This Ardmore resident wants to walk each block | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, what to expect on your ballot at the upcoming primary.
Hi, Lower Merion! 👋
Think you know your neighborhood? One woman is on a mission to walk every street in Ardmore, documenting what she sees along the way. Here’s why. Also this week, police are investigating after officials say a Lower Merion High School student drew a swastika on himself and then showed it to a Jewish student, community members held a “yew-logy” for a felled state champion tree at Laurel Hill West Cemetery, plus, what to know ahead of the upcoming primary election.
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“What’s the point of having all these sidewalks if we’re not using them?” Jane Murray wondered recently.
An Ardmore resident for the last decade, Murray has been discovering hidden gems as part of her mission to walk every single street in Ardmore. Among her finds? An open-air courtyard adorned with trees, cheeky Halloween decorations, native plant gardens, and whimsical lawn statues.
In addition to documenting her journey online, Murray has used the experience to advocate for better pedestrian access, calling out things like poor signage or poles that block the sidewalk.
The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner joined Murray on one of her walks to learn more about what inspired her.
💡 Community News
Montgomery County will begin using electronic poll books at countywide voting precincts starting with next month’s primary. The e-poll books offer a quicker check-in process for voters by letting them sign in at any available station, rather than the one corresponding with their last name. They also notify a voter if they’re at the wrong polling place. Montgomery County piloted e-poll books at select jurisdictions during the past four elections before committing to them countywide.
Speaking of elections, Monday is the last day to register to vote if you want to cast a ballot in the May 19 primary. We’ve put together a guide about frequently asked questions and also what you can expect to see on your ballot.
Lower Merion native and Lower Merion High School alum Sara Lippmann’s latest book is due out Tuesday and to mark the occasion, she’ll be discussing it at an event at Narberth Bookshop Wednesday at 7 p.m. Hidden River follows 35-year-old protagonist Cassandra Trout as she grapples with the aftermath of being sexually groomed as a teen and is set in Philadelphia and along the Main Line.
A crowd of about 100 people gathered at Laurel Hill West Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd last week to pay their respects to and witness the final moments of an English yew tree before it was cut down. The tree, believed to be at least 157 years old and once the largest of its species in Pennsylvania, had become sick despite arborists’ efforts to save it. The Inquirer’s Maggie Prosser has more on the somber, yet humorous funeral for the stately tree.
Narberth native and Lower Merion High School alum Kylie Kelce met with students at Little Flower High School in Philadelphia last week for its “Women in Leadership” series, sharing about the importance of authenticity and self-trust.
There will be a May Day rally tomorrow at noon in Ardmore at the corner of Ardmore and Lancaster Avenues.
A rare Kobe Bryant trading card from his second season in the NBA sold last week for $3.15 million. The 1997 card featuring the Lower Merion alum was one of only 10 made and was purchased by collectors marketplace Alt. (Philly Voice)
Rhone, the athletic apparel store that debuted in the retail space at Suburban Square’s new apartment complex Coulter Place last month, is hosting a grand opening this Saturday. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and includes discounts and giveaways, including from fellow newcomer PopUp Bagels.
Bryn Mawr College, which may soon be the only women’s college in the region, released a new 10-year strategic direction this week, calling for more time and money for faculty scholarship and research, a remodeled library, and updated student residences and dining halls.
Montgomery County saw a 22% increase in outpatient care jobs between 2015 and 2025, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, part of a surge in healthcare jobs in the region during that decade. The Philadelphia area gained 184,000 jobs, over 70% of which were in healthcare.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Police are investigating an incident at Lower Merion High School last week in which a student drew a swastika on his body and then showed it to a Jewish student there, according to officials. Later that day, the same student threatened another individual on social media, administrators said, adding that hate speech won’t be tolerated.
PSSA science exams continue today and tomorrow for select students, as do International Baccalaureate exams for select Harriton High School students. Tonight is the opening of Lower Merion High School’s art show. There’s a virtual career symposium tomorrow at noon. Saturday is Lower Merion High School’s junior prom and Harriton High School’s senior prom. Sunday is the a cappella and jazz band spring concert. Welsh Valley Middle School’s spring instrumental concert is Monday night, and Lower Merion High School’s spring concert will take place Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Welsh Valley will host its arts festival on Wednesday. See the district’s full calendar here.
🍽️ On our Plate
A new diner is coming to City Avenue, taking over the long vacant space that was once a furniture and mattress store. The 5052 City Ave. spot could open as early as this fall.
One of the best things an Inquirer editor ate this week? The filet mignon at White Dog Cafe in Wayne. SEO editor Caryn Shaffer enjoyed hers medium-rare with smoky caramelized onions and Birchrun Hills Farms blue cheese butter and a side of roasted broccolini. For those looking to venture a little further along the Main Line, Michael Klein recommends the Madras nachos at Berwyn newcomer Vibe Haus.
🎳 Things to Do
🌎 NarbEarth Day: Celebrate the planet at this sustainability-focused event that includes clothing, toys, and household goods swaps, plus a book sale, food, live music, and games. ⏰ Saturday, May 2, noon-4 p.m. (Rain date: May 3) 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Narberth Park
🥂 Farm to Table Gala: The evening includes food, music, and a paddle raise to benefit Riverbend Environmental Education Center. ⏰ Thursday, May 7, 6-10 p.m. 💵 $300 📍 The Pump House
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1926, this century-old Wynnewood estate is a mix of classic architecture and modern day living. Some of the seven-bedroom home’s features include a kitchen with high-end appliances, a dining room with an adjacent butler’s pantry, a glass conservatory, and an expansive primary suite with a fireplace, sitting room, and multiple walk-in closets. It also has a covered porch with a fireplace, a heated pool, and a pool house with a kitchen, grill, and half bathroom.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $3.5M | Size: 8,039 SF | Acreage: 1.37
🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:
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