Park advocates mobilize to maintain budget
by JOEL HOFFMANN

As the city prepares for a second round of budget cuts — another $1 billion must disappear between 2010 and 2015 — Fairmount Park advocates are gearing up to defend the park system’s utility and necessity.

The park system has suffered from flat budgetary growth since the 1970s, according to Maura McCarthy, executive director of Friends of the Wissahickon, who believes that a substantial budget cut could be devastating.

High Point serves more than just a cup of joe
by Jennifer Katz

There are so many clichés when it comes to describing a coffee shop. Whether it’s the perks of working behind the “bar,” serving shots of espresso to sleepy caffeine deprived customers or greeting throngs of eager patrons, the images associated with the modern day café are plentiful.

At the High Point Café’s two locations in W. Mt. Airy, the clichés have given way to an honest and earnest community-driven enterprise that is reaping its own rewards for its owners, employees and customers.

Local editor retains his position despite an 11th-hour motion
by WALTER FOX

Two weeks after surviving a vote by the Chestnut Hill Community Association’s board to terminate his employment, Local editor Pete Mazzaccaro said he was “disappointed” by the board’s action.

“Just when you think you are moving ahead, something like this comes along and throws you back,” Mazzaccaro said. “I don’t think I did anything that warranted being fired, and I’m happy it turned out the way it did.”

CHCA board approves publisher search committee; two new members added to Local ad hoc committee
by PETE MAZZACCARO

The Jan. 22 meeting of the Chestnut Hill Community Association approved several committees and committee initiatives. Those approvals included new members for a Local ad hoc task force and a search committee for a Local publisher,

Publisher search committee

The board approved the composition and mission of the Publisher Search Committee to find a publisher for the Local. The committee is looking for a media professional who will be responsible for the business side of the paper, according to chair Bob Rossman. The approved committee includes Tony Crist, Mark Keintz, Cathy Pimpenella, Brian DeCesare and Brien Tilley. Pam Learned was also approved but has since resigned from the board.