Features

Mt. Airy doc takes up fine photography

Dr. Claire E. Robinson, named a “Top Doctor” by Philadelphia magazine, is no stranger to well-earned attention.

Intrepid Mt. Airy beekeeper comes to rescue the opera

During its final performance of “ La bohème” on May 7, the Opera Philadelphia company had a surprise visit from a swarm of bees.

Mt. Airy Village Fair returns Oct. 1 with arts, food and music

On hiatus since 2019, the neighborhood festival returns Oct. 1 with a bustling streetscape of food, music, vendors and interactive activities.
Senior Life: A Vintage View

'Woodstuck' in Maine, 1969

Every year, when summer comes to a close, my mind takes me back to the year 1969, when I saw a small ad for an outdoor rock concert.

New memoir ‘plumbs’ depths of family history

You might say that Erdenheim business owner Ryan Rex plumbed the depths of his soul to write his newly released book.

Petapalooza rolls out the red carpet for furry friends

Chestnut Hill is pet-friendly year-round, but this Saturday’s Petapalooza on Germantown Avenue is the one special day when animals rule.
Local Calendar
Community Feature

The girls' tennis team at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy has started its 2023 campaign with convincing home-court victories.

More News
Police confirmed to the Local that five bullet casings were recovered from a shooting that occurred on the 5500 block of Germantown Avenue on Monday.
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) is sponsoring an e-waste drive on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at 8000 Cherokee St.
A memorial service for John O’Donnell, former advertising representative for the Chestnut Hill Local, will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday.
The Germantown Arts District will transform into a backdrop for an outdoor party celebrating art, culture and community this Friday.
Crime

Crime Report: May 16 to June 6

The following crime report is for crimes reported in Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy for the period from May 16 to June 6. 

Homes and Gardens

Renovating a new home? Don’t dismiss the humble Rancher

I grew up in a “Rancher.”  My father built it himself, in 1959, and it remained our family home for the next 50 years. 
Design Matters

The best treasures are often right in front of us

Many of our clients have shared with us that the reason they chose us was because they were drawn to our use of repurposed items.
By Design

Make way for colorful patterns! Boring fabrics are out

It is no secret that how fabrics are incorporated within a space is basic to the success or failure of the design of that space.

The best decorative art is personal

Our clients sometimes look online for art. And that can be fine, but it can also mean they wind up with no connection to the story, or origins of the work.

Good design requires skilled communication

When designers and architects sit down for the first time with a new client, it is natural to talk about experience, past projects, and especially satisfied customers. 

Sports

SCH boys soccer looking for finishing touch to move up in Inter-Ac

In its second home field appearance, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy's boys' soccer team played visiting Hun School tough, but succumbed 1-0.

Penn Charter field hockey adjusting to new coaches once again

Penn Charter's field hockey team went 2-1 in early non-league games, but the Quakers then started the Inter-Ac League season.

SCH has most of its volleyball veterans returning

Senior middle hitter Zahkiyyah Frazier is a team captain for the 2023 season. The other captains are Ava Lanzetta and Sarah Scally.

Despite facing some personnel challenges, the Penn Charter boys have gotten off to a strong start in the 2023 soccer season.

Maggie Murphy, the Mount's number two runner and the third-place finisher at the AACA meet, has graduated, but the Magic have a lot of returning talent.
Team First Elite, a basketball program for students from Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy schools, has had an impressive second year.
The Mount St. Joseph Academy volleyball team lost eight seasoned athletes with the departure of the Class of 2023.
After a team graduates 13 seniors, it's hard to look at the following season as anything but "rebuilding." But opponents should not take the 2023 SCH squad lightly.
Schools

Determined not to be intimidated by white nationalists, they responded to neo-Nazi flyers with declarations of love and inclusivity.

There is a youth movement in the Mount St. Joseph Academy tennis program; all of last year's singles players were seniors, and a number of doubles players were as well.

Last Thursday's scrimmage at the Mount was GA's first interscholastic encounter of the season.

Obituaries
Inspirational math teacher leaves long-lasting legacy
Anthony (“Tony”) J. Matula was a math teacher and coach at Cedarbrook Middle School in Cheltenham for 32 years and Wyncote Academy for 15 years.
Revered Hill cardiologist dies at 66
Dr. David J. Becker's “Change of Heart” program persuaded two generations of patients to try a heart-healthy diet and exercise.
Beloved 22-year SCH teacher dies, known for kindness and humor
Martha Richards Valciukas, a beloved teacher of lower school girls at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy for 22 years, died Aug. 7 after battling pancreatic cancer. 
Beloved Morris Arboretum horticulturist succumbs to MS
Iana M. Turner passed away peacefully from multiple sclerosis on July 18.
John Walsh, Korean war veteran, dies at 91
John James Walsh passed away on Aug. 15, 2023, at age 91, following months of declining health.
Opinion & letters
Editorials
I’m asking you to write and tell me what you think. After all, this is your newspaper.
Letters to the editor
About Chestnut Hill
CHCA Agenda
For the week of Sept 18, 2023
CHCA Agenda
For the week of Sept. 18
Hearing continued for hospital building’s historic status
A hearing on the Chestnut Hill Hospital’s Women’s Center's potential designation to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places was continued.
CHCA Agenda
Thursday, Sept. 7, Land Use, Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting - CANCELED
How an $88 PECO check turned into a $1,818.23 theft
On Aug. 25, the local CBS affiliate, Channel 3, ran a story about recent break-ins of blue post office boxes. Add me to the list of victims.