In this episode of Pull Up a Chair, Cheryl Grosso sits down with Cathy Cavalier from the Newtown Square Historical Society for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation about the importance of preserving local history.

From stories and historic homes to community engagement and the role of volunteers, Cathy shares how the historical society works to keep our township’s rich past alive and accessible for future generations.

This episode will deepen your appreciation for the places, people, and moments that shaped Newtown Square.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Cathy got involved in the historical society

• Surprising stories uncovered in Newtown’s archives

• The challenges & joys of preserving old buildings & records

• Why local history matters more than ever

• How you can get involved or support their mission

Links & Resources:

• Newtown Square Historical Society Website: https://nshistory.org/

• Follow the Historical Society on Facebook: https://facebook.com/NewtownSquare

• Contact the Historical Society or learn how to donate artifacts at info@nshistory.org

Read the Ordinance: https://newtowntownship.civicweb.net/document/82451/

Takeaway Quote:

"History is about a sense of place, connecting the dots and the sense of community that history brings to a town"

– Cathy Cavalier

Get Involved:

Want to share your own story or highlight an unsung part of our community’s history? Email us at info@nshistory.org—we’d love to hear from you.

What a great conversation with Cindy Mehallow. From her childhood adventures along Fox’s Run right here in Newtown Square to the work she’s doing today, it’s clear that her love for nature has only grown. Whether it’s through the Environmental Advisory Council or her role as a Penn State Master Watershed Steward, Cindy brings such genuine passion and real-world experience to everything she does.

She’s not just talking about sustainable gardening—she’s out there doing it, helping others learn, and making a real difference in our community.

If you’re feeling inspired, there are lots of simple ways to getinvolved. You can start by tuning into Newtown Square’s EAC meetings, signing up for the township newsletter, or checking out local groups like Newtown Square in Bloom and Parks and Rec.

And of course, one of the most powerful things you can do is take action right in your own yard—plant a native species, skip the pesticides, and create a space that supports pollinators and wildlife.

Thanks for listening. Remember—it all starts with one small step, one native plant, and one neighbor at a time.

References:

https://newtowntownship.civicweb.net/portal

https://newtowntownship.civicweb.net/Portal/Subscribe.aspx

https://www.dcva.org

https://www.crcwatersheds.org

https://map.homegrownnationalpark.org

https://birdtownpa.org

https://www.natlands.org/stoneleigh

https://www.jenkinsarboretum.org

https://www.chanticleergarden.org

https://wctrust.org

Thanks for pulling up a chair with us today as we spoke with my neighbor and friend, Terri McCarthy about the trails and greenways meet up group.

If you're curious to learn more or want to get involved, we’ll include links and resources in the show notes, so be sure to check those out.

Join us on SUNDAY the 27th at 6:30 PM for a gorgeous hike across Willistown Township's 102-acre Kirkwood Preserve, followed by an opportunity to end the weekend in nature and peace, sitting on a hillside watching the sun go down, surrounded by thousands of fireflies!

We'll observe the show that Mother Nature puts on - in silence. A great "day is done" meditative experience.

Kirkwood Preserve is part of an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area (IBA), a global network of sites recognized for their outstanding value to bird conservation. Currently, no dogs are permitted on the property due to the protected nesting and foraging birds.

The Preserve features over 4 miles of trails, a half-mile stretch of Crum Creek, and 8 acres of upland and riparian woodland.

We hope everyone will join us after the hike for the Twilight Meditation! If so, please bring a headlamp or flashlight, an extra layer in case it gets cool, and Bug Spray! Also, a blanket or portable chair will be key to your comfort.

Looking forward to hiking, and enjoying a lovely summer evening in the peace and quiet of Kirkwood Preserve with you.

Please wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with treads. Depending upon the weather and time, we may cross the creek, and there are steep hills.

Due to the very limited parking (only 10 spaces!) at Kirkwood we're going to ask that as many hikers as possible offer to meet at 6:15 PM at the 1742 Tavern on the corner of Goshen Road and 252, and carpool together!

Please register on our MeetUp page here: https://www.meetup.com/newtown-square-trails-greenways-meetup-group/events/309617136/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=share-btn_savedevents_share_modal&utm_source=link&utm_version=v2

And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, share it with a neighbor, leave a review, and join us next time for more local stories that matter.

Until then—take care, stay curious, and we’llsee you next time on Pull Up a Chair.

Links:

https://www.meetup.com/newtown-square-trails-greenways-meetup-group/

https://nshistory.org

https://www.newtowntownship.org/219/Environmental-Advisory-Council

https://www.nsfc.org

https://connectedgmont.com

https://www.havtrail.com/haverford.htm

https://www.boironusa.com

https://birdtownpa.org