Delco family-owned jewelry store holds closing sale after 40 years in business
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP » For brothers Tom and Jim Di Ostilio, their decision to close the family-owned jewelry shop wasn’t an easy one. Though Exxtra Jewelers Ltd. has remained successful, according to the brothers, they felt the timing was right to close the store and retire to pursue other interests.
Shoppers looking for deals on jewelry are invited to visit Exxtra Jewelers Ltd. during its huge retirement/going-out-ofbusiness sale that’s underway. From bracelet charms to engagement rings, expect to find one-of-a-kind deals on high-quality jewelry with prices up to 70 percent off. Exxtra Jewelers also has an entire showcase of unique estate pieces the store hasn’t sold before, featuring intricate and extravagant designs.
In high school, a friend of Tom DiOstilio applied for a job at a local jewelry shop. The friend had to leave the country to participate in a foreign exchange program, so the shop asked if he could refer someone to take his place. He mentioned Tom.
“The manager took a liking toward me and said there was an apprenticeship for a jeweler downtown.” Tom DiOstilio’s interest in jewelry kept growing. It soon became his passion in life.
“My uncle asked me during my high school graduation what I wanted to do with my life,” he said. He told his uncle he wanted to own a jewelry store in five years.
“I lied to him. It took me six years,” he said, laughing.
Jim DiOstilio, working at a hospital in Rhode Island, occasionally helped his brother run the store. That included working peak times such as the holidays, mainly helping with bookkeeping work. He graduated from college with an accounting degree. Jim initially thought he would only do this for a few months.
“Then a couple of years became 40,” he said, laughing. “I just really liked working in the jewelry business.”
Their brother John DiOstilio was also a familiar face at the store, eventually moving from California to work with his siblings full time. John died of a heart attack in 2003. Tom says that served as a wake-up call regarding enjoying his next chapter in life — retirement — while still in good health.
“Our customers have become family,” Tom said. “We’ve gone to their birthdays, their weddings, and sadly enough, their funerals as well.”
The brothers have also remained dedicated to supporting the community through a variety of causes over the years, including helping to raise money for college scholarships.
“For all of those who placed their trust in us, we’d like to thank them for making Exxtra Jewelers their hometown jeweler for over 40 years,” Tom added.
Store hours for the Retirement Sale are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The store is at 609 W. MacDade Blvd., Milmont Park. For more information, visit exxtrajewelersltd.com or call 610-461-3500.
Delco celebrates National Day of Prayer Thursday
Everyone is invited to join in the virtual celebration of this year’s National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6.
Since 1952, Americans have observed this special day to pray for their country. This year’s virtual program will include prayers, praise, and worship led by pastors and community members world-wide. For more information, visit www.NationalDayOfPrayerDelco. com. There will be both a daytime program at 11 a.m. for adults and children, a special scavenger hunt for families, and an evening program at 5 p.m. A virtual prayer wall will be available all day, where people can post their personal prayer requests or email them to NationalDayofPrayerDelco@gmail.com. People are asked to visit the local website and Facebook page frequently for updates and additional opportunities to pray.
BHCU named 2021 Philanthropist of Year
BHCU, Delaware County’s Credit Union, has been named the 2021 Philanthropist of the Year by The Community’s Foundation at its annual awards event, held virtually on April 28.
“BHCU was selected for its many contributions to the Delaware County Community,” stated TCF’s executive director Heather Finnegan. “Because both BHCU and BHCU Kids Foundation are 100% focused on Delaware County, they are extremely responsive to the local community’s needs. BHCU’s staff, board, and members jump in whenever they learn of a family or non-profit that has urgent needs.”
BHCU was founded in 1952, with the community at the forefront of its mission. According to a BHCU press release, “It remains the goal of BHCU to improve the standard of living for every member and guide them to financial independence. At BHCU, it is not about banking; it is about belonging to a community.”
BHCU Kids’ Foundation was founded in 2019 to help the most at-risk youth in Delaware County. In only the second year of operation, they raised over $30,000 and, in a partnership with the Hope for Children Fund, have assisted abused and neglected children in Delaware County.
Vendors invited to sign up for flea market/craft fair
Holy Myrrh-Bearers Church, 900 Fairview Road, Ridley Township will host a flea market, craft fair and Slavic food festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 12. The event will be held rain or shine.
Non-food vendors can rent a spot for $20, but spaces must be reserved by June 1 by calling 610- 5441215 or emailing HMBChurch@vwerizon.net.
Springfield Garden Club celebrates Arbor Day
Members of the Garden Club of Springfield celebrated National Arbor Day at Springfield’s Memorial Park, with the children of Mrs. Hiscoff and Mrs. Clarici’s preschool class of Covenant United Methodist Church Nursery School, as well as Springfield Township Commissioner Gina Sage (2nd Ward), Springfield Parks Superintendent Frank Pappa, and staff and parents. Under the direction of Frank Pappa and his staff, the children assisted in the planting of a Cornus Rutban Auroa (flowering white dogwood) donated by Springfield Township. Everyone present enjoyed “The Tree Song” by the children. Sue Simpson, Garden Club Civic Chairperson, asked the children “What do we do to celebrate Arbor Day? And “Why do we plant trees”? Enthusiastic responses were “We plant a tree” and “Trees give us shade”; “Home for animals”; “Give us maple syrup.” The preschool class then took turns using the shovel and adding soil and water to the base of the newly planted tree.
Frank Pappa shared the Tree City USA Award flag which Springfield Township received for the 29th year from the National Arbor Day Foundation for tree planting, care and maintenance.
The Garden Club of Springfield is a member of District GCFP and National Garden Clubs, Inc.