There is no better month than July to introduce you to our Resident Feature Family, the Staurowskys: Merrie, Bill, Mia, Ethan and Eric. On the Fourth of July and the months prior, you’ll find any one of the Staurowskys working tirelessly to get the Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade ready for thousands of spectators. Merrie and Bill are passing down their own traditions of hometown pride and giving back to the community to the next generation.
Merrie is a longtime Broomall resident. Her parents Jan and Judy Ceton are Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) grads. High school sweethearts, they married and raised Merrie and her younger sisters Allison and Gwen here in Broomall. Judy worked as a nurse and for many years, Jan ran his own business here in Broomall, Ceton’s Greenhouse. The nursery was a business that his father opened back in the 1940s after moving to the United States from Holland. “My sisters and I have fond memories of helping out in the business while we were growing up,” said Merrie.
Merrie graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1991 where she was active in the Marching Band as a member of the band front (now more commonly known as the color guard). “I am so grateful for the leadership opportunities the Marching Band gave me,” said Merrie. “It’s really helped me through my entire life.”
After high school Merrie considered pursuing a degree in education, but when she got to Bloomsburg University, she realized how much she enjoyed her science classes. She shifted gears and earned a BS degree in 1996 in Medical Technology. Since 2006 she’s worked as a clinical laboratory scientist at the Bryn Mawr Hospital Lab. Her schedule has allowed her to work every other weekend, and it’s that flexibility that allowed her to both use her degree and be available to her kids as they’re growing up. “It’s been the perfect balance of being home with the kids during the week but getting to pursue my career without missing out on their activities,” said Merrie. The schedule allowed her the time to volunteer for the PTO at Worrall Elementary School and serve as PTO President for 2 years.
Merrie also has a side business of selling vintage treasures. Her hobby of collecting and selling treasures began when she moved into her grandparents’ house and found great things in the attic and basement. “I couldn’t keep all of it, but I didn’t want to give it away,” she explained. She just recently opened a booth called Dandy Daisy Vintage at Pennsbury Chadds Ford Antique Mall, where she sells vintage clothing. “I really enjoy the hunt for treasures for my business.”
For as long as she can remember, Merrie has been involved in the Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade. As a kid her family lived on Schoolhouse Lane and each year, the “Schoolhouse Lane gang” entered a float in the parade. “The neighborhood kids always had a blast doing this,” Merrie recalled. In 1984, Merrie’s dad was one of the founding members of the parade committee and served as Chairman for decades. Following in his footsteps, Merrie became a member and currently serves as the Vice Chairman. “Being involved in the community has been something we have been brought up with and what we do as a family,” said Merrie. “The 4th of July festivities are such a perfect fit for us, how lucky can someone be to throw a celebration for the whole community!”
On the day of the parade, you’ll also find Merrie’s husband Bill up at St. Alban’s Circle, getting all of the entries and floats lined up to start the route. Bill’s not a Marple Newtown native, but he’s embraced his role as a member of the parade committee since moving to the area after he met Merrie.
The youngest of eight, Bill and his five brothers and two sisters grew up in Worcester, PA. He graduated from Methacton High School where he was a member of the track team. After high school, he began working in the mail room of UGI Corporation, an international distributor and marketer of energy products and services, including natural gas, LPG, electricity and renewable solutions. He worked his way up through different positions and is now the Manager of IT Operations there. “What I find rewarding about my job is the ability to problem solve,” said Bill. “I enjoy jumping into action when there is a crisis.”
Bill also likes to work on cars, a skill his father taught him, and he’s currently working on a 1972 MG Midget classic car. “Growing up, I can always remember my dad working on his car in the garage,” said Bill. “He taught my siblings and I the value of learning to fix things ourselves. He knew the importance of saving money.”
Merrie and Bill met back in 1996 at a local bar and married in 1999. Their first home was in Newtown Square until they eventually purchased Merrie’s grandparents’ home in Broomall close to MNHS. “This was my grandparents’ home and a place I always loved. It would have been too sad to see it sold to strangers,” she said. “It’s nice because there is a mix of neighbors who knew my grandparents as well as new families moving in.” The house has a pool and Merrie said she and her sisters always loved coming to their grandparents’ house when they were growing up. “Now it is still the perfect place for family dinners and gatherings on the weekends,” she added.
For the Staurowsky’s, the Fourth of July Parade is also a family affair. All three of their children, Mia, Ethan and Eric are actively involved in the planning. Mia, described by her parents as fun and optimistic, just graduated from Ursinus College with a degree in Media and Communications Studies and a minor in Dance. She is also now officially a member of the parade committee. “I’ve never missed a parade,” said Mia. The Fourth of July is definitely my favorite holiday and my favorite day of the year!”
Since earning her degree from Ursinus this past May, Mia’s goal is to get into event planning and she recently started a full time job at the Ballroom at Ellis Preserve. A dancer since she was four years old, she also teaches dance at Carmela’s Dance Studio in Springfield. “I’ve always been passionate about dancing, so it’s really fun to share that with little ones,” said Mia.
Mia’s younger brother Ethan, a self-disciplined, loyal 19-year-old, is often seen at the parade or judging the Red, White and YOU! contest dressed as Uncle Sam. He just finished his freshman year at Ursinus College. “Not only was it special that both Ethan and Mia chose Ursinus, but Bill’s parents actually met there,” said Merrie. “It’s a special place.” Ethan is a member of the Ursinus track team, the volleyball club and is an Abele scholar, a program that provides not only financial assistance, but enrichment activities, and support through one-on-one advising. This summer you’ll find him at the Drexel Swim Club where he’s a lifeguard.
The youngest Staurowsky is Eric, a quick-witted, funny and caring 15-year-old. Eric is going into his sophomore year at MNHS where he is a member of the track team. He also started playing football in 8th grade and joined MNHS’s freshman team this past year. Already ambitious, Eric has been working at Mrs. Marty’s Deli for the past few years as a dishwasher. When his older brother Ethan isn’t dressed as Uncle Sam for a parade event, you’ll probably find Eric in the costume!
Lastly is Lulu, the family’s eight-year-old Basset Hound. Even Lulu can be found dressed in red, white and blue to show off for the parade. Merrie said this year the committee introduced a Patriotic Pets feature to their Facebook page, so Lulu will be in good company.
We thank the Staurowsky family for sharing their story with us and for helping bring the entire community together every Fourth of July! Your dedication and contributions remind us how great it is to live in Marple!
Do you know a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.