Chestnut Hill Local Pink Edition, Oct. 6, 2022

High school shooting hits Roxborough

by Tom Beck

For much of the city, last week’s shooting at Roxborough High School was an astonishing episode of violence in an area many Philadelphians believe to be a safe neighborhood. The shooting killed 14year-old Nicholas Elizalde, a W. B. Saul High School student who played football with Roxborough High, and four of his teammates were injured in the attack, for which police believe a player from Roxborough was the target.

Students from two other Philadelphia high schools –Northeast High School and Boys Latin Charter School –were also victims, struck by bullets after a football scrimmage on Roxborough’s football field that afternoon. As of press time on Tuesday, police had not yet identified the shooter, although they found the stolen SUV that the assailant was driving in South Philadelphia.

As the city mourns the loss of yet another young life to a shocking incident of gun violence, friends and peers of the slain student are grappling with their loss. Residents and business owners say they share that sense of sadness. They are also worried about what they describe as some disturbing

Whenbreast cancer declares war

byFeliciaJohnson

Hearingthewordbreast cancerwasascommon asaskingthequestion “Whatisfordinner?”inmy family.Itattackedmygrandmother,mother,aunts,cousins andsistersasiftheywereprey.

trends.

In a number of interviews with business owners last week, the behavior of some students was described as an ongoing concern. Some along the Ridge Avenue corridor said they have started closing early as a result.

“Kids are just misbehaving.

(Continued on page 11)

The Trolley Car Diner is stuck

by Tom Beck

Ken Weinstein doesn’t like to use the word “stuck,” but for all intents and purposes, that’s the word for what’s up with the former Trolley Car Diner, which is still parked at 7611 Germantown Avenue.

After making all kinds of arrangements to move the iconic green rail car, movers who were scheduled to transport it to Wayne Junction on Sept. 20 were forced to abort the mission by a set of uncooperative overhead wires.

“At six in the morning they started to take it off site along Germantown Avenue,” said Weinstein, developer and owner of Philly Office Retail, in a phone interview. “It fairly quickly touched the SEPTA trolley lines and there was actually a state police officer who saw the lines move and radioed that they needed to stop immediately.”

So the movers had to push the creaky old trolley back onto the site, where it still remains.

Problem is, construction is under way for a five-story, 114unit apartment complex complete with 38 parking spaces and 7,000 square feet of commercial space on that very property. And the old trolley car that housed the original diner is in the way.

“We’ve moved it around a couple times to shuffle it,” said Sam Blake, owner of Blake Development, which is developing the project. “Excavation is, for all intents and purposes, complete – except for the area that’s underneath the trolley.”

Blake said the main hitch in the plan comes from the fact

that the trolley lines have sagged six inches from the height they once were, shortening the distance between the road and the wires.

“We get this thing loaded up and ready to move out, and lo and behold, the SEPTA lines had sagged,” Blake said. “So now we get to add an additional layer to it and have SEPTA provide a truck that will raise lines to help the trolley car find its way to its new location.”

Making the whole process more complicated is the seemingly never-ending permit

(Continued on page 10)

Thewarfareagainstmyfamilystartedin1975andcovered threegenerationswithatotal of11womendraftees.Each diagnosissoundedanalarm.I havelivedmostofmylifein silentfearofcancer.

Then,onedayIfoundan areaofskinthatlookedlike thepeelofanorangeonmy breast.Ischeduledanappointmentwithmyfamilydoctor andtoldheraboutthefamily cancerhistory.Ifollowedher guidelinesandstartedhaving yearlymammogramsinmy twenties.Theorangepatch disappeared,Ihadescapedmy nemesis,andImovedforward.

Buttimecreatedanewstory. Iwas42andhavingaroutinecheck-upwhenthedoctor foundalumpinmybreast.He instructedmetohaveamammogramimmediately.When themammogramconfirmed thetumor,Imovedforward withadditionaldiagnostictesting.Ihadmorewaiting,and finally,theresultscamein.

Thetumorwasmalignant. InOctober2003,Iwasdiagnosedwithdenovometastatic breastcancer,StageIV(newly diagnosedbreastcancerthat hasalreadyspreadtodistant parts).Ibecamethefirst womaninmyfamilywiththat diagnosis.

AsanAfricanAmerican womanwhoisfamiliarwith high-riskbreastcancer,health disparities,aggressivecancer, peopleofcolor’scancerdeath rate,andlate-stagediagnoses,I wasfacinganunseenminefield ofhealthdisparitiesandtreat-

(Continued on page 10)

Pink Edition in support of Breast Cancer Awareness is sponsored by Temple Health Fox Chase Cancer Center

The original Trolley Car, home to what was one of Mt. Airy's most popular diners for 19 years, is proving difficult to relocate.

Photo by Ken Weinstein

The owner of Roma’s Pizza in Roxborough started closing his store from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. during the week. Photo by Tom Beck

New Allens Lane director brings an immigrant

by Len Lear

You might say that Germantown resident Vita Litvak came halfway around the world to become the new executive director at Allens Lane Art Center in West Mt. Airy.

Litvak, who started on the job Sept. 7, replaces Nancy Sophy, who left to accept a position at Rowan University. Livak brings with her many years of professional experience as an arts administrator, educator and as a visual artist with deep connections to the local art community.

She also grew up in Moldova, a small country in Eastern Europe that is sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine. Both countries became independent in 1991 after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Her family, one of many from former Soviet republics who immigrated to the U.S. in that decade, eventually settled in Northeast Philadelphia.

(“Litvak'' is a Yiddish term for a Jewish person from historic “Greater Lithuania,” which today comprises the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.)

Litvak graduated from George Washington High School and went on to graduate from Haverford College in 2002, and from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008, earning a master’s degree in fine arts.

She is particularly appreciative of her high school experience, she said.

“I had very invested and wonderful teachers there who made a huge difference in my life,” she said.

Litvak taught photography at Germantown Friends School between 2004 and 2006, and also taught at VCU while enrolled as a graduate student.

“I really fell in love with teaching at both schools,” Litvak said. “I love the relationships built with students.”

Teaching keeps her engaged, she said, and always learning.

“My favorite parts, though, are the conversations I have with students about their work,” she said. “I find a lot of gratification in problem-solving collaboratively with students or guiding someone to problem-solve on their own.”

Litvak also taught at Haverford College as a visiting assistant professor between 2013 and 2015. She taught at Fleisher Art Memorial, a community school for the visual arts in South Philadelphia, before starting her new post at Allens Lane.

“Working at Fleisher tapped into my passion for both the arts and equity,” she said. “As a public school immigrant kid, I would have loved a Fleisher in my life. Working at Fleisher for these last seven years and watching the lives of students of all ages transformed by their experiences with the arts has felt really fulfilling and meaningful.”

Litvak has lived in Germantown since 2013 and is passionate about the surrounding community. So while it was hard to leave Fleisher, Allens Lane gives her something that working downtown could not.

“I was really moved by the opportunity to serve my own neighborhood,” she said. “It’s like bringing two loves together. Allens Lane is a gem in Northwest Philly … I’ve met so many people already who told me about the impact that the center had on their lives. And it has so much potential to expand and provide more services.”

The diversity of people who live in Germantown and Mt. Airy makes it special, Litvak said.

“I love my neighbors, and the strong community ethic and spirit that you find in Germantown,” she said. “People really work hard

to take care of the neighborhood and one another. I love the small town feeling of Germantown and running into people at the store, on the street and the community garden and catching up with them.”

And then, there’s being surrounded by nature.

“I love the Wissahickon. It’s really luxurious to live so close to miles of forested trails and a beautiful creek – all in an urban area!” she said. “It’s a swoon for me and my dog.”

Finally, she said, she loves the history – which gives her neighborhood a distinct sense of place.

“I live on the grounds of a Mennonite historic site and have spent a lot of time immersed in the ideas and ideologies that Quakers and Mennonites brought to this country,” she said. “The intense spirituality rooted in equality, nonviolence and community have shaped me in significant ways over the years.”

Regarding her new job, Litvak said she is a true believer in the transformative power and accessibility of creativity.

“In college, I took a sculpture class that helped me see,” she said. “The discovery of the visual world was transformative for me. Then I learned how to use the visual language to express ideas. Art can help us feel that we are heard and seen. It can give purpose and meaning to our lives.”

For more information, call 215248-0546 or visit allenslane.org. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com

intojlin il imwilKdivaDretsaim tm rectm tsi an grOHCCPwendnaan ir ohCir aviDneebsahav ff eJ.nosaeseff th fotth

ose h theyfr ffr ff cas’di-

,edacedarevor fo tsinapmocfo eid au theauththithwsnoit ti arobati ll av nyDavapmoccalny il irwilohCir ingdnecsAin rk LarkTheLangThingnninunntunstu red an Msuoirolgs’HCCPnoan

f irfatheirfoemoseth ar hslar il wyeilth andth an GHCCPe th fostsiolosehT.ecneth an hguanVa fotnemegVa an arrananarinan in elesw fe fearfeffeooslalff il ffwileJdna,gff .nagrOr

esbyterian Chur The Pr 8855 Germantown www.chestnuthillpres.or

ch of Chestnut Hill A venue, Philadelphia, P PA A Avenue, g • 215.247.8855 .chestnuthillpres.or

iteavit av rely al Gal am ilam il tis ti

19118

Before coming to Allens Lane Art Center, Litvak (left) taught at Fleisher Art Memorial, a visual arts school in South Philadelphia. She is seen here with former co-workers Robin Williams Turnage (center) and Jihan Thomas, who both taught a Nigerian and Ghanaian pottery class at Fleisher.

OPINION Arnie

Come learn about horses and their history in the Wissahickon

Anyone who’s ever wondered about the horses and riders that share the Wissahickon Park with all the humans that use it are invited to Monastery Stables on Sunday, Oct 9, for a free interactive day learning about horses, and their history here in Northwest Philadelphia.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., children, adults, families, school groups, youth groups, seniors, and community members can participate in barn tours, historic tours, and arts and crafts projects. There will also be horseback riding demonstrations, lessons on how to harness miniature donkeys, an introduction to riding equipment, and opportunities to pet several of our shaggy friends.

The 6-acre Monastery complex is part of Fairmount Park and includes a horse barn, a sheep barn, a mansion, a residential cottage, and a spring house. They are currently occupied by 20 horses, 2 ponies, two miniature don-

from our readers

Vote to protect abortion rights

The ultimate goal of Senator Lindsey Graham's 15-week federal abortion ban is to criminalize abortions in states that continue to protect the rights of women after the overturn of Roe vs Wade on June 24. Antichoice legislators won't stop at 15 weeks.

Efforts to restrict abortion started soon after Roe was passed in 1973. These restrictions increased exponentially over the past 10 years. If the 15-week ban is passed, the gestational age will continue to be rolled back until fertilization; following Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Idaho. There is a real threat that Pennsylvania will be next.

This summer, the state House and Senate advanced Senate Bill 106, bringing Pennsylvania one step closer to changes in our state constitution that will criminalize abortion. Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz will support this harmful, shortsighted bill. Oz will not protect our rights. He has already said that he believes all abortion is murder, beginning at fertilization. We need to elect Democratic candidates like John Fetterman for U.S. Senate and Josh Shapiro for governor. They have proven throughout their careers that they will protect abortion access and allow patients to make medical decisions with their physicians.

Karen Feisullin, MD Chestnut Hill

Rent control, now

My partner and I moved into an apartment in Philadelphia in May 2020. Our yearly lease in 2021 was raised $50 per month. That was expected. The following year our rent was increased by $170 per month. What can we expect in 2023? Who knows?!! How do folks handle rents that are totally determined by the profits property owners want to make? Management will tell us things like “We need to keep up

with market value of neighboring properties,” etc. Help!!! Philadelphia renters need rent controland we need it now. With all the talk of Philadelphia “coming back” with restaurants opening, nightlife returning, etc., many of us are faced with hard choices of whether we can even stay in the city we love.

Deb Gausmann West Mt Airy

Hating the wrong things

I really wish that political ads weren’t so negative. Opponents are made to seem like enemies who would destroy America if elected. So much hatred comes through that it’s hard to feel good about our election process.

In a movie I watched last week, there was a guy desperately trying to reconnect with his daughter. She had gone astray and was about to make a mistake. He said, “The fine upstanding folks of this town treated her like dirt.” They are “the fine folks that go to church every Sunday and tell God how much they love him,” he continued. Then, they “spend

Brainstorm and be happy

Do you have ideas for tours, lectures, exhibits, or other types of events that could be hosted by the Chestnut Hill Conservancy? We'd like to hear them, and hope you will join us on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m. for a Public Programs

Brainstorming Happy Hour!

Through advocacy and engaging public programming, the Conservancy works to sustain and celebrate the nature, architecture, and diversity of histories of Chestnut Hill and surrounding communities in Philadelphia and Montgomery County.

This in-person brainstorming happy hour will take place in a large indoor space at Chestnut Hill’s Venetian Social Club, 8030 Germantown Ave. Email david@chconservancy.org or visit chconservancy.org to let us know if you'd like to join us, but walk-ins are welcome.

keys, and several feisty barn cats. Horse breeds on site include Arabians, Quarter-Horses, Paints, Appaloosas, Appendixes, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Friesians, and Belgiums. The historic complex also features an outdoor arena and fields for riding, grazing, grooming, and simply relaxing. It is also home to the Saddle Club, which people can join to enjoy horseback riding without the commitment of owning or caring for their own horse.

Beverages and baked goods will be available for a small fee – or bring a picnic lunch and dine in the lovely meadow.

Monastery Stables is located at 1000 Kitchens Lane in West Mt. Airy. Just turn down Kitchens Lane from Wissahickon Avenue and follow the signs to Monastery Stable.

For more information contact Nancy Peter at Nancy.Peter@verizon.net. Rain date is Sunday Oct. 16 .

The Local is recruiting board members

every other day of the week hating” his children. I wish we could do away with the hatred. Hatred for this one because he comes from another country. Hatred for that one because of their gender identity. Hatred for this family because they don’t speak English. Hatred for that family because they have two dads raising their children. Hatred for this church because they worship a different god, or perhaps worship differently. Hatred for that city because they are steeped in poverty and violence. Hatred for this group because of their skin color. Hatred for books that tell an uncomfortable truth. Would that we could hate corruption, dishonesty and greed. Would that we could hate conditions that breed poverty and violence. Would that we could hate "otherism,” racism, and “whataboutism.” Would that we could look honestly at ourselves and vow to correct anything in our own behavior that continues to fill our country with hate, not love.

Delores Paulk Germantown

Tuesday Night Movies

OCTOBER 11, 7:30 PM.

SEVEN MEN FROM NOW (1956 / 78 minutes)

A former sheriff blames himself after his wife dies during a Wells Fargo robbery. The grieving widower begins a quest to hunt down and kill the seven men responsible in the first of the Budd Boetticher-directed westerns starring Randolph Scott. Lee Marvin steals the show after a. rousing ballad during the title sequence.

Woodmere Art Museum, $5 suggested donation. Doors open at 7. 9201 Germantown Avenue.

Presented by the Chestnut Hill Film Group.

The Local is recruiting board members. If you have an interest in local journalism, experience in law, finance, marketing, development, strategy, or media, and would like to learn more, please let us know at chlboard@chestnuthilllocal.com. This is an exciting time

for the Local and for our community, so please reach out if you might be interested in getting involved or know someone else who would be a good fit.

Ellen Badger Chestnut Hill Local Board President

Policy Statement

It is the policy of this publication to anticipate community problems and prepare public opinion for their solutions, to review community problems as they arise and to present possible solutions, and, with the help of expert opinion, direct community thinking toward a solution consistent with local tradition and the best forward-looking interests of Chestnut Hill.

It is the policy of the LoCAL to publish all responsible points of view on issues presented in our paper. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the opinions and points of view expressed in this publication are those of the individual writer who shall be identified by name.

Positions presented or adopted by the Community Association or its board of directors on any matter will be expressly identified as such.

All letters addressed to the LoCAL must be signed and must include an address and a verifying telephone number. All letters must not exceed 300 words. mail, or email carla@chestnuthilllocal.com

Full guidelines available at chestnuthilllocal.com/about/

8434 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Telephone: 215-248-8800 • Fax: 215-248-8814 • CHCA: 215-248-8810

Periodical Postage is paid at Philadelphia, PA

Frequency: Weekly

PosTmAsTer: send address changes to the Chestnut Hill Local, 8434 Germantown Ave., Phila., PA 19118 Now serving families in Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Germantown, East Falls, Roxborough, Wyndmoor, Laverock, Glenside, Jenkintown, Erdenheim, Flourtown, Ft. Washington, Ambler, Springhouse, Lafayette Hill, Plymouth Meeting, Conshohocken and Norristown. No portion of this paper may be copied or reprinted without the permission of the publisher. ® 2015. www chestnuthilllocal com

Chestnut Hill Local Board of Directors

Ellen Badger

Joel Barras

Carole Carmichael

Donna Shaw

Richard Stein

Bob Warner

Contact: chlboard@chestnuthilllocal.com

Publisher: John Derr John@chestnuthilllocal.com

Editor: Carla Robinson Carla@chestnuthilllocal.com

Marketing/Circulation Manager: Leisha Shaffer Leisha@chestnuthilllocal.com

Assistant Editor: Kristin Holmes Kristin@chestnuthilllocal.com

Features Editor: Len Lear Lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com

Reporter: Tom Beck Tom@chestnuthilllocal.com

Advertising Sales Representative: Leslie Cerf

Leslie@chestnuthilllocal.com

Advertising Sales Representative: Diane Lauro

Diane@chestnuthilllocal.com

Production Manager: Blaise Brugger Blaise@chestnuthilllocal.com

Production Assistant: Rush Kress Rush@chestnuthilllocal.com

IT/Webmaster: Nick Tsigos Nick@chestnuthilllocal.com

Bookkeeper: Jordan Demetris Jordan@chestnuthilllocal.com

Classified Advertising Classifieds@chestnuthilllocal.com

Bonita, one of the horses who lives at Monastery Stables.

The following crime report is for crimes reported in Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy for the period from Sept. 25-Oct 2.

Chestnut Hill

Sept 25 Motor Vehicle Theft. Complainant who was in the process of moving parked her $15,000 Subaru Impreza on the 7800 block of Devon Street on Sept 25, and when she came back to get it on Sept. 29 it was gone, along with the $500 laptop, $200 worth of clothing and $300 worth of furniture that was inside it.

Sept. 26 Motor Vehicle Theft. Complainant on the 800 block of Vernon Road near Crittenden Manor Apartments left their $30,000 2015 White Dodge Charger running, which was uninsured and unregistered, when an unknown person got it and drove away.

Sept. 27 Theft. Complainant parked his gray Jeep Wrangler on Northwestern Avenue near Oak Road and came back to find that someone had broken the driver’s side window and stolen a driver’s license and insurance card along with a wallet containing $300,

Sept. 27 Theft. A woman left her 2014 Chevy Suburban parked at 66 Valley Green Road and about an hour and half later came back to see a man breaking the window. He made off with her bag, which contained her ID, credit cards including a paypal card, and some books.

Sept 28 Robbery. A Black male entered the TD Bank vestibule at 8600 Germantown Avenue with a card between the hours of 1:19 a.m. and 2:06 a.m., and then broke into both ATM machines in the vestibule, making off with 58 checks totalling $34,900.

Sept. 29 Theft. An unknown thief entered the CVS on Germantown Avenue and made off with 77 hygiene products worth a total of $475.

Sept. 29 Theft. Complainant parked their car at the corner of Valley Green Road and Wolcott Drive, and when they returned a side window was broken and a wallet containing $20 cash and several bank and ID cards was missing. One card was later used at a Rite Aid for $519.

Oct. 1 Theft. Complainant parked their gray Ultima at 71

Valley Green Road and upon returning found the driver’s side window broken. Items missing include a black bag with a [hone charger and a wallet containing $10 cash, two IDs, and various credit and bank cards. Someone attempted to use the Wells Fargo bank card at a Rite Aid for $524.80 but the charge was declined.

Mt. Airy

Sept. 22 Theft. Complainant said she left her purse out in her classroom on the unit block of East Springer Street, and when she looked into it at the end of they day there was $600 missing.

Sept. 26 Motor Vehicle Theft. A woman parked her 2003 Silver Honda Civic on the 100 block of Meehan Ave. for about a year while trying to sell it. She noticed it missing at about 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 26.

Sept. 27 Theft. Complainant parked at the corner of Park Line Drive and West Hortter and came back to find the window smashed and a wallet containing $450 cash missing. Their credit card was later used at a Rite Aid on East

Washington Lane.

Sept. 27 Complainant reports that an offender used her front door key to enter the Chestnut Hill Community building at 8419, where two stores are located, stole one Oaki child’s boot with a shark pattern on it, and then left the building. The offender was caught on video surveillance.

Sept. 27 Motor Vehicle Theft. A woman parked her $10,000 silver Jeep Cherokee on the 300 block of East Upsal Street and then went on vacation. When she came back it was gone.

Sept. 28 Aggravated Assault. A man stated that he and a woman got into an argument on the 6600 block of Chew Avenue, and when he walked away she grabbed a knife and began slashing at his abdomen. When police arrived she told police that “yeah, he pushed me and I grabbed a knife and stabbed him.” The woman was arrested.

Sept. 28 Theft. A woman who lives on the 6600 block of Sprague Street states that she left her loaded Glock next to her bed when she went to sleep and when

she woke up it was missing. There were no signs of forced entry.

Sept. 28 Theft. Complainant parked their car at the corner of West Upsal Street and Park Line Drive, and when they returned the window was broken and items were taken, including a wallet containing $800 as well as various bank cards and a marijuana card. One card was later used at a Rite Aide for $519.

Oct. 2 Theft. Complainant parked their car at Allen Lane Art Center, and sometime between 1:30 and 5:00 p.m. someone broke into the rear drivers side window and took a Patagonia sling bag. No items of value were taken.

Oct. 2 Theft. Complainant said he rented his house on the 100 block of West Gorgas Lane to a tenant for eight months in exchange for him “fixing up” the house. When he asked the tenant to leave, the tenant stole about 25,000 worth of items, including a refrigerator, a bathroom tub, a dishwasher, a sink, a toilet, a stove, a microwave, a bedroom door, some paint, some 45 records, some antique sewing materials, a train set and some kitchenware.

Learn classic mixology from a former

by Len Lear

Whaton earth is a microbiologist like you doing in a place like this?

I don't think Liz Schlatter would be offended if you asked her that. Schlatter, who will be teaching The Art of Classic Mixology on Oct. 10 and The Science of Nouveau Mixology on Nov. 7, both at the Commodore Barry Irish Center in West Mt. Airy for Mt. Airy Learning Tree, almost certainly has to be the country's only full-time bartender with a college degree in microbiology.

Schlatter, who was a bartender for The Blue Comet Bar & Grill in Glenside until it closed during the pandemic, is currently mixing drinks for the Commodore Barry Irish Center on Thursdays for Jazz Night and the rest of the week at Bourbon & Branch in Northern Liberties.

But this native of lower Bucks County earned her microbiology degree at the University of the Sciences in West Philadelphia (which has since merged with St. Joseph's University) and a master's degree in forensic science from Arcadia University in Glenside with a focus on toxicology, biology and chemistry. She then worked on and off in laboratory positions, the last one for Charles River Laboratories in Malvern until 2019.

Why does one leave a career in science after all those years of study, research and effort to mix bourbon with ginger ale and bitters or rum with club soda and lime juice?

“I started working in restaurants to put myself through school,” Schlatter answered. “I worked most front-of-the-house positions in a restaurant before I began bartending and fell in love with the craft.

“Bartending is unlike any other career path. It’s a great way to meet new people while allowing creativity,” she continued. “The industry is constantly changing, and there are always new things to learn. No day behind the bar is the same, but it’s a hell of a good time. There’s also something very rewarding in providing fun and excitement for other people.”

In Schlatter's ‘Classic Mixology class, students will learn to create about a dozen elixirs that have stood the test of time – including the Manhattan, the Sazerac, the sidecar and the martini. You will also learn some entertaining history of each cocktail.

In the Nouveau Mixology class, you will learn how to make syrups and shrubs, how to incorporate herbs and spices into your drinks and how to create your own unique signature cocktail.

What is the difference between an amateur like me who likes to experiment with mixed drinks and a professional like Schlatter?

“While home bartenders and many professional bartenders both like experimenting with mixing drinks,” Schlatter said, “the main difference between the two is volume. Most of the time the bartender or bar team is making drinks for the bar and the entire dining room.

“We’re not often making one drink at a time, but making multiple different drinks as efficiently and consistently as possible. A busy service is an insane amount of multi-tasking. You have to be planning your next 15 tasks while new tasks are coming at you, all while keeping your cool. You have to be able to think on your feet, pivot and do a surprising amount of quick math.”

What does Schlatter like least

about bartending? “Working any position in a restaurant is an extremely physical job,” she replied. “You’re constantly standing, lifting, turning, moving in small ways. The work itself is demanding and coupled with the late hours can be exhausting.”

When asked about the biggest tip she ever got, Schlatter chose to be discreet. “All I can say to that is people can be very generous, especially if you show them kindness,” she said.

Is personality just as important as mixing drinks?

“Honestly,” Schlatter said, “I think personality is more important. I think there's more to a great bartender than making drinks. People use a bar as much more than a pit stop for a drink, whether that’s to be social, meet new people, celebrate or decompress. A bar is a delicate ecosystem, and as a bartender you are responsible for creating a welcoming environment. It’s like hosting people in your own home. Being hospitable and inviting is vital and often the first thing people notice.”

For more information about Schlatter's classes, call 215-843-6333 or visit mtairylearningtree.org. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com

Liz Schlatter, who went from a career in science to a career behind the bar, is teaching upcoming classes in cocktail creation for Mt. Airy Learning Tree.

Tree plan and removals at Frances M. Maguire Hall

by William R. Valerio

I’ve written before about the extraordinary beauty of the trees at Frances M. Maguire Hall. Among the property’s great assets are the large-scale, mature shade trees, some of which date to the 19thnineteenth century when the mansion was built.

One such specimen is a large European beech, which is the oldest tree on the property. Its massive trunk is so big that it took five staff members, holding hands in a human chain, to circle its circumference. Maguire Hall also boasts an amazing American elm that somehow survived Dutch elm disease, many large maples, oaks, zelkovas, and pines, and single established examples of horse chestnut, yellowwood, cypress, and Kentucky coffeetree, along with a variety of smaller, understory and flowering trees.

With the guidance of our longstanding partners and friends –the expert consulting arborists at the Morris Arboretum and the visionary landscape architects at Andropogon Associates – Woodmere has developed a landscape plan for Maguire Hall.

A top priority is taking care of the existing trees, especially the large shade trees. Our new green parking surfaces, for example, will be integrated into the landscape in a way that preserves existing trees. We will also add a substantial number of new trees, creating a diverse balance of age, size, and local species necessary for the overall health of the tree canopy and the ecosystem.

Having developed a plan, a first step is upon us this very week: the removal of dead and near-dead trees and those with less than a five-year life expectancy. We will start on the property’s periphery withand those trees that require immediate attention because of extreme conditions and potential threats to pedestrians, power lines, and traffic. PECO has been our partner and has already been to Maguire Hall to perform the delicate work of removing dead branches intertwined with power lines.

As you hear the hum of buzz saws, please know that Woodmere’s plan puts safety first, and our goal is a greener, more beautiful, and more stimulating tree experience at Maguire Hall.

Trees cool the ecosystem, sustain the life cycles of birds and insects, sequester carbon from the air we breathe, and help control the increasing loads of stormwater. Identification and exploration of trees is integrated into Woodmere’s education activities already, because understanding trees, like understanding works of art, requires visual literacy, cultivation of knowledge, and an appreciation of the beauty around us we sometimes take for granted.

We are a museum, so we will continue to integrate sculpture into the landscape, using art to engage visitors with nature, community, civics, and a shared responsibility of stewardship that stretches into the future.

Valerio is the Patricia Van Burgh Allison Director and CEO of Woodmere Art Museum.

This Copper Beech tree on the Maguire Hall grounds is one of several dead or damaged trees that are scheduled to come down this week, weather depending.

Photo courtesy of Woodmere Art Museum

The remains of an old maple tree, another project on Woodmere's landscaping list at Maguire Hall.

Stories of mental illness told Sunday on local stage

by Len Lear

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in five adults in the U.S. suffers from some form of mental illness. Yet, for many years there has been a stigma associated with mental illness in this country, even though we now know, from exhaustive medical research, that many such illnesses are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

However, that public perception has been changing for the better, thanks in large part to courageous people with mental illness who are willing to bare their souls in public. For example, 12 area residents will be telling their deeply personal and painful stories as part of “This is My Brave,” a stage presentation at the Ambler Theater, 108 E. Butler Ave., on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.

Four producers — Jenny Smith, Denita Stevens, Lauren Flynn and Elise Seyfried — have assembled a cast of 11 local men and women with a history of mental illness who will tell personal stories and perform in a way that is intended to both entertain and enlighten the audience. One of the producers, Jenny Smith of Mt. Airy, will also perform, as will Anndee Hochman, a Mt. Airy writing teacher and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Elise Seyfried, another producer, recently retired after 20 years as director of spiritual formation at Christ’s Lutheran Church in Oreland. She is also an actress, mother of five, author of four books of essays (currently working on a fifth), former columnist for the Local and co-author (with husband, Steve) of 15 plays for children.

“The best chance to beat the stigma of mental illness,” said Seyfried, who for years has taken medication to treat her bi-polar disorder, “is to talk openly and honestly about it. It has been hidden in shame for so long. I am very proud of all these people for speaking out like this. And everyone has a different presentation. We have a singer, a dancer, a comedian, a poet and other talents all with the same goal: to live proudly and defeat the stigma of mental illness. If you don't laugh

about it, you're going to cry.”

Khaliah Pitts, a poet and lifelong resident of Mt. Airy, will be one of the performers Sunday. Pitts, whose food essays, interviews and poems can be found at awedandhungry.com, will present a poetic essay entitled "Take it to the Trees; Roots Sing Sweet Songs." The piece tells the story

of how after years of engaging in traditional therapies to deal with a chronic and overwhelming anxious-depressive cycle, she found the best "therapy" in being outdoors.

“That's actually why it's so hard for me to move from Mt. Airy,” she told us. “The woods and parks here are the safe spaces I grew up

in. When I return to those places as an adult, I feel rooted … Trees are resilient and celebratory, proud and humble, quiet and flamboyant. We can learn a lot from basking in their presence.”

Chip Bagnall, an improvisational and sketch comedy actor from Manayunk, told us, “I'll be narrating a life with Tourette's

Syndrome from age seven to present day (I'm 38 now), highlighting the exhaustion, absurdity and even friendship I have with this peculiar neurological disorder. I really want to emphasize the catharsis that performance can provide for someone like myself, dealing with any form of mental health issue. There is much more of a gravity and severity to the attendant anxiety and depression that tends to color my life.”

“This is My Brave” is not just a local phenomenon. Since its first production in 2014 in Arlington, Va., it has been produced more than 80 times in cities around the U.S. and Australia, with more than 900 performers telling their stories.

When “This is My Brave” was produced at The Painted Bride in Center City before the pandemic, the presentation sold out. They are hoping to sell out the Ambler Theater this Sunday and have had a brisk advance sale. Tickets will be available at the door, and the performance will also be livestreamed.

For more information, visit thisismybrave.org/event/philadelphia. You can reach Len Lear at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com

Elise Seyfried (center, front), an Oreland resident, former columnist for the Local, author of four books and a producer of the upcoming Sunday performance, is seen here is a 2018 production of “This is My Brave Philly '' at The Painted Bride in Center City.

The Trolley Car Diner is stuck

(Continued from page 1)

process that’s necessary for getting the trolley off the property. Because Germantown Avenue is a state route, permits are required from PennDOT. Permits are also needed from the city.

“The Trolley Car Diner has been the bane of my existence for the past nine months,” Blake said. Even getting a company to move the trolley proved to be extremely difficult.

“Not everybody can move those things,” Blake said. “You have to hire a wide load hauler. Not everybody’s qualified to do that, and not everybody has the equipment to do it. You can’t just go into the Yellow Pages and find a trailer guy.”

Diners and mobile homes don’t get moved much - especially in Philadelphia. As a result, the only companies that still do this kind of moving work are far away from the city.

“They pick the thing up, rig it and tie it down,” Blake said. “And that’s a complicated process.”

Originally, Blake had hoped to

work the diner into the design of the new building, but the condition of the diner proved to be too poor.

“It just made it absolutely impossible to do,” Blake said. “It’s been taken apart and put back together and is structurally nonexistent.”

That explains why Blake returned the trolley to Weinstein, who is having it restored at a facility in Wayne Junction. After that, its future is uncertain, but Weinstein said he’s gotten calls about it, including from one person who wants to turn it into an Airbnb.

“Currently we don't have a use for this one but we will find one,” Weinstein said. “Once we restore it, I don’t think we’ll have a problem finding a good use and location.”

Weinstein’s company sold the site to Blake Development in March 2020. The Trolley Car Diner and Trolley Car Ice Cream Shoppe previously occupied the property, both of which closed in 2019. The 1948 PCC trolley that had housed the ice cream shop was

donated to the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District.

With the excavation mostly complete on the Germantown Avenue site, Blake said his construction team will start pouring the foundation for the new building sometime in the next couple weeks. The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2024.

“And that’s weather permitting, assuming we don’t have another COVID bout and we don’t get attacked by martians or whatever else could happen at this point,” Blake said about the project which is currently about four months into a 24-month building process.

Blake Development and Main Street Development, the two companies behind the project, plan to fill the complex with a mixture of one bedroom, two bedroom and studio apartments – but not until the trolley gets moved.

“Getting that thing moved is more complicated than building the building I think,” Blake said. “But we’re not giving up.”

When breast cancer declares war

(Continued from page 1)

mentoptions.Andsurrendering wasnotanoption.

Ilearnedthatsharingmyvoice andparticipatingintreatment decisionsweremypatientresponsibilities.Whatthismeantwas advocatingformyself.Italso meantinvestinginlearningabout myspecificbreastcancertypeand participatingindiscussionswith mymedicalteamaboutmycare.

Asanewlydiagnosedpatient,I lookedforvetted,reliable resources,andinformationand knowledgeempoweredmeasI madetreatmentdecisions.

Inthisworldofinformation outlets,Ibelievestartingwiththe oncologyofficebecauseofits advantages.Theyhavetrained professionalssuchassocialworkers,nursenavigators,patient advocatesandlaypersonswho

volunteerforpeer-to-peersupport toaddressquestions.

Oneotherimportantareais mentalhealth.Anxietyand depressionridealongsidethe breastcancerjourney.Donotbe ashamedtoaskforhelp.Letyour medicalteamknowifyouare depressed.Getthehelpyouneed. Finally,whenyouneedadditionalsupportandresources,look atnationalcancerwebsites.For example,Iwasterrifiedabout beingBRCA1positive.(People whoinheritcertainmutationsof theBRCA1genehaveahigher riskofgettingbreastcancerand otherformsofthecancer).After searchingtheweb,Ifound FORCE,FacingOurRiskofCancerEmpowered(facingour risk.org).

Withatravelscholarshipfrom FORCE,Iattendedtheirconference.Theyprovideresourcesthat helppeoplemakeinformedmed-

(Continued on page 11)

Felicia Johnson

High school shooting hits Roxborough

They’re threatening the employees here and at other small businesses,” said Kaitlyn McKeon, an employee at Roma’s Pizza. The restaurant now closes weekdays from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m., a practice that began on Monday of last week – the day before the shooting. “People keep thinking we’re closing in the middle of the day because of the shooting, but we’re not. It started before,” McKeon said.

Michael Carr, the owner and manager of Roma’s, said it was a decision he made to keep his employees and customers safe. “That’s all I really care about,” he said.

Celeste Hardester, board chair of the Central Roxborough Civic Association, said complaints about unruly student behavior, which have come up periodically at neighborhood Zoom meetings, are definitely on the rise since schools reopened after COVID lockdowns.

“It’s something that I hear about more and more,” she said, adding that she can't say for sure whether COVID has anything to do with it.

Roxborough is not the only school grappling with worries about violence. A Plymouth Whitemarsh High School game against Cheltenham High School was called off on Friday after the Colonial School District got an anonymous tip about potential violence, and that same night

John Bartram High School in Southwest Philadelphia called off a varsity game with Imhotep Institute Charter High School.

Reports of unruly teen behavior have surfaced across the city in the many months since COVID forced school shutdowns, keeping students out of their classrooms for more than a year. Just two weeks ago, a video showing about 100 teens ransacking a Wawa on Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia went viral.

But Roxborough businesses are rattled. Nearly every business owner or manager the Local interviewed complained about the unruly behavior of some students.

On the southern end of Roxborough’s business corridor at the corner of Ridge Avenue and Conarroe Street, Sangeen Khan, who said theft happens every day, put a sign on the front door of the 7 Eleven several weeks ago:

“ONLY THREE STUDENTS ALLOWED IN AT A TIME. BACKPACKS NOT ALLOWED IN STORE.”

“They grab everything, stealing,” Khan said.“They don’t care

and they run around the store like they’re playing.”

Khan has owned the store for 14 years, and said he’s never seen anything like it.

“The neighborhood was really safe,” he said. “It’s really hard now.”

Several residents told the Local that the Wawa near the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Cinnaminson Street on the northern end of Roxborough’s business corridor had also been closing, although the store’s managers said they could not speak with the media.

Paul Papageorgiou, a manager at Zesto Pizza & Grill on Ridge Avenue and Martin Street, said it used to be worse – students fighting and throwing potato chips around the store.

But he still has problems.

“There’s yelling and screaming,” he said. “They’re just disrespectful.”

An assistant manager at the Roxborough Family Dollar who gave her name only as Debbie B. said the majority of students are respectful, but there are bad apples who cause problems – and her store gets hit with a lot of shoplifting. Comforters and laundry detergent are particularly popular items.

“The students come in here, like, ten deep,” she said. “I know all the neighborhood thieves.”

Currently, she has a sign hang-

Leave It To Li

ing on the front door of the Family Dollar that is offering a reward and a picture of someone believed to be a repeat shoplifter and a Roxborough High student.

The owner of Lennie’s Hoagies, located near the corner of Ridge Avenue and Dupont Street, said he’d like to see an increased police presence along the corridor in the hours after school is dismissed.

“They need to space out the paddy wagons along Ridge Avenue and hire more security during that time,” said Lennie, who declined to give his last name.

Meanwhile, this particular death continues to reverberate across a city that, with more than 400 murders so far this year, is no stranger to gun violence.

Hundreds of neighbors joined a prayer vigil in Gorgas Park on

Breast cancer

(Continued from page 10)

icaldecisionsthrougheducation, support,advocacy,andresearch.

TheisolationIfelthavingagene mutationdisappearedatthatconference.FORCEeradicatedmy isolationthroughmeetingothers withgenemutationsandeduca-

Thursday night for Elizalde, mothers gathered in front of the school Friday morning to watch over students arriving for classes and Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni wore a Roxborough High School jersey during his post-game press conference on Sunday to express his support.

In a statement, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr. said he was “heartbroken and angered” by the shooting.

“The ongoing gun violence in our city is absolutely unacceptable,” he said. “We remain firmly committed to working with the Philadelphia Police Department and the City of Philadelphia to see how — together — we can better address the gun violence that is affecting our students and communities throughout the city.”

tionalresources.AndIhave becomeapeer-to-peervolunteer withFORCEtohelpothersneedingsupportwithagenemutation.

FeliciaJohnsonworksinpatient advocacyinthecancercommunity andhastaughtattheMt.Airy LearningTree.

New novel of Lesbian love by acclaimed Mt. Airy author

by Len Lear

Mt. Airy author Janet Mason has done it again. Her new novel, “Loving Artemis, An Endearing Tale of Revolution, Love, and Marriage,” released last month by Thorned Heart Press in Oregon, is a labor of love as well as a story of love between two young women.

“It came out of my own life,” Mason said last week. “So you could say I was working on it for 50-plus years. As far as the actual writing, it probably added up to four or five years.”

I thoroughly enjoyed two previous novels by Mason, an awardwinning creative writer, teacher and occasional blogger for such outlets as the Huffington Post. Her wonderful book, “Tea Leaves, a Memoir of Mothers and Daughters” was chosen by the American Library Association for its 2013 “Over the Rainbow List,” and it received a Goldie Award, presented annually by The Peer Choice Awards organization. Her work also has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and her novel, “THEY, a Biblical Tale of Secret Genders,” was featured at

the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair. Janet is also the author of three poetry books and another novel, “The Unicorn, the Mystery.”

The reviews for “Loving Artemis” have been uniformly laudatory. Maria G. Fama, author of “The Good for the Good” writes “We are taken back in time to the turbulent late 1970s, when the Civil Rights, Gay Rights and Women's Rights Movements were making inroads into the national consciousness ... 'Loving Artemis' offers within its pages stories of romance, danger, disappointment, love and the ultimate vindication of the human spirit. This novel is very rich and satisfying and is not to be missed.”

While almost all authors aspire to write full-time, “day jobs” are usually a necessity since only a miniscule number of authors are able to pay all the bills with their novels alone.

However, Mason, a lay minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration on Stenton Avenue in East Mt. Airy, told us she’s been an exception to that rule.

“I have been able to devote myself exclusively to my writing,”

she told the Local. “I’ve done so many other things over the years, including teaching and working for nonprofits, but … I really feel that this is the right time in my life to focus exclusively on my creative writing.”

In one of the compelling sections of “Loving Artemis,” the character of Yiayia (Greek for “grandmother”) tells Artemis, her granddaughter, how she herself had a girlfriend when she was a girl in Greece, but that her mother caught on and promptly sent her to America, where she eventually married Artemis’ grandfather.

“Yiayia is rather a salty character,” Mason said, “and I had great fun learning the Greek swear words she used, which I put into the novel. I think that Yiayia arose from my travels in Greece some decades ago and my obsession with the lesbian poet, Sappho.”

In one chapter, Grace is in high school when she goes on an acid trip and imagines that Artemis, whom she recognizes from her English class, is one of the saints.

“I spent a lot of time on Catholic.com doing research on the saints,” Mason said, “and I was delighted to learn recently that 'Loving Artemis' was selected for inclusion in an important list for LGBTQ Christians put out by the publisher of the important 'Q Spirit' newsletter.”

Mason and her partner, Barbara, have lived in Mt. Airy for almost 40 years, and there is no more enthusiastic cheerleader for the community. “It’s always been a great neighborhood,” she said, “one that has been very welcoming to the LGBTQ community and one where, frankly, sexual orientation didn’t matter.”

And in recent years, she said, she’s seen another kind of inclusion.

“The young people, many with small children, tend to be liberal and have Black Lives Matter signs out along with the newstyle Pride flags that include brown and black stripes,” she said. “On my block only a few of those with Pride flags are actually in the LGBTQ community. The rest are allies, which is, of course, fantastic!”

For more information, visit thornedheartpress.com. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com

Author Janet Mason, a Mt. Airy resident for four decades, wrote just-released novel, “Loving Artemis, An Endearing Tale of Revolution, Love and Marriage.” Photo by Barbara J. McPherson

Breast cancer gene mutations: What we know today

More than two decades ago, researchers identified harmful mutations in two genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2 — that increased the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. That landmark discovery led to a screening test for the mutations and helped many individuals make informed decisions about cancer screening and prevention.

Here’s a closer look at these gene mutations and what we currently know about them.

BRCA1 / BRCA2 and increased risk of cancer

People can inherit a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation from either their mother or father. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), each child of a parent who carries a mutation in one of these genes has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Women who inherit a mutation in either one of these genes are at a significantly high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

For instance, about 72% of women who inherit a harmful mutation in the BRCA1 gene and about 69% of women who inherit a harmful BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by the age of 80, reports the NCI. In addition, about 44% of women who inherit a harmful BRCA1 mutation and about 17% of women who inherit a harmful BRCA2 mutation will develop ovarian cancer by the age of 80.

Harmful mutations in these genes also increase the risk of several other cancers, including breast and prostate cancer in men, and pancreatic cancer in both men and women.

Understanding these risks is an important first step in deciding whether to be screened for the mutations.

Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

Genetic testing can reveal if someone carries a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. But most experts agree that not everyone should be tested. A family and personal history of cancer play a key role in deciding who should be screened.

“The best people in a family to be tested are the ones who have been diagnosed with cancer themselves because if there is a mutation, the ones with cancer are the ones most likely to carry that mutation in the family,” said Catie Neumann, MS, LCGC, a genetic counselor at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “That’s not always possible, of course, because people do die of cancer. Certainly, if your mom died of ovarian cancer, for instance, you can get tested.”

But don’t take testing into your own hands if you think you may have inherited a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. At-home genetic testing kits can give a false sense of security without testing for all possible mutations. For example, one kit on the market only tests for three of the thousands of BRCA mutations.

Instead, you should consider talking to a genetic counselor

before and after any genetic test for cancer, including for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

Genetic counseling

Anyone can reach out to the Risk Assessment Program at Fox Chase for an appointment with a genetic counselor to determine if they are eligible for genetic testing.

“During the initial appointment, we’ll go over the patient’s personal history—if they’ve had a cancer diagnosis, what their cancer screenings have looked like, and any other major medical concerns,” Neumann said.

“Then we’ll draw a three-generation pedigree, a family tree, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. With all that information together, we can determine how suspicious we are for a

hereditary cause of cancer.”

You can get a blood or saliva test that day to test for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations or take time to think about it.

“There’s no pressure to get tested just because of the meeting,” Neumann said.

Recommendations and treatment options

What people decide to do after a genetic test for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations will depend on the results of their test.

“For example, some women diagnosed with breast cancer may change surgical decisions based on this information,” Neumann said. “Perhaps they were going to get a lumpectomy, but now they may consider bilateral mastectomies due to the elevated risk to develop a second breast cancer.”

Additionally, certain targeted therapies, such as a PARP inhibitor, may be offered to a patient carrying a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

If you’re not facing immediate treatment decisions, you can weigh screening recommendations and preventative measures.

“That may include earlier breast cancer screening or adding an annual breast MRI to an annual mammogram, if you’re a woman,” Neumann said. “Some women elect to have prophylactic surgery.”

Removing both breasts can reduce the risk for breast cancer, while removing ovaries and fallopian tubes can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Taking certain medications can also help reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Men would also have

changes to their screening, such as earlier prostate cancer screening and annual clinical breast exams.

A genetic counselor can help sort out all the results of a test and what you may or may not want to do next.

“We are always open to these conversations with individuals who are concerned about their risk. Just come in and talk with one of us,” Neumann said.

096

Should you get a second opinion for breast cancer?

Wanting to dive into treatment right away after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is completely normal, but before getting started, it’s almost always worth pausing for a second opinion.

Having another specialist review your case can confirm your original diagnosis and treatment plan as well as give you peace of mind as you move forward. There’s also a chance the second doctor could see the results of your tests differently or have other treatment recommendations, including some you haven’t considered.

While it’s important to start a treatment plan quickly, in most cases, you can take a few days or weeks to consult with another expert.

“While treatment delays matter, in most cases, they don’t matter as much as we used to think they did,” said Richard Bleicher, MD, FACS, a surgical oncologist and leader of the Breast Cancer Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Why Second Opinions Matter

It’s never a bad idea to seek a second opinion for a cancer diagnosis. Sometimes, physicians have different recommendations than other physicians, especially when it comes to rare or uncertain diagnoses. In other instances, you might need help weighing multiple treatment options or simply want to make sure every avenue has been explored. All are great reasons for seeing a second physician.

“Many advances have been

made in recent years for treating breast cancer,” Bleicher said. “If your original oncologist or surgeon is not a breast cancer specialist, you may not be hearing about the most up-to-date treatments.”

Where to Seek a Second Opinion

It’s worth heading to a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center for a second opinion. There, you’ll meet with a multidisciplinary team of experts who specialize in breast cancer and work together to create the best treatment plan for each patient.

“Each specialist who sees the patient at a comprehensive cancer center is fully aware of the nuances among different breast cancer types. When creating a plan for that patient, the whole team takes those nuances into account,” Bleicher said. “What some doctors, or even specialists, may see once in a career, those at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center like Fox Chase

may see on an annual or even monthly basis. That’s why even outside specialists send patients to us for opinions.”

You might also gain access to treatments that aren’t yet available elsewhere, since comprehensive cancer centers are at the forefront of cancer research.

Scheduling an Appointment

If you are interested in getting a second opinion, start by talking with your current doctor. They can help you gather the medical records, imaging studies, and lab and test results you’ll need to share with the second physician.

Your physician may also be able to recommend someone to get a second opinion from, but other options include asking people you know who’ve been affected by breast cancer or doing research of your own.

When it comes time to make your appointment, know that you have options. Whether you’re located far away from the expert you want to see or you’re trying to maintain social distancing, some

Dental Arts of Chestnut Hill Nidhi

centers—including Fox Chase— offer second opinion consultations via telehealth, when appropriate.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-888-FOX-CHASE.

Five things to know if you have dense breast tissue

Nearly half of women over 40 who have mammograms are found to have dense breasts. If you’re one of them, you may be wondering what exactly that means and how it impacts your risk for breast cancer. Here’s what you should know.

There’s nothing unusual about dense breasts.

Breasts are made up of glandular, connective, and fat tissue. Dense breasts simply have more glandular and connective tissue, and less fat tissue. All categories of breast density are completely normal.

Having dense breasts can affect your breast cancer risk.

Experts don’t fully understand why, but women with dense breast tissue are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer. Still, it’s only one factor among many that may increase your lifetime risk of the disease.

It can also be harder to spot cancer when looking at dense breast tissue on a mammogram image. Fatty tissue shows up as black, (Continued from page 15)

Breast cancer prevention drugs

Approximatelyoneineight womenintheUnitedStates willdevelopbreastcancer intheirlifetime.Butnotevery woman’schancesofdevelopingthe diseasearethesame,andthosewith moreriskfactorsmightbenefitfrom takingchemopreventionagents.

Chemopreventionagentsare drugsthatcaninhibitorslowthe growthofcancercells.Forsome womenwhodon’tcurrentlyhave breastcancer,takingmedications liketamoxifen,raloxifene,oraromataseinhibitorscanhelpreduce theiroddsforgettingsometypesof thediseaseinthefuture,according torecommendationsfromtheU.S. PreventiveServicesTaskForce (USPSTF).

Here’ssomemoreinformation abouttheserecommendationsand howyouandyourdoctorcandecide whetherthesemedicationsareright foryou.

Whobenefitsfromchemopreventionagents?

Medicationsliketamoxifenand raloxifeneworkbyblockingthe effectsofestrogeninbreasttissue, whilearomataseinhibitorsworkby stoppingotherhormonesinthe bodyfromturningintoestrogen. Bothofthosemechanismscanhelp thwartthedevelopmentofbreast cancersthatareestrogenreceptorpositive(ER-positive).

Womenwhoareathighriskof developingbreastcancerandatlow riskforadversesideeffectscanbenefitfromtakingchemoprevention drugsand,accordingtotheUSPSTF,theyshouldbeofferedthe optionoftakingthem.

Youmaybeacandidateforthe drugsifyouhaveacombinationof riskfactorsforbreastcancer,includingifyou:

•Areolder

•Haveafamilyhistoryofbreast

Five things to know

(Continued from page 14)

while dense tissue shows up as white. Masses or tumors can appear white as well, so they’re not always easy to see in dense breasts.

You can have dense breasts and not know it—until you have a mammogram.

Dense breasts don’t have a certain size or shape. And breasts that feel firm aren’t necessarily dense. In fact, the only way to determine breast density is with a mammogram. In Pennsylvania, state law requires that your health care provider inform you about your breast density level in your mammogram report because of the slight increase in breast cancer risk for women with dense breast tissue.

Your doctor may recommend additional screening if you have dense breasts.

Regular breast cancer screenings are the most reliable way to find breast cancer early. But because

masses in dense breasts can be difficult to detect on mammograms alone, your healthcare provider might recommend more detailed screenings. These can include:

•Breast ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Molecular breast imaging (MBI). •

This is a special type of nuclear imaging test. It shows the metabolic activity in breast tissue that could reflect breast cancer. MBI isn’t widely available, but it’s offered at certain specialized cancer centers.

Experts haven’t yet reached a conclusion on the value of additional screening only for women who have dense breasts. Additional screenings can be helpful, but they could also lead to false positives. That could subject women to even more testing, not to mention unnecessary stress.

The American Cancer Society recommends talking with your doc-

cancer,especiallybreastcancerat youngerages

•Havehadanabnormalbreast biopsyresult,suchasatypicalductal hyperplasia,atypicallobularhyperplasia,orlobularcarcinomainsitu •Haveneverbeenpregnantor hadtheirfirstpregnancyatage30or later •Earlyonsetofmenarche(age11 oryounger)

Together,youandyourdoctor canreviewyourindividualriskfactorstodeterminewhetheryour chancesfordevelopingbreastcancerarehigherthanaverage.Ifthey are,itmakessensetohaveaconversationabouttakingchemopreventionagents.

Weighingtheprosandcons

Ifyouareatincreasedriskfor breastcancer,itdoesn’tautomaticallymeanchemopreventionmedicationsareagoodchoiceforyou. Tamoxifen,raloxifene,andaro-

tor to determine what’s best for you. If you have other factors that put you at higher risk for breast cancer, such as gene mutations or a family history of the disease, more screenings might make sense. If you don’t, you may decide to stick with regular mammograms. Overall, it’s something that each woman with dense breasts needs to make her own decision about after an informed discussion with her doctor.

You should know your breast density. But don’t let it scare you. Being aware of your breast density can help you better make decisions about screening options, including how often and where to be screened. Just remember to keep the big picture in mind. Dense breasts may increase your breast cancer risk. But it is just one factor and it is unknown if having dense breasts increases the risk for every individual.

mataseinhibitorsallhavethe potentialtocausesignificantside effects.Theseinclude:

Fortamoxifenandraloxifene: bloodclotsandahigherriskofuterinecancer

Foraromataseinhibitors: hot flashes,boneandmusclepain,and decreasedbonedensityandahigher riskoffractures

It’svitaltomakeafullyinformed decisionbytalkingwithyourdoctor aboutthepotentialbenefitsand downsidesoftakingchemopreventionagents.Forinstance,ifyou’re alreadyatriskfordevelopingblood clotsorcertainothercancers,you’ll wanttoseriouslyconsiderhow chemopreventiondrugsmightfurtherraiseyourrisk.

NATHAN SIVIN

Nathan Sivin (1931-2022), a Hill resident for over forty years with his wife Carole Sivin (1936-2020) since 1977, died June 24th at the age of 91 in their home on Roanoke street overlooking Pastorius Park. His beloved wife preceded him in death December 30th, 2020. Previously, they also lived together in Taiwan, Singapore, Kyoto, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. They spent most of the hot Philadelphia summers between 19742000 at the Needham Research Institute, Gonville and Caius College, and St. John’s College at Cambridge University in England.

In 1931, Dr. Sivin was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and grew up in nearby Fairmont. By his own account, he had a mediocre education. But at the time, the Pepsi-Cola company gave two college scholarships in each state, one to a boy and one to a girl. Having received the highest college entrance score in his state in 1948, he was awarded this fellowship. It provided full tuition for any college that would accept him. In a recent interview, he spoke about this unusual start to what became an illustrious career: “Now I knew nothing about colleges but when I asked a chemistry teacher where I should go she really didn’t know much about colleges but she suggested MIT so I applied there and they let me in, I suppose because I had the scholarship.”

He started his academic training at MIT as a chemistry major in 1948, but sometime in 1951 during the Korean War he left college and joined the U.S. army. By the time his basic training was completed, however, the Korean war was over. Seeking more challenges, he enrolled in the Chinese-language program at the Army Language School in California. This was his first introduction to Chinese culture. Shortly after completing the 18-month course in Chinese language, he recalled in an interview: “I was pleased to find out that MIT had begun a combined program called Science and Humanities, which meant I could graduate with relatively little work so it took me a year after I got out of the army to finish my MIT degree.”

The next year he received an SB in Science and Humanities (chemistry minor) at MIT (1958) and then he studied the history of science at Harvard (1962 MA, 1966 PhD). While working on his PhD thesis, Nathan and Carole married in Singapore in 1962. In Taiwan, he studied classical Chinese and philosophy with the Manchu prince Aisin Gioro Yü-yün (1961-1962), in Singapore he studied Chinese alchemy (1962-1963), and in Kyoto, he was a visiting professor at the Research Institute of Humanistic Studies (1967-1980).

While being promoted in his first academic position from assistant up to full professor of humanities at MIT (1966-1977), he also established what is now MIT’s prestigious Science, Technology, and Society Program. In 1977, Dr. Sivin was both elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and accepted a new position at the University of Pennsylvania (1977-2006) as professor of Oriental Studies. This title was later changed to Professor of Chinese culture and the history of science. He taught a range of courses there from the Scientific Revolution in Europe and the sociology of professionalization to advanced classical Chinese and the history of science, technology, and medicine. He was appointed to no fewer than eight departments and programs. He wrote or edited over fifteen books as well as numerous pathbreaking essays, many of which revolutionized the thinking in the fields within which he worked. The books include Chinese Alchemy: Preliminary Studies (1968); Copernicus in China, published in Japanese (1984); Traditional Medicine in Contemporary China (1987); Medicine, Philosophy, and Religion in Ancient China: Researches and Reflections (1995); The Way and The Word: Science and Medicine in Early Greece and China (co-authored with Sir Geoffrey Lloyd, 2000); Granting the Seasons: the Chinese Astronomical Reform of 1280, with an Annotated Translation and Study of its Many Dimensions (2008); Methodology of the History of Science (2011), published in Chinese by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Health Care in Eleventh-Century China (2015). [Full citations and links to many publications are on his website https://hss.sas.upenn.edu/people/nathan-sivin]

He also established the journal Chinese Science, which is now called East Asian Science, Technology, and Medicine and is the journal of the International Society of the History of East Asian Science, Technology, and Medicine. Upon retirement from Penn, he took emeritus status but continued to informally advise Penn and other graduate students, help newly minted PhDs and established scholars, and publish his own scholarship. Up until his final days, Dr. Sivin was completing revisions of what will be a major sourcebook for the history of Chinese medicine. Comprised of 120 translations of a wide range of texts on healing in China from the first century to the end of the nineteenth, it will be posthumously published.

He is survived by three sisters-in-law – Mary Sivin, Dolores Delmore Santandrea, and Judith Delmore Styrcula – and their families. His groundbreaking work lives on in the many students he generously mentored and the countless scholars around the world that he profoundly inspired.

In addition to being long-term Chestnut Hill residents, Nathan and Carole Sivin were also active members of the Franklin Inn Club in Philadelphia –Nathan being President from 1995 to 1997 as well as wine steward for another fifteen years. The Franklin Inn Club is the beneficiary of their estate and has devoted a reception room in their honor containing some of their furniture, many of Carole’s artworks, and photographs of them both.

Near their home, The Chestnut Hill Cat Clinic will exhibit some of Carole’s ceramic cat portraits and a Pastorius Park bench will have a plaque placed in their honor. His extensive library is going to the Humanities library at Tel Aviv University where it will be the basis for a research lab on the history of science and medicine in China. A selection of Sivin’s collection of scrolls, paintings, and seals under lots 149-169 will be put up for auction at Freeman’s Asian Art auction Oct 18th: https://www.freemansauction.com/auction/1744

-asian-arts/?au=5632

Additional donations in Dr. Sivin’s memory are being directed toward two funds established in his honor: a fund for graduate-student fellowships at the Needham Research Institute, Cambridge University, England and a junior essay award connected to the journal and society he helped establish. (Contact person Marta Hanson: mhanson4@jhmi.edu)

Nathan and Carole were fervent art, music, and cat lovers as well. They were generous, kind, and inseparable. All those whose lives they touched deeply miss them both.

Obituary Policy

The Chestnut Hill Local now accepts death notices up until 5 p.m. Friday for our paper published the following Thursday. To submit a death notice, please send it to classifieds@chestnuthilllocal.com or by mail to 8434 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118.

Elizabeth Holmes Webb, a longtime resident of Chestnut Hill and Huntingdon Valley, died peacefully at her home last Wednesday, September 28. She was 96.

“Betts,” as she was called by family and friends, was an accomplished horticulturist and flower arranger who received numerous awards from the Garden Club of America, the Philadelphia Flower Show as well local flower shows. She was a member of both the Huntingdon Valley Garden Club and the Nantucket Garden Club.

In addition to her creativity with flowers, she created Sailor’s Valentines, a form of patterned shell craft originated by sailors and women of Barbados.

Married to the late Charles J. Webb II, a specialty chemical entrepreneur, she moved to Chestnut Hill in 1983, and subsequently moved to Wyndmoor in 1998 after her husband died. At home and on the “Hill”, Betts was often accompanied by her Toy Poodle tucked in her handbag or coat.

Mrs. Webb graduated from

death notice

ROSE JOHNSON RANDALL

Rose Johnson Randall, “Posey,” died peacefully on 9/24/2022 at the age of 97. Born in Baltimore Maryland in 1925 to Rose Haxall Johnson and Dr. Robert W. Johnson, she married Dr. Peter Randall in 1948. In Chestnut Hill, they raised Deborah, Peter, Julia, and Susanna who, with their spouses, have added six grandchildren and two great grands. Her greatest joy and legacy was the family she created with Peter, the times they traveled together and the sharing of their expertise in science and medicine to improve the lives of children and families around the world. A depth of compassion, wisdom, and graciousness endeared Posey to her friends and family. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree. For a full obituary, please see http://www.craftfuneralhomes.com/

death notice

LEAH RIBAND

Leah Riband (born Leah Rae Hyslop), aged 84, of Fort Washington, PA, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother and friend to many, passed away on September 23, 2022 in Lafayette Hill.

Leah was born in Hammond, Indiana in 1938 and earned a B.S. in Nursing from St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she met her late husband Herb Riband. During her nursing career, she held various positions that included working at St. Joseph's Villa as well as Wissahickon Hospice. Prior to her retirement from nursing, Leah was employed by the state of Pennsylvania as a test administrator for the certification of nurses' aides.

Leah had many interests and hobbies and was an active volunteer in multiple organizations. She was a Girl Scout leader who eventually oversaw all troops in Springfield Township. Leah was active in the Outdoor Gardeners' Club in Chestnut Hill, created beautiful dried flower arrangements for exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower Show (including one that she was invited to bring to the White House), ran a doggy day camp, and started a school of traditional rug hooking that lasted 15 years. Leah joined St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Fort Washington where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and contributed to the community outreach and hospitality committees. Additionally, she was honored for 30 years' worth of volunteer work for The Highlands Mansion and Gardens in Fort Washington, where she served as president and vice-president in charge of garden restoration.

Leah took great pleasure in regular gatherings with family and friends, caring for pets, traveling around the world, scuba diving, gardening and baking. She is survived by her son Herb and wife Jeanine, her son Anthony and wife Lisa, her grandchildren Daniel and Michelle, and many nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her husband Herb, daughter Rosemarie and brothers Bill and Dale.

A memorial service will be hosted virtually by St. Thomas' Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 19th at 11:00am Eastern time. If you would like to attend please use the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83392585275. For more information, see: http://www.craftfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to perform an act of kindness for a person in need or make a contribution to any altruistic charitable organization.

Ogontz School for Young Ladies where she participated in an innovation at the time: military exercises for female college students, complete with uniforms, and faux weapons. Alumnae of Ogontz, which was later absorbed by Penn State University, say they can identify a former student by her posture and gait.

Mrs. Webb was a cancer survivor and volunteer for American Cancer Society, Abington Hospital and The Junior League. She was also a member of the Acorn Club and Sunnybrook Golf Club.

Mrs. Webb is survived by three children: Lisa Webb Howe, Nina Webb Cullen and Charles J. Webb, III. There will be a service for Mrs. Webb on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 3 pm at St Paul’s Church in Chestnut Hill. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in her name to Friends of the Wissahickon, visit fow.org/membership-dona tions/donate/

SCH girls soccer wins against Episcopal Academy team

by Tom Utescher

The girls of Springside

Chestnut Hill Academy

remained unbeaten in Inter-Ac League soccer last week, but in Thursday afternoon's home game it took an overtime goal to push the Blue Devils past the Episcopal Academy Churchwomen, 1-0.

Toward the end of the first of two five-minute OT periods (in the Inter-Ac these are played in full, with no golden goal), Maryland-bound senior Lisa McIntyre scored off an assist from classmate Abby Kenkelen to raise the team's league record to 4-0.

The Blue Devils had started the league campaign the previous week with victories over Agnes Irwin (3-0) and Penn Charter (3-

1), and through a scheduling quirk they played Germantown Academy just a day before last week's Episcopal match. SCH won this game on the road, 2-0, on goals by seniors Lanie Franklin and Mary Trudeau.

Episcopal arrived at SCH last week with a 2-0 record in the league that reflected victories over Baldwin School (4-0) and GA (4-1).

After Thursday's home game, Blue Devils head coach Maria Kosmin commented, "We knew Episcopal was strong and plays great soccer and matches up well against us. They're fast and they're not easy to defend. Our back four had their hands full, so I was happy to get another shutout. We played the day before, but we have enough depth

so we usually can get fresh legs on the field when we need them."

With the EA outcome, Springside Chestnut Hill arrived in double digits in the win column, at 10-1. The Devils had started the season rankled sixth in a major national pre-season poll, so they've had a target on their backs from the get-go. Their lone loss came on September 17 at Conestoga High School by a 1-0 score.

Trudeau, a player whose absence is felt all over the field, could not perform in that game due to a family commitment. She's a defensive midfielder who can also come up to score, particularly in clutch situations. In the Blue Devils' only tie in their undefeated 2021 season, they fell

(Continued on page 18)

SCH and Episcopal players follow the downward path of an airborne ball.

Blue Devils senior Lisa McIntyre (right) wrong-foots Episcopal's Ella Becket.

Lanie Franklin, an SCH senior (right) leans into the attack.

SCH girls soccer wins SPORTS

(Continued from page 18)

behind Pennington School, 2-0. They got on the board, but still appeared headed for defeat until Trudeau tied the match with 24 seconds remaining in regulation.

Episcopal had an important player missing at Springside last Thursday. Quinn Whitaker, a freshman standout in 2021, had not yet played this fall due to injury.

Episcopal had the ball in the Blue Devils' box about 10 minutes in, but after several touches it ended up in the hands of senior goalie Ellie Stratz. A little later, a shot by SCH junior Abby Udowenko missed near the top right corner, and a direct kick by senior Bella Brown travelled into the arms of Maya Naimoli, the senior goalkeeper for the Churchwomen.

Both sides continued to have opportunities on offense. Just past the midpoint of the first half, Episcopal had the ball bouncing around dangerously in the Springside box, but Stratz eventually secured it.

Six minutes into last Thursday's contest, an SCH corner kick from the left sent the ball through the EA box untouched. A number of times later on, SCH corners and also crosses in real-time play drove the ball across the front of the goal without anyone sealing off the play on the weak side.

With around a dozen minutes left, the Blue Devils brought the ball down the right wing and switched it over to McIntyre on the left, resulting in a shot that rose over the visitors' crossbar. It was still 0-0 at halftime.

Even against teams that know very well how her squad plays, SCH's Kosmin doesn't make major changes.

"We may move some people around, or tell them things, like at

halftime today, maybe don't look too short," she said. "We try not to make a lot of adjustments. I think what we do, we do really well, and

that's keep the ball, be patient, and play good soccer. I have confidence in the abilities of our players."

As usual, the Blue Devils changed goalkeepers for the second half, sending in sophomore Gracyn Lee-Torchiana. Her teammates seized the initiative on offense as the second period got underway, but the first viable shot went straight to EA's Naimoli.

Attacking in the other direction in transition, the Churchwomen put a little too much pace on a through pass, and Torchiana gobbled up the ball. The next sorties by the two offenses each ended up with the ball in the hands of the opposing goalie.

After a visiting player received a yellow card, EA weathered an SCH corner kick without difficulty. With 10 minutes on the clock, Brown made a nice cross through the box from right to left, but the Blue Devils didn't get a touch at the far post.

"We cross the ball well," Coach Kosmin said, "but with these teams that know us pretty well, we need to work to make sure we have people on the end of that."

A ball blooped toward the Devils' goal by the Churchwomen bounced off the top of the crossbar, and before long the teams headed into overtime with a pair of zeroes still on the scoreboard.

Springside attacked aggressively at the start of the first overtime stint, and after EA's Naimoli lost her handle on a ball in the box she had to scramble to get it back. Midway through the first OT, McIntyre drove a free kick from the right side through the box, but again the Blue Devils had no one in a good spot for a shot.

They kept attacking, and from out on the left endline senior Julia Thomson directed the ball toward the near post. Kenkelen was stationed there and she deftly flicked the ball in the air across the mouth of the goal. This time SCH had someone moving to the right spot at the right moment; McIntyre finished the play with 1:21 to go in the first OT.

With no golden goal in the Inter-Ac rules, another six minutes of soccer was played, and SCH was in control most of the time. The Blue Devils came away with a hard fought 1-0 victory.

"For most of the game we could've had more chances in the box, but then in overtime you saw our energy level pick up," Kosmin remarked. "This may be the first time this year that I saw the fight and the grit in them. It was fun to watch.”

Episcopal goalie Maya Naimoli (second from right) almost collides with SCH senior Mary Trudeau during a rumble in front of the EA goal. The ball travelled outside of the right goalpost.

For more photos of this game, as well as photos and stories about Germantown Academy’s Inter-Ac League opening day soccer game with the Episcopal Academy last Friday; Mount St. Joseph Academy’s golf victory over Villa Maria Academy and its tennis team’s matchup against Gwynedd Mercy Academy, go to chestnuthilllocal.com

P e l z z u s Games &

Answers can be found on page 27.

The Northwest celebrates the Jewish tradition of Sukkot

by Len Lear

Mid-October brings the ancient Jewish festival of Sukkot, a joyful, week-long harvest holiday that some believe was the original inspiration for Thanksgiving. Held on the fifth day after Yom Kippur, it can be a small and private affair or a large and convivial one – but if it’s going to follow tradition it involves singing, dancing and lots of delicious food, all taking place in a temporary outdoor hut.

The hut, called the sukkah, is often beautifully decorated in a harvest theme, with homemade ornaments, paintings, and streamers. The roof should be made out of thatch or branches, which provides some shade and protection from the sun, but also allows the stars to be seen at night. Traditionally, the sukkah (plural is sukkot) becomes a festive place to invite friends and family to eat, pray, sing and relax, and sometimes even sleep, throughout the week. The holiday is simultaneously a harvest festival, a remembrance of the huts that Israelites lived in during their years in the wilderness, and an ode to impermanence.

And this year, two local Jewish groups are celebrating in a big way.

The Germantown Jewish Centre at Ellet Street and Lincoln Drive in West Mt. Airy is Launching “SukkahFest,” a week-long series of outdoor events from Oct. 9-15 with a firm focus on the environment. The festival, which will include musical prayer services and teachings, is open to the public.

Rabbi Adam Zeff will be presenting on Friday evening, and Saturday morning, Oct. 15. Rabbi Ellen Bernstein, founder of Shomrei Adamah (“Keepers of the Earth”), the first national Jewish environmental organization, will lead services.

And in Fort Washington, Folkshul, a Jewish secular humanistic community and Sunday school is holding a two-day festival. This

includes a dinner and overnight camping at Fort Washington State Park for the oldest students and their families, complete with music, games and stargazing. Then on Sunday, the community is partnering with jkidphilly, an organization that serves families who are raising Jewish children, to invite anyone interested in Jewish history, culture and traditions to come and experience this convivial holiday. Registration is required.

“Sukkot is one of the most joyful holidays on the Jewish calendar,” said Beth Margolis Rupp, a co-founder of Philadelphia's Folkshul. “Not only do we celebrate the bounty of the autumn by eating delicious foods outdoors in the sukkah, we will share stories, learn about mediation in nature, we sing and dance, design edible sukkot, blow the shofar and continue to acknowledge the deep relationship to the earth with gratitude. We acknowledge the bittersweetness of our ancestors and any people who suffer from homelessness, hunger and peril.”

Rabbi Bernstein, of GJC, who

also emphasized the holiday’s focus on nature, said she’s particularly proud of how many people from the Jewish community in Northwest Philadelphia are leaders in the field.

“I think what’s special about this story is how awesome the Northwest Philadelphia Jewish community is,” Rabbi Bernstein said, adding that many of the young Jewish leaders now living here are relatively recent transplants from Brooklyn. “There are many national leaders of new Jewish organizations living here, and they are all contributing to make this a really special event for the community.”

In addition to Rabbi Bernstein, members of the Centre’s “Green Team” who have organized the SukkahFest events include Eve Bratman, associate professor of environmental studies at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster; Mark Fallon, director of Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington; Anna Herman, longtime urban gardener, cook, writer and environmental educator; Steve Jones, organizer of ecological restoration projects with Wis-

sahickon Restoration Volunteers; Nami Lieberman, a participant in Einayich Yonim, a Jewish spirituality fellowship program for high school youth.

Also Rabbi Nathan Martin, associate rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel of Media; Ari Miller, landscape architect and project manager for projects with environmental and social missions; Mindy Shapiro, longtime Jewish communal professional and artist; Vivian and Yoni Stadlin; founders of Eden Village Camp, a Jewish farm-to-table sleepaway camp; and Rabbi Arthur Waskow, founder and director of The Shalom Center, advocate for eco-justice and author/editor of more than 20 books.

Public programs, most of which will be held outdoors in a sukkah will include a talk about Philadelphia’s first-ever urban forest strategic plan with Ari Miller, of Hinge Collective, a public interest design firm, a discussion on urban agriculture with Herman, an exploration of solar opportunities with Martin, a conversation about greening opportunities in Mt. Airy with

Jones, a nature appreciation bike ride with Shapiro, an eco-Zoom event with Waskow, a music café hosted by the Stadlins, stories of efforts to save bees with Bratman, as well as opportunities to just hang out and meet neighbors.

Rabbi Bernstein, who has spent much of her career studying and writing about the ecological dimensions of Judaism and the Hebrew Bible, said Judaism is a land-based tradition, and many of its holidays are celebrations of the agricultural season.

“The eco-philosopher Aldo Leopold understood land to be a community of earth, water, air, plants, insects, animals and us,” she said. “When you start to understand land in ecological terms as an ecosystem, as earth, then you can see that Judaism is an ecologically-sensitive tradition.”

For a schedule of events, addresses and more information about the SukkahFest programs, please visit germantownjewishcentre.org/sukka hfest. For more information and to register for the Folkshul celebration, email leah@folkshul.org.

The Jewish holiday of Sukkot is a week-long celebration and one of the most joyous on the Jewish calendar.

St. Paul’s choristers celebrate St. Michael with angelic authority

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill presented its first Choral Evensong of the season Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25. The liturgy celebrated the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and All Angels, transferred from Thursday, Sept. 29, the official date in the calendar.

Parish music director Andrew Kotylo chose a program of music that was both magisterial, in keeping with St. Michael’s role in both the Old and New Testaments as commander of the heavenly hosts, and angelic in his role as defender of individual Christians.

The music strides forward to project the Blessed Virgin Mary’s exuberances at the Archangel Gabriel’s having informed her that she will bear the long-awaited Messiah and St. Elizabeth’s recognition of her as the mother of the savior of the world. All sections of the choir – from the sopranos at the top to the basses at the bottom – are engaged in the spacious panoply of the music’s counterpoint.

with exemplary work at the organ console. He played the opening “Evening Song” by Bairstow with both delicacy and potency then rounded it off with flair in Percy Whitlock’s mock-Elgar “March: Dignity and Impudence.”

NoteWorthy

by Michael Caruso mjcjsb@aol.com

With Michael Smith (of St. Thomas, Whitemarsh Episcopal Church) providing support at the organ, Kotylo led his choristers in Herbert Howells’ “Magnificat” and “Nunc Dimittis” from his “Collegium Regale.” The anthem at the offertory was Edward Bairstow’s “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent.”

Both Howells’ “Magnificat” and “Nunc Dimittis” employ the organ as accompaniment, proffering a full body of orchestral color in support of a broad palette of choral textures.

In accordance with the narrative of its text, the “Magnificat” begins softly but almost immediately ascends into a step-by-step crescendo of forces and dynamics.

Kotylo conducted a superb rendition of this splendid score. The singing encompassed a wide range of dynamics, from the softest pianissima to the loudest fortissimos, delineating both the gentle intimacy of a sublime faith and the unfettered joy of belief in the unbelievable.

Howells struck a more subdued tone in the “Nunc Dimittis,” capturing and projecting St. Simeon’s gratitude at having been given the chance to see the infant Jesus before his own passing. Each phrase of the score flows into the next without pause, so that the narrative of its text is offered in an unbroken legato of lyricism.

Once again, Kotylo, Smith and the Adult Choir of St. Paul’s Church gave this glowing work a consummately compelling reading, rounding off each phrase with delicacy and warmth.

Bairstow’s “Let All Flesh Keep Silence” is a marvel of combining the new with the old. Its unison soft beginning harks back to the Gregorian chant that formed the foundation of European sacred music from the early 7th century, when Pope Gregory the Great codified the music to be sung in all the liturgies of the Latin

BOYD’S ANTIQUES

by Priscilla Boyd Angelos

The Largest Selection of Quality18th &19th Century Antiques in the Area

NOW LOCATED: 1510 BETHLEHEM PIKE, FLOURTOWN 215-880-6268

www.boydsantiques.com

Church in the West.

It was a seminal moment, both musically and culturally in the broader sense. It marked the break between the Latin West and the Greek East, not just in the Christian Church but in the entirety of what had been the unity of the Mediterranean world of the now-splintered Roman Empire. It was a break that has never been healed.

With medieval “plainsong” at its heart, Bairstow’s score builds

one layer at a time into the chromatic tonal language of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Traditional techniques of development, such as canonic imitation and lyrical counterpoint, produce an expansive texture of choral intricacy.

Once again, Kotylo led his forces with exactitude and expressivity. The singing glowed with clarity and coursed with emotion.

Kotylo bookended the service

The afternoon also celebrated the completion of the restoration of the Parish Hall, which has a special connection with the “saint of the day.” At the back of the hall is a stained glass window of St. Michael the Archangel made in the Tiffany studio. At some point, it had been damaged and a chip had fallen out. Miraculously, as it were, that chip was found and has now been reinserted in one of the most beautiful Tiffany windows in Greater Philadelphia.

Coming up at St. Paul’s Church are several musical moments of note. The parish’s 2022-23 season of “Five Fridays” fundraising chamber music recitals gets underway Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by mezzosoprano Chrystal Williams and pianist Andrew Hauze. The next Choral Evensong is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16, at 5 p.m.

Perhaps most interesting of all will be the performance of John Rutter’s “Requiem” Sunday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m., marking the ancient Solemn Eucharist for All Souls. In recent years, the settings of the “Requiem” by either Gabriel Faure or Maurice Durufle have alternated. Kotylo decided it was time for a change.

You can contact NOTEWORTHY at Michael-caruso@comcast .net. To read more NOTEWORTHY visit www.chestnuthilllocal .org.

BLUM’S CHESTNUT HILL ANTIQUES

PHILADELPHIA AREA'S LARGEST INVENTORY

A Choral Evensong at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church marked the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and All Angels.The saint’s image is depicted in a stained glass window made for the church in the Tiffany Studio.

Local singer hosts songwriting workshop through October

by Tom Beck

When local singer-songwriter Meghan Cary first started writing songs, she’d write them outside.

“There’s something about getting away from all the stuff and all the to-dos that, at least for me, surround me in my house,” she said. “There’s something about the fresh air that lifts all the weights that hold me down on writing.”

For that reason, Meghan Cary, an Erdenheim resident, is taking her latest workshop, Songwriting: Inspiration and Technique,” outside at Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania. The workshop will be on four Thursday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27.

Cary has long been a songwriter and a songwriting coach, but this will be the first time she conducts a group workshop that she has facilitated.

“The Morris Arboretum came

to me and asked if there was something I could do coachingwise in the arboretum,” she told the Local. “I said I think what we need to do is be writing [outdoors.]”

According to Cary, the workshop for experienced as well as aspiring songwriters is intended to “prime the pump, inspire new ideas, and introduce songwriting techniques in a supportive and motivating environment.”

Critiques will be offered if they’re desired, but the workshop is meant to be more about “the inspiration and the reinvigorating a practice of songwriting and about giving people access to their own ideas,” Cary said.

For experienced songwriters, that could mean “offering them new tools in their toolbox” to use in their songwriting process, she continued. For beginners, that could mean “setting up the toolbox.”

“I think it would be great to get beginners access to that part of our brain that writes songs,”

Cary explained. “I want to take some of the mystery off it.”

The goal will be to have attendees write new songs each week.

“Sometimes,” Cary said, “that’s all you need is to be held accountable.”

The workshop is $145 for Morris Arboretum members and $160 for non-members.

• Repair of Dolls and Toys

• Doll Clothes, Wigs, Stands, Shoes and Accessories

• We Buy and Sell Dolls

• We Buy and Sell STEIFF Roxanne LeMay 215-628-2466 For Appointment

Singer-songwriter Meghan Cary, of Erdenheim, will lead a series of songwriting technique workshops on the grounds at Morris Arboretum.

Compelling drama, 'Love Letters,' at Center on Hill

by Len Lear

Legendary historians David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin have both written that much of their research for their biographies of historical giants like Benjamin Franklin, Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln consisted of reading and quoting from letters written between them and their family and friends.

Since so few people write and send handwritten letters anymore, it leads one to wonder whether future historians, writing biographies of 21st century titans, will be quoting brief snippets from text messages and emails.

It’s a question worth thinking about when and if you see the Pulitzer Prize finalist “Love Letters” by A.J. Gurney at the Center on the Hill in the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m.

The entire play consists of two elderly people who sit side by side at tables and read the notes, letters and cards they had sent to each other over nearly 50 years. The pair discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, and all the victories and defeats they have experienced throughout their separated lives. There is no action and no scenery.

“I know it sounds boring,” said Lawrence Geller, who plays Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, opposite his real-life wife,

Bernadette Cronin-Geller, who plays Melissa Gardner. “But it is so beautifully written that it is quite compelling. I would urge anyone who is not able to see it to get a copy of the script and read it.”

A virtual who's who of marquee name actors and actresses have played these two roles on and off Broadway and around the country since it premiered in the New York Public Library in 1988. The actors in that maiden voyage were the playwright himself and Holland Taylor, a graduate of Lower Merion High School who won a best supporting actress Emmy in 1999 for her role in the ABC drama “The Practice.”

The Gellers, who lived in the Henry on the Park apartment complex in Roxborough for years before moving three years ago to the Philadelphia Protestant Home, a retirement complex in Northeast Philadelphia, have been fixtures in the Philadelphia community theater scene for more

than 50 years. Their first play, “Norman, is That You?” was produced in 1970 at the Plays and Players theater Center City. Lawrence played Norman, a young man who “comes out” as gay (very daring back then). Bernadette played a prostitute who Norman's father believes will “convert” him. “I used my New Yawk accent,” she said.

In 2016, Lawrence starred in “Country Girl” at Stagecrafters in Chestnut Hill. (East Falls legend Grace Kelly won a best actress Oscar for the film version of the Clifford Odets drama in 1954.)

“We want to keep our talents up to snuff,” Lawrence said last week, “but there are not many roles available for octogenarians.”

A friend who has since died suggested this play, he said, and sent him the script.

“I loved it,” Lawrence said. “I kept it and offered to do it at the Protestant Home, and they said yes. We did it in May, and we will be doing it at Colonial Playhouse in Aldan, Delaware County, next February for three performances. We offered it to the Center on the Hill, and they said yes, and we are excited about the Oct. 11 performance.”

Bernadette, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Germantown, grew up in Brooklyn but went to college in Philadelphia, where she earned her masters and doctorate degrees in social work at the University of Pennsylvania. Her interests include pottery, art and water aerobics. The Gellers previously started two theater groups, Rittenhouse Players on the Square and much later, Nostalgia Productions.

Lawrence grew up in West Philadelphia and has worked as a journalist, investigator and teacher. He was a reporter for The Philadelphia Tribune and has been a freelance writer for many area publications, including The Chestnut Hill Local. Both he and Bernadette have been active in many social justice causes over the years. They have been in numerous marches on Washington, D.C., but they say those days are over and have been replaced by cortisone shots.

Lawrence's favorite play is “God's Favorite” by Neil Simon, a modern take-off on The Book of Job in the Bible, which he performed at Village Players of Hatboro and Colonial Playhouse in Aldan. When asked how he can memorize so many lines, he replied, “One at a time.”

“Love Letters” consists of two half-hour acts, separated by a 15minute intermission. For more information, call 215-247-8855 or visit chestnuthillpres.org/center-on-thehill/. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com

The poignant play "Love Letters" will be performed by Lawrence Geller and his wife Bernadette Cronin-Geller at the Center on the Hill in the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Chestnut

Ialways enjoy receiving feedback from my columns in the Chestnut Hill Local. My last article about King Charles’ III “Vision of Britain” received more than the usual amount. While staffing the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s booth at Fall for the

By Design

by

Arts this past Sunday, numerous people stopped by to share their thoughts on the King’s vision and how it relates to our own historic community.

King Charles, if you recall, appreciates historic architecture much more than the modernist styles. He also draws specific parallels between the built environment and the quality of life, along with the challenges presented when the character of a community is threatened by overdevelopment, and by proposed buildings that do not reflect the historic elements that surround them.

I shopped along Germantown Avenue as a young girl, with my grandmother, and was thrilled to actually move here in 1984. Chestnut Hill had a character that I loved. It was a blend of cobblestone streets, gardens, and especially the historic architecture that encompassed buildings from the 18th century onward. It was the quality of the materials, the natural stone, the painted wood, the windows of “true divided lights;” historic architectural elements such as slate roofs, deep brackets, fluted columns, and circular archways. The Woodward family incorporated these elements along with intimate groupings of buildings that created the village we still love.

Our commercial district was a mix of architectural styles that in the 50’s had started to lose its identity. A local business man decided to alter the facades of some buildings by “Colonializing” them, creating the more unified theme still seen today.

Because our community is part of a large city, we are subject to its zoning laws, rules and regulations, which play a huge role in how we, as concerned citizens, can attempt to regulate our surroundings.

Soon after I moved here, I joined what was then called the “Aesthetics Committee,” and was soon chairing that committee. Over several years, we researched and completed a document called the Germantown Avenue Urban Design Guidelines.”This 30-page document addresses three distinct areas of the Avenue, and provides specific recommendations and instructions on how to maintain the character and village atmosphere.

We depended on the role of the Chestnut Hill Business Associa-

tion, which understood the importance of why people came here to shop, and why our identity was crucial to maintain the allimportant atmosphere. The committee had a difficult task, especially in light of the growing number of chain stores, who had their own trade marks and identities to market.

We stressed the importance of “the guidelines” and convinced many national chains that in order to have the privilege of running a business here, it was critical to also follow our guidelines.

The Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee of the Chestnut Hill Community Association also had a document that outlined the zoning classifications of the different sections of the community, and sought to emphasize the importance of buildings heights, scale, fenestration, and

materials. All of these were subject to the variations of the city zoning board.

We always have the option of becoming a local historic district which has more teeth in its zoning and architectural regulations. But residents and business owners are often not that eager to give up certain rights and privileges, even with the risk of losing the atmosphere that brought us here in the first place.

Which brings me to today. At the Conservancy’s booth on Sunday, I also heard many comments of concern regarding the new developments proposed for Bethlehem Pike, Highland Avenue and Shawnee Street.

Will these developments fit within our National Historic District? Will they match the scale, the roof lines, the fenestration and materials of our more historic

The Perfect Stitch Upholstery

Still

•Some

facades? Will our committees continue to have the strength and desire to challenge these developers, and seek building designs that will reflect the character of a community we all love?

It becomes more difficult with each passing year. We need to take a few cues from His Royal Highness, and continue to push for more historically-sensitive developments, or we will surely be at risk of losing the main reason we chose to live here.

Patricia Cove is Principal of Architectural Interiors and Design, and represents the Chestnut Hill Conservancy on the community’s Development Review Committee.

3rd Generation Upholsterer: Bruce Levin Commercial & Residential Upholstery

Linden Court is one of many Chestnut Hill Developments that contribute to the historic character of the community. Photo by Patricia Cove

Patricia Cove

COMPUTER SERVICES

Any IMAC or PC PROBLEMS?

Home and Small Business, Setup, Repairs, Installs, Virus/Spyware, Upgrades, Training, Wireless,Sales Backup Plans, Phone, iPad.

Call Tim iHelp Computer Services 215-869-5185

FORSALE

Stickley for Sale

8-drawer chest with exposed mortise & tenon joints & blind dovetailed cross rails from the original Stickley Mission Collection. Beautiful interpretation of the Arts & Crafts Prairie style, queen-size original Stickley spindle bed possesses harmonious lines & contours.

WILL SELL BOTH STICKLEY

8-DRAWER CHEST PLUS QUEEN

BED WITH BOX SPRING FOR $5,550. ADAM 917-886-3516

HEALTH

ARE YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW UNABLE TO SHOP OR PREPARE MEALS FOR A FIXED OR INDEFINITE AMOUNT OF TIME? CONTACT:

MEALS-ON-WHEELS OF CHESTNUT HILL. 215-233-5555 info@chestnuthillmow.org

CERTIFIED & LICENSED

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Relief from stress, chronic pain & tension, headaches, injuries, inflammation & edema, Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy, Crossfiber Corrective Muscle Therapy, Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage, DeepFeet Ashiatsu. BCTMB, AMTA. Gift Certs.

Jonathan Sills: 215-896-8049

EXPERIENCED, COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER

Together we can complement your daily needs with groceries, pharmacies & personal shopping. I will work closely with you to build your trust and confidence in our partnership.

COVID-19 compliant.

Please contact Deborahat 215-687-0133

Looking for natural, drug free pain relief?

Empower yourself with the knowledge that will help reduce or eliminate your pain. Contact Scott Muir, LMT (215) 802-2011, a cerified Neuromuscular Therapist and practioner of the Lee Albert Protocols for Muscle Pain Relief.

HELPWANTED CUSTOMER SERVICE COORDINATOR

The Chestnut Hill Local is looking for a new team member with a customer-friendly attitude and strong organizational skills to join us as a Customer Service Coordinator.

The Local provides hyper-local community news to Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and the surrounding communities. We are a small organization where every team member plays an important roles in our success. We are looking for a person who can make a positive contribution in this position with a variety of customer-facing roles.

Responsibilities include:

Accounts Receivables - processing credit card payments and checks for advertising and subscriptions including posting payments and electronic bank deposits.

Classified Advertising - assisting inbound customers with the placement of classified ads, including helping create effective ads, handling payments and renewals and coordinating with production to create the final classified pages for the week.

General Administrative Support - answering phones, assisting with mailings and other support tasks as needed.

The successful candidate will: ~ be customer-friendly and conscientious ~ have strong computer skills including experience with Excel ~ be detail oriented and efficient ~ be able to work independently after training

Position is part time - 25 hours per week.

Send letter of interest and resume to leisha@chestnuthilllocal.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

At Busy Chestnut Hill Restaurant

HOST SERVERS LINE COOK EXPEDITER

Apply in person Chestnut Grill

8227 Germantown Ave

HELPWANTED

WAIT STAFF

Day time shift FT or PT

Apply in person at Bruno’s Across from Chestnut Hill College

215-242-1880

We’re looking for an after-school driver for our 12 year old son. Pick up at Penn Charter usually 3:30-5:00pm, drop off in Chestnut Hill. $20-25/hr, negotiable.

Text 513-289-2743 or email uncle_ben76@yahoo.com

HOUSE& GARAGE SALES

SUNDAY SIDEWALK SALE

October 9th 9a-1p

All Quality Goods 200 E Gravers Lane Vintage Decor, Art, Furniture,Jewelry

INSTRUCTIONS

OBOE LESSONS

Play oboe? Improve your lungs!

LRAM graduate of Royal Academy of Music, London, will teach you. Lessons are fun & college scholarships love a rare oboe student. Clarinet transfer welcome.

215-884-8200

LOST&FOUND

LOST & FOUND

The Local has a lost & found in our office as a community resource.

If you have found an item, feel free to turn it into us. We will place an ad for any item we receive.

If you have lost an item, you can call to see if we have it or place a free ad in the Local. Call 215-248-8818 or email classifieds@ChestnutHillLocal.com by 11 am on Monday to include your item in our next issue. Check this spot weekly for any lost items!

PETS

"Precious Pet Care"

We will take loving care of your pet.

REALESTATE FORRENT

CHESTNUT HILL 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Apartment

Very bright, Hardwood floors

Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer $1250 + utilities 215-205-1663

E. MERMAID LANE

Beautiful 2 BR, 2 Bath Apartment. 3rd Floor Walk-up Hardwood floors, laundry, parking on site. No Smoking.

$1400 + Cooking gas & Electric

Available now.

215-247-0670

REALESTATE FORRENT

*** EQUAL HOUSING ***

All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings are available on an equal opportunity basis. Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia, 866-540-FAIR (3247)

APARTMENT RENTALS

AVAILABLE Call For Info 215-233-5000

REALESTATE FORRENT COMMERCIAL

OFFICE SPACE CHESTNUT HILL

Offices, cubicles and meeting space are available at 40 West Coworking Space, just off Germantown Ave on Evergreen. Come join a vibrant coworking community with amenities including WiFi, 24/7 office access, conference rooms, and kitchen space. Month to month terms range from $350-$1100 a month. To schedule a tour email us at hello@40westworkspace.com or call (215) 247-2400 x400

SERVICES

MT. AIRY Newly renovated apartment, bright and spacious, with high ceilings, 1,350 sq ft. Has two bedrooms plus small office space in stone house with separate entrance. All new: kitchen w. dishwasher and gas stove, bathroom, large washer/dryer, wall-to-wall carpets. Off-street parking optional for one car. Optional Yard/garden area. Near train/bus lines. Available now. $1,850+ utilities

1 quiet, friendly dog welcome. Minimum 1 yr lease. 215-844-1149

WEST MT. AIRY

3-bedroom apartment, 2 full BRs, central air, hardwood floors, fireplace, eat-in kitchen, use of rear garden, walking distance to transportation, shops & restaurants, washer/dryer, dishwasher. $2,250 + utilities

Call 267-673-4609

REALESTATE FORRENT COMMERCIAL

CLEANING

1-A CLEANING BY JIMMY SPRING CLEANING Reliable. Thorough.

DAN HELWIG, INC. REALTORS 1415 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, PA 19031 215-233-5000 www.DanHelwigRealtors.com

BEAUTY IN WYNDMOOR

Furnished single. One floor living. L/R has bay+fpl., dining room White/stainless kit; laundry Big cath fam rm / decor fpl & exit to patio. Lg bdrm, 2 full baths, Den, sec syst. NO pets! Avail. Oct. -May $2,200/mo + Util. Owner is a licensed PA. realtor For appt. call: 215-313-1914

Commercial Office Space Furnished (or unfurnished) office: (10 x 14) for $750 per month with shared reception area, kitchen, bathroom, and conference room. Utilities included. Second floor above State Farm Insurance. Call Sam at 215-242-3830

Games &

SERVICES LANDSCAPING

A COMPLETE CLEAN-UP and GENERAL

LANDSCAPING SERVICE

Mulching & grass cutting. Core Aeration.

Fall/Spring Clean Up. Dependable. For free estimates

Call:Tom Regan

215-572-7222 or 267-978-4356, cell phone tomregan2444@comcast.net

ARTFUL, INSPIRED GARDENS

Original, low-maintenance designs for small to mid-sized properties. Skilled pruning & renovation. Creative solutions for problem areas, deer damage too. 30 yrs. exp.

MICHAEL J. DARCY

PRIVATE GARDENS

267-625-7354

B.B.M. LANDSCAPING SERVICES

SPECIALIST IN REMOVING POISONIVY BY THE ROOTS!

Lawn maintenance, weeding, mulch, pruning, plant, seed, sodding. Tree work. Garden design. Leaf removal. Branches ground to mulch. Spring clean-up. Senior citizen/previous customers - 10% discount. Free est.

215-329-4939 * 267-242-2477

Bringing bees, birds and pollinators to your garden with Native plants. Garden design, installation and maintenance of new and heritage landscapes. Skilled pruning and stormwater solutions in the Wissahickon garden style.

484-363-7537 SpruceHollowNaturalDesigns.com

FALCONE AND SON

HARDSCAPING

ICPI Certified Installer Custom patios,Walks & Walls. Stone facing. Indoor/outdoor fireplaces. Stone BBQs Ponds. Cleaning & Sealing. 20 years Exp. Insured.

License #PA 098069 Quality Work Free Estimates. 215-989-5002 falconeandson.com

McFARLAND

TOM GALA

Still pruning shrubs and mid-size trees after 40 years

Telephone: 215-242-8024

SERVICES

LOCKSMITH

LOCKSMITH EMERGENCY LOCK SERVICE

Bonded and Insured Since 1975 Security Lock Installations Safe Service & Sales

FRED’S MOBILE LOCK SHOP 215-483-1302 - Philadelphia 215-628-4540 - Montgomery Co.

SERVICES MASONRY

*A Caring Masonry Contractor* Brick & Stone Pointing Chimney Repairs Historic Restoration Stucco Repairs & Installation Flagstone & Concrete Work Jamison Home Services, LLC Reg.# PA5252

215-884-7000 www.jamisonhomeservices.com

Prompt, Free, Courteous Estimates

SERVICES MASONRY

ANDREW MC NALLY

CHIMNEY SPECIALIST AND MASONRY RESTORATION

andrewmcnally1963@yahoo.com

215-884-3009

CALL JAMES G. CARDAMONE MASONRY

Brick & Stone Pointing, Chimney Repairs, Retaining Walls Built & Repaired, Flagstone, Stucco, Concrete, Basement Walls Plastered & Waterproofed, Glass Block Windows, Ceramic Tile. Reasonable, licensed & insured Local references, PA # 060401

215-887-9323

jamescardamonemasonry.com

CALL YANNI

Flagstone & Stone Pointing Concrete, Brick and Stone Walls

“A” Rating on Angie’s List Free Estimates & Insured. PA 050431

215-393-5933

www.yannimasonry.com

E. RODRIGUEZ, INC.

CONCRETE WORK

Bluestone Exterior Flagstone Patio Walkways ~ Pavers ~ Sidewalks

Patio Restoration ~ Repairs Stone Pointing ~ Fence Installation FREE ESTIMATES CALL 215-500-5215

FRANCO MASONRY

Bluestone Exterior, Flagstone Patio, Walkways, Retention Wall, Pavers, Patio Restoration, Joints & Crack Repairs, Stone Pointing, Veneer Stone, Concrete, Draining, Downspouts, Powerwashing & More FREE ESTIMATES CALL 215-720-8632

SERVICES

MOVING&

HAULING

AN ATTIC, GARAGE, BASEMENT CLEANOUTS Homes & rental properties. Also cleared at very reasonable prices. Available 7 days/week.

For fast service call John at: 484-707-7652 Lafayette Hill

SERVICES

PAINTING& PAPERHANGING

*

SERVICES

PAINTING& PAPERHANGING

BILL SCHENK

Interior & exterior house painting and repairs. Wall & ceiling plaster repairs. Quality Work Licensed & Insured: #37688 267-816-9951 wrschenk@msn.com

RYAN PAINTING LLC

For all your interior and exterior painting needs.

215-247-2111

SAL PAINTING Interiors and Exteriors

Wall patching and repair Power washing Deck and fence staining Insured

SERVICES ROOFING

C.E. HOPKIN CO.

ROOFING IN CHESTNUT HILL SINCE 1889

Shingles, Slate, Tile, Copper, Cedar Shakes, Flat Roof Systems, Gutters and Down Spouts.

Insured - Free Consultations Lic. #1212547 215-247-0114

SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS AUTO DETAILING

Mobile to come to your home. 30 years experience, good work and reasonable rates.

Call James at 215-514-2593

Long distance chauffeur available. Southern trips - my specialty. Travel in my Chrysler 300. Unfailingly punctual, non-smoker. Call Orgelius Wolff 215-254-9299

VOLUNTEERS COMMUNITY HELPING

COMMUNITY

The Chestnut Hill Local is providing this space to help local organizations who are seeking volunteers to help with a non-profit event or project.

Volunteers Needed for SPECIAL OLYMPICS

SWIMMING PROGRAM

Thursday evenings 7:30 to 8:30 Plymouth Whitemarsh High School

Call Fred 215-836-2036

For information on posting your call for volunteers here, call 215-248-8813 or email leisha@chestnuthilllocal.com

WANTEDTOBUY

ART, ANTIQUES AND OBJECTS WANTED

Still buying after 40 years in business!

What do you have to sell?

(We will visit you.)

McCarty Gallery 215-247-5220 mccartygallery@gmail.com

BUYING OLD TOYS

PAINTING 215-247-8739 EMAIL. Dmcc10@msn.com

Trains all makes. Disney items, toy figures, antique Christmas decorations, baseball cards, mechanical banks, trucks, cars, wagons, boats, fire engines, airplanes, windups, farm toys, candy containers, pedal cars, comic characters. Call with OLD TOYS GEORGE • 610-687-1010 chestnuthilllocal com

Answers

Word Scramble: Spoons

Guess who: Kelly Ripa

Crypto Fun: A. cake, B. fondant, C. sift, D. create

Sudoku