"Angela was a pleasure to work with from start to finish. She beautifully planned for and executed the seamless sale of our home, worked within our timeline and brought us mult iple offers!
We couldn’t have been more pleased with her professionalism, her knowledge of the industry and her amazing communication. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with Angela again!”
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
Fax: 610-995-0478 www.wayneart.org
Wayne Business Association
P . O. Box 50
Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 610-687-7698
www.waynebusiness.com
Wayne Senior Center
108 Station Road
Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 610-688-6246 www.wayneseniorcenter.com
As 2025 nears the end of the first quarter, the Radnor Educational Foundation (REF) takes a moment to reflect on the successful completion of its Fall grants, while eagerly anticipating the conclusion of even more grant projects this school year. Radnor students continue to benefit from a wide range of innovative initiatives, highlighting the community's unwavering dedication to advancing local education.
The grant requests during REF's Fall cycle clearly reflect the tireless passion of educators and the invaluable contributions of community partners to enhance and expand on the educational experience for more than 3,600 Radnor public school students. A few approved requests include: a “Drones in the Classroom” technology education grant for Wayne Elementary; th “Encyclopedia of the 6 Grade' a workshop managed by the People's Light & Theater company to engage students in scriptwriting at Radnor Middle to meet ELA standards; and the Positive Educator Certification for a small group of teachers at Radnor Middle, focuses on emotional wellness through positive psychology and integrated health.
Two additional REF grants from the Fall are profiled below:
“Ryan's Story” at Radnor Middle School
“Ryan's Story” is a bullying prevention initiative for specifically for middle school students, where national speaker John Halligan shares his personal story of his son Ryan who tragically took his own life after relentless bullying in school and online. Halligan's presentation reached 809 students across Grades 6-8, with two powerful 60-minute sessions. Each session featured a video of Ry photos, followed by Halligan's tell son's story, e
emotional and psychological impact of inperson bullying, including depression and suicide. The presentation also raised awareness about cyberbullying and the significance of bystander involvement in preventing bullying.
As part of the overall grant program, parents and community members have access to a prerecorded presentation to help them understand and address any bullying with their children, and teachers have follow-up activities to reinforce the message. The program fosters a supportive school environment where students can help each other, identify signs of distress, and understand the importance of advocacy.
Technology Education at Radnor Middle School is a required course for more than 800 students, offering hands-on instruction with 3D printers, design software, drafting equipment, and more. As part of the curriculum, Tech Ed teacher Wesley Robinson was approved to purchase a hat heat press machine, which is used to steam leather-like patches on to plain baseball hats to create a custom wearable product. Mr Robinson stated, "I am very grateful to REF and the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) [of Radnor Middle School] for buying the hat press for [our] department.” He continues, “We will be using Adobe Illustrator to create designs, a laser engraver to engrave those designs onto patches, and the heat press to press those patches onto a hat.”
th Currently, 8 Grade students can make their own hats, allowing students to embrace new technologies and creative thinking plus have a custom hat to wear around town! Next year, Mr. Robinson will expand the use of the hat heat press to his 6th and 7th grade classes where an additional 300-plus students will participate in the project! REF
To learn more about the Radnor Educational Foundation,
www.radnoreducationalfoundation.org
is thrilled to support innovative teachers like Mr. Robinson who bring new and memorable ways to engage students in the classroom.
Community Support of REF is Critical
The breadth and diversity of REF's grants to date provide students with a well-rounded, forward-thinking education and a strong basis for future success. These grants have not only expanded the curriculum and enriched students' academic lives, but have also facilitated meaningful connections among students, educators, and the broader community. In order to sustain grant funding, REF's annual fundraising celebration takes place in early May, and it's shaping up to be a “Run for the Roses” with a Kentucky Derby theme for attendees. Tickets will be on sale soon! Check our website for more details this Spring!
Cat eye infections are a common concern among pet owners, particularly when it comes to conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelids.
Infections: Viral or bacterial infections are the most common causes. Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma felis are notable culprits.
Anatomic defects: Abnormalities with the eyelids including entropion and eyelid agenesis can lead to conjunctivitis. Entropion is a condition where the eyelids roll in causing pain and inflammation. Eyelid agenesis is a birth defect in which the eyelids do not form properly
Allergens and Irritants: Rarely, allergens including pollen and dust and foreign bodies can irritate the eyes.
Underlying Health Issues: Various conditions including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can weaken the immune system, predisposing cats to eye infections.
Identifying and treating conjunctivitis early can prevent more severe complications. Here are the common symptoms:
Redness: The conjunctiva may appear red or pink.
Swelling: Swelling may be present around the eyes, making them look puffy or even swollen shut.
Discharge: Watery to clear, yellow, or green thick discharge may be in or around the eyes.
Squinting or Blinking: A cat with conjunctivitis often has increased blinking/squinting or keeps the eye closed.
Rubbing or Pawing: Frequent rubbing or pawing at the eyes can occur due to discomfort.
Cloudiness: Cats with conjunctivitis may also have clouding or haze to the clear surface of the eye, the cornea. Behavioral changes: Conjunctivitis is painful. Therefore, some cats can become lethargic or inappetent.
When to Be Concerned: If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they persisted for more than a day or two and your cat is acting ill, it is time to consult a veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will likely do some testing after examining your cat's eyes.
Schirmer tear test: Especially if there is a lot of thick discharge and if the eyes look very dry, a Schirmer tear test may be done. This involves placing a small strip of paper at the lower eyelid for one minute.
Fluorescein dye test: This involves placing a drop of stain into the eye to check for corneal ulcers which may occur in conjunction with conjunctivitis. Other names that may be used for ulcers are ‘scratch’ or ‘erosion.’
Tonometry: A small non- invasive instrument called a tonometer may be used to check the pressure within the eye.
Both oral and topical options are typically available for treatment. Your veterinarian will determine what is appropriate for your cat's condition.
Antibiotics: Effective against bacterial infections. Antibiotics may also be used to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Antivirals: Used for viral infections like FHV-1.
Anti-Inflammatories: Reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Artificial Tears: Help keep the eyes moist and relieve irritation.
Pain medication: Improve comfort.
Surgery: Required for treatment of conditions such as entropion and eyelid agenesis.
Cleaning the Eyes: Discharge can be gently wiped away with a clean, damp cloth if the cat will allow for it.
Elizabethan collars: A firm plastic Elizabethan collar should be placed to avoid self trauma, especially if the cat is rubbing at the eye. Elizabethan collars are always recommended when a corneal ulcer is also present.
It's crucial to consult your veterinarian before starting any treatment. Incorrect treatment can worsen the condition or lead to additional complications.
Understanding and identifying conjunctivitis in cats is essential for ensuring your pet's eye health. Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent complications and ensure a quick recovery. If you have any concerns about your cat's eye health, consult your veterinarian promptly
For more information or to schedule an appointment with our ophthalmology team, contact Metropolitan Veterinary Associates.
For many patients with pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, fibroids or endometriosis, getting a definitive diagnosis or finding the right treatment can be challenging. Main Line Health's Advanced Gynecology Program helps these patients find answers and achieve their health goals.
"We listen to patients, believe them and involve them in every level of care," explains Jordan Klebanoff, MD, a fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon with Main Line Health. "Most patients with pelvic pain have been searching for answers for years and have gynecological issues that cannot be resolved with a simple single treatment or procedure. By partnering with a multispecialty team of providers, we successfully address whole-person care.”
A multispecialty team treating gynecologic conditions
The Advanced Gynecology Program includes minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons, a nurse practitioner and physician assistants partnered with urogynecologists, pelvic floor physical therapists, gastroenterologists, pain management specialists, fertility clinicians and others to diagnose and treat a wide range of noncancerous gynecologic issues. Some include:
Endometriosis/adenomyosis
Uterine fibroids
Pelvic pain
Urinary and fecal incontinence
Infertility
Sexual dysfunction
"Complex gynecologic issues can take extensive time and coordination to trea effectively or medical treatment," says Joseph Gobern,
MD, system chair for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Main Line Health and fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon. "Our program supports area OB/GYN physicians and primary care providers by acting as an extension of their practice to handle these complex cases. Patients can then return to their providers for ongoing care.”
Coordinated, patient-first approach
One key to the Advanced Gynecology Program's success is personalized coordination of care. "Our coordinated care approach is the glue that allows us to provide seamless continuity of care," says Dr. Gobern. "With this coordination, we not only treat the underlying condition but also address the far-reaching effects it can cause from endometriosis contributing to disabling pelvic pain to uterine fibroids impacting fertility. This greatly improves health outcomes and overall quality of life.”
Expanded access, so you get the treatment you need
"The Advanced Gynecology Program has been growing rapidly since it began," says Dr. Klebanoff. The program is located at Main Line Health Newtown Square, providing patients with access to many of our specialty physicians and physical therapy services under one roof. This additional practice space enhances convenience and comprehensive care for our patients.
The program has increased its surgical access, as well. Katherine Chaves, MD, a fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, joined the program as its third physician. With the addition of Dr. Chaves, the team can better serve its growing patient population. Now, patients can get the treatment they need more quickly.
The Advanced Gynecology Program recently welcomed Dana Shanis, MD, a boardcertified obstetrician/gynecologist and sexual health physician. As a sexual health physician, Dr. Shanis specializes in understanding the physiological, hormonal, structural and psychological factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction. While obstetricians and gynecologists are trained in reproductive health, sexual health encompassing pleasure, connection and intimate experiences has often been overlooked in medical education. Dr. Shanis works to fill this gap by helping women navigate and treat complex sexual health challenges, leading to significant improvements in their overall quality of life.
To learn more about how the Advanced Gynecology Program can help improve your health and well-being, visit mainlinehealth.org/advancedgyn or call 484.227.9680.
The Radnor Township Shade Tree Commission would like to thank Seth Resser for his outstanding commitment to the Township’s tree canopy. Seth has volunteered with the Commission for the past five years, serving as Chair for the last three. Under his leadership much has been accomplished including planting over one thousand trees have been planted, new ordinances adopted and much more. We greatly thank Seth for his commitment, leadership, and hard work to the tree canopy and community.
This past January I was voted Chair, having served on the Shade Tree Commission for seven years. I grew up in Garrett Hill and now live in Bryn Mawr with my wife and children. As an ISA certified arborist, and owner and operator a landscape design build
company, I am also involved with many Radnor
It is an honor to advance the Shade Tree Commission’s goal of protecting and preserving the Township’s canopy as well as planting many more trees.
James Gibbons
The Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Committee has developed a Lecture Series, showcasing topics of local and general environmental interest. These 1-hour lectures are held in the Township Building on weeknights between January — May and September — December and are free to the public. Please visit the Radnor Township website to see the Spring 2025 schedule of lectures and for more information.
Below is a brief recap of October's lecture on recycling as presented by staff of Republic Services.
Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Council Lecture
Do not put recyclables in plastic bags for pickup. Use a garbage can. All recycled material must be clean. No lithium ion batteries, as they are a fire hazard.
The following can be recycled: Cardboard, eg, moving boxes, food boxes, shipping boxes, envelopes & folders.
Flattened boxes are best, but cardboard less than 12x12 inches not OK, as can fall
Bess Yates and Sven Dethlefs from the Radnor Township Environmental Advisory Council discuss how to grow a biodiverse backyard keeping wildlife in mind.
Can you tell us a bit about your gardening journey?
Sven: Of course! When I moved to Radnor, I noticed a pair of yellow finches that visited our garden to eat the seeds from purple coneflowers. I planted more coneflowers, and in the next summer, I had a small meadow and now a whole flock of finches!
What inspired you to make this change?
Sven: Biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate. But it doesn't take much to support wildlife. Every flower counts. And a bee collecting pollen does not care whether it's in your backyard or in a large national park. It's just important that the flower is there. Gardens can provide beauty and serve as a sanctuary for wildlife too.
What were the first steps you took to change your garden?
Sven: I have mostly taken an experimental approach. I ordered different plants online and put them in a small area in front of my kitchen window to see what happens next - what kind of birds and insects come to hang out in this “mini-park”? What wildflowers do they like the most?
through screens during sorting and end up in a landfill.
Wet cardboard which is soaked is not OK, but slightly wet is OK.
Sticky labels and sealing tape are OK to leave on boxes
Pizza boxes not OK because of waxy coatings and grease
Paper, eg, newspaper, mail and magazines, notebook paper, is made into more paper or used as insulation. Shredded paper not OK; use shredding services township offers.
Glass (all colors) is crushed and forms filtering screen on landfills, becomes part of our roads, or sold to glass manufacturers.
Aluminum cans are usually recycled into more cans. Soiled aluminum foil not OK.
Metal food containers OK. Note: metal hangers not OK as they jam sorter
Plastics. While all types of plastic are collected, only some types are recycled: Types 1,2, and 5 are OK and highly marketable (PET, HDPE, PP); white plastic milk containers OK, but waxy paper milk cartons are not OK.
How does this type of garden transformation benefit pollinators?
Bess: I see pollinators like bees, moths, hummingbirds, and butterflies in my yard and at our community garden. Pollinators like planting beds that offer a variety of flowers like lavender, agastache, sage, thyme, wild zinnias, sunflowers, black eyed susans, yarrows, and coneflowers. Because these plants bloom at different times during the growing season, pollinators have a continuous food source.
What about birds? How has your garden helped them? Can I install a bird feeder?
Bess: Birds need four things: food, water, cover, and places to raise their young.* Growing native plants supports pollinator species like bees, caterpillars, moths, and butterflies, which many types of birds then eat. If you decide to install bird feeders and a water basin, make sure you clean them regularly, because they can pass on bacteria and viruses to other birds - similar to our toothbrushes. It is also important to refill the bird feeder in early summer when birds are breeding. More food means more eggs.
Have you noticed any wider environmental and social impacts?
Bess: Absolutely! The garden attracts not just bees and birds but also foxes, turtles and reptiles, frogs and beneficial insects like ladybugs. It's a healthier ecosystem where every creature plays an important role. Plus, our neighbors have seen the benefits and plant their own gardens
Bottle caps — leave them on.
Not OK:
Plastic bags; they wrap around sorters.
Type 3 - polyvinyl chloride, eg, toys, blister wrap, cling wrap, detergent bottles, loose-leaf binders, medical tubing.
Type 4 - low-density polyethylene, eg, single-use grocery bags.
Type 6 - polystyrene, eg, Styrofoam food containers. Northeast Foam Recycling provides a free drop-off for clean, dry, white Styrofoam; located at 90 Hamilton St, Chalfont, PA 18914; (215) 699-4541.
Type 7 - Other, eg, clothes hangers, baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, water gallons, metal food can liners, ketchup containers.
Black plastic, eg, take out containers, kitchen utensils, produce trays. It isnt recognized by sorting scanners (and contains toxic carbon black and other added chemicals).
with wildlife in mind. Imagine a network of wildlife friendly backyards and the impact this would have on our suburban ecosystems.
Any advice for people wanting to do the same?
Sven: Start small by grouping 3-4 different plants in a sunny spot and expand from there. Maybe you'd like to invest your mulch money in a few wildflowers? Even a few native plants in a flower bed or balcony garden can go a long way.
Here is a helpful resource about “Designing for Neighborhoods and Wildlife.” https://www.asla.org/ sustainablelandscapes/Vid_Wildlife.html
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 SOLARDEL25 on the website or call 888.573.2672 to schedule your appointment. Expires Dec 31, 2025
Solar PV Tax Credits NOW:
Home solar tax credits are 30% for 2025 but who knows what the future will bring. Nonprofits can now also 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 leases are available for income eligible households. We are now evaluating for 2025.
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.
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 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?
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
Are Tax Credits Gone? No! Solar, EV, Heat Pump and Home energy efficiency tax credits are baked in to this year's tax code- but future changes are in the hands of Congress. Success in fighting climate change has always required consumers to buy lower carbon options and that will not change. The costs of power and regular cars are headed higher than ever. Solar and Electric Vehicle costs are lower than ever and will save you thousands of dollars over the life of their use. There is no time like the present to take action and claim your tax credits!
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/@haverfordeac.
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.
Got history? Got mystery? The Willows has plenty of both! Yes, we know a great deal about the history of the Willows Park and its picturesque mansion at the top of a hill. We know when the mansion was built (1910), why it was built (a wedding gift for a bride), how it was built (Spanish Mission style, with a terra cotta tile roof) and by whom it was built (Charles Barton Keen, a prominent American architect). We know the names of the families who lived there (Sinnott, Griscom, Neuman, Zantzinger) as well as who later acquired the mansion and the 47.5 acres of verdant property that surround it (Radnor Township, in 1973). We know that the mansion was used for decades as a venue for weddings, graduation parties, craft shows and other events. We know that, in winters past (and winters present), the hills have been used for sledding and the pond used for skating.
We know this and much more about The Willows, but there is plenty of history that is still a mystery to the dedicated staff, directors and volunteers at the Willows Park Preserve (WPP). The WPP's mission is “to revitalize the Willows Mansion as an integral part of the Willows Park and open it to the community as a welcoming and inclusive place for relaxation, connection, celebration and life-long learning.” As part of that mission, the WPP seeks to preserve the history of the mansion and its grounds: the history that is already known and the history that has become a mystery, hopefully not lost but merely hidden away, waiting to be discovered, in old photographs, yellowed newspaper articles, architect's plans, Township records and rapidly fading memories.
Consider the fountain wall at the back of the mansion's courtyard. At one time it was part of a larger, stuccoed and brick-capped wall that enclosed a “sunken garden.” We know the landscape architect (Thomas Sears, who also served as the landscape architect for nearby Chanticleer), but we don't really know what was planted in the garden. A single faded photo of the garden offers some blurry images of flowers and shrubs, perhaps some roses and irises, but it
is hard to identify them with any certainty. Did Sears plant in this garden flowers and shrubs of the same variety that he placed in a sunken garden at Reynolda, the R.J. Reynolds mansion in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, designed by the same architect who designed the Willows mansion?
Staying with the fountain wall for a moment, what about the dolphin fountain embedded in the wall? Is it part of the original structure or was it added at a later time? And why a dolphin? Did dolphins have some special meaning for the owners who installed it or was it simply a popular garden motif at the time? (What time? 1910? 1930? 1950?) No known photos or documents answer these questions.
Moving along from a fountain to a well, what is the secret history of the limestone wishing well surrounded by a circular drive near the mansion's northeast end? Reportedly the well was installed at the mansion in 1936 by the Zantzingers, who moved the well from their prior residence in Haverford. An undated photo of the well is labelled in red ink as “Milanese fountain.” Was the fountain made in Milan or purchased in Milan or is it simply of a style that was popular in Milan at one time? And how about the striking ironwork that crowns the well? It's been claimed that the ironwork was made by the renowned blacksmith and metalworker Samuel Yellin, whose work appears on the doorways, gates, windows and other structures of numerous Philadelphia and Main Line mansions, churches, commercial buildings and educational institutions. Yellin and Keen, the mansion's architect, worked together from time to time. Can a Yellin connection to this ironwork be documented?
Stepping away from the mansion for a while, we move to the Mercer tiles embedded in the concrete bridge crossing Little Darby Creek, near the picnic area of the park. These glazed clay tiles, produced at the historic Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown, depict various scenes, including scenes of Christopher Columbus's travels to and from the New World and a monstrous marine snake swallowing a sailor. When, why and by whom were these tiles installed? Returning to the mansion, we find more Mercer tiles - or what are believed to be Mercer tiles - in the fireplace in the library under a thick layer of historic soot. These are simple red clay tiles with no images. Were they installed by the first owners of the mansion or by subsequent owners?
Ironically, one of the many mysteries of The Willows involves the eponymous willows themselves. Several graceful weeping willows grow along the banks of the Willows pond. The weeping willow is not a native North American tree, so they were planted by somebody at some point, but when and by whom? Willows are relatively short-lived trees, with an average lifespan of 30 years. Are the willows we see today “second or third generation” willows? Notably, The Willows was not called The Willows until the property was acquired by Radnor Township in 1973 (at which time there were willows). Had weeping willows only recently been planted at the property at the time the Township acquired it? Is it possible that the earlier owners of the property had no reason to call the property The Willows (instead of “Rose Garland” or “Maral Brook”, its two prior names) because, at the time they acquired the property, there were no weeping willows to inspire such a name?
As the WPP gamely attempts to solve these mysteries the phrase “It takes a village” comes to mind. Perhaps the reader would like to join us as we sleuth for the truth and fill in the maddening gaps in our knowledge about The Willows (yes, we mind the gaps!). The more we learn about the history of this already fascinating property, the more we appreciate it and the more reason we have to restore and revitalize it, for ourselves and future generations.
If you would like to host your next event at the WPP, 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
By Ava Petrosky
While on February 14, 2025, many people celebrated Valentine's Day, the people of Radnor Township had a 265th birthday celebration. A group of residents gathered on that chilly Friday afternoon at the Bishop Richard Allen Park in Bryn Mawr to commemorate the legacy of Bishop Richard Allen.
Born February 14, 1760, Bishop Allen was the founding father of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church. In 1784 he walked from New Jersey to Radnor Township. He was warmly welcomed by local residents Phebe and Caesar Waters. Allen extended his visit due to their strong hospitable nature.
“I found him and his wife [the Waters] very kind and affectionate to me…Never was I more kindly received by strangers that I had never before seen, than by them,” are the words written by Allen, where are now displayed on an informtational panel in the Bishop Richard Allen Park. Today the park is located nearby where the Waters family lived.
Allen stayed for a few weeks and preached to the community, especially within the Radnor United Methodist Church. He found the congregation to be of “mixed persuasions,” meaning diverse and multicultural.
The community was very fond of Allen; one resident even gifted him a donkey for his return trip to New Jersey
In 1785, Allen returned to Radnor Township. The Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was consecrated in Philadelphia in 1794. Years later in 1816, Allen was elected the first bishop of the AME Church. Since the first church in Philadelphia, the AME has expanded to
about 7,000 congregations around the world.
For the past seven years, the Radnor Township community has come together to remember the history and memory of Bishop Allen.
“I know while everyone else around the town is probably out enjoying the Super Bowl champions (with the Philadelphia Eagles parade taking place that day), we're here, I believe, really celebrating a hero,” said Tammy Cohen, the director of parks and recreation for Radnor Township. “He really is a true hero and…we try to celebrate every opportunity we get, not just about the park, just about his legacy and everything he did in bringing people together.”
The short and sweet 30-minute ceremony began at 12:15 p.m. Reverend Carolyn Cavaness began the commemoration with brief words about Allen's history on the Main Line. She refers to Allen and herself as “book ends” within the Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
“We're here to celebrate and remember the rich legacy of Bishop Richard Allen…I greet you as the 53rd pastor of Mother Bethel where he was the first pastor,” Cavaness said. “So I'm very grateful.”
Cavaness had started this commemoration service when she became pastor as a way for residents to remember Allen's walk. She highlighted the various artwork distributed around the park to educate visitors on the work of Bishop Allen. There is an informational board panel and the township is also hoping to add an additional piece of art to the park.
Cavaness then introduced Reverend Albert Johnson to give the opening prayer, who thanked God for the gathered crowd. Then
Anne Mincozzi, the board president of the Community Breakfast Collaborative, was invited to speak. The CBC is an annual breakfast hosted in partnership with various Black business owners on the Main Line. The next breakfast will take place this upcoming September, 2025.
After Friday's ceremony, Minicozzi brought Allen's memory to Villanova University. As a participant in the Theology PhD program, she presented a paper about Bishop Richard Allen Park at the Peace and Justice Conference on the University's campus. It was entitled “Racial Justice on the Ground: The Founding of the Bishop Richard Allen Park.” She discussed the ways in which the township and community members worked together to establish the park in 2010.
Speaking of the Township, current commissioners Moira Mulroney, Esq. and Jim Riley attended the ceremony, along with Dr. Clarke Piatt, the parks board vice chair. “I think it's one of the most special events we hold every year, considering how deep the roots go with the Bishop,” said Mulroney, who oversees Ward 5 and is president of the Radnor Board of commissioners.
Presiding Elder Reverend Dr. Stanley Smith concluded with a closing prayer, thanking God for bringing Bishop Allen to the Radnor Township community.
To end the birthday celebration, the group took the annual group photograph in front of a wreath placed by the park sign. They are excited to reunite again next year
To learn more about the legacy and history of Bishop Richard Allen, residents can visit the park and read the informational panel. For more stories and programming produced by area residents, you can check out our YouTube channel (youtube.com/@MLTVMainLineNetwork) or visit mltv21.org.
DEI is in the news. Just what is it and what difference does it make?
As humans, we all come in different shapes and sizes. We vary in age and stage. We are wrapped in various skin colors and topped with a variety of colors and textures of hair Some of us are blessed with good health, and others struggle with a myriad of issues. We stem from different cultures, speak different languages, and possess a variety of skill sets. Our personalities and economic status can differ significantly. Our families, traditions, belief systems, and cultures are unique. We have different preferences and make different choices. The bottom line is that diversity includes all of the similarities and differences among people.
A football team can be diverse because diversity is about a group and can exist only relative to others. A person is not diverse, but an individual can bring diversity to an organization. In today's climate, diversity refers to groups of people that have been historically underserved in powerful institutions and organizations economically, socially, or politically. These groups include, but are not limited to, populations of color, people with disabilities, people experiencing poverty, LGBTQIA+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus other queer identities), and women.
As family members, we have all experienced not being treated equally. Equity is not about equality or treating everyone the same; it's about fairness. A teenager in the family is not given the same meal as a sixmonthold. In fact, resources may be divided and shared differently to make sure that each individual has a fair chance to thrive. Equity refers to the systems, processes, and approaches that ensure everyone is given equal opportunity to succeed and is treated with dignity and respect.
To promote equity, efforts must be made to provide opportunities to those that are underserved and marginalized. Those that have the least need a chance to succeed as much as those who have the most. To level the playing field requires an understanding of the root causes of existing disparities. Transparency is essential in this process as cause and effect must be considered to determine what actions or conditions lead to what outcomes. Everyone needs to have clear expectations of consequences and rewards. Ultimately, equity involves increasing justice and fairness within institutions and systems to optimize success for all.
What difference does diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) make?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion depend on each of us to support each other. Increased inclusion is associated with increased equity; the majority of organizations with higher inclusion and equity also have greater diversity. By acting on these principles, organizations and institutions — from churches and schools to local boards and federal agencies — can better promote engagement among individuals, communities, and policy-makers. In today's divisive climate, where discrimination is celebrated, exclusion is being encouraged, and groups and individuals feel threatened, DEI is needed now more than ever.
The League of Women Voters, at the national, state, and local levels, has adopted diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle and practice. While some wish to abolish the term or its policies, we believe DEI is fundamental both to our future as an organization and to our commitment to help make democracy work. Consider diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational to the groups and institutions that you value. Together we can make a difference!
It feels good to belong. We've all experienced what it feels like to be the new kid on the block or ill-at-ease in a social situation. Inclusion is an on-going process to ensure that all people and their perspectives are represented as part of a group or structure. It is a dynamic state that capitalizes on diversity to create a healthy sense of community. Inclusion encourages greater performance through full participation from a diverse set of individuals who collaborate, plan, and make decisions.
While inclusive groups are always diverse, diverse groups are not always inclusive. Unconscious biases, stereotypes, and unintentional actions can sabotage inclusivity. Inclusive environments are those in which resources and opportunities are equitably distributed. Individuals feel safe and respected. They are engaged, motivated, and valued for who they are and for their contributions. Inclusivity nurtures the important sense of belonging.
By Laurie Lamont Murray
By the time this reaches you, there might be some signs of Spring. I hope so! But from where I sit (19 degrees, high winds, more snow is a definite maybe) a getaway is sounding really good. Where to? As long as we're dreaming, why not Paris?
If you are traveling before the end of June, you won't regret a stop at the Centre Pompidou, which will close for a 5 year renovation after the Paris Noir exhibit. In it, 150 artists from Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean herald the importance of Black artists to the City of Light. Among 4 featured artist installations, Shuck One's vibrant work is a standout. Beginning as a graffiti artist in the late 1980's, he extended his scope from walls to canvas as a further means of communicating his street art mindset.
Then there's a one of a kind retrospective coming to Munich's Museum Brandhorst and Museum Ludwig in Cologne. In honor of Robert Rauschenberg's centennial, Five Friends examines the important contributions to the postwar arts made by John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly and Robert Rauschenberg. Featuring art, costumes, stage props, dance, concerts and music scores, this exhibit sheds new light on the reciprocal influence of these 5 prominent artists. (April 10August 17 2025)
We might head to the Netherlands, where Amselm Kiefer is exhibiting through June 9, 2025. Van Gogh is a major inspiration for Kiefer, so it is fitting that Tell Me Where The Flowers Are Is showing at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The Stedelijk Museum is showcasing their entire collection of Kiefer works for the first time, plus a spectacular 79 foot piece installed along their historic staircase. Kiefer's work incorporates mythology, literary figures and multiple religious themes, often confronting the dark past of Nazi rule in his paintings and mixed media.
rivalry between these masterful painters, a 'clash between fire and water'. November 27, 2025 through April 12, 2026.
and beautiful pattern drawings. Asawa's art studies
began while she was displaced in an internment camp during World War II and the importance of art education never left her. She created a public high school for the arts in San Francisco and was the driving force for many art programs throughout her life. Through Sept 2, 2025, then MoMA NY, Guggenheim Bilbao, Fondation Beyeler, Basel.
Of course there is never any lack of great exhibits locally! One that I am particularly intrigued by is coming to the Barnes on October 19, 2025. Henri Rousseau: A Painter's
Of course there is never any lack of great exhibits locally! One that I am particularly intrigued by is coming to the Barnes on October 19, 2025. Henri Rousseau: A Painter's Secrets is sure to offer some interesting twists, through February 22, 2026. What about you? I'd love to Hear about what you are looking forward to seeing in the art world. Drop me an email, at Murraydesignworks@gmail.com
