If you look at the headlines, you’d be tempted to think the news industry is in trouble. Truth be told, the industry isn’t as profitable as it once was. Like many newspapers, The Local is low on resources and in need of economic support to continue to produce the critical news you’ve come to rely on. We are a scrappy yet committed group, churning out an average of more than 20 stories and roughly 60 ads per week, loving what we do and the community we serve.

We’ve been generating a print newspaper for more than 66 years, and in that time we’ve become as synonymous with Chestnut Hill as a Schmitter Sandwich. Our small but mighty award-winning community newspaper serves an average of 10,000 readers per week and is better because of readers like you.  

We’re grateful to be one of only 5,600 newspapers left in the nation and we’re pretty sure you’re glad to have us. Especially when you consider Pew Research Center’s January 2024 report, which interviewed 5,000 people – 85 percent of whom said local news is important to their communities. 

Unfortunately, only 15 percent of those same respondents had paid for news within the last year. So while most people do understand that local news makes for vibrant and engaged communities, they don’t always think to invest to keep that news coming.

Although The Local does charge for subscriptions, it has been years since either our membership or subscription prices have covered the cost of circulation. This means we’re supported by advertising revenue, grants and the donations of community-minded citizens.  

We’d like to continue doing all the good work that we do – such as sharing news about your friends, neighbors and local businesses. We’d also like to expand our service through new collaborations, innovative events and community initiatives.

So, when I was asked to write something about being “better together,”  I immediately thought this editorial would be made better if it were written together. So I’ve asked our staff to share a few of the things they think are better together here in our northwest neighborhoods.

Our sales and advertising staff had a lot to say on the subject. George Ward, our Montgomery County ad rep, chimed in immediately with “Pastorius Park concerts with your neighbors, dog walks in the Wissahickon, and pickleball at the Water Tower.” Leslie Cerf, our Philadelphia ad rep, added “Eating at the Fareway and being able to bring my dog. Or grabbing lunch or coffee at Matines before or after getting my hair done at Salon 90.” Leisha Shaffer, ad and marketing manager said, “Napkins and a Schmitter. Napkins are good things, a Schmitter is a good thing, but they’re kind of essential together.”

Our production team focused on getting out, and eating. Hannah Pilling, production assistant, said with a smile: “Stag & Doe nights with girlfriends.” Joanne Davis, production assistant, leaned back in her chair, nodded, and added “Chit chat with friends at Baker’s Street.” It was nearly five, so Amy Jacoby, production assistant weighed in “Sipping Basil Vodka Lemonade at Chestnut Hill Brewing Company while eating take-out from Chicko Tako.” Blaise Brugger, production manager, decreed that Chestnut Hill is better with all its nearby neighboring towns. He’s grateful that The Local covers the Northwest Philadelphia region because he says it makes our work richer. 

Development Associate Samantha Gibb Roff weighed in via email after taking her dog, Val, for a walk around the neighborhood. “Several homes in Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy have facades combining Wissahickon schist and red bricks with painted wooden trim creating a design that is better together!” 

Our editorial staff was thinking of food, frugality and fun.

“Taking the Chestnut Hill West line home is always better after three pints of Guinness from McNally’s,” Tommy Tucker, news reporter, said. “Weaver's Way Co-op and half-off sandwiches,” Maggie Dougherty, digital editor, piped up next to him. “Going to a play at Quintessence, then eating at Toska afterward,” added Kristin Holmes, deputy editor.

Features Editor Len Lear weighed in with no less than 11 pairings, some of which were serious, others delightfully ridiculous, but I’ll share them all because the Local is better with Len and his irreverent wit: Fresh and Market, Cin Cin and No Confessions, Staples and rubber bands, CVS and RSV, afternoons at Night Kitchen, Jansen and no dancin’, pickleball and cheddar balls, Our Mother of Consolation and Our Father who Art in Heaven, Iron Hill and What a Thrill!, Baker Street and acre of bread, and, of course, McNally’s and Schmitter.

Editor Carla Robinson decreed that Chestnut Hill is better because of all of the incredible people and organizations that make up our community – and then proceeded to rattle off a list of names and organizations that will serve as inspiration for an article in our next issue of the Wissahickon magazine.

As for what I find better together, it’s many things. Long walks in the Wissahickon with friends, lunch at Chestnut Hill Grill followed by shopping and a stroll, the Community Association and their many events, and The Local, and engaged readers like you.

You let us know what’s happening, answer our calls and emails and hold us accountable. You attend community events, write letters to our editor, advertise your businesses and entrust us with your information, whether you’re calling in with an anonymous tip or placing a death notice when a loved one passes away.  

You make us better. We hope you’ll consider donating to the Chestnut Hill Community Association/ Chestnut Hill Local joint campaign. When you send in your check, please tell us what you think makes our community better together. We’d love to hear from you. 

Daralyse Lyons

Publisher