EMTs save 1.5-pound baby | Inquirer Greater Abington
Plus, these locally born celebrities get the most Wikipedia searches.
Hi, Greater Abington.
EMTs in Cheltenham saved a 1.5-pound baby’s life after she was born prematurely in her parents’ Elkins Park home.
We also look at which locally born celebrities are searched the most on Wikipedia and break down Cheltenham’s potential 20% property tax increase. Plus, kids’ clothing retailer The Children’s Place — which has a Willow Grove outpost — has filed for bankruptcy protection and plans to sell off most of its assets. (The Inquirer last Friday reported its plans to shutter its New Jersey locations.)
— Laura Smythe (greaterabington@inquirer.com)
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It’s not often that a 1.5-pound weight classifies a baby as big, but that was the case for Isabella, who was born prematurely this summer in her parents’ Elkins Park home at just 23 weeks old.
Her mother’s sudden labor meant getting to Jefferson Abington Hospital in time was out of the question. Two veteran EMTs arrived within five minutes of the 911 call and delivered Isabella.
Today, the preemie tops six pounds, eats virtually everything by mouth, and is developing her heart.
The Inquirer’s Jess Rohan details the whirlwind birth, plus how Isabella’s parents have stayed in touch with the EMTs, who recently attended their wedding.
Ever wonder who the region’s most internet-searched locally born celebrities are?
There’s hometown hero Bradley Cooper, of Abington Township, of course, but that’s not this area’s only claim to fame. The Inquirer dug into the data to identify last year’s top five most-searched people from Abington, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, and Jenkintown, and it turns out there’s some solid star power.
Take, for example, Boy Meets World actor Matthew Lawrence, who played Jack Hunter in the hit TV series that was vaguely set in the Philadelphia area.
Take a closer look at the top five here.
💡 Community news
North Jersey-based kids’ clothing retailer The Children’s Place filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late Sunday night and plans to sell “substantially all of its assets,” after the company notified New Jersey regulators that it plans to close its 24 Garden State stores, resulting in 732 layoffs. The Children’s Place has hundreds of locations globally, including one at Willow Grove Park Mall.
Cheltenham homeowners could see an $89 average increase to their tax bills next year as the township looks to increase its portion of property taxes by about 20%.
In case you missed it, here’s what Gov. Josh Shapiro’s neighbors had to say last week about a potential presidential bid from him in 2028. The 53-year-old Abingtonian cruised to reelection as Pennsylvania’s governor, defeating Republican opponent Stacy Garrity and Libertarian candidate Ken Krawchuk, also of Abington.
Abington’s board of commissioners is slated to vote to fill the Ward 1 Commissioner vacancy during its 7 p.m. meeting on Thursday.
Jenkintown is looking to fill volunteer seats on its planning and shade tree commissions and recreation and zoning hearing boards. Borough residents can apply through Nov. 30.
There will be recurring closures affecting Cherry Street in Jenkintown through Nov. 20 due to construction.
Jenkintown’s Manor College has expanded its Dental Health Center, which provides care to hundreds of uninsured area residents each year.
🗺️ Other nearby news
Wyndmoor resident Leslie Jacoby Hack, 36, recently cofounded secondhand clothing platform Mosey, which aims to help parents resell their children’s apparel.
🍽️ On our plate
Wyncote-based Sumatra Cafe, which serves coffee, pastries, smoothies, and sandwiches, is opening a second location in nearby Hatboro.
🎳 Things to do
🐶 Read to the Dogs: Young readers ages 5 to 10 can cuddle up with a book and a certified therapy pup. ⏰ Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4:30-5:30 p.m. 💵 Free, registration required 📍 Elkins Park Free Library
🥯 Veterans’ Breakfast: Veterans can bring a guest for a breakfast, speaking program, and screening of No Off Days: The Old Glory Ultra Relay Documentary. ⏰ Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. 💵 Free, registration required 📍 Glenside Memorial Hall
🍻 Happy Hour Social: Get to know your neighbors and the local business community at this Glenside Civic Association event, which will have a cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 13, 5-7 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Keswick Theatre
🧶 Fall Craft and Vendor Market: Browse handmade wares and seasonal decor from local vendors. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 13-Saturday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Willow Grove Park
🎄 Holiday Craft Fair: Get a jump on holiday shopping with handmade goods and seasonal treats. ⏰ Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Willow Grove United Methodist Church
📿 Holiday Art and Fine Craft Fair: Artists from across the region will sell their jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles, painting, and photography at this outdoor event. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, Nov. 22) 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Abington Art Center
🏡 On the market
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built in 1931 and has been updated throughout with contemporary details. The first floor features an open floor plan with plenty of windows, bringing in natural light. Blue accent walls and built-in wood shelving dot the home, which has barn doors on the bedrooms. There’s also a finished basement.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $330,000 | Size: 1,576 SF | Acreage: 0.06
Each week we feature an interesting local listing in or around the township. Have one we should consider? Email us at greaterabington@inquirer.com.
🗞️ What other Greater Abington residents are reading this week:
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