Library room usage explained

Re: “Library space used for insurance sales,” Letters, Nov. 20.

Community Room usage in the Free Library is limited to nonprofit organizations and library-sponsored programs. In our efforts to provide programming on subjects that we think might be of interest to the public we often co-sponsor programs with commercial entities that have the expertise and knowledge to provide a quality presentation.

The Medicare program that was mentioned in a letter to the editor last week is an example of a beneficial partnering of public and private resources. When we co-sponsor a program the following limitations are explained to the individual/business before we agree to the event being held in the library. Presenters are not permitted to display company brochures and business cards. No solicitations for actual work are allowed. No products are sold.

Be assured that we are very conscious about the need to restrict usage according to our own policy. In a neighborhood with so many groups that need a public space for meetings, we do not hesitate to say no when appropriate.

Margaret Brunton

Head Librarian

Chestnut Hill

‘Good interviewer’

The article on us (“New services improving CH Library, thanks to ‘Friends,’” Nov. 20) was very impressive. Our guy working on our website was really excited by it. Carole Verona must be a good interviewer. I didn't realize how much I had told her. My life history! Thanks so much for the publicity for the library.

Carol Duncan, president

Friends of Chestnut Hill Library; Deacon, St. Martin's Church

Action needed to curb deer hunting

I read with concern and disgust the recent letter on residential hunting, “Awareness needed to stop residential hunting,” Nov. 20

It’s been said that the greatest amount of violence in the ‘’civilized’’ world occurs because of what humans do to other animals. That the violence inherent in bow hunting is legally protected and rewarded only serves to make matters worse.

Civilized communities are becoming ever more impacted by the abuse of deer among us. Increased hunter access, especially in populated areas, is considered key to hunter retention and recruitment aimed at reversing a precipitously declining client base. What’s more, local politicians are promised political support if they promote community based killing programs. This is most disturbing and worrisome.

Communities need to wake up about the heavy hand of our state wildlife agency, The Pennsylvania Game Commission. It is an autonomous agency that over-populates deer to appease recreational hunting. It has an unsuspecting public over a barrel. Hunting is a business. Killing deer is good for the economy. State biologists practice economics, not science.

Sport hunters are destroyers of wildlife and ecosystems. Understanding the population dynamics of deer reveals that it is not necessary to kill them to keep their numbers from constantly increasing. Interestingly, one Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist came out several years ago saying that updated rules in Philadelphia and its suburbs to manage deer have done little.

Community residents impacted by sport hunters’ unsettling presence have their own rights violated and their quality of life diminished. Of particular relevance here, I believe as do other supporters of Philadelphia Advocates for the Deer, that the wounding of humanity penetrates ever deeper with each violent attack on these innocent animals.

Deer are dying, and residents are made to feel anguished because they’re not paying attention. They need to stand up and challenge the hunting establishment’s destructive policies. It’s long past time that we dig in our heels. This evil must be exposed. We must no longer be just sheep. Albert Einstein reminded us to never stop questioning. Remember, silence is the enemy of justice.

I’m reminded of what author, philosopher and naturalist Henry David Thoreau said, “There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.’’

This needs to change.

Bridget Irons

Chestnut Hill

17 years of inhumanity

Our thoughts turn again this year to the wonders of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza and their messages of peace on earth and good will to all. This is a powerful message for all humankind. My thoughts welcome this peaceful season and then turn to the upcoming killing of the deer in the Wissahickon Valley for the 17th consecutive year.

To date 2,736 deer have been reported killed in Fairmount Park. In addition hunting season has begun and residential deer hunting is legal and widespread in Philadelphia and the suburbs.

It is time to challenge what is happening in Fairmount Park with the ongoing slaughter of our wildlife, specifically the white tailed deer. Meetings with our council persons need to begin in order to form a City Council Bill to stop the annual killings of the deer.

Philadelphia Advocates for the Deer will soon be present on the Hill with information on how we can work on this issue together as neighbors of Chestnut Hill, Germantown, and Mt. Airy.

Please in this time of peace, consider becoming actively involved with PAD and meeting with our legislators. The deer are entitled to peace as well as humankind.

Mary Ann Baron

Chestnut Hill

Congratulations on House Tour

Congratulations to Historic Germantown and Mt. Airy Learning Tree on their successful House Tour, “At Home in the Old German Township,” held on Sunday, Oct. 19. More than 300 attended the fifth annual event that was organized by Historic Germantown in cooperation with Mt. Airy Learning Tree.

Six remarkable houses in Germantown, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill were on display illustrating magnificent original architectural detail, historic renovation, adaptive reuse and contemporary design. Heartfelt thanks go to the owners who opened their homes, welcomed visitors and provided informed commentary to supplement the tour.

The event was enormously successful because of the owners’ generous support as well as the support of the event’s sponsors: Freeman’s Auctions; Elfant Wissahickon Realtors; Bowman Properties, Chestnut Hill Hospital; Post Brothers Apartments; Class Abstract; Kurtz Construction Company; Cheshire Law Group; Loretta Witt – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services; Fox & Roach Realtors; Nolan Painting; Hayden Real Estate Investments; Trolley Car Diner; Chestnut Hill Cat Clinic; Laurel Hill Cemetery and Philadelphia Print Shop.

Historic Germantown is a partnership of 16 extraordinary historic houses, destinations and museums in Northwest Philadelphia that have joined to protect, preserve and share some of Philadelphia’s prized historical assets.

Susan Harrison, volunteer

Historic Germantown

Likes amusing ‘drone strike’

We here on Benezet Street are laughing at Mike Todd’s column on the upcoming winter (“Prediction for upcoming winter; It is definitely snow way to live,” Nov. 13). Very funny! We liked that Mike’s wife liked her air as expensive as possible and the secret thermostat war you can wage from the phone in your pocket. Like a remote control drone strike. Good stuff! Thanks.

Nick Langan and Donna Goodwin

Chestnut Hill