Len Lear

Dr. E. Mark Fox, the veterinarian who owned the 99-year-old Rau Animal Hospital in Glenside for 40 years and the Chestnut Hill Cat Clinic, once told me, “I consider myself the luckiest person in the world."

Emil DeJohn, of Ambler, an award-winning fashion designer and educator whose garments were worn by stars such as Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli, died of age-related ailments June 24.

Michelle Widgins Lewis, a tireless housing advocate, champion of the underdog and founder and CEO of the nonprofit Northwest Counseling Services (NCS), died June 29 after a 10-year battle with cancer.

Ted Fink has just published “After the Heist,” which he calls “a novel of ambition, loyalty, betrayal and the devastating cost of one reckless choice."

Over the years, I have probably been sent at least 100 books, almost all novels, written by local authors seeking an article in the Local about their latest work. I actually have tried to read each book out of respect and admiration for all of the research and work put in by these authors.

Marjorie “Maggie” Jeane Funderburg (née Lievense), who had a plethora of admirers for all of her good deeds in the community, died May 18, just 10 days shy of her 102nd birthday.

Kathleen Marie (McKenna) Winter, a talented painter, former longtime Chestnut Hill resident, devout Catholic and spiritual support for many friends and family members, died peacefully on June 9 at age 91.

Longtime Mt. Airy singer/songwriter Sharon Katz, who will be performing selections from her new album, “Desert Air,” in Wayne on Aug. 9, is so much more than an outstanding musician.

During the summer of 2015, 14 individuals from neighborhoods across Philadelphia traveled to G-Town Radio in Germantown to take part in the creation of #Racism is a Sickness.

“This Silent Music" will receive its world premiere on Saturday, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m., at the James Turrell Skyspace in the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, 20 E. Mermaid Lane.