You can get jewelry repaired in Chestnut Hill

Diane Fiske’s “Streetscape” article about the current state of the business district on Germantown Avenue was interesting but was misleading in one respect.

Joyce Lenhardt was quoted as saying “It would be nice to have someone to repair jewelry, but that is not the case now.”

Actually, we have three excellent jewelry stores in Chestnut Hill. They are Bijoux, at 8615 Germantown Ave.;  Chestnut Hill Jewelers, at 8138 Germantown Ave.; and Delphine Gallery, at 8435 Germantown Ave.

We are so lucky to have these stores.

Among the three, almost everything can be accomplished right here in Chestnut Hill, designing, creating and repairing, etc.  Check out their websites.

Susie O’Neil

Wyndmoor

Most neighbors opposed new Rex Ave. condo

I attended the community meeting concerning the proposal by the builders for condominiums on Rex Ave, which was reported in the April 5 issue. (“Condo planned behind historic Rex Ave. house”)

Of the 75 or so neighbors who attended the meeting, I only heard two people, who do not live in the neighborhood, voice acceptance of the project. Everyone else who spoke opposed the project. Just for the record.

Sandra Folzer

Chestnut Hill

Don’t forget Wissahickon Day Parade

While it’s been nearly a year, I would like to respond to the letter by Jim Harris, “Where Have All the Equestrians Gone?”

Harris wrote that he took some visiting friends to see the Wissahickon Day Parade and of his disappointment in the number of riders.  “What happened to this once fine parade, this special day?” he asked.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, I can tell you that last year I sat on the bench due to volunteer burnout. There are a handful of dedicated volunteers who have tried to keep this parade together, and clearly more volunteers and money is needed if we are to make it to the 100th anniversary of what is believed to be the oldest equine parade in the country.  Also, last year the weather was predicted to be bad, and that kept many equestrians away, even though the event will be held rain or shine unless severe weather is predicted.

Held on the last Sunday in April, the Wissahickon Day Parade is a celebration of the 1920’s protest which caused the naming of Forbidden Drive. In 1921, the president of the Fairmount Park Commission, E.T. Stotesbury proposed opening all park roads to automobile traffic. This proposal met the protest of the Philadelphia Riders and Drivers Association, which is now is known as the Chestnut Hill Riders and Drivers of the Wissahickon. In their protest, they launched a “Save the Wissahickon” campaign.

The campaign resulted in almost 1,000 people on horseback and in horse-drawn carriages marching down the Wissahickon Turnpike to show their support for keeping the park free of automobiles. It is estimated that 12,000 spectators supported the equestrians. Because of their successful defeat of the proposal, Wissahickon Turnpike became known as Forbidden Drive.

Each year, riders and drivers assemble at the Northwestern Equestrian Facility and march down Forbidden Drive in celebration of equestrian activities, the Wissahickon Creek and the preservation of this historical trail.

We should all (cyclists, runners, walkers, and riders) be so proud that Forbidden Drive was recently designated Trail of the Year by the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Board.

Jim, can you and your friends come out on Saturday, April 28, at 9 a.m. to Northwestern Stables and help set up for the horse show? On parade day, Sunday, April 29, are there folks out there who can show up early (7:30 a.m.) before the 10 a.m. horse show to help direct parking or hang out to clean up after the event?  Can anyone out there help with calendar listings and social media to get the word out to riders, spectators, and sponsors? Do you know how to do a GoFundMe page to help us raise some money and awareness?

There is still an opportunity to be a Naming Sponsor as well as sponsors of the classes of the horse show.  Or for $50 you can be a personal sponsor and get your name in the program! Checks can be made to Wissahickon Valley Riding and Driving Association (WVRDA) c/o Andrea Shumsky, 230 E. Highland Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118.

If you would like to come on board as a volunteer or sponsor, please e-mail WissDayParade@yahoo.com or go to northwesternstables.com/wissahickonday/ or facebook.com/WissahickonDayParade or call me at 215-990-9317.

Again, the Horse Show begins at Northwestern Stables, across from Bruno’s Restaurant at 10 a.m.  The parade lines up near Cedars House at noon, proceeding down Forbidden Drive passing the Valley Green Inn between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. Parking will be restricted on Northwestern Avenue to allow for horse trailer parking. Wear your fancy hats and support our riders and drivers.

We thank the Valley Green Inn for its continued sponsorship and urge other business owners to get on board to keep this historical family-friendly event alive. Our hope is to start building this community event back up over the next three years for the centennial celebration.

Barbara Sherf

Flourtown