August 16, 2007 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Local News

Chestnut Hill business leaders agree: A proliferation of banks is hurting the Avenue. What remains to be seen is how much it will hurt and what the Hill can do about it. First of two parts.
by KRISTIN PAZULSKI

Kitty Kelly Albrecht has spent her whole life in Chestnut Hill. She still lives in the house she grew up in on Ardleigh Street and she remembers when she could go to the Avenue for a sweater, a needle and thread or a pair of socks.

Grant helps Friends with trail

Despite last week’s intense heat, 50 volunteers from Friends of the Wissahickon completed the rebuilding of about 300 meters of park trail, referred to as the “White Trail,” leading to the statue of the Native American Tedyuscung.

Weaver’s Way considers expansion
by KRISTIN PAZULSKI

Weaver’s Way Cooperative in Mt. Airy invited its members to a meeting to discuss possible expansion plans in the cooperative’s future.

St. Paul’s Church prepares for annual Rummage Sale

Stewart Graham is in charge of the “Men’s Department.”

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill is collecting donations for its annual rummage sale.  The last few drop-off days include Wednesday, August 22 and 29 from 9 a.m. to noon and 6:30 to 9 p.m. as well as Sunday, August 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Items that are not accepted include textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, mattresses, bathing suits, turntables, kerosene heaters, LPs, and large exercise machines. 

This event, co-chaired by Wyndmoor resident Libba Affel and Flourtown resident Karen Richter, features a Friday evening pre-sale party as well as the traditional rummage sale on Saturday.  On Friday, Sept. 7, beginning at 6 p.m., one can peruse and buy the items in all departments.  Selected departments charge a 20 percent mark-up on each sale.  Admission at the door is $10.

Local gym challenges filmmaker Moore
by KRISTIN PAZULSKI

Obesity is an epidemic facing both youth and adults all across the country. Cross Fit Philly owners Jason C. Brown and Pamela McElree are challenging you to be fit and healthy examples for your children. (Photo by Erin Vertreace)

Michael Moore’s concern over the nation’s healthcare system, which inspired his latest film, Sicko — still in theaters — may have rebounded on him. Two local fitness trainers are challenging Moore to live the healthier lifestyle that could ease strains on healthcare.

Pamela MacElree and Jason C. Brown, founders of CrossFit Philly, a fitness-training program and studio in Mt. Airy, are joining with their friends Jim Labadie and Ryan Lee, health advocates in Florida, in challenging Moore to live a healthier lifestyle.

“It seemed like an interesting concept to help with the obesity epidemic and the nation’s lack of physical activity,” MacElree said, while standing in CrossFit’s studio on Nippon Street.

All four fitness trainers admit to knowing nothing about Moore’s exercise habits — or a potential lack thereof — but because the well-known filmmaker appears overweight, they would like to see Moore live and publicize a healthier lifestyle to serve as a role model to America.

“He’s a billboard for type-2 diabetes, cardio vascular disease and all those bad things associated with obesity,” said Brown of the seemingly overweight Moore. “He’s preaching about healthcare costs and he’s directly affecting it.”