December 18, 2008 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Local Life

A passionate Renaissance man
by LEN LEAR and ODESSA BOND

Lynn has managed somehow to get himself inserted into a famous painting of an enchanted garden by Henri Rousseau, whose ladyfriend posed for the painting. This beats computer dating any day.

“One function of a writer should be to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”——Mark Twain

Mt. Airy resident Lynn Hoffman, 63, could easily be classified as a Renaissance man. He has been a best-selling novelist, professional photographer, executive chef/owner of an Italian restaurant, a college professor, Ph.D. in anthropology, author of books on beer and wine, founder of the Drexel University culinary arts program (in 1994) and “sailing bum,” but despite all those areas of interest and expertise, the subject that ignites the most passion in him is gun violence in America.

Hoffman’s latest novel, bang-BANG (Kunati Books, 2007), is a virtual jeremiad against gun violence. It tells the story of Paula Sherman, a waitress whose best friend is shot to death before her eyes during a mugging. Sherman’s expressions of grief are distorted by a pro-gun senator for political purposes, making Sherman so infuriated that she wages a campaign against the culture that glorifies guns and puts the rights of gun owners ahead of those of their victims. Paula takes her crusade to the streets, inspiring a groundswell of anti-gun vigilantism across America, and Hoffman performs a biopsy on her soul.

Newest shop in Chestnut Hill living up to its name
by MARY PRICE LEE

Kevin Allen, (who requested that his photo not be taken), owner of the new shop, As Good As It Gets, across the street from the Chestnut Hill Hotel, insists that “my treasure is your pleasure.” (Photo by Richard S. Lee)

It takes a good degree of self confidence to name a business “As Good As It Gets,” but Kevin Allen’s new (since November) shop of that name is indeed as good as it gets — if you are seeking those rare decorative accessories that can lend warmth and character to virtually any home — and perhaps kindle an interest in collectibles in the bargain.

Never mind the fact that you don’t need a set of six English-made Sherry glasses with sterling silver-embossed fleur-de-lis ($80). We didn’t, strictly speaking, but one of us bought them for the other; after all, ‘twas the season. This gem of a shop at 8232 Germantown Ave. (at Southampton), across from The Melting Pot, has that effect on anyone who gazes in the fascinating front window and goes down the few steps to the cozy interior of this former photo studio.

Last-minute Christmas gifts from stores on the Avenue
by CLAUDIA BORDO

1. Cooler

If you want a cool gift, something special, something that stands out, then go to Be Monograms. A monogrammed gift shows that you really care and gave the gift some serious thought. For this, you will be highly regarded. Be Monograms has a cooler that’s sleek and attractive; it can hold a case of beer or soda and will not leak. It’s light and flexible, so it’s easy to store and transport. It’s easy to clean, has a pocket and a built-in opener. This $40 cooler comes in black, red, lime and hot pink and includes monogramming. Allow a week processing time. See owner Molly Ellis or Bethany for help. They’re as cool as the coolers…8127 Germantown Ave., 215-247-8787 www.bemonograms.com