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David Contosta, the Chestnut Hill College author who has written extensively about the area’s history and its most prominent families, just released his first work of fiction.

First novel after 25 nonfiction books for CHC prof

David Contosta has been teaching history at Chestnut Hill College for 51 years. He’s also likely the most prolific author in the area. more

by Len Lear | 5/15/25

David Jansen, known for his meticulous attention to detail, was a chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Center City for 20 years.

Fine dining winner Jansen closing at end of September

Jansen, the upscale “Center City” restaurant at 7402 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy that has been a magnet for fine-dining aficionados for the last decade, will close its doors for good. more

by Len Lear | 5/8/25

Lew and Ginny Ashenfelter, who were married for 72 years, in front of their store, The Happy Butterfly, in 2014. The shop sold mostly children's clothing for 32 years at 8419 Germantown Ave.

Virginia Ashenfelter, co-owner of The Happy Butterfly, dies at 94

Virginia “Ginny” Ashenfelter died on April 22 at age 94 in the Complete Care at Harston Hall Nursing Home in Flourtown. more

by Len Lear | 5/8/25

Brezner discusses her “Friendship Bench" with the Local's Len Lear.

New 'Friendship Bench' in Erdenheim combats alienation

It's no secret that countless millions of Americans are feeling alienated, frustrated, overwhelmed and stressed out. Doven Brezner is not just sitting on the sidelines. more

by Len Lear | 5/8/25

Non-violent peace activist George Lakey has been arrested dozens of times, always with a smile on his face.

Compelling film about peace activist at Ambler Theater

The life story of George Lakey is a chronicle of activism, nonviolent protest and academic leadership. more

by Len Lear | 5/8/25

A daily newspaper dies, not because of low circulation

In September 1977, I saw a brief article in the now-defunct Philadelphia Bulletin announcing a new newspaper. more

by Len Lear | 5/8/25

David Low, a former substance abuse counselor and ordained interfaith minister, will teach weekly “Methods of Meditation” for Mt. Airy Learning Tree throughout May.

MALT's David Low is high on the list of multitaskers

Low will teach five weekly sessions of “Methods of Meditation” for Mt. Airy Learning Tree. more

by Len Lear | 5/1/25

Thom Cardwell is seen with his younger sister, Janice Canfield, who told us that Cardwell wrote, choreographed, directed and acted in summer plays as a teenager. “We charged 20 cents to attend and donated the proceeds to cancer research.”

Germantown LGBT+ icon, film festivals creator, dies at 79

From 1982 to 2017 I wrote a weekly restaurant review column. It seemed almost every time we visited a Center City restaurant, we would see Thom Cardwell. more

by Len Lear | 5/1/25

“Soil nerd” Allison Houghton will teach a Mt. Airy Learning Tree course, “Spring Foraging Fun in Mt. Airy.”

Mt. Airy ‘soil nerd’ helps you forage for edible plants

Want to expand your palate and save money on food? Mt. Airy's self-described “soil nerd,” Allison Houghton, can help you do that. more

by Len Lear | 5/1/25

Foliage has an enviable corner location at 8139 Germantown Ave. (at Hartwell Lane)

Foliage store owner plants roots on the Hill

According to the Chestnut Hill Business District, there are currently 30 Black-owned businesses in Chestnut Hill, which might be the most ever. more

by Len Lear | 5/1/25

Backyard Eats sets up an edible garden at a Chestnut Hill home.

Local company helps residents grow their own food

In parts of Northwest Philadelphia and the adjacent suburbs, Chris Mattingly designs plant beds with the know-how of an engineer and the heart of a farmer. more

by Len Lear | 5/1/25

MALT artist: From 'eating therapy' to pets and houses

"When I learned about art therapy, I thought it would be a good way to use art to help people," says Sondra Rosenberg. more

by Len Lear | 4/24/25

Nancy Williams told us this about Randy: “He had such a great sense of humor. He would laugh so hard that his shoulders would shake. We had similar values, and we had a great 56-year run.”

Beloved Hill architecture preservationist dies at 82

John Randolph Williams Jr., a bon vivant known for his prowess as a cook, competitive tennis player and builder of homes, died on April 9. more

by Len Lear | 4/24/25

David Long, 95, and his wife, Patty Ann, 93, will celebrate 70 years of wedded bliss on Aug. 23. David told us, “My wife is the sweetest woman who ever lived on this earth!”

95-year-old man Longs to be the mane man for Pantene

You might say that this story is “hair-d” to believe or that there is “locks” to explain. more

by Len Lear | 4/24/25

Cellist Ronald Lipscomb (left), who lived in both Mt. Airy and Germantown, had a remarkable career, playing with the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein, the American Symphony under Leopold Stokowski and with an orchestra conducted by Duke Ellington.

Mt. Airy cellist played with Bernstein, Ellington, Casals

Not too many local musicians have memories of playing with two legendary American innovators and composers, but Ron Lipscomb performed with the best. more

by Len Lear | 4/17/25

Mt. Airy author Lynn Gregory, with her cat Skeeter, will appear at booked, 8511 Germantown Ave. on Saturday, April 19, at 11 a.m., to discuss her just-released third historical novel, “You've Found Her.”

Three post-career novels for Mt. Airy author at booked

Mt. Airy author Lynn Gregory will appear at booked, 8511 Germantown Ave. on Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m., to discuss her third historical novel, “You've Found Her.” more

by Len Lear | 4/17/25

Some of the 117 letters and postcards from the 1950s.

Time capsule in cursive: SCH student discovers a jazz pioneer in vintage letters

It was in a hidden corner of a Lansdale antique store that 14-year-old Ali Norcini stumbled upon a cardboard box covered in what appeared to be decades of dust. more

by Len Lear | 4/17/25

I first met James “Jimmy” DePriest, seen here in 1965 with his legendary aunt, Marian Anderson, in our high school cafeteria.

The lifetime impact of my high school meeting with a musical genius

I still clearly recall my first day in the lunchroom at Central High School in February of 1954. It was there I first saw Jimmy DePriest. more

by Len Lear | 4/17/25

"Dan was incredibly smart,” said his wife, Jennifer, “especially when it came to sports, and his deep knowledge often amazed those around him. He was truly one in a million.”

Wyndmoor resident saves lives after sudden death at 41

Daniel Ford was a modest, humble resident of Wyndmoor but because of his selfless decision, he saved the lives of several people. more

by Len Lear | 4/16/25

Mary Ann Domanska taught students in a rural Kenyan village a craft called Kumihimo, a traditional way of making braids and cords, often used for decorative purposes.

Local author’s African journey yields magical tale

After volunteering in rural Kenya, West Mt. Airy resident and longtime SCH Academy teacher Mary Ann Domanska has transformed her experience into a children's book. more

by Len Lear | 4/10/25

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