IN Great Valley Spring 2015

Transcription

An INCOMMUNITY Magazine
Great
Valley
SPRING 2015
in-philly.com
GO WilMa!
Outdoor Adventure Program:
Our Community’s Summer Pastime
School District News
Page 8
Township News
Page 26
Special Sections:
Real Estate
Page 58
Home Improvement
Page 62
Join the world’s
biggest
fight to
end cancer,
the American Cancer Society
Relay For Life.
®
Relay For Life is a community event
that brings together the Great Valley
community to CELEBRATE the lives
of those who have battled cancer,
REMEMBER those we have lost, and
to FIGHT BACK against this terrible
disease.
Come watch our Survivors take
the first lap, enjoy concessions and
entertainment that is fun for all ages,
and end the evening with a moving
Luminaria ceremony of remembrance.
Relay For Life of Great Valley
Sat., June 6th, 2015
3pm - 9pm
Great Valley High School
225 Phoenixville Pike Malvern, PA
www.relayforlife.org/pagreatvalley
www.facebook.com/RFLofGV
CONTENTS
spring
•
2015
features
50 Tie-Up King
Malvern’s Bob Kelly helps the Delaware Valley get through
traffic knots.
58 Real Estate
Top 10 home selling mistakes.
62 Home Improvement
Spring checklist for home improvements that can spare
you a big expense down the road.
departments
2 From the Publisher
4 IN the Loop: What’s news in Great Valley
26
on the cover
Cousins and GO WilMa! participants Jami Keller (left) and Erin Field.
See Story on page 26. © 2015. Willistown Township Parks & Recreation.
All Rights Reserved.
sponsored content
Business Spotlights
44
45
56
60
61
RE/MAX Fine Homes
Paoli Pharmacy
Renehan Building Group
Malvern Retreat
Mr. Handyman
8 Great Valley School District News
26 Great Valley School Community News
32 IN Events: Girl Scouts Helping Out
34 East Whiteland Township News
38 Malvern Borough News
46 Willistown Township News
54 IN Person: Learning by Playing
64 IN the Know: 60 Years of Service
50
Industry Insights
3 Plastic Surgery: Noone Plastic Surgery Institute LLC
6 Choosing the Right Realtor:
Steven van Vliet, Realtor
24 Tax Strategies: Tax Tacklers
49 Education: Villa Maria Academy
57 Senior Care: SarahCare of Great Valley
PHOTO COURTESY OF CARRIE HOWARD KELLY
IN Community is a publication dedicated to representing, encouraging and promoting the Great Valley area and its comprising municipalities by focusing on the talents and gifts
of the people who live and work here. Our goal is to provide readers with the most informative and professional regional publication in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
FROM
THE
PUBLISHER
CEO & PUBLISHER
Wayne Dollard
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Julie Talerico
[email protected]
W
elcome to the spring issue of
IN Great Valley Magazine!
EDITOR
Bob Byrne
[email protected]
I’d like to thank our readers, school
and township partners and advertisers for
the tremendous support and wonderful
feedback we’ve received since we launched
our first four IN Community publications in
Philly last fall. We plan to expand our reach
in the Philadelphia area with additional
magazines this summer.
OFFICE MANAGER
Leo Vighetti
[email protected]
Each quarter, we bring you the latest
school and township news as well as timely
stories on local businesses and nonprofits,
community events and history as well as
profiles of good people doing great things.
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
Tamara Myers
[email protected]
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jim Paladino
[email protected]
DESIGNER
Harvey Walls
[email protected]
Since spring is prime time to update your home, don’t miss our Home
Improvement Guide on page 62 as well as our Real Estate section on page 58.
Here’s to new beginnings!
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Tiffany Marcovsky
[email protected]
Eileen Amoroso
[email protected]
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Debbie Mountain
[email protected]
©2014 by IN Community Magazines.
All rights reserved. Reproduction or reuse of any
part of this publication is prohibited without
the written permission of the publisher.
Wayne Dollard / CEO
IN Community Magazines
610.924.7322
[email protected]
IN Community Magazines is the largest magazine publishing company in Pennsylvania.
We are pleased to be partnered with the Great Valley communities.
Send Us Your Story Ideas!
We’d love to hear from you if you know someone in
your community who is making a difference or has
done something extraordinary. We’re also looking
for interesting story ideas (little-known facts, history
or other news) within your community.
If you have suggestions, email us at
[email protected].
To Advertise
To advertise, contact
Wayne Dollard at
610.924.7322
Direct all inquiries, letters to the editor and press releases to:
IN Community Magazines
603 East McMurray Road
McMurray, PA 15317
800.558.0940 ext. 202
Please recycle this magazine when you are
through enjoying it.
PLASTIC SURGERY
Summer is Just Around the Corner
Your guide to achieving your post-pregnancy body image.
There is nothing more rewarding than bringing a child into the
world, but sometimes along with that reward comes a body we
weren’t prepared for. While exercise and dieting can tighten and tone,
sometimes this stubborn belly fat and muscle separation can only be
improved by plastic surgery.
Consider a tummy tuck to achieve your optimal goal. It is
important to have realistic expectations, and this is something you
will review with your surgeon during your consultation. The tummy
Come See What the
Buzz is all About!
COME
MEET THE
SURGEONS
Open House
March 12, 2015
5pm - 7pm
R.S.V.P. with Debbie at 610-527-4833 or by email at
[email protected]
•
•
•
•
•
•
Main Line Lift
Drain-Free Abdominoplasty
Breast Augmentation – See the new shaped implants
Facelift – Suture suspension Malarplasty
Dysport®, Botox® and Restylane Silk® demonstrations
Get Ready for Summer with non-surgical CoolSculpting®
body contouring
• Light Refreshments will be served
Noone Plastic Surgery Institute, LLC
888 Glenbrook Avenue • Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
www.nooneplasticsurgery.com • (610) 527-4833
tuck, or abdominoplasty procedure, can help remove those abdominal
stretch marks and excess skin. The combined liposuction can address
the stubborn fat which can be resistant to dieting and exercise. An
added benefit of the tummy tuck procedure can be the tightening
of the abdominal muscles which can become stretched out during
pregnancy and may result in an abdominal bulge. The newest surgical
techniques enable patients to enjoy the benefits of abdominoplasty
without the need for post-operative drains. The recovery from surgery
is varied and may be dependent on your activity level prior to surgery.
Most patients return to regular activity within two weeks and full
activity within one month.
Liposuction offers a minimally invasive option which can remove
fat permanently in areas that cannot be affected by diet or exercise.
Liposuction also offers the added benefit of skin tightening. This
procedure usually takes between a half-hour and an hour and can be
done under either local or general anesthesia. Patients may experience
some post-operative swelling, but this usually resolves within a month.
Non-surgical options for body sculpting are also available with the
CoolSculpting® fat-freezing technique. This treatment can reduce those
tough-to-treat areas in the hips or abdomen in patients where surgery
would otherwise not be an option. The CoolSculpting ® procedure
is the only non-invasive procedure that uses advanced cooling
technology to gently and effectively target and eliminate fat in specific
areas of a patient’s body through a proprietary technology called
Cryolipolysis®. This procedure involves no incisions and no anesthesia
and reduces the fat layer without harming the skin or other tissues.
The most important decision you will make once you have decided
to take on surgery is selecting your surgeon. The well informed patient
will often choose a surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery.
This will ensure that your surgeon has been extensively trained,
has undergone a peer review examination and been certified by
the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Another important aspect of
qualification is the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for continued
medical education. MOC is offered by both the American Society
of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery. This ensures that the surgeon participates in ongoing
education to remain current and up-to-date in aesthetic plastic surgery
procedures.
in
the
Loop
What’s
news in
Great Valley
BY BOB BYRNE
PHOTO BY BOB BYRNE
HISTORY LIVES HERE
Two hundred and thirty-seven years after he led his beleaguered, battle-weary troops to
Valley Forge to settle in for a brutal winter, “George Washington” was back to tell the story to a
whole new generation of Americans.
While the winter months at Valley Forge often grab the historical headlines, the National
Park features programs throughout the year. For example, children can spend a day joining
the Continental Army on the first Saturday of March and April. Recruits will be mustered, or
registered, by receiving enlistment papers and continental currency. Recruits will then be issued
wooden (dummy) muskets and learn how to stand, march, and carry their musket as one of
Washington’s soldiers would have done. Park rangers dressed in continental uniform will train
the recruits in a full musket drill.
For full details on programs offered at the park, visit nps.gov/vafo.
SPRING BLOOMS IN MALVERN
After a long, freezing-cold winter, spring is the time to get out and get in the garden. The
Malvern Blooms Festival is a chance to get out, get refreshed and get inspired for spring.
Malvern’s spring street festival will feature a bevy of quality crafters and artists, musical
entertainment, activities for children, fantastic food, a wine garden for sampling local wines,
and more. Details of the event:
• Sunday, May 3, 2015, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Held outdoors along King Street, Warren Avenue and Channing Avenue
• The focus for the 2015 Blooms Festival is gardening. Burke Park will become “Posies in the
Park,” spotlighting great ideas to make your backyard picture perfect.
CHURCH FARM SCHOOL
RANKED AMONG
NATION’S BEST
The Church Farm School in
Exton has been named among the
top 50 boarding schools in the
United States by Business Leader
Magazine. The private, all-boys
school on Lancaster Ave. was
ranked 44th in the nation based on
a number of factors including SAT
scores, endowment and college
attendance after graduation.
According to the magazine,
Church Farm School “accepts
33% of applicants; 100% of its
2014 graduates were accepted to
four-year colleges. The all-boys
school keeps grade years small,
with graduating classes averaging
around 40 students.”
The Hill School in Pottstown
(ranked 26th) was the only other
Pennsylvania boarding school to
make the top 50 list. Phillips Exeter
Academy in New Hampshire
topped the list at number one.
VALLEY FORGE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES EXPANDS PROGRAMS
FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL AND LEARNING CHALLENGES
Valley Forge Educational Services (VFES) children aging out of the Pre-K/K level. Both
programs serve children who benefit from the
continues to develop programs to serve
extra time to develop the foundational skills
children with developmental and learning
needed to jumpstart his or her education
challenges. “Families come to us seeking
through a language-rich curriculum and playan alternative solution to traditional, larger
based academic approach. Also in September
academic settings,” said Grace A. Fornicola,
PhD, executive director of VFES. “Their
2014, The Vanguard School’s elementary
program opened three speech-language
children learn differently and find our
strength-based approach refreshing.”
intensive classrooms to serve children with
While the specific needs and diagnoses
various speech/sound disorders.
may vary, research consistently reveals that
According to Dr. Fornicola, “These
programs develop core language, literacy
children with developmental and learning
and math abilities as well as self-regulation,
challenges benefit from early intervention.
executive function and social-interaction
From speech-language impairments and
motor learning disabilities to anxiety and
skills.” Curriculum and instruction are
tailored to the unique learning profile of each
sensory sensitivity, implementing strategies
student, and clinical services are provided in
and treatment plans early to address
concerns allows for greater gains for children accordance with a child’s need.
In some cases, as a result of early
with challenges and delays. Additionally,
intervention, the need for intensive
children make the most progress when
instruction and clinical services becomes less
receiving intensive and individualized
necessary. VFES programs and services are
treatment.
continually evolving as it receives increasing
In September 2014, The Luma Center’s
referrals from school districts and area service
StarPoint therapeutic Pre-K/K program
began its inaugural school year. New in 2015, providers for children with developmental
and learning challenges. ■
The Luma Center will offer StarPoint 2 for
PHOTO BY BOB BYRNE
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
CHOOSING THE RIGHT REALTOR
SPONSORED CONTENT
Mortgage Rates Offer Great Opportunity
Thinking of Buying?
Thinking of Selling?
If you’re thinking about buying a new home your thoughts
definitely should be on mortgage rates and how they apply to
current property values. Based upon the mortgage rates’ history
we are experiencing unprecedented lows. See graph, bottom
right. Will this trend continue? Not likely. We can't be sure exactly
when rates will begin to climb or by how much, but we know
they will rise. With an improving economy, an increase in home
construction, a market on the upturn, there may be no better time
than now to buy a home.
While many factors such as location, demand and inventory affect
the value of a home, mortgage rates are of prime importance.
A 1.0% increase in mortgage rates reduces the purchase capacity
for buyer’s by 11+-%. The “Interest Rate Impact on Mortgage
Payment” chart (bottom left) identifies the significance of interest
rate increases. Current historically low mortgage rates give both
buyers and sellers a tremendous advantage. We are enjoying
the lowest mortgage rates since rates were first published in
1963. In late 2012 and early 2013 thirty-year fixed rates hovered
around 3½% and then rose again in just 9 months to a peak at
4¾%. That is 1¼% higher! They’re now back to 3u% and may
well go down as low as 3½%. If this is the case it will be only the
second time since 1963, a period of 52 years. {See “MORTGAGE
RATES” chart below.} However, mortgage rates will eventually go
up, perhaps incrementally before the next election.
Interest rates have a profound impact on the price of the home
a buyer can afford to purchase. With low mortgage rates, a buyer
can “Buy Up” in the market, that is buy a more expensive home
(larger, more upgrades, etc.) with the same mortgage payment.
{See chart below}. A 1.0% decrease in mortgage rate increases
a buyer’s home purchase capacity by an average of 11%. For
example, let’s say you found a house worth $310,000 and could
afford it if the interest rate was 4¾%. If you were to pay the
same monthly payment with an interest rate at 3¾% you could
purchase a home worth $344,000. With 30 year fixed mortgage
rates hovering around 3u% and the possibility of going down
to as low as 3½% there’s no better time to buy. Today with the
current low rates you can “buy more home” with a mortgage
payment you are comfortable with.
Remember, a 1% increase in mortgage rate corresponds to about
an 11% reduction in a buyer’s purchase capacity. For example,
a buyer willing to pay $545,000 for a house today may only be
willing or able to pay $484,000 (see chart on left) for the same
house if the mortgage rate increases by just 1%. That translates
to a $61,000 seller’s loss. Maximize your sales price and home
value by capitalizing on the record low interest rates while they
last. More buyers can afford your home now because rates allow
them to “Buy Up” in the market. The impact is much greater than
you may think.
The chart above illustrates the impact interest rates have on your
house purchasing power. The dollar figures inside the colored
areas are the same or vary little. These are the PI (Principal and
Interest) payment figures for House Values at different interest
rates.
If you’re interested in buying or selling a home this
is a good time to move forward. Please call for more
information or a free “Market Evaluation” of your home.
Let’s Demonstrate an Example:
“Exceptional Service...Exceptional Results FOR YOU!”
Savings Per Year: Let’s take the House Value at $484,000 and
compare the savings at 4% interest versus 5%: $2,079 - $1,848 x
12 months = $2,774 per year. Over 7 years that is almost $20,000
saved. House Affordability: Now let’s take the $1,848 monthly PI
payment and look at this example a different way: if the interest
rate is 5% you can only afford a house (make the same mortgage
payment) valued at $430,000 compared to a 4% interest rate.
That means the house you can “afford” is $54,000 less ($484,000 $430,000), or 11+% less in value.
Steven van Vliet, Realtor®
Direct 610-935-3369
[email protected]
Keller Williams Real Estate
100 Campbell Blvd, Suite 106
Exton, PA 19341
Office 610-363-4300
PA Lic RS129097A
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GREAT
VALLEY
School District News
9
Superintendent Message
15
10
Learning Social Skills through a Love of the
Game
GVMS Students Get Hands-On Experience With
Underwater Drones
16 11
How Well Maintained Schools Benefit more
than Students
SAVE THE DATE: The Foundation at Great Valley
2015 “Take a Swing for Students”
16
The Foundation of Great Valley Says Thank You!
12
Work on 2015-2016 Budget Underway
17
13
Building a School District Budget
School Board Considers Realignment of Voting
Regions
13
School Board Meetings Scheduled for
2014 - 2015
20
Go Patriots!
22
School News
13
Lunch & Learn Brings the Budget to You!
23
School Board Launches Superintendent Search
14
Make Vegetables Part of Your Healthy
Resolutions this Year
23
The Great Valley School District is on Facebook!
In December, I announced my intention to retire from the
Great Valley School District at the close of the 2014-2015
school year. When July comes, I will have served in public
education for 40 years. My wife and I are grateful for this
district’s warm welcome and for the way you’ve embraced us
for the past six years.
French essayist Joseph Joubert is credited with saying, “To
teach is to learn twice over.” I have certainly learned many
lessons! The ones I’ve gathered in Great Valley are ones that
I will carry for the rest of my life. I’ve learned that given the
chance, students will almost always rise above our expectations of them. I’ve learned that teachers and staff members take their responsibility to
students and families very seriously and will let little get in the way of them delivering
their best every day. I’ve learned that a community who values strong schools will find
creative and innovative ways to inspire students. And, I’ve learned that a mission statement is more than words on paper and really is a driving and motivating factor in how
decisions are made.
That said, there is still much work to be done between now and the end of June and I plan
to play a very active role in all of that work. The spring is an exciting time in our schools.
As the cold of winter melts away, it gives way to a new sports season, creative drama and
musical productions, end-of-year competitions, and renewed enthusiasm in our classrooms. I hope to see you at a PTO fair, on an athletic field, or at a talent show or concert.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools.
Sincerely,
Alan J. Lonoconus
Superintendent of Schools
GRE AT VAL L E Y SC HOOL DI STRI C T N E WS
Dear Great Valley Community Members,
Great Valley
A Message From The Superintendent Of Schools:
reat Valley
GRE AT VAL L E Y S C HO OL D IS TR IC T NE WS
Learning
Social Skills
through a Love
of the Game
Lovers of golf have long touted the benefits of the game.
But now, through an organization called The First Tee,
even those who have never played a round are reaping the
benefits.
The First Tee is an international youth development
organization. Through The First Tee National School
Program, elementary-aged students are introduced to the
game of golf and The First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine
Healthy Habits during their physical education classes.
The program is being used in all Great Valley elementary
schools through funding provided by CCRES Educational
and Behavioral Health Services.
Current Great Valley School District Athletic Director
Russell Wren first applied for the CCRES grant when he
worked as an elementary physical education teacher. “The
program offers us a proven way to provide students with
character education and life skills training that will help
them to be successful in school and more generally in
life,” he said. “It is a perfect complement to the values we
already instill in our students.”
When Wren moved to his position as athletic director,
elementary teacher Sam Ellis took the lead on The First
Tee Program, which was implemented throughout the
year by the physical education teachers in all Great Valley
elementary schools.
“All students in grades Kindergarten through fifth
grade are involved in the program during their health
and physical education classes,” said Ellis. “The students
learn the basics of golf, but also learn the core values
of the program, including sportsmanship, honesty,
courtesy, responsibility, judgment, confidence, integrity,
perseverance, and respect.” Ellis says that the program also focuses on healthy habits focused on safety, friends, energy, family,
school, play, mind, vision, and community.
Ellis, himself, along with fellow teacher Steve Meiswich, developed a lesson plan that earned a blue ribbon from The First
Tee Program. The lesson is called “Let’s Go Golfing!” and actively engages students in practicing their putting skills through the
design of a miniature golf course. Students used equipment like hula hoops, stuffed animals, mats, cones, and rope to design a
course in their school gym. They then put their skills to work by playing the 9-hole course they designed.
Physical educators receive professional development training through The First Tee Program. They are provided with ageappropriate materials and equipment for implementation into their existing physical education programs.
“Through each lesson, The First Tee Program helps us to build students’ appreciation for the game of golf and for the social
values inherent in the game,” said Ellis. “But more importantly, we are able to build connections between how those values
transfer from a game into real life. Students not only improve their motor skills and increase their physical activity, they also
build social skills that will benefit them for life.”
Think students are the only ones who benefit from wellmaintained schools? Think again. Last year, the Great Valley School
District rented its facilities to nearly 250 organizations who used
the schools for everything from summer camps to homeowner
association meetings. Both for-profit and non-profit organizations
often seek out space in Great Valley schools.
“The revenue generated by these rentals helps to offset the cost
of capital building improvements,” said Great Valley’s supervisor of
buildings and grounds, Rich Krumrine. “Organizations tell us that
the facilities are ideal because they are in good condition and the
location is very accessible from anywhere in the Delaware Valley.
With the new turnpike slip ramp at Route 29, that accessibility to
other regions has also broadened.”
Krumrine says that building rental fees are structured to meet
the needs of various kinds of organizations. For example, non-profit
organizations that primarily serve the Great Valley community are
offered very generous usage fees. “While we do need to charge fees
to recoup our custodial and operating expenses, our fee schedule
honors our relationship with community organizations,” said
Krumrine. “We consider ourselves partners in the community. Very
often, the mission of the non-profit compliments the school district
mission in its goal of building well-rounded, civic-minded students.”
But the school district also attracts private individuals and forprofit companies both within and outside of Great Valley who are
seeking comfortable, well lit, friendly environments in which to hold
tournaments, recitals, and even corporate seminars. “Gymnasiums,
auditoriums, large group rooms, and cafeterias are often the perfect
spots for company functions and events,” said Krumrine. “We
regularly have companies rent athletic spaces to hold corporate
recreational events.” Krumrine says that the facility usage fees
ensure that the cost of this for-profit use is not paid by the taxpayer.
In addition to rental spaces, Great Valley schools offer tracks
and playgrounds that are used by the community for free. “It is not
uncommon to find community members walking the track at the
high school in the evening, or to see parents on our playgrounds
with their kids on the weekend,” said Krumrine. “Our schools and
facilities are well maintained and welcoming. We are grateful that
the community has made that a priority.”
Looking for space for your next event? Information about facility
use can be found online at www.gvsd.org/rentals.
Great Valley
Well Maintained Schools
Benefit more than Students
Work on 2015-2016
Budget Underway
reat Valley
School Board will not raise
taxes above Act 1 Index
In January, the Great Valley Board of School Directors began the
process of adopting a budget for the 2015-2016 school year. The
entire Board meets in special finance committee meetings, but
the budget is also presented and discussed at work sessions and
regular Board meetings beginning in January and throughout the
spring (see meeting calendar on page 13). Superintendent Alan
Lonoconus and Business Administrator Chuck Linderman prepare
and present budget presentations that include projections for the
current year’s spending and revenue, and look ahead at anticipated
staffing needs and program costs.
“The budget is very much a work in progress all spring,” said
Lonoconus. “From January until the adoption of a final budget, we
continue to look at the budget and make adjustments as needed.”
One critical decision already made by the School Board was
whether or not it would be working on a final budget that falls
within the limits of Act 1. That legislation states that school districts
may not increase the real estate tax rate above an inflationary index
percentage as determined by the state without either applying
for exceptions from the Department of Education or receiving
voter approval through referendum. The allowable Act 1 Index for
the 2015-2016 school year is 1.9%. The Great Valley School Board
voted in January that it would work within that index to approve a
budget.
“Our largest impact areas for next year are salaries, benefits, and
the costs of special education,” said Lonoconus. “But the big impact
of benefits really comes from our required pension contributions.
The efforts we’ve made to move to a self-funded model for benefits
have otherwise helped us to control those costs immensely.”
“The largest area of increase for the 2015-2016 budget is seen
in our required pension contribution,” said Linderman. “That
expenditure will increase over two million dollars next year. Unless
a legislative adjustment is made, we now see a 30% employer
contribution rate beginning in 2017 and a steady contribution of
32% each year through the mid 2040’s.”
Other increases in the 2015-2016 budget are seen in the cost
of charter schools, transportation, and the implementation of the
District’s new Comprehensive Plan.
“Enrollment projections for next year indicate that some
additional staffing may be necessary at each level,” said Linderman.
“We continue to watch enrollment, but do anticipate adding up
to 9.5 positions district-wide.” As outlined in the January budget
presentation, added positions are in math and science education,
and in support of English Language Learners, special education
students, and technology. “There is also a potential need to hire
one additional elementary teacher, but we are watching class size
and enrollment carefully before that position would be added,” said
Linderman.
If the School Board were to adopt a final budget with an increase
of 1.9%, the millage rate would go from the current 20.0 mills to
20.38 mills. For the average taxpayer, that represents an increase
of $85 per year. For the median taxpayer (about one-half of Great
Valley taxpayers fall below the median assessed home value), the
increase is $74 per year.
“The challenges we face in our budget remain the same,”
said Linderman. “While we have seen some positive signs in the
economy, our revenues are expected to remain mostly flat as we
continue to see increases in pension contributions and special
education. That said, there is a still a lot of work to do before the
preliminary budget is adopted in April and the final budget is
adopted in June.”
Linderman added that the district has a strong communications
plan to keep the community informed about its budget
development process. In addition to publicly broadcasting its
meetings on GVTV (Verizon Channel 36 or Comcast Channel 14),
the Great Valley School District web site includes pages dedicated
to the budget. The superintendent will visit PTO (Parent-Teacher
Organization) meetings this spring and information will be shared
with District Parent Key Communicators. Additionally, the District
will once again host its “Lunch and Learn” webinar series through
its collaboration with the Chester County Intermediate Unit. For
more information, visit www.gvsd.org.
Staffing (68.9%):
Debt (10.4%):
$9.4 million
Transportation (5.0%):
$6.1 million
$4.6 million
Operating Costs (4.9%): Budgetary Reserve (0.8%): $4.5 million
2015-2016 Budget Projection
TOTAL: $90.3 million
$2.8 million
$0.7 million
School Board Meetings: 2014-2015
The Great Valley Board of School Directors holds regular meetings throughout
the year. Thepage 6 community is welcome to attend these meetings. Time for
public comment is available at each session. The community may also watch
meeting broadcasts on GVTV (Comcast Channel 14 or Verizon Channel 36) or
online at www.gvsd.org.
Work sessions of the School Board are non-voting meetings where topics
on the next regular business meeting agenda are considered and discussed.
The School Board votes on agenda items at its regular business meetings. A
schedule for both meetings throughout the 2014-2015 school year is included.
All meetings begin at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted, and are held in the
Board Room at the District Office, 47 Church Road, Malvern.
The Board also holds Finance and other committee meetings throughout
the year. There is no public comment period in committee meetings. Finance
meetings are meetings of the entire Board. They begin at 7:00 p.m., and are held
in the Board Room at District Office, 47 Church Road, Malvern.
Members of the community may view the agenda for each meeting online
at www.gvsd.org. The agenda for an upcoming meeting is available online
beginning at 12:00 a.m. the previous Friday.
FINANCE
COMMITTEE
MEETINGS*
April 6
May 4
(if needed)
$70M
$62.2M
Support/Other Schools (6.7 %):
Infrastructure (3.1%):
Budget amount in tens of millions
$10M
WORK
SESSIONS
March 9
April 13
May 11
June 1
REGULAR BUSINESS
MEETINGS
March 16
April 20
May 18
June 1
(Budget Adoption)
June 8
*For other committee meetings dates, please visit www.gvsd.org
Lunch & Learn Brings the
Budget to You!
Life just too busy for you to attend another
evening meeting?
Want to learn more about the GVSD budget?
Great Valley School District Superintendent
Alan Lonoconus invites you to join him in a
Lunch & Learn webinar! Delivered right to your
computer, you can grab your lunch, log on, and
learn about the school district budget right from
the convenience of your home or office.
Have a question or comment? You’ll be able to
submit it in real time for an answer.
Participation is always free, but registration is
required.
2015 Lunch & Learn Webinar Dates:
February 19 | April 21 | May 20
All webinars begin at Noon and conclude no
later than 12:30 p.m., depending on the number
of questions/comments received. Participants
must be able to connect to the Internet.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Go to:
www.gvsd.org/webinar2015, or call 610.889.2125,
ext. 52126, to register for one or all of the 2015
webinars. Participants will receive directions via
email for log-in.
$0 $1M
Great Valley
Building a School District Budget
There are a variety of factors that go into building a school district budget. Areas that impact the total budget are highlighted below.
Make Vegetables
Part of Your Healthy
Resolutions this Year
By Nicole Melia, Supervisor of Food Service for the Great Valley School District
Many of us every year set a new year’s resolution. Popular resolutions
include losing weight, exercising more, or even eating a healthier
diet. If you did, in fact, resolve to help your family eat a greater variety
of vegetables, your child’s school lunch menu may be your greatest
partner in that effort!
Great Valley School District cafeterias serve a cornucopia of
vegetables every week in our schools. The menu includes dark green,
red and orange veggies, along with legumes and starchy offerings.
By following federal regulations that mandate a variety of different
colored vegetables on our menu, we are ensuring that students get the
important vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients they need to
maintain a healthy life.
Did you know that different kinds of vegetables offer different
benefits? For example:
• Dark green vegetable such as kale, broccoli, romaine lettuce, and spinach
provide a vegetarian-friendly way to get iron and calcium. These vegetables
also help the body with Vitamins C and K.
• Red and orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes
are rich in Vitamin A, which is important for healthy skin and eyes.
• Legumes such as black beans, garbanzo beans, and edamame provide a
healthy dose of folate and zinc.
• Starchy vegetables such as corn and potatoes are good sources of
antioxidants, potassium, and Vitamin C.
• Mushrooms are high in vitamin D, and the B vitamins: pantothenic acid,
riboflavin and niacin.
• Cucumbers are high in Vitamin K.
• Zucchini is high in minerals such as copper and magnesium.
Recipes from the Great Valley Famers’ Market:
reat Valley
Roasted Broccoli & Carrots
Ingredients:
3/4 lb broccoli
1/4 lb carrots
2 Tbsp olive oil or
canola oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
2. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Toss the still-frozen veggies with oil, salt, and
pepper.
4. pread the veggies on the cookie sheet and roast
for 10 minutes.
5. Stir the veggies for even cooking.
6. Boost oven temp to 450° F and roast for another
30 minutes or until nice and brown around the
edges. Enjoy!
Serves 4-6 people
In addition to offering us valuable vitamins, vegetables are also
a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber. Studies show that less
than three percent of Americans are meeting the recommended
daily intake of fiber. Vegetable consumption is an easy way to meet
this recommended intake. Finally, an increase in daily vegetable
consumption can also lower blood glucose levels, LDL cholesterol (the
bad kind) and blood pressure.
Whether fresh (preferred), frozen, or canned, vegetables are available
to us all year long. Because they are nutrient-rich and offer a variety of
health benefits, they are
arguably an important
part of any meal. Plus,
they are delicious and
adaptable to a lot of tasty
recipes (see sidebar).
Resolve to add more
vegetables to your diet
in 2015! Your body – and
your taste buds – will
thank you.
Great Valley
GVMS Students Get Hands-On
Experience With Underwater Drones
How many students (or their parents, for that matter) would like to spend the day working with a remote-controlled, high-tech
underwater drone? And what if you could put the drone in a 5,000 gallon tank? Recently, Great Valley Middle School students had the
chance to do just that!
As part of Great Valley School District’s initiative to expand its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum
opportunities, Great Valley Middle School now has an after-school Robotics Club open to all sixth through eighth graders. Students in
the club are engaged in STEM-related concepts through interactive and fun activities. This early exposure to the world of robotics is
designed to inspire students to enroll in engineering courses in high school and beyond.
The Foundation at Great Valley is a financial supporter of the Robotics Club. However, the Foundation’s support of the club recently
expanded when it facilitated a club trip to VideoRay, a company that builds Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV’s). Students
spent the morning at the company’s research facility where they learned how engineers design and test the ROV’s. Students saw how
3D printers are used to produce test parts and watched as a prototype hit the test tank.
According to Pete Ruckelhaus who is a middle school teacher and one of the club’s advisors, “One of the best things about visiting
the research facility was that the students saw that a big part of developing something great is the failure that happens along the way.”
He said that the students saw many things that broke or failed as VideoRay’s professionals worked to develop the latest and greatest
equipment. “Students learned that success in engineering involves trial and error, and perseverance,” he said.
Later in the day, students visited VideoRay’s headquarters where they each took a turn controlling a current model of an underwater
ROV.
“I had full control of the ROV,” said student Tommy Mariano. “We even turned the lights out to see the ROV work with its light on
under the water. It was really fun.”
Students will now incorporate what they learned at VideoRay in their projects. Already engaged in building their own robots with
kits provided by The Foundation at Great Valley, students expressed how the field trip gave them new ideas.
I noticed that VideoRay’s ROV’s have their motors in different places, their camera is located in different places, and things like that,”
said student Zachary Weisman. “I got some ideas on things to move around and try on my robot. I can try a lot of different things with
my robot now.”
“Me too,” said Kethan Srinivasan. “A couple of us were talking about maybe putting iPhones on a couple of our robots. We can
Facetime the phones while they’re on the robots. We’re also thinking about bringing in bicycle lights to add to our robot.”
The Robotics Club at Great Valley Middle School has a stated goal of building competitive robots and sending teams to at least two
local robot competitions. The club most recently participated in two qualifying events for the VEX Robotics Competition where teams
earned a place in the state championships.
SAVE THE DATE
The Foundation at Great Valley
2015 “Take a Swing for Students”
A combined golf and tennis event
to benefit Great Valley public schools.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Chester Valley Golf Club
Malvern, PA
Mark your calendar now and plan to attend The Foundation
at Great Valley’s 2015 “Take a Swing for Students” event.
Registration opens in March 2015!
Visit www.thefoundationatgreatvalley.org for more
information and to register. This event
SOLD OUT last year. Sponsorships available.
reat Valley
Contact [email protected]
for more information.
amount of territory you would have to cover at-large is almost
equal to that of a state representative… Our thought was
not to dissuade people from any of the regions from running
(for school board) if there were concerns about covering
three times as much ground in meeting people. We tried to
compartmentalize in geographic zones, such as townships,” he
said.
Foret said that the committee also considered some of the
feedback it heard from other districts who used an at-large
representation. “We tried to consider the pragmatic, as well
as some of the actual anecdotal evidence from some of our
neighboring school districts,” he said.
After reviewing multiple options for realignment, the
Committee made a recommendation for the Board to adopt
“Option A” as its choice (see map on following page). That
option for realignment shifts the population to include 9,618
constituents in Region I; 9,703 constituents in Region II; and
10,495 constituents in Region III.
“The committee is making a recommendation for Option A
based on what we felt best represented the district and was the
best way to split the population into regions,” said Behrle. “What
we tried to do was get as close to a third-third-third split with
the areas being contiguous.”
The recommendation was sent to the District’s solicitor for
review and comments in February. The Board is expected to
formally approve the realignment plan this spring. It will then go
back to the solicitor who will file it with the court. Approval at
that level could take until December 2015, with an effective date
determined by the court.
Current Voting Regions:
Region
Population
Voting Precincts
I
14,537
Charlestown
East Whiteland 1, 2, 3, 4
II
7,346
East Whiteland 5, 6
Malvern
Willistown N1, N4
III
7,933
Willistown N2, N3, N5, N6, S1, S2, S3
Region
Population
Voting Precincts
I
9,618
Charlestown
East Whiteland 4, 5*, 6*
II
9,703
East Whiteland 1*, 2*, 3*
Malvern
III
10,495
Willistown N1*, N2, N3, N4* N5, N6
Willistown S1, S2, S3
Option “A” for Realignment:
*Indicates Precinct that would move from current region to revised region.
In September of 2012, The Great Valley School Board established
a Voting Region Realignment Committee. The purpose of the
committee was to study the school district’s current voting regions
and their respective populations and to determine whether
the regions are evenly and fairly representative of population
numbers, based on the last census. The committee was also tasked
with developing recommended changes to the current region
alignment for the full school board’s consideration, if so warranted.
There are currently three voting regions within the Great Valley
School District (see map next page). In the current configuration,
Region I includes almost 49% of the total population of the school
district, while Regions II and III each represent approximately 25%
of the total population. Each of the regions currently seats three
members for the nine-member school board.
“We were charged with bringing a recommendation to the
full board,” said Committee Chair Ellen Behrle. “We looked at the
current configuration and then looked at options that would more
fairly distribute the population. We decided in committee that the
numbers did warrant a look at realignment.”
The Committee met four times between 2012 and December of
2014. Various realignment options were considered, reviewed, and
debated. The Committee also discussed the concept of at-large
representation to the School Board, meaning that members would
be elected for the entire district, as opposed to being elected
to represent various regions within the district. However, the
committee determined that a total at-large election was not in the
best interest of the district for reasons related to socio-economic
variations and the sheer size of the school district.
“The one issue with the at-large option… was the overall
geographic scope,” said committee member Philip Foret. “The
Great Valley
School Board Considers
Realignment of Voting Regions
reat Valley
Great Valley
A look at what’s ahead
in Great Valley athletics
from the Great Valley High
School coaching team
reat Valley
GIRLS’ LACROSSE (from Head Coach Kim Wenger)
As Great Valley prepares for the upcoming season, we are
focused on whole-team effort and persistence throughout the
year. We see some great leadership stemming from our senior class
members. As our new captains, Courtney Cortese, Lucy Haubold,
and Brooke Lionetti will be a huge asset for us this season, both as
role models and as varsity starters.
We are looking forward to growing as a team and expanding on
the experience of all of our returning players. Megan Buettner will
be a senior surrounded by underclassmen on the attacking end,
all who have impressive and solid game experience from seasons
prior. Steph Aker, Linnea Hughes, Kristen Knaff, and Ashlyn Smith
are all juniors who will bring talent and depth to the attack. Natalie
Kahn is a sophomore whose composure and skill show wiser than
her age. Our defense this year will be owned by sophomore goalie
Mia Tornetta who plays more as an eighth defender than a
captive to the crease. Nonetheless, her ability to stop the ball is
incredible. Protecting her will be the speed and force of senior
captains Cortese, Haubold, and Lionetti, along with tenacious
juniors Kodi Campetti, Neve Bonelli, and Megan D’Ginto. Seniors
Alexa Campbell and Sarah West will be contributing factors of our
defense as well.
Tying the two units together will be a mix of the girls above and
true midfielder Olivia Muscella. Liv, a sophomore, adds vision, size
and speed to our transition dynamic, and will continue to develop
as a player these next three years.
Other players who we expect will be an integral part of our
season are Devon DeHaven and Ciara Middleton. With a strong
sophomore group, we are excited to see who else will emerge as a
varsity player this year. The Lady Patriots look forward to maintaining Great Valley’s
competitive reputation with hard work and dedication to their
team and school.
BOYS’ LACROSS (From Head Coach Tony Verna)
The 2014 Great Valley Boys Lacrosse team finished the 13-14
season by making it to the first round of the District One Playoffs.
That team graduated eight seniors, including Greg Merrill, who was
named All State Selection and All American and is currently playing
at Division 1 power, Princeton University.
The 2015 team returns seven starters and 14 players from last
year’s team. Ethan Joseph and Conor Middleton lead the Patriot
offense that includes Scott Wagner, Aaron Joseph, and newcomers
Connor Devine and Owen Banavitch. The Defense, led by Kasey
Carroll, returns goalie Scott McAneney and Reiner Westby. The
team is a close-knit and talented group that hopes to challenge for
the CM league title and to once again earn a berth in the District
One playoffs.
Great Valley
GIRLS SOFTBALL (from Head Coach Jeff Cellucci)
Last year, the Lady Patriots worked to regain respect. A 9-11
season with 3 one-run losses, one being a 9 inning loss to the
national division champion West Cheater Henderson Warriors, was
a huge improvement over the past few seasons. This year, the team
will work toward a winning season to compete for the American
division title. We also keep a District 1 playoff birth in our sights.
Marit Vike and Emilee Kirk, both seniors, will be key players this
year. Last year, Marit batted over .500 as a lead-off hitter. Emilee led
the team in RBI’s and home runs. We are also counting on several
other players to take a stand: Morgan Orlowski, a sophomore
pitcher; fellow sophomore Kasey Bryan; and juniors Sarah Schubert,
Morgan Johnson, Bridget Taylor, Caley Gowen and Emily Fisher.
Several freshman also show great potential for this season. The
Lady Patriots softball squad is moving in the right direction. We
hope the GV community will join us in another successful and funfilled season!
BASEBALL (from Head Coach Matt Schultz)
We welcome a number of new faces with limited experience in
2015. Our work with these players will focus on the adjustments
they need to make in order to become competitive at the highest
level in high school. Our returning players – who experienced a
great season last year and won the league title – will be great role
models for our newer players. Our key returning players are Allen
Barry (pitcher who will play at Davidson next year), Tom Allen
(infielder), and Jack Nonnemacher (outfielder). We look forward to
shaping a solid team that will work hard to represent Great Valley in
an honorable manner.
TRACK & FIELD (from Head Coach Michael Kelly)
Our boys’ and girls’ track and field teams both return after
last year’s undefeated season as Ches-Mont American Division
Champions. The boys’ team earned that title for the past four years
and we look forward to repeat titles for both teams this spring!
Carol Burgess, our top scorer for the last several years and twotime state medalist in the long jump, is back.
The girls’ 4x8 had an historic 2014 season. They ran 8:56.82,
making them number four in the state for all time. In mid-June,
the team ran at the New Balance Outdoor National Track & Field
Championship in North Carolina. They finished fifth and made All
American. They had a top five time nationally and were named
to several All American teams. We are thrilled to welcome all five
runners back: seniors Elise Claffey (Brown ‘19), Tab Wismer (Bucknell
‘19), Sarah Hipwell (Richmond ‘19); and juniors Anna Willig and
Crosby Spiess. These girls have set 4x8 records indoors and
outdoors, have been named All State eight times, and All American
twice.
We are looking forward to another outstanding spring!
School News
Dr. Seuss Comes to Life at General Wayne Elementary
reat Valley
For the past three years, fourth and fifth grade students in the General Wayne Elementary School Mural Club, under the guidance of
teacher Kate Regula, have been constructing a Dr. Seuss mural in the library hallway. The Club finished their mural in January of this year
and celebrated with a pizza party. Their brightly colored artwork will greet students, teachers, and visitors for years to come! Pictured are
this year’s Mural Club members with teacher Kate Regula.
Student Artist Honored
Riya Kinny, a fifth grade student at
K.D. Markley Elementary School, was
selected as the grand prize winner in
the PA Office of Attorney General’s 18th
annual Drug-Free Calendar contest.
Fifth grade students from across the
state submitted original artwork to
illustrate a drug-free message of their
choice. Thirteen winners were selected
from 895 entries from 218 schools in 50
counties. Riya’s artwork is displayed on
the cover of the 2015 calendar.
Student Musicians Earn Honors
Delia Li, a senior at Great Valley High School, was selected to perform in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All Easter
Honors Orchestra. Students from 12 northeastern states and Washington, D.C., were selected to this honors group through competitive
competitions.
Seven elementary students were selected for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12 Intermediate String Fest.
The orchestra is comprised of approximately 100 of the top string players in fifth and sixth grades in the region. Students are: Alice Liu,
Philip Melavila, Ashley Tang, Matthew Kang, Kirsten Ho, Eva Li, and Evan Sun.
Eight Great Valley Middle School eighth graders were selected to perform at the PMEA 7/8 Choir Fest. Students are: Elana Babbitt,
Carlyn Crisi, Erin Colahan, Aisha Kumar, Kevin Beck, Praneeth Alla, Tim Dyer, and Seth Schuck.
Fifteen Great Valley Middle School students were selected for the 2015 Schuylkill Valley Area Orchestra Festival. Students are:
Daniel Han. Julia Hu, Nandhini Krishnan, Jovanne Li, Sophia Liu, Kim Yang, Alexandra Marcks, Evan Search, Erin Colahan, Luke Liu,
Rithvik Bobbili, Alan Xu, Steven Liu, Colin Li, and William Spiegel.
School Board Launches Superintendent Search
The Great Valley School District (GVSD) Board of Directors contracted with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in January to
conduct the search for its next superintendent of schools. Dr. Joseph O’Brien, CCIU executive director, will lead the process to find the
district’s next superintendent. The current superintendent, Dr. Alan Lonoconus, will be retiring at the end of the school year.
“The CCIU is honored and pleased to be selected by the Great Valley Board of School Directors to lead the superintendent search to
replace Dr. Alan Lonoconus,” said Dr. Joseph O’Brien, CCIU executive director. “Securing a new superintendent is an extremely important
task which will be our top priority and one to which we will dedicate our strongest efforts.”
According to O’Brien, the CCIU began advertising for the position immediately. The application deadline is posted as March 15;
however, the Board will continue to accept applications until a successful candidate has been found.
Simultaneously, Dr. O’Brien and the search team will conduct a series of focus groups with
Great Valley stakeholder groups, including but not limited to: staff, parents, students, community
leaders (civic and business) and the community at large. From the focus groups, the search team
will develop a candidate profile and a series of interview questions that center on the needs and
challenges facing the Great Valley School District in the next five years.
More information on the focus groups will be published on the District’s website in the near
future at www.gvsd.org. The District web site also includes other news related to the superintendent
search and is updated every two weeks.
The Board will conduct preliminary screenings of applicant resumes and credentials in mid-March
and start the interview process shortly thereafter. The Board of School Directors hopes to have the
search process completed by late spring in order to have a superintendent who can assume his or
her responsibilities at the Great Valley School District in July 2015.
The Great Valley School District is on
!
Have you joined the more than 1,000 people who have already “liked” our page? Our fans get the inside scoop on weather-related
closings, news and photos from our schools, School Board information, and special events! There are lots of pages on Facebook related to
Great Valley, but this is the official District page: www.facebook.com/GreatValleySD
Grace Rodgers, a current junior at Great
Valley High School, earned third place
in her category in the 2014 WHYY Youth
Media Awards (YMA). The awards honor
the best media produced by youth in
grades 6 – 12 in the Philadelphia region.
For the 2014 YMA’s, WHYY received nearly
150 entries from students. Grace’s video
is called “Dreams of an Artist,” and earned
distinction in the News Reports Category.
Great Valley
“Imagine That”! A Video
Awards Winner at Great
Valley High School
TAX STRATEGIES
Eleven Common SAVINGS
Opportunities Missed by Taxpayers
Most of us would retrace our steps to look for a lost 20-dollar bill,
but every year taxpayers of all kinds leave significant sums of money
behind by not doing tax minimization planning. Whether you are a
high- or low-income taxpayer, savings strategies abound. Here are a
few that make the most-frequent list:
1. Most people are wage earners. The best way to reduce taxable
income is to contribute to a tax-deferred retirement plan like a
401k or traditional IRA. Not only does this reduce your current
taxable income but if your income is nearing a range where you
are not eligible for a child tax credit or an education credit, you
may be able to reduce your adjusted gross income and be able
to participate in the credit reduction as well. It is not enough to
simply say you will contribute up to your employer’s match. Look
at your return and analyze how additional contributions will
impact other tax reductions.
2. Many retired individuals forget that part-time employment may
make them eligible to contribute to an IRA. The good news is that
if you are over 59½ the funds can be withdrawn as needed without
penalty. Contributions to traditional IRAs are permitted until you
reach age 70½ and Roth IRAs are permitted at any age as long as
you have earned income.
3. If you have a lower income, please try to contribute something to
your employer’s plan or an IRA. You may be eligible to receive a
retirement savings contribution tax credit of as much as 50% of
your savings amount! This was designed to encourage individuals at
all income levels to participate in savings for the future.
4. So many seniors have funds sitting in certificates of deposit (CDs)
that they are not using for income or current needs. The interest is
fully taxable and may cause Social Security income to be taxable
because of the increased income. By sheltering the funds using a
tax-deferred instrument such as a tax-deferred fixed annuity, not
only is your income reduced by the interest but also the taxable
Social Security may be reduced resulting in exponential savings.
5. Just because your child graduated from college does not mean he/
she is no longer your dependent. One full-time semester (spring
senior year) classifies one as a full-time student and possibly still a
deduction for Mom and Dad.
6. Are you self-employed? You too can contribute to various taxdeferred retirement plans. The Sep IRA for example may receive
funds for the prior year through the filing deadline of the return
plus extensions, even if you contributed to a 401k through an
employer. This gives you time to calculate your tax due and
determine savings from a contribution before you file.
7. Don’t forget about that stock you bought that became worthless.
Often we want to forget about those bad investments, but
remember that you can take a capital loss deduction for the amount
you paid for the investment in the year it became worthless.
8. Are you a business owner acting as a sole proprietor? Restructuring
your entity may result in additional savings. At times, a Subchapter
S corporation or, for a high wage earner, a C corporation may make
sense.
9. Are you taking distributions from an IRA that you inherited? If the
estate paid federal estate tax on the account there may be a hefty
deduction on schedule A that you may be overlooking.
10.Seniors, are you required to take minimum distributions and also
making charitable donations? If you don’t itemize deductions, you
can direct, by form, the contribution to be made directly to the
charity. It will then not be taxable and will give you a tax reduction
similar to the deduction from itemizing your deductions.
11.If you are in a 10 or 15% tax bracket the capital gains tax rate is zero.
Yes, you read this correctly, zero. So please review any appreciated
holdings to see if this would benefit you.
So, as you see, tax planning can be a very powerful tool. Don’t let
your dollar bills blow down the street!
Life is better when
you have a plan.
• More Options. More Discounts
• Call for a Farmers Friendly Review®
• Products and Services to meet all your insurance needs
Achieve Your Dream in 2015
Mary Robins
ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, Realtor®
Meeting Clients’ Real Estate Needs Since 1999
KEVIN BROOKS
[email protected]
270 LANCASTER AVE, SUITE C2
Office: 610-647-8300
Direct: 610-784-3281
Cell: 610-220-7145
MALVERN, PA 19355
www.MaryRobins4Homes.com
Because every move matters…
30 MINUTES
(That’s All It Takes)
Call 484-329-7942 today for
Auto, Home, Life and Business.
Why wait?
Start the fun now!
girlscouts.org/join
You tell me why you’re selling.
I tell you how much your home is worth.
Call Mary Robins, Great Valley
School District Resident since 1990
Great Valley News
COM MU NI T Y NE WS
Community News
GO WilMa!
If you haven’t yet heard about the area’s most entertaining summer
pastime, GO WilMa!, it’s a must-try! Families and friends have a ball
scavenger hunting in parks and other special places in our community.
GO WilMa! stands for Get Outside around Willistown and Malvern.
Inspired by and modeled after the Healthy York County Coalition’s “Get
Outdoors York” program, our outdoor adventure program combines
parks and recreation, health and wellness, and reading.
GO WilMa! is not just for Willistown Township and Malvern Borough
residents! Our explorers, in descending order, are from Willistown
Township, East Whiteland Township, Malvern Borough, East Goshen
Township, and Tredyffrin Township. In addition, there are a smattering
of participants from other Townships and Boroughs.
Spearheaded by Willistown Township Parks and Recreation, the GO
WilMa! Program Team also includes Malvern and Paoli Libraries. Our
outdoor adventure theme is inspired by the library summer reading
program theme identified annually by the National Collaborative
Summer Library Program. The 2015 Library Program K-5th-grade
theme is “Every Hero has a Story”, and the teen theme is “Unmask”.
Drum roll please…This year’s GO WilMa! theme is, “Nature Heroes – You
Can Be One Too!”
Each child who signs up for the K-5 and teen summer reading
program at Malvern or Paoli Library receives a GO WilMa! Field
Guide—a passport of sorts. The Guide includes scavenger hunt
clues leading to hidden “Inspiration Stations” in our local landscape.
Each Station will be named after a child or adult who is a hero of the
environment or wildlife. We hope that learning about these nature
heroes and understanding that one person can make a difference
inspires our GO WilMa! participants to take positive action on behalf of
what they love about nature.
The Inspiration Stations have a post with a rubbing plate where
the kids “stamp” their Field Guides. As they collect stamps and show
their Guides to the Libraries, they receive prize raffle tickets and other
incentives. The Field Guide also has factoids, QR Codes linking to
videos about the heroes or their cause, recommended reading, recipes,
and the length of the walk to the Station. Those GO WilMa! explorers
who found all of last year’s Stations walked 13 miles! We conservatively
estimate about 4,500 total miles were walked by our explorers, that’s
from Willistown’s Greentree Park to Grand Canyon National Park and
back!
In 2014, 650 children and their families and friends participated in
GO WilMa! Conservatively, if you allot three people per registrant, that’s
about 2,000 people out and about throughout the summer enjoying
the great outdoors and the unique landscape that our area offers. The
success of the program is largely based on the ability of participants
to go on the adventures whenever they would like (between dawn
and dusk) and the flexibility to invite friends and family to join them.
We have also heard from parents about how good it felt for them to
get outside in the fresh air and sunshine. One explorer’s grandparent
Our Community’s Summer Pastime
enjoyed the experience so much—she took her friends
on the adventures without the grandkids!
GO WilMa! children and their families and friends find
adventure out-of-doors, explore treasured and often
unknown places in our community, and run into others
doing the same thing. Our Inspiration Station hosts are
critical to the program. These hosts include Willistown
Township, Willistown Conservation Trust, Natural Lands
Trust, Paoli Hospital (medical library), Malvern Borough,
Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund, Historic Sugartown,
and East Goshen Township. Fifteen GO WilMa! Inspiration
Stations will be located on lands owned by these entities
in 2015.
GO WilMa! kicks off at Willistown’s Greentree Park
“School’s Out!” park party on June 16th from 5:307:30pm, 21 Grubb Road, Malvern. Children may sign up
at the park party or the Malvern Library starting on June
16th and the Paoli Library summer program kick off on
June 18th from 3:30-5:30pm. Sign-up is ongoing at the
Libraries throughout the summer. The program ends at
the Willistown Country Fair in Greentree Park August 25th
with a prize drawing held at 6:30pm. Prizes include family
memberships to Longwood Gardens and the Academy
of Natural Sciences and many fun outdoor and indoor
games.
For more about GO WilMa! visit Parks and Recreation
Community Projects at www.willistown.pa.us, like us
on Facebook, or contact Mary McLoughlin, Willistown
Township’s Director of Parks and Recreation. GO WilMa!
is paid for in large part by Willistown Township with
assistance from Malvern Borough and East Goshen
Township.
Testimonials:
My boys and I absolutely love Go WilMa!, and this was the perfect
day to be out there. What a great program! It combines learning,
physical fitness, and fun. What more could you want?! – James T.
We are seeing older kids (4th and 5th graders), who were reluctant
summer reading participants in years past, interested in getting a GO
Wilma! Field Guide and checking out the parks. One family came in on
the 5th day of the program having visited six sites! I asked what they
were going to do the rest of the summer if they visited all of the Stations
by the end of June. One of the kids said he would walk backward the
next time! – Rosalie Dietz, Malvern Library Director
Each adventure taught us so much about our county and
created wonderful family memories! We ended each hike filled with
gratitude for living in an area with such beautifully preserved open space,
and with plans to return to the same areas later in the year to appreciate
the beauty throughout the seasons. – Leslie B.
ALL PHOTOS © 2015. WILLISTOWN TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
COMMU N I T Y N E WS
Outdoor Adventure Program
Community News
East Whiteland Twp • Malvern Borough • Willistown
2015 Tentative Chester County Household Hazardous Waste Events Schedule
Residential Only – Businesses and Contractors will be turned away
All events will open at 9:00 am and close at 3:00 pm sharp. Proof of residency may be required. Please properly label all materials turned in
for collection. This event is for residential waste only.
 SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015 • CAT PICKERING CAMPUS
1580 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460
 SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015 • OCTORARA HIGH SCHOOL
226 Highland Road, Atglen, PA 19310
 SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2015 • OWEN J. ROBERTS MIDDLE SCHOOL
981 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA 19465
 FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015 • COATESVILLE LEARNING CENTER
1425 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320
 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 • OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE BLDG.
125 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, PA 19363
 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2015 • GOVERNMENT SERVICES CENTER
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA 19380
COM MU NI T Y NE WS
Community News
The following HHW materials will be accepted:
Paint Products
Outdoor Products
Automotive Products
Household Products
Other
Oil-based paints
Asphalt sealers
Antifreeze
Adhesives, solvents
Acids, caustics, solvents
Paint thinners
Caulking compounds
Batteries: Car (lead-acid), truck,
motorcycle, and marine
Drain openers
Flammables
Shellac
Joint compound
Carburetor cleaners
Dry cleaning fluid
Lead
Solvent-based
paint products
Rodent poison
Fuel additives
Kerosene
Mercury bearing items:
Thermometer switches
Stains, varnishes
Roof cements
Gas, oil mixtures
Mothballs, flakes
Organic peroxide
Strippers, removers
Septic tank degreasers
Gasoline
Rechargeable batteries:
Lithium, Ni-Cad, and button
Oxidizers
Turpentine
Swimming pool chemicals
Grease, rust solvents
Rug cleaners, Spot remover,
Toilet bowl cleaners
Pesticides
Wallpaper cement
Weed killers
Transmission, brake fluids
Wood, metal cleaners
Reactive materials
NO ELECTRONICS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THESE EVENTS.
Maximum Amount Accepted – 25 Gallons or 220 Lbs. / No Metal Drums
NO Freon Appliances, NO Alkaline Batteries
For more information, e-waste recycling locations or for a more detailed list of unacceptable materials visit www.chestercountyswa.org.
Duane Milne
Let me help you with your spring cleaning...
annual Shredding, recycling and
National Drug take-Back Day
Saturday, april 25, 2015
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FREE Event
Rain or Shi
ne
Penn State Great Valley
Campus Parking Lot, 30 Swedesford Road, Malvern

Paper Shredding
 Hard Drive Shredding
 Appliances & Electronics
 Cell Phones and Chargers
 Faded & Worn Flags
 Eyeglasses/Sunglasses - all types
 Hearing Aids
Unable to Accept :

Furniture

Large Appliances


Usable Family Clothing in
plastic bags or boxes
 Game & Toys
 Usable Kitchenware
 Sporting Goods
 Books
 CDs & Videos
Light Bulbs

Smoke/Carbon Dioxide Detectors
NatioNal DruG take-Back Day
Prescription, OTC Drugs and Medicines accepted.
By law, no needles or epi-pens.
Many thanks to East Whitland Police Department
for its partnership with this take-back initiative.
Inquiries: Call my District Office at 610-251-1070 or
email [email protected]
www.DuaneMilne.com
Community News
State Representative

Batteries
WINTER FIRE SAFETY
Did you know…
60% of fire deaths result from fires in homes without
working smoke alarms.
30% of residential heating fires occur because the
heat source is too close to things that can burn.
Keeping a fire hydrant free of snow can give your local
fire department precious minutes when fighting a
home fire.
COM MU NI T Y NE WS
Community News
QUICK CHECKS
 Have you tested your smoke alarms?
 Have you tested your carbon monoxide alarms?
 Have you gotten your furnace professionally
inspected?
 Have you gotten your chimney professionally
cleaned and inspected?
 Have you checked your appliances for worn or
damaged cords?
 Have you checked your dryer exhaust vent for lint
buildup?
 Do you have a covered metal container ready to
dispose of cooled ashes?
TOO HOT TO HANDLE
 Do your portable space heaters have an automatic
shutoff?
 Is there at least three feet of space between space
heaters and other objects?
 Do you turn space heaters off overnight or when
unattended?
 Are your space heaters plugged directly into an
outlet?
 Do your children know to stay 3 feet away from any
space heater?
 Do you always use afire guard in front of a burning
fire?
JUST IN CASE
 If there’s a fire hydrant near your home, are you
committed to keeping it free of snow?
 Have you made and practiced a fire escape plan?
 Do you have a fire extinguisher handy?
 Do your children know how to dial 911?
 Are your house numbers easily visible?
 Have you packed an emergency supply kit in your
home?
What’s Happening at the
Malvern Public Library
Summertime will be here before we know it, and along with it, the busiest season
at the Library! Books fly off the shelves as people stock their bags for beach or travel
reading. Travel books are popular for planning vacation getaways. Audio books that
will keep various family members entertained during road trips are requested. But it
is the activity for our local children that really keep the library buzzing!
Public libraries have long partnered with schools in providing programming
during the summer vacation that will maintain students’ reading ability. Our
summer reading club encourages children to read at least 30 minutes a day. When
they achieve that goal for 7 days, they earn an incentive prize or a prize ticket. Older
children are encouraged to read to their younger siblings; parents are encouraged
to read to the young ones. Each summer has a theme; this summer, the theme is
“Everyone is a Hero!” Awards can be earned by reading books that relate to various
topics that tie into the theme. We also work with the schools to provide the required
summer reading books. We also have a full schedule of storytimes for children from
babies to 6 years old.
Since 2012, children that sign up for our Summer Reading Club can also
participate in GO WilMA! – the outdoor adventure program that encourages
families to get outside and experience the wonderful parks and natural spaces in our
area. Each visit requires participants to follow instructions to find a rubbing post
which will earn them a raffle ticket. There is a Country Fair in mid-August and prize
winners are drawn from the raffle tickets earned.
We also offer Science in the Summer courses for students entering grades 2
through 6. The classes are sponsored by GSK. During our 8 weeks of summer
programming, we offer craft workshops and computer workshops. Registration for
our summer programs begins during the 3rd week of June. Science in the Summer
has a separate registration process which is determined by GSK. It usually occurs in
May and the classes are filled on a first come-first served basis. Call the Library for
specific dates.
Don’t forget to carry the Library with you when you travel! We are as close as
your smartphone or tablet. Need a book to read? Go to the OverDrive app and
download an e-book or audio book at no charge. Sitting in an airport and wish you
had a magazine to read? Go to the CCLS app, click on Flipster, and select the latest
copy of a variety of magazines at no charge.
No matter what your age, reading preference or reading venue, you can make the
Library your destination this summer. We always have time and suggestions for you!
✦ Grow native plants that are able to handle the climate and pests of our region.
See www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/plants/
nativeplants/ for more information on native plants, including where to buy them.
✦ Spread mulch at the base of trees to keep mowers and weed whackers from opening up wounds in the bark. Spread mulch flat
on the ground to a height of no more than two inches; do not smother the tree’s roots and bark by building a cone or “volcano”
around the tree.
✦ Provide the proper amount of water to keep your lawn and gardens stress-free. Water your lawn deeply, but only every several
days and not at all if it rains. Mow your lawn to a height of 2 ½ to 3 inches.
✦ Get a soil test to determine if you need to use any fertilizers. Apply fertilizers only at the rate needed and never before a storm.
A soil test kit can be cheaply obtained from your local Penn State Extension office (Delaware County: 610-690-2655, Chester
County: 610-696-3500).
BRIAN BYRNES
✦ When weeds sprout, hand dig or spot treat them with herbicides.
✦ Rotate your garden crops, just as farmers do. Do not plant tomatoes
or peppers in the same place each year. Consider scattering species
throughout your garden. If a tomato hornworm finds one of your
tomato plants, for instance, it may easily move to all of your tomato
plants if they are next to each other.
✦ If you find a pest damaging one of your plants, consider the following
questions before deciding what approach to take.
1.What is it? If you don’t know, Penn State Extension’s website,
http://extension.psu.edu/pests/ipm, is a good place to start.
2.Where does the pest live, breed, and what does it eat?
3.How many pests are there?
4.How many pests are too many?
5.If I have “too many,” what is the best way to get rid of the pest?
6.What are the potential “side effects” of control methods?
✦ When pesticides are needed, use insecticidal soaps and Bacillus
thuringiensis or “Bt.”
Being selective in your pesticide use and growing plants native to
our region will increase the number of beneficial insects, such as
butterflies and other pollinators, in your gardens.
Fertilize Your Lawn the Easy Way
Disposing of grass clippings is the most labor-intensive part of mowing the lawn for many homeowners. You can skip all
that work and let your grass clippings fertilize your lawn for free.
Grass clippings contain nitrogen and phosphorus and can fertilize your lawn naturally. This can cut or eliminate the need
for additional fertilizers, which can damage our streams. Clippings can also be composted and used to create high-quality
fertilizers for your garden.
Start mowing by making two or three passes blowing grass clippings into the center of your lawn, not the street or
driveway. Make sure to mow when grass is dry so that clippings do not clump together. Set the mower to a height of 2½ to
3 inches to better hide clippings and keep a healthier lawn. Mow weekly in the spring and as needed through the summer.
Clippings left on your lawn will biodegrade quickly because they are 90% water. It should not cause thatch buildup. If the
grass is very high (say, after returning from a vacation), consider making two cuts: a “trim” with the mower set high, followed
a few days later by a cut to your regular length. This will give the clippings a chance to degrade into the lawn and avoid
having long clippings covering the lawn.
To be sure you are giving your yard the nutrients it needs and not providing too much fertilizer, test your soil. Contact
your local Penn State Extension office to order a soil test kit for only $9-12 (Delaware County: 610-690-2655, Chester County:
610-696-3500).
For your lawn and your streams, keep your grass clippings on your lawn. Your wallet will also appreciate the change, as
you will need fewer fertilizers and less water.
You can have a green and healthy lawn and garden without depending on large amounts of pesticides. It is better for your yard,
the people and animals that use your yard, and our streams. Follow the guidelines below to decrease pesticide use.
Community News
Alternatives to Pesticides
INEVENTS
Girl Scouts Helping Out
MLK Day is an opportunity to share skills and serve others.
Dozens of Great Valley Girl Scouts from about 50 troops ranging in age from K-12 spent
the morning of Martin Luther King Day working together to help local charities. This was the
third year that the Great Valley Girl Scouts Service Unit sponsored the day of service.
Girls and parent helpers spent their morning creating snack packs and other gifts at Great
Valley Presbyterian Church.
Scouts rotated through stations and took part in several service projects including: making
breakfast bags for Aid for Friends, making snack bags (a week of healthy school snacks) for
Home of the Sparrow, collecting/sorting toiletry items for Lord’s Pantry, sewing cloth napkins for Preschool in the Valley, coloring pictures for Color-A-Smile and sorting donations
for Cradles-to-Crayons.
Story and photos by Bob Byrne.
East Whiteland Township
E AST WHI TE LA N D TOWN SH I P NE WS
East Whiteland
Greetings fellow residents!
With so much going on in East Whiteland, I thought it might be a good time to update you
with what is currently happening.
East Whiteland is growing and has become a more desirable place to live and do
business. The turnpike interchange and Rt. 202 expansion are drawing more businesses and
development. To help create a framework for managing this growth and preserving our quality
of life we will update our township Comprehensive Plan. The last Comprehensive Plan was
completed in 2001 so a new plan is needed.
We have assembled our task force members and had our kick-off meeting in February. Many
of the members currently serve on one of the township boards so their experience will help create a viable blueprint that will
guide East Whiteland for the foreseeable future. The township will conduct interviews for a professional planner who will
function as a facilitator for the task force meetings as well as provide guidance throughout the process.
The meetings will be advertised and open for public attendance. Our residents have a great deal of talent and experience,
so please attend one or more of the meetings and join the dialogue to create a vision for our township. If you wish to attend,
please visit the township website for meeting dates and times.
As of this writing, the finishing touches are being applied to the new fire station. I’m proud to have worked with a group
of business and community leaders known informally as the Friends of the East Whiteland Fire Company to make this worthy
cause a reality.
This venture has been a terrific example of a public-private partnership that I hope will serve as an example for other
initiatives in the township.
We have some major upgrades to our infrastructure and facilities in front of us. The sewer line along Conestoga Rd will be
upgraded. The construction will start in February and is scheduled to be completed in June. The construction of the public
works building is well underway and is scheduled to be completed in June. The new building will be located behind the
Township Building and adjacent to the Chester Valley Trail.
Speaking of the Chester Valley Trail, we are making strides with creating a more pedestrian friendly township. The Board
of Supervisors has updated the township ordinance to make it less burdensome to build trails and Chester Valley Trail access
points in the township. We are also encouraging developers to create trails and paths to broaden our current trail system.
With the opening of the turnpike interchange, there is a lot of activity taking place along the Rt. 29 corridor. On the
Atwater property on Rt. 29 near the slip ramp, plans have been submitted for a large residential development mixed with
retail. Conceptual plans have been submitted to redevelop parts of the Great Valley Corporate Center. At some point in the
near future, we plan to reconstitute the East Whiteland/Tredyffrin Township Joint Transportation Authority to identify and
fund traffic improvements that will address traffic issues.
Another positive sign for East Whiteland is that the building renovations on the former Aegon campus will be completed
this year for Saint Gobain; the company will use the campus as its new North American headquarters for its Certainteed
division. Saint Gobain will be celebrating its 350th anniversary in 2015 so we are fortunate to have such a well-established
company move into East Whiteland.
I do have one bit of sad news. Our township manager, Terry Woodman, has announced her retirement tentatively effective
March 31st. Ms. Woodman has served 15 years as our township manager and is ending a distinguished 30-year career in
local government receiving many honors recognizing her accomplishments. Ms. Woodman was effectively the COO of the
township. We had a great working relationship and she was a mentor for me personally. Thank you for your service and best
of luck with all your future endeavors.
To fill these big shoes, we have hired an experienced and well-respected recruiter to lead the effort with finding the best
candidate possible to provide the smoothest transition possible.
The good news is that through the responsible governance of the township, we have built a
strong foundation for our future. East Whiteland is well positioned in 2015 to continue to be a
great place to live, work and play.
Best wishes,
Bill
Volunteers connect closely with local
communities to help build vibrant places
to live, work and play. Many township
programs and services would not be
provided without the support of volunteers.
Our volunteers come from all walks of
life - business people, community leaders,
students, parents and retirees. Whether
you want to help others, gain valuable
experience, share your own skills or make
new friends we may have just the right
thing for you.
There is a huge variety of volunteering
roles which can be flexible according to
your availability, skills and interests. Help for
a day at a special event, be part of a project
for a few weeks or contribute to a longer
term service.
Townships support volunteering to:
• develop and strengthen the links
between the elected officials and their
communities
• provide personal development
opportunities for individuals
• tap into the skills, experience, talents,
energies, ideas and knowledge of people
in our communities
• enable the elected officials to extend and
expand services.
A volunteer is a person who:
• benefits the community, township and
themselves by participating in volunteer
programs provides their services of
their own free will does not receive
any monetary reward (out of pocket
expenses are not regarded as monetary
reward)
• complements, but does not replace or
threaten the livelihood of paid workers.
What’s in it for you?
• share your own knowledge and skills
with others
• meet new people and expand your
networks
• be involved in activities and programs
that make a real difference to your local
communities
• gain new skills and experience in an area
of interest that can create a pathway to
employment.
Here’s a very brief summary of the Boards and Commissions in East Whiteland Township
and the people who serve on them. The first group are the elected officials and that
Board is called the:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Bill Holmes, Chair | John A. Mott | William Wrabley
The Supervisors in turn appoint citizens to serve on various other Township Boards and
Commissions such as:
PLANNING COMMISSION – Reviews all land development applications and subdivision
plans and Zoning Ordinance amendments for comment to the Board of Supervisors
Gregory Davis, Chair | Deborah Abel | Jeffrey Broadbelt | John Laumer
Sue Drummond | Todd Asousa | Brian Taylor
ZONING HEARING BOARD – A quasi-judicial board that holds hearings to consider
appeals from Zoning Ordinance regulations filed by property owners.
David Hesson, Chair | Joseph Rubino | Anthony Plitnik | Richard Orlow (Alt)
Joseph Samuel (Alt)
HISTORICAL COMMISSION – Records the history of East Whiteland Township and
its significant architectural and historic sites and reviews all applications and Historic
Resource Impact Studies submitted for development that may impact historic
properties in our community.
Timothy Caban, Chair | William W. Shipley | Sylvia Baker | Kurt Ulrich
Caroline Melcher | Peter Spengeman | Nancy C. Dore | Zachary Penska
PARK AND RECREATION BOARD – Oversees the broad scope of recreational activities
available to township residents in the Township Park system.
Gail S. Keyes, Chair | David Pohlman | Robert Ricciardi | Amanda Snyder
Adam L. Beck | Barbara Ann Thav | Matthew McGuire
POLICE PENSION BOARD – Responsible for overseeing the investment of funds that
will be used to provide pensions to retired police officers.
Stephen Schmid | W. Russell Smith, Chair | Dante Bradley
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL – Undertake environmental tasks as requested
by the Board of Supervisors including but not limited to taking steps to endure the
protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within East Whiteland
Township.
Virginia Pohlman, Chair | Jon Buzan | Veronica Holmes | Brough Richey
Gary Sheridan | Richard McSweeney | Deborah M.Watkins
E AST WHI TE L AN D TOW N SHI P N E WS
Volunteering in Local Government
East Whiteland
209 Conestoga Road, Frazer, PA 19355
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 610-648-0600 • Fax: 610-644-0388
www.eastwhiteland.org • [email protected]
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY – Originally created to oversee the construction of a public sewer system for the Township
Jason Dempsey, Chair | Charles Bernhardt III | Stephen Rhoades | Owen Carr | Darren Caterino
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING TASK FORCE – Comprised of members of other Boards and Committees and some at large
citizen members, the Task Force will identify areas within the Township where growth and development will occur so that a
full range of public infrastructure services, police and fire protection, public sewers and parks and roads can be adequately
planned and provided as needed to accommodate growth.
Gregory Davis | Deborah Abel | Jeffrey Broadbelt | Jon Buzan | Virginia Pohlman | Sylvia Baker | Timothy Caban
Robert Ricciardi | Frank Donohoe | Sue Drummond | Gary Lorgus | Chris Roe | Bill Holmes | William Wrabley
Here are the expected meeting dates
for the various Board and Commissions.
Please check the Township website prior to coming out to a meeting to confirm the date and starting time:
The Board of Supervisors meets at 7:00 p.m. on the
second Wednesday of the month unless otherwise advertised.
A public work session will be conducted between
6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.
The Environmental Advisory Council meets at 7:00 p.m. on the
first Thursday of the month unless otherwise advertised.
The Historical Commission meets at 7:30 p.m. on the
second Tuesday of the month unless otherwise advertised.
The Park and Recreation Board meets at 7:00 p.m. on the
third Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September and November.
E AST WHI TE LA N D TOWN SH I P NE WS
East Whiteland
The Planning Commission meets at 7:30 p.m. on the
fourth Wednesday of the month unless otherwise advertised.
A public work session will be conducted between
7:00 and 7:30 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.
The Zoning Hearing Board meets at 7:15 p.m. on the
fourth Monday of the month unless otherwise advertised.
The Municipal Authority meets at 7:00 pm on the
third Thursday of the following months: January, April, July and October
Experience Counts!
Specializing in Residential
Real Estate on the Main Line
www.117ELaurierPlace.com
ED
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A
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LIS
220 Sugartown Rd.
Wayne, PA • 610-902-6100
[email protected]
Chuck Barbera
Broker/Owner
267-222-2876
Alison Saunders
Owner/Agent
610-563-5432
150743 BF CC Life Ad.indd 1
12/10/14 2:06 PM
Malvern Borough
Mayor
David Burton
Malvern
MA LVE RN BO R O U GH NE WS
Borough Council
David Bramwell, President
Catherine Raymond, Vice-President
Todd Lexer, Member
John Meisel, Member
Scott Oswald, Member
Matthew Radano, Member
Woody Van Sciver, Member
A Message
From the Manager
Greetings fellow Borough residents!
By the time you receive this edition of IN Great Valley magazine, Spring will be only a
couple of short weeks away. Gone (hopefully) is the winter snow and slush along with the
heavy coats, boots, scarves and gloves. With the crocus and daffodils springing up in the yards
and the buds blooming on all the trees, Spring always reminds me of new beginnings.
This spring, you will see a lot of new beginnings in the Borough of Malvern. We will begin to
upgrade our forty-year old, outdated, traffic signals at Warren Avenue and King Street and will
Borough Manager
install new sidewalks along North Warren Avenue from the Septa parking lot to Pennsylvania
Sandra Kelley
Avenue. We plan to repave Monument Avenue from Crest Avenue to Sugartown Road and add
[email protected]
some traffic calming measures to the intersection at Malvern Avenue and Monument Avenue
to provide a safer route to the ballfields and Paoli Memorial Association grounds. Joining our
Assistant Manager
Neil Lovekin
Email List will allow you to receive notifications in the event we are required to divert traffic
[email protected]
or temporarily close roads during certain periods of these construction and repaving projects.
Any inconvenience to the residents will be kept to a minimum.
Chief of Police
With the adoption of the 2015 Budget, the above mentioned projects were approved. Other
Louis Marcelli
smaller projects approved include installation of audio/video equipment in the Council [email protected]
ing room, traffic analysis studies with the possibility of implementing additional traffic calming
measures, grant submissions for the Greenway Trail through Randolph Woods; and, last, but
Supt. of Public Works
not least, energy-efficient studies for the Municipal Building. 2015 promises to be a very busy
Ira Dutter
year with a lot of exciting projects being completed!
[email protected]
Although not technically in the Borough of Malvern, the long-awaited opening of Kimberton Whole Foods occurred in December. I hope you’ll take advantage of this new business by
Codes / Zoning Officer
stopping by when you have time to see what they have to offer.
William Wilfong
New stores continue to open at Eastside Flats. Louella’s (a women’s clothing and gift [email protected]
tique)
opened in late November; the Blue Octagon (home décor) was slated to open in Febru
ary;
and,
the Malvern Buttery (bakery/café/restaurant) is expecting to open this Spring. We
Treasurer
can
never
have too many shops or too many restaurants!! Malvern is flourishing and we hope
MaryLou Whitcomb
that
you
will
help the shops and restaurants succeed by supporting your local businesses.
[email protected]
Included
in
this Edition are articles that are pertinent to not only residents of Malvern
Borough, but residents of East Whiteland and Willistown, as well. These articles can be found
Earned Income Tax Collector/
in the Community News section in the magazine. These articles include news about the
LST Taxes
Malvern Public Library, Winter Fire Safety, the summertime GoWilma program for children
Keystone TaxService
(and adults), information on the 2015 Household Hazardous Waste Events plus Residential
610.269.4402 or 888.519.3903
E-Waste Recycling locations (E-Waste is no longer being accepted at the HHW Events); and,
www.KeystoneCollects.com
last but not least, Stormwater education. The Stormwater articles affect all of us as whatever
Real Estate Taxes
runs to the streams, runs eventually to the rivers. Be sure to read about the Alternatives to
Borough of Malvern
Pesticides, and how to Fertilize Your Lawn the Easy Way.
1 E. First Avenue, Suite 3
We try to bring you timely information regarding events and “happenings” in the Borough
Malvern, PA 19355
of Malvern and hope that you find the information in this magazine to be helpful. If there
is anything that you feel should be added, we welcome your feedback. Please don’t hesitate
Per Capital Taxes
to contact me by e-mail at [email protected] or call me at 610-644-2602. Wishing you a
Berkheimer, HAB-PC
happy and healthy 2015!!!
P O Box 25144,
Lehigh Valley, PA 18002
610.363.7214, www.hab-inc.com
Sandra L. Kelley
Borough Manager
www.Malvern-Festivals.com
The Malvern Business and Professional
Association will be presenting the annual
Blooms Festival the weekend of May 2nd and
3rd. Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 Everyone’s talking about it! Malvern is the place to be the third Thursday of
the month for The Malvern Stroll – Small Town, Big Charm! Enjoy an evening browsing through the many shops that dot King Street,
pick up something special for someone special, then drop by one of our
restaurants for cocktails and dinner. Take advantage of the Malvern Stroll
special promotions offered by the retailers and restaurants. Shopping hours are
extended to 8PM.
Get to Know Downtown Malvern! Visit the
heart of downtown Malvern on Saturday to
get to know our shops, restaurants and more.
We’ll have special events planned throughout
the day. Please refer to the website for more
information on Saturday’s events. Sunday, May 3rd, 2015
Malvern Blooms Festival
A day of fun for the whole family. Music on two stages, including
the Fabulous Greaseband!
•Lots of activities for the kids: games, crafts,
entertainment and activities. •Shopping - quality art and craft - perfect gift
buying for graduation, weddings, Mother’s
Day and Father’s Day!
•Food, Food, Food - something to please
everyone!
•Antique car show and fashion show!
•And so much more!
Want to Get Involved
in the Blooms Festival?
•Visit the Malvern Festival website for more
information: www.Malvern-Festivals.com.
•Become a vendor at the festival! We’re
looking for talented artists and crafter to join
our line-up.
•Become a sponsor. It’s a great way to
advertise your business, and support our
community!
•Calling high schoolers. We’re hiring
for the festivals! We have numerous
opportunities to get involved. Email lisa@
growingrootspartners.com for more
information.
The Malvern Farmers Market will continue indoors, the 1st and
3rd Saturday of the month at the First Baptist Church, 148 Channing
Avenue, from 10 AM - Noon. Local produce in the winter? You bet! Winter markets offer a wide
variety of locally grown produce, grown all winter long in hoop
houses. The market also boasts an extensive selection of meats (beef,
pork and lamb), poultry and farm fresh eggs; cheese and dairy items
too. Our bakers bring wholesome, wholegrain breads, as well as sweet
and savory baked goods. We’ve got more: pickled produce, salsas,
gelato, granola, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, coffee and tea!
We even have doggie treats! May 9th we move back outside to our Burke Park location, returning
to our weekly schedule, every Saturday, from 9 AM - 1 PM. In addition
to all of the wonderful foods available, our summer markets also
feature regularly scheduled activities for the kids and music by local
musicians. We’re always looking for new musicians - let us know if
you’re interested! Questions / musicians: email us! [email protected] Take the challenge to EAT LOCAL! MALVE RN BOR OU GH N E WS
Malvern Blooms Festival
Malvern
1 E. First Avenue, Suite 3
Business Hours: 9:00 a.m. –12:00 noon • 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Malvern, PA 19355 • Phone: 610.644.2602 • Fax: 610.644.4504
www.malvern.org • Like us on Facebook: Borough of Malvern • Join our e-mail list at: www.malvern.org
Be Informed… Stay Informed!
I know it seems that we keep beating the drum to the same
old tune, but we want every resident in Malvern Borough to
be informed and to stay informed. While there are many ways
to do this, we sincerely hope that you will take advantage of at
least one of them.
If you are unavailable to attend Borough Council, Planning
Commission or Historical Commission meetings, you can
see what will be discussed by going to our website at www.
malvern.org , click on Boards and Commissions, then click
on the Agenda for those meetings. If you see something of
interest and want to know more about what was discussed,
you can view the minutes on line by, again, clicking on
Boards and Commissions, then clicking on the Minutes for
those meetings. Minutes are not publicly available until they
have been approved by the respective bodies (in the event
something was recorded incorrectly), but are available the
month following the meeting they were discussed. We make
information easy for you to access. Simply go to our website at
www.malvern.org and click on Join our E-Mail List. By clicking
on this tool, you can choose what information you want to
receive by e-mail. You have choices. Only those items you
choose will be sent to you through an e-mail notification. It
is worth noting that you can remove your name at any time and
no further notifications will be sent to you. This list is powered
through Constant Contact. Your e-mail information is secure and
will not be shared with others.
While information about events occurring in town, road
closures, emergency information, etc., is available through an
e-mail notification, this kind of information can also be found on
the Borough of Malvern Facebook page. “Like” us today to receive
the most up-to-date information through Facebook.
Snow emergency notifications or road closure information can
be sent to you through ReadyNotify. These messages are generally
short as they are sent to e-mail accounts, cell phones, pagers,
or smartphones/PDA’s, but it is a great tool in the event of an
unexpected road closure or snow emergency. Don’t be delayed.
Sign up for ReadyNotify today at https://chesco.alertpa.org. Only
alerts from the Borough of Malvern will be sent to you.
Finally, all information you would want to know about the
Borough of Malvern can be found at www.malvern.org. However, if
you have difficulty trying to find the information, give us a call at
610-644-2602 and we’ll be happy to assist.
Borough Council wants you to be informed so please sign up
today with one or all three of these notification tools.
Malvern
Attention Malvern Borough Residents
Are you the proud owner of a Sears house? If so, the Malvern
Historical Commission would like to hear from you. Commission
members have been researching the houses on our Resource list
for the past six years in order to determine their significance to
the borough’s history. A walking tour brochure in MHC’s collection
identified ten Sears kit houses in the borough. We would like to
document this information and find any other mail order houses in
the borough.
What is a Sears house? From 1908-1940 Sears sold mail-order
home kits. They were delivered by boxcar in one or two shipments.
Sears Roebuck was not the only company to sell kit homes. Some
others were Gordon Van Tine (sold through Montgomery Ward),
Aladdin, Lewis Homes, Harris Brothers, Sterling Homes and more.
There are many ways to determine if you have a Sears home.
Each kit contained 10,000-30,000 pieces and came with a 75 page
instruction booklet. Many of the framing pieces were marked
with a number on the tall side, 2-10 inches from the top. Look for
numbered markings on joists and rafters in the basement or attic.
Plumbing, heating and electrical systems could be purchases
separately from Sears. These were sometimes marked R or SR. Look
for markings on the back of sheet rock. Verify that your home was
built between 1908-1940. If it was not it cannot be a Sears Home.
There are several published field guides to Sears Home that
contain floor plans, exterior dimensions and room sizes. Your home
must match these dimensions or it cannot be a Sears home. The
Malvern Historical Commission has a field guide at the History
Center that can provide information on many of the kits sold by
Sears.
If you would like help in your search please email us at
[email protected]. One of the Commissioners would be happy
to help. You can also call the borough office at 610-644-2602 and
leave a message.
March 7 (Saturday) -10:00-12:00 noon
Farmer’s Market in First Baptist Church,
Channing Avenue
March 8 (Sunday) – DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
TIME BEGINS (Clocks Spring Forward on
Saturday night)
March 9 (Monday) – 6:00 pm –Paoli
Battlefield Revolutionary Lecture Series
at the General Warren Inne – Kim Burdick
from the Hale-Byrnes House in Delaware
presents “Seized in September” about the
Revolutionary War events in the State of
Delaware.
Admission price is $49 which includes the
18th century American Fare Buffet, all soft
beverages, family style sweets, all taxes and
gratuities, donation to the Paoli Battlefield
Preservation Fund. Book your reservation at
www.generalwarren.com/a-revolutionarylecture-series.php
March 17 (Tuesday) – 7:30 pm – Borough
Council Meeting – HAPPY
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
March 19 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm – Planning
Commission Meeting
March 19 (Thursday) – 5:00-8:00 pm –
Malvern Stroll along King Street. Extended
shopping hours until 8 pm.
March 20 (Friday) – FIRST DAY OF SPRING
March 21 (Saturday) -10:00-12:00 noon
– Farmer’s Market in First Baptist Church,
Channing Avenue
March 23 (Monday) – 7:30 pm – Historical
Commission Meeting
March 28 (Saturday) – 2:00 pm – Easter
Egg Hunt in Burke Park – Bring your own
Basket – Rain date is March 29 (Sunday) at
2:00 pm in Burke Park. Check the website at
[email protected] if unsure of weather
delay.
March 29 (Sunday) – PALM SUNDAY
April 2015
April 2 (Thursday) – 1:00 pm – The Club
of Little Gardens presents – “Programs on
Ferns” – Fabulous, feathery, fanciful, finery
for your garden – Presented by a Master
Gardener – Anyone is invited to attend.
April 2 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm – Planning
Commission Meeting (check website to
verify meeting date)
May 3 (Sunday) – 11:00-4:00 pm –
Malvern Blooms along King Street and in Burke Park
April 3 (Friday) – Borough
Administration Offices Closes – GOOD
FRIDAY PASSOVER BEGINS AT SUNDOWN
May 5 (Tuesday) – 7:30 pm – Borough
Council Meeting
April 4 (Saturday) – 10:00-12:00 noon
Channing Avenue
April 5 (Sunday) – EASTER SUNDAY
April 7 (Tuesday) – 7:30 pm – Borough
Council Meeting
April 13 (Monday) – 6:00 pm – Paoli
at the General Warren Inne – Thomas
Fleming, renowned historian and writer,
travels all the way from New York City to
present his new book “The Great Divide:
the Conflict Between Washington and
Jefferson that Defined a Nation.”
Preservation Fund. Book your reservation
at http://www.generalwarren.com/arevolutionary-lecture-series.php
April 16 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm –
Planning Commission Meeting
April 16 (Thursday) – 5:00-8:00 pm
– Malvern Stroll along King Street.
Extended shopping hours until 8 pm.
April 18 (Saturday) – 10:00-12:00 noon
Channing Avenue
April 21 (Tuesday) – 7:30 pm – Borough
Council Meeting
April 22 (Wednesday) – EARTH DAY &
ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY
April 27 (Monday) – 7:30 pm – Historical
Commission Meeting
May 2015
May 2 (Saturday) – 10:00-12:00 noon
Channing Avenue
May 2 (Saturday) – Get to Know
Downtown Malvern – Special events
planned. Refer to www.Malvern-Festivals.
com for more information on events this
Saturday.
May 7 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm – Planning
Commission Meeting
May 9 (Saturday) – 9:00-1:00 pm – Farmer’s
Market in BURKE PARK
May 10 (Sunday) – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
May 11 (Monday) – 6:00 pm – Paoli
at the General Warren Inne – Dr. Michael
Gabriel returns to present “Anthony Wayne
on the Northern Frontier”. This presentation
will examine Anthony Wayne’s role in the
final stages of the Canadian invasion in
1776, including the Battle of Three River
and his command at Fort Ticonderoga.
Preservation Fund. Book your reservation at
www.generalwarren.com/a-revolutionarylecture-series.php
May 16 (Saturday) – ARMED FORCES DAY –
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
May 16 (Saturday) – 9:00-1:00 pm –
Farmer’s Market in BURKE PARK
May 18 (Monday) – 7:30 pm – Historical
Commission Meeting
May 19 (Tuesday) – 7:30 pm – Borough
Council Meeting
May 21 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm – Planning
Commission Meeting
May 21 (Thursday) – 5:00-8:00 pm –
May 23 (Saturday) – 9:00-1:00 pm –
May 25 (Monday) – MEMORIAL DAY
May 30 (Saturday) – 9:00-1:00 pm –
May 30 (Saturday evening) – Spaghetti
Dinner & Concert by Chester County
Concert Band in Paoli Memorial Association
Park on Monument Avenue., For more
information on this event, please visit
www.GrowingRootsPartners.com or
www.MalvernMemorialParade.com.
MALVE RN BOR OU GH N E WS
March 2015
Events
Malvern
Community
June 2015
June 2 (Tuesday) – 7:30 pm – Borough
Council Meeting
June 4 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm – Planning
Commission Meeting
June 6 (Saturday) – 9:00-1:00 pm –
Farmer’s Market in Burke Park
June 14 (Sunday) – FLAG DAY – FLY YOUR
FLAGS
June 22 (Monday) – 7:30 pm – Historical
Commission Meeting
July 25 (Saturday) – 9:00-1:00 pm –
July 27 (Monday) – 7:30 pm – Historical
Commission Meeting
July 2015
July 2 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm – Planning
Commission Meeting (check website)
July 3 (Friday) – Borough Administration
Offices Closed
July 4 (Saturday) – INDEPENDENCE DAY
June 16 (Tuesday) – 7:30 pm – Borough
Council Meeting
July 7 (Tuesday) – 7:30 pm – Borough
Council Meeting
June 18 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm – Planning
Commission Meeting
June 18 (Thursday) – 5:00-8:00 pm –
July 16 (Thursday) – 7:30 pm – Planning
Commission Meeting
July 16 (Thursday) – 5:00-8:00 pm –
June 21 (Sunday) – HAPPY FATHER’S DAY &
FIRST DAY OF SUMMER
All meetings are held in the Malvern
Borough Administration Building, 1 E. First
Avenue, Suite 3, Malvern, PA 19355. For copies
of Agendas for Borough Council or Planning
Commission meetings, please visit our
website at www.malvern.org.
Any person with a disability who
requires an auxiliary aid, service or other
accommodation to participate in the
proceedings should contact the Borough at
610-644-2602.
In the event of inclement weather, please
visit our website at www.malvern.org for
cancelation information.
Malvern
THE GREAT VALLEY SENIOR CENTER
Attention all Seniors!! Tired of sitting at home by yourself? Why
not join other Seniors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
(closed Mondays and Fridays) at the Great Valley Senior Center?
The Great Valley Senior Center has been serving seniors in the
Great Valley Community since 2000. They meet in the Great Valley
Administration Building at 47 Church Road, Malvern, PA. Their
entrance is at the rear of the building and there is ample parking
for everyone!
If you enjoy playing cards, doing Tai Chi, playing games,
exercising, or putting together jigsaw puzzles, this is the place for
you.
The Great Valley Senior Center publishes a list of activities every
month. You can find this publication through the Borough of
Malvern website at www.malvern.org, then click on Community
Events/Clubs & Organizations/Great Valley Senior Center; or,
visit www.gvsd.org and click on Community at the top of the
page, then click on Great Valley Senior Center. If you need help
finding it, call the Center at 610-889-2121 and someone will
walk you through. Or, better yet, stop by the Center any Tuesday,
Wednesday or Thursday between the hours of 10:00-2:00 and
check it out for yourself.
The Center generally has coffee and tea available, encourages
you to bring a Brown Bag Lunch on Tuesdays and, weather
permitting, schedules a Mini trip once a month on a Friday
(generally the third Friday).
The Center also sponsors a Bingo game at the Knights of
Columbus, 1392 Old Phoenixville Pike, West Chester (the
address is West Chester but it is just off King Road beyond
Immaculata, Johnson Matthey and Roy F. Weston – if you’re
coming from the Borough) every Monday (except during
inclement weather or holidays). Look for the Bingo signs. Bingo
doors open at 10:30 am with Bingo starting at Noon until 3:00
pm on Mondays. They have hot dogs, pizza, snacks and soda
available for sale. If you aren’t a Bingo player but are interested
in volunteering to help, call Carol at 484-653-1761. They
desperately need volunteers.
Don’t sit at home by yourself, come out to the Center
and chat with other seniors. They have many informational
programs that will benefit you.
Did you know that you can ride the train from Malvern to
Philadelphia for just $1.00 if you have your Medicare Card or
a PA Senior Citizen Transit ID Card? Purchasing your ticket in
advance will save you another 15%.
Going to the airport? Call Rainbow Cab… you can’t beat
their price anywhere!! They’ll pick you up and drop you
off right at your own front door. Be sure to call to make a
reservation in advance.
Take advantage of all that is available to you. Hope to see
you at the Senior Center.
Malvern Community Arts Project’s mission is to bring art to Malvern that the entire community can enjoy. Honoring our past,
showing pride in Malvern today, and adding beauty to our town.
To date we’ve successfully funded five public arts projects in our town:
1. Malvern Pizza/King Street (historical mural representing Victorian Era Malvern) – painted by Carrie Kingsbury.
2. Gallagher’s Auto Services/Train Station (patriotic mural representing Paoli Battlefield and our Memorial Parade) – painted by
Dennis Goldsborough with help from Margaret Boyle.
3. The Children’s Room in Malvern Public Library (whimsical 360-degree enchanted forest mural) – painted by Teri Flint.
4. Coming later this Spring is a series of painted panel vignettes on the bridge of Bridge Street that will be painted by the
students of Great Valley High School’s Nat’l Honor Art Society and Mural Arts Club. The theme of Malvern Today will be
represented by images of Burke Park through the seasons.We hope that adding art to the Bridge Street entrance into town will
help that intersection say, “Welcome to Malvern.”
5. Coming very soon is a series of large and small canvases that will honor the 125th Anniversaryof Malvern by showcasing our
town’s landscape through time in the lobby of our Borough Hall/Malvern Public library – painted by Randall Graham.
These projects are 100% community-funded, approved by our town’s Borough Council, and usually in partnership with other
organizations in town such as the Historical Commission, Malvern Business & Professional Association, and Paoli Battlefield groups.
Thank you to our entire community for the support and funding, but especially the following “Signature” donors for the projects that
are currently in progress.
The Bridge Street Project:
The National Arts Program Foundation | ZeynUzman | Hockenbury Family | Radano Family | David & Linda Burton
The 125th Anniversary Project:
In memory of Les and Wanda Pinkham
ZeynUzman
Renehan Building Group, Inc.
Applied Energy Systems, Inc.
Roger & Rosalie Dietz
The Troha Family
Lentz, Cantor, & Massey, LTD.
Dave, Helise, Jarrod, &Alea
John and Rosemarie Cleaver
The McGariggle Family
TCNB Neely
Mauger–Givnish Funeral Home Inc.
The Teti Family
The Weikert Family
The Thomas Family
AGF Manufacturing Inc
Mr. & Mrs. John B McGowan Jr
Willistown Conservation Trust
Abel Brothers Towing
FlexJobs.com
Sandra Kelley, Borough Manager
The Lexer Family
MeridianBank
Wegmans
Please contact founder, Kristin Thomas, [email protected] if you have any questions. Follow our progress on
facebook – www.facebook.com/MalvernMuralProject.
LEFT: 125th Anniversary Project for Borough Hall/Malvern
Public Library. Completed painting of King Street in 1889
painted by local artist Randall Graham (featured).
BOTTOM LEFT: 125th Anniversary Project for Borough Hall
/ Malvern Public Library. Digital sketch of King Street today
created by artist Randall Graham for his next painting.
BELOW: The bridge on Bridge Street where the GVHS
students will hang their painted panels with images of
“Malvern today” – Burke Park through the seasons.
MALVE RN BOR OU GH N E WS
January 24, 2014
Malvern Bus & Prof Assoc
PO Box 1412, Malvern, PA 19355
Malvern
Malvern Community Arts Project
SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SPONSORED CONTENT
Making Clients Feel at Home
RE/MAX Fine Homes in Wayne Sets a New Standard
Fine homes come in all shapes, sizes,
and price ranges. Whether you are buying
or selling, the team at RE/MAX Fine Homes
in Devon Square can help make your
real estate dreams come true. Co-owners
Alison Saunders and Chuck Barbera are all
about making the process comfortable,
understandable and, yes, even pleasant. That
philosophy runs through every aspect of the
RE/MAX Fine Homes experience.
You’ll notice a difference the moment you
walk into the RE/MAX Fine Homes office next
to Ella’s Bistro in the Devon Square Shopping
Center on Sugartown Road in Wayne. “We’re
all about relationships,” says Saunders.
Instead of rows of cubicles, the office features
an open “cafe” style of comfy couches and
high-top tables with free WiFi. “We want our
clients and potential clients to feel at home
here. We wanted to create an office that
promotes a feeling of ease,” she explains.
Sitting down with the married couple who
opened the office in 2013 it’s easy to feel at
home. “We really wanted to become part
of the fabric of the community here. Yes,
it’s where we often meet clients to do the
business end of transactions like mortgage
pre-qualification and settlement paperwork,
but this is a space that we also offer as a
meeting place for community groups and
professional associations that we work with.
We do a lot of seminars here. It offers us as
an office, and our agents, an opportunity
to bring in clients and neighbors as well as
interact with the community,” the owners
explain.
Even before you walk in the door, you get
a sense of the homes that Saunders, Barbera,
and their agents represent. Listings from
Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties
are featured on the front window.
“The clients that we work with can be
anybody from a starter home or small condo
all the way up to a multi-million-dollar
luxury home and anything in between,”
Saunders says. “The price point of the
home isn’t nearly as important as building a
relationship with our customers and making
sure that our agents are involved in the
community.” Speaking of agents, the RE/MAX Fine
Homes agents are all full-time professional
agents. Barbera says, “We are educated,
experienced realtors who can handle
every aspect of your real estate need in our
convenient Main Line location.”
Barbera is the agency’s broker. He says
professional pricing guidance is just one of
the keys to a successful listing. “We want to
help sellers prepare the homes as fully as
possible before going on the market,” adds
Saunders. Many other key services, including
having a professional photographer shoot
every home to be listed, sets RE/MAX Fine
Homes apart. “There is so much thought,
knowledge and preparation that goes into a
successful home-selling campaign. We will be
your resourceful guide through every step.”
Visit RE/MAX Fine Homes at 220 Sugartown
Road in Wayne, online at
RMFineHomes.com or call 267.222.2876.
For a confidential consultation, send an email
to [email protected].
SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SPONSORED CONTENT
H
elp is always just a few steps away at Paoli Pharmacy. “Our
priority is knowing our patients and providing them with
the best health and wellness possible. Paoli Pharmacy prides
itself on our family ownership, unique merchandise, personalized
customer service and trusted pharmacists. We are a family here,” is
how co-owners Henry Katra and Mark Szilagyi describe the business
their two families own and operate.
“We can handle customer concerns and special needs right on the
spot,” Katra says. “It’s what we love doing and what sets us apart from
the chain stores.” No two days are the same and that is what makes it
so rewarding for the pharmacists, who also own Gateway Pharmacy
in Phoenixville.
That’s not all that sets Paoli Pharmacy apart. In addition to helping
customers navigate the often-difficult maze of insurance regulations,
Paoli Pharmacy offers services you can’t find at any of the chain drug
stores or mail-order pharmacies.
In addition to owning Paoli and Gateway pharmacies, Katra and
Szilagyi also own Custom Prescriptions, a compounding pharmacy
located within Gateway. Custom Prescriptions can make prescription
compounds you won’t be able to find anywhere else to address
individual patient needs. The pharmacists have the capability
to grind tablets, measure out customized dosages and combine
ingredients of medications for both humans and animals. Ask proud
pet owners and they’ll often tell you that their “pets are people too,”
and Custom Prescriptions handles these prescription needs the
same way. “We can make the exact dosage a pet or child needs and
combine it with a flavor they may be more willing to swallow,” says
Szilagyi. The pharmacists also make topical prescriptions that can
be absorbed through the skin. It is sometimes a faster and more
effective way to get medicine to the areas of the body that need it. If
you are in need of a custom medication, bring your prescription into
Paoli Pharmacy and it will get your medication to you quickly and
conveniently.
NOT JUST PERSONAL ATTENTION IN THE PHARMACY
Since the 1980s, Paoli Pharmacy has been providing customers
with quality home medical equipment for sale and rent that you
are not likely to find at other pharmacies. Whether it be a mobility
device, oxygen therapy or medical bathroom equipment, Paoli
Pharmacy is the go-to place for these items!
Left to right: Kristin Katra, PharmD, Patricia Katra, RPh, Henry Katra, RPh,
Nicholas Katra, PharmD
On the second floor, you can find a large display of the most common
items needed as well as trained personnel to assist you in deciding what
home medical equipment best fits the needs of you or your loved one.
Products range from compression socks and braces to seat lift chairs,
wheelchairs, toilet adaptation devices, canes, walkers…the list goes on
and on. The medical equipment department also offers on-premises
equipment repair.
At Paoli Pharmacy, service goes way beyond the showroom floor.
Technicians are available to locally deliver and install larger equipment
such as stair lifts, hospital beds and lift chairs. Paoli Pharmacy can bill
some insurance plans, including Medicare, for select home medical
equipment.
Looking for something specific? The owners encourage customers
to “please ask us if we have a particular item. If it is not already at our
pharmacy, we may be able to order it for you from one of our many
resources.”
Once situated in the Paoli Shopping Center, Paoli Pharmacy moved
about three years ago to its new home in a freestanding stone building
approximately a half-mile east from the shopping center on Lancaster
Avenue. Customers are more than just customers, they are friends and
neighbors; and at the Paoli Pharmacy, the staff members are always
there to welcome your family into theirs.
Have a question or need additional information about Paoli
Pharmacy? Please visit online at www.PaoliPharmacy.com.
1564 E. LANCASTER AVE., PAOLI, PA 19301 • 610.644.3880
There is a large parking lot and main entrance “behind” the store (not visible from Lancaster Ave.)
STORE HOURS: Monday-Friday: 9am-9pm, Saturday: 9am-6pm, Sunday: 9am-5pm
Willistown Township
Manager’s Message
Police Department
688 Sugartown Road
Malvern, PA 19355
610-251-0222
Board of Supervisors
Robert T. Lange
William R. Shoemaker
George J. McHugh, IV
WI LL I STOWN TOWNS H IP N E WS
Willistown News
Bartram Bridge
Commission
Eric Gerst
Judy Radano
Elected Auditors
of Willistown
Anthony Buonanno
Johnathan Greim
Steven Sansone
Historical Commission
Penny Goulding
Brad Billet
Joseph Kerecman
Marie Quinn
Jeanette Lindvig
Land Conservancy
Authority Board
Robert Lange
Ted Leisenring
George McHugh
Mary McLoughlin
William Shoemaker
Open Space Review Board
Ted Leisenring
Jeanette Lindvig
Nancy Moyer
Brookings Gardner
Robert Kacergis
Jeffrey Vincent
Michael Devine
Parks & Recreation Board
Andrew Vaskas
Kenneth Lehr
Steven Eill
Robert Kacergis
Richard McDonnell
George McHugh
Tracey Ramondo
Mary McLoughlin
Planning Commission
Rita Reves
William Bowers III
Gerald Bucaccio
Frank Houder
Arthur Newbold
William Shoemaker
David Watt
Recycling Commission
Jim Tate
Mark Bem
Kenneth Lehr
Karl Malessa
Brian St. Clair
UCC Board of Appeals
John Blackburn III
Gerald Bucaccio
Frank Houder
Denny L. Howell
Jerome Keough
Ann Ledger
Mario Quattrochi
Zoning Hearing Board
Donald Mancini
Robert DeLuca
Greetings Willistown Residents! As I write this message, the
weather is cold and the snow that fell overnight has changed to
slush. Our Road Crew has been working all night to clear the
roads. We expect moderate to heavy rains today and, with little
rest, the Road Crew now must clear stormwater inlets before the
temperatures drop and everything freezes once again. This is our
winter routine.
In a matter of weeks, the ground will begin to thaw. Warmer
temperatures will return along with the daffodils and tulips.
Meanwhile, our attention already has turned to the condition of
the road surfaces throughout the Township and the inevitable
potholes that return with the flowers every spring.
Under the guidance of Public Works Director Bill Hagan, our
Road Crew takes advantage of every break in the weather to
maintain and repair our roads. When weather allows, potholes
are filled with hot asphalt. At other times, cold patch is used to
keep our roads safe temporarily. This is our short-term approach
to road repairs.
On a broader scale, we examine the condition of all roads in
the Township to develop our annual repaving program. Several
factors are considered when determining which roads to recommend for resurfacing. These factors include the overall condition
of the road surface, safety records, and traffic volume.
Over the last two years, the Township’s paving contracts have
resulted in safer surfaces on approximately 6 lane miles of road.
At a cost of roughly $400,000, we have paved portions of Fairmount Drive, Grubb Road, Hillview Road, Woodland Avenue,
Marlborough Road, Buttonwood Road, Grubbs Mill Road,
Central Avenue, and Boot Road. This is in addition to repair
work completed by the Township’s Road Crew in areas like Post
Road and Colonial Road, Garrett Mill Road, Monument Road,
Hickory Road, Fairview Road, Joanna Drive and many other
areas of the Township.
The Township’s approach to roadwork reflects our commitment to public safety. We strive to be proactive, but there are
times when a pothole may go unnoticed. If you see anything in
the Township that needs our attention, please visit our website at
www.willistown.pa.us and click “Report a Concern” on the bottom left side of our home page. Or, if you prefer, please feel free
to email me directly at [email protected].
– David Burman, Township Manager
Passersby the new Willistown Police Department building will
notice the sign reading “Charles E. Coxe Memorial Campus” and
might wonder ‘who is Charles E. Coxe?’
In the years following the Civil War, Willistown Township
consisted largely of small farms linked by a few dirt roads. As years
went by however, the increasing use of more advanced farming
techniques and improved machinery began to make the small
farm holdings less and less efficient. The trend was to consolidate
the small parcels into larger farms which could more readily take
advantage of the economies of scale.
Charles E. Coxe, together with his wife Louisa, was a keen
innovator in this agricultural revolution of the late 19th century. He
purchased and consolidated nine small farm parcels on the east
and west sides of Sugartown Road and immediately instituted
what were at the time strikingly new methods and practices
in farming. He planted the first hedgerows – what are today’s
picturesque Osage Orange hedges were then a hardy and fastgrowing means of arresting wind and rain driven erosion of fields.
Coxe brought the first combine reaper/binder to the township,
turning a week of hand harvesting by a dozen laborers with scythes
into a day’s work by two laborers and two horses. He closed the
dairy operations on his small farms, seeing the 8-10 cow herds as
uneconomic. The future of dairy lay in the 100-plus cow operations
being seen at Delchester Farm just down the road. He also brought
into his home a new-fangled device, only the second in the area: a
telephone. Charles E. Coxe was a man of the new era.
It may be difficult to imagine in 2015, but at the time Charles
Coxe arrived in Willistown, one of the chief problems facing local
residents was the serious crime of horse theft. In a world before
motor vehicles, horses were the keystone of economic life. Horses
provided transportation, pulled the plow, and turned the wheel.
Many small farmers could afford only a single horse, and losing that
horse to a thief could literally condemn a farmer and his family to
poverty or even death. No one could long survive without their
horse. Naturally such a valuable a commodity would be the target
of thieves who could readily sell their stolen goods in the city
where the demand was high. At that time, Willistown had no police
department, relying on a single Constable for all police and public
safety needs.
Shortly after settling in the Township, Coxe was elected Justice
of the Peace, what we today call the District Justice. As Justice of
the Peace, he performed weddings, dealt with small claims and
lawsuits, and conducted arraignments of suspected horse thieves
and other lawbreakers arrested by the Constable – needless to say
in the absence of cars, there was no traffic court! As there was no
Township building in Willistown, for many years Mr. Coxe handled
the duties of Justice of the Peace out of his home on Sugartown
Road. This system worked well until one day, after having been
repeatedly awakened in the early hours of the morning by the
Constable bringing miscreants to the door, Louisa Coxe told her
husband that she would no longer tolerate having criminals
arraigned in her Living Room.
Charles Coxe solved his problem (and the Township’s) by
acquiring and donating the land which became the first part of
what is now the Township property on Sugartown Road. He built
there what many will remember as the Old Township Building
which was demolished only in 1991 and replaced with what is now
the former police building. The Old Township Building served not
only as a location for the business of the Constable and the Justice
of the Peace, but its second floor was set aside as a community
hall where local groups gathered and public dances were held on
Saturday nights.
Willistown Township has grown since Charles Coxe settled here
120 years ago, but we still honor him today in the name of the
Township Campus as the donor of that campus and remember him
as a leading citizen, innovative farmer, and Justice of the Peace.
W I L L I STOWN TOW N SHI P N E WS
Charles E. Coxe Memorial Campus
Willistown News
www.willistown.pa.us
Administrative Offices: 40 Lloyd Ave, Suite 204/206, Malvern, PA 19355 • 610.647.5300
Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM
Front Row (left to right): Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan, Township Supervisor Bill Shoemaker, State Senator Tom McGarrigle, Township
Supervisor George McHugh; Township Supervisor Bob Lange, Chief of Police John Narcise, State Representative Duane Milne, Township Manager
David Burman.
Ribbon Cutting Marks
Opening of New Police Building
WI LL I STOWN TOWNS H IP N E WS
Willistown News
On December 10th, Township Officials were pleased to celebrate the opening of our new, state-of-the-art Police Building with a ribbon
cutting ceremony. Upwards of 150 people attended the event. Chief of Police John Narcise thanked the residents of Willistown Township
and the Township Supervisors for their support throughout the project. “As you can see, the building is spectacular,” said Supervisor Bob
Lange noting, “The Township is proud of our police department.” Supervisor Bill Shoemaker added that the new facility “supports our
police department and is going to last us well into the future to keep the citizens of Willistown safe and secure.”
The Willistown Township Police Building is dedicated to the Citizens of Willistown Township for their constant and dedicated support of
their police department.
Willistown Township Meetings and Community Events
March 3, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
April 14, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
May 20, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Historical Commission Meeting
Recycling Commission Meeting
March 4, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
April 15, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
May 21, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Parks & Recreation Board Meeting
March 9, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
April 16, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
May 26, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Board of Supervisors Meeting
March 10, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
April 27, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
June 16, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Open Space Review Board Meeting
March 18, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
April 27, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Schools Out – Let’s GO WilMa!
Greentree Park
March 19, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
May 5, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
March 23, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
May 6, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Open Space Review Board Meeting
March 23, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
May 11, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
April 1, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
May 12, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
April 7, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
May 13, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Puppets in the Park
Greentree Park, 21 Grubb Road,
Malvern 19355
April 13, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
August 25, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Country Fair - Greentree Park
September 26
Okehocking Bird Fest
Okehocking Preserve
5316 West Chester Pike
Newtown Square 19073
November 27
Black Friday Turns Green @ Okehocking
Okehocking Preserve
EDUCATION
FIND THE FIT:
A Roadmap of the High School Search
C
hoosing the right high school for your child can seem like a
daunting task. You have many schools to consider within each
of the various school categories — private, public, diocesan,
and charter. With the seemingly endless number of choices available,
determining even a plan of attack can be overwhelming. Keep in
mind that you have the best understanding of your child’s needs and
the educational environment that will best meet those needs. The
high school years are the time when your teenager should grow in all
aspects of his/her life: academic, personal, and social. Luckily there
are a number of opportunities that allow you to find that perfect
“high school fit.”
START EARLY
Although high school may seem like a far-away dream, the best
time to start exploring options is during your child’s middle school
years. Talk with your child and learn what he/she is looking for in a
high school. You may already know many of these interests but some
others may surprise you! You and your child can then prioritize what’s
most important, taking into account academics, service, athletics,
arts, and other extracurricular activities but also practicalities like
transportation, location, and tuition.
DO THE HOMEWORK
Next, explore your options using the internet. Visit the websites of
the high schools you are considering and begin to comparison shop.
Be sure to note any opportunities that these schools offer to tour, test,
or visit their campuses.
Attend special events at the high schools that match your child’s
interests such as an athletic competition, music concert, or art show.
Many high schools invite families to attend an Open House, usually
held in the fall. Visiting these schools when your child is still in 6th or
7th grade relieves much of the pressure and allows all of you to soak
in the atmosphere and begin to narrow your choices. Come prepared
with any questions that you or your child may have. Watch how the
students interact with each other and with their teachers.
Speak with current parents and students to get insights into their
high school search and decision-making process. Also, try to seek out
parents whose children have graduated from these high schools and
talk to them about their overall experiences.
TAKE THE TESTS
Be sure to take advantage of any practice examinations that the
schools provide. These exams are typically offered to 7th graders
and can offer valuable input regarding your child’s test-taking
strengths and weaknesses. The schools can give feedback and
possible recommendations to further prepare your child for the actual
examination that he/she would take in late fall of 8th grade.
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE
Villa Maria Academy — an all-girls, Catholic, college-preparatory
school located in Malvern — offers a nurturing environment where
girls are challenged to think globally, serve selflessly, and lead
confidently. Each student flourishes and reaches her full potential in
a well-rounded curriculum. Villa Maria Academy provides numerous
opportunities for prospective students and their parents to experience
the value of a Villa Maria education. Middle School Breakfasts, offered
to 6th and 7th graders, are scheduled for April 24, May 8, and May
11, 2015. Families attend a brief presentation by administrators and
current students. They are then taken on a student-guided tour and
observe classes “in action.” A practice entrance examination will be
offered to 7th graders on April 25 and May 2, 2015. An Open House
is held in mid-October and campus tours are offered throughout
the school year. To register for any of these events or request more
information, visit Villa Maria Academy’s website at www.vmahs.org. You
can also contact the Admissions Office at 610.644.2551 extension 1020.
TIE-UP KING
Malvern’s Bob Kelly helps the Delaware Valley get through traffic knots.
By Bob Byrne
W
hen it comes to traffic reports, you want
a guy who knows about tie-ups.
Bob Kelly is the go-to guy for morning commuters. He brings almost 25 years of
local traffic reporting experience to viewers every morning on Fox 29’s “Good Day”
show. When it comes to commuting from
the Great Valley, who better to turn to than a
man who calls Malvern home?
Born, raised and educated in Philadelphia,
what finally made him move to a place he
now wouldn’t trade for anything?
“I met a great girl from Malvern who
moved me out of the city. My wife, Carrie,
was born and raised in Malvern. I was born
and raised in the city. My parents and three
younger sisters all still live in the neighborhood in Bridesburg. I love being outside of
the city but I’m still close enough that I can
be there in a half an hour.”
Malvern is an ideal place for the Kellys,
which include six children ranging in age
from toddler to adult. Their oldest daughter,
a 2014 West Chester University graduate,
now teaches in Philadelphia. The next oldest
daughter is a student at Penn State. Three of
their children attend Great Valley schools.
At age 3, their son Austin is still a couple of
years from starting kindergarten.
Bob Kelly says living in Malvern is ideal
for their clan. “The Great Valley is a great
place to grow up and to raise a family and it
really isn’t that far from the city. There’s the
shopping, the restaurants, you’re close to
the malls and you’re quick in and out of the
city... half an hour to the airport.”
Of course the commute into the city is
a little slower for most of the people who
watch Kelly on TV than for the traffic reporter himself. He’s on the road weekdays by
2:30 a.m. “It’s amazing the number of people
who come into the city from Chester County. I don’t know how people do it. I would
never be able to sit in the traffic jams that I
talk about on television. I would drive myself
crazy. I would love to take mass transit.” But
SEPTA doesn’t run trains in the wee hours.
“[There is] bus service, but at that hour it
BOB KELLY PHOTOS BY BOB BYRNE
would just take me forever to get to work.
I would love to grab a coffee and doughnut
and sit and take that train ride.”
Kelly starts his day when the alarm goes
off at 2 a.m. A second alarm rings at 2:01
and then he’s out of bed and into the closet
to pick out the morning’s on-air shirt and tie
combination. Kelly is famous for not wearing
a suit or sport coat.
“I have 300 shirts and well over 500 ties. It
all started years ago. Because I’m so mobile
and constantly on the go, I took my jacket off
and it kind of started something. I had a nice
bright-purple shirt on and I realized that it
added color to the set and [even] got some
emails about it. And it became a staple. I
was the only guy who didn’t wear a suit coat
and it just kind of became a trademark, me
wearing a nice tailored shirt. I love shopping
for shirts and ties. I like mixing and matching. You never see me wear a white shirt and
a blue jacket. It just adds color to the set and
makes it fun.”
“I have 300 shirts and
well over 500 ties.”
With his extensive on-air wardrobe, Kelly
gets the bigger of the two closets in the
master bedroom. “With all the shirts and ties
it takes me well over two years to repeat. If
I wear a tie, I put it over to the right [side of
the closet] and then I go through the whole
setup before I go back and repeat again.”
He sometimes gets a little help with picking shirts and ties. “A guy named Dan Maroney makes some of my tailored shirts and
Nancy Amoroso is my stylist. She does a lot
of shopping for me. It’s great to have other
people suggest shirt and tie combinations
plus I go shopping myself. I love shopping.”
One routine shopping stop he makes daily
is for coffee at the Wawa before he jumps
onto Route 202. “[There] it’s just me and the
bread delivery man and the Inquirer driver.
That’s it,” Kelly quips. “I’m here at Fox 29 by
3:30 a.m. I go on the air at four and I’m on
the air until 10. It’s non-stop.” The day Kelly
“I don’t know how people do it.
I would never be able to sit
in the traffic jams that I
talk about on television.”
music?’ I had never done traffic before but I
gave it a shot!”
Kelly thinks “it was probably the best
career move I ever made. I probably never
would have stayed in Philly as a music DJ
because of the changing times in the industry. But traffic is live. It’s always going to be
live. It’s 24/7 and in a town like Philadelphia,
where every road is under construction all
the time, it was a good opportunity.”
Last fall things took an unexpected turn
for Kelly when Channel 3 asked him to go
back to doing traffic for both the morning
and evening newscasts. It’s a grueling schedule that takes a toll on sleep and family life.
sat down with IN Great Valley at the Fox studios was a snowy day. He had been on the air
live multiple times per hour for seven hours.
“I don’t get tired; I don’t
get tired of it and I’m very
fortunate to be able to do
this in my hometown. That
story line doesn’t happen
very often in this business.”
Kelly grew up in Philadelphia and wanted to be a
radio DJ. “I went to Temple
University for radio, television & film where I met this
guy called ‘The Geator.’ Jerry
Blavitt took me under his
wing and I started my career
right here in Philadelphia
on the radio playing music.
As the music radio business
began to change and formats
began to get clustered, and
voice tracking (pre-recorded
announcers) replaced a lot
of live DJs, I ended up doing
traffic on KYW Newsradio.
“It was ‘Traffic and Transit
on the Two’s’ with traffic
reports every 10 minutes.
My agent at the time said
[the station] needed a fresh
report every 10 minutes. He
asked me, ‘Can you “DJ” the
Fox 29 traffic reporter Bob Kelly has more than
500 ties in the closet of his Great Valley home.
traffic instead of DJing the
Bob Kelly on the set of Fox 29’s “Good Day”: (L to R) Alex Holly, Bob Kelly, Mike Jerrick, Sue Serio. of that is you need to give back whenever
you can.
Kelly’s wife Carrie is a child life specialist at the Nemours A.I. DuPont Children’s
Hospital in Wilmington where Austin was
treated for a severe allergy as a newborn.
The care he received inspired the former
teacher to take certification classes and
join the hospital staff.
“I try to help the hospital where I can,”
Bob says of his busy schedule, which includes volunteering his time to help many
different organizations. “The Ronald McDonald House, Alex’s Lemonade Stand,
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure...
I’m involved with the Philadelphia Irish
Society. Being Irish, [I know] the Irish are
always having an event. If someone asks
me to ‘MC’ a benefit, appear at a race or
stop by and talk to the kids at a school, I
think that’s a big part of [my role].”
When asked to sum up his life, Kelly
says simply, “I’m blessed with a super
wife, six healthy kids and a job that I love.
I tell school students, ‘Find what you love
to do, find a way to get paid for it and
you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I love
what I do at work and I love what I have
at home!” ■
With a toddler at home, Kelly ended up making a move to Fox 29. Viewers and his new
on-air colleagues were thrilled to welcome
him to a show that fits his style perfectly.
It was a match made in TV heaven. “It was
like he’d always been working here. It’s been
a joy from day one,” Executive Producer Tom
Louden says.
“I was so thrilled when Fox got Bob to
come on board,” co-host Mike Jerrick says.
“He’s a Philly icon and he can handle any
situation live on the air!” Jerrick’s co-host
Alex Holley is also a newcomer to the show
but says Bob Kelly was someone she heard
about early on. “Everyone told me that getting Bob is a big deal. I get it. He’s happy and
excited to be here every day!”
Kelly deeply appreciates his loyal fans. “It’s
a privilege that people allow me into their
homes every day. It’s something I don’t take
for granted because it can go away as quick as
it was delivered.”
Kelly also believes in giving back and he is
one of the most in-demand TV personalities
in the Philadelphia market. “Every day for
me is a different adventure when I get off the
air. I believe that I’ve been very fortunate to
be blessed with a great job, a great family and
[to stay] in my hometown. So I think part
PHOTO BY BOB BYRNE
Bob Kelly and Carrie Howard Kelly
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PHOTO COURTESY ST. PETER’S PRESCHOOL
INPERSON
Learning by Playing
Mary Ann Furin is in her 20th year of teaching play-based learning.
Preschool wants children to develop a lifetime love of learning.
by Bob Byrne
Preschool can be as big in the minds of
first-time parents as it is in the minds of their
toddlers.
“For our first-time parents, St. Peter’s
Preschool is fun for your child, but boot
camp for parents!” That’s how director Jamie
McArdle describes the importance of family
involvement in the education of young
children. She says it is especially important
for children who attend the preschool at St.
Peter’s in the Great Valley Episcopal Church
Preschool. The school has students ranging in
age from two-and-a-half to five (just entering
kindergarten).
The school takes a play-based, experiential
approach to early childhood education. In
layman’s terms that means the children get
a hands-on education that is structured
but based on the idea that “kids learn best
through play.”
McArdle says that first-time parents often
grapple with what approach is best for a
preschool curriculum. They worry about
whether their child should be listening to
classical music and memorizing letters and
math problems or having a lot of fun. At St.
Peter’s, the approach is to have fun and let
children get their hands a little dirty, while
stimulating and stretching their minds and
imaginations. Sometimes that means mixing
paints or even Jello colors with their hands
to see how color combinations make
new colors. Sometimes it means
playing dress-up and pretending to
be storybook characters and secret
agents.
Veteran teacher Mary Ann Furin
is now in her 20th year teaching at
St. Peter’s and is a strong believer
that young children learn best
when they interact with the world
around them. McArdle explains the school’s
approach: “We don’t have worksheets; we
don’t have computers, but we do have lots of
paper, paints, glue, feathers...” and all kinds
of costumes, toys, games, and books that
stimulate young imaginations.
It’s an approach that Furin brought to the
school in 1994 and has adhered to ever since.
The result is children who are ready to learn
when they get to kindergarten. McArdle says,
“We like to have them touch a lot of things.”
The school emphasizes physical activity to
promote the physical strength to learn in
kindergarten. Children at this age “learn more
when their entire body is energized; they
don’t learn the way adults do,” she explains.
McArdle says St. Peter’s preschool children
not only know as much as their peers by the
time they enter kindergarten, they enjoy
school and have learned the skills needed
to succeed in school. “They have the ability
to sit quietly, listen to instruction, and play
cooperatively.” St. Peter’s kids love coming to
school and often are up before their parents,
anxious to get going.
It’s the kind of foundation the school
hopes will inspire students for decades. “We
want our kids to understand that learning is
a great way to go through life,” says McArdle.
Learning styles change as do academic
demands. She adds that while every child is
different, third grade is generally the age when
students start applying all the foundational
information of early school years to moreadvanced writing and math for example.
The school is currently accepting
applications for students for the upcoming
school year and for a summer camp that starts
in June. St. Peter’s Lambs camp runs for six
one-week sessions of three, four, or five days.
For more information on the school and
summer camp visit preschool.stpetersgv.org. ■
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Chester/Delaware County
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2010-2014
Great Valley Regional
Chamber of Commerce’s
Small Business of the Year
2014 for Outstanding
Achievement & Community
Involvement
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Renehan Building Group fosters customer and community involvement.
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Renehan Building Group works with civil engineers and
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“One of the biggest oversights consumers make when
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cleaning and walk-through take place. Any areas needing
attention are fixed within 30 days. All projects have a one-year
guarantee and all new construction has a 10-year structural
guarantee.
One of Renehan Building Group’s largest projects is
supporting numerous community organizations and events,
including The Foundation of Great Valley, Malvern Fall Festival
and Chester Valley Little League.
“Supporting the community where you live and work is an
important component to a small business’ success, especially if
you’re helping people create a home,” says Renehan. “We care
about the future of the communities we build in.
“We operate by the premise that in all cases we do the right
thing,” Renehan adds. The result has been great personal
satisfaction. “This is something I love and that I have always
wanted to do. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you
put someone in a house that they love is fantastic.”
Renehan Building Group can be reached at 610.251.9333 or
www.renehanbuildinggroup.com. ■
SENIOR CARE
SarahCare During the Day... Home by Dinner
Great Valley’s “Best-Kept Secret” – Daytime Adult Care and Activities Center
SarahCare of Malvern’s Daytime Senior Care Center allows seniors
to get out into the community and interact socially with their peers
while giving their families a break from managing care at home.
SarahCare differs from senior centers by offering extra personal
support and a directed day of enjoyable activity that is supervised by a
compassionate and professional staff, including a registered nurse.
SarahCare cares for people with a wide range of conditions
including diabetes; advanced arthritis; Parkinson’s disease; COPD;
Alzheimer’s and related dementias; those recovering from stroke,
surgery, and injuries; or people who need extra support to regain their
independence after a prolonged stay in a hospital or rehabilitation
facility. Our clients also include older adults who have become
homebound and need social stimulation – we really get to know our
clients to ensure everyone has fun while they are with us!
We frequently see people whose health has suffered a setback
after a fall, in or outside of their home. At our center, we make sure
that people are engaged in our active programming, and are moving
throughout the day to maintain their mobility and regain strength if
they’ve had a setback. Our services include physical and occupational
therapy right in our center and we are open Monday – Friday, from
7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funding options are available.
How many times have you known a healthy senior to take a quick turn
due to an unexpected fall? Below are tips for fall prevention in the home.
Tips for Preventing Unnecessary Falls
The National Council on Aging (www.ncoa.org) offers valuable
information about falls, how to prevent them and also a risk-assessment
tool to determine how likely someone might be to have a fall. First, did
you know…
• Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization and death among Americans
aged 65 and older.
• Every 14 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 29
minutes, an older adult dies following a fall.
• Six out of every 10 falls happen at home.
• Falls are not a normal part of aging, and most falls can be prevented!
Simple Changes for Home Safety
• An important step toward preventing falls at home is to remove anything that
could cause you to trip or slip while walking. Tripping on clutter, small furniture, pet
bowls and toys, and electrical or phone cords can cause you to fall.
• Arrange furniture to give you plenty of room to walk freely.
• Be sure that carpets are secured to the floor and stairs. Remove throw rugs, use
non-slip rugs, or attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.
• Put non-slip strips on floors and steps. Put non-slip strips or a rubber mat on the
bottom of your bathtub or shower as well. Buy these items at a home center or hardware
store.
• Poor lighting – inside and outdoors – can increase your risk of falls. Make sure you
have enough lighting in each room, hallway, staircase, entrance and walkway. Use light
bulbs with the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.
If you have fallen, your doctor might suggest that an occupational
therapist, physical therapist, or nurse visit your home. These health care
providers can assess your home’s safety and advise you about making
changes to prevent falls.
SarahCare of Malvern’s Adult Day Center is another important
resource. We care for people who are looking to regain their strength
after a fall. In addition to our day program, we now also offer inhome care services to clients throughout the community. Our
mission is to help seniors live well in their homes, enhance their
quality of life and keep families together.
Call SarahCare today at 610.251.0801 to schedule a tour or a free trial
visit for your loved one and discover how we can help you!
Conveniently located in the Great Valley Corporate Park:
425 Technology Dr., Malvern, PA 19355 • www.sarahcaregv.com
S P E C I A L S E C T I O N : R E A L E S TAT E
Ready, Set, Sell!
By Bob Byrne
T
here is no one perfect way to sell your home quickly but
experts agree there are certain things that you can do to
improve the chances of doing so.
RE/MAX Fine Homes of Devon co-owners Chuck Barbera
and Alison Saunders have years of experience selling homes
in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Chuck
offers his clients the following list of do’s and don’ts when
putting a home on the market.
Top 10 Home Selling Mistakes:
Pricing Too High. Price is everything, and overpricing does more to discourage buyers than any other single
factor. Overpricing puts you in competition with homes that may be newer, larger or have more amenities than
yours. Overpricing can actually end up helping your competition.
Poor Condition. A home that is in poor condition does not excite buyers who may see it as a work project and
potential money pit.
Poor Curb Appeal. Most buyers want to drive by and check out a potential property before touring. Doing
little things to help your home’s curb appeal will make a big difference.
Dreary, Dark Homes Don’t Sell. Buyers like updated, light and bright homes. Dark carpets, paint and curtains
are often buyer turn-offs. Go through your home and remove clutter, update paint, countertops and carpets. Open
your home and make sure the sun shines in. Offensive odors from pets and smoking are also huge turn-offs to most
buyers. One way to get rid of bad smells is to burn scented candles and create a pleasant aroma. The most important
rooms to concentrate on are the living room, family room, kitchen and master bedroom.
Don’t Over-Improve. Get your home in good showing condition but don’t overdo it. Huge projects like
remodeling a kitchen, adding a deck or expanding rooms may not pay back your investment.
Be Financeable. Bad roofs, exterior paint or structural problems may prevent you from being able to refinance.
Get Good Advice and Good Market Exposure. Paying an agent is the least expensive part of selling
a home. Going it alone can be expensive.
Don’t be Present During Showings. Take yourself, your family, and your pets out of the house during
showings to let the agents and their clients have the freedom they need to look around. A selling agent can always
do the best job of showing a home when the seller is not home. Buyers are more at ease and more likely to spend
time looking at a home’s features and benefits when the owners are not present.
Let Your Agent Do the Negotiating. Having a good agent will protect your interests and can mean thou-
sands of dollars to you in the end.
Act Fast With Offers. When you get an offer on your home, act quickly and decisively. Sitting on an offer can
quickly become a huge mistake. Prospective buyers can change their minds quickly, and buyer’s remorse can even
set in before settlement to kill the deal. Acting in a timely manner is essential.
SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Malvern Retreat House
Prepares Catholics for the
Pope’s Visit to Philadelphia
SPONSORED CONTENT
Malvern Retreat House, a beautiful 125-acre spiritual and
peaceful campus, has been serving the needs of retreatants for
more than 100 years.
The nation’s oldest and largest Catholic retreat house is giving
area residents multiple opportunities to spiritually prepare for
Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia in September and will host a
number of high-profile events in the coming months.
These events include retreats with well-known Catholic speakers
Dr. Ralph Martin, Dr. Ray Guarendi and Father Michael Gaitley. In
addition, the retreat house is hosting numerous days and evenings
of reflection and other overnight retreats to give residents from all
backgrounds an opportunity to take time to reflect.
All of these retreats will be held on a campus that local retreatant
Yassir Granillo describes as “an oasis in the middle of a busy life.”
Last year more than 20,000 retreatants went to Malvern Retreat
House, situated in the Philadelphia countryside of Malvern, for a
spiritual lift.
Malvern Retreat House Rector Msgr. Joseph Marino says the
facility offers visitors the opportunity to take time away from their
busy lives.
“A retreat is a time of prayer and reflection,” Msgr. Marino said. “It
is a time to strengthen your personal relationship with God.”
To learn more about Malvern’s retreat offerings, please
visit malvernretreat.com or call 610.644.0400. This summer’s events will include:
• June 12-14 – Dr. Martin will run a retreat for men and women of all ages with the theme “What is the Holy Spirit Saying to You?” Dr.
Martin has counseled popes, authored best-selling books, hosted a popular series on EWTN and sold out conference halls.
• July 10-12 – Dr. Guarendi will direct a retreat, “How Can We Raise Kids and Be Holy?” Dr. Ray is a father of 10, a clinical psychologist, a
best-selling author, and arguably America’s most popular and funniest Catholic radio and TV host.
• July 17-19 – Father Gaitley will host a retreat, “How and Why Mary is Setting Hearts on Fire.” Fr. Gaitley is the author of the best-selling
book 33 Days to Morning Glory, and he is in demand all over the world as a conference speaker and retreat director.
SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SPONSORED CONTENT
Help with Home Maintenance
Mr. Handyman of the Western Main Line sustains a reputation for excellence.
From attic fans to wood rot repair, there are 111 items on the
service list Mr. Handyman of the Western Main Line displays on
its website. But that’s only a fraction of what the maintenance,
repair and improvement services franchise can do for residential
and commercial customers throughout Chester County and the
northern townships of Delaware County.
“We were surprised by the number of times we’ve been asked
to hang wild animal trophies in people’s homes,” says Richard
Lee, who, with his wife Betsy, purchased the franchise in 2004
after a 30-plus-year career in the insurance industry.
While servicing local operations of national corporations,
corporate-park commercial clients, and many commercial and
retail businesses, the company primarily helps area families with
non-emergency maintenance, repairs, and small to mid-sized
renovations, often including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, tile
work and bathroom remodeling projects. The only tasks outside
the company’s capability are those requiring crews of workers
and weeks to complete. In those cases, customers are referred
to other quality contractors. “No job is too small but some are
longer than we can efficiently complete for our customers,”
explains Lee.
Even though Mr. Handyman of the Western Main Line is part
the largest and most trusted handyman service in the country, its
local reputation and the quality of its employees are crucial to its
success. That’s why company technicians are required to have
superior skills – at least a minimum of 12 years paid experience
in multiple trades – and exceptional “people skills.”
“Our technicians arrive on time, in uniform and wearing
photo ID,” Lee explains. “They are our employees – never
subcontractors – and are insured and bonded.” Additionally,
office staff are always available to handle customer queries
during regular 8 to 5 workday hours and a knowledgeable
service representative is reachable 24/7. Plus, all customers are
contacted the day after a job is completed to ensure that they’re
completely satisfied. “In the rare situation where something isn’t
right, we’ll do whatever it takes to correct it,” says Lee. Nearly
60 percent of current business comes from repeat customers.
In addition to handling customer requests, Mr. Handyman
of the Western Main Line makes an effort to extend its reach
through its website and monthly newsletter, providing frequently
updated information geared to its customers, as well as the
general public. “We strive to be a home repair resource both for
the DIYer and the customer who prefers to have work done by a
professional,” Lee notes.
The success of Mr. Handyman of the Western Main Line’s
efforts to establish and maintain an exceptional reputation is
evident from the numerous best service awards it’s received
from Philadelphia Magazine, the Main Line Times, and Angie’s
List. But Lee is most proud of the Rookie Franchise of the Year
award he earned from the national Mr. Handyman organization.
“From the start, we’ve been committed to excellence,” he says.
Mr. Handyman of the Western Main Line can be contacted
directly at 610-647-5820, via email at [email protected], or at www.mrhandyman-wml.com. ■
SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
Spring Renovations
by Bob Byrne
After a long, cold winter the warmth of spring sunshine is a sure sign that it’s
time to get outside and get going on projects that not only add value to your
home, but could spare you a big expense down the road.
The Renehan Building Group of Malvern (renehanbuildinggroup.com) serves
our local area and offers clients a checklist for home improvements that includes
these items specifically for spring:
Check Foundation and Masonry (like basements and exterior walls to prevent
seepage and condensation problems)
• Check foundation walls, steps, retaining walls, walks, patios, driveways, garage
floors, etc. for cracks, heaving, crumbling.
• Check chimneys, deteriorated chimney caps, loose and missing mortar.
Roofs and Gutters (to prevent roof leaks, condensation, seepage and decay
problems)
• Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles, blisters.
• Check for misaligned, damaged or leaking gutters, downspouts, hangers, gutter
guards and strainers.
• Check flashings around roof stacks, vents, skylights and chimneys as sources of
leakage.
• Check vents, louvers and chimneys for bird nests, squirrels and insects.
• Check fascias and soffits for paint flaking, leakage and decay.
Exterior Walls (to prevent failure, moisture, decay, and moisture penetration
problems)
• Check painted surfaces for paint flaking or paint failure.
• Check exterior masonry walls for cracks, looseness, missing, or broken mortar.
• Cut back and trim shrubs away from exterior walls.
Interior (general house maintenance)
• Check underside of roof for water stains, leakiness, dampness and
condensation particularly in attics and around chimneys.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers offers to-do
list suggestions for homeowners. Here are some additional things to look for
inside your home to be sure it’s ready for spring, not only from top to bottom but
from the inside out!
1. Check window and door seals. Examine the exterior caulking on door and
window seals to ensure it remains watertight.
2. Inspect the HVAC. Hire a qualified technician to service your home’s HVAC
system to make sure it is running properly before hot temperatures call for air
conditioning. Now is also the time to replace your HVAC filters.
3. Check your home’s grading. Ensure that the grading of your yard slopes
away from your home’s foundation to keep excess moisture at bay.
The NAHB recommends that you don’t wait to inspect your home and get damage
fixed.
Many professional remodelers not only renovate homes; they repair or replace
damaged or deteriorating roofs, windows, doors and other home features.
Remodeling and repair projects can require your home to be open to the
elements and companies may have a backlog of work due to the length and
severity of the winter season. Choose your repair and renovation projects for the
year ahead and start planning now.
Don’t forget to go into the garage and get your power equipment geared up for spring.
Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer
use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard work easier.
If the Job’s Big Enough
for a Contractor
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers these
guidelines for finding, hiring and paying a contractor:
Finding a Contractor
Depending on how big or complex a project is, you might hire a:
• general contractor, who manages all aspects of a project,
including hiring and supervising subcontractors, getting
building permits, and scheduling inspections.
• specialty contractor, who installs particular products like
cabinets and bathroom fixtures.
• architect, who designs homes, additions, and major renovations
– especially ones involving structural changes.
• designer or design/build contractor, who provides both
services.
Do Your Research
The Renehan Building Group echoes the advice of consumer
advocates and the FTC. “What should you look for in a builder?
Integrity, quality craftsmanship, honesty, financial wherewithal,
past customer testimonials and level of community involvement.”
Before You Hire a Contractor
Get Estimates
Ask questions:
• How many projects like mine have you completed in the last
year?
• Will my project require a permit?
• May I have a list of references?
• What types of insurance do you carry? Contractors should have
personal liability, worker’s compensation and property damage
coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure
they’re current, or you could be held liable for any injuries and
damages that occur during the project.
• Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If so, make
sure the subcontractors have current insurance coverage and
licenses, too, if required.
Understand Your Payment Options
• Don’t pay cash.
• Try to limit your down payment.
• Try to make payments during the project contingent upon
completion of defined amounts of work.
• Get a written contract.
After You Hire a Contractor
Keep Records
Keep all paperwork related to your project in one place. This
includes:
• copies of the contract.
• change orders.
• any correspondence with your home improvement
professionals.
• a record of all payments. You may need receipts for tax purposes.
Keep a log or journal of all phone calls, conversations, and
activities. You also might want to take photographs as the job
progresses. These records are especially important if you have
problems with your project – during or after construction.
Pay Wisely
• Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release
until you’re satisfied.
• Know the limit for the final bill.
•
•
•
•
•
Use a Sign-Off Checklist
Before you sign off and make the final payment, check that:
all work meets the standards spelled out in the contract.
you have written warranties for materials and workmanship.
you have proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been
paid.
the job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials,
tools, and equipment.
you have inspected and approved the completed work.
INTHE KNOW
60 Years of Service
Malvern’s antique pumper has a twin just a few miles away.
Story and Photos by Bob Byrne
It was the first one of the model year to roll off the assembly line at
the Mack Truck plant in Allentown. And more than 60 years after it
was delivered in December 1954, the Malvern Fire Company still uses
Engine 4-2.
Engine 4-2 is kept in working order should it ever be needed in an
emergency.
It is a 1955 Mack Fire Pumper with a 750-gallons-per-minute water
pump and a 500-gallon water tank. It is retired now and used only for
parades, birthday parties, and special duties like bringing Santa and
delivering Christmas trees. A few miles east of Malvern, the Radnor Fire Company has the
same model truck that was built on the same Mack assembly line.
Radnor’s “twin” was truck number 11 to come off the assembly line
that year.
The trucks have no power steering and are a lot tougher when it
comes to shifting gears than the trucks that are in use today, according
to the firefighters who still drive them for funerals, weddings, parties,
parades and other ceremonial events.
Malvern and Radnor’s “twins” made a rare joint appearance last fall,
meeting halfway between the two fire companies at the Berwyn Fire
Company’s open house event in Easttown.
COURTESY MALVERNFIRECO.COM
When it was new, the 1955 model year truck cost $15,000.
According to the members of both Malvern and Radnor fire
companies, a new pumper truck today costs between $400,000 and
$500,000.
And, according to fire company vets, 1955 was the last model year
that fire trucks came with the standard “open cab” design. The truck
also has a place for firefighters to stand on the back while racing to a
fire. However, today’s regulations require firefighters to all be seated
and seat-belted inside a moving fire truck.
At age 60, Engine 4-2 is not the oldest vehicle in the Malvern Fire
Company’s fleet. According to the company’s website, Malvern Fire
Co. “proudly owns and maintains a 1903 Waterous Pump. This piece
was the first gas-powered pump in the state of Pennsylvania. It was
pulled to fires by a team of horses in the early 20th century. To this day,
the pump will run and pump water and has regularly been on display
at recent events.”
For more information about the antique trucks and how to book
them for special events, visit malvernfireco.com. ■
Breakthrough Treatment
for Chronic Sinusitis
C
hronic sinusitis sufferers have
a new weapon to combat their
disease. For the 30 million
Americans who suffer from chronic
sinusitis, the first line of treatment
is usually antibiotics, nasal steroids,
and decongestants. However,
many patients do not respond
to medical therapy and undergo
endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) each
year. Surgeons remove polyps and
infection to allow the sinuses to
drain better and improve air flow.
While sinus surgery is effective in
relieving symptoms, some patients’
symptoms return. To improve the
outcomes of successful operations,
surgeons often prescribe oral steroids.
This anti-inflammatory therapy
helps reduce swelling and scarring
of the nasal passages, which helps
patients breathe easier after surgery.
PROPEL®, a new medical device
implant, does just that, but without
the common side effects of oral
steroids. It is inserted at the end
of sinus surgery, to maintain the
positive results of the surgery,
deliver anti-inflammatory
medication directly to the sinus
tissue and then dissolve. It has been
shown to decrease the need for
additional medication and surgical
procedures by 35%1.
Congestion
Headache
Facial pain / pressure
Nasal discharge
Loss of smell or taste
Fatigue
Depression
Phoenixville Hospital is proud to have received the
following awards and accreditations.
Han JK, Marple BF, Smith TL et al.
Chronic Sinusitis is inflammation of sinus pathways that leads to infections
and nasal blockage. One in eight adults suffer from sinusitis, making it one
of the most common health conditions in
America.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Right Here.
Several ENT surgeons on staff
at Phoenixville Hospital and the
hospital’s Blue Bell Surgery Center and
Surgery Center of the Main Line use
the PROPEL implant when deemed the
best treatment for patients. For more
information about PROPEL and to
find a surgeon, visit
www.PROPELOPENS.com and click on
the yellow “Find a Physician” tab.
1
CHRONIC SINUSITIS SYMPTOMS:
Quality.
MRI, Breast MRI, Mammography,
Breast Ultrasound, CT
PhoenixvilleHospital.com
phoenixvillehospital.com
Be a
COMMUNITY
PARTNER.
Advertise with
IN Great Valley
Magazine.
Each issue is direct mailed to all
12,708 households in the
school district, four
times per year.
IN Great Valley is the official magazine of
East Whiteland Township, Malvern Borough, Willistown Township
and Great Valley School District.
To Advertise, Contact Wayne Dollard at 610.924.7322

IN Great Valley Spring 2015

Transcription

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