Radnor News Spring 2024

“Angela’s experience, knowledge and understanding of the market and process led to a fantastic result on the sale of our home.

Angela managed the entire process l ike a pro result ing in minimal disturbance to my family and a great result on the terms of our offers. I would definitely use her again and recommend her to anyone needing an agent to buy or sell.”

TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY

Township Administration

Building

301 Iven Avenue

Wayne, PA 19087-5297

Phone: 610-688-5600

Fax: 610-971-0450 / 610-688-1279

www.radnor.com

Mon - Fri 8 am to 4 pm

Township Police

301 Iven Avenue

Wayne, PA 19087-5297

Emergency and Call for Service: 9-1-1

Admin. and Records: 610-688-0503

Fax: 610-687-8852

Mon - Fri 8 am to 5 pm

Township Public Works Garage

235 East Lancaster Avenue

Wayne, PA 19087

Phone: 610-688-5600

Fax: 610-687-0201

Radnor Memorial Library

114 West Wayne Avenue

Wayne, PA 19087

Phone: 610-687-1124

www.radnorlibrary.org

Fire and Ambulance

Emergency Phone: 9-1-1

Radnor Fire Company

Non-Emergency Phone: 610-687-3245

www.radnorfire.com

Bryn Mawr Fire Company

Non-Emergency Phone: 610-525-7702

www.brynmawrfirecompany.org

Broomall Fire Company

Non-Emergency Phone: 610-353-5225

www.broomallfirecompany.com

Radnor Township School District

135 South Wayne Avenue

Wayne, PA 19087-4117

Phone: 610-688-8100

Fax: 610-971-0742

www.rtsd.org

Delaware County Courthouse

201 West Front Street

Media, PA 19063

Phone: 610-891-4000

www.co.delaware.pa.us

MLTV-Main Line Network

Public Access TV for Radnor Township

110 W. Lancaster Avenue

Suite 210

Wayne, PA 19087

Phone: 610-687-5189

www.mltv21.org

Willows Park Preserve

490 Darby-Paoli Road

Villanova, PA 19085

Phone: 610-955-9246

www.willowsparkpreserve.org

Wayne Art Center

413 Maplewood Avenue

Wayne, PA 19087

Phone: 610-688-3553

Wayne Business Association

Wayne Senior Center

VOTING INFORMATION

IT'S PRIMARY ELECTION SEASON: TIME TO

CHOOSE CANDIDATES FOR THE NOVEMBER BALLOT

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While the polls will be open on April 23 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Pennsylvania primary election is not confined to one day. Because of changes in our election laws, you have many important choices over the days ahead.

PARTY AFFILIATION — only REGISTERED REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS CAN VOTE in Pennsylvania's CLOSED Primary for candidates of their party. It's easy to change your party by the April th rd 8 Deadline. (You can re-register after April 23 .)

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HOW YOU VOTE — You may vote in person on April 23 or by mailinballot (either absentee or no-excuse.) Apply for a mail-in ballot th by the April 16 Deadline. Directions for how to vote either way can be found at vote.pa.gov.

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WHEN YOU VOTE — Voting at the polls is limited to April 23 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. As soon as completed, mail in your ballot. If you use a Delco drop box, the ballot must be cast or received at the rd election office by the April 23 , 8 p.m. deadline.

WHERE TO VOTE — If you plan to vote in person, you can locate your polling place at vote.pa.gov. If you go to the wrong place, a poll worker can direct you to the correct location. You can always cast a provisional ballot. If using a mail-in ballot, follow directions. Only YOU can put it in a Delco drop box. Once ballots are accepted, a drop box is available 24/7 at the Radnor Township Municipal Building, 301 Iven Avenue. If you change your mind, don't throw anything away! Go to vote.pa.gov for directions.

REGISTER, GET A MAIL-IN BALLOT, AND PERHAPS VOTE EARLY INPERSON — On or before April 8th, go to the Delco Voter Service Center, Government Building Center, 201 West Front St., Media As a U.S. citizen, eighteen years or older, and a resident for at least thirty days at your current address, you can register and apply fora mail-in ballot at the same time. If you are only changing your name and/or party, obtain a mail-in ballot, complete it, and, if the drop box is open, cast it right then and there. For details call 610.891.4000 or visit the website delcopa.gov.

WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT? Candidates will be on the ballot for the following offices:

President/Vice President

U.S. Senator (1 of 2)

U.S. Representative PA Attorney General PA Auditor General PA Treasurer PA Senator PA Representative Local Party Leaders

From checking your registration to seeing a sample ballot, go to the one-stop spot for election and candidate information: the League of Women Voters' non-partisan website VOTE 411.org You'll find your polling place, link to candidate forums, and more!

RADNOR EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Radnor Educational Foundation

Hosts Enchanting Winter Wonderland Fundraiser

On the evening of Friday, February 23, the Radnor Educational Foundation (REF) welcomed Radnor families and community members to the exquisite St. Davids Golf Club, which was transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland for REF's annual fundraising celebration. Adorned in festive attire, attendees were treated to an enchanting night filled with dancing, capturing memorable moments in the photobooth, cozying up by the outdoor firepit, and indulging in an array of delectable food and beverages. This year's event drew an impressive turnout, with over 200 in attendance, all in support of REF's mission to enhance the curriculum and provide innovative learning opportunities for students in the Radnor Township School District.

Amidst the festive ambiance, REF took the opportunity to recognize and honor one individual whose outstanding contributions have made a profound impact on the Radnor community. Bob King, Chairperson of the local nonprofit food pantry Wayne Cares, was presented with the esteemed Anne Peters Volunteer Award. This accolade, named in honor of the late Anne Peters, a dedicated volunteer and advocate for education, is bestowed annually upon a deserving member of the Radnor community who exemplifies selfless dedication and service. Bob King's exceptional commitment to Wayne Cares has been instrumental in ensuring that no family in the Radnor Township School District (RTSD) goes hungry. His proactive collaboration with RTSD social workers has facilitated the provision of essential resources and support to students and families in need, including items such as air conditioners and shoes. Moreover, Bob's involvement in various initiatives, including RTSD's MLK Day of Service, Giving Fridays, and numerous food drives, reflects his unwavering dedication to uplifting and enriching the lives of others. He was undoubtedly a deserving honoree.

Speaking of winter…in the Radnor Educational Foundation's winter grant cycle, REF received an unprecedented number of grant requests. Despite the heightened demand, REF committed funding to all five grant applications, allocating just under $21,000 in funding to a diverse range of projects and initiatives. Among the funded endeavors are the procurement of muchneeded new art display panels for all five Radnor schools. Additionally, funds have been allocated for 7th grade students on the orange team to take a musical field trip to see "The Outsiders" on Broadway, offering these students a unique cultural experience and enrichment opportunity. Furthermore, REF's support extends to initiatives promoting STEM education, with

the provision of STEM Kits for Kids at Wayne Elementary School. Spearheaded by a passionate Radnor High School student, this initiative aims to inspire a love for science among younger students, by providing students with a kit that has several experiments that they can do at home during the summer months. Moreover, REF's funding supports Radnor High School's upcoming Multicultural Potluck and the League of Women Voters' efforts to register graduating seniors to vote.

As the winter season transitions into spring, REF eagerly anticipates the opportunities and possibilities it holds for continued growth and impact. On May 8 - 9, the Radnor Educational Foundation will be participating in the first ever Delco Gives Day, hoping to garner broad community

support for REF'sefforts to enhance educational experiences and empower students to reach their fullest potential. With unwavering dedication and support from the Radnor community (like that shown at the Winter Wonderland event), REF looks forward to continuing its work, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration within the Radnor educational community.

RADNOREDUCATIONALFOUNDATION.ORG

Bob King with Family REF Board Members

INJURY PREVENTION

WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

BY THE PHILADELPHIA HAND TO SHOULDER CENTER PHYSICIANS

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the handthe median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

In addition to numbness and tingling, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause swelling, weakness, and night time pain. Patients sometimes describe dropping things unexpectedly and may have difficulty with buttoning shirts, tying shoelaces, or handling loose change.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently seen in individuals who develop swelling or inflammation in their hands. People who smoke, as well as those with connective tissue diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, may be at greater risk. Repetitive work activities can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

The median nerve acts as an electrical wire between the spinal cord and the hand. The nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist along with nine tendons that bend the fingers. When the tendons in the

wrist become swollen and inflamed, the median nerve can become compressed by the transverse carpal ligament (see figure), leading to carpal tunnel symptoms.

Early on, symptoms commonly occur during sleeping hours. In more advanced cases, the symptoms can become problematic during waking hours. Many sufferers describe symptoms with benign activities, like reading the newspaper or driving a car.

What can a hand surgeon do to help?

A hand surgeon can order special nerve tests to verify the extent of the problem. Custom wrist splints are helpful for early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome. These splints are worn at nighttime to relieve pressure on the median nerve and to prevent the wrists from bending during sleep.

Cortisone injections often provide excellent relief from symptoms. Unfortunately, symptomatic relief is only temporary, and most people experience a recurrence of symptoms after 3-4 months.

For chronic or more advanced cases, carpal tunnel surgery is often recommended as the best course of treatment.

What can I expect from surgery?

Surgery provides more space for the median nerve and relieves pressure on the median nerve and tendons. This procedure is typically done under light sedation and local anesthesia and usually takes only minutes to complete.

While there are several different approaches to performing carpal tunnel surgery, usually a 1/2 inch incision is made near the wrist and use of a camera to release the tunnel under direct visualization. This minimally invasive approach minimizes discomfort following surgery and allows patients to return to activities more quickly. Over 95 percent of patients improve dramatically following surgical intervention, with most returning to daily activities within days. Many patients can resume heavier job-related activities after 2-4 weeks.

Contact us at 1-610-768-5959 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

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How to keep your dogs and cats safe in the car

Dogs and cats may need to be transported in the family car, for short trips, such as to a veterinary appointment, or the local park. Or longer trips, such as family vacations. Proper pet car safety will ensure that everyone can enjoy a trip while staying safe.

Restraint and Positioning

It is safest to keep a cat or dog in the back seat during car travel. An airbag in the front seat that deploys in a collision can severely harm a pet whether they are in a carrier or not.

There are several ways to reliably restrain a dog or cat in a car. In general, the safest way to secure a pet is in a crate or carrier However, crates can break or bend during a collision, and it's important to pick one with high safety ratings. A good resource is the Center For Pet Safety. Other restraint devices for dogs include harnesses, car seats, or hammocks. These devices can vary in safety and reliability of tensile strength in straps and buckles. Researching safety ratings and reviews are helpful in picking a device.

Temperature Safety

It's vital to keep a dog or cat in a safe temperature during car rides. Pets can overheat easily as their fur keeps them well insulated, and they have limited sweat glands. Therefore, it's important to keep the air conditioner running in the car when the

weather is warm, and they should not ride extensively in direct sunlight. Dogs and cats should never be left unattended in a closed car when the temperature outside exceeds 60 degrees. The interior of a car can heat up quickly and can be extremely harmful or even fatal to pets. During cold weather, the heat should be turned on.

Planning ahead

Pre-existing health issues should be taken into consideration when deciding if a car ride is safe for a pet. While a veterinary visit is important for an ill animal, a lengthy car ride can put a sick dog or cat in danger Frequent stops are helpful, as a dog can walk around and eliminate outside, and take a drink of water, and a cat can be offered water

What not to do

A pet should not go for a car ride without identification. In the event of an accident, or a door kept open too long, a dog may run away. Therefore, they should have a collar with an ID tag, as well as a microchip implanted. While a cat usually stays in a crate for a car ride, the crate should be labeled with their information. If a cat is taken out during the ride they should have a collar or harness on with an ID tag.

A dog should never be able to hang their head out the window during car travel, as they can get injured or fall out of the moving vehicle. As a reminder, a pet should never ride on an owner's lap. Additionally, a pet should not be fed while the vehicle is moving, as they are at risk of choking.

With proper preparation, car rides for dogs and cats can be safe. If an owner is not sure how to proceed, they should contact their veterinarian with questions.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

What you need to know about thyroid nodules

The thyroid—the butterfly-shaped gland in the lower front of the neck—secretes hormones that play an important role throughout the body, from regulating metabolism, weight and temperature to controlling how fast our heart beats. But sometimes, cells in the gland grow abnormally and develop into lumps called nodules. In fact, women are four times as likely as men to develop one or more thyroid nodules.

You might not know you have them

Thyroid nodules are extremely common, but because these masses typically do not cause symptoms, most people are unaware they have them. Occasionally, nodules that grow too large can cause difficulty swallowing and, in rare cases, they can interfere with breathing.

cancerous and do not affect thyroid function. If you learn you have a thyroid nodule, however, it's important to have it checked.

“Although some nodules can be felt in the neck, many can only be detected through imaging,” explains Amit Bhojwani, DO, otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon with Main Line Health. “In fact, thyroid nodules are commonly found by accident while testing for other concerns.”

Experts are unsure what causes thyroid nodules. However, they are more prevalent in people who have had radiation to the neck as well as those with a family history of thyroid cancer. Hashimoto's thyroiditis—the most common form of hypothyroidism—is linked to greater risk of thyroid nodules. And they are increasingly common with age.

They can be harmless

Although it can be distressing to learn you have a thyroid nodule, keep in mind that the vast majority of nodules are not

April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

It is estimated that more than 650,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer were diagnosed worldwide last year. Unfortunately, many individuals are not aware of their cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Alcohol and tobacco use as well as infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) are risk factors for head and neck cancers.

Main Line Health will host a head and neck cancer screening this spring. To learn more about head and neck cancer treatment at Main Line Health and the screening event, visit mainlinehealth.org/hnc.

Typically, your primary care physician or endocrinologist will order an ultrasound of your thyroid to evaluate its size, location and other characteristics. Based on the results, your physician may simply monitor the nodule for any changes with periodic ultrasound tests. If the nodule is suspicious, you may be referred for biopsy to determine if it is cancerous.

Treatment is available

No one wants to learn they have cancer. But thankfully, thyroid cancer is typically slowgrowing and treatment is highly effective.

“Thyroid cancer is not only very treatable, but often also curable,” says Dr. Bhojwani, who specializes in surgical treatment of thyroid cancer. “Main Line Health has an experienced multidisciplinary team of

specialists who can care for patients with thyroid cancer close to home.”

Dr. Bhojwani and team work together to determine the best treatment plan for thyroid patients. This usually includes removing part or all of the thyroid gland and possibly surrounding lymph nodes. Additional treatment may include the use of radioactive iodine.

“It's important to be aware of nodules, if you have them, and take action if you are diagnosed with cancer. We are here to help.”

Help for head and neck issues

Main Line Health's ENT (ear, nose and throat) experts—more formally known as otolaryngologists—treat and manage a wide range of conditions, from hearing loss and balance problems to voice disorders, swallowing issues and more. Visit mainlinehealth.org/otolaryngology for information.

Dr. Amit Bhojwani

About Dr. Bhojwani

Amit Bhojwani, DO, MS, MBS, FACS, is a board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon with fellowship training in head and neck cancer, microvascular reconstruction and robotic surgery. Dr Bhojwani provides care for the full spectrum of general otolaryngology conditions, but he has a passion for providing personalized, comprehensive care of patients with head and neck tumors. These conditions include oral and throat squamous cell carcinoma, skin cancers, thyroid and parathyroid tumors, and salivary gland tumors.

Competition Engaging Students

In February 2024, the Nelly Berman School of Music, located on Lancaster Avenue in Haverford, Pennsylvania, engaged music students in a concerto competition. "Bach, Baroque, & Beyond" allowed piano, string, and wind performers to perform their piece in front of judges for the chance to play at a Winners Concert in Bryn Mawr alongside a Faculty quartet or piano accompanist in Mid-March.

Competitions like this are nothing new for the school, or its current director, Elena Berman. Her mother Nelly started the school with just seven students in 1983. Elena hopes to continue broadening the organization's mission to help develop each student's sense of individuality, self-esteem, and responsibility through music. That vision has seen her school's students perform all over the world, or in this case, right here on the Main Line. For this year's concerto competition, Berman brought in two accomplished judges.

Daniel Schlosberg is a proud NBS alum, who is now a Brooklyn-based composer, pianist, and conductor. His music has been performed by the Dover Quartet, Minnesota Orchestra, Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Nashville and Albany Symphonies, at Carnegie Hall, and the list goes on.

"I'm really happy that Elena asked me to judge this competition,” Schlosberg said. “When I was young and studying at the Nelly Berman School I played in a few competitions and just driving here now, I got the same butterfly feeling that I used to when I was a child, so I understand that these 28 students will be performing like I did 20 years ago.”

Schlosberg graduated from Yale with a doctorate in composition and is currently the music director at Heartbeat Opera. He attended Lower Merion High School and Elena was his first piano teacher at NBS.

“When I moved here from Ohio when I was about nine years old, I took a lesson with Nelly and Elena and I think the first thing they said to me was 'he's very talented but he has a lot of work to do,' and so from then on I really studied very hard with them, I practiced a lot,” Scholsberg said. “When I was nine years old, practicing two hours a day felt like too much but they persisted and I did as well and really had an incredible time studying here throughout high school.”

Baroque music often features layered melodies and dynamics and it developed following the Renaissance period of musical history starting around 1600. Much of the developments during the baroque era of classical music originated in Italy and found a home in other countries as well over the years. Familiar late baroque composers include Vivaldi, Handel, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

"It's really amazing to be on the other side of this,” Schlosberg said. “I was one of these contestants 20 years ago. We're going to hear them play mostly baroque music. We'll definitely listen for musicianship, I think for me personally that's the most important... see how they create a musical phrase in a style and technique of course and intonation if they're not a pianist. And really it's overall musicality that I'm looking for.” In addition to Daniel, Elena brought in a second judge with international experience for this competition. Tamara Rusanova, PhD, is a Professor of Piano Performance at the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music. Rusanova started playing solo pieces when she was 15 and has since won several international music competitions and has served as the President of the Russian

Schubert Society and a Distinguished Fellow in the Arts of the Russian Federation. She left Russia for America two days after the war started with Ukraine.

“All children must study music whether they would like to become professional or not,” Rusanova said in a translated interview with Elena. “Music gives a totally different perspective on life and if you study music seriously it helps in all possible ways of life. Music allows students to develop a very hard work ethic, time management skills, and makes people look at life from the highs to the lows of what is possible.”

Scholsberg thanks both Nelly and Elena for their influence on his career, but Elena was also quick to point out the importance of family in instilling those values, a sentiment to which Daniel agrees. "I am really lucky that when my parents took me here for the first time and realized that I had a musical inclination that they fully supported me. When I was nine years old, my grandmother got me a subscription to the Metropolitan Opera and so I would go with her and I still to this day, she's 95 in May, we still go to the Metropolitan Opera. I really owe it all to my parents, my grandparents, and the teachers here.”

For more information on the Nelly Berman School or its competitions, visit nbsmusic.com

You can also find more coverage of local events or programs created by local resident producers at www.youtube.com/c/MLTVMainLine Network.

WILLOWS PARK PRESERVE

Best Buds!

March is a great time to connect with some of our best buds at The Willows and Skunk Hollow!

By now, the buds on most of the trees at these parks have begun to swell, making room for the embryonic leaves and flowers that, for now, remain safely tucked inside the bud's protective scales but will soon emerge as the temperatures rise and the sunlight increases. Ah, springtime!

We swoon over the freshness and beauty of tender spring leaves and delicate spring blossoms, but how many of us do the same for the humble, hard-working buds that shelter these leaves and blossoms throughout the winter, protecting them from that season's harsh elements? Few, it seems. That's a shame, not only because buds play a critical role in the growth of a tree and deserve acknowledgement for their service, but also because they are beautiful in their own right — or at least interesting! — and worthy of our notice, especially at a time of year when there is not much else to look at in the woods. What's more, buds can help us identify the trees we encounter at a time when other clues — familiar leaves, distinctive flowers — are not available.

A tree's buds typically form at the tip of a stem or in a leaf axil (that is, between the stalk of a leaf and a stem). You may be surprised to learn that buds do not begin to form in the spring; they actually begin to form during the prior summer, when the trees have access to abundant energy from the sun. This energy is stored in the bud for later use. The buds remain dormant throughout winter but begin to grow again in the spring, tapping into their energy reserves. Come spring, the buds open, beginning a new season of growth for the trees and restoring much-needed color and fragrance to our winter-weary world!

So, what trees at The Willows and Skunk Hollow have the best buds? Let's start with the buds of the tulip tree, one of the tallest trees in eastern North America. If its tall, straight trunk and interlacing bark are not enough to identify it at this time of year, its buds can help: they are shaped like a duck's bill! They have two outer scales which are valvate — that is, paired without overlapping, like two hands in prayer. The scales are smooth, leathery and . . . purple! In a few weeks, they will open up into maple-like leaves that are missing their middle “finger” and beautiful, tulip-like flowers in brilliant shades of yellow, green and orange. Another tree with distinctive buds found at The Willows and Skunk Hollow is the American beech. This tree is fairly easy to identify at any time of year because of its smooth, light gray bark on a thick trunk that looks like an elephant's leg, the hearts and initials so often carved into its bark, and the light brown, dried up, papery leaves still clinging to some of its branches. But March provides another clue: long, thin, sharply-pointed, copper-colored buds with tightly overlapping scales.

There are also several species of hickory at The Willows and Skunk Hollow, one of which has very distinctive buds, making this tree a cinch to identify in winter and early spring. This is the

bitternut hickory. Its buds have thin, somewhat pointed, valvate scales that are slightly fuzzy and sulfur yellow in color. The soft yellow buds of the bitternut hickory are like tiny candle flames flickering in the forest. The pea-sized flower buds of the flowering dogwoods found at The Willows and Skunk Hollow may remind you of onions, or the

There are several species of oak at The Willows and Skunk Hollow and all bear several football-shaped buds clustered at the tips of their twigs. Some of these buds are slightly pointed, some are more rounded, but all have overlapping scales. Gazing upwards at an oak tree's branches from ground level, the bud clusters look like tiny fists raised in defiance of winter's grip.

domes of St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square (albeit not as colorful!). The scales of these flower buds are light green with purplish tips. These scales will expand to form four large, white, petal-like bracts with notched tips, what we usually think of as the flower itself when, in fact, the tree's tiny yellow flowers are clustered in the center of these bracts.

Identifying trees by their buds is a pleasant way to spend a few hours on a wooded trail on a late winter or early spring day. Better hurry, though: in just a few weeks the trees will be “breaking bud.”

If you would like to host your next event at the Willows Park Preserve, register for a program, learn about volunteer opportunities, provide financial support, or simply want to learn more about the WPP, please visit our website: www.willowsparkpreserve.org or email us at: info@willowsparkpreserve.org

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ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (EAC)

Past Lecture Series

The EAC sponsored two lectures this fall and winter. The first lecture in November was on composting, given by an expert from Mother Composting. The second lecture was a detailed, step-bystep presentation on how to start a native plant garden given by an expert from Jenkins Arboretum. If you missed either of these — no worries — you can find them here on our website: https://www.radnor.com/government/boards-andcommissions/environmental-advisory-council/eac-lecture-series

Our Upcoming Projects and Presentations:

Coming up in April and May:

April 3: Environmental Careers Panel to be held for Radnor Township High School students and presented by a group of experts in a wide array of environmentally related careers.

Mid April: Native Plant Give-Away sponsored by our EAC to celebrate Earth Day and kick off our 2024 Eco-Friendly Yard Program. Look out for this very popular event again this year Exact date still to be determined. It is free but registration will be required.

May 30, 7:00pm: Intro to Low Waste Living: How to Reduce Your Landfill Burden, Simplify Your Life, and Lighten Your Ecofootprint- an hour-long seminar led by the co-owners of SHIFT. Free of charge — look out for registration in mid- April. Also, check out the Radnor Township web page, www.Radnor.com to learn of their eco-friendly projects including new lighting in Wayne, electric vehicles for the Township, energy-saving building audits and much more!!

ANY QUESTIONS or COMMENTS, or TO APPLY FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY YARD AWARD, Contact us at: EAC@radnor.org.

Eco-Friendly Yard Program

Even in winter, we have been busy with our program. The aim is to not just reward those folks who have eco-friendly yards, but also to educate others about them. What is an eco-friendly yard?

Here are a few characteristics:

No artificial pesticides or herbicides.

Reduction of turf-grass. An eco-friendly yard replaces grass with trees, shrubs, and plants, mostly native ones.

Use of manual or electric mowers and lawn equipment instead of gas-powered. Mow less often.

Allowing leaves in fall to remain on garden beds and other areas of the yard.

Despite the weather, we have distributed four eco-friendly yard awards in January and February

If you live in Radnor Township and feel you might qualify for the award, please contact us at eac@radnor.org

We would love to visit your yard. The award is a beautiful flag that you can place in your yard to let your fellow Radnor resident know that a diverse yard is not a messy one — it’s ecologically friendly!

SOLARIZE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Ready to Stop Climate Change?

Get it Done!

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 SOLARDEL24 on the website or call 888.573.2672 to schedule your appointment.

Solar the Easy Way

Solar PV Tax Credits Supercharged

Home solar tax credits went up to 30% for 2023 and beyond making solar payback even better. Non-profits can now also benefit and get a direct 30% federal rebate for installed solar systems.

2024 Deadline to sign up for 2024 installation is Sept 30, 2024!

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

Options: Income qualified homeowners can apply for a grant (up to $5,000) while funds last or take advantage of our partnership with a vetted leasing firm that can reduce monthly bills by a combination of Solar PV and weatherization. Solarize Delco can help you decide what is best for you.

Who are we?

Your neighbors, an all volunteer non-profit providing education, 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 nonprofits 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?

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.

The Clean Energy Co-Op can help businesses and nonprofits go solar through education and solar development with the capital of local Co-op members. Contact info@cleanenergy.coop to learn more.

Climate Webinar Series 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/channel/ UCwISP41eRhD0SUyHxGpY9xQ

Solar for your home Webinar

April 18th at 7pm [virtual]

Save money on electricity, take a bite out of global warming, and enhance the value of your home. Learn about assessing viability, cost, payback, increase in home value, what the installation is like, and the group purchase opportunity. In 2024 there are 30% tax credits, low-income grants, no money down options, and more. Learn from your neighbors who installed. More info www.solarizedelco.org.

ART & CREATIVITY Art goes to work!

By Laurie Lamont Murray

We've talked about art from so many directions in this column…how to look at art online, in galleries and museums, building an art collection, hanging and grouping art, workshops and classes near and afar…but art in the workplace hasn't come into play.

It's a timely subject, since managing people who work remotely has worn thin with many employers. Prompted by the expense of unused office space, this disconnect created by people coming and going and — yes — concerns about productivity, many businesses have adopted a 'return to the office or else' mentality.

Many people feel that working from home means spending long hours at a place where they actually wanted to be. To bring people back to work and keep them there, management needs to provide a work culture which values its employees and its clientele. Beyond policies and payroll, a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing environment which includes art is one of the quickest and most effective ways to accomplish that goal.

It's important to recognize the thousands of people whose work in restaurants, hotels and businesses which cater to and rely upon walk-in trade didn't have the option of working remotely. Many survived by creating new business models, and their stories are often amazing.

To think about art's impact on productivity I'll draw upon my years as a commercial interior designer, creating office spaces, medical facilities, restaurants and boutique hotels and I'll also summarize from the extensive research that has placed a high value on art in the workplace.

Art for the workplace

So what kind of art are we talking about? For the most part, paintings and photography are found in work environments, with sculpture and murals in larger installations like corporate headquarters, hotels and restaurants. Style, medium and subject matter can be chosen to reflect the nature of the business and can also vary throughout the available space. Original artwork is often reserved for areas where visitors congregate, and prints, which are less expensive and can be changed easily, work well in other areas. There may be some benefit to allowing employees to choose art for their specific areas.

Storytelling for Brand

Art can reinforce identity and instill a sense of pride and well being for employees, clients and future prospects alike. In key public areas such as lobbies, reception areas and conference rooms, art makes a statement about the company's values. For example, art that relates to regions around the world communicates a global outreach. Exhibiting local artists and landmarks

highlights the local culture and provides support to the community. Or, art can commit to a specific concern for the environment, or a focus on health, for example. In this way, what goes on the walls conveys a sense of style and priorities, giving life to the corporation's unique story. Art in restaurants adds authenticity to the overall design and the cuisine. In hotels, it celebrates a city or country, provides insights to its traditions and culture and provides a form of entertainment for guests to learn from and enjoy. (Fran Gibson's painting, On My Way Home, shows a love of local community.)

Humanizing, Defining and Way-finding

Art adds warmth and interest in what might otherwise be a somewhat sterile place to spend the workday. It can help define the overall space, providing the directions needed for finding one's way around, and perhaps even creating a sense of what happens in the various areas of the business environment.

Benefits Employees

The impact of art on employees has been studied from multiple directions. It goes without saying that workplaces can be stressful, even exhausting. In communal areas such as break rooms, meeting and flex spaces, art has been found to be restorative. Workspaces which include art in a carefully planned interior design can give employees a sense of well being. When art reflects a business brand in an engaging way, it is likely to instill pride and a sense of belonging. The message that this is a place where people can thrive improves productivity and morale. (Margie Quint's Poolside gives everyone a vacation to look forward to.)

Stress Reliever

Studies show that just looking at art can decrease stress hormones, providing a sense of calm that improves concentration.

Restoring mental energy is particularly important in healthcare facilities to distract from pain, anxiety and fatigue. Throughout America's workforce, where 25% of employees report feeling chronically angry at work, art has the added benefit of reducing levels of stress, frustration and aggressive behavior. This is particularly true of landscapes, and meditative compositions filled with calming colors. (Thinking about a walk in the Austrian Alps is a stress reliever! Quaritsch Photography)

Inspires Creativity

As might be expected, vibrant colors and designs are energizing, enhancing creativity and inspiring brainstorming and creative collaboration. Or just making people feel happy. (Sandi Neiman Lovitz 'joy-filled paintings like Cosmic Connection are productivity-boosters.)

Icebreaker

Like it or hate it, what is hanging on the walls can spark conversation among people who might not have talked to each other otherwise. It has been suggested that this is especially true for younger workers whose communication is more tech centered than verbal. At any rate, art can be a vehicle to open minds and challenges people to see things a bit differently. This is how learning takes place and it translates to more effective work.

Every work of art offers the viewer a sense of the long hours and hard work that went into its making. The message is clear: Persevere and have courage. By doing what they love, artists demonstrate their passion and perhaps it can be contagious!

Fran Gibson,On My Way Home

Marjie Lewis Quint, Poolside

Quaritsch Photography

Sandi Neiman Lovitz, Cosmic Connection