Neighbors spar over sign for Jewish student safety | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, efforts to revitalize a nearby Main Line theater.
Hi there, Lower Merion! đ
Anyone else ready to soak up all the signs of spring during this yearâs Flower Show? At least weâve been seeing some milder temperatures lately. For this weekâs roundup, weâve got a neighborhood dispute involving a Lower Merion school board member, efforts to revitalize a nearby Main Line theater, and a look inside a remodeled Bryn Mawr Colonial.
As always, let us know if you have feedback. Are we missing something? Should we add a section? What community events or groups should we keep an eye on? You can tell us by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.
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A pair of Bala Cynwyd residents took to a recent board of commissioners meeting to share that their neighbor, Lower Merion school board member Anna Shurak, blocked a sign at the end of their driveway that read: âJewish students deserve to be safe on campus.â
Jeff and Rachel Lobman said they put up their sign to support their son and other Jewish students amid reports of antisemitism and protests on college campuses over Israelâs war in Gaza. Shurak, who is also Jewish, emailed them to acknowledge she blocked the sign and say that it was âfrighteningâ children in the neighborhood.
Their dispute comes as the school board has faced increased pressure from Jewish parents over its response to antisemitism, including during a fall debate around the districtâs equity policy. Shurak, who denies the accuracy of the Lobmansâ version of events, is also up for reelection this year.
You can read about the dispute here.
đĄ Community News
A Radnor resident is leading a group thatâs hoping to revitalize the nearly 100-year-old Anthony Wayne Theater (which is also by the same architect behind Bryn Mawrâs Seville Theatre) after it closed during the pandemic.
Need some home inspo? Take a look inside this Bryn Mawr Colonial thatâs now got some âfunkyâ flair after a six-month remodel, including unique powder rooms and a speakeasy-inspired lounge.
Itâs almost paving season, and the townshipâs public works committee is gearing up by releasing its list of 11.5 miles of roads that itâs eyeing for rotomilling and resurfacing, including parts of W. Montgomery Avenue and New Gulph Road. (Main Line Times & Suburban)
Jason Kelce, yes, that Jason Kelce, appeared before a recent Haverford Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting to request changes to his Haverford property, where he lives with his wife and Narberth native Kylie Kelce. (Patch)
A Philadelphia man was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison in connection with six armed robberies at cellphone stores, including in Lower Merion and Norristown. (Pottstown Mercury)
Haverford College is among area colleges reviewing the U.S. Department of Educationâs new guidance on diversity initiatives, but so far hasnât opted for changes. Penn, however, has been scrubbing references from its website.
In an effort to boost recruitment, Lower Merion officials have voted to drop a 60-college credit requirement and add a $5,000 signing bonus for new police officers. (Main Line Times & Suburban)
đœïž On our Plate
Johnnyâs Pizza in Bryn Mawr â the spot that restaurant critic Craig LaBan told you all about last week â is on our latest list of five great pizza shops in the Philly suburbs.
On the hunt for a new takeout spot or BYOB restaurant for date night? Check out this roundup of Thai restaurants around the Main Line. (Main Line Today)
đł Things to Do
đ„ 2025 Oscar-nominated Shorts: Nowâs your last chance to catch the shorts nominated in the live action, documentary, and animated categories this year. The Oscars air Sunday. â° VariousđBryn Mawr Film Institute
đ€ TAUK: With Philly-based band, Minka. â° Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. đ” $22+đArdmore Music Hall
đ„ Little Mermaid: Spend your Saturday with the kids watching a Disney classic. // â° Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m. đ” $7.75 adults, $6.75 kidsđBryn Mawr Film Institute
đ 2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show: Hereâs your guide to this yearâs show, including information on the schedule, tickets, parking, food, exhibits on display and more. â° Saturday, March 1-9 đ” VariesđPennsylvania Convention Center
đ± Adoption event: The newest furry addition to your family could be waiting at this event from ACCT Philly and Petco. â° Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m.-noonđWynnewood Petco
đ„ Almaâs Rainbow: Check out this 1994 coming-of-age film based in Brooklyn. â° Wednesday, March 5, 7 p.m. đ” $16.25đBryn Mawr Film Institute
đ€ Sam Grisman Project: Catch this tribute act to Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. â° Wednesday, March 5, 8 p.m. đ” $25đArdmore Music Hall
đĄ On the Market
Whatâs got a pool, tennis court, three fireplaces, and a library? This four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home in Gladwyne. The 5,276-square-foot home is going for $1,950,000.
Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com.
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