Extreme weather tests the township | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, why a former Main Line Health robotic heart surgery specialist is suing the system.
Hi, Lower Merion! 👋
If summer storms seem to be getting worse, you’re not wrong. We look at why, as well as the challenges they pose to local residents and infrastructure. Also this week, a former Main Line Health surgeon is suing the system, a Gladwyne company is looking to add senior housing nearby, plus, a township native’s Eagles fandom is making waves on the Vanderpump Rules spin-off.
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As summers grow hotter and more humid, residents throughout the region face increased climate threats that can lead to flooding, downed trees, and damaged property.
That was the case for Tori Bauver, whose Wynnewood apartment was badly damaged in last months’ microburst.
Once infrequent, intense weather events have ramped up due to climate change. “We get a 100-year storm every year,” said Ray Courtney, a Lower Merion commissioner and chair of the township’s sustainability committee.
Many areas, including Lower Merion, also contend with aging stormwater infrastructure, which can exacerbate problems.
💡 Community News
Gianluca Torregrossa, a former cardiac thoracic surgeon specializing in robotics at Main Line Health, is suing the system for allegedly firing him after he reported a series of bad patient outcomes at the hands of another doctor. The Inquirer’s Abraham Gutman has the details.
The Narberth Community Food Bank has abruptly shuttered its doors. In a note on the website, founder Gigi Tevlin-Moffat said the nonprofit didn’t make “this change lightly or quickly,” but also didn’t expand on why it was closing, only noting that “the past year has been overwhelming with challenges.”
The Ardmore Avenue Pool won’t open at all this summer, the township’s Parks and Recreation Department said this week. The pool, which the department hoped would open for part of the season, has been closed since last summer to make way for work on the nearby Ardmore Avenue Community Center and area park, which are expected to open early next year.
Lower Merion commissioners recently approved an expansion of the Indego bike share program, which will bring three docking stations to Bala Cynwyd. It will be the first expansion of the program outside of Philadelphia.
Bala Cynwyd native Rob Evors is currently starring in new Freeform and Hulu unscripted show House of Stassi, where his Eagles fandom has become an unexpected storyline. The Inquirer’s Maggie Prosser explains why.
Gladwyne-based Waverly Senior Services is looking to build an independent living community on the historic Glencoe estate property in Radnor Township, which is currently owned by the Haverford School.
🍽️ On our Plate
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy was in town last week and paid a visit to beloved Bryn Mawr joint Johnny’s Pizza for his “One Bite Pizza Reviews,” giving it an 8.3 on the spot (the official video has yet to be released). Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan noted the Lancaster Avenue eatery is a rare double threat, thanks to its excellent pies and cheesesteaks.
🎳 Things to Do
😂 Andrew’s Big Show: This drop-in event will feature juggling and comedy. ⏰ Friday, Aug. 14, 11 a.m.-noon 💵 Free 📍 Ludington Library
🥽 Pool Party Family Shabbat: Cool down at the pool, where there will also be music, games, and crafts. ⏰ Friday, Aug. 14, 5-8 p.m. 💵 $15 📍 Kaiserman JCC
🎭 Trial by Jury: The Savoy Company will perform the Gilbert and Sullivan comedic, one-act opera, along with some of the duo’s other works. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 15, 6-7:30 p.m. 💵 $17-$42 📍 Stoneleigh
🍿 9 to 5: Catch a screening of the 1980 film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. ⏰ Monday, Aug. 17, 7:15 p.m. 💵 $11.75-$16.25 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute
🎵 Music in the Park: Bluegrass-forward Mark Schultz and the Wayne Rangers will take the stage. ⏰ Wednesday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Narberth Park gazebo
🏡 On the Market
This four-bedroom Ardmore home is 20th-century on the outside and 21st-century on the inside. Built in 1910, the stone estate has been overhauled to give it a modern interior while paying homage to its roots. Among its features is a chef’s kitchen, a wine room, a sun room, and a living room with its original carved wood mantel. It also has a primary suite with dual walk-in closets, a soaking tub, a steam shower, and a fireplace. Outside, there’s a patio with a fireplace, plus a detached two-car garage. There are open houses tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $3.195M | Size: 5,626 SF | Acreage: 0.45
🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:
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