Shop Local this week
pages 2, 10 & 11
Holiday Parade returns Make a day of Hill’s Holiday House Tour
pages 13 pages 14
Page 2
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Shopping small is like shopping for yourself
Best holiday bets in the area
by Pete Mazzaccaro
T
he holiday season is a busy time of year. It’s particularly packed with events throughout the month of December. From music to parades, if you’re in the mood to get out with your neighbors to mark the season, the following are best bet destinations.
E
very year, the Chestnut Hill Local reports dozens of stories on new businesses and restaurants that open in our neighborhood. It’s one of the primary responsibilities of this paper to let people know when new shops open and when old favorites close. And, every year, you’ll hear an appeal – likely in this space – to consider spending your money locally when you can. The climate for retail has not gotten easy in recent years. Online behemoths like eBay and Amazon are sucking up millions of dollars in purchase. Subscription plans for everything from music to groceries is also taking more and more money out of local economies. We all know shopping local is the best bet to support our neighborhoods, even if we’re not always great at putting that knowledge to practice. There are some pretty important findings from the SBA that illustrate just how important shopping local can be. • Small, local businesses donate 250% more to non-profits and community efforts than larger businesses.
• Out of every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in in the local economy. Of that same $100 spent at big box stores, only $43 stays in the local economy. Aside from those clear, numeri-
cal benefits, shopping local keeps unique business in Chestnut Hill that often offer much better customer service than you’d find at a big box store or online retailer. And those same charming busi-
Carol Night Nov. 30 7:30 p.m. Chestnut Hill College 9601 Germantown Ave. The Chestnut Hill College Music Department will host the 40th Annual Carol Night in the Rotunda, St. Joseph Hall. The holiday concert will feature performances from the College’s primary musical ensembles which include the Jazz Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, String Ensemble, Chestnut Hill Winds and Hill Singers. Santa Claus will make a special appearance and a reception will follow the concert in the East Parlor, St. Joseph Hall. Children can also visit with Santa and tell him nesses do wonders for local proper- their special holiday wishes. ty values on and off Germantown The event is free and open to the Avenue, Bethlehem Pike and else- public. where. Winter in the Wissahickon (Continued on page 10) Saturday, December 1 Valley Green Inn Morning Session: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Afternoon session: 1 – 3 p.m. Start the holidays right at FOW’s wreath-making workshop. Enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider, and a light breakfast at the Valley Green Inn. Decorate your holiday wreath with fresh western juniper with blue berries, incense-cedar with yellow tips, holly with red berries, and assorted pine cones and ornaments. Children can make nature gifts for animals and enjoy a winter woods hike with the Wissahickon Environmental Center. FOW members can register on the FOW Member Hub at a reduced price: $45 for adults (includes on wreath), $15/child, or $100/family (includes two adults, two children, and one wreath). Additional wreaths can be purchased for $20. Admission for non-members includes a $20 membership to FOW. Northwest Stables Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 1 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Northwest Stables 120 W. Northwestern Ave. The Holiday Bazaar features holiday photos with Santa and his horse, children’s crafts and games, a silent auction and raffles. “Reindeer” Riding Lessons return again, allowing kids to enjoy a ride on a “reindeer” horse! Held every December in partnership with the Chestnut Hill Business Association’s “Holidays on the Hill” event series, this annual celebration offers the opportunity to purchase handmade crafts and gifts from our holiday vendors, as well as enjoy plenty of food and beverage throughout the day. Visitors can tour the barns and meet the horses. “Reindeer Riding Lessons” Have your kids ever wanted to ride a reindeer? Now they can! Some of Santa’s specially trained “reindeer ponies” will be available at our annual Holiday Bazaar for mini riding lessons. These ponies are very gentle and love to teach kids (ages 6+) how to ride! Don’t worry – these reindeer don’t fly! Ambler Holiday Parade Saturday Sept. 1 Main Street, Ambler
Thursday, November 22, 2018
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Best bets (Continued from page 2) 1 p.m. Who doesn't love a parade? Ambler Main Street's Annual Holiday Parade is always a wonderful community event you don't want to miss! Be sure to arrive early to get your prime spot on Butler Ave - including in front of Weavers Way Co-Op, which will be serving goodies to the crowds -- and enjoy the bands, floats, Mummers and more! Rumor has it a special jolly old fellow will be there, too!
Christmastime In Keswick Village Sunday, December 2 Keswick Avenue between Easton Road and Abington Avenue 4 – 8 p.m. Keswick Village kicks off the holiday season with its annual tree lighting, carolers, trolley rides throughout The Village to look at home and shop decorations, ending with Santa’s arrival. Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade Saturday, December 15 Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade Germantown Avenue, Rex Avenue to Southampton Avenue--Market on the Fareway 9 – 10 a.m. The parade returns for its 6th yearsince being revived byt Brien Tilley and the Chestnut Hill community Association. Gather along Germantown Avenue to see school bands, mummers, antique cars, Santa, the Phillie Phanatic and much more. Motown for the Holidays Friday, December 14 Woodmere Art Museum 9201 Germantown Avenue The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, and other great Motown artists often lent their unique sound to the music of the holidays. This evening brings that unmistakable Motown treatment to “Silent Night,” “Joy To The World,” “Deck The Halls,” “Rudolph” and other songs of the season. O Holy Night: A Classical Christmas Sunday, December 23 Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill 8855 Germantown Ave. 4 – 5:30 p.m. Experience a magical evening sure to bring everyone, young and old, into the holiday season. Emmy nominated and award winning, lyric tenor, Marco Panuccio has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, Beijing Symphony, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and other similarly esteemed opera companies. He will put all of his high notes to good use in “O Holy Night” -- the very concert that won him his prestigious award. Expect timeless pieces such as Schubert's Ave Maria as well as yuletide songs from a more modern era, including: Silver Bells and Leonard Cohen's famous reflective ode, Hallelujah Tickets: $25 General Admission, $15 Student. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended
WWW.DWYEROIL.COM
Page 3
Page 4
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Janine Dwyer celebrates 50 years of Caroling at Creche by Sue Ann Rybak “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style In the air there's a feeling of Christmas Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile And on every street corner you'll hear, Silver bells, silver bells”
J
anine Dwyer, proprietor of Janine Salon de Coiffure, was just 15 years old when she started playing guitar with the musicians at Chestnut Hill's annual Caroling at the Creche. This year Dwyer, who oversees the Friends of Creche event, will celebrate 50 years of bringing good cheer to the Hill. This year's event will be held on Monday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in front of Santander Bank, 8623 Germantown Ave.in Chestnut Hill. Afterwards, participants are invited to attend Friends of Chestnut Hill’s annual reception and Holiday Book Sale from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. “This is the 66th year of Caroling at the Creche,” said Renee Polsky, of the Friends of Chestnut Hill Library. “It’s a wonderful Chestnut Hill tradition that people look forward to every year. Paul Roller makes hot mulled apple cider and local bakeries and stores donate wonderful pastries, snacks and oth-
“We always ask him to wait until after ‘Rudolf the red-nose reindeer’ to avoid children from choking on handfuls of kettle corn,” she said. “The children love it.” She said for many residents Caroling at the Creche is a time-honored tradition. A tradition that began in 1952, after Mrs. Morgan (Peggy) Hebard voiced her concerns at a community meeting about the commercialization of Christmas. Hebard and a few other volunteers decided set-up the nativity scene and sing Christmas Carols as a way to counteract the commercialization of Christmas. Since then the caroling event has been sponsored by Friends of the Creche, an independent organization not affiliated to the Chestnut Hill Community Association. Hebard donated the original nativity figures: Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, three Wise Men, two shepherds and some animals. Several of the figures were rebuilt after they were damaged in a storm. According to an article last year in the Janine Dwyer leads carolers in 1996. (Photo by Joe Morsello, courtesy of Chest- Chestnut Hill Local, the late Mary Wickham Bond, a Chestnut Hill nut Hill Conservancy) resident and author, wrote a mesnut Hill Baptist Church, always sage on a sign that said: “With ferer beverages.” Dwyer added that every year the hands out kettle corn to the chil- vent prayers for Peace on Earth, the Community of Chestnut Hill Rev. David Seip, pastor at Chest- dren.
INTRODUCING...
We spend more time with older loved ones during the holidays and may have concerns about their wellbeing. Not sure what to do?
To learn about our rates or speak to our Care Manager, call us at 215-525-5470.
WE ALSO OFFER AFFORDABLE HOME CARE, REPAIRS AND MORE:
HOME CARE SERVICES Bathing Dressing Grooming Light housekeeping Laundry Meal preparation
Call Ralston My Way. We guide you through the process of making care decisions and connect you to the answers and resources you need.
HANDYMAN REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
ERRANDS AND TRANSPORTATION
Small projects and repairs
Rides to: Doctor’s appointments Airport Social events Grocery shopping Pick up/drop off prescriptions
YARD WORK Our services change with the seasons – ask us!
CHORES House cleaning Pet care Hang curtains Rearrange furniture Pack boxes Water plants Gardening Help with technology
Call us today at 215-525-5470 to tell us how we can make your life easier. 7051 Germantown Avenue s Philadelphia, PA 19119 s www.ralstonmyway.org
acclaims the Holy Birth of the Prince of Peace at Christmas Time.” This year the nativity scene will be set-up by Classic Management Inc. on Monday, Dec. 3 and taken down on Monday, Jan.7. Members of the Friends of Creche Paul Roller, Nancy Block, Janine Dwyer, and Gini Wilson will be on hand to add the final touches. When the Local asked Dwyer if she has ever gotten any negative feedback from the community about the “Christian” centered event, she replied she could only recall one occasion. “I think what has prevented that from happening is the fact that it’s been happening for so long,” she said. “There was one incident where I happened to be in the bank, and someone came in and asked the bank manager, ‘Why he didn’t have any Jewish events?’” She said the manager replied that he would be happy to have one if someone organized it. Dwyer added that each bank manager “inherited” the event and thought it was “a tradition worth keeping because of its longevity” including Santander Bank, which was consulted when it first became owners. “It’s not about commercialization,” she said. “It’s about community. It’s about coming together on this one night. It’s non-denominational. I even have a Jewish friend who comes every year because she loves to sing. Everyone is welcome to attend.” She added that Caroling at the Creche is a simple “old-fashioned idea with a meaning of its own.” The word carol means a joyful song. For centuries, music has helped bring people together and connect on a more emotional level. A connection that would be difficult without the musicians who volunteer every year including Pat Kaufman and his son Dan Kaufman, on guitar; Mickey Leone on percussion, Rick Stevens and Steve Hastie also on guitar. Other talented musicians include Lizzie Edson, a player of the bells, Mike Albrecht, who usually plays the boron, and Ken Fox, who also plays the guitar. “Joseph Block, a talented jazz pianist now in college, plays the ‘Peanuts’ theme before we start singing,” she said.” The group won’t be the same this year Dwyer said without Kitty Kelly, their beloved fiddler player, who died this past September. “We are really going to miss her,” she said. Dwyer added that she was a little disappointed that Ruth Russell, a longtime freelance writer for the Chestnut Hill Local, wasn’t writing the article. “Talking to Ruth about Caroling at the Creche seemed like an annual tradition, and I truly felt that last year’s article was her best.” Dwyer has sung Christmas carols in all kinds of weather including ice storms and “outright blizzard conditions.” Sometimes the song sheets got soggy, but, thanks to a donation from Santander Bank last year, participants no longer have to strain to see ink smeared words. Participants can once again use the beautifully bounded waterproof song sheets created last year. Dwyer said the group doesn’t practice beforehand. “We get together annually,” she said. “Sometimes, we get together in between. Now, we start emailing everyone and it all just sort of happens; it’s almost magical.” For more information about Caroling at the Creche, call Janine Dwyer at 215-247-2909.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Page 5
It’s Holidays on the Hill celebrate and shop this time of year,” said Philip Dawson, Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Business District. “Visitors can find special gifts in our independent toy stores, galleries, and clothing boutiques as they join in Holidays on the Hill festivities and make special memories with friends and family.” American Express’s Small Business Saturday returns on November 24, encouraging visitors to shop local and small in Chestnut Hill. The neighborhood’s cobblestoned
H
olidays on the Hill, a 6week celebration of the holidays, runs through January 6, spreads cheer throughout this holiday shopping destination, which is home to more than 125 independently-owned boutiques and restaurants. During Chestnut Hill’s oldest and most favored tradition, Stag and Doe Nights, festively decorated shops stay open
late and welcome visitors with hot cocoa, wine tastings, and seasonal treats on Wednesday nights, starting November 28 and continuing through December 19, while strolling carolers and brass quartets entertain shoppers along Germantown Avenue. “With holiday charm and oneof-a-kind retailers on every corner, Chestnut Hill is a magical place to
main street, Germantown Avenue, features an array of trendy boutiques and specialty shops within walking distance, making it the perfect spot to kick off the holiday shopping season. Families can spend Weekends with Santa throughout December. On Saturdays (December 1, 8, and 15) Santa will make appearances at the Market at the Fareway (8221 Germantown Ave.) from noon to 3 p.m., and on Sundays (December 2, 9, and 16) he can be found at Santa’s Headquarters at Laurel Hill
Gardens (8125 Germantown Avenue) from noon to 3 pm. Kids can share their Christmas wishes and gather for memorable holiday photos with Santa and his elves. Morris Arboretum brings back the beloved Holiday Garden Railway from November 23 – December 31 (closed December 24 and 25). Model trains will chug along a quarter-mile track at the Arboretum surrounded by a miniature village adorned with thousands of lights in (Continued on page 6)
Page 6
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Weavers Way Mercantile Returns: The One-Stop Pop-Up Shop for Local, Artisan Gifts
W
eavers Way is bringing back their beloved holiday pop-up shop full of accessories, art, ornaments, toys, pottery, plants and more by independent artists and creators – 90% of which are from the Philadelphia region. Handcrafted and often one-of-akind, Weavers Way Mercantile offers gifts that will inspire and delight – from a tiny hand-painted print of Larry David to a cool, retro-inspired planter. The market is inside a previously vacant garage that has been transformed to holiday shopping wonderland complete with a wood-burning stove, twinkling lights and free teas and hot cocoa. Vendors include: Heypace Ceramics, Aurora Grace Chocolates, Ivy House Design, Dilo Can-
dles,Victoria May Ceramics, Crow Canyon Home, among many more WHEN: Opening Black Friday, November 23 at 10am Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 6pm, November 23 through December 30 Weavers Way Mercantile will be open EVERY DAY week of December 17-24 WHERE: Weavers Way Mercantile, 542 Carpenter Lane, Mt. Airy, PA 19119 PHOTOS: Selection of gifts available at Weavers Way Mercantile. Photos of the market SOCIAL: Facebook & Instagram: @WeaversWay CONTACT: Food Shelter PR, Morgan Obidowski, morgan@foodshelter.com (215) 254-6605
It’s Holidays on the Hill (Continued from page 5)
the winter garden. Guests can also bask in the evening glow of the decorated Arboretum during Holiday Garden Railway Nights on December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22. Woodmere Art Museum recalls a cherished holiday classic in “The Night Before Christmas: The Illustrations of Charles Santore,� open November 17 to January 6.. In addition, the museum will exhibit 19th-century children’s toys, holiday trimmings, and an extraordinary dollhouse replica of a Germantown rowhome decorated for the season. On December 8, the Chestnut Hill Community Association will
host the 25th annual Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ticketed tour invites guests to step inside five historic homes to enjoy holiday dĂŠcor, seasonal treats, and live musical performances. Attendees also receive discounts at restaurants and shops throughout Chestnut Hill. The Chestnut Hill Community Holiday Parade brings holiday fun down Germantown Avenue for families to enjoy on December 15. The parade, beginning at 9 a.m., winds its way through Chestnut Hill with local musical acts, floats, community groups, and an anticipated appearance by Santa.
" " ! # " ! # " ! # ! #
Find Local News Online
www.georgewoodwardco.com www.georgewoodwardco.com
chestnuthilllocal.com
We offer exceptionally attractive attractive We offer exceptionally ! ! % ! % ! ! $ ! $
" #" # !
! # #
Thursday, November 22, 2018
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Page 7
Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway runs from Nov. 23 through Dec.31
M
orris Arboretum’s popular Holiday Garden Railway returns November 23, the Friday after Thanksgiving with all the buildings and trains meticulously decorated for the holidays with lights that twinkle along the tracks and around the surrounding landscape. The Holiday Garden Railway Display, which will run daily from 10am4pm through December 31 (closed Christmas Eve and day, and New Year’s day), is one of the Arboretum’s most beloved holiday traditions for many families. Photograph this precious time with your family as the Holiday Garden Railway makes the perfect backdrop for holiday cards and Social Media posts! Visitors of all ages will be wow-ed by a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under), and bustling model trains, set in the lovely winter garden of the Morris Arboretum. The display and buildings are all made of natural materials – bark, leaves, twigs, hollow logs, mosses, acorns, dried flowers, seeds and stones – to form a perfectly proportioned miniature landscape complete with small streams. Each building, while an exact Morris Arboretum’s popular Holiday Garden Railway returns November 23, the Friday after Thanksgiving, with the buildings and trains meticulously decorated for replica of the original, is unique in its the holidays with lights that twinkle along the tracks and around the surrounding landscape. (Photo by Paul Meyer) design. Philadelphia-area landmarks such as a masterpiece replica of Independence Hall are made using pinecone seeds for shingles, acorns as finials and twigs as downspouts. Three of the most popular buildings, Cedar Grove, Lemon Hill, and Mount Airy Station have recently been replaced and are now displayed within the exhibit and are all part of the holiday splendor. In 2018, there will be seven Holiday Garden Railway Nights on Fridays and Saturdays, December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22. Visitors may enjoy the Garden Railway all lit up in the dark of night from 4:30 to 7:30pm by separate timed tickets, available for purchase on the Morris Arboretum website or via Ticket Leap at http://bit.ly/HGR2018. To warm up your walk, hot cocoa and coffee will be available at the Compton Café, along with various tasty snacks to purchase. The Garden Railway is supported, in part, through the generosity of Gwen and Ed Asplundh and by a gift given in memory of Joe Shuttleworth. A winter tradition, the Penn Glee Club will return to Morris Arboretum on Saturday, December 8 from 2-3pm for their eighth annual holiday concert. Delight in the Glee Club’s fun and diverse holiday repertoire while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies in the garden. Don’t forget the Shop at Morris Arboretum for wonderful holiday gifts this season. The Shop specializes in, environmentally-friendly reuse of materials, and items inspired by nature. Gifts for children to engage and inspire young minds await you. And for the person on your list who has everything, give the gift of a Morris Arboretum membership, the gift that lasts all year long.
Page 8
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 22, 2018
For a no-worries Noel, follow the 12 safety tips of Christmas
T
he fun, festive activities during the holiday season make it a favorite time of year for many people. At the risk of sounding like a Grinch, though, all that festivity can lead to unintentional safety hazards. For example, some 30 percent of all home fires and 38 percent of home fire deaths occur over December, January and February, reports the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). Fortunately, awareness is half the battle. As you enjoy the holidays this year, think about best practices for keeping you and your family safer. 1. Don't let the holidays zap your energy. Not to shock you, but it's crucial to keep your hands dry (and avoid standing in water) when touching decorations, gifts or other gadgets powered by electricity. You should install ground-fault circuit
Gravers Lane Gallery 8405 Germantown Avenue s Philadelphia, PA 19118 215-247-1603 s www.graverslanegallery.com
Thank you to the Chestnut Hill community for supporting small businesses along Germantown Ave. We gratefully acknowledge the Chestnut Hill Business Associations’ tireless efforts in keeping Chestnut Hill safe, charming & always welcoming. s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018 10am-6pm
8 HOURS / ONE DAY
20%off please presented this coupon w/purchase s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s s **Does not include special silk coat exhibition, special orders. This offer is not extended to refunds from prior purchases**
interrupters anywhere inside or outside water and electricity may come in contact. 2. Sleep tight, but electronicsfree. Lying down for a long winter's nap? Stash cordless and corded appliances elsewhere to rule out overheating. A hot phone under a sack of feathers could spell disaster. 3. Install tamper-resistant receptacles. These electric outlets feature internal shutters that keep curious children from inserting objects. 4. Enjoy (but monitor) the warmth of the season. Space heaters come in handy for banishing winter chill, but they can overheat, spark, tip over and/or ignite combustibles such as wadded-up giftwrap if not used correctly. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep. 5. Get that holiday glow. Instead of the open-flame candles that inadvertently spark holiday dĂŠcor each year, consider battery-operated candles. Remember to blow out candles when you leave the room. 6. Best gift for your family is to upgrade to Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter breakers or outlets. This smart technology temporarily disables circuits when detecting potentially dangerous electric leaks. It's estimated that half of electrical fires that occur every year could be prevented by AFCIs. All upgrades should be completed by a qualified electrician. 7. Avoid getting frazzled. Worncord warning: Avoid pinching electric cords between windows, rugs, carpets or furniture, since that can wear them down and possibly cause overheating and ignition. 8. Even outlets experience holi-
day stress. Multi-outlet power strips and extension cords are handy for decorations, phones, cooking gear and new gift gadgetry, but plugging in too many things can over-tax your home's electrical capacity. Never use an extension cord or power strip for heaters, as this could cause cords to overheat and result in a fire. 9. Decorate wisely. Consider fire hazards before draping that garland over a fireplace mantle, plugging in the frayed cord that lights up your vintage Santa or arranging pine wreaths around your candles. Check decorations for safety listing labels and never connect more than three strings of lights. 10. Give lit decorations a holiday break. Reduce the likelihood of fire by simply shutting everything off when there's no one home (or awake) to enjoy them. Half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., reports the NFPA. 11. Be busy as an elf about damage control. When decorating, check for loose or bare wires, cracked or damaged sockets, wobbly connections, broken or sharp edges and other hazards. And it may be time to toss that cheesy 1970s version of St. Nick. 12. More Christmas tree, more water. If you put up a real tree, make sure you water it daily. A dried-up pine tree is nothing but kindling. And an unfortunate 260 home fires in the U.S. start with Christmas trees each year, on average. The Electrical Safety Foundation International wishes everyone a safe, warm and happy holiday.
Find Local News Online chestnuthilllocal.com
Thursday, November 23, 2017
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Page 9
Chestnut Hill College to host annual Carol Night on Nov. 30
N
BC10 Anchor and Reporter Rosemary Connors will host Chestnut Hill College’s upcoming Carol Night — a holiday celebration featuring musical performances, sing-alongs and a visit from Santa Claus. Connors hosts the event, a longstanding tradition at the college, on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rotunda at St. Joseph Hall. The college’s primary musical groups, which include Jazz, String and Wind ensembles and the Hill Singers, perform Christmas tunes both old and
new. The performances conclude with Christmas carol sing-alongs and a visit from Santa Claus. The event is free and open to the public. “Through music and friendship, our long-held tradition of Carol Night is a celebration of the Christmas spirit” said Kathleen McCloskey, SSJ, M.M.Ed., an assistant professor of music and chair of the music department at the college. Following the performances, a reception will be held in the East Parlor of St. Joseph Hall. Guests can enjoy the college’s fully decorated
campus, and children have a chance to meet and get their photograph taken with Santa. Connors is an Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter for NBC10 News, delivering live reports during weekdays and anchoring the news on weekend mornings. She grew up in Montgomery County. Come celebrate Chestnut Hill College’s Carol Night on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rotunda at St. Joseph. Hall.
Make Your Holiday Entertaining Sweet
Now Offering Gift Cards! December Special: $100 card for $80 • $50 card for $40
Give a Gift subscription of the Local ! Come by Our Office or Call Today.
Page 10
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Shopping small is like shopping for yourself (Continued from page 2)
Opportunities abound this month to get out and shop locally for the holidays. Every Wednesday until Christmas, shops on Germantown Avenue are staying open late for the traditional Chestnut Hill Stag and Doe nights – a holiday custom that stems from an old neighborhood practice in which women would leave wish lists at local shops for their husbands, who
would go out on Wednesday nights and hunt for their spouse’s favorite things. This Holidays on the Hill guide is a collection of event listings and stories to help you get the best out of the Holidays in Chestnut Hill and its nearby neighborhoods. And it’s a good time to do what we all can to spend as much money and time in our neighborhoods. It all goes a long way to helping yourself, too.
STAG AND DOE NIGHTS During Chestnut Hill’s oldest and most favored tradition, Stag and Doe Nights, festively decorated shops stay open late and welcome visitors with hot cocoa, wine tastings and seasonal treats on Wednesday nights, starting Nov. 28 and continuing through Dec. 19, while strolling carolers and brass quartets entertain shoppers along Germantown Avenue.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Page 11
Small Business Saturday a time for local businesses to compete with Black Friday, Cyber Monday by Maddie Clark
“E
veryone already knows about black Friday, but does everyone know about small business Saturday?� Philip Dawson asks. As the Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Business District, Dawson makes it a point to promote small business Saturday, a relatively new holiday shopping tradition aimed to boost small businesses and local economies. In trying to combat the 2010 recession, American Express launched small business Saturday on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in order to encourage people to shop small and to bring more attention to small businesses during the holidays. In that same amount of time, Black Friday – a day of shopping discounts on the Friday after The National Retail Federation has predicted gains in overall holiday shopping in November and December. It expects a gain over 2017 sales between 4.3 and 4.8 percent and predicted total sales could reach $720.89 billion. Shop Small Saturday is an effort to take some of that spending for locally owned businesses, which have an increasingly difficult time competing with big box stores like Walmart and Target, and of course the online retail giant, Amazon. In 2011, the Senate passed a resolution in support of the day by a unanimous vote. To this day, officials from all 50 states participate in the yearly event. It was even supported by former President of the United States, Barack Obama. By 2013, there were more than 1,400 individuals and organizations who signed up as neighborhood champions to encourage their communities regarding the support of small business Saturday through various events and activities. Four years later, in 2017, there
were more than 7,200 neighborhood champions, including the Chestnut Hill Business Association. Each year, the CHBA applies to be a part of the event; and this year is no different. “Whether it’s the shopping, the dining, or the history, we want people to see what makes Chestnut Hill a worthwhile place to visit,� Dawson said. While the CHBA promotes small business Saturday though social media and by distributing American Express merchandise, they also do their part by making Chestnut Hill a festive atmosphere during the holidays. From Victorian carolers to an appearance from Santa Clause and free hot chocolate and cookies, there will be plenty to keep people occupied in between their shopping excursions. Not only does small business Saturday help boost the overall economy, but it supports the local communities who help create jobs. In 2017, small business Saturday was the single most trafficked day in terms of local shopping. USA Today also voted Chestnut Hill as
Small Business Saturday in Chestnut Hill offers shoppers a deal and real neighborhood atmosphere on Saturday, Nov 25.
the number one shopping destination in Philly, said Dawson. There’s also a sense of comradery that occurs when walking into a family owned shop that people just won’t get from their average Target or Best Buy. Whether it’s a mom and pop shop or a neighborhood food truck, there’s always a sense of community togetherness and the
The Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop
promise to put the customers first. Why get your family and friends the latest iPhone, or whatever the new technology is, when you can get a one of a kind item from a local vendor? Not only does The CHBA make it a point to incite interest in small businesses during the holidays, but throughout the rest of the year as well.
“365 days a year, we’re always trying to promote Chestnut Hill,� said Dawson. So instead of waking up at the crack of dawn to beat the out the door lines at Walmart, or any other chain store, on black Friday, rest and recover from your Thanksgiving feast and do your holiday spending at your local shops.
Unique
Find Something
Bird in Hand TAKING HOLIDAY ORDERS NOW. We make beautiful gift baskets and cheese trays for any occasion. We deliver and ship. Specialists in the World's Finest Cheese & Gourmet Products Daniel B. Weiss - A Family Business since1927 8509 Germantown Avenue t Philadelphia, PA 19118 www.chcheeseshop.com t 215.242.2211
NON-PROFIT CONSIGNMENT SHOP
Serving the community since 1976 Select items, jewelry, crystal, antiques, framed art Open 10 - 5p.m. Mon. - Sat., 11 - 4p.m. Sun. Consignment Hours Mon. 10 - 11:30 a.m. Tues. & Weds. 1- 3 p.m. by appt.
M-Sat 9-5:30, Sun 12-4
Ä‰Ä…Ä ÄŠĆŤ !.) *0+3*ÄŒĆŤ 2!Ä‹ÄŒĆŤ $!/0*10ĆŤ %((ĆŤĆŤÄ‘ĆŤÄ‚Ä Ä†ÄĄÄ‚Ä…Ä‰ÄĄÄ‚Ä…ÄˆÄƒ
Give your child the gift of music! Learn how to help your child develop a solid musical foundation, while creating fun lasting memories together!
Now through De cember 11, 2018 , you will receive $20 OFF a Children's Mus ic Express Gift Card, Certificate or Winter Session Enrollm ent!
Chestnut Hill Sports Storewide Sale 10% - 30% off Mens Lacrosse Equipment 50% off* *Includes shoulder pads, arm pads & gloves
I Philadelphia, PA 19118 215.242.6167
8628 Germantown Ave.
Page 12
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Holiday parade returns by Brendan Sample
N
ow in the sixth year of its revival, the Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade is once again set to bring a variety of seasonal entertainment to Germantown Avenue. The parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., beginning at the intersection of Germantown Avenue and Rex Avenue, and ending at the Market at the Fareway. The chair of the committee organizing the parade, Brien Tilley, is enthusiastic about continuing this tradition after it had gone away for several decades. “The parade had gone on for many years in Chestnut Hill going back a long time, but then it stopped for about 25 years or so before I helped to revive it about six years ago,” Tilley said. “We’ve definitely wanted it to go on for this long and more, since our goal has been to make this a tradition for the generations to come. As in previous years, the parade will feature groups from local grade schools such as bands, choirs and dancing groups marching and performing throughout the morning. The parade will also feature kids and volunteer coaches from the Chestnut Hill Youth Sports Club teams, local scout groups, a procession of antique cars, an appearance from the Phillie Phanatic and will be led by an Engine 37 firetruck along with a group of police horses. Of course, no holiday parade would be complete without an appearance from Santa Claus, who will also be available for pictures at the Fareway. “The main fixture of the parade has been the energy that these groups bring and the support that the community has given,” Tilley said. “We’ve had an amazing combination of all these groups that want to put all their energy into helping celebrate friendship and the holidays. That’s been the greatest success of the parade - just good, old-fashioned fun.” This year, there will be a greater emphasis on musical performances than in previous years, as more school bands have been added to the parade, with the bands, choirs and dancers all set to give live performances at the Fareway. With a defined stage area in place there, their performances will be even more of a showcase and provide a memorable end to the parade. According to Tilley, the most challenging aspect of organizing the parade is simply finding the time to get everything done, as he and everyone else involved are volunteering their time. This can certainly make it more difficult to reach out to all the groups they want to be involved with the event. Even with that in mind, however, Tilley recognizes the value that the parade provides to the neighborhood, and thus feels that the results have been more than worth the extra effort. “I don’t think there’s a group we’ve reached out to that hasn’t been interested in getting involved with this,” Tilley said. “We’ve revitalized this in the spirit that it’s the Chestnut Hill Community Association’s way to give back to the community and a gift to celebrate the community and surrounding areas. Our hope is ultimately to keep it going forever.” Anyone interested in volunteering to help the parade can call the CHCA at 215-248-8810 or email info@chestnuthill.org. Brendan Sample can be reached at brendan@chestnuthilllocal.com
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Page 13
Page 14
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Holiday House Tour returns for 25th year by Pete Mazzaccaro
T
$AVE • Subscribe to the Local
his year, the Chestnut Hill community Association is hosting its 25th Holiday House Tour. The tour, one of the association’s most important fund raisers, is an annual holiday tradition that attracts nearly 700 people every year to tour historic homes decorated for the holidays and to shop and dine on Germantown Avenue. This year’s tour takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $45 for CHCA members and $50 for non-members. They can be purchased via mail with a check to CHCA, 8434 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 or they can be purchased online at chestnuthill.org. Visitors can also register on the day of the tour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave. The Woodmere, which will also serve as the first stop for all who registered for the tour, will have open its annual holiday gift shop and is also hosting the exhibit “The Night Before Christmas: the Illustrations of Charles Santore.” The tour is an all-weather event, meaning it will not be postponed if it rains or snows. While the tour has been around for years, CHCA executive director Anne McNiff said that more and more goes into arranging the experience around the 5 decorated homes on the tour. Each home will feature area musicians. There are 5 holiday trolleys that are making stops at the tour homes, The Woodmere Art Museum and several dining and shopping spots along Germantown Avenue. “There’s a lot more to the tour than a visit to the houses,” she said. “we've worked really closely with businesses and our partners to make it more of a Chestnut Hill wide destination. It’s a day in Chestnut Hill.” In fact, each ticket purchaser will get 10% off several dozen different restaurants and shops on the Avenue. Organizers hope people will not only visit the tour homes, but get lunch and start their holiday shopping. But that doesn’t mean the homes aren’t the main attraction. Chestnut Hill is well known for its collection of historic houses. The prospect of getting peek inside five of them brings many people from the neighborhood but from far and wide. “For many people, it's a tradition, so you'll get calls from people who come every year with their mother in law or sisters,” she said. “ They come and they make a day of it.” Of particular interest this year, McNiff said, is one home that has an assembled model train set that’s considered to be the biggest of its kind on the East Coast. Each home will feature dozens of decorations and other furnishings, with information available on the shops and designers who contributed. So come out for the Holiday House Tour. It’s not only the a festive day out in a historic neighborhood, but also a way to support it.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR Interior photos from the Holiday House Tour. The event always features some of the neighborhood’s most impressive homes decorated for the holidays by both homeowners, volunteers and professionals. One of the homes this year will also be host to one of the largest indoor train tracks on the East Coast. Information on the five homes that will make up the tour will be available on registration the day of the tour.
Ralston My Way Care can help with holidays
C
are Management is a personalized approach to evaluating and coordinating services and connecting older adults and those who care about them to the answers, resources and support services they need. This is important at any time during the year but the need often surfaces when people have contact with those they have not seen lately. “During the holidays, we gather with friends and relatives. As we share time with older loved ones, we may develop concerns about their wellbeing and care but are not sure what to do. This is especially difficult for family and friends who do not live in the area since their stay here for celebrating is short. Whether you are near or far, Ralston My Way is here, ready to listen and, if ne eded, provide assistance,� said Eric Wilden, Director of Ralston My Way. “We are the local champions of older adults, can make an initial visit and assessment and will be there along the way to help when needed,� said Barbara Kroberger, Ralston My Way’s Care Manager. “Our goals are to provide clients with outstanding care, anticipate needs and ease anxiety by sharing information and answering questions.� “We will continue to provide home care, small home repairs, errands and transportation, yard work and do general chores for older adults in response to their specific needs,� said Lynette Killen, Ralston’s Executive Director. “Care Management is for those who need a comprehensive approach to understanding their needs and a more robust plan for living well in the community,� For more information on Care Management or to schedule a Ralston My Way Service, call 215-525-5470, email info@ralstonmyway.org or go to www.ralstonmyway.org.
CARMAN’S SHOE REPAIR — OF CHESTNUT HILL — Over 70 Years of Quality service • Family owned and operated store
ishing our Wcustomers a very
MARKET
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for your continued patronage. Shoe Repair Makes Sense! Full service shoe and leather item repairs. We carry a complete line of shoe accessories, including insoles and orthotics. 8111 Germantown Avenue • Philadelphia, PA
215-247-7706 • Hours: 9-6 Daily • Sat. 8-1 WWW.CARMANSSHOEREPAIR.COM
Specializing In #$ # " ! "
Page 15
Page 16
CHESTNUT HILL LOCAL
Thursday, November 22, 2018