it all to get where you are today. Now it’s time to think about your future. Riddle Village may be the perfect fit for your next chapter in life.

Give us 60 days; we give you the future!

Reach out today to learn more about our apartment renovation program and how we can have you living your best life in just 60 days.

Max, Luke and Sam Putter

Their youngest son, Max, is a very active seventh grader at The Haverford School. Max runs track and field and, like his older brothers, is a member of the water polo and swim teams. His parents describe Max as soft-spoken and kind-hearted, with a vested interest in environmental science. “Max is also an excellent cook,” remarked Deb. “He is always trying new recipes but especially loves making these fluffy, souffle-like pancakes called Japanese Jiggly Pancakes.”

Adding to this active crew are the Putter’s two pups, Leo and Chewy. Leo is a six-year-old mixed-breed rescue the family adopted from Providence Animal Center and Chewy is their three-year-old Bernedoodle, whom the boys named after Chewbacca in Star Wars. While both pups love going on hikes and car rides, Leo cherishes his long naps in the sun, while Chewy enjoys being the center of attention every chance he can get!

As a family, the Putters enjoy spending most of their time outdoors. “We have been members of St. Albans Swim and Tennis Club since the boys were babies,” Deb said. “All three boys learned to swim there and now compete on their swim team.” She added that this summer, both Luke and Sam will be working there as lifeguards. The whole family is also avid racquet sports players and enjoys playing at Merion Cricket Club as often as they can. Deb especially loves competing on their tennis and paddle teams.

Buying or Selling a Home Succeeds With INTEGRITY

“During the pandemic, when we had to shelter at home, we built a pickleball court on our driveway,” Andrew said. “Every night after dinner, we would turn on music and play pickleball together until it got dark.” Deb said it was a great way to spend quality family time and that they still play often.

When they want to hit the road, the Putters launch their small boat named The Rubber Ducky at the boat ramp at Flat Rock Park in Gladwyne for water sports, The Delaware River in Philadelphia for sightseeing, and the Jersey Shore for some sun and salty air. They also enjoy hitting the ski slopes each winter in upstate New York and Colorado and spending their spring breaks hiking, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean.

For as much as the family likes to travel, Deb, Andrew and the boys cherish their time at home and making time for family traditions. For the past 16 years, they have taken the “Santa Express” train ride from the West Chester Railroad with friends and family. They also love going through the Bates Motel haunted house every Halloween and visiting Arasapha Farms in Glen Mills each year to cut down their Christmas tree.

“Our family’s motto is, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’,” Deb explained. Andrew, Deb, Luke, Sam and Max: Whether those shots are photographs of the memories you are making or shots at opportunities to grow and learn, we can be sure your family is well on your way to your very own championship win!

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

Sharing a love for pickleball (L to R): Sam, Andrew, Deb, Luke and Max Putter

The Putter boys snorkeling in the Caribbean

A successful real estate transaction requires honesty from all parties. We pride ourselves on truthful representations and care for our clients.

Homes Recently Sold in Newtown Edgmont

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

by Bob Blaisse, Publisher

Bringing People Together

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

Our Sponsors Are Known For Bringing People Together. Finding New Sponsors Is An Easy Puzzle For Reader Leaders.

After six months of reading Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors since it was launched, you may not yet realize that you’ve actually become a Reader Leader. The first sign is to recognize the names of our advertising Sponsors. If you’re grateful to our advertising Sponsors for making it possible for our free hometown magazine to be mailed to your home monthly and be available online at www.TheNEMag.com, then you may be on the path of becoming a Reader Leader. You become a Reader Leader when you “get it.” Not when you started receiving our new hometown magazine in the mail six months ago, but you became a Reader Leader when you started to anticipate a similar reading pleasure was coming your way again each time you noticed a new issue arriving in the mail. You’re not alone. Your friends and neighbors in

Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown are now anticipating our unique brand of social-media-in-print that is Bringing People Together. And it’s all made possible when business owners get what you get. That’s when they join the party as an advertising Sponsor of Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown residents.

With a small group of Charter Sponsors, local business owners already partnering with us and our Bringing People Together mission in other communities, we were able to launch Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors. And now, when other local businesses come join the party, we can increase our magazine page count to bring your more monthly features. That’s what happened this month (if you’re wondering why your hometown magazine feels a bit heavier in your hands this month with four additional pages).

Our two new advertising Sponsors this month made the page count increase possible: John Blosinski, of J&K Trash Removal, and Kristen Lamanna of Riddle Village LifeCare Retirement Community. Thank you John. And thank you Kristen.

contribution in hometown pride that comes back from Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown residents who are mailed our hometown magazine each month. Those local businesses depend on us to help grow their business. And we depend on those local business owners now to help us grow the page count of our hometown magazine for more monthly features. It's an easy puzzle to solve if we look closer into this puzzle for new advertising Sponsors to help us grow our magazine page count.

Let’s look into the puzzle. Here’s a Word Find Puzzle with hidden names of 20 Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown area businesses you would know. None of them are yet “at the party,” and each would make a great new Sponsor to help our hometown magazine grow still larger in page count so we can continue to increase the number of feature articles in each issue. Read the cryptic “Hints” I’ve provided for the business names hidden in the Word Find Puzzle. See how many area business names, not already an advertising Sponsor, that you can find in the puzzle.

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

Finding new advertising Sponsors can be an easy puzzle to solve for Reader Leaders when so many local businesses depend on Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown homeowners for the success of their business. When local business owners understand how much homeowners value their hometown magazine, and reward advertising Sponsors of our community magazine, the puzzle is solved.

Thanks to your loyalty, our advertising Sponsors know they are making a

The names of local business within Newtown or Edgmont townships are not provided because some local business names, hidden among the many letters may jump right out of the puzzle, just like the businesses you do see advertising on the pages are rewarded with your loyalty for Bringing People Together as a Sponsor of our community and hometown magazine. E

Bob Blaisse Publisher Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

Use the cryptic hints on the right to find 20 names of Newtown Edgmont businesses we can invite to the Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors party as new advertising Sponsors of our hometown magazine. The names of possible future Sponsors hinted, can all be found in this Word Find Puzzle below when spelled up, down or diagonally, right to left or left to right.

1. This Newtown Square food spot reminds us of happy days and fast food.

2. This location in Edgmont is no state park but still welcomes tens of thousands every year.

3. Newtown Square residents drive into Edgmont country for a great breakfast or lunch here.

4. Fish around for this always fresh Newtown Square brand.

5. On the pike near the Newtown Edgmont border, this business has a range of options in its field.

6. Be humble, and don’t fumble, rumble or mumble when you visit in Newtown Square.

7. Have your “comrade” scramble to come up with the name for dinner here in Edgmont.

8. The door in Edgmont is always open for fine dining and drinks here.

9. This is the Newtown Square pizza place that delivers wrapped food from wrapped cars.

10. We need a “Banking Expert!” Is there one among these nine Newtown or Edgmont banks?

by Scott Magness Scott‘s Fireplace Products

The fireplace is a beautifully visible part of the home. It plays an important role in our lives and is a soughtafter feature for people looking to build or buy a house. The fireplace reflects the heart and soul of its owners, and can turn a plain room into an inviting retreat. Yet, one of the most exciting characteristics of a fireplace is its role as a design focal point, bringing together furniture, artwork, lamps and draperies in a pleasingly harmonious décor within a room.

The Key is Accessorizing

Adding accessories is the secret to creating a fireplace that integrates form and function. A basic fireplace can be enhanced by simply adding an attractive standing firescreen, which offers a myriad of finishes, including satin and textured black, brushed nickel, natural iron, polished brass, vintage iron and many others. We also have spark guards available which can be a more traditional alternative to a firescreen.

Quickly Get Your Fire Burning

There is no more need for newspaper or traditionally hard to ignite kindling to get your fire started. Two or three sticks of Fatwood or just one Lightning Nugget FireStarter is all it takes to quickly get your fire burning.

Grates and Log Rings

Grates - A quality grate offers good airflow and ensures excellent combustion, plus the tight casting design holds the

burning logs and bed of hot coals until they are rendered to ash.

Self-Feeding - The high front and low back profile of the self-feeding grate allows wood to self-feed to the rear of the fireplace where the natural draft is.

Safety - The self-feeding grate features a higher front edge, which minimizes the possibility of a burning log rolling off the grate into the living area.

Log Hoops - Made of a solid grade steel material in a barstock design, log hoops traditionally come in three sizes: 24", 36" and 48".

Outdoor Log Racks

Wood racks are designed with quality and simplicity in mind. They feature the look and strength of a traditional firewood rack, and include a standard reinforced vinyl cover that fits over the rack posts, and slides down as wood is used. The stack of firewood is protected from rain and snow while allowing cross ventilation. E

Photo courtesy of Scott’s Fireplace Products

by David Linn Cook and Joe Soster

Waterproofing One

Basement Structural Repair with Proper Wall Bracing

When an anxious buyer had to forgo the normal home inspection prior to purchase, the young couple did what was necessary and made an offer, which was accepted. The attractive, 40+ year-old frame colonial had recently been rehabbed and sold two years prior, so the first and second floors were in good shape. The basement however was not so. The 12" concrete block foundation had ruptured at the top, corner and center support.

This means that they were not dealing with the usual 8" - 10" cinder block foundation that’s found in most midcentury homes, which get a bow at the middle and pushes inwards 1" - 2". These kinds of horizontal cracks can cause significant damage to the home, as well as unsafe settling of the floors upstairs.

The professional correction was to retrofit the hollow block wall with concrete mortar and steel rods “pinned” from top to bottom, then filled and patched from the inside. This two-day, permanent correction stopped any additional cracks and settlement of the basement wall, which allowed the young couple to quickly pack up and move, as they needed to do after accepting a new position in the area. The young family was able to move in, with no concerns about mold or more wall damage.

Part of the reason for the demise of the home was that it had been a rental property for some time. The homeowners wanted to be sure of not having just a “pretty looking” home, that would then fail due to poor previous maintenance, resulting in a total foundation collapse. If the wall bracing procedure wasn't done, the home would have needed the foundation to be lifted and leveled. Next, the progression would include an exterior dig, so that the foundation drain/rubber wall barrier would stop Hydro-static pressure to the walls.

With proper long-term maintenance, as well as new porous/ self-cleaning gutter guards and the completion of positive grading away from the walls, the belly of the wall would stay flat.

For homes that have older/narrow cinder blocks, a combination of steel/concrete wall pins and the new technology of carbon fiber internal wall bracing is recommended. The strapping of

no-flex/high-strength fiber can be done for both horizontal and vertical cracking, to ensure secure, permanent wall bracing. This treatment would then be covered with waterproofing sealing/stucco for both concrete and block foundations.

Problem found, fixed and forgotten to allow the young homeowners a safe/usable basement den. E

by Kaitlin Battiste From the Top Dance

Our Brains on Music and Dance

Have you ever taken a dance class? Maybe it was ballroom dance, ballet, tap or a cardio hip-hop dance class. An article published in the National Library of Medicine asserts that “dance, regardless of its style, can significantly improve muscular strength, endurance, balance and other aspects of functional fitness.” With this newfound knowledge, next time you try a dance class, pay close attention to how you feel afterward. When we dance, it feels good in our bodies, and we may even notice that we feel much sharper mentally. That’s because when we dance, we’re not only doing something positive for our body - we’re doing something positive for our brain, too!

Dancing requires the brain and body to work in sync, strengthening the mind-body connection and in turn, our physical and cognitive health. Dancers recall steps and patterns while simultaneously performing the movements. According to Harvard Medical School, studies have been done to identify regions of the brain that contribute to learning and performing dance. The regions involved include the motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. In layman’s terms, these regions of the brain are responsible for our voluntary movement, motor control, hand-eye coordination and complex motor actions. There is a lot happening in the brain when we dance! Additionally, further studies have explored the physical and expressive elements of dance and how they change our

6 Weeks of Summer Camp!

• Ages 4 - 12 ½ day and full day options

• Themes include:

• Disney Magic

• Under the Sea

• Toy Story

• Trolls

• Christmas in July Pirate Adventures

brain function. The results have shown that dance can provide benefits such as memory improvement and strengthened neuronal connections in the brain. In fact, dance has such beneficial effects on the brain that it is suggested that it has been used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease.

To go even further into the effect dance has on our brains, music adds another important layer to the many benefits dancing offers. While you can dance with no music playing, when dance is accompanied by music, the combination can further stimulate the brain and body. In a TEDTalk that emphasizes the benefits of music on the body, Listen For Life founder, Donna Stoering, discusses the physiological changes that happen in our body, mind and emotions when we listen to music. Music has been shown to reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain while improving our sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory. As Stoering highlights in her TEDTalk, “Music is a channel of communication; it isn’t just background noise, or a soundtrack to your workout. It’s much more.” Consider this a sign to bring more song and dance into your life. E

6 Week Summer Dance Session

June 19 - August 4

April2023

Saturdays in April

Newtown Railroad Museum

@Drexel Lodge, 4140 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Full size train engines, rolling stock and a museum full of artifacts from the trains and trolleys that once served Newtown Square. Great for children!

Time: 1 – 4 pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!)

www.NSHistory.org

Saturdays in April

Art at The Square Tavern

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

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

Time: 11am – 5pm

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

Saturdays in April

Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Road Newtown Square

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

Time: 1 – 4 pm

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

Saturdays and Sundays in April

Devon/Berwyn Antique and Vintage Flea Market

@Valley Fair Shopping Center

260 W. Swedesford Rd, Berwyn

Indoor/Outdoor flea market featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry and clothing, glassware, artwork, vinyl and more.

Time: 9am – 4pm

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

Sat. April 8

Early Evening Owl Prowl

@Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd, Media

Guided hike to see owls in the Pinetum, as well as some areas outside the deer exclusion fence. We’ll be on the lookout for Great Horned, Screech and Barred Owls. Less likely but always possible are Saw-whet and Long-eared owls. If the weather cooperates, we will be treated to a sky full of stars. Listening to owls calling in the starlight is an experience not to be missed! For Adults 18+ and youth ages 15-17. Pre-registration is required.

Time: 7:30 - 9:30pm

Cost: Members, $5 adult, $3 youth 15-17; Non-members, $18 adult, $12 youth 15-17 610-566-9134 www.tylerarboretum.org

Sat. April 15 through Sun. May 7

Disney’s Moana JR.

@The Media Theatre, 104 E. State St, Media

This thrilling and heartwarming story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Time: Shows are Saturdays & Sundays at 11:30am

Cost: Tickets are $17 – $22 each

610-891-0100 www.MediaTheater.org

Sat. April 22

Free the Trees!

@Okehocking Preserve

5316 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Celebrate Earth Day by participating in vine cutting along Delschester Run in Okehocking Preserve.

Time: 9 – 11am

Cost: FREE

610-647-5300 www.Willistown.pa.us

Fri. April 21

Rejuvenate at Rushton featuring Kristin Page @Rushton Conservation Center

915 Delchester Rd, Newtown Square

In this one-day retreat at the Rushton Conservation Center, Kristin Page will help us step back from the busyness and get reacquainted with the calm steadiness that we cultivate through breath, movement, stillness, and connection with the natural world around us. Pre-registration is required.

Time: 10am – 2pm

Cost: $100

610-353-2562 www.WCTrust.org

Sharing Special Recipes: Celebrating Easter and Passover

Many neighbors in our community are preparing to celebrate Passover, which begins on the evening of April 5th and ends on the evening of April 13th this year. Also known as Pesach, Passover commemorates the liberation of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. On the first two nights of Passover, a special family meal called the seder is held.

During Passover, no leavened food (called chametz) is eaten, and on the first two and last two days of Passover, no work is permitted, as these four days are considered sacred. At the seder, foods of symbolic significance are served, and prayers and traditional recitations are performed.

This recipe for Pesach Mandelbrot comes from Newtown Edgmont resident Amy Pasnak. Amy said that the word mandelbrot means almond bread in Yiddish and is a Jewish cookie that is very similar to Italian biscotti. It’s easy to make and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Pesach Mandelbrot

(yields 24 cookies)

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 eggs

• ¾ cup canola oil

• 2 Tbsp fresh orange or lemon juice

• ¾ cup sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup matzoh cake meal

• 2 Tbsp potato starch

• ¼ cup matzoh meal

• ½ tsp lemon zest

• Chocolate chips, nuts or both!

• Equal parts cinnamon and sugar for coating

DIRECTIONS:

• Line the bottom of a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

• Wisk eggs, oil and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

• Mix in the orange or lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and cinnamon.

• Add the cake meal, matzoh meal and potato starch until a wet, sticky dough forms.

• Sprinkle in chocolate chips and/or nuts.

• Chill the dough in refrigerator for at least one hour or up to two days.

• Preheat oven to 350º.

• Grease hands and form dough into narrow rectangular loaves.

• Bake the loaves at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then allow to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes.

• Slice the loaves, dip into the cinnamon/sugar mixture and place the slices back on the cookie sheet.

• Bake at 350 degrees for another 8 to 10 minutes.

Article and photos by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Pesach Mandelbrot Cookies

Each year, followers of Christian faiths close out Lent by attending church services and gathering with friends and family for spring-inspired celebrations. There are many classic Easter traditions you can incorporate this year as you celebrate this April 9th.

Carrot Cake

INGREDIENTS:

• Unsalted butter for the pan

(serves 8)

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for the pan

• 12 oz grated carrots (approx. 6 medium carrots)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp ground allspice

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp salt

• 1¼ cups sugar

• ¼ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 6 oz plain yogurt

• 6 oz vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS:

Some traditions like visiting the Easter bunny or attend- ing an egg hunt may already be a part of your holiday plans, but perhaps this is the year you’d like to try a new tradition or even a new recipe.

Cream Cheese Frosting

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz cream cheese

• 2 oz unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

• Combine the cream cheese and butter in a bowl, and mix until blended, then add the vanilla extract.

• Slowly add the powdered sugar, and mix until smooth.

• Refrigerate the frosting for 10 mins before spreading it on the cake.

• Preheat oven to 350º. Grease and flour a 9" round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

• Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices with a hand mixer or a food processor. Add this mixture to the shredded carrots, and stir until thecarrots are coated with flour.

• Combine sugar, brown sugar, eggs & yogurt and mix with vegetable oil.

• Add this to the carrot mixture and stir until combined.

• Pour into the cake pan and bake for 45 mins on 350º.

• Reduce heat to 325º and bake for another 15 mins.

• Let the cake cool for 20 mins, remove from the pan and allow to cool completely before frosting the cake.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The Last of the Okehockings

by Doug Humes

Before William Penn, the Swedes and Dutch settled the Delaware Valley, there were the native Indians –who arrived approximately 12,000 years before. Unlike the Incas and other Indian civilizations to the south, they were not builders, they had no written language, and the only traces of civilization that they left for us to decipher were their tools and weapons. They were hunter/gatherers, moving between locations seasonally in search of game and wild plants. When the Europeans began showing up along the coast, trade developed between the groups. But as these interactions increased, the natives were exposed to new germs and diseases, and their numbers had dwindled by the time William Penn and his colonists began arriving in 1682.

The natives who remained in Chester County were the Okehocking Clan, of the Unami tribe, one of three Lenni Lenape tribes in the Algonquin nation. Lenape was their name for the Delaware River, and so the English settlers called them the Delaware Indians. The Unamis’ tribal symbol was the tortoise, representing mother earth.

The Unamis, losers in Indian wars of the late 17th century, had been disarmed as a result. They were peaceful and staged no raids on the settlers. However, there was a culture clash – the English system of ownership of property. The natives never took to the idea of invisible lines that stopped them from hunting or gathering at a certain place. The small remaining band of about two dozen Okehockings in Chester County in 1701 petitioned William Penn to grant them land to be used exclusively for their purposes. Local Quaker farmers were agreeable to this suggestion, walked the land with the natives, and selected a 500-acre tract near the intersection of what is now West Chester Pike and Delchester Road. A key feature for the natives was a rock that jutted out from the ground, Turtle Rock.

The clan returned to this land during summers from 1701 till 1735, when they joined the larger nation in moving west. The land reverted to the Yarnall brothers. Archeological surveys since then have found very little evidence of their occupation. They lived in tent-like structures in summers and so left little trace of their visits.

155 acres of the original grant are now a public park, the Okehocking Preserve in Willistown. A historic marker was placed along the West Chester Pike frontage in 1924 to remember this last Okehocking Clan.

For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and Newtown Square Historical Society (NSHS) membership information and events, please visit www.NSHistory.org.

Photos courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society

A trail coming out of a copse of trees at the Okehocking Preserve

Artist Benjamin West depicted the native American that he recalled from his youth in Newtown Square in several of his historical paintings.

The tortoise, the Unami’s symbol representing Mother Earth

The historical marker designed by noted architect Paul Cret, dedicated and installed along West Chester Pike in 1924.

by David Gura & Lew Gura Bryn Mawr Glass

Spring Into a New Bathroom Design

Nature’s renewal outdoors at this time of year often gets us wanting to also do some renewals inside our home. It feels good to exchange the heavy drapes that kept out winter drafts for thin window treatments that let in spring’s sunny days and fresh breezes. Free air and light outside each day not only help reduce energy costs, they’re good for your mind, body and mood. If you’re looking to bring more sunshine inside, your home’s bathrooms should be on your consideration list.

One way to lighten up your shower or tub is to replace your additional shower curtain and its waterproof liner with frameless shower doors. In addition to that aesthetic improvement,

it’s a way to give your bathroom a modern and streamlined look. Removing the shower curtain and liner allows more light into the shower/tub area. Frameless or framed shower doors will also save energy by reducing drafts and chills.

Just as clothing trends change every year, interior home design trends don’t stay the same for very long. When checking what’s trending for bathrooms this year, many homeowners report that they’ve decided to change out their tub and shower combo for a larger enclosed shower with frameless doors. They like how those doors stop water from pooling because gone are the nooks and crannies where water used to collect. And they especially like how frameless shower doors greatly reduce or eliminate the need to remove mildew and mold, which are so typical with shower curtains and liners.

For the many homeowners who still want to have a tub, frameless and framed shower doors can be installed above the tub. This makes bathing still enjoyable, and water can no longer splash out onto the floor because the tub/shower is now enclosed.

Another way to bring more light into your bathroom is by adding mirrors, especially custom-made mirrors designed to make the most of the size and shape of your bathroom. Mirrors in a bathroom create two great results: They reflect natural and artificial light, and they also create the illusion that your bathroom is larger than its actual size.

As you consider interior design changes, consider trends, of course, but always choose what best matches your family’s lifestyle and what’s possible based on your home’s current or potential design and your budget for making changes. The good news is that any size budget can usually afford some changes that will feel and look new, bright and beautiful for a long time! E

PA State Representative Lisa A. Borowski: Ready to Serve our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

This month we are pleased to introduce you to PA State Representative Lisa A. Borowski. Lisa was elected in November 2022 to represent the 168th Legislative District in Delaware County, which includes Edgmont, Newtown, Middletown and Radnor townships.

Lisa began her career in public service in 2011 when she successfully ran for a seat on Radnor Township’s School Board. She later served as board vice president and was instrumental in creating one of the area’s first full-day kindergarten programs.

Lisa later ran for Radnor Township Commissioner and was elected President of the Board of Commissioners. While serving in that role, Lisa led efforts to secure critical investments for the public library,

increase police funding, pave township roads, improve stormwater management, and pass four balanced budgets.

Born and raised in Delaware County, Lisa is proud to represent our residents at the state level now. She and her team have recently established their main office in Newtown Square. They look forward to welcoming the public in to learn how they can help individuals navigate state-related issues like unemployment compensation and benefits, PA college savings programs and CHIP health insurance for children and senior services.

Marie Barth serves as Lisa’s District Office Manager and Chief of Staff. “Our office is open Monday through Friday, so residents can call or stop in anytime,” she said. “No appointment is necessary.”

Photos courtesy of Lisa A. Borowski

Marie also explained that they are in the process of establishing a few mobile office locations within the district for folks who are unable to travel to Newtown Square. And with over 13,000 seniors in our district, plans are also underway to periodically visit area senior living facilities to offer assistance.

“We are committed to helping our neighbors get the services they need and discover ones they may not have known were available to them,” Lisa explained. “Our Senior Constituent Advisor Kate Schleigh is experienced and well-versed in navigating state-related services and can serve as a liaison and advocate making the process of obtaining services a lot less confusing.”

Long-time Newtown Square resident Peter Lake brings a wealth of experience to the table as well as a solid background in serving our community. “I serve as Vice Chair of the Newtown Township Parks & Recreation Board,” he said. “I am also on the Rails & Trails Committee and am dedicated to my new role helping connect many of my friends and neighbors to the services they need.”

As a state representative, Lisa is excited to represent the residents of Edgmont, Newtown, Middletown and Radnor townships. In Harrisburg, she will support common-sense legislation to end violence and prioritize public safety. She will advocate for legislation to protect workers’ rights, fight climate change and expand

voting rights. She also looks forward to collaborating with local municipalities to bring home state funding to support necessary infrastructure projects across the 168th District.

In fact, Lisa recently announced that two public service organizations in Edgmont and Middletown have been awarded a total of $40,000 in state grant funding. The funds were obtained from a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.

The recipients of these grants were the Edgmont Fire Company and Rocky Fun Fire Company and EMS. “Each of these organizations will use this funding to enhance their offerings to the public,” Lisa said. “Based on my recent conversations with our first responders, I currently have legislation circulating to address reimbursements for EMS services and am working with Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Institute to expand uses of current funding.”

Service to our community on the state and local levels is paramount for Lisa and her team. They encourage you to visit their office and look forward to introducing themselves at our many upcoming community events. “I am pleased to work with my colleagues in the House to make sure your priorities are represented,” Lisa said. “I’m ready to get to work and serve my neighbors in this new role.”

Find out more by visiting Lisa Borowski’s District office in Newtown Square, located at 24 S. Newtown Street Rd or by calling 484-427-2884. More information is also available at www. PAHouse.com/Borowski and on Facebook (Rep. Lisa Borowski), Instagram (repborowski) and Twitter (@RepBorowski). E

Above: PA State Representative Lisa Borowski and her team (L to R): Kate Schleigh, Peter Lake, Lisa Borowski and Marie Barth

Left: The 168th District

Chair of Edgmont Supervisors Ron Gravina, Lisa Borowski and Edgmont Township Manager Neil Vaughn

by Deborah M. Truscello, Esq. Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello

Critical Steps for Choosing the Right Lawyer

When facing a legal challenge, choosing the right lawyer makes all the difference in the world. It could literally mean the difference between success and disaster. Here are four steps to take to choose the right lawyer for your situation.

Identify the Subject Matter and Keywords

Just as doctors have specific areas of medicine, lawyers also practice specific areas of law. Here are some examples of areas of law and the keywords for each.

“Wills and Estates” (a loved one passes or financial planning is needed)

“Workers’ Compensation” (injury on the job)

“Personal Injury” (car accidents, slip and falls, defective products, malpractice)

“Family Law” (divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, adoption)

“Contract Disputes” (lemon law, contractor mistake, failure to pay, landlord/tenant)

Research Lawyers by Location and Subject Matter

The next step is to look at the geographic area where you live and/or where the legal issue arose. For example, if you were injured at work and live in Media, PA, you can search for these words: work injury lawyer Media PA or Delaware County PA. Another example is if you are disabled with a non-work-related disability and cannot work, you might use these search key-words: social security disability lawyer Media PA. Other law-related search engines include Findlaw, Avvo, Martindale,

Lawyers.com and Google Business. You may also want to call the Bar Association of the county where you live or where the legal issue arose and speak to someone directly. Bar associations have lists of attorneys for different areas of law, so it’s easier to speak with someone who will help identify what kind of lawyer is needed.

Experience Is Vital for Success

Once you have a list of lawyers to choose from, it’s very important to look for a lawyer who has quite a bit of experience practicing law in the area of your legal issue. Take a look at their resume, website and client reviews. Keep in mind however that sometimes the party from the other side of the case, who did not do well, may give a very good, successful lawyer a bad review. You also have to be careful of reviews from other lawyers because sometimes competitors will do negative reviews of very good lawyers.

Schedule an Appointment to Interview Your Chosen Attorney Some interview questions to ask include:

How long have you been practicing in this area of law?

How many cases have you handled?

When was the last time you had a case in this area of law, and/or conducted a trial with presentation of evidence and direct/cross-examination of witnesses?

You should be in good hands if you choose the lawyer who knows the most about and has the most real-world experience with case law and rules of practice and procedure in the specific area of your legal issue. E

by Lou Matteo Edgemont Automotive

Spring Car Care Your Car Needs Now

Say goodbye to the dreary cold winter months and hello to the beautiful blooms of spring. It’s time to start cleaning up! Spring cleaning as we all call it, windows, woodwork, carpets… well, you get the picture. Open everything up and breathe in that fresh spring air.

Spring is also a perfect time to freshen up our vehicles. Let’s once again start with the basics. Check those tires again. As the temperature rises, so does the pressure. Check on the driver door frame and adjust tire pressure to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Check for sidewall damage. Those pesky winter potholes can do a number on a tire. Check for bubbles (impact breaks), and consider investing in an alignment.

Check the fluids. This should be done often. The change of season is a great reminder.

Consult your manual or service advisor for maintenance due, especially engine and cabin air filters. Cabin filters will help collect pollen in the air and keep it out of the vehicle. Folks with allergies will thank you.

A clean vehicle is a happy vehicle. If possible, a professional detail job is a great idea, because it really gets into those nooks and crannies to remove salt and road grime. Professionals can also detail the interior. Salt residue should be removed from your car’s floor carpets so that water from April showers doesn’t mix with the salt and cause brine to accumulate on the metal floor pans under the carpets.

If a professional detail is not in the budget, use the convenient local car wash. Washing your vehicle once or twice a month in the spring can help remove that salt residue without breaking the bank. Spring showers will wash away that salt, but unfortunately it gets redeposited on your vehicle as you drive through standing roadside water.

Cheaper still and just as effective is your good old-fashioned garden hose. Rinse everything, paint, wheels, tires, wheel wells and underneath the vehicle. Soap is not needed for the

underside of the vehicle; we are just rinsing off the salt. Do this a couple times just to be thorough.

Having a clean, well-maintained vehicle will not only save you money on fuel and repair costs, it will enable you to keep your vehicle looking good and performing efficiently. Following these few simple steps can help your vehicle provide you with years of reliable service. E

by Rick Bondurant R.F. Bondurant Plumbing

How To Select the Right Toilet

Sometimes it’s better to replace an older toilet rather than repair it. Yes, that decision is likely to cost more, but over time, the savings on your water bill and other lifestyle improvements could quickly justify the more expensive option. There are several things to consider when thinking about purchasing a new toilet.

• Bowl shape choices come in traditional round or elongated (egg-shaped), while the standard bowl height is 15 inches from the floor to the flood rim. Many toilet manufacturers also offer the comfort height, which is 17 inches off the floor. The elongated comfort-height bowl, which is standard on all handicap (ADA) toilets, has also become a more popular option for residential homes because customers find it more comfortable and easier to use.

• Most toilet manufacturers score the toilet’s performance based on the Maximum Performance scale testing report. The maximum amount tested is 1000 grams, which is more than two pounds of solid waste. Good-performing toilets remove an adequate 100 - 375 grams of bulk waste. Better toilets remove an above-average 400 - 775 grams. Best performance is achieved with toilets that flush 800 - 1000 grams of bulk waste.

• Most new toilets have a fully glazed smooth trapway that’s two or more inches in diameter. Older toilets have a trapway that’s rough (the same surface as the inside of the toilet tank) and smaller than two inches. Older toilets don’t flush waste away as easily, and they also waste more water.

• The other factor to seriously consider is water consumption. Most new toilets are 1.6gpf (gallons per flush) or 1.28gpf. You can also get a dual-flush toilet that uses 1.6gpf for solid waste but only 1gpf for liquid waste.

In the average home, the toilet is responsible for 26% of all indoor water usage. Installing a more efficient model can take a big bite out of your water bill while also helping to conserve water. Replacing a toilet is a job best left for a plumbing professional. The new toilet should be properly connected to the drainage system to prevent leaks and ensure proper operation. E

“I was very pleased with the responsiveness and professionalism of this company. They arrived when they said they would, they did the work, cleaned up and were very pleasant as well. I was very pleased with my entire experience! I would highly recommend RF Bondurant Plumbing.

JUDITH HIRSH ”

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS 2023 DATES

Holy Week Palm Sunday April 2

Holy Thursday April 6

Good Friday April 7

Easter Sunday April 9

PASSOVER

Begins Wednesday Evening April 5

Ends Thursday Evening April 13

Places of Worship in Our Community

Congregation Beth El - Ner Tamid

715 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall

610-356-8700

www.CBEnt.org

Covenant Fellowship Church

1 Fellowship Drive, Glen Mills

610-361-0606

www.covfel.org

Delaware Valley Christian Church

535 N. Old Middletown Rd, Media

610-566-0997

www.VisitDVCC.org

Holy Mary Korean Catholic Church

100 Media Line Rd, Newtown Square

610-325-2240

Facebook: SLA100MEDIA

Latvian Lutheran Church of St. John

301 N Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square

610-353-2227

www.LatvianLuthChurchPhila.org

Liberti Church

3722 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

610-356-1082

www.LibertiChurchNSq.org

New Hope Christian Church

551 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall

610-356-8211

www.NewHopeBroomall.com

Newtown Square Friends Meeting House

120 N Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square

484-424-6347

www.NewtownSquareFriends.org

Newtown Square Presbyterian Church 3600 Goshen Rd, Newtown Square

610-356-8063

www.NewtownSquarePres.org

Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church

3625 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square

610-356-0459

www.StAlbansNewtownSquare.org

Saint Anastasia Roman Catholic Church

3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

610-356-1613

www.SaintAnastasia.net

Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 30 E Forge Rd, Media

610-459-0366

Facebook: stgeorgemediapa

Saint Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church

1855 Middletown Rd, Glen Mills 610-459-5310

www.StHermansOCA.org

Saint Mary Magdalen Parish

2400 N Providence Rd, Media 610-566-8821

www.stmarymagdalen.net

Saint Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church

3679 Providence Road, Newtown Square 610-353-5952

www.stsharbelpa.org

Springton Lake Presbyterian Church

3090 South Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square 610-356-4550

www.slpca.org

Spruce Street Baptist Church

3701 Gradyville Rd, Newtown Square

610-353-1525

www.SpruceStreetBaptist.com

Saints Simon and Jude Parish

8 Cavanaugh Ct, West Chester 610-696-3624

www.simonandjude.org

Temple Sholom in Broomall 55 Church Ln, Broomall 610-356-5165

www.Temple-Sholom.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

721 Paxon Hollow Rd, Broomall 610-356-3400

Facebook: ValleyForgeStakeLDS

The Green Church at Tyler Arboretum 515 Painter Rd, Media 610-459-5050

Facebook: tgcthegreenchurch

Willistown United Methodist Church

6052 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-644-2227

www.willistownumc.org