©2006 The Chestnut Hill Local

News

CHCA requests revocation of Commerce Bank’s permit
By Kristin Pazulski

A week after the city Department of Licenses and Inspections approved Commerce Bank’s zoning permit application, the Chestnut Hill Community Association is requesting that the permit be revoked.

Local women’s ode to motherhood
by JENNIFER KATZ

Camel-colored couches hug the walls and oversized earth-hued pillows are strewn on the floor as 30 women and a handful of men and children sit rapt at the front of the room. A young woman stands up behind a gold-edged, wooden podium with her back to a cloth sign that reads, “Every mother is a working mother.” She nervously begins reading from the pages in front of her. The story begins with an oddly humorous description of her two-year-old son’s loud romping through the house. By the time he turns three, just a few moments later, the story, his story, her story, is dark and heavy, and the audience is silent, anticipatory, saddened. His father, idol and workshop mentor, is dying and his toddler brain is desperately trying to cope with it.

Lane’s End: One woman’s dream
by JENNIFER KATZ

A view of Lane’s End taken around the time of construction in the 1920s. (Photo courtesy of the Springfield Historical Society)

Sitting on 47-acres in Wyndmoor, the Wharton-Sinkler estate was as much a monument to its mistress’ notoriety as it was to the English manor houses of the 15th and 16th century for which it was designed. That is according to historian and Springfield resident Terry Buckalew, who will give a lecture on the history of the home, originally dubbed “Lane’s End,” on May 25 for the Springfield Historical Society.

Local groups promote health with Avenue stroll
by JENNIFER KATZ

The Garden District planted flowers along the Avenue on Tuesday, and is co-sponsoring three walks along Germantown Avenue.

Whether perusing the shops, sampling the bakeries’ goods, ogling the window displays, strolling with friends, pushing a stroller or just walking the dog, any Hiller or visitor knows, walking the Avenue is a rite and ritual of Northwest Philadelphia.

For three consecutive Wednesday mornings, May 24, 31 and June 7, the Chestnut Hill Garden District Fund, the Chestnut Hill Senior Center and the Chestnut Hill Health Care Foundation are sponsoring a new public health initiative “Walk A Healthy Mile” for seniors, parents, dog owners or whomever to walk the Avenue together. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Chestnut Hill Historical Society, 8708 Germantown Avenue (between Rex and Chestnut Hill Avenue), walkers will be treated to coffee and a light snack before heading down the hill for a mile-long walk.

New Covenant leaders attempt to repair trust
The city also announced a new director of Office of Adult Services, Dianette Mintz, and PEC’s Gloria Guard shares scope of proposed training program.
by Kristin Pazulski

Supporters of the transitional housing program proposed for the campus of New Covenant Church of Philadelphia are speaking out after a spate of overwhelmingly negative reaction.

MALT celebrates 25 years with gift to the community
by Kristin Pazulski

Five-year-old Michela Hand of Mt. Airy looks up at the tiled leaves of the Mt. Airy Learning Tree mosaic, next to the words “Everything you need to know you can learn under this tree.” (Photos by Kristin Pazulski)

Most people enjoy receiving presents in celebration of their birthday, but for its 25th birthday, the Mount Airy Learning Tree is giving a mosaic that illustrates its mission to the community.

On Saturday, May 13, MALT unveiled the gift — a mosaic of tiles, created by members of the community, on the side of Lovett Library on Germantown Avenue. A tree, under a blue sky, sprouts from roots, depicting MALT’s mission of providing community-based learning — and, of course, illustrates the name of the organization. The diversity of Mt. Airy, which gives such pride to the community, is illustrated by the varied designs and colors of the tiles that frame the mosaic.

“[MALT] is not a school, it’s not an organization, it’s all these people,” said MALT Director Jonna Naylor during her opening speech. “It’s alive.”

Officers slate for chca presented
by Lea Sitton Stanley

The Nominating Committee of the Chestnut Hill Community Association has approved the slate of officers to be submitted to the new CHCA board for a vote at its organizational meeting next week.