TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
Joseph A. Rufo, President 610-291-8389 jrufo@marpletwp.com
Robert Knapp 610-353-1835 rknapp@marpletwp.com
Robert Fortebuono, Vice President 610-353-5457 rfortebuono@marpletwp.com
John J. Lucas jlucas@marpletwp.com
George J. Downs, III Gdowns@marpletwp.com
Michael K. Molinaro 610-353-4710 mmolinaro@marpletwp.com
Michael J. May Jr 484-470-6725 mmay@marpletwp.com
Lawrence J. Gentile, Township Manager 610-356-4040 x503 Lgentile@marpletwp.com
Sharon L. Angelaccio, Township Secretary 610-356-4040 x504 sangelaccio@marpletwp.com
Christine McMenamin, Finance Director 610-356-4040 x507 cmcmenamin@marpletwp.com
Joseph C. Romano, Director of Code 610-356-4040 x511 jromano@marpletwp.com
William Creighton, Director of Public Works 610-356-4040 bcreighton@marpletwp.com
Brandon M. Graeff, Superintendent of Police 610-356-1500 graeff@marplepolice.com
Therese Staquet, Treasurer 610-356-4040 x552
Township Administration Building
227 S. Sproul Road Broomall, PA 19008-2391 610-356-4040 www.marpletwp.com
Township Police 1001 Sussex Boulevard Broomall, PA 19008
Emergency and Police call 911
www.marplepolice.com
Township Public Works Garage 446 Marpit Road Broomall, PA 19008
Marple Public Library 2599 Sproul Road Broomall, PA 19008 610-356-1510 www.marplelibrary.org
Broomall Fire Company Non-Emergency 610-353-5225 www.broomallfirecompany.com
Marple Ambulance Corps. Non-Emergency 610-356-1639 www.marpleems.com
Marple Newtown School District 610-359-4200 www.mnsd.org
Paxon Hollow Country Club 850 Paxon Hollow Road Dan Malley, Golf Pro 610-325-4833 www.paxonhollowgolf.com
Anthony's at Paxon Restaurant & Banquets 610-353-0220 www.anthonysatpaxon.com
District Justice David Lang, Esq. (Wards 2,5,6 & 7) 4655 W. Chester Pike Newtown Sq., PA 19073 610-356-7430
District Justice Robert D'Agostino (Wards 1,3 & 4) 796 Parkway Blvd. Broomall, PA 19008 610-338-2550
Leisure Services/Recreation 20 Media Line Road Newtown Sq., PA 19073 610-353-2326 www.mnrecreation.org
TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Springtime in Marple Township: A Season of Renewal and Community Pride From
the Desk of the Township Manager
As the days grow longer and our parks begin to bloom, spring is a reminder of everything that makes Marple Township such a special place to live, work, and play. Over the past several years, Township officials, dedicated staff, and community partners have worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for all our residents and those efforts are especially visible as we welcome another beautiful spring season.
Investments in our parks and recreation areas have been a priority. Through careful planning and grant support, we have renovated playgrounds, improved walking paths, enhanced field lighting, and upgraded restrooms and facilities throughout our park system. These improvements not only provide safe and accessible spaces for families to enjoy but also encourage outdoor activity, health, and social connection among neighbors.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Fraud scams targeting the public are on the rise. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics — including phone calls, text messages, emails, and fake websites — to steal personal and financial information.
Common scams include individuals posing as government officials, financial institutions, or utility providers. They may demand urgent payment, threaten penalties, or request sensitive information such as bank account numbers, passwords, or one-time verification codes. Remember legitimate government agencies will never ask for confidential information or payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
YARD WASTE
Our Public Works and Recreation teams have also expanded seasonal programming and community events, from youth sports and summer camps to concerts, movie nights, and senior activities that bring residents together throughout the year These efforts strengthen our sense of community while supporting local businesses and organizations that take part in Township events.
In addition to recreation, Marple Township continues to make thoughtful investments in infrastructure and safety. Roadway maintenance, stormwater management projects, and public facility upgrades all done with taxpayer value in mind ensure that Marple remains a safe, efficient, and well-maintained community.
This spring, as you walk the trails, visit a park, or participate in one of our recreation programs, take pride in seeing your tax dollars and grant funds at work and your Township thriving. The progress we've made together over the past several years is
To protect yourself:
• Do not share personal or financial information with unknown callers or unsolicited contacts.
• Verify requests by contacting the organization directly using official contact information.
• Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency or fear
• Regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity
• Report suspected fraud immediately to local authorities and your financial institution.
Staying informed and vigilant is the best defense against fraud. Acting quickly can help limit financial loss and support recovery efforts.
2026 Yard Waste Drop-Off Schedule
The Township of Marple yard waste drop-off site will be available to Marple Residents on the following dates and times throughout the year 2026:
May 2 — June 6 — July 11 — August 1 — September 12 October 3 — October 17 & 18 — October 24 & 25 — October 31 & Noverber 1
Times: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (on the above listed dates).
The drop-off site is located at the Old Marple Grade School property on West Chester Pike & Malin Road, directly behind the Fire Station (separated driveway off West Chester Pike).
ONLY yard waste will be collected, ABSOLUTELY NO GRASS, NO LEAVES AND NO BAMBOO!
Residents MUST provide proof of residency No Landscapers
building a foundation for an even stronger, more vibrant Marple Township for generations to come.
On behalf of the Township staff and Board of Commissioners, thank you for your continued support and involvement. Here's to a healthy, active, and enjoyable spring season in Marple Township!
Warm regards, Larry Gentile Township Manager, Marple Township
If you believe you are a victim of fraud, you should take immediate action:
• Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to report unauthorized transactions and secure your accounts.
• File a police report with local law enforcement. An official report creates documentation that maya be required for reimbursement, insurance claims, or identity theft disputes.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report if your personal information has been compromised.
• Keep copies of emails, messages, transaction record, and screenshots as evidence.
Even if the financial loss seems small, reporting fraud helps authorities identify larger scam networks and prevents others from becoming victims.
2026 Yard Waste Curbside Pick-up
Beginning Monday, March 30, 2026, and continuing until Friday April 9, 2026 (2 week period) the Township will collect/pickup yard waste curbside.
• Yard waste must be tied up in bundles no longer than 3ft. in length — or
• placed loose in a trash can, no heavier than 40 lbs.
Curbside collection will be done by Wards on the following dates:
Mondays — March 30 & April 6 [Wards 1 and 2]
Tuesdays — March 31 & April 7 [Wards 3 and 4]
Wednesdays — April 1 & April 8
Thursdays — April 2 & April 9 [Wards 5, 6 and 7]
ONLY yard waste will be collected, ABSOLUTELY NO GRASS, NO LEAVES AND NO BAMBOO! [No Pickup]
Devereux Pennsylvania Children's Services operates six Approved Private Schools throughout Chester and Montgomery Counties that offer high-quality, innovative special education programming for students who need care, compassion and support to succeed and thrive. All schools are licensed by the PA State Board of Private Academic Schools and accept 4010 placements.
Children, adolescents and young adults may come to Devereux as day students, or as a part of residential treatment. Each student has an Individualized Educational Plan, which outlines goals for skill development and the best strategies by which the student can reach his/her goals. A multi-disciplinary team, including the individual's parent(s) or guardian, regularly reviews the plan to discuss challenges, progress and adjustments to goals as appropriate.
CARES (CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH & EDUCATION SERVICES)
600 Boot Road Downingtown, PA 19335
Full-time placement: Co-ed youth, ages 5-21, with autism; intellectual disabilities; speech and language disorders.
The School for Integrated Learning
390 East Boot Road West Chester, PA 19380
Full-time placement: Co-ed youth, ages 5-21, with autism; intellectual/multiple disabilities; emotional disturbances; speech and language disorders.
Day Academy — Audubon
2650 Eisenhower Ave, Suite A101
Norristown, PA 19401
Full-time emotional support placement (day):Co-ed youth, grades 4-8, with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences.
Day Academy — Landenberg
20 McMaster Blvd, Suites 3 and 4
Landenberg, PA 19350
Full-time emotional support placement (day): Co-ed youth, grades K-8, with emotional disturbances, learning disabilities and autism.
Brandywine School
390 E. Boot Road
West Chester, PA 19383
Full-time emotional support placement (day/residential): Co-ed youth, grades 6-12, with learning disabilities and emotional disturbances.
Mapleton School
655 Sugartown Rd., Building 100
Malvern, PA 19355
Full-time emotional support placement (day/residential): Co-ed youth, grades K-12, with emotional disturbances, learning disabilities and autism.
Contact Devereux at PAEducationReferrals@devereux.org or 267-418-9623. Admissions team members will help you determine which program is most appropriate for your child. Visit www.devereuxpa.org for more information about Devereux's Approved Private Schools and other services for children.
MARPLE TOWNSHIP AMBULANCE CORPS
Every day, the Marple Township Ambulance Corps stands ready to answer the call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week providing professional, compassionate emergency medical care to our neighbors when it matters most.
In 2025 alone, our dedicated staff of EMT's and paramedics responded to more than 3,000 emergency calls, each one representing a moment when someone in our community needed immediate help. Behind every response is a highly trained team committed to delivering lifesaving care with skill, speed and empathy.
That level of service doesn't happen by accident. Each member, career or volunteer, enters the qualified roster as a state certified Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic. The EMT's complete approximately 150 hours of classroom and hands-on training. This program typically covers basic life support (BLS), patient
assessment, CPR, airway management, etc. The Paramedics complete a much more advanced program totaling around 1,200 hours over the course of about a year. This program includes advanced life support (ALS), cardiac monitoring, IV therapy, medication administration, etc.Continuous education is mandatory to maintain each certification.
The Marple Township Ambulance Corps conducted more than 5 con-ed classes and more than 20 discussion topics throughout the year 2025. In addition, the Ambulance Corps introduced 2 new basic life support skills of service for our staff, ensuring our crew remain up to date on the latest medical protocols, equipment, and the best practices. Continuous training allows us to provide the highest standard of carewhether the call is for a medical emergency, an accident, or a critical life-threatening situation.
As a community-based emergency service, we rely on local support to continue our
mission. Our 2025-2026 subscription drive is in progress now, offering residents a way to support emergency medical services while also gaining valuable financial protection.
For a $50 tax-deductible annual contribution, subscribers receive peace of mind: If you require emergency ambulance service, after we bill your insurance carrier, and you, the patient completes any necessary appeals, any remaining balance will be written off. No surprise billing from Marple Township Ambulance Corps.
Your subscription is more than a financial benefit it's an investment in your community. It helps us maintain our ambulances, upgrade lifesaving equipment, and continue the training that keeps our crews prepared for every call.
The Marple Township Ambulance Corps is proud to serve this community and are grateful for the trust and support of the residents we protect every day.
MARPLE TOWNSHIP
Ambulance Corps — Delaware County, PA
Marple Township Ambulance Corps • Your Emergency Is Our Mission
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
BY RICK ANTHONY, MLTV21 PRODUCER/HOST
Could Maria Middleton Become America's First Millennial Saint?
From her deathbed, suffering from the debilitating ravages of an inoperable brain tumor, 18-year-old Maria Middleton made a final entry in her journal: “Think Hope.” Two words that summed up Marsa's remarkable life, became the title of an inspirational book and a rallying call for her parents and the thousands of people around the world who prayed for her.
In my interview with Maria's parents, Suan and Brian Middleton, for MLTV21, they described the unyielding faith in God of a young girl who believed “You don't have to be weird to be holy.”
According to the accounts in “Think Hope,” the book written by her parents, Maria was a teacher, mostly by her example, but also by her words. In a speech she gave at an eighth-grade graduation ceremony, she said: “In a world where many teenagers struggle to find real meaning and purpose, we know that our purpose in life is to know, love and serve God so we can be happy with him in heaven. This understanding calls us to lead others to Him through our words and actions.”
In another passage from the book, a friend describes Maria as “Funny, hopeful, smart, faithful, witty, and resilient. - traits that attracted friends and, eventually, led her friends and others from despair to hope.”
When I asked her parents why the book did not contain a definition of hope, they said it wasn't necessary because “Maria was a witness to hope. She lived it.”
In anexample of her indomitable faith, 17year-old Maria sent an email to Philadelphia's Archbishop Perez chastising him for closing the churches during Covid.” Your decision to suspend the Mass and Sacraments is preventing me from going t Church and receiving the Sacraments — which are graces I need.” Within 15 minutes, the Archbishop replied telling Maria that he would personally bring Holy Communion to her, which he did. He la said that Maria's email lit up his computer screen. After a three-hour visit with Maria in the sunroom of her home, he said he had the most profound conversation he'd ever had in his life about the role of the Eucharist and grace and suffering. They remained friends until her death.
In the Forward in the book, the Archbishop wrote: “'Think Hope' was the simple phrase used by Maria Middleton as she faced the immense challenge of dealing with terminal brain cancer, a diagnosis that came during her sophomore year of high school. She, and the family, faced this challenge with steadfast hope — a hope rooted in faith and expressed in love.”
Whether the Catholic Church, after scrupulously examining her life, proclaims Maria a saint will take years to determine. Nonetheless, in the hearts and minds of thousands of people around the world, Maria's life was unquestionably saintly Think Hope.org
MARPLE TREE COMMISSION
Trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky ~Khalil Gibran
To play on an old adage, “Sometimes it's hard to see the Tree for the forest”!
So, when you look at a tree, what do you see or think or feel? “Oh, how beautiful!” or perhaps, “There's gonna be a lot of leaves to rake!”
Regardless of your perspective, there's a lot more to trees than we often appreciate there's a lot going on “behind the scenes”
So, what exactly do Trees do for us — and how do they do it?
There's a 150-year-old white oak (Quercus alba), living amongst us — right here in Marple Township — in Hildacy Preserve! Let's see what this one majestic tree (15 feet around the middle) does for us. It has quite an amazing resume!
Trees impact our Environment (our health) It's estimated that our one tree provides enough oxygen for two or three of us to breathe for an entire year. (1) Trees, along with ocean plankton, are responsible for the vast majority of the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere.
Our tree also acts as a natural air filter, capturing and sequestering pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide. (2)
Spending time among trees — often called “forest bathing” has been shown to reduce the stress hormone cortisol and can speed recovery from illness. (3)
Through “water management”, our tree can “intercept” over 12,000 gallons of rain-fall run off annually, trapping pollutants thus leading to cleaner streams and cleaner drinking water for us and our community And trees benefit other living beings and plants as well. Beyond clean air and water, trees also support entire ecosystems.
Trees promote Biodiversity and Community Oaks are known as a “Keystone species”. Our one tree is a “hotel” for and home to hundreds of insects and animals. Our tree can support thousands of caterpillars and 500 + species of caterpillars. (4) Oh, and if you like bluebirds (and really, who doesn't?) caterpillars are their favorite food!
Trees are Economists as well Trees cool their surroundings. In urban settings, trees can lower local temperatures by up to 10 degrees (5) through shade and transpiration. Our tree will help cool the Natural Lands Headquarters building to reduce electricity costs.
Trees have “memory” and can “talk” to each other
Like us, trees have a form of memory. When a tree experiences an event like a drought or an insect attack, it can adapt its internal structures through changes in its cells. cell wall thickness, lignin content (a tree's “rebar”) and root chemistry. These changes influence how they absorb oxygen, release carbon dioxide, and regulate water use in the future.
Think of it like how we might recall a tough time and adjust our behavior going forward.
Then, trees acting as a community, and using chemicals, can actually “talk” to each other. Through the mycorrhizal fungal network*, a.k.a The Wood Wide Web, (sort of like an underground social media platform), they can send warnings of impending insect attacks and can even send nutrients to distressed neighboring trees!
Trees are Enduring
Our tree will continue to shape the world even after it's gone! It will continue to sequester CO2. It will remain a soft and safe
home for new-growth trees, insects and mushrooms. It will shelter animals and birds as a “snag”, feed the soil, hold the land together - and their rings will tell a story of long ago.
So, the next time you're in Hildacy Nature Preserve, take a moment to stop by to see our tree, appreciate it — not just for its beauty, but for all the ways it enriches our lives. If you're not ready to hug it, a simple 'thank you' will do.
If you want to learn more about the quantifiable benefits of our tree (or a tree near you) try the iTree tools developed by the USDA Forest Services at https://mytree.itreetools.org
Want to read more?
(1) Hidden Life of Trees Peter Wohlleben
(2) Air Pollution Removal by Urban Forests - NIH David J. Nowak .et Al
(3) Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness - Dr. Qing Li
(4) The Nature of Oaks D.W. Tallamy
(5) Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands EPA
(6) Urban Trees and Property values -U.S. Forest Service
Trees can reduce noise pollution and have increased property values in some areas. (6)
FLASH FLOOD SAFETY
Stay Safe On The Road
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Pennsylvania. Where it can rain, it can flood - so no matter where you live, you should be prepared for a flood emergency.
Floods can occur in different ways. Some develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or in a warming trend following heavy snow. Others, like flash floods, can happen very quickly, without any visible signs of rain. Even small streams and dry creek beds can overflow to produce flooding.
Be aware that:
6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult.
12 inches of water will float many vehicles.
12-24 inches of moving water can carry away most vehicles including large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-up trucks.
If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Never drive through flooded areas or standing water. The roadbed may not be intact under the water
Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown!
SOLARIZE FOR THE E Ready to Stop Climate Change?
Battle climate change and get pay back in both cash and the satisfaction of knowing that you and thousands of your neighbors, businesses and Towns throughout the Delaware Valley are getting the job done! Some steps require no investment and some do. ALL can save you money. Web sites like https://haverfordclimateaction.org/ provide a one-stop shop for information on things you can do, upcoming webinars, videos and more. The biggest savings in energy is to use less; please consider an energy assessment if you have not had one done. PECO offers this for $49. For a limited time, PECO is offering Solarize Delco participants a special $10 discount for any home energy assessment. Please use the special promo code SOLARDEL on the website or call 888.573.2672 to schedule your appointment.
Solar the Easy Way
Solar PV Tax Credits for residents ended in 2025: Commercial accounts can still get a direct 30% federal rebate for installed solar systems. PECO offers solar rebates: $500 for residential and first year production based for commercial. Grants and low cost leasing are available for income eligible households. NEW in 2026 Power Purchase Agreement offers no upfront cost and rates lower than PECO's price to compare!
Solarize DelCo Group
Pricing: Residents, non-profits and businesses in Delaware County Email us at solarizedelco@gmail.com with name, address and phone number and we can help you assess whether the Solarize Delco program with vetted vendors and a significant discount over market rates is right for you.
Low Income Grants and Leasing
Options: Income qualified homeowners can apply for a grant (up to $5,000) while funds last or take advantage of partnerships with vetted leasing firms that can reduce monthly bills by a combination of Solar PV and weatherization. Solarize Delco can help you decide what is best for you.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):
unbiased information and an easier path to putting solar on your home, business or house of worship. We can help Houses of Worship and other non-profits find sources of funding as well. More info at www.solarizedelco.org. Search Solarize Philly and Solarize SE PA for programs outside of DelCo.
Ready to Solarize Now?
When you purchase solar power from a solar company they own the system but you receive the benefits of low cost electricity.You can lock in a rate today cheaper than PECO for the next 25 years.
In Delaware County, PA fill out a form on www.solarizedelco.org or Email us at solarizedelco@gmail.com with your name, address and phone number and we can help you assess whether the Solarize Delco program with a selected vendor and a significant discount over market rates is right for you. In Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery County - Email solarizesepa@gmail.com.
Videos Watch these informative recorded Climate Action Workshops on Solar Home, adapting to Electric Vehicle use, Purchasing Renewable Energy, and others at https://www.youtube.com/HaverfordEAC
The Clean Energy Co-Op
makes solar projects happen on nonprofits, co-ops, and community-beneficial businesses through collective small investments of local Co-op members. Contact info@cleanenergy.coop to learn more.
vvayne art center Enriching Our Community through the Arts
Wayne Art Center Summer Art Camp 2026: ART 250 - Visions of America
Wayne Art Center is proud to announce 2026 Summer Art Camp, featuring the landmark theme ART 250: Visions of America. In honor of our nation's 250th Anniversary, this summer's program invites campers to embark on an 11-week journey through the diverse landscape of American history, culture, and artistic expression.
Through ART 250, students will explore how artists from varied backgrounds and eras have captured the essence of America's land, people, and evolving ideas. Each week, campers will translate these historical inspirations into contemporary masterpieces, blending education with hands-on studio innovation.
Program Highlights
• Diverse Curriculum: More than 200 unique classes including drawing, painting, cartooning, ceramics, sculpture, photography, cooking, and jewelry making.
• Ages & Levels: Tailored instruction for children and teens ages 4-17
• Flexible Scheduling: 11 one-week sessions with morning, afternoon, and late-afternoon options.
• Full-Day Experience: Families can combine sessions with the supervised “Lunch Bunch” program for a full day of creative engagement.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Parents are encouraged to register early to secure preferred sessions and help their children's creativity thrive this summer 610-688-3553 or email
Established in 1931, Wayne Art Cen served the cultural needs of the community for more than 95 years. Today, it is one of the most vibrant art centers in the Philadelphia region, welcoming over 35,000 visitors and program participants annually.
Wayne Art Center Announces Art Quilt Elements 2026
Wayne Art Center is pleased to present Art Quilt Elements 2026, an international juried exhibition celebrating contemporary fine art quilts. This biennial show features
the work of 55 artists from 22 U.S. states and two international locations — Australia and Luxembourg.
The exhibition will be on view March 23 through April 25, 2026, in the Davenport, Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith, and Vidinghoff Galleries. An awards ceremony and reception will take place on Sunday, March 29, from 3-5 pm, followed by a Meet the Artists Gallery Talk, where participating artists will discuss their work. The exhibition will also be available online at artquiltelements.org
Since its inception, Art Quilt Elements has become a respected showcase for innovation in the art quilt field, attracting thousands of visitors and highlighting the evolving role of textile art in contemporary practice.
Gallery Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10 am - 5 pm Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
For more information, call 610-688-3553 or visit wayneart.org or artquiltelements.org
Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival Celebrates 18 Years
This year marks the 18th anniversary of the Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival, one of the nation’s longest running and most beloved outdoor painting events.
Over the course of seven days, 32 nationally recognized plein air artists will create more than 300 original paintings inspired by the lush landscapes, local landmarks, charming towns, and vibrant cityscapes that define our region. These impressive masterpieces will be available for sale at Wayne Art Center from Saturday, May 9 through June 20, 2026.
Plein Air Festival, May 3 - May 9
Collectors’ Preview Party, May 9, 6 -9pm
Plein Air Exhibition, May 9 – June 20
Minis and Mimosas for Moms, May 10, 11am-1pm
Juror’s Talk & Demo with Mark Boedges, May 10, 1-3pm
Origins of Plein Air Lecture with William Perthes, June 4, 6-7:30pm Exhibition Closing Reception, June 20, 2-4pm
Wayne Art Center offers more than 500 classes and workshops in the visual, performing, and culinary arts. A dynamic and diverse schedule of exhibitions attracts artists and visitors from across the United States and around the world.
Through outreach programs and community partnerships, Wayne Art Center expands access to the arts by providing enrichment opportunities for underserved populations and individuals with special needs.
About Wayne Art Center
