Living in Northwest Philadelphia for the last 16 years, I have come to believe ours is a community that embodies the spirit of “brotherly love.” Being lucky enough to have worked for the Chestnut Hill Local for the last year and a half, I understand the paper plays a critical role in the cohesion that makes this area a wonderful place to work and live.

During my tenure as publisher and executive director, every week brought an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s clear to me that the interconnected communities of Northwest Philly and Southeast Montgomery County care. They’re here for hard times and good times. Whether witnessing shoppers come to a store owner’s rescue during a robbery, being helped by one of the many delightful Weavers Way Co-op employees, or exchanging small talk with one of the Local’s dedicated readers (all have happened within the last few weeks), I’ve felt fortunate to be at the epicenter of our community newspaper. It’s my paper too, because, like you, I’m a resident and a reader.

I love the Local and especially appreciate its staff. Since April 8, 2024, I have had the opportunity to work with people whose talents are matched only by their characters. Across the nation, 2.5 newspapers close every week, yet I’ve watched the Local’s staff achieve incredible results against all odds and despite many barriers.

They’ve redesigned the masthead, launched a weekly e-newsletter, applied for 501(c)(3) status, collaborated on a successful annual appeal, spearheaded a new weekly food section, cut expenses, upgraded the back-end technology system and began preparing for a website redesign planned for next year. They’ve organized two events to cultivate donor support, released a sponsored post-Super Bowl green edition (Go Eagles!), increased the Local’s presence in the community and secured several major grants. They’ve even won awards.

This is all in addition to the daily grind required to produce a weekly newspaper, quarterly magazine and twice-yearly fun guides. I am in awe of their accomplishments and humbled I have had the opportunity to work alongside them.

Now, for the news. I am leaving the Local. I know some might call that burying the lead, but I’m not the lead. The staff and community are. I am extremely grateful for the Local’s readers, funders, and friends and for the people with whom I have worked.

My choice to leave was a devastating decision and one that in no way reflects my feelings about the staff or the quality of the products they produce. In fact, as this is my final Op-Ed as publisher, I implore you to continue to support the paper. Give generously by making a tax-deductible contribution. Advertise in the Local’s pages and online. Read its content, and share it. Do so each and every week.

Celebrate that we have a community newspaper in our backyard and invest in that paper just as the staff invests in amplifying the stories of the people who live and work here. Let the advertising, editorial, and production staff know what an amazing job they do and how proud this community is of what they accomplish.

As I exit the organization, I want to express a heartfelt thanks to the Local’s staff — Leisha Shaffer, Blaise Brugger, Samantha Gibb Roff, Wendy Rosenfield, Kristin Holmes, Len Lear, Maggie Dougherty, Tommy Tucker, Abby Weiss, Leslie Cerf (retired), Jason Hellmann, George Ward, Joanne Davis, Amy Jacoby, Hannah Pilling, Diane Lauro, Nick Tsigos, and Stephanie Wright — for pouring themselves into their work each week. They are committed, engaged, talented and dedicated to their work.

Thanks also to the Chestnut Hill Community Fund, the Chestnut Hill Community Association (CHCA) Board and Executive Committee, CHCA Executive Director Anne McNiff, and the many contributors, funders, community members, business owners, workers, advertisers, residents, and readers. You have made the Local a wonderful place to work and you make this community a special place to live.

It bears repeating: Please continue to support the paper and the staff. I know I will.

Daralyse Lyons, the Chestnut Hill Local’s publisher and executive director, can be reached at daralyse@chestnuthilllocal.com until October 1, 2025, and at daralyse@daralyselyons.com thereafter. The Local’s staff can be reached via their email addresses, listed on the “contact us” page of the Chestnut Hill Local’s website, chestnuthilllocal.com.