January 17, 2008 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Looking to volunteer in the community?
by Martha B. Sharkey

The Chestnut Hill Community Association was founded in 1947 by a group of dedicated residents wanting to improve this community. In the words of the first chairman of the association, Sidney B. Dexter, the association was organized “to coordinate the efforts of the community in securing the improvements which were so much desired by the residents and business people of the Hill” (Source: Suburb In the City, David R. Contosta). 

The goals of this newly formed community group were related to the similar efforts put forth by previous community improvement organizations, such as The Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill Improvement Association and The Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy Businessmen’s Association. All of these volunteer organizations had one unifying goal — community improvement.

To this day, the mission statement for the Chestnut Hill Community Association includes the following objectives:

Leadership in accepting and sharing responsibility for the solution of problems that affect the quality of life in the Chestnut Hill community.

Long-range solutions, which develop priorities, identify resources, make studies, initiate programs, cooperate with other entities, coordinate community efforts and take appropriate action.

Conduct informative and educational activities including public meetings and publication of a weekly newspaper (the Chestnut Hill Local) to inform the community about religious, educational, environmental, social and political concerns.

Encourage members of the community to participate in democratically forming its policies and in carrying out its activities.

Maintain a permanent endowment for the preservation of the beauty of the community and the quality of life for its members.

The impact of the CHCA within Chestnut Hill is widespread through noticeable volunteer efforts and behind the scenes committee work. With support and assistance from the CHCA staff, all of the committees operate entirely through volunteer efforts.

With over 15 active committees, the opportunities to get involved are endless. Neighbors, families and friends are dedicated to the welfare and improvement of Chestnut Hill. Organizing the Blood Drive, volunteering at the CHCA office, working with the Membership Committee, developing new fundraising initiatives, assisting the Traffic Committee and preserving the beauty of the Avenue through the Aesthetics Committee are just a few of the opportunities available for you within the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

In the coming weeks, we will feature the different committees associated with the CHCA. If you are interested in learning more about ways you can get involved, please visit our Web site www.chestnuthill.org or call Martha Sharkey, Community Manager, at 215-248-8811. You can make a difference within your community, and we look forward to hearing from you.