Exciting times are upon us here at the Chestnut Hill Local. We're launching some changes that promise to breathe new life into our storied institution – while, of course, maintaining the community spirit you've come to expect from your trusted local newspaper.

First, we’re getting a much-needed office renovation. Thanks to the generosity of the Chestnut Hill Community Fund, we're not just tidying up – we're transforming our workspace entirely. It's a welcome development, to say the least. Our current office environment could charitably be described as "vintage," with carpets that have seen better days, faded walls adorned with scotch tape remnants from bygone eras, and curtains that shed particles of indeterminate origin at the slightest touch.

The process has already begun, in fact, with the recent removal of what had become a kind of broken furniture museum. You'll be pleased to know that choosing a chair in our office no longer requires a leap of faith or a liability waiver. The broken bits have all been carried out the back stairs and tossed into the garbage heap. 

However, as with all grand endeavors, this one comes with its share of challenges.

Our intrepid production manager, Blaise Brugger, faces the herculean task of relocating our technology – some of which predates the advent of social media. There's a palpable tension in the air as we contemplate whether our more senior computers will survive the journey or decide to retire permanently. Add to this the mysterious case of our temperamental phone jacks, and you have a recipe for technological adventure that would make even the most seasoned IT professional break out in a cold sweat.

Now, what does all this mean for you, our readers? Starting today, and going into the next few weeks (or months – we're optimistic, but realistic), you won’t find us in our usual spots. We'll be scattered to the four winds, working from home, local coffee shops, or wherever we can find a stable Wi-Fi connection and a power outlet. Rest assured, though, we’ll still be working to produce your news. 

During this period of transition, email will be your best bet for reaching us. We promise to respond as promptly as our internet connections allow. If you find that we're not quite as responsive as usual, we ask for your patience and understanding. We're not slacking off – we're just navigating the choppy waters of renovation chaos.

But it's not all dust and disruption! This renovation brings with it some exciting prospects for our community. We're creating a shared conference room that will be available to the Chestnut Hill Community Association, the Local, and – most importantly – to you, our readers. 

Also, in our packing frenzy, we've also unearthed a treasure trove of community history – little nuggets of nostalgia we can't wait to share. We're still pondering the best way to present these gems, but there will certainly be an open house in our shiny new digs where you can peruse these blasts from the past at your leisure.

Now, onto the matter of fresh faces in our newsroom. 

You already know that we bid farewell to our crack reporter Tom Beck, who has traded in his pen to join the much more profitable world of steam pipe fitting. In his place, we're thrilled to welcome not one, but two bright-eyed reporters fresh from the halls of academia.

First, we have Tommy Tucker, a young man who cut his teeth covering the Maryland governor's office and now has set his sights on the equally thrilling world of Northwest Philadelphia’s zoning and development. Tommy will be our go-to guy for all news that needs chasing, whether it’s developments in development or the latest from the 14th Police District. The grandson of a photojournalist, he also knows his way around a camera, and he will be helping us improve the quality of our visual journalism. 

Joining Tommy is Maggie Dougherty, a media maven who was editor of her school newspaper. She comes with a background in political science and a penchant for wordle, collecting business cards and late-night television. Maggie will be spearheading our charge into the digital age, revamping our online presence and introducing a lineup of newsletters to keep you informed and entertained. Fun fact: Maggie's mother hails from Roxborough and grew up reading the Local – talk about coming full circle!

So, as we embark on this grand adventure of renovation and rejuvenation, we ask for your patience, your understanding, and perhaps a friendly wave if you spot one of us working away at your local café. The Chestnut Hill Local is evolving, but our commitment to bringing you the news – be it from a freshly painted office or a park bench – remains as steadfast as ever.

We're excited about these changes and the opportunities they bring for better serving our community. Stay tuned for updates on our progress, and don't forget to mark your calendars for our future open house. After all, what's a renovation without a grand unveiling?

The Chestnut Hill Local may be getting a facelift, but our commitment to you remains the same. So here's to new beginnings and the continued tradition of quality local journalism!

Carla Robinson

Editor