Hillers Protest Rape of Artic Wildlife Refuge
Young Hill environmentalists speak to try to get Sen. Specter's attention
by BETSY TORG
As the saying goes, be careful what you ask for. Just ask Chestnut Hill resident Sarah Phocas. One day Phocas started talking to friends and neighbors about signing a petition to protest drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The next thing she knew, Phocas had a buzzing houseful of over 65 area residents — all gathered to express their concern over the future of the Refuge.

Grounds for optimism at new Mt. Airy café
by PAMELA ROGOW
Meg Hagele’s delight in coffee is so unbridled that I am tempted to wonder whether it is itself fueled by a stiff morning cup of joe. But no, her love of coffee runs deep. Meg waxes enthusiastically and expertly about the beans, the roasting, the milk, the steam, the customers, the timing. Everything just so, described with a wall-to-wall smile so warm it would brighten the start of anyone’s day, coffee or no.

New golf store in Chestnut Hill on par
by PAT STOKES
Interviewing shop owners is fun, because no matter what you expect from the conversation, you’re always rewarded with one total surprise. We’ll get to that. Matter of fact, in the case of ParBreakers, the shop itself, the idea, and its presence here is already a pleasant surprise. ParBreakers opened May 1 of this year at 8609 Germantown Ave., next to the Rug Maven, and across from the newsstand. Its “grand opening” will take place on Sunday, June 5.

After 20 years, Mt. Airy choral leader passes baton
by PAMELA ROGOW
After 20 years conducting the country’s oldest feminist choir, Jane Hulting is passing the baton. The Anna Crusis troupe she conducts performed a splendid sold-out farewell concert on May 14. And this past Monday, friends and colleagues feted her with a spontaneous musical gathering at North by Northwest restaurant. A longtime Mt. Airy resident, Hulting has led the Anna Crusis troupe to international renown. Among a group of 60-some women’s choruses with a political edge, it is widely considered one of the best.

Hill resident to star in Academy of Music operetta
by MICHAEL CARUSO
Chestnut Hillers will see and hear one of their neighbors on the stage of the Academy of Music Friday and Saturday nights, May 27 and 28, when the Savoy Company presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. Susan Blair will be essaying the role of Tessa in one of the most convoluted yet loved of all the G&S operettas. Originally from Pittsburgh, Blair came to the Philadelphia area to attend Rosemont College, regionally following in the footsteps of a sister who attended Bryn Mawr College, and a brother who had chosen the University of Pennsylvania.