Author: Lisa Dukart

Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

Could the township see its first parking meter rate hike since 1999? The change is one of several ordinances considered at last night’s township meeting. Also, meet two Rhodes scholars with local ties, and catch up on the latest in the push to merge Lower Merion’s two high school football teams.

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Parking meter rates may be going up for the first time since 1999

Lower Merion residents may want to brace for a few adjustments on the horizon, including a lower speed limit on parts of Lancaster Avenue and new rules surrounding where smoke and vape shops can operate.

Township commissioners considered multiple ordinances at their meeting last night, including the speed limit reduction and a proposal that would up the cost of parking in the township for the first time in 25 years, potentially generating around $900,000 annually.

Read the latest updates from reporter Denali Sagner here.

💡 Community News

• Montgomery County officials last week unveiled their proposed 2026 budget, which includes a 4% property tax increase. The draft budget was written before Pa. lawmakers finally reached an agreement on a $50.1 billion state budget. Montco’s chief financial officer said the budget was written with the assumption of stagnant funding and kept it “status quo.”
• Speaking of the state budget, the finalized plan provided no additional funding for SEPTA. Meanwhile, the transit agency completed its required inspections of all 223 Silverliner IV Regional Rail vehicles just ahead of its deadline, but travel woes aren’t likely to end with many cars yet to return to service.
• Mark your calendars: There will be a concert honoring WMMR host Pierre Robert in Philly next month, where bands and musicians close to the former Gladwyne resident will gather to celebrate his memory after his recent death shocked the music world.
• A Philadelphia man admitted to a hit-and-run that happened outside the Taco Bell on City Avenue last year. Jamal McCullough, 38, did not call 911 or help Tracey Carey, 61, after he struck her as she attempted to cross the highway in her wheelchair, according to police.
• Two of this year’s prestigious Rhodes scholars boast local connections: Yale University senior Aruna Balasubramanian hails from Bala Cynwyd and is a Harriton High alumna while Alice Hall, studying at MIT, is the daughter of Welsh Valley Middle School Principal Chris Hall, according to the school district. The Inquirer’s Maggie Prosser caught up with the two, and Balasubramanian shares advice for other Main Line high schoolers.
• Lower Merion’s compost pilot program is underway, providing the free service to eligible households within Bala Cynwyd. You can find more details on the yearlong initiative here.
• A reminder that the Thanksgiving holiday will impact your trash and recycling pickup next week. Not sure when your holiday collection will be? Use the township’s address lookup tool to confirm.
• Attention pet owners: There’s a new dog daycare, boarding, and spa in town. Hounds Town opened its doors in Narberth yesterday.
• A chemist and former executive at Conshohocken-based pharmaceutical company Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen) recently launched a luxury skincare line out of her Bryn Mawr home. Jennifer Sherak’s eponymous company caters to women over 40 and is looking to buck a “one-size-fits-all” approach. (Philadelphia Business Journal)

🏫 Schools Briefing

• In case you missed it, Lower Merion Superintendent Frank Ranelli made an official recommendation during a recent school board meeting not to merge the district’s football programs. The move comes amid a push from parents to combine teams. A school spokesperson said any further action or vote on a potential football merger would be the school board’s decision.
• Harriton is hosting a “High School Family Workshop Night” on Monday. It kicks off at 6:30 p.m.
• Harriton High School’s boys soccer team recently won its first-ever Central Athletic League title, as well as the PIAA District One 3A title, before advancing to the state semifinals, where the team lost to Abington Heights.
• Today is picture retake day. Also, the book fair continues today and tomorrow at Bala Cynwyd Middle School. And tonight, the high schools kick off their fall plays. Harriton is performing Clue, which runs through Saturday, while Lower Merion High is putting on Legally Blonde, which is on until Sunday. Reminder for families: Elementary and middle school students don’t have class on Tuesday, and all students are out on Wednesday. The district is closed next Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. See the full calendar here.

🍽️ On our Plate

• Tomorrow is the last day to place takeout Thanksgiving orders from White Dog Cafe. The popular eatery, which has locations in Haverford and Wayne, is offering a feast to feed up to eight people, as well as à la carte options.
• In case you missed it, Chums, a new dessert shop dishing up a popular Chinese street snack food and a trendy TikTok yogurt dish, recently opened in Ardmore. Hear what one customer had to say about the tanghulu.
• Fox29’s Bob Kelly recently visited La Cabra Brewing Smokehouse in Bryn Mawr to sample its brews and barbecue. The Glenbrook Avenue eatery opened in 2019, where it smokes meats like brisket, pork, and chicken. See the segment here.

🎳 Things to Do

🤠 Barn Dance: Brush up on your dancing skills or learn some new steps at this event. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 21, 6:30-9 p.m. 💵 $25 📍 Riverbend Environmental Education Center

🎁 BHL Holiday Market: Belmont Hills Library is hosting the first of three holiday markets this weekend, where you can shop goods from local artisans. ⏰ Saturday, Nov. 22, 2-7 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Belmont Hills Library

🧙‍♀️ Let’s Celebrate the Opening of Wicked: For Good: Kids ages 5 to 12 can make themed edible crafts inspired by Elphaba and Glinda. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 23, 4-5 p.m. 💵 $21.20 📍 The Candy Lab

🦕 Movie Matinee: Catch a screening of The Land Before Time at the library. Registration is required. ⏰ Tuesday, Nov. 25, 1-3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Penn Wynne Library

🍂 Fall Cornucopia Creations: Create your own Thanksgiving centerpiece. ⏰ Tuesday, Nov. 25, 6-7:30 p.m. 💵 $95 📍 Plant 4 Good

🚗 Worth the Drive: A Longwood Christmas: Longwood Gardens’ annual holiday display kicks off tomorrow and runs through early January. This year’s theme is inspired by jewels and gems. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 💵 $25 for kids 5-18, $45 for adults 19 and older, free for members and kids under 5📍 Longwood Gardens

🏡 On the Market

Luxury and privacy in Bryn Mawr

This sprawling, nearly 8,000-square-foot gated estate in Bryn Mawr boasts five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. Among its highlights? A sweeping staircase, gym, sauna, wine cellar, and lagoon-style pool.

See more photos of the property here.

Price: $3,250,000 | Size: 7,931 | Acreage: 1.61

🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

• A night of Michelin culinary stars and even a few cheesesteaks: Philly’s big showing in the restaurant awards
• Nick Sirianni wins in spite of himself, some might say. Those critics are wrong.
• A charity offered free MRIs to screen for brain cancer. Doctors worry they’re not worth the risks.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.

Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

Several new eateries have recently opened in the area, with more on the way. Also this week, two men were charged in connection with an attempted robbery of an armored truck earlier this month, SEPTA is now a third of the way through its Regional Rail car inspections, and the former longtime leader of Bethel A.M.E. Church of Ardmore reflects on her first year in a historic new role.

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The fall food openings we’re keeping tabs on

We may only be a month into fall, but the area’s culinary scene has been booming this season. Two new eateries opened in the last few weeks, with a third debuting today, and more on the horizon.

New Jersey sports-bar chain Tommy’s Tavern & Tap took over the former J. Alexander’s space at 256 Mall Blvd. in King of Prussia, while Pinwheel Provisions opened in a larger space adjacent to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute on Lancaster Avenue on Monday. And today, the duo behind Maison Lotus are opening cocktail bar Jade Rabbit Speakeasy beneath their Wayne French-Vietnamese restaurant.

Also this week, the new location of Johnny’s Pizza (its original Bryn Mawr shop recently got a nod on The 76) is in its soft-opening phase. The new Wayne outpost is among the region’s hottest new pizzerias, according to The Inquirer’s Michael Klein.

Looking ahead, Lafayette Hill BYOB Lassan Indian Traditional is opening a second location at 232 Woodbine Ave. in Narberth, where it will take over the former Margot space.

💡 Community News

• Two men were charged last week in connection with an attempted robbery of an armored truck on Oct. 3 that led to school lockdowns and a shelter-in-place order.
• Heads up for drivers: Work on the North Narberth Avenue bridge between Elmwood and Haverford Avenues is set to begin next week, starting with vegetation clearing on Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Work will then transition to night hours, taking place from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. next Wednesday and Thursday.
• Reminder for registered voters: Tuesday is the last day to request a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 4 election. You can apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot here.
• Friends and family gathered outside Adath Israel in Merion Station last week to celebrate the release of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel from Hamas captivity following a ceasefire agreement earlier this month. Among those was Ohel’s cousin, Lower Merion resident Benjamin Mittman. A number of local residents have held vigils and rallies to support the families of hostages like Ohel. (6abc)
• SEPTA’s inspections of 225 Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars are more than a third complete. The Inquirer is tracking the agency’s inspection progress here.
• Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, who previously led the Bethel A.M.E. Church of Ardmore for 10 years, where she served as its first female pastor, recently reflected on her first full year as head of the historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, where she is also the first female pastor. The Inquirer’s Nate File spoke with her about what it’s like leading the oldest church property in the U.S. to be owned continuously by Black people.
• Pilates studio Jetset, which is targeting the region for expansion, will be opening a location just down the road from Suburban Square at 354 W. Lancaster Ave. in Haverford. The studio is known for its high-intensity, low-impact classes.
• A more than 9,000-square-foot Gladwyne mansion has hit the market with an asking price of $8.5 million. The six-bedroom, 11-bathroom home has a terrace, pool, sauna, and a media room. It sits on 12.75 acres and has the potential to be subdivided into three parcels. (Philadelphia Business Journal)
• Lower Merion Township is hosting an open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. where residents can tour the police and fire stations, get a close-up look at emergency vehicles, and enjoy balloon animals, music, and food.
• Bryn Mawr College this month released new guidelines for students protesting on campus, including the use of bullhorns and which campus spaces students can occupy. The school is also encouraging students to schedule demonstrations through its facilities platform, something that’s left both professors and students concerned. (The Bi-College News)

🏫 Schools Briefing

• LMSD is hosting one of four community events regarding its new strategic plan next Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Lower Merion High School cafeteria, where residents can hear ideas and offer input on the five-year plan running from 2026 to 2031.
• Mark your calendars: The district’s book fairs continue today and tomorrow. There will be a trunk-or-treat event at Penn Valley Elementary on Saturday from 2:30 to 4 p.m., with another planned at Merion Elementary next Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Saturday is also Lower Merion High School’s homecoming dance and next week is LMHS spirit week. See all the district’s events here.
• Tickets for Welsh Valley’s seventh grade dance, which takes place Nov. 7, are on sale now and must be purchased in advance.

🍽️ On our Plate

• Carlino’s Market is expanding, now selling its products at 10 Wegmans stores in southeastern Pennsylvania. The popular Ardmore market expects to triple its sales and production as a result. Its signature sauces will roll out to other Wegmans locations in Delaware, New Jersey, and New York in the coming months. (Philadelphia Business Journal)

🎳 Things to Do

👻 Halloween Funky Brunch & Market: This family-friendly event includes craft vendors, live music, and trick-or-treating for kids. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Ardmore Music Hall

🎶 Wicked Singalong: In anticipation of the release of Wicked: For Good, watch the first movie and sing along to the hits. Registration is required. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 25, noon-3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Penn Wynne Library

🧙‍♀️ The Witches of Narberth: Kids can scour the borough in search of witches and treats ahead of next week’s Halloween parade. The hunt runs from 1 to 4 p.m. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 25, 1-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Narberth

🎃 Halloween Party: Now in its fifth year, the Sean King Fund for Inclusive Practices event includes games, face painting, music, and dancing. Costumes are welcome. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 25, 2-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Linwood Park

🍎 Heirloom Apple Tasting & Baking Contest: Get a taste of apples you won’t find in the grocery store and buy ones to take home. There will also be a baking competition. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 25, 2-4 p.m. 💵 $7.18-$12.51 📍 Harriton House

🎭 The Phantom of the Opera: The original film, starring Lon Chaney and Mary Philbin, turns 100 this year. To mark the occasion, Bryn Mawr Film Institute will host two screenings of the silent horror flick, accompanied by a live performance from students at the School of Rock Main Line. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m. 💵 $11.75-$16.25 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

🍫 Halloween Crafting: Kids can make four spooky, but edible Halloween-themed crafts while dressed in costumes. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 26, 4-5 p.m. 💵 $21.20 📍 The Candy Lab

🏡 On the Market

A four-bedroom Penn Valley home with a wine cellar and outdoor kitchen

This four-bedroom Penn Valley home has a sleek interior, with living and family rooms, a dining room, and an eat-in kitchen with an island on the first floor. Upstairs, the primary suite has a fireplace with a sitting area, two walk-in closets, access to a balcony, and a bathroom with a soaking tub and dual vanities. It also has a finished basement with another living room, a bar, media room, and a wine cellar, while outside there’s a patio with a built-in kitchen and a pool. There are open houses today from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and from noon to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday.

See more photos of the property here.

Price: $1.999M | Size: 3,968 SF | Acreage: 0.71

🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

• DNA confirms police found the body of Kada Scott, sources say, and new details emerge on what led police to her corpse
• The 76 scouts’ favorite spots that didn’t make the list
• Shuttered Iron Hill breweries sit empty across the Philly area. What will become of them?

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer’s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.