Narblog

Surge Ghosh passes Primary test for Borough Council

Surge Ghosh passed the primary election and will appear on November's ballot. Councilman Andy Haakenson fell behind by 17 votes.  You can read more here.

Narberth Flower & Vegetable Exchange

This coming Saturday, May 23, Narberth Greens Flower & Vegetable Exchange kicks off its second season at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Narberth Library on Windsor Avenue. Since it's early in the season, this first Exchange will also be a PLANT SWAP. You are welcome to dig up and bring your “extra” perennials, seedlings you have started, and seeds.  All are welcome, from would-be gardeners to the very experienced. We all learn from each other, and as we get into the growing season, we share the fruits (and veggies and flowers) of our labor! Come to the “X” and become part of this growing local food movement.

If you have questions, please call Georgette Dubois at (484) 994-3619, or email g@yogagardennarberth.com.

Narberth Candidate Makes It Past School Board Primaries

Melissa Gilbert, of Hansen Ct, Narberth, PA will appear on the fall ballot for Lower Merion School Board. Because of the cross-listing of candidates and the vote tally, Melissa is assured a spot on the board. Currently, there are no residents of Narberth on the board in Lower Merion School District. 

You can read more about Melissa's platform here and at her candidate website here.

Narberth N.I.C.E.

The Main Line Times has continued its coverage regarding Amtrak's destruction of gardens along the train's right-of-way.  Narberth citizens should pay close attention to this situation. 

Our N.I.C.E. gardens represent a tremendous input of volunteer hours and beautify both sides of the tracks for all to enjoy.  As indicated in the Narberth Open Space Master Plan, this area is kept as-is only by gentleman's agreement.  There is no formal protection.  On a whim, Amtrak could decide to spray herbicide and kill the entire park.  Amtrak can cut down every tree along the berm.  Or, as is currently happening in Merion, decide to concrete everything over.

Not only would these actions impact the aesthetic of our town, they would also contribute to worsening stormwater runoff and erosion.

What is the best course of action? 

 - Should we, as a community, support our Merion neighbors and draw attention to ourselves?
 - Should we ask Borough Council to approach Amtrak and see if a formal agreement can be reached?
 - Should we do nothing?

Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

Primary Elections Are Right Around The Corner

As Narberth has become a primarily democratic-party town over the years, the primary elections become particularly important.  Mayor Grady along with Borough Council incumbents Heidi Boise, Andy Haakenson, Matt Pettigrew, and Bob Wegbreit are running for re-election.  They've been going door-to-door and you can see their platform/website here.

The only other candidate I'm aware of is Surge Ghosh.  You can find more information about Surge here.  Also, you can sign up for his mailing list by emailing votesurge@gmail.com.

Narberth is a special town with unique character.  The health of our business district, keeping our budget under control, and effectively managing our police force rank as the most important issues to our town's long-term viability.  Do your research and then vote.

Comments welcome.  Let's get some community discussion going here!

Narberth/Ardmore group runs for School Board

Running on a slogan, "Vote Education First!", Narberth resident Melissa Gilbert has joined with Ardmore residents Peter Lee and Ivan Haskell in a bid for Lower Merion School Board.  The democratic primary is May 19th.

From their website, www.voteeducationfirst.org:

For Melissa, Ivan and Peter the three highest priorities are:

• Improving and equalizing education for all students in Lower Merion School district
• Promoting fiscal responsibility while improving educational quality
• Increasing communication and providing transparency in decision-making

The website contains the full platform as well as additional information on volunteering to support the campaign, obtaining lawn signs, and donating funds.

Narberth Mentions in the MLT

Two Main Line Times articles that are directly relevant to Narberth:

• Poised for demolition, 'Spanish House' remembered - Narberth resident Jason Duckworth is among a group of investors interested in demolishing the home at the corner of N. Wynnewood Ave and Sabine Ave.  In its place is a proposed 4-home sub-division.
• William Battista leaves Narberth Police Force - Concerned about his long-term employment prospects in Narberth, Officer Battista has resigned and joined the Amtrak Police in Baltimore.  Read the article for details.

Weather Got You Down? Beautiful NarbEarth Day Is This Weekend

Don't late these April showers get you blue.  This weekend is scheduled to be beautiful and we'll have a great festival to get everyone outdoors. It's NarbEarth Day on April 19th at 12 noon in Narberth Park.

There will be lots of fun activities for kids and adults.  Learn more about gardening, composting, and living a smaller footprint.

Find out more about our local watershed and how what you do in your yard influences water quality downstream.  And remember, we are all downstream from someone!

See you there.

Wacky Weather

On Sunday we had the craziest hailstorm I have ever experienced living in Philadelphia. I came home to discover piles of hail on my lawn, a high-water mark almost at my 2nd step, and decimated daffodils. 

I wasn't quite sure what to do, so I put a container of the hail in my freezer.  Why?  What will I do with it?  Will it just stay there like that piece of wedding cake from 10 years ago?  Maybe I'll bring it out at dinner parties, "And one time we had this crazy hailstorm...here, I saved it in my freezer; come take a look!".  The chunks measure between 1/8 and 1/2 inch in diameter.

We all slogged through a dreary, cold week to more rain.  This time we were in for a treat.  After the last clouds of the front passed us, a beautiful rainbow appeared.  This was the view from the 100 block of Conway Ave.

If you have your own Narberth weather photos, send them to me and I'll post them here!

Think Spring!!

No Off-Leash Dog Park for Narberth Residents

As Lower Merion has moved forward with plans to create an off-leash permit system and off-leash dog trails at Rolling Hills Park, Narberth residents have found themselves shut-out of access to the park.  While Lower Merion Township residents can buy permits for $25 that permit off-leash exercise on certain marked trails and at two other parks, Narberth residents cannot buy them.

Perhaps the Lower Merion Parks & Recreation Office is concerned about the number of applicants allowed permits during the pilot phase of this project.  Or, perhaps this is an oversight.

Canine-owning Narberth residents who would like to have off-leash access inside the Lower Merion park system are encouraged to write Mayor Tom Grady and also the Lower Merion Parks & Recreation Department at 610-645-6220 or email here.