Features
Amira Heep, a greeter for the Philadelphia Eagles and Sixers, was named Star of the Game by the Eagles Autism Foundation during an Eagles game.
For Amira Heep, who greets fans at Lincoln Financial Field, nothing would be more thrilling than singing the national anthem before a Philadelphia Eagles game.
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Historic funeral home spans six generations

It has often been said that the two things no one can avoid are death and taxes, which might explain why the Jacob Ruth Funeral Home has been a Chestnut Hill institution for almost 175 years.
A vintage view

When I met the woman who'll stand at Paine Plaza

You may have read recently that the city of Philadelphia is seeking artists to create a statue to honor the late civil rights lawyer and economist Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander.

The first big snow

Monday’s storm brought 1.8 inches of snow to the Philadelphia region, closing schools and blanketing the Northwest, including the Christ Ascension Lutheran Church on Germantown Avenue.
2024 headlines that hit home

Lives we lost: Remembering those who left a lasting legacy

Northwest Philadelphia lost some remarkable individuals in 2024, each leaving behind legacies that helped shape the region's landscape.

CH Friends Meeting finds spiritual fulfillment in going green

Meeting members have embraced environmental action as both a practical necessity and a spiritual calling.
Local Calendar
Community Feature

Early in the third quarter, Mount St. Joseph Academy appeared to be hanging with undefeated Academy of Notre Dame. Then Notre Dame went on a 25-4 run.

Obituaries
Media scholar and military leader Howard Myrick dies
Howard A. Myrick, 90, was a longtime resident of West Mt. Airy and a professor emeritus in communications and media.
Longtime Woodmere museum personality dies at 74
Stephen Kerzner, the longtime director of the store at Woodmere, died of stroke complications.
Local mother of four was known for her kindness
Philomena Rush, 90, a beloved Wyndmoor resident for 56 years who was born in Northern Ireland as one of 13 siblings, died Nov. 6.
Acclaimed dance pioneer Judith Jamison dies at 81
Judith Jamison, a groundbreaking performer who grew up in Germantown and later became director of the landmark Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, died Nov. 9.
From pushcart to justice: ‘People’s lawyer’ Jerome Balka dies
Jerome (Jerry) Balka was a lawyer and community activist who championed Philadelphia street vendors and social justice causes.
Business
Chestnut Hill’s newest restaurant will be a hybrid concept combining a bakery-cafe, diner and neighborhood pub.
A successful shop announcing its closure usually signals trouble. But for Zsa's Ice Cream, the decision to close at the end of 2025 comes at the height of success.
Read this week's E-edition
Crime

Crime Report

The following is for crimes reported for the period from Dec. 15 to Jan. 5.

Crime report

The following is for crimes reported for the period from Dec. 8 to Dec. 15.

Homes and Gardens

Likes and pins are nailing us into a coffin of the banal

At their inception, online platforms showcasing images of aspiring homes were evocative and inspiring. No more.
Design Matters

Hotels: A great summer ‘getaway’

Have you ever considered a summer respite at two fabulous boutique city hotels?
Design Matters

Hidden gems for home decor at a new local ReStore

I used to drive all the way to Maple Shade to browse the treasures that can be found at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. But now I don't have to.

When renovating, windows and doors need special care

When preserving historic architecture, which brings so many benefits to a community, including sustainability, windows and doors carry particular importance.

New Habitat for Humanity ReStore in the Neighborhood

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia recently opened the doors to its second ReStore, following the popular example of its South Philadelphia counterpart. The new store and donation center, located at …

Sports

SCH basketball slips below .500 with consecutive losses

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy had a pair of rough outings in Inter-Ac League basketball last week.

GA wrestlers triumph at SCH

Less than 45 minutes after last Friday's wrestling meet at SCH got underway, the host Blue Devils were rolling up the mats.

Mount, SCH, and Penn Charter all went into holiday break with wins

On consecutive days, three girls' basketball teams from the area won their final games before the holiday hiatus.

The women of Chestnut Hill College closed out the pre-Christmas portion of their basketball season with a convincing victory.

In the first two basketball games they played last week, the girls of Germantown Academy defeated a top team.
From professional squash to youth baseball, Northwest Philadelphia's athletes and teams dominated their respective sports in 2024.
The girls of Germantown Academy defeated one of the top teams in the Athletic Association of Catholic Academies, and a former league member.
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy's young ice hockey team opened its season last Tuesday on its home rink.
Schools

Montgomery County Community College celebrated the graduation of 28 nursing students.

A new year brings new reasons for celebration at Chestnut Hill College, with the continuation of its 100th anniversary and new programs.

Chestnut Hill College announced it will add women's flag football and women's golf to its athletic program.

Opinion & letters
Editorials
Not that we want to brag – well OK, we do – but 2024 was the second year in a row that the Chestnut Hill Local was a statewide award winner.
Letters to the editor
About Chestnut Hill
CHH honors state lawmakers
Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital hosted an event Jan. 9 to recognize state lawmakers for securing over $3 million in Commonwealth funding.
CHCA Agenda
All meetings are open to the public. To register for any of the Zoom meetings go to: https://www.chestnuthill.org/meetings.php.
Crosswalk danger draws city response
After a close call when a speeding car nearly struck a mother and child, Chestnut Hill residents will meet with city and state officials next week.
Neighbors lose Sunoco site fight
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has declined to hear neighbors' appeal to prevent a five-story development at 10 Bethlehem Pike.
Pollinators and new research coming to Morris Arboretum
Institutions like the Morris are de facto arbiters of important public conversations about climate change and biodiversity.
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