Features

Finding passion in a pivot from scholar to artist

Alice Lesnick, who lives in Erdenheim, took a different path. She spent most of her life as an academic and did not begin painting until the age of 50.

Uncle Bobbie’s brings A-list star power to Germantown

Since 2017, Uncle Bobbie’s in Germantown has been a self-described place for “cool people, dope books and great coffee.”

Mt. Airy doc takes up fine photography

Dr. Claire E. Robinson, named a “Top Doctor” by Philadelphia magazine, is no stranger to well-earned attention.

Intrepid Mt. Airy beekeeper comes to rescue the opera

During its final performance of “ La bohème” on May 7, the Opera Philadelphia company had a surprise visit from a swarm of bees.

Mt. Airy Village Fair returns Oct. 1 with arts, food and music

On hiatus since 2019, the neighborhood festival returns Oct. 1 with a bustling streetscape of food, music, vendors and interactive activities.
Senior Life: A Vintage View

'Woodstuck' in Maine, 1969

Every year, when summer comes to a close, my mind takes me back to the year 1969, when I saw a small ad for an outdoor rock concert.
Local Calendar
Community Feature

After watching certain TV shows, one might be excused for believing that some celebrities are rather shallow and self-centered, but Melissa Fitzgerald belies the stereotype.

More News
For the week of Sept. 25 
Reading like a who’s who of the burgeoning North and Northwest progressive coalition, leaders who supported Seth Anderson-Oberman gathered for summit.
In a Sept. 14 article about suicide prevention, The Local incorrectly reported the year that the Newbold family’s son William died. He took his own life on May 14, 2022.
Crime

Crime Report: May 16 to June 6

The following crime report is for crimes reported in Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy for the period from May 16 to June 6. 

Homes and Gardens

Emptying the nest can open space and clear the mind

Our last article pointed to where to source the perfect pieces. Now we are looking at how to organize or get rid of them.
By Design

Renovating a new home? Don’t dismiss the humble Rancher

I grew up in a “Rancher.”  My father built it himself, in 1959, and it remained our family home for the next 50 years. 
Design Matters

The best treasures are often right in front of us

Many of our clients have shared with us that the reason they chose us was because they were drawn to our use of repurposed items.

Make way for colorful patterns! Boring fabrics are out

It is no secret that how fabrics are incorporated within a space is basic to the success or failure of the design of that space.

The best decorative art is personal

Our clients sometimes look online for art. And that can be fine, but it can also mean they wind up with no connection to the story, or origins of the work.

Sports

SCH field hockey seeks challenges on big stage

The field hockey team at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy last week was pitted against the number one team in the country.

Mount volleyball frolics in non-league outing

Volleyball competition within the Athletic Association of Catholic Academies is often intense, but the level of play of non-league opponents can vary greatly.

PC's DeLisi wins league-wide Inter-Ac girls meet

Inter-Ac League girls gathered at Belmont Plateau last Tuesday for a regular-season meet that featured runners from all seven schools.

The Penn Charter boys finished second at an all-league regular-season cross country meet staged by the Inter-Ac League last Tuesday.

The girls' tennis team at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy has started its 2023 campaign with convincing home-court victories.
In its second home field appearance, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy's boys' soccer team played visiting Hun School tough, but succumbed 1-0.
Penn Charter's field hockey team went 2-1 in early non-league games, but the Quakers then started the Inter-Ac League season.
Senior middle hitter Zahkiyyah Frazier is a team captain for the 2023 season. The other captains are Ava Lanzetta and Sarah Scally.
Schools

Despite facing some personnel challenges, the Penn Charter boys have gotten off to a strong start in the 2023 soccer season.

Maggie Murphy, the Mount's number two runner and the third-place finisher at the AACA meet, has graduated, but the Magic have a lot of returning talent.

Determined not to be intimidated by white nationalists, they responded to neo-Nazi flyers with declarations of love and inclusivity.

Obituaries
Championship-winning ex-coach of Wyndmoor football team dies
La Salle College High School's Drew Gordon, the first Philadelphia Catholic League coach from a major sport to win a PIAA state championship, died Sept. 4.
Inspirational math teacher leaves long-lasting legacy
Anthony (“Tony”) J. Matula was a math teacher and coach at Cedarbrook Middle School in Cheltenham for 32 years and Wyncote Academy for 15 years.
Revered Hill cardiologist dies at 66
Dr. David J. Becker's “Change of Heart” program persuaded two generations of patients to try a heart-healthy diet and exercise.
Beloved 22-year SCH teacher dies, known for kindness and humor
Martha Richards Valciukas, a beloved teacher of lower school girls at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy for 22 years, died Aug. 7 after battling pancreatic cancer. 
Beloved Morris Arboretum horticulturist succumbs to MS
Iana M. Turner passed away peacefully from multiple sclerosis on July 18.
Opinion & letters
Editorials
I’m asking you to write and tell me what you think. After all, this is your newspaper.
Letters to the editor
About Chestnut Hill
Tuesday Night at the Movies: Tracy and Young
Spencer Tracy and Loretta Young star in Frank Borzage's 1933 melodrama "Man's Castle" at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Woodmere Art Museum.
Night of Lights is back, and brings new stories
Depressed that daylight is ending sooner and winter is nigh?  Just in time, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy is hosting its annual and beloved Night of Lights festival.
CHCA Agenda
For the week of Sept 18, 2023
A successful second year for new Northwest basketball program
Team First Elite, a basketball program for students from Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy schools, has had an impressive second year.
CHCA Agenda
For the week of Sept. 18