This month our sister publications, Marple Friends & Neighbors and Newtown Square Freinds & Neighbors, both proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 100th issue of both hometown magazines. More than a number, this milestone represents years of stories, photographs, friendships and community connections. Since our inaugural issue in 2018, the magazine has grown into a familiar part of life in Marple Township, sharing the people, businesses, organizations and traditions that make our community special.
At the heart of every issue has been our mission of Bringing People Together. Month after month, Marple Friends & Neighbors has introduced readers to neighbors they may have passed on the street, seen at a school event or encountered around town without ever knowing their story.
Much of that work would not be possible without the dedication of Publisher Bob Blaisse and the many people who contribute to the magazine. Bob’s commitment to hometown publishing was recognized in 2020 when he was named Best Version Media’s #1 Publisher among more than 925 hometown magazines. That recognition was a reflection not only of his work, but also of the community that makes the magazine possible. Reflecting on the achievement, Bob shared, “Our hometown magazine, together with our sister publications, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors and Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors, earned an incredible distinction as the top-performing magazines in the Best Version Media network.”
Our loyal advertising Sponsors have played an equally important role. Their support makes it possible for Marple Friends & Neighbors to be mailed to local homes each month while also supporting the writers, photographers, designers and production professionals who bring each issue to life. Their investment demonstrates a commitment to the community and helps ensure that local stories continue to have a place in print. “Marple Friends & Neighbors has helped us become an integral part of the Marple-Newtown community, both as a business and as a family,” said Emily Speer, owner of Speer Swim School. “We love seeing local families and supporting local businesses.”
Over the years, our pages have featured countless individuals who quietly make a difference. We have introduced readers to educators, coaches, first responders, business owners, families, volunteers and community leaders. Some have lived in Marple for generations; others were new to the area and quickly discovered what makes it feel like home.
That may be one of the greatest gifts of reaching 100 issues. Each magazine captures a moment in time. Children featured on a cover grow up. Students graduate. Businesses expand. Families change. Community leaders begin new chapters. And the stories remain as a record of the people who helped shape Marple during a particular moment in its history.
The response from readers has been one of the most rewarding parts of that journey. Whether through a social media comment, a conversation at a local event or a simple “I saw you in the magazine,” those reactions remind us that the stories matter. Readers have told us that discovering the people behind familiar faces makes the community feel smaller, friendlier and more connected. “I was so pleased and felt privileged to have the opportunity to have my story, my photo and my artwork in this magazine for the community to see and learn about me,” said local artist Jack Taylor. “It’s great that this publication exists for everyone in Marple to find out about other citizens and businesses.”
Reaching 100 issues is also a celebration of the team behind the scenes. Every magazine represents countless hours of planning, writing, photography, editing, design and coordination. Writers such as resident historian Doug Humes, along with Executive Assistant Lisa Jeffries, graphic designer Kim Cesati, photographer Chelsea Lupica, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors and New- town Edgmont Friends & Neighbors Content Coordinator Sheila Turner-Hilliard and the entire Friends & Neighbors team have helped create a publication that is both informative and personal.
On Monday, September 28th, our sister publication, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, was recognized in a special way for meeting this milestone. At the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board presented Publisher Bob Blaisse with Resolution No. 2026-30, recognizing the publication of the magazine’s 100th issue.
The resolution itself captures what has been at the heart of this magazine since the very beginning. Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors is a hometown magazine dedicated to Bringing People Together by featuring local residents, organizations, businesses and community stories, while providing advertising opportunities that support small businesses.
The Board also recognized the magazine’s role in educating residents about Newtown Township’s history and celebrating the people, places and traditions that make our community unique.
The honor is a reminder that there is something special about our hometown magazines arriving in your mailbox. In an increasingly digital world, reading our monthly publication in print is a chance to slow down, turn the pages and discover something, or someone, you might otherwise have missed. “There’s still something special about a magazine that’s dedicated to the community,” said Kevin O’Donnell, Expert Contributor and owner of O’Donnell Roofing Co. “It highlights the people and businesses making a difference right here and reminds us how connected we all are. As a family- owned business serving the area for over 100 years, we’re proud to support publications that celebrate local success and strengthen the communities we’re fortunate to call home.”
One hundred issues later, our mission remains the same: to celebrate the people, places and stories that bring Marple together. Thank you to every resident who has shared a story, every Sponsor who has supported the magazine, every contributor who has helped create it and every reader who has welcomed it into their home. Here’s to 100 issues, and to the many stories still waiting to be told!