November 29, 2007 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Local News

O’Doodles dodges toy troubles
by Kristin Pazulski

O’Doodle’s toy store owner Fran O’Donnell is calm despite the panic over the recent recalls that have shaken the American toy industry. His employees, he says, can help shoppers avoid recalled toys. (Photo by Erin Vertreace)

While concerned parents are rushing to return recalled toys and toy manufacturers are working on damage control, Fran O’Donnell, owner of O’Doodle’s toy store, remains calm amid the chaos of the recent toy recalls that have raised concerns about toy manufacturing oversight in America.

“I don’t remember when there’s been this much hype about recalls,” said O’Donnell, whose store at 8335 Germantown Ave., is a mecca for parents with young children.

In July, Mag Stix Magnetic Building Sets were recalled because the small magnets on the sets could detach and be swallowed, causing serious intestinal problems, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall site.

Rehab hospital seeks change in Medicare patient limits
by Kristin Pazulski

U.S. Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz visited Montgomery Rehab Hospital on Tuesday, November 20, to tour the only rehab hospital in her district. Christian Mongrain (pictured with Schwartz), V.P. of rehab services, and other staff members gave the congresswoman reasons why the restrictions on the number of Medicare patients it admits should be changed.  (Photo by Erin Vertreace)

Those who undergo a serious illness or emergency, such as a stroke, amputation or brain injury, use rehabilitation services to help them and their families adapt and adjust to a new way of living.

According to a local rehab hospital, the Montgomery Rehab Hospital of Chestnut Hill, an important inpatient service that provides patients with this well-rounded treatment — from physical rehab to psychological counseling — is being threatened by restrictions on the Medicare patients it treats. The hospital administration invited U.S. Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz to its facilities to advocate for a change in those restrictions, which would allow inpatient rehab access to more patients, said the hospital.

Montgomery Rehab — formerly Chestnut Hill Rehabilitation Hospital before it was taken over by the Florida-based health care management company Traditions Management in May — is a for-profit rehabilitation inpatient facility that provides both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

Dog bite in Wissahickon underscores leash scofflaws
by Kristin Pazulski

Parker Whitehead’s disapproval of dog owners who walk their dogs without leashes in the Wissahickon was strengthened last week when an unknown dog bit him in the leg.

Get decorating ideas at Holiday House Tour

These whimsical holiday figures were spread throughout a festive kitchen in last year’s Chestnut Hill Community Association Holiday House Tour.  This year on Saturday, Dec. 8, the house tour will feature a wide variety of holiday decorations throughout the four houses.

Come discover creative holiday décor and wonderful floral designs at the Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour, Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Presented by the Chestnut Hill Community Association, the tour offers access to homes artfully designed for the holidays by a talented collection of designers and florists. It’s been sponsored by Citibank, Elfant Wissahickon and Winder Real Estate and media partner CN8.

This year, four homes with unique architectural and design details will be decked out for the holidays. The historic homes are all within walking distance of each other in the southwest section of Chestnut Hill.