This month marks four years for me as a reporter for the Germantown Info Hub, where I’ve enjoyed producing a multitude of stories representing the interests of our neighbors. And though I’ve received praise for presenting the many plates of information, those who help make it behind the scenes haven’t always gotten their due applause.
Insert here Gene Sonn, who served as my editor from January 2022 through July 2025.
In those three and a half years, Sonn oversaw my assignments, suggested a significant fraction of the stories produced, and overall supported the transformation of GIH from the budding project we were into the thriving multifaceted newsroom we are today.
Since January of this year, Sonn has gotten to know the neighborhood better, thanks to his few years of editing experience, as Resolve has been headquartered in the Germantown Life Enrichment Center (GLEC) at 5722 Greene St.
He says Germantown’s everyday vibrancy drew him in, whether it was the busy sidewalks or small details that reveal care, such as inventive stoops and well-maintained front yards.
Warm hellos from strangers were an immense joy for Sonn, in particular.
Editing GIH let him focus on one neighborhood instead of parachuting in, and he saw “immense pride and care” surface, even in the toughest stories. What he loved most during his time editing was the sense of living history with neighbors honoring the past while writing new chapters.
Prior to joining Resolve, Sonn held lengthy roles in reporting, editing, producing, and leading newsrooms at notable organizations, including WHYY (Philadelphia), WBGO (New Jersey), and WRVO (Upstate NY).
When asked about his observations of the contrast between covering a city or state versus a neighborhood, he first pointed to the autonomy readers feel at the hyperlocal level.
He said: “Readers generally feel like they’re more experts on their neighborhood than they are a city as a whole, and so, in that way, they’re more empowered to speak up if they see something that doesn’t fit their experience.”
Along with overseeing some editorial tasks for GIH, Sonn also juggled the responsibility of being Resolve Philly’s Director of Collaboration, overseeing the Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative (PJC) — a citywide partnership of 30 local newsrooms that produce collaborative, solutions-oriented journalism on issues affecting Philadelphia.
This past July, PJC transitioned from Resolve Philly to Klein College’s Center for Community-Engaged Media.
Sonn also made the move, taking on the role of Program Manager. Sonn hopes PJC being at Temple University will mean more opportunities to connect with students, involve them in the work, and help advance their careers for the better.
Before Sonn completely resolved his duties with us, I asked if he would complete one final task: to tell us his favorite things about Germantown.
He obliged, and I sat with the manager-by-week, bicylist-by-free-time, and dad-joker-all-the-time to do so. Ahead of his favorite things, I asked what his message to Germantown is.
He said, “Thank you for sharing stories with GIH. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the process, and I really appreciate people being willing to share their stories because, you know, there’s no obligation for people to share their stories… It’s a gift.”
Favorite places to get food
Sonn names Salam Cafe at 5532 Greene St., saying he really appreciates the falafel there. He calls their desserts “super tempting,” as well.
He also shouts out Quality Donuts, right next to GLEC, because he feels like he’s “in college when [he’s ] drinking that coffee. Like, I love it!”
Favorite park in Germantown
As the park he’s been to the most, he names Vernon Park.
“I just love that so many people come and enjoy it in different ways,” Sonn said.
Are there any recreational activities you’d like to do in the neighborhood?
As a biker, he’d love to check out Wister Woods trails along Belfield Ave behind LaSalle University. But he’d also like to check out the roses that bloom within the Wyck House gardens at 6026 Germantown Ave. during late Spring.
Any shops you like or stand out?
He names Crystal Jackson’s Perfectly Flawless women’s boutique as one that he’s never been inside, but stands out for its colorful exterior and window display. “I don’t have a need to buy what I see, but I love the way they put it together,” he said.
He also notes Whosoever Gospel Mission at 101 E. Chelten Ave. as a place he’s had a desire to go to, but has not yet.
Favorite thing you’ve learned about the neighborhood?
“The storied jazz club history,” Sonn shared.
He specifically points to the now-closed LaRose Jazz Club on Germantown Avenue, which he learned about in 2018 when reading a story about Bill Cosby performing there just before he went on trial on counts of aggravated assault.
He says digging deeper into the background led him to “fascinating” information about who had played there and the general history of the establishment.
A historic destination you’ve enjoyed learning about?
Sonn looks forward to visiting the now ten-year-old Colored Girls Museum, which he recalls has had its ups and downs in its past few years.
He appreciates that it highlights the experiences and documents history from the eyes of ordinary people who played important roles, even if they aren’t famous.
A community group or neighbor you want to shout out?
He first shouts out Lyn Kuebler, the executive director of GLEC, saying he’s seen how many important things the center does for the community. “It’s not easy to keep that going,” he shared.
A few of your favorite stories
- East Germantown basketball league continues to pack the park
- He enjoys that the Lonnie Young Summer League turns basketball into a community convening that brings neighbors an experience you’d pay for at the Wells Fargo arena.
- Could Wister Woods be the new premier destination for biking?
- Says the story “captured the joy that can come from the freedom of biking.”
- Local leader fights against the controversial smokeshop at Chew & Chelten
- He appreciated how it clarified local issues and encouraged informed decisions, helping residents better understand and support local businesses.
One addition you could see in Germantown?
He recommends more exercise stations, similar to those found in some of Vernon Park and a few other Philly parks, saying it’s an opportunity for people of different abilities to access this type of equipment and fitness.
Note: We have updated this story to reflect that WRVO is in Upstate NY. We previously had all Sonn’s roles in Philadelphia and New Jersey!