Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine, May 2023

Rafferty Subaru has partnered with Providence Animal Center and found homes for over 250 pets with in-store adoption events and the Rafferty Rescue of the Week! We serve as a community resource that inspires others to embrace the human-animal bond, all supported entirely by private donations.

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:

Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

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

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 Hamscher family at their home in Glen Mills

Dear Friends & Neighbors, May I wish our Newtown Edgmont friends and neighbors who are mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day on May 14th, and particularly the mothers on our staff, Holly, Sheila, Lisa and Kim. To all the grandmothers, stepmothers, new mothers with a first baby on the way, and all who have the gift of motherhood in their heart, enjoy the day we celebrate the wonder of motherhood. I have to admit, I’ll be recalling my own mother fondly on that day, just a bit after thinking how wonderful of a mother my four sons have been blessed to have in their life. Happy Mother’s Day Jean!

I want to also offer a rally cheer for our college graduates racing towards the finish line and graduation. For most it has been a sixteen year run that will end with a degree and begin what will be. To The Class of 2023, Congratulations! You did it!

The month of May is almost my favorite month of the year. With May’s weather, outside events, flowers in bloom, leaves on trees and our boys home from college, what month could be better? Maybe June, with even nicer weather? With Father’s Day and my birthday both coming up next month, my loyalties always win out. Loyalties to my family, staff, friends and neighbors, and our advertising Sponsors. So yes, June. I have to be loyal to that first month I saw when I came into this world. Loyalty is a good thing. It’s like hope and truth coming together to do something good. Loyal to June, yes, but I must admit I’ve enjoyed every month more since I became the Publisher of the hometown magazine for residents of Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown townships. That’s because I get to watch the year go by one month at a time, in seasons with you as our loyal readers of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors in print and online at www.TheNEMag.com.

After seven issues now, most readers are beginning to recognize how the mission of our new monthly hometown magazine, reflected in our motto, Bringing People Together, is being fulfilled by inspiring hope in the truth we share in hometown pride. Our brand of feel-good features we call social-media-in-print has been Bringing People Together while inspiring loyalty to our community, perhaps more loyalty to our friends and neighbors, and I know for sure, great new loyalty to the local businesses that show their loyalty to us as our advertising Sponsors. They make it possible for you to be mailed this new free monthly publication of your hometown magazine every month. We have them to thank.

I’ll be thinking about that this month and ask that you might also, as you enjoy this new issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors which Sheila Turner-Hilliard has so loyally put together for us again this month, to enjoy during this beautiful month of May.

Bob Blaisse Publisher

Dear Residents, Spring is in full bloom all over Newtown Edgmont. Fresh air, fragrant flowers and endless days spent outdoors make the season feel extra special. Let’s welcome the fresh spring air and beautiful May flowers just in time for Mother’s Day.

This month, we are proud to introduce you to The Hamscher Family whose hearts have found their home in our community. Our Business Profile features DriGanic Carpet Cleaning, which has been providing in-home carpet cleaning service that is high-quality and eco-friendly since 2018. We’re also giving you some great ideas on how to pamper that special mom in your life. This issue is packed with family activities, Memorial Day events and fun features about upgrades to Edgmont Township Community Park and The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation.

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

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

The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation: Come Explore and Lend a Hand

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

It’s no secret that many of our residents love living in Newtown Edgmont because of all it has to offer. The area is so rich in history yet offers us the modern conveniences of hopping on a plane, train or automobile within minutes to get just about anywhere.

There is so much to do and explore in our community. One particular place is The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation. Set among 112 acres within Ridley Creek State Park; the plantation is a living history site that aims to enhance our understanding of 1760s -90s farm life in Southeastern Pennsylvania through hands-on, immersive experiences.

Some exciting new programs this spring and summer are pottery and cider workshops, sheep shearing demonstrations and book talks with local authors. “We are also very fortunate to have wonderful community partnerships with Willistown Conservation Trust, Edgmont Township and CRC Watersheds Association,” Sarah added. “Together, we will be hosting a Streams Learning Day on Saturday, May 20th that will teach participants about stream habitat, water quality and why streams are so important to our environment.”

Sarah also said there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation. “We are a nationally recognized living history museum that operates with a small full-time staff,” she explained. “Much of our support comes from volunteers who work and live in our community.” Sarah also said that there are opportunities to help in every aspect of the plantation, from administrative duties to working on the farm, guiding visitors and teaching period skills like candle making, blacksmithing and hearth cooking.

The folks at Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation are passionate about bringing the 18th Century to life for visitors by showing and teaching them how colonial farm families lived and worked during a significant period in American history. From offering educational field trip experiences, hands-on workshops, real-life demonstrations and outreach programs, to providing in-depth colonial experiences and children’s summer camps, the programs available to our students and our community bring the educational experience to a whole new level.

Sarah Lerch, an expert in public history and living history museums, is the Program Director at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation and said there is something for everyone who visits. “In addition to our scheduled weekday field trip programs, the plantation is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from late March through early December,” she explained. “For a small entrance fee, visitors can embark on a self-guided exploration of the grounds that will take them through our working farm, skills demonstrations, colonial kitchen and our gift shop.”

Some volunteers participate in costumed interpretation and skills demonstrations for weekend programs, workshops and special events. Other volunteers work behind the scenes, maintaining the property, working in the kitchen garden or caring for the animals. The plantation is currently home to two horses named Toby and Ben, an Ox named Rust, nine sheep, a handful of chickens, two turkeys and their elusive barn cat named Cousin. “We have volunteers ranging from five years old (with a parent or guardian) up through senior citizens,” Sarah added. “No experience is needed – we provide the training.”

For more information about getting involved, please get in touch with the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation at www. ColonialPlantation.org, call 610-566-1725 or complete the online volunteer inquiry form. Volunteers are required to complete a volunteer application to share their backgrounds and interests. Once the application is received, prospective volunteers will be contacted for an interview to determine the best fit at the plantation. E

Photos courtesy of The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation

Volunteers dye yarn spun from wool from the farm's heritage breed sheep, with the plant and weld grown in the dye garden

Staff and volunteers showcase historic skills that made life in the 18th century possible

So much to see and explore at this living history museum

by Andrew Martella Martella Electric

Is Your Electrical System Glitchy?

In your home, are you experiencing blinking or dimming lights? Are circuit breakers tripping? Is something electrical not working the “normal” way or as you should expect it to?

When a storm is approaching, the lights in your home may flicker, blink or dim. Many times, the power nearby has gone out and, even if your power stays on, your lights may flicker or dim. There are other causes for why your lights dim or blink, such as surges in your electrical system from appliances and equipment inside your home like refrigerators, sump pumps, hair dryers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and heating and AC systems.

Occasional events are somewhat normal. However, persistent and consistent dimming and blinking can be a signal that trouble might be brewing in your home’s electrical system.

Common causes for a circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow are hair dryers running when too many lights are on. This frequently happens in older homes, particularly when there’s more than one hair dryer being used. When the outlet for the holiday lights turns off, this can be due to an overload or faulty lights. When using the vacuum and the lights go out, there’s likely to be an overload on the circuit. Power tools used in

combination with lights can trigger the same result. When the microwave oven and the coffee pot operate at the same time, the kitchen outlets can all lose power.

What was working yesterday may not work today. The electrical system in your home is a spider web maze of wires, boxes, switches, outlets and lights, any of which can fail at any time, and seemingly for no apparent reason.

You may have one light in a group that simply doesn’t come on. The dimmer switch for a chandelier doesn’t dim the light anymore. The exterior light on the front door will not turn off.

The sump pump trips the breaker or pops a fuse. Sometimes the switch or outlet makes a sizzling sound. Sometimes the plug doesn’t fit tightly into the wall socket. Sometimes it seems like half of the house doesn’t have power. All these situations can be puzzling, frustrating and concerning to homeowners.

The electrical systems in our homes are, for the most part, safe and reliable, but they can be quite complicated. When the conditions described above present themselves, calling on a licensed professional electrical contractor to investigate can make a difference in keeping you, your family and your home safe, secure and comfortable.

The Hamscher Family: Where They ’re Meant to Be

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

This month, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Hamscher Family: Matt, Allison, Maise, Emery and Willa. Their story proves that sometimes the circumstances that lead you to where you least expect take you precisely to where you’re meant to be.

Matt was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley. One of six kids, Matt graduated from Whitehall High School, where he played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. After high school, Matt attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), earning a degree in Economics. “I also played football in college,” Matt said. “Our team won the Ivy League Championship two of the years I was on the team.”

Today, Matt works in Respiratory and Immunology for a pharmaceutical company. Before that, he spent some time in the startup biotech space and the rare disease therapeutic field. Matt said that he feels a personal connection and commitment to his work. “The products I support are for severe asthma,” Matt explained. “Both my hometown of Allentown and the Philadelphia area fall in the top 10 of asthma prevalence across the United States.”

Living an active lifestyle has always been important to Matt. “I’m a runner and have recently started competing in long-distance triathlons,” he said. “Currently, I am signed up to do a few Ironman races, including the one in Lake Placid, which has been a goal for me for some time.” The Ironman competitions are 70.3-mile races that draw triathletes from all over the world. Matt explained that the race comprises a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike race and a 26.2-mile run.

Allison is originally from West Chester, where she grew up with her parents, Steve and Bev Tatios, and her three sisters. She was a member of the first graduating class at W.C. Rustin High School and played lacrosse and soccer. Allison then continued her education at UPenn, where she also played Division 1 lacrosse. She earned her BA in Visual Studies before founding her career consulting firm.

Photos by Crissy Everhart Photography www.CrissyEverhart.com

Matt and Allison Hamscher

Elevated Resumes is Allison’s full-service resume creation firm that offers optimized content and memorable designs, “I work with clients from around the world to help them land the jobs they want and deserve,” Allison explained. “I also provide my clients with personal branding and coaching programs.” Allison and her team have their own impressive resume, working with NBA coaches, CEOs, Executives from Fortune 500 companies and even a NASA Astronaut!

Matt and Allison’s love story began in college. “We met in 2008 on our very first day at UPenn,” Allison said. “We both played sports, so we shared many mutual friends and attended many of the same social activities.” The happy couple dated through college, married in 2016, surrounded by family and friends in Lancaster and honeymooned in Italy. “We toured Rome, Florence, Venice and Tuscany,” Matt said. “We both agreed that Florence was our favorite.”

After the honeymoon, the newlyweds moved to Phoenixville and then spent some time living in Manayunk. “We moved to Boston in 2018 and had planned to stay in New England for five to ten years,” Allison explained. “That was until the pandemic shifted our perspective.” At the time, Matt was working in Boston. “With everything shut down, we found ourselves returning to this area to spend time with family every few weeks,” he said. “On one of our trips, we had long-time family friends of Allison’s, Cheryl and Dom, take our oldest daughter to see horses and goats on the street they lived on.” Allison had been to their house many times growing up and already knew how special it was, but on that visit, Matt and their daughter fell in love with the neighborhood, too. They joked and said that if a house came up for sale on the street, they would buy it. “Turns out the neighbors next to her had just listed their home,” Allison laughed. “We put an offer in, got the house and here we are!”

The home needed some renovations that Matt and Allison were prepared to do. “I love being creative,” Allison said happily. “Our home is our favorite thing to work on, and we absolutely

love our neighborhood” They have completed most of the work on the interior; last year, they added a huge garden and glass greenhouse to the backyard. The Hamschers also have a nine-year-old Weimaraner/Mastiff mix named Woodlyn, a few chickens and plans to add more animals in the future.

continued on page 10

Maise, Willa and Emery Hamscher

Speaking of additions, Allison and Matt have added three little girls to their family. And their family friend, Cheryl, who now lives directly next door? Well, Cheryl and her husband, Dom, have added more grandchildren to their bunch because the Hamscher girls call them Nana and Uncle Dom.

Maise is Allison and Matt’s oldest daughter. She is an active 4-year-old who loves crafts and coloring. “Maise loves being the big sister and even helps change diapers,” Allison said. “She also loves animals and often finds frogs and turtles that she loves to bring in the house!”

Their second daughter is two-year-old Emery, whom her parents describe as fearless. “Emery loves music and is always trying to keep up with her big sister,” Matt laughed. “She loves her chickens, too, and often sneaks them inside!”

The baby of the bunch is ten-month-old Willa, a happy girl with a silly personality. She’s also quite the traveler earning her first passport stamp! “Willa’s first vacation with Matt and I was to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico to attend a wedding,” Allison said.

Matt, Allison and the girls are always on the go, but the place they love the most is their home here in Glen Mills. They describe their neighborhood as quiet and serene, surrounded by great families and neighbors in their cul de sac. “We love that Glen Mills feels like a small hometown, but we can also sneak out to visit our favorite Philly restaurants, though our three little ones keep us pretty busy at the moment,” Matt said.

Maise will tell you that her favorite part of her neighborhood is Nana’s house. All she has to do is run across the field for baking dates and craft activities. “Nana is the best baker,” Allison

gushed. “And Uncle Dom is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to fixing and building, so Matt has learned so much from him.” Matt added that Allison's dad is also a builder, and between him and Dom, they have been instrumental in helping with their “fixer-upper.”

Spending time with family, friends, and life-long friends who have become family is what fills the Hamschers’ hearts with joy. Matt’s family is just a short drive up the turnpike, Allison’s mom and youngest sister are in West Chester and summers are spent swimming in their pool, relaxing by their pond and exploring Ridley Creek State Park.

Matt, Allison and the girls: Thank you for sharing your story with our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors. Here’s to many more years of happiness in the place we all love to call home.

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

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

Sponsors Bringing People Together Is A Puzzle With Answers Easy To Find.

Last month in this feature, I suggested how readers of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors become “Reader Leaders.” It’s when loyal readers of our publication find they are beginning to easily remember the names of local businesses and have come to appreciate how those advertising Sponsors of our community make it possible for a new monthly issue of our hometown magazine, launched last October, mailed to your home for free and available online at www.TheNEMag.com.

Even if you’re still becoming a Reader Leader, you likely recognize that the title of my monthly feature often includes our magazine motto: Bringing People Together. This motto is the mission of our publication launched last October, to deliver hometown pride that brings people together as a local community.

The habit of reading each new issue of our magazine is rooted in Bringing People Together, by the simple pleasure of reading about friends and neighbors, some you know, and others you come to know by reading about them. The feel-good features also bring us together by learning about our local history, local places and organizations. Those insights show us where we are setting our roots, always deeper, with hometown pride. And the feature articles offering pearls of wisdom from our Expert Contributors bring us together with our friends in the business, willing to share their particular expertise with us for free, because they understand how important Newtown, Edgemont and Willistown residents are to the success of their local business.

In last month’s Bringing People Together feature, I shared how finding new advertising Sponsors can be puzzling at times, even for Reader Leaders. I shared how different it is, when a local business owner comes to understand just how much and how many homeowners truly enjoy regularly reading their hometown magazine, they then become more inclined to reward the Sponsors with their business. That’s when the puzzle of finding new advertising Sponsors is solved.

I must tell you however, I did take a little heat last month for including in this feature, the Word Find Puzzle which did not include an answer key to the cryptic “Hints” I provided to help readers decipher the names of some local

area businesses (every reader would know), whose business names were hidden in the Word Find Puzzle. They were some of the local businesses we know would make great new advertising Sponsors to help grow our magazine page count so we can continue to increase the number of feature articles we publish in each new monthly issue.

The heat I took was from puzzle people who got puzzled by my cryptic hints, believing they found answers to some of the hidden business names, but without assurance since I provided no answer key. Well, I share that frustration often, but I know sometimes there is no way to learn why some businesses choose not to become advertising Sponsors of our community until they understand the strong loyalty our readers have to their hometown magazine.

Thankfully, we can always easily find the names of those local business owners which have agreed to become our Sponsors, who we can thank with our loyalty returned to them for making our hometown magazine possible, even when only a cryptic hint is given about them, because the answers for which local businesses are supporting our local community are always within reach. Let me prove it.

Each cryptic hint on the next page will point you towards an answer that will be the name of one of our hometown Sponsors whose ad can be found on the pages of this issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors. The hint should be enough to help you land on the answer, but if you can’t come up with the Sponsor’s name from the hint provided, the answer is still in your hands because after each hint you’ll find the page number of this issue, where you’ll find that Sponsor of our community and get to know them by taking the time to read their ad we reward them with for their investment in our community.

Test your Reader Leadership. You’ve come to know the names of our advertising Sponsors from reading Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors every month. See if you can come up with the answer from just the hint given before turning to the page number to be sure. And please, when doing business, turn first to your friends in the businesses you know, the local businesses which make your hometown magazine possible.

HERE WE GO! Ten questions with ten cryptic hints. If you know the business names of more than five of the advertising Sponsors for which a hint is provided, without turning to the answer page, then you are a “Reader Leader” of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors.

1. To get a first “win” knowing the name of this Sponsor, follow the rhyme and “begin” with “_______” to for the answer. (For the answer, see page 26.)

2. Our advertising Sponsors don’t trash talk. But then again, that’s just what this one Sponsor might need to do for you. (For the answer, see page 19.)

3. The name of this Sponsor suggests only one for your money, but look closer, you get two for the show. (For the answer, see page 24.)

4. If you hit a “dry spell” using the hints to name this advertising Sponsor, don’t panic, you’re ready for a clean win with this Sponsor (For the answer, see page 7.)

5. This Sponsor has a fan in many Newtown, Edgmont and Willistown homes, and even a “fan” in their name. (For the answer, see page 18.)

6. Everyone can see themselves looking back on things when they take the short drive to this Sponsor’s store in Havertown. (For the answer, see page 28.)

7. The light bulb will go on over your head when you “tell a” fella the name of this Sponsor. (For the answer, see page 15.)

8. This Sponsor can legally stop bad things from happening. No typo here. It’s tru! (For the answer, see page 9.)

9. This Sponsor keeps us powering on when we can’t generate the energy to keep things going. (For the answer, see page 25.)

10. Think of this last hint for knowing a Sponsor’s name, as more of a riddle for knowing the same name of this Sponsor (For the answer, see page 27.)

So, how many names of our advertising Sponsors did you know from just the hints provided, before needing to turn to the page number provided to see the Sponsors ad? Did you learn more about our hometown heroes from reading their ads? It’s not a trivial question. Whenever possible, please consider giving your business to those who support our community by Bringing People Together through Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine in print and online at www.TheNEMag.com. E

Bob Blaisse Publisher, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Don’t Panic, Call DriGanic!

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to open up your windows, let the fresh air in and do some serious spring cleaning. And while you’re busy dusting those winter blues away, don’t forget about your carpets!

Since 2018, DriGanic Carpet Cleaning has provided our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors with exceptional, reliable, affordable, eco-friendly carpet cleaning services. Owned and operated by Luke Anastasio, DriGanic Carpet Cleaning has over 12 years of experience in the home care industry for wood flooring and carpet care.

Luke explained that his company’s method of carpet cleaning is not only good for the environment but it is also suitable for his client’s busy schedules. “Our carpet cleaning method has the ability to effectively clean your carpet quickly without the downtime of waiting for wet carpets to dry,” he explained. “The process is referred to as very low-moisture carpet cleaning that provides clean carpets without the hassle of downtime.”

Unlike a wet method that uses detergents and water to clean, DriGanic Carpet Cleaning uses a low-moisture cleaning process that surrounds and captures dirt. It begins with applying a solution to the carpet, then pads made of fiber, cotton or microfiber are used to scrub the flooring and absorb the soil. Luke said that the result will be a clean and fresh appearance. After the scrubbing is complete, a vacuum is used to remove additional residue. This cleaning process offers many benefits,

including extending the lifetime of your carpet, improving indoor air quality and ensuring safety for children and pets.

Low-moisture carpet cleaning offers many benefits, including conserving an enormous amount of water! Low-moisture cleaning would save approximately 9,770,000,000 gallons of water in the United States if homes and businesses switched to low-moisture methods. In addition, those who choose an environmentally friendly low-moisture method would notice less unpleasant odors from the traditional hot-water process that can potentially lead to mold and bacteria accumulation.

Luke and his team of seasoned technicians are passionate about what they do. “We know that our customers will be 100% satisfied with our service because we know that their carpets will stay cleaner longer, those pesky recurrent problem stains won’t come back and that problem odors will be eliminated,” Luke said. “Our cleaning method will also lift matted carpet pile, remove dust mites and allergens and is safe for children and pets.”

In addition to cleaning carpets, DriGanic Carpet Cleaning also offers carpet protectors - a product offered to extend the life of your carpets by protecting them from permanent stains

Owner Luke Anastasio

associated with acid-based products. “Protectors offer a “seal” so that dirt, soil and other stains do not cling to your carpet,” Luke said. “A carpet protector will also allow vacuuming to become more efficient, reducing the chances of permanent stains,” Luke added that, like their cleaning process, DriGanic’s protectants are safe for children and pets.

Luke and his team are also proud to provide their customers with a variety of enzyme-based deodorizers designed to digest bacteria that lead to odors. “There are several scents that can be used on your carpet,” he explained. “All you need to do is call us to learn more about the different types of deodorizers that we offer.” They also offer eco-friendly upholstery and stain removal for your sofas, chairs and counter stools.

Schedule an appointment today to see what DriGanic Carpet Cleaning can do for you and your carpets. They proudly serve the Delaware Valley area as well as Philadelphia and are pleased to offer high-quality services to guarantee the hygiene of all your carpets. They have countless amounts of customer testimonials to back up their work along with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You have to see the difference to believe it!

DriGanic Carpet Cleaning is located at 475 Larchwood Rd in Springfield, PA. For more information, give Luke and his team a call at 610-888-4539, visit their website at www.DriGanic.com or follow them on Facebook at DriGanic Carpet Cleaning. Don’t panic… call DriGanic for your free in-home estimate to LOVE your carpets again! E

If Your Carpets Started Talking... Would You Stop Walking?

Wed. April 26 through Sun. June 11

Million Dollar Quartet

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

An extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Relive the era with the smashhit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians.

Time: Wed.– Fri. 7pm; Sat. 2pm and 7pm; Sun. 3pm Cost: Tickets are $34 – $59 each 610-891-0100 www.MediaTheater.org

Calendar of Events

Saturdays in May

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 in May

Newtown Railroad Museum

@Drexel Lodge

4140 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

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

Time: 1 – 4 pm

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

$150 Hassle-Free Headshots

20 minute session, online proofing, and one retouched, high-resolution digital photo. Discounts for groups of 3 or more subjects, with the option to take the photos in your workplace to minimize time out of the office. Quick delivery, satisfaction guaranteed.

www.crissyeverhart.com

Saturdays in May

Art at The Square Tavern

@Goshen & Newtown Street Roads

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

Time: 11am – 5pm

Cost: FREE (donations accepted!)

www.NSHistory.org

Sun. May 7

Nature as Healer: A Writing Workshop

@Hildacy Preserve

1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media

Join Naila Francis, founder of This Hallowed Wilderness, for a writing workshop to explore the restorative power of nature through writing. Walk together through the shady woods and sunny meadows of Hildacy Preserve on this inspiring nature immersion. Bring a notebook and a writing instrument. Registration required. Please complete and submit the secure, on-line registration form.

Time: 1 – 3pm

Cost: $5 Natural Lands member; $10 non-member; $2 ACCESS Cardholder. www.NatLands.org

Sat. May 20 (raindate May 21)

Streams Learning Day

@Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation

3900 N. Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square Edgmont has partnered with Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT), the Colonial PA Plantation and CRC Watersheds Association to present a Streams Learning Day. Participants will learn about stream habitat, water quality and why streams are so important to our environment. After the event, the Colonial PA Plantation has invited participants to stay and enjoy the farm with free admission. Register online.

Time: 9:30 – 11:00am

Cost: FREE

610-566-1725 www.ColonialPlantation.org

May 2023

Sun. May 21

Antique Car Show

@Linvilla Orchards, 137 West Knowlton Rd, Media

Linvilla Orchards has partnered with The Historical Car Club of Pennsylvania (HCCP) for over three decades to present their annual Spring Meet. More than 250 spectacularly restored and maintained antique, classic and muscle cars take over one of Linvilla’s big fields. Previous highlights have included a 1913 Ford Model T, a 1938 Ford Woody Wagon, a 1958 Chevy Impala and a 1962 Chevy Corvette. Awards will be presented for the best-maintained cars in a variety of classes.

Time: 9am – 3pm

Cost: FREE

610-876-7116 www.Linvilla.com/family-fun

Sun. May 21

Circle at Sundown

@St. Albans Ave, Newtown Square

Come gather in St. Albans Circle for a fun evening of entertainment, food, drinks and fun for the whole family. Celebrate our wonderful community with live music, dance performances and children’s activities. A pop-up beer garden, food trucks, local restaurants and shops will offer sweet treats and savory foods for purchase.

Time: 5:00 – 8:30pm

Cost: FREE admission and free parking www.NewtownTownship.org

Sun. May 21

Clover Market

@Bryn Mawr Train Station Parking Lot

7 N. Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr

Stroll through the market and shop a wide range of handmade and vintage items. In addition, there will be live music, kid’s crafts, food trucks and more.

Time: 10am – 4pm

Cost: FREE www.TheCloverMarket.com

Sat. June 3

27th Annual Historic

Newtown Square Day

@the Square Tavern Museum and Art Center (and @various locations)

Route 252 & Goshen Rd, Newtown Square

This year’s activities at the historic 1742 Square

Tavern will take place on the Green at the Tavern, and will include 1st Continental Regiment (Colonial Re-enactors), Lenni Lenape Native Americans, a story-teller, sheep shearing, a beekeeper demonstration and honey, live music, antique cars, children’s activities and more. In addition to opening the Tavern, other historic sites in the community, including the Paper Mill House, the Quaker Meeting House, the Octagonal School, the Newtown Square Railroad Museum, St. David’s Church and the Bartram Covered Bridge will be open with guides who explain the significance of the site to visitors.

Time: 10am – 4pm

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

“

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.

Friday afternoons June through September

Newtown Square Farmers Market

@St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

3625 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square

On Friday afternoons starting June 2nd, the Newtown Square Farmers Market will feature local growers, producers and artisans. Fresh produce will be for sale as well as artisan breads, coffee, pickles, flowers, plants and candles.

Time: 3 – 6pm

JUDITH HIRSH ”

by Eric Fante Fante Flooring

Hardwood Flooring for Design and Value

One of the biggest benefits from choosing hardwood flooring for your home is that it never goes out of style. It has been continuously in use for many centuries, and despite the many changes in style, design and color, it has survived the test of trends, showing that the look of hardwood never gets old. This is because hardwood acts as an instant connection between the natural world and the inside of your home.

Some benefits of a natural floor include the following:

Unique: Each board, plank or strip used on a hardwood floor is a work of natural art and beauty with unique grains and colors, compounded by the fact that there are dozens of species both domestic and imported to select from, each with its own grain, color and characteristic.

Character: Over time, wood is going to slightly change in color. It will also pick up a few dents, scratches and nicks which will collect and create a unique personality for your floor. This type of character can not be bought but only attained over years.

Space: Wood is a great choice for open spaces because the grains and patterns found within its surface will help break up the monotony of the room, acting as a backdrop, while also working to infuse interest and design into the space.

Another great benefit for choosing hardwood flooring for your home is:

Value: Hardwood floors will increase the market value of your home quite a bit, given the house supports it. But what is the return on investment (ROI) for adding hardwood floors? The average ROI for installing hardwood floors in your home ranges between 70-80 percent, potentially adding up to 2.5 percent to the sale price.

This means that if you spend $20,000 on hardwood floors (2000 square feet at $10 per square foot) you can expect to see between $14,000 and $16,000 reflected in the sale price of your home. Again these numbers depend on other aspects of the house, as well as type and design of the hardwood floors. If you don’t plan on selling your home right away, the ROI could be even bigger.

When it comes time for you to sell your home, buyers will pay more for a house with hardwood floors, as opposed to carpet. Many home buyers don’t want carpet, especially someone else’s. They see used carpet as something unsanitary, that could provoke their allergy symptoms. Many home buyers will pay more for a house that already has hardwood floors. Because it is a feature being sought out, wood flooring may even help sell your house faster. E

39 S Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square Across From Gentile’s Farm Market

NEWTOWN EDGMONT’S FLOOR COVERING EXPERTS

4,000 sq. ft. Showroom

Providing quality service and products in the tri-state area since 1946 including residential & commercial carpeting, hardwood, tile and laminates.

by John Blosinski J&K Trash Removal, Inc.

Spring Is a Great Time For Upcycling!

We love Spring for many reasons, the warmer weather, flowers blooming and our personal favorite...Spring Cleaning! There is always a sense of accomplishment when you get to clean out the clutter and give yourself some breathing room. Whether it's in your home, office, or even the shed, there’s always a space that can use a bit of TLC.

Upcycling has become increasingly popular in the world of sustainability, and for good reason. It is the act of taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life and new function. In doing so, the finished product often becomes more practical, valuable and beautiful than its former self. Upcycling is different from recycling because when you upcycle an item, you aren’t breaking down the materials. The end result is an item that may be better or the same quality as the original. With a bit of creativity, almost anything can be upcycled: worn shutters, wood pallets, cardboard packaging, tattered clothing — even your toilet paper tubes. An item ready for upcycling can be something you currently have in the house, acquired as a hand-me-down, or purchased from a thrift store, Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Need some inspiration? Pinterest is a wonderful place to ‘visit’ for creative ideas. Don’t forget upcycling in the garden! You can reuse food packaging to start seedlings instead of purchasing seed starting cells or pots. Consider using your yogurt containers or K-cups instead of throwing them away, rinse out the little plastic cups and fill them up with soil to start seeds. Lots of packaging items can be reused in this way. An egg carton can easily be repurposed as a tray of 12 seed starting cells. Egg shells work great as they retain moisture when wet. The roll of cardboard in the middle of the paper towels or toilet paper can also be used as a seed starting pot – with the added bonus that you can go ahead and bury the whole thing when you’re planting.

While upcycling is great, we know you will have items from your office to shred, old and broken items that need to be thrown away, and perhaps even cardboard or other items to recycle. It makes sense to take the time to properly dispose of items in order to protect your personal information and keep as much out of the landfills as possible. Take the extra effort to shred important documents, recycle products, and bring items

to a thrift store that someone else might find useful. In the end, you will probably have a lot less trash for the landfill and peace of mind that you are helping your community.

Publisher’s Note: Agreed. Spring is a great time for upcycling, and for John Blosinski’s first Expert Contributor feature article. Thank you for your service John, and your sponsorship of our community. I’d expect most readers now having read your first feature, and seeing your ad below, understand which of those ten Sponsor hints on page 13 refer to J&K Trash Removal. E

There’s a Great Road in

by Doug Humes

When William Penn’s settlers began arriving in Edgmont Township in the 1680s, they found a land that Natives had occupied for thousands of years. The Natives lived seasonably and traveled well-worn paths to their food supply. They had not domesticated the horse, and so their paths were walking paths. The English arrived with horses and oxen pulling carts, in need of wider roads. Penn’s land grants set aside 1/10th of the acreage for roadways. When the settlers arrived and got the lay of the land, they began developing those roads.

The county seat of Chester County was in Chester, and so each township began building its own roads to carry traffic there – to markets and for court and governmental functions. The townships had to cooperate so that their roads aligned.

The Edgmont Great Road was first laid out in 1687 –planned as a 60-foot-wide road from Edgmont to the Kings Highway in Chester – connecting with the road bisecting Middletown township. The route through Edgmont ran in part along the existing Minquas Trail – avoiding the hilly lands that are encompassed by today’s Ridley Creek State Park. Early resident John Worrall had petitioned against the original layout of the road – as not being close enough to his property, and so the road was re-routed to accommodate his concerns.

There was no PennDOT to build roads. That task fell on local residents, who arrived with their axes to cut down trees along the planned road, leaving the felled trees to show the way. The Indian trails, tramped down for thousands of years, allowed nothing to grow back; but the new wider English roads needed time before steady traffic achieved the same result, and so each year the local residents had to do more cutting to keep the roadway clear.

Henry Hollingsworth II, an Irish surveyor who helped Thomas Holme lay out the orderly streets of Philadelphia, worked on the Edgmont Great Road. He added a novel touch to the design, planting apple trees as milestones along the road. Proud of his accomplishment, he wrote home that he had planted an orchard nine miles long. Richard Crosby lived along the road but apparently had feuded with the surveyor. Hollingsworth had the last word: instead of planting an apple tree along the road by Crosby’s property, he planted two crossed saplings there, declaring “Richard Crosbie, thou crosses me and I will cross thee.”

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

Photos courtesy of the Newtown Square Historical Society

Old print showing ingenious locals flattening a road with loaded hogshead casks

Map showing Great Road veering away from hills of what today is Ridley Creek State Park

William Penn and perhaps Henry Hollingsworth laying out Philadelphia

by Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

Keeping Up On Your Home’s Exterior Paint is Important For Homeowners

When was your last exterior paint job? If it’s been more than six years you’re probably due for a repaint. Waiting too long to repaint an exterior can cost you a lot in repairs that could have been avoided.

Protect Your Home’s Exterior Against Weather

Rain, wind, snow, fire and other natural phenomena are damaging to your home. You want to shield your home from harm, and high-quality exterior paint can help you accomplish this goal. You can think of a fresh coat of exterior paint as a “force field” that is durable enough to resist weather damages. Some exterior paint can prevent moisture from getting into your home and causing mold, which is a health hazard and a repair you want to avoid. High-quality outdoor paint can also help protect your home’s exterior against dust and insects entering your home or causing damage.

Increase Home Value

Your home is likely the most significant investment you’ve made in your life, and every renovation you complete retains or increases your resale value. Maintaining your house’s curb appeal by giving it a fresh paint job is a great way to boost its selling price.

While your home’s appearance ultimately benefits you, it can also attract potential buyers if you decide to put your house on the market in the future. A newly painted home looks enticing

to you, your neighbors and any passersby who catch a glimpse of your house.

Prevent Excess Moisture

Repainting can help maintain your home’s exterior in many ways, including helping to prevent moisture retention. Too much moisture can cause any wood in your home’s structure to rot or become weak, leave water stains, damage other features outside your home or leak into the interior.

Water and moisture damage are likely to occur during seasonal changes, like in the winter or rainy seasons. A new exterior paint job can help protect your home from experiencing moisturerelated issues and improve curb appeal.

Identify Insect Damage

Besides spotting cracks, water damage and other issues with your home’s exterior, experienced painters can find any signs of insect infestation or damage on the outside of your home. E

Edgmont Township Community Park

Exciting New Upgrades are on the Way!

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Edgmont Township Community Park opened in 2017 and has since become a treasured piece of open space for children, families, groups and senior citizens to gather. The township’s first and only municipally owned recreational property, Edgmont Community Park consists of nearly three acres of land with a walking trail, swings, a children’s play area, picnic tables and a multi-purpose field.

The park hosts many of our special community events, such as the Easter Egg Hunt and the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Food Drive. It is also home to many bluebirds, thanks to the work of staff member Anne Rapposelli and our neighbors at White Horse Village, who installed and maintain bluebird houses along the walking trail.

But this was only possible with generous grants and donations to cover the initial construction costs and ongoing improvement plans. Just this past fall, Edgmont Township announced that they were awarded over $98,000 in grant funding to make improvements so the park is more accessible and safer for everyone. “We received $33,667 from the Delaware County Greenway Grant program and $65,000 from the PA

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Small Community Grant Program,” explained Edgmont Township Assistant Manager Lacey Faber.

Lacey said this funding will allow the township to extend ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access to the swings and multi-purpose field. “We will also upgrade to ADA-approved playground mulch and install a swing shade canopy,” she added. Other plans include the placement of additional ADAaccessible park benches and picnic tables and utilizing native landscaping to create a natural buffer between the multi-purpose field and swing area, which is next to the bioretention basin and rain garden. “The upgrades and improvements that we will be making are a result of suggestions from our residents.”

These grants, along with volunteer commitments from community partners, are anticipated to fully fund this project. “We are excited to get started and proud to have such a solid base of volunteers,” Lacey said. “We have commitments from local residents as well as the folks from Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association (CRC).”

Although these plans are in the early stages, residents are encouraged to visit and enjoy the park this spring and summer. The park is located at 800 Gradyville Rd, Newtown Square and is open every day from dawn to dusk. For more information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, visit their website at www.Edgmont.org or call 610 -459-1662. E

Edgmont Township Community Park’s annual Easter egg hunt

Photos courtesy of Lacey Faber

Residents gathered at the park for the holiday tree lighting and food drive

by Tori Sheridan BHHS Fox & Roach / The Vince May Team

Preparing to Buy and Sell this Spring

While the real estate market has slowed a bit with rising interest rates and lack of housing inventory, the spring market is still shaping up to be another competitive one. With summer on the horizon, buyers with children begin their spring search with hopes to close on their new home before school starts again in the fall. No matter which side of the sale you’re on, the few tips below will help you prepare for the 2023 Spring market.

BUYERS

Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved with a lender to know how much you’ll be able to afford. With volatile rates, find a lender with a creative financing strategy. Realtors and sellers will take you and your offer more seriously when backed by a pre-approval.

Be Open to Fixer Uppers

Low inventory means more buyer competition, especially on the most well-maintained properties on the market. If you’re open to doing a little bit of work, you may be able to purchase in a neighborhood you might otherwise not have been able to afford.

Find a Home that Fits Your Lifestyle

So much has changed since 2020 and that is especially true for the way we live in our homes. Make sure your new home has the right amount of space and functionality. Don’t get too stuck on the formal name of a room. Add doors to a formal living room to transform it into a home office, use an extra bedroom for a playroom or walk-in closet or find a small nook that can transform into a homework station for the kids.

SELLERS

Hire a Realtor

Ensure you hire a Realtor who knows the Agreement of Sale contract well and can guide you through the process. When the inspections return, sellers will need someone that can navigate them through the negotiations. When interviewing Realtors, make sure they understand the current market conditions and can realistically price your home for the current market, not the market we saw a year ago.

Take Advantage of Your Home’s Equity

Most of the country experienced tremendous growth in home equity these past few years. There are several ways to use this

equity and increase your purchasing power. Meet with a reputable lender to discuss options on using your home equity to purchase a second home or investment, leverage your current property to purchase your next or use your equity as a down payment.

Make Repairs and Upgrades

Take some time to make needed repairs. Attend open houses to see what upgrades and staging trends are helping to sell homes in your market. Consider hiring a home inspector and taking their recommendations on what you should repair before listing your home. E

Buying or Selling a Home Succeeds With

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Pampering Mom on Mother ’ s Day

Making our mothers feel loved is so much easier than we could imagine. So why do we often find ourselves at a loss as to what to do for her or what gift to give? To show the special mom in your life how much you love her and how grateful you are for all she does, we’ve got a few ideas to pamper her in a special way.

Give Her the Gift of Time - Off!

That’s right. Give mom the gift she gives you every day by helping around the house. Make Mother’s Day a no cleaning, no cooking and no chores kind of day. Don’t let her do a single second of work because you’ve got that covered!

Book Mother’s Day Brunch

Her first meal of the day shouldn’t be anything less than scrumptious! Make reservations at the most delicious places

in town. Many of our local restaurants are offering special Mother’s Day brunch, lunch and dinner menus. A fantastic meal is a perfect way to pamper mom (and you)! Look for Mother’s Day specials from our Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors Sponsor Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant

Wrap it Up!

Just like on your birthday, there comes a special time of the day when you can expect to be show ered with gifts. Why not give her that special moment on Mother’s Day as well? Head over to our Sponsor, Bunny Hare’s gift shop for the perfect gift and free gift wrapping! For the stylish mom, try giving her a new tote bag or a piece of jewelry with her children’s birthstones. Remember that moms also love homemade gifts like cards, drawings and homemade treats!

An Afternoon for Her

Once your stomachs are full, it’s time for the real fun! Does your mom dream of going to that great spa in town but doesn’t have the time? Does your mom want to go out shopping for those shoes she’s had her eye on? Or has she been asking for the family to join her on a nature hike? Whether it’s a group activity or simply giving her time to go to the gym by herself, the whole family should be on board to make the day exactly what she wants.

Spa and salon gift cards are always a good option and lets mom choose the service that will make her happy. Other ideas are gift cards to her favorite nail salon, restaurant, shopping destination or her favorite place to have a girls’ night out.

Let’s face it: We owe a lot to our moms, and Mother’s Day is the perfect day of the year to show her how much you appreciate her and how much you care. A pampered mom is a happy mom — trust us! E

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

by Dan Flynn Flynn Tree Services

Saying Goodbye: When It’s Time to Remove Your Tree

Trees bring so much benefit and beauty to the landscape, it can be hard to part with them. Tree removal is usually a last resort, when no other safe management option, like pruning or disease mitigation, is sufficient. Dead, dying or otherwise hazardous trees can lead to thousands of dollars in damage, plus the priceless cost of personal injury. As a tree owner, you are responsible for damage or injury that occurs because a tree that should have been removed was left standing.

Here are some red flags to look for which indicate your tree should be inspected by a professional and possibly be removed.

There are signs of infection

Crown dieback, cracks (deep splits in the tree’s bark), misshapen or discolored leaves, soft crumbly wood, and the appearance of fungi may indicate your tree is infected.

You see large, dead branches in the tree’s crown

If 50 percent or more of the tree is dead or damaged, it should probably be removed for safety reasons.

Your tree isn’t growing well

Take a look at the health and vigor of your tree compared to the trees growing near it. Thin leaf cover, discolored foliage and stunted growth are all signs your tree is having trouble, and needs to be diagnosed by a professional.

There is evidence of root defects

Root defects often are not easily noticeable, but heaving soil and fungi growing near the tree’s base are both signs of root issues.

The trunk is compromised

Cracks or splits, large wounds and dead branch stubs on the tree’s trunk all indicate internal decay. Many people don’t realize trees can actually live for years with internal decay.

The tree is hollow

A tree with a hollow trunk has been seriously compromised and is a hazard. If a third of the tree is rotted or hollow inside, it needs to be removed.

You observe sprouts at the base of the tree

These are known as epicormic shoots and they indicate that the tree is severely stressed and should be evaluated by a professional.

The tree is under power lines

A tree that is growing into power lines can become a hazard and may need to be removed by a certified arborist or tree service.

The tree is too close to a house or other structure

Trees hanging over the roof or too close to a structure might need to be removed – or at least regularly pruned. In general, large trees should be at least 20 feet away from a house or building E