November 6, 2008 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Local News

ELECTION DAY MORNING Lines formed before polls opened on Tuesday. This line snaked out of the Highland Avenue firehouse, home of Engine Company 37. The lines disappeared later that morning but high turnout was expected. Because the local goes to press early Tuesday afternoon, our election coverage will be in next week’s edition. (Photo by Jimmy J. Pack)

Caruso’s  goes up for sale again
by JOEL HOFFMANN

Caruso’s is on the market again, but at a much steeper price this time.

CMS Companies, a Wynnewood-based venture capital firm, is seeking $3.7 million — $551.09 a square foot — for the business and the building at 8418-22 Germantown Ave.

Hillers witness history with Phillies
by Jennifer Katz

Rob Lamb of Germantown (left) clutches his son Willy during a 7th inning stretch dance with the Phillie Phanatic. The Lambs were at both “halves” of the rain-delayed game five of the World Series.

When the city erupted last Wednesday night after the Phillies won the World Series for the first time since 1980 — the last championship any Philadelphia sports team has won (Sorry, Soul) — 21-month-old Willie Lamb was there celebrating. Willie and a very timely Halloween costume his paternal grandmother, Weetzie Soens, made him, turned the toddler into a local celeb, garnering a fair share of media attention and even scoring his family tickets to the World Series.

Soens had always made her five children Halloween costumes.

“Whatever they wanted, I would make and leave them at the bottom of the stairs on Halloween morning,” Soens said.

The family lived on Chestnut Hill Avenue for 21 years and the children attended Norwood-Fontbonne Academy. Her son, Rob Lamb, now lives in Germantown with wife and three children, Esse, Maren and Willie.

Biz Buzz: Green Friday celebration, Nov. 21
by FRAN O’DONNELL,
CHBA Main Street Manager

Lights, cameras, action! It will all take place at the intersection of Germantown and Highland avenues at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, as the Chestnut Hill Business Association and the Business Improvement District host a community party to turn on the tree lights in Chestnut Hill.

A Taste of Chestnut Hill to benefit Teenagers, Inc.

On Sunday, Nov. 16, food from local restaurants and food stores will be delivered to Teenagers, Inc.’s “A Taste of Chestnut Hill” – an evening featuring favorite dishes and specialty foods from these restaurants and stores.

Post Light, a Hill staple for 25 years, to close this year
by PETE MAZZACCARO

Barbara Markloff

For 25 years, Barbara Markloff has worked at the The Post Light, a small lighting shop started by her father, Lyman Hanson. The small brick building on Bethlehem Pike is stuffed with lamps, lampshades and wall-mounted lighting. It’s a last stop for homeowners looking for high-end lighting, the finishing touch of detail shoppers can’t find at the local Home Depot

But this year, Markloff, now the sole owner and proprietor of the business, has decided to close the Post Light for good. The time was right, she said, to let the shop go and begin a new phase of her life. She will spend more time at Top of the Hill Deli, which she owns with husband Bill. She’ll be moving a home office above the Deli.

“I’ll still be in Chestnut Hill,” Markloff said. “People can stop by for lunch.”

Markloff recalled that she began working with her father soon after he opened the shop. A Chestnut Hill resident who still lives here with his wife, Frances, her father opened the shop at 8611 Germantown Ave. (now home of Sanctuary) after he retired from a position as partner in the public accounting firm KPMG.