Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine, May 2024

The Carpenter Family: Life In Full Bloom

Cover photo by Crissy Everhart Photography CrissyEverhart.com

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 ser ve as a community resource that inspires others to embrace the human-animal bond, all supported entirely by private donations.

SUBARU

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 CrissyEverhart.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bob Blaisse, Sheila TurnerHilliard, Holly Stupak, Lisa Jeffries, Doug Humes, Andrew Martella, Rick Thompson, Dan Flynn, Tori Sheridan, John Blosinski, Charles Welde

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, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2024 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER

The Carpenter Family at Tyler Arboretum in Media

Dear Friends & Neighbors, May I welcome you to this new May issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors in print and online at TheNEMag.com, and to our readers who are also Mothers – may I be the first to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day this month which may well be called a full Month of Appreciation: for the beautiful days of Spring, our mothers, Summer on the way, and recognition of our nation’s veterans who served our country and particularly those who gave their lives in service to protect our freedoms.

Happy Mother’s Day to all our Newtown Edgmont moms, grandmothers, stepmoms and those who bring motherly wisdom and warmth to others. And may I offer a special Happy Mother’s Day to our magazine staff moms: Kim, Sheila, Holly, Lisa and Crissy. Ladies, I see your motherly gifts of care and concern in every new issue. Lastly, Happy Mother’s Day and Thank You Jean; I see your motherly gifts every day in the ways your motherly love is refelected in our four young adult sons.

Later this month, we also stop to our honor our veterans on Memorial Day, and particularly those veterans from Newtown Edgmont who gave their life in times of war to guard and protect the freedoms we have as a nation. And through this month of May, Veteran Appreciation Month, we also honor living military veterans, for your past and/ or current service to our country. Thank you for being a part of our community here in Newtown Square.

I know you’ll enjoy this new May issue Kim, Sheila and our feature writers have for you this month that will see pools opening for summer. So, if you’re heading to the pool or the beach, don’t forget to take Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors along with you.

Let the barbecues begin!

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 Carpenter Family whose hearts have found their home in our community. Our Business Profile features Mostardi’s Nursery, your local home and garden experts serving our growing community since 1976. We’re also shining the spotlight in honor of Mother’s Day on a few of our local moms you have read about in past issues. And, our calendar of events is packed with family activities, so get out there and enjoy the fresh air!

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

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Accounting & Tax Preparation

Jack Del Pizzo, CPA

Del Pizzo & Associates

2098 W Chester Pike #101, Broomall 610-356-2590

DelPizzo.com

• JRD@DelPizzo.com

Automotive Repairs & Service

Lou Matteo

Edgemont Automotive

5040 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

610-353-9868

• EdgemontAuto@verizon.net

EdgemontAutomotive.com

Continuing Care Retirement Community

Kristen Lamanna

Riddle Village

610-891-3700

• Kristen@RddleVillage.com

RiddleVillage.org

Dance Instruction

Kaitlin Battiste

From the Top Dance

3603 Chapel Road, Newtown Square

610-353-2623

• Info@FromTheTopDance.com

FromTheTopDance.com

Electric Service, Residential/Commercial

Andrew Martella, Sr.

Martella Electric Company

484-498-2965

Family Law Trial Attorney

Deborah M. Truscello, Esq.

Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello 610-892-4940

• DmtofLaw@gmail.com

TruscelloLaw.com

Expert Article: Pg. 6

• MartellaElectric@rcn.com

MartellaElectric.com

Fireplace Products

Scott Magness

Scott’s Fireplace Products

3137 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

484-422-8334

• SFP@ScottsFireplaceProducts.com

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

Funeral Home

Robert L. D’Anjolell, Jr., F.D.

DANJOLELL Memorial Homes

2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall 610-356-4200

• RobJr@DAnjolell.com

DAnjolell.com

Glass & Mirror Services

David Gura & Lew Gura

Bryn Mawr Glass

729 West Chester Pike, Havertown 610-853-2990

BrynMawrGlass@yahoo.com

BrynMawrGlass.com

Landscape Design & Landscaping

TJ Warner

JHL Landscaping

610-356-4104

TJ@JHLlandscaping.com

JHLLandscaping.com

Plant & Garden

Steve Mostardi

Mostardi Nursery

4033 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

610-356-8035

• Steve@Mostardi.com

Mostardi.com

Painting, Exterior & Interior

Rick Thompson

Thompson Custom Painting

610-359-8500

• Office@ThompsonPainting.net

ThompsonPainting.net

Plumbing Service, Residential / Commercial

Rick Bondurant

R.F. Bondurant Plumbing

Media

610-566-0288

• RFBPlumbing@comcast.net

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

VinceMayTeam.com

Retirement & Financial Planning

Charles Welde, CPA, CFP®

The CP Welde Group

610-388-7705 • Charles@CPWeldeGroup.com

CPWeldeGroup.com

Roofing & Siding

Rob Coughlin

RPC Services

Edgmont

484-428-3504

• Info@ServicesByRPC.com

ServicesByRPC.com

by Andrew Martella

The Legacy of Carmen Martella One of Life’s Experts

by

No worries, our Expert Electrician, Andrew Martella returns in a few months with another of his features we always enjoy. I asked Andrew if I could step in to share with readers how my work has helped me to become an expert in recommending experts to be trusted for how they serve customers, treat employees and contribute to the community. Andrew’s father, Carmen Martella, the founder of Martella Electric who passed away in February at 94, was surely an Expert Electrician who lived an expert life.

Iam certainly not an Expert Electrician, but this month I’m filling in for one. No worries, our Electrical Services Expert, Andrew Martella, returns next month with another of his Expert Contributor features we’ve come to enjoy reading now for several years.

I asked Andrew Martella if I could take his place this month, to share with readers how, for nearly six years as Publisher of [magazine name], I may have become an Expert myself, in being able to recognize businesses to recommend to readers for their good business practices, how they treat employees and how they give back to the communities that have contributed to their business success. Andrew Martella’s father was surely one of those Experts in business, but also in life.

On February 18, 2024, Carmen Martella, the father of our Electric Services Expert, Andrew Martella, and founder of Martella Electric Company, passed away. Carmen was born on December 19, 1930. He came into this world not knowing how much he would influence several generations of family, friends and customers, or how impactfully his legacy would outlive his own life.

Carmen attended Boch Vocational High School where he excelled in the electrical curriculum while leading the stage crew for all auditorium events. Carmen was often called out of class to solve electrical and other mechanical issues in the school, growing his reputation as the go-to guy when a challenging problem needed to be solved. With this talent and determination, Carmen learned the electrical trade from a Master electrician but was soon faced with a decision when his mentor suddenly passed away. In 1955, Carmen made the decision to officially launch his own business, Martella Electric Company, out of a small home on Webster Street in West Philadelphia.

Andrew Martella with father and company founder Carmen in 2000, with young Andrew Martella, Jr., now the 3rd generation of Martella Electric Experts

Bob Blaisse, Publisher

Bob Blaisse, publisher Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

Carmen Martella in 1952, before founding Martella Electric

Martella Electric Family, (L to R): Granson Andrew, Jr., sons Carmen, Jr, Andrew, Sr., father and founder, Carmen Martella, son Rich, and Cousin Franco Tanda

Martella Electric

Photos courtesy of Andrew Martella

Not long after marrying Joan, the love of his life, Carmen’s family grew to seven children, requiring the couple to move their family in 1961 to a larger home in Upper Darby. There Carmen and Joan involved their children in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Choir Groups and Camping, while they helped as active volunteers, ensuring their children put maximum effort into everything they knew could help them be prepared for adulthood.

Andrew Martella and his three brothers worked with their father as young boys and into their teenage years. Andrew and Richard joined Carmen in 1987, leaving their careers in construction to take Martella Electric into the next generation. The company continued to grow and prosper under Carmen’s close eye and demand that Service, Integrity and Excellence always were the top priority of the company he founded.

In 2009 Carmen retired and his sons Richard and Andrew Martella took over

to carry on the business and traditions that today make Martella Electric Company one of the bestknown and most trusted residential electrical contractor companies in the area, serving Delaware County, Southern Chester County and the Main Line.

Long before retiring, in 1976

Carmen Martella became interested in stained glass art and attended a class to learn a new craft. He never stopped creating until his death. In his retirement, he spent every day creating unique pieces of stained glass art which he simply gave away to just about everyone who asked.

Sadly, Carmen Martella created his last piece of stained glass art in February, passing away on February 18, 2024, truly beloved by his family, friends and customers. To the thousands he served in business, Carmen’s expertise kept the lights on, while the life he lived lit up every room he entered. Every piece of his stained glass art continues to contribute sunlight to beauty and will be his legacy, as will the Service, Integrity and Excellence Andrew Martella and the employees of Martella Electric Company today carry on in his honor, proving without a doubt that Carmen Martella was surely one of life’s experts. E

The last piece of stained glass Carmen created

Carmen lit up every room he entered

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

The Carpenter Family: Life In Full Bloom

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Carpenter Family: Casey, Dineen, Charlotte and Victoria. Life for the Carpenters is rewarding and fun, filled with family, friends and a commitment to giving back to our community.

Casey grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey, with his parents, older brother, Andy, older sister, Kelly and his younger sister, Karey. He spent his childhood attending Central Grade School, Haddonfield Middle School and graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School, where he was the captain of the football and baseball teams. “I was really into sports, especially baseball,” Casey said. “I was the pitcher for my team when we won the NJ State Championship, and I was recently informed that I will be inducted into Haddonfield Memorial High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame later this month.”

Casey may have made an impact on the athletic fields, but he was also recognized for his skills on the dance floor. “My

classmates voted me the Best Dancer and Life of the Party in our Senior Superlative Yearbook Awards,” he laughed. After high school, Casey headed south to Texas Tech University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise & Sports Science with a minor in Psychology. He continued to play baseball throughout college and even spent time pitching semi-professional baseball for several teams in New Jersey after graduation.

Casey then moved to the Art Museum section of Philadelphia and began working in the pharmaceutical industry. “I have been working in the industry for 23 years now and I am currently a Market Access Director for a Pharmaceutical Company that specializes in brain health, specifically neurology and psychiatry,” Casey explained. “One of my primary roles is to ensure patients have access to our medications through their health insurance providers.” Casey said that his career has been very rewarding and he enjoys working for a patient-centric organization focused on restoring the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

We would like to thank Martella Electric for sponsoring this month’s Resident Feature

Dineen and Casey dancing the night away with their family and friends

Photo courtesy of Dineen Carpenter

Dineen was born and raised in Ridley Park where she lived with her parents and her younger brother, Dennis. She attended St. Madeline Catholic School (now known as St. James Regional Catholic School) and graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School. “I tried different sports growing up, but nothing clicked for me,” Dineen said. “I just always wanted to dance and be a choreographer so I studied and learned from music videos.” Her friends began to take notice and voted her Best Dancer in the eighth-grade yearbook.

Once in high school, Dineen had the opportunity to become involved in the theater program and perform in school musicals. She loved every minute of dancing and singing on the big stage. Dineen also joined student council and served as President in her Sophomore and Senior years. After graduation, Dineen headed to West Chester University, where she earned her degree in Communications and discovered her passion for travel and photography. She boarded a plane for the first time when she was 21 years old, took in the sights and sounds of Miami and never looked back.

For the next 20 years, Dineen worked in advertising sales and design for Val-Pack Direct Mail. She was living in Philadelphia, spending time in the Fairmount section, then Nothern Liberties before buying a “magical little house” in Fishtown. She spent her free time traveling and photographing her adventures. “I have traveled all throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the United States,” she said. “Some of my biggest adventures have taken me to Greece, Hawaii and South Africa.”

These days, Dineen works in sales and design with Boxed Sourcing, a local, women-owned business that creates out-ofthe-box branded merchandise. “We put logos on items, but we

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography CrissyEverhart.com

do it with style with designs that have a look and a feel that really sets them apart,” she explained. “We work for many local businesses in our area all the way up to Comcast and NBC and I am loving every minute of being part of such creative team.”

Life sometimes has a funny way of placing the person you are destined for right in front of you and sometimes it takes a few years and a chance encounter to come to fruition. In Dineen and Casey’s case, they were first introduced by mutual friends in 2005 but were both dating other people. “We ran into each other three years later at a restaurant in Philly one night,” Dineen explained. “I recognized Casey right way, reintroduced myself, asked him if he was dating anyone, and when he said no, I handed him my business card.”

Casey and Dineen began dating, and two years later, Casey popped the question at James Restaurant in South Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve, 2010. “It was such a special night,” they recalled. “After the proposal, we left the restaurant and walked all the way from South Philly home to Fishtown.” It was New Year’s Eve, and the promise of new beginnings filled the air and fireworks lit up the night sky.

The happy couple married in November 2011 at St. Francis Xavier Church, just steps from the Philadelphia Art Museum, and danced the night away with family and friends at Tendenza, located in the vibrant Northern Liberties neighborhood. “We spent our Honeymoon on the islands of Kauai and Maui,” Casey said. “One of the most amazing things we experienced there was getting up at 3am to drive to Mt. Haleakalā to watch the sunrise.” Dineen said she’ll never forget how cold and still everything became just before the sun showed itself, and as it cracked through the pitch black sky, it was the deepest darkest red sliver of color she had ever witnessed. “It slowly began to open up like a blood-red flower,” she recounted. “A native Hawaiin park ranger who oversaw this moment each day broke into a loud ceremonial song. It was all about dawn and our new life together.”

Back home, Dineen and Casey settled down in the Art Museum area, in the home that Casey purchased in 2000. It was a twostory rowhome that they planned to stay in for a few years because they loved living in the city but felt it was a little too small, especially if they were going to start a family. So, they decided to embark on a renovation to add a third floor and rooftop deck. “The renovation that was supposed to take three months took close to a year filled with everything from a disappearing contractor to a flooded home due to Hurricane Sandy, but ultimately it turned out perfect,” said Dineen.

But we all know that when we weather difficult storms, we are often rewarded with the most beautiful rainbows. For Dineen and Casey, their gifts were delivered when they welcomed their daughters Charlotte and Victoria to their family.

Charlotte is Dineen and Casey’s nine-year-old daughter who is in fourth grade at Rose Tree Elementary. She is an active girl who loves Girl Scouts, gymnastics, art, theater, their two cats,

The Carpenters on vacation in Cape May, NJ

Photo courtesy of Dineen Carpenter

Thomas and Finn and, of course, Taylor Swift. “Charlotte is an old soul,” Dineen said. “She’s incredibly thoughtful, very loyal and is always trying to think of the best gifts to get for her friends.” Charlotte also recently learned that she will be playing the role of Nemo in her school’s production of Nemo and Friends. Sounds as though she may love the stage just like her mom!

Six-year-old Victoria is Charlotte’s little sister who loves sweets just as much as she loves to dance. Victoria is in first grade at Rose Tree Elementary, plays soccer and baseball and takes jazz dance class. Casey described her as hysterical with the comedic timing of an adult and the one who is always up for adventure. Dineen added that Victoria is also a very loving soul. “My dad passed away four years ago when Victoria was two,” Dineen said. “She talks to him and about him often. In fact, this past Valentine’s Day she wrote him a note, attached it to a balloon, and sent it up to heaven. Victoria is thoughtful from the heart. She inspires me to be even better in that way.”

While Casey, Dineen and the girls enjoyed living in Philadelphia, the time eventually came for them to make the move to the suburbs. “We needed more room, a big yard and space to welcome our family and friends,” said Casey. “We found the perfect home in Newtown Edgmont that gave us all we were looking for.” Dineen added that she always felt that when she had a family, she would move out of the city to be close to her family and enjoy open space surrounded by beautiful grass, trees and parks.

Since making the move, Dineen has enjoyed volunteering with the girls’ school and their extracurricular activities. She has spent time serving on Rose Tree Elementary’s Principal Advisory Board, helps out as a classroom aid, chaperones field trips and volunteers for the girls’ Girl Scouts troop. Casey has

recently begun volunteering to coach Victoria’s rookie league baseball team and looks forward to sharing his talents to make an impact on the youth in our community.

Life for the Carpenter family is full of love, family, friendship, adventure and appreciation for our wonderful community. They truly love to call Newtown Edgmont home and said that they consider their neighbors to be the best (especially Miss Pam). When asked to share a special message with our friends and neighbors, Dineen and Casey said, “Thank you for being so fun, warm and welcoming. We love our friends, neighbors, local businesses and our green space.”

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

Casey and Dineen at Table Mountain in South Africa

Photo courtesy of Dineen Carpenter

by Charles Welde The CP Welde Group

The Pyramid of Risk

Have you ever heard of The Pyramid of Risk? It helps categorize investments from low-risk (at the bottom of the pyramid) to high-risk (at the top of the pyramid).

The bottom of the pyramid includes low-risk investments such as government bonds, fixed and indexed annuities, life insurance, CDs and cash savings. These are considered low-risk investments because they have no direct market volatility exposure.

The middle of the pyramid is for medium-risk investments such as stock funds, bond funds, index funds and variable annuities. These medium-risk investments have market exposure but have more diversified positions than the higher-risk investments.

The top of the pyramid includes alternative investments such as oil and gas. It also includes commodities such as gold and real estate investment trusts. These investments are considered higher risk because they are less diversified and potentially illiquid, meaning you can’t easily get access to your money. Individual stocks and bonds are

also categorized as higher risk because of a lack of diversification in highly concentrated holdings. No matter how big or strong one individual company is – as we saw years ago with Lehman Brothers and Enron, companies that many thought were “too big to fail” went bankrupt, or their stock value decreased so significantly that people lost a lot of money.

In the universe of investments, you get to choose what to risk, and when to risk it. Safeguard your money today, risk your purchasing power tomorrow. Risk your money today, safeguard your purchasing power tomorrow. There is no such thing as no risk.

The strength of your retirement plan will be determined by having the appropriate amount of money allocated to low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk investments. The ultimate goal is to create an optimal blend of risk-adjusted investments that will generate predictable income, manage short-term market volatility, and reduce the impact of long-term inflation. E

by Lisa Jeffries

Zach Ritchie

MAY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The May Rey Azteca Student of the Month is Zach Ritchie, who is a Senior at Penncrest High School and received a Certificate of Achievement and a $25 gift card from Rey Azteca, our Sponsor of this program.

Zach has been on the Distinguished Honor Roll/Honor Roll throughout his entire high school career! He’s taken nine AP courses and has an unweighted GPA of 4.05. Along with

taking his academics very seriously, Zach also enjoys being a part of numerous clubs at Penncrest, including Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Science Honor Society, Coding Club, Ski and Snowboard Club, The Gryphon and Economics Club. Even though he deals with color blindness, Zach has remained vigilant when it comes to accomplishing the goals he sets for himself.

In his free time, Zach volunteers at Build for Hope with Lima United Methodist Church and works as a server at Maris Grove Senior Living Center. He plays for his school’s Varsity Lacrosse team, and is described by one Penncrest faculty member as “An all-around great kid!”

Zach will be heading to college in September, where he plans to major in math, statistics and physics. He also plans to attend graduate school for a Ph.D. in data science and computational mathematics after his undergraduate course of study. His long-term future goals include becoming a scientist and mathematician.

What an incredible future you’ve built for yourself through hard work, determination and goal-setting Zach. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you “Dr. Zach Ritchie!” E

Sun

Academic or athletic excellence is not required.Academic or athletic excellence is not required. Know

Students from grades 7 to 12 who demonstrate excellence in service to school, friendship, community or area groups, and reside within the geographical borders of the Marple, Newtown Square or Edgmont (no matter what school they attend, or if they are homeschooled). Submit your nomination, highlighting what makes them amazing, to LJeffries@BestVersionMedia.com.

Zach with Rey Azteca Manager Enrique Chavez

Photo courtesy of Marylyn Ritchie

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BRINGING PEOPLE

by Bob Blaisse, Founding Publisher of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

Who decides which Newtown Edgmont resident will be on the cover every month? What kind of response do businesses gain from advertising? Where do you find features published every month about youth, seniors, and organizations in Newtown and Edgmont Townships? Why would anyone want to read a magazine when there’s the Internet? And… How is it possible that Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine can look so classy, be mailed for free to so many homes in Newtown Edgmont every month, and yet not be crammed with nothing but ads?

Those are the Who, What, Where, Why and How questions I am asked every week. And while there’s a longer answer for

each question, if I had to offer the same two-words for each question, it would be this: Reader Leaders.

What’s a Reader Leader? It’s anyone who looks forward to receiving Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine in the mail each month and knows our advertising Sponsors make it possible. It’s readers like you, willing to vote with your wallet to show outright favoritism for any business whose ads are seen on these pages.

Reader Leaders know the businesses that sponsor our community do so for two reasons: (i) because they know a community is made better by having a monthly hometown magazine, and (ii) because the residents of Newtown Edgmont are important to the success of their business.

PEOPLE TOGETHER

R eadeR LeadeRs: Be Featured in an Upcoming Edition for Growing Your Magazine! Then name a Newtown Edgmont resident to appear on the cover of an upcoming edition.

Three easy steps to becoming a R eadeR LeadeR …

1

Send an email to a business owner who you know personally, and copy Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine publisher, Bob Blaisse on your email at BBlaisse@BestVersionMedia.com

2 3

In emails or conversations with business owners, recommend advertising in Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors as the best way to be recognized by Newtown Edgmont residents for making their hometown magazine possible.

Then, just let your local magazine publisher and your local business contact do the rest.

If the business owner you connect with Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine, becomes an advertising sponsor of our community, you’ll be named a Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine “ReadeR LeadeR.”

Reader Leaders helping to grow Newtown Edgmont’s monthly magazine, will be featured in an upcoming edition for their reader leadership, and asked to nominate a Newtown Edgmont resident family to appear on the cover of an upcoming edition of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine.

Help grow your town’s monthly magazine for the benefit of all readers…

Become a R eade R L eade R of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors Magazine!

Reader Leaders also recognize that social media is not just found online because magazines are certainly a form of media and Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors certainly is Bringing People Together in a social way, albeit through monthly feature articles that circulate hometown pride by introducing us to hometown neighbors we may never have known until reading about them in your hometown magazine fund by a very specific group of local business owners that show us every month how important we are to them.

How we choose our cover, who will be our Student of the Month, which feature article we publish, it all comes from you, through your emails that result in Bringing People Together through your good ideas that become features on these pages. And the Reader Leaders with lasting impact are those whose reader leadership even helps us grow our page count by growing our advertising Sponsors

Be a Reader Leader of social-media-in-print. Nominate residents from our community and community organizations to be featured in your hometown magazine. And use your influence with business owners you know, to help grow our magazine page count so we can publish even more pages funded by local businesses that become Sponsors of Newtown Edgmont residents. And if a business you introduce me to does become a new advertising Sponsor, I will reward your reader leadership by asking you to recommend a Newtown Edgmont resident of your choosing, to be featured on our cover of a future issue of Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors. E

Bob Blaisse

Publisher

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors

“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

by Rick Thompson Thompson Custom Painting

Top Reasons Why Spring is the Best Time for Painting Your House

Spring is symbolic of a fresh start. Painting the exterior of your house gives it a new and refreshing look. The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, so it should be attractive, elegant and stylish, all at the same time. Your choice of paint will have a huge effect on the curb appeal of your house. One of the most important reasons why late spring to early summer is the perfect time to paint your home’s exterior is because the temperature is ideally suited to achieve the desired outcome. Once early spring is over, the weather pattern of summer begins. The days become warmer and drier, plus there is plenty of sunlight. Low humidity levels mean less risk of moisture getting trapped in the exterior surface, and it allows the paint to dry quickly on its own.

Every homeowner wants their property to look nice and neat. Enhancing the overall curb appeal of your home will not only improve the aesthetics but will also increase the value of your house. If you’re looking to sell, painting the exterior will certainly give you a boost in price.

Winter can be very harsh for the paint on your house. Conditions like ice, snow, frost, rain and storms affect your home’s paint. Moisture has a negative impact because it causes paint to swell or soften, which will lead to blistering, peeling and flaking. Remember that high moisture conditions also trigger the growth of mold or mildew. Don’t wait too long to repaint, because the delay will increase the cost of repair. Painting the exterior helps to protect the underlying surfaces from weather damage such as sunlight, moisture and temperature fluctuations. This can prevent deterioration and prolong the lifespan of the building materials, which in turn can increase the overall value of the home.

Are you planning to paint your home this spring? Every homeowner wishes to see their property look beautiful. Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to do it. Overall, painting offers a cost-effective way to refresh and improve the look of your home, making it an appealing option for homeowners looking to enhance their living space without breaking the bank. E

Photo courtesy of Rick Thompson

MAY 2023 calendar of events

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!) NSHistory.org

Saturdays in May

Paper Mill House & Museum

@3 Paper Mill Rd, 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!) NSHistory.org

Saturdays in May Newtown Railroad Museum

@Drexel Lodge, 4140 W. 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!) NSHistory.org

Daily through May

Lights Out Newtown Edgmont

Help save thousands of migratory birds from fatal collisions linked to light pollution by turning off your excess lighting during spring migration, May 1–May 31. Support this initiative by the Newtown Township Environmental Advisory Council and Bird Town Pennsylvania. BirdtownPA.org/lights-and-birds/

Thurs. May 2

Delaware County National Day of Prayer

@Rose Tree Park, 1671 N Providence Rd, Media

All residents and friends of Delaware County are invited to attend and participate for prayer and worship. Those who attend should bring chairs or blankets for comfort and are welcome to bring a picnic lunch.

Time: 11:30am

Cost: FREE

NationalDayOfPrayerDelco.com

Sat. May 11

Mother’s Day Tours

@Square Tavern and Paper Mill House

Explore the changing roles of mothers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy wine, cheese and sweets along the tour. In our Paper Mill art room, there will be crafts for children, and all floral art will be on sale.

Time: 1–4pm

Cost: FREE

NSHistory.org

Fri. May 17

Community Supper Series

@Rushton Farm

911 Delchester Rd, Newtown Square

Community Supper Series is back with a fresh lineup of food truck partners, live music and local craft brews! This month we welcome Taste of Puebla‘s

food truck serving up authentic Mexican favorites at the farm. Deer Creek Malthouse will have their fresh craft beer and barley tea available for purchase onsite. And for the first time at Rushton, we welcome The Dishonest Fiddlers, a “good time string band” from Hawley, PA! They’ll be playing a mix of their favorite bluegrass, folk, and jug band music.

Time: 5:30pm–8:00pm

Cost: $10 for adults; Kids are Free WCTrust.org

Sat. May 18

Concert In the Park

Featuring PHEEDBACK

@Drexel Lodge Park

4101 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Local legendary cover band PHEEDBACK will be performing live at Drexel Lodge Park. A Jam Band that creates sonic alchemy by fusing the melodies of PHISH, GRATEFUL DEAD and GOOSE to take listeners on an improvisational journey of sound. Bring a chair or blanket. Everyone is welcome. This is a Rain or Shine event

Time: 4–6pm

Cost: FREE

Sat. May 18

Comedy Night At The Pig

@The Sterling Pig Brewery, 609 W State St, Media A night of comedy at the Sterling Pig Brewery for laughs with area comedians hosted by America’s Funniest Handyman, Comedian Tommy Highland. This month features Chris Dolan and headliner Missy Hall.

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $20

Tickets at Eventbright.com

Sat. May 18

Grill and Chill Bingo

@Newtown Square Fire Company

2 Charles Ellis Dr, Newtown Square

This is an evening of fun, camaraderie and the chance to win valuable prizes. 100% of the net proceeds directly benefit the Newtown Square Fire Company, a 501(c)3 organization. Prizes include premium outdoor equipment, including renowned brand-name coolers, grills and smokers. There will be eight rounds of Bingo and two special bonus rounds. This is a bring-your-own food and beverage event.

Time: 6pm (doors open at 5pm)

Cost: $40/ticket or $320/table of eight NSFC.org

Sun. May 19

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 its 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 Linvilla.com/family-fun

Our Community

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Grill and Chill Bingo to Benefit the Newtown Square Fire Company

The Newtown Square Fire Company (NSFC) is thrilled to introduce a new opportunity for our friends and neighbors to gather to raise funds for its dedicated team of first responders and support staff. Let’s come together as a community on Saturday, May 18th for the inaugural Grill and Chill Bingo night at the Fire House on Ellis Preserve.

This event promises an evening of fun and camaraderie, offering attendees the chance to win valuable prizes, with 100% of the net proceeds directly benefiting the Newtown Square Fire Company, a 501(c)3 organization. Heather Robinson serves as 1st Vice President of the fire company and is this year’s Grill and Chill Bingo Chair. “In anticipation of the upcoming spring and summer seasons, our prize selection will feature premium outdoor equipment, including renowned brand-name coolers, grills, and smokers for backyard leisure,” Heather said. “All of our prizes are generously donated by our local businesses and professional sports franchises.”

In addition to donating prizes and merchandise, local businesses have stepped up to sponsor the event. Louis Rosenthal is a volunteer with the fire company who has been helping to make Grill and Chill Bingo a success. “I’ve been helping the committee with ticketing, finance and working to enlist some of the generous businesses and individuals in Newtown Square and neighboring

townships to become sponsors,” he explained. “It will be a great, fun evening with all proceeds supporting our volunteer Newtown Square Fire Company.” Louis also added that financial support for the event is tax deductible and attendees will have an opportunity to win some pretty cool prizes.

The event will kick off at 6pm, with doors opening at 5pm. Attendees should bring their own food and drinks for the evening. There will be eight rounds of bingo, called by some familiar faces and a few special guests, with a prize awarded to the winner of each round. “We will also have two bonus rounds,” Heather said. “The winners of the bonus rounds will win package prizes that will feature multiple items bundled together for unique outdoor experiences.” Tickets are on sale now by visiting the Newtown Square Fire Company page on Facebook or going to NSFC.org. Individual tickets are $40, or you can purchase a table of eight for $320.

The NSFC has a long history of fundraising events and efforts designed to bring our community together. Their most recent Pints in the Square Craft Brew Fest/5K has run for the past six years and quickly became the talk of the town. In its first year alone, the festival drew over 500 attendees and raised an impressive $25,000 in donations. Its popularity grew year after year, and the committee hopes to announce its return sometime in the future.

Join the Newtown Square Fire Company for Grill and Chill Bingo

Photo by Crissy Everhart Photography CrissyEverhart.com

Other popular events run by the NSFC Auxiliary include hosting two annual Flea Markets, a Mother’s Day weekend Plant Sale, and a Holiday Wreath Fundraising Event in November. The Auxiliary also provides meals for firefighters after emergency calls, at their monthly meetings and on the nights Santa Claus tours with the fire company.

people dedicated to protecting our community. Newtown Square is very fortunate to have just that. But many residents may not know that many of these Firefighters and Ambulance EMTs are not paid for their brave and selfless acts. In fact, the Newtown Square Fire Company is almost entirely operated by volunteers.

The amount of work, funding and time it takes to run a volunteer fire company is astounding and only made possible by those heroes who dedicate their time, talent and resources. In addition to the Firefighters and Fire Police you see on an emergency scene, a team of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly to raise funds necessary to operate an organization that serves and protects our community and responds to over 750 calls yearly. From ensuring our firefighters have the best training, gear and equipment to providing home-cooked meals and a clean, com fortable place to rest while on call, these company volunteers and elected officers are also worthy of our appreciation.

Long-time Newtown Square residents may recall an annual fundraising event called the Turkey Fair. It was a community raffle event that began in the 1930s, where winners would take home free turkeys from local supermarkets. This event was a big success that continued well into the 1990s, taking a few years off during World War II. After the war, the Turkey Fair returned with the addition of a Country Fair and Fall Bazaar which became major fundraisers.

When the new firehouse on Route 252 was built in the 1960s, it housed a spacious hall on the second floor complete with an industrial kitchen. It soon became the spot to host many events in the old firehouse after they added the addition for the kitchen. The hall would help raise funds for the fire company during their Pancake Days, Breakfast with Santa, Turkey Raffles and community dances.

As a volunteer organization, the NSFC diligently ensures the operational readiness of services around the clock and relies on the generosity of our community to provide essential training for our emergency-response personnel and to maintain the upkeep of our specialized fire trucks and life-saving equipment.

When residents of Newtown Township call for emergency help, they expect a timely response from a highly-trained team of

Thank you to our elected officers and all the volunteers who help keep our homes, businesses and community safe. Your service is appreciated. If you want to volunteer with the NSFC, please complete the online application at NSFC.org/content/ membership or call 610-356-9590 and select Option 2.

Photo courtesy of Heather Robinson

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of Steve Mostardi

Your Local Home and Garden Experts

Mostardi Nursery is a family-owned business in Newtown Square that has been serving our growing community since 1976. If you have visited their location on West Chester Pike, you know that Mostardi’s is your resource for all kinds of outdoor and indoor plants, trees, shrubbery, seasonal decor, gardening tools and more.

But did you know that dedicated gardeners, as well as novice homeowners, also depend on Mostardi’s for expert advice in helping them be successful with their home gardening and landscaping projects? Owner Steve Mostardi said, “We like to think we are improving the quality of life for our customers by

being a reliable source for exceptional trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and houseplants – and providing the knowledge and supplies to keep those plants healthy.”

Steve is proud of his family’s long-standing reputation of offering excellent customer service, superior quality and a large selection of items that his customers have come to expect. “My parents originally opened their landscape business on this property,” explained Steve. “Over the years, they built greenhouses and shifted to growing and selling plants.” Steve said that the success of that end of the business led them to pivot once again, build a parking lot, a retail store and open the property to consumer sales of plants, decor and supplies.

Countywide Generators is a factory-trained Generac® installer. The #1 selling, most reliable, automatic start-up system that supplies electricity to your home until the local power is restored. For ANY GENERATOR BRAND, We proudly provide:

• The highest standard of service

• Excellent customer satisfaction

• Safe & proper installation

• Emergency assistance, 7 days/week

Steve’s gardening roots trace back to his grandfather, who was an estate gardener on the Main Line. Steve not only grew up in the family business, but he also trained at the Barnes Foundation Arboretum and studied Horticulture at Temple University. He served as the President of the Horticultural Research Institute and now serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal Plant Award Committee.

610-955-4397

Over the years, the Mostardi Nursery team has grown beyond the Mostardi family. “My wife, two sons and my sister all work with me,” explained Steve. “But we also have over 20 dedicated and knowledgeable employees to serve our customers’ needs. They are proud to be members of the Pennsylvania and American Nursery and Landscape Association, as well as both the Pennsylvania and the American Horticultural Societies.”

www.CountywideGenerators.com

As an independent garden center, Mostardi’s mission is to provide you with plants, lawn and garden products, and friendly service that goes above and beyond your expectations. “We offer a unique service that you won’t find in those big-box stores,” said Steve. “We are here to help you determine what’s best for your home, advise you on the best time to plant and even help you diagnose any problems you’re having with your plant’s health.” Mostardi Nursery even has a plant pharmacy

department with products designed for animal repellents, weed control and lawn care.

Last year Steve and his team designated a section of the nursery to native trees, shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses. This was received so enthusiastically by shoppers, that they are continuing to expand this area. “Homeowners who are interested in incorporating native plants into their gardens can come in to get expert advice on what to plant and how to care for them,” Steve said. “Planting native plants under your existing trees provides soft landings to beneficial insects that spend part of their lifecycle in trees and then drop to the ground and native plants also provide a habitat for these insects which in turn support other animals like birds.”

Another difference that sets Mostardi Nursery apart is its dedication and generosity toward our community. Steve is also proud to announce Mostardi’s recent award as a Green Business Leader for Newtown Square. They partner with Newtown Square In Bloom, Newtown Township Parks and Recreation, the Shade Tree Commission and the Trails and

Greenways Committee to source trees, grow plants and flowers and to offer them at cost to these organizations. They also donate mulch and materials used to plant and install displays throughout Newtown Square.

For many years they have donated plants and supplies to the township for welcome signs and township parks. Just take a look around at all the beautiful hanging baskets lining West Chester Pike and the colorful display of flowers in St. Albans Circle. Perhaps you’ve noticed new trees planted along the Goshen Road trail and Newtown Street Road. Newtown Township is fortunate to have Steve Mostardi and his team to thank for their guidance, generosity and commitment to improving the appearance of our neighborhoods.

Mostardi Nursery is open year-round for all your gardening and seasonal decor needs. Their hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00am–5:30pm, and Sunday 10am–5pm. Mostardi’s is located at 4033 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square. For more information, follow them on Facebook, visit their website at Mostardi.com or give them a call at 610-356-8035. E

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by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

What Mother’s Day Means to Me

For many, Mother’s Day is a time to reflect and show gratitude to the women and mothers who have been mentors and caregivers who helped shape us into who we are. In honor of this special day, we’ve asked a few of our featured family moms to tell you what Mother’s Day means to them.

Although Mother’s Day as we know it has more recent roots, early celebrations can be traced back to festivals held by ancient Greeks and Romans. In ancient Greece, people honored Rhea, the wife of Cronus and mother of the gods. People from all over Greece offered Rhea food, drinks and flowers.

The Romans also celebrated a different mother of the gods named Cybele, or Magna Mater, which means Great Mother. They even dedicated a temple to her, and in March, they participated in the Festival of Hilaria and provided gifts for the goddess.

Back in the United States, the first official Mother’s Day celebration took place in Grafton, West Virginia, on May 10, 1908. This event was made possible by the financial support of John Wanamaker, a Philadelphia business owner. His backing ensured the success of this inaugural Mother’s Day, which was marked by a large gathering at a local church and a simultaneous event at one of Wanamaker’s stores. Today, the church where the celebration was held is home to the International Mother’s Day Shrine, a testament to the enduring legacy of this holiday.

Today, Mother's Day is a time for us to express our love and appreciation for our moms. Many of us choose to do this by purchasing or making gifts, giving our moms a much-deserved day off or planning special outings such as dinner or brunch. Flowers and cards remain popular gifts, and the National Retail

Federation (NRF) estimates that Americans spend billions of dollars on holiday purchases, including the ever-popular Mother’s Day roses.

Tori Sheridan “Mother’s Day is a time of reflection on all the sacrifices we make as mothers and the sacrifices our own mothers made for us; the long days, the sleepless nights and endless worries. It’s also an opportunity to reminisce about all the precious moments that make us realize how quickly the years go by, serving as a reminder to cherish every moment with our loved ones and celebrate the amazing journey of motherhood.”

Tori is looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day with her family

Photo courtesy of Tori Sheridan

Allison Hamscher

“As I approach the final trimester of my fourth pregnancy (baby #4 arriving in June!), I’m taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of motherhood these past six years have been. It’s been a blend of the highest highs and some lows, but the privilege of welcoming each little one into our lives has been truly remarkable.

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our newest family member and our daughters are bubbling with excitement, awaiting the news of whether they’ll have a new baby brother or sister. On this Mother’s Day, I extend heartfelt wishes to all mothers. May your journey be filled with love, joy, and cherished moments with your little ones.”

Michelle DiCola

“Mother’s Day isn’t just a day about me. Let’s face it, from the minute I became a mom, it was no longer about me, but I say that in a funny and loving way. Being a mom is my favorite! On Mother’s Day, I feel extra thankful and blessed to have my husband and all three of our babies. They are the best gifts of all.”

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

Allison reflects on her incredible journey of motherhood

Photo courtesy of Allison Hamscher

Michelle with her best gifts of all

Photo courtesy of Michelle DiCola

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

What IS Curb Appeal?

Research has shown that the average homebuyer forms a first impression of a home in the first eight seconds. The goal is to make buyers want to see more by creating an inviting exterior, not one that’s only worthy of a drive-by. This is where the concept of curb appeal comes into play—a crucial factor that can make or break a property’s attractiveness and value.

What is Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal refers to the aesthetics of a property as viewed from the street. It includes landscaping, siding and shutter

colors, hardscape design, maintenance and overall cleanliness. While it may seem trivial compared to interior design, investing in curb appeal can yield a substantial return on investment, both financially and emotionally.

Standing Out on the Market

Curb appeal serves as a powerful marketing tool in the world of real estate. Picture this: the prospective buyers are scrolling through countless online listings, each hoping to secure a showing. A home with a captivating exterior is more likely to stand out, create a positive initial impression and spark curiosity.

Perceived Value

Buying or Selling a Home Succeeds With EXPERIENCE

Successful real estate transactions require years of experience. The Vince May Team has over a combined 40+ years in real estate sales.

Research shows that homes with well-maintained exteriors, often result in higher sale prices and fewer days on the market, compared to less visually appealing homes. Curb appeal can significantly increase a buyer’s perceived value, and then they are usually willing to pay a premium for a property that exudes pride of ownership from the moment they arrive.

Sustainability and Maintenance of Systems

Curb appeal is not just about aesthetics, it’s also about creating a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. By planting trees, you can provide shade and also reduce energy costs and improve air quality. Trimming hedges away from AC units will allow them to function properly and extend their lifespan. Keeping tree limbs off your roof will help to maintain your shingles and improve its longevity.

Emotional Benefits

Curb appeal fosters a sense of pride and satisfaction among homeowners. It transforms a house into a welcoming sanctuary and turns a mere structure into a place that feels like home for family, neighbors, friends and passersby. Homeowners can create havens for relaxation, recreation, social gatherings and enrich their overall quality of life.

In essence, curb appeal is more than just a superficial aspect of homeownership — it’s a reflection of pride, care and attention to detail. Whether you’re preparing to sell your property or simply seeking to elevate its visual appeal, investing in curb appeal is a worthwhile endeavor with far-reaching benefits. E

by Doug Humes

Randal Pratt and Springton Farm

Afew years ago, I was given an old book on Quaker history. Inside was the signature of the book’s owner: Randal Pratt. And I thought “Who was Randal Pratt?” Today, with a laptop and the internet, the answer is usually close at hand. So off I went in search of Randal Pratt.

17), his 76-year-old father-in-law, and two young farm laborers. Randal was industrious: in addition to operating the farm and adjacent mill, and reading Quaker history (over 900 pages!), he came up with an improvement to a horse rake which he patented in 1856. A newspaper account said that the rake “far exceeded any horsepower heretofore in use” and “was probably destined to supercede all rakes now in use.”

Randal was descended from a long line of Pratts, starting with the emigrant, Abraham DePratt who came from France. Abraham’s son Joseph Sr. dropped the “de”, and bought a property in Edgmont on which he built a stone farmhouse, that survives today as the Colonial Plantation at Ridley Creek State Park. Joseph’s namesake son, Joseph Jr., purchased 250 acres along the Crum Creek in Marple in 1767, and named this farm Springton. His son David inherited the farm on his father’s death, and moved his large family there, including Randal, the tenth of eleven children of David and Lydia Hoopes. The farm bordered Gradyville road and so was an easy walk to his grandfather Pratt’s farm in Edgmont.

Randal’s mother died at the farm in 1836. That event cast a pall over Randal’s marriage to Mary Goodwin Lewis of Newtown in 1837, at the Quaker Meeting House. Randal brought his bride back to the expanded family farm, now 750 acres along Crum Creek, where they raised eight children. In 1860, the census records show Randal as a farmer in Marple, living with his wife and five children (ages ranging from 7 to

Randal died at age 64 in 1866, and is buried near his parents at Newtown Square Friends Meeting. His farmhouse, described in 1920 as “one of Delaware County’s historic homes”, was knocked down in 1931, when a dam was erected on Crum Creek, flooding the entire Pratt farm to create a water reservoir.

Randal, a man of learning, would probably be delighted to know that every time the local residents turn their faucets on, out comes pure fresh water from the reservoir named after his family’s old property, “Springton Farm”. E

Vintage Mom or Dad? History Making Grad?

Photos courtesy of the Edgmont Historical Society

The Pratt family on the porch of their Springton farm

Randal’s signature in the Quaker history book that sent me off on the quest to find out who he was

Randal Pratt poses for his portrait

The Springton farm in 1848

Newtown Edgmont

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

GEDGMONT TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY DAY 3rd Annual

ather your family and friends for the 3rd annual Edgmont Community Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 7th, from 10am to 3pm. Hosted by our friends at Arasapha Farms, visitors will enjoy music, and games, visiting the animals, face painting and pony rides. There will be something for everyone on the 80-acre farm located at 1835 Middletown Rd in Glen Mills. Local craft vendors will be selling their handmade jewelry, bags, seasonal decorations and candles. Sweet treats and good eats will be provided by the area’s top food trucks and restaurants, and a

DJ will keep the mood fun and festive with some great music. The mission of the Edgmont Township Community Day is to bring together the community, businesses, township staff and government officials and foster a deeper sense of community, pride, optimism, positivity, and inclusiveness within Edgmont Township.

Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors magazine’s mission is Bringing People Together, and highlighting this event is the perfect way to celebrate our community! E

Arasapha Farms, 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills

September 7th / 10am - 3pm / Rain or Shine / Edgmont.org

Over 100 Food, Business & Craft Vendors!

Free Concert In The Park

Local legendary cover band PHEEDBACK will be performing live at our spring 2024 concert. A jam band that creates sonic alchemy by using the melodies of PHISH, GRATEFUL DEAD and GOOSE to take listeners on an improvisational journey of sound.

• Bring a chair or blanket and a friend or neighbor.

• The railroad museum will be open.

• Handicap parking and restrooms available.

Hosted by: Newtown Township Parks & Recreation Committee

Saturday, May 18th 4-6pm / Rain or Shine

Drexel Lodge Park

4104 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Everyone is welcome!

by John Blosinski

Trash Removal Inc

Blosinki

Corralling Your Trash

Having an area that is both convenient and inconspicuous to store trash cans is a project worth undertaking this spring. It starts with locating a good spot that is both flat and is also wide enough to fit a garbage, recycling and perhaps even a yard waste can. Think realistically about how far the intended placement is from your kitchen, so you are not dragging heavy bags of trash long distances. Especially in the winter months or on a rainy day, this could be problematic. Additionally, consider how far the distance is to the end of your driveway or wherever you need to bring the cans for weekly pick up. Having to travail rocky or grassy areas could present difficulties especially if the cans are very heavy.

Next determine if you have the skills to build your own enclosure or if you are better off purchasing a pre-engineered

product. There are plenty of pvc/resin and wood options available in every size and configuration. A simple glance at Amazon will provide almost overwhelming options. If woodworking is in your wheelhouse, then customizing an enclosure in order to match home siding, specific stain color, size, etc. may be most appealing. There are plans available online as well if you require assistance designing this project. As you might expect, there’s even an example of a trash enclosure made with “rescued” lumber. Recycling where you can is always a good idea!

Finally consider whether or not you will need a covered structure or can leave your cans uncovered. In snowy weather, a fully closed system will keep the cans free of ice and heavy accumulations that could make opening the cans more difficult. Conversely, having an open system will allow you to reach over and easily throw in bags of refuse without having to move the cans each time. Get creative! The idea of planting a small garden on top of the structure seems like a great use of space.

Whatever your decisions, having a dedicated spot to keep these necessary items out of view will be a worthwhile investment. E

Photos courtesy of John

by Dan Flynn Flynn Tree Services

How To Deal With Storm Damage to Your Trees

Dealing with a large tree that has fallen in your yard due to a storm can be a daunting task, but it’s important to address it promptly and safely. Here’s what you can do:

Assess the Situation Safely: Safety should be your first priority. Ensure that there are no live electrical wires around the fallen tree. Stay clear of any damaged branches that could pose a risk of falling.

Document Damage: If the fallen tree has caused damage to your property or structures, document it with photographs for insurance purposes.

Call for Professional Help if Necessary: If the fallen tree is large or if you’re unsure about handling it safely, it’s best to call a professional tree removal service. They have the expertise and equipment to safely remove the tree and its debris.

Clear Debris: If you’re able to safely do so, start clearing away smaller branches and debris from the fallen tree. Be cautious and avoid overexertion, especially if the tree is heavy or if you’re not experienced with this type of work.

Cut the Tree into Manageable Pieces: If the tree is small enough and you have the appropriate tools (such as a chainsaw), you can begin cutting it into manageable pieces for easier removal. Make sure to wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines for using the tools.

Dispose of Debris: Arrange for the disposal of the tree debris. Some municipalities offer curbside pickup for storm debris, while others may require you to transport it to a designated location. Check with your local authorities for guidance.

Inspect Surrounding Trees: After a storm, it’s a good idea to inspect the health and stability of other trees in your yard. Look for signs of damage or instability that may require attention to prevent future hazards.

Consider Tree Replacement: If the fallen tree was a significant part of your landscaping, you may want to consider planting a new tree in its place once the area is cleared and safe.

Preventative Measures: After dealing with the fallen tree, consider taking preventative measures such as regular tree maintenance (pruning, trimming) and monitoring the health of trees on your property to reduce the risk of future incidents.

Remember, safety should always come first when dealing with storm damage and fallen trees. If you’re unsure about how to proceed or if the situation seems unsafe, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. E

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Time to Celebrate! Family Fun at NELL and NSPL

Oh, how the sweet sounds of spring fill the air! Birds are chirping, kids are playing and bats are cracking over at Newtown Edgmont Little League (NELL) and Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL). It’s time to play ball! Boys and girls from all over town have been eager to return to the fields. After a long winter of waiting, players and their families have come back to the place they call their second home. NELL and NSPL are truly special spots where kids ages 4 through 12 of all playing abilities learn to develop their love of the game. From Tee Ball to competitive tournament teams, our top-notch community programs offer an ideal environment for players to excel and for families to enjoy their time at the fields.

Newtown Square Petticoat League (NSPL) is excited to announce unprecedented registration numbers for the 2024 Spring Season, with over 500 athletes, seven Rebels travel teams and 41 In-house teams. This growth has come with challenges, and the generous volunteers who run NSPL are encouraging all parents to volunteer and help as much as they can.

NSPL had a fantastic start to their season! Opening Day was on Saturday, April 6th, and not only was it a celebration of our love for softball but also a day filled with fun, laughter and community spirit. They are excited to announce their lineup of upcoming events and encourage all members of our community to come out to show their support.

• Beef and Beer Night on May 18th: An evening of good food, great company, and fun, all in support of our league.

• Family Fun Day on May 18th: Get ready to add an extra dose of excitement with games, prizes, raffles, moon bounces and other activities.

• NSPL Night at the Phillies on May 21st: NSPL families will cheer on the Phillies!

• Alumni Game on Saturday, June 8th: All past players are welcome to participate. They are hoping to have players from multiple decades. So grab your friends and come on out!

• Golf Outing on September 9th: A day on the greens for a cause that matters. Consider sponsoring an event or a hole. It’s a fantastic way to promote your business while supporting a great cause.

Details about the above events are listed on their website NSPLSoftball.com. They are also always in need of enthusiastic volunteers to help with events. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to anyone on the board. NSPLSoftball. com/boardofdirectors/.

Opening Day for NSPL

Photo courtesy of Anthony Diianni

Quizzo night at NELL was a huge hit in support of the league

Photo courtesy of Mike McCalla

Now, let’s head across the street to find out what’s happening at NELL (Newtown Edgmont Little League). A spirited Opening Day was held on Saturday, April 13th and NELL’s theme for this season is Honor the Past, Build the Future.

On Saturday, June 1st (rain date Sunday, June 2nd), players, families and friends will gather for NELL Day. It’s a day-long event featuring raffles for cash and prizes, games and activities for all ages, themed gift baskets and a silent auction. Some gift basket prizes include sports memorabilia and game tickets, home and garden decor, spa treatment packages, gift cards galore and more.

“We are excited to have an incredibly fun and eventful day celebrating the 2024 baseball season with our friends and family,” says Mike McCalla, President of Newtown Edgmont Little League. “Families will be able to watch baseball all day, spend time doing activities they love with the whole family, and also have the chance to win special prizes throughout the day. We are looking forward to having you join us this year.”

The fun kicks off on Friday night, May 31st, with the 12U Home Run Derby, which Mike says draws record crowds! Then on Saturday, June 1st, NELL Day will run from 10am to 5pm. There will be skills competitions throughout the day for kids at all levels to participate in. This year, the league has combined NELL Day with Championship Night. The championship games will begin at 3pm, and all are welcome to stay and enjoy an evening of exciting baseball.

None of this would be possible without the generous folks who volunteer and financially contribute to help ensure that NELL and NSPL remain so special. Many have fond memories of their own time as a player. Passing the experience down to younger generations is simply saying Thank You for the memories!

For more information about signing up to play, volunteer and sponsor, be sure to check out NSPL’s website www. NSPLSoftball.com and like their Facebook page @NSPL. More information and updates about NELL’s schedule can be found by following @NELLBaseball on Facebook or visiting their website www.NELLBaseball.com. E

The NSPL mascot was on hand to entertain the crowd

Photo courtesy of Anthony Diianni

NELL Day is fun for the whole family

Photo courtesy of Mike McCalla