CIVIC MERION ASSOCIATION
TEL/FAX 610.664.0441 E-MAIL: [email protected] WWW.MERIONCIVIC.ORG MERION, PA 19066
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
THE MERION COMMUNITY MERION HAS NEW AS A FAMILY POSTMASTER
By Scott Feuer By Michael Seiden
AS I WRITE THIS MESSAGE TO OUR RESIDENTS MS. KATHRYN SIPPLE has been OF MERION, I THINK OF THE NATURAL BEAUTY of Merion at this appointed Postmaster of the Merion time of year. I also reflect on the accomplishments of the Merion Civic Station post office. While Ms. Sipple Association (MCA) and the community as a whole. was appointed to the position on At the present time, regular meetings are being held between the January 17th of this year, she took over Merion Community Coalition and St. Joseph’s University in an attempt the daily operation of our post office to resolve differences over proposed uses of the McGuire Campus on in April, replacing Ms. Anita C. Hill, Latches Lane. Representatives from the Civic have attended virtually all who had served as Officer-In-Charge of these meetings. The Civic has also used its own meetings as a clearing- since August 2, 2009. Ms. Hill will house of information that allows all sides of the issue to be reported. The continue her work at the post office goal is to keep our community up-to-date and thoroughly informed about under Ms. Sipple. the developments regarding the proposed use of the McGuire Campus. According to Ms. Sipple, new The Civic will continue to monitor the overall progress of these discussions parking signs will be posted outside and will then update the residents on the status of these meeting at each shortly. The signs will direct residents of our monthly meetings. to appropriate places to park for the Over the last year, we have strengthened several relationships within post office and the new parking rules the community. One of these is the Botanical Society and its new president will be enforced. This should make it Frank Strawbridge. I would like to invite all of you to come and visit the easier to find a parking space when Botanical Gardens which is located on Merion Road. There is no time like you visit the post office. Ms. Sipple also the present to do this. Everything is in bloom and the walk ways along the addressed the large deficits currently stream are very tranquil and serene. Bring a book and a blanket. You can being run by the USPS. sit on the grass or on one of the park benches. G Continued on page 7 Another community group with whom the Civic works is the Barnes Foundation Arboretum. This is located behind the Barnes Museum on Latches Lane. The Arboretum’s director, Dr. Jacob Thomas is making a conscious effort to hold classes on a variety of topics. (See schedule in this INSIDE newsletter). All residents are invited to attend. The Arboretum features an exceptional collection of rare and unusual trees and plants from all parts of Commissioner’s Report 2 the world. Henry S. Drinker Honored 3
G Continued on page 9 MCA Membership 5 – 6
Barnes Foundation Workshops 8
Community Calendar 10 MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION • SPRING/SUMMER 2009
ANNUAL STATION COMMISSIONER’S PLANTING A SUCCESS REPORT
By Scott Feuer By Brian Gordon
ON SUNDAY MAY 17TH, Merion DEAR FRIENDS, Civic Association members and residents I AM PLEASED TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON THREE TOPICS of Merion joined together in the annual THAT ARE OF GREAT INTEREST TO MERION NEIGHBORS: planting of the window boxes and Rockland Avenue Bridge — I have worked closely with Borough of Narberth gardens at the train station and post officials to get a commitment to replace the Rockland Avenue Bridge with office buildings. A colorful mix of plants a walking bridge. The present plan is to re-use a pedestrian bridge that from Taddeo’s Nursery were set in the will be designed for the Narberth Avenue bridge construction project. window boxes for residents, post office I called the Township Engineer, who is also Narberth’s Engineer, who has customers and R5 riders to enjoy from verified that a temporary pedestrian bridge which will be used during now until frost hits. re-construction of the South Narberth Avenue Bridge is being designed Thanks to Scott and Lynne Feuer, with the strength and abutments needed to move it to Rockland Avenue Sylvia and Murray Lefkowitz, the when the Narberth Ave construction is complete. Each year I have lobbied Murphy family, Judith Flaks, Janet for and have successfully secured funds in the Township’s Capital Rutzel, Ann and Phil Bagley, Carol Improvement Plan budget to contribute to the pedestrian bridge construc- Lavoritano, Helen Guy, Lauren tion effort. Since the bridge is located in Narberth, and is dependent, in Wylonis, Karla Moras, Gary Blum, part, on funding from Narberth, we are on Narberth’s time table. The Michael and Carolyn Seiden, Deborah Public Utility Commission is seeking to expedite the removal of the Starr and Stephan Crainic family. current deteriorating structure which may expedite the project.
Green Building Design — I am working with other commissioners to develop green building standards that will require both the Township and private developers to consider approaches to construction which take advantage of natural light, energy saving architecture, local materials and alternative energy sources. One such example is an extension to Ludington Library which is being designed as a green building and will feature a green vegetative roof as has been used successfully to cool and retain heat in new and old buildings around the world.
Saint Joseph’s University — In purchasing the 38 acre Episcopal Academy (EA) campus, now the McGuire Campus, SJU has expanded into an exquisite historic neighborhood. Latches, Berwick and Raynham are tranquil, residential and serene. Based on the recent Zoning Board Decision, the McGuire campus was over 200 spaces short of parking spaces, based on the number of buildings and facilities already present, at the time of purchase. Sound studies performed by the neighbors indicate that the present configuration of buildings causes sound to project easily from the site into the neighborhood. A proposed home run net will require thirteen 35 foot poles along Latch’s Lane. Beyond the fields there will be more lighted paths crossing the McGuire Campus.
G Continued on page 9
2 MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION • SPRING/SUMMER 2009
HISTORICAL MARKER WILL HONOR JUNE LAUNCH MERION RESIDENT, HENRY S. DRINKER FOR MCA WEBSITE
By Marjorie Mudrick By Marjorie Mudrick
THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION THE MERION CIVIC (PHMC) recently approved installing a curbside historical marker at 249 ASSOCIATION’S (MCA) website Merion Road in honor of Henry S. Drinker who lived at this address for committee is happy to announce that many years. Drinker, who was born in 1880 and died in 1965, was known MCA’s website will be launched in for his extraordinary love of the arts and distinguished law career. Less early June. The website address is known about Drinker is that he was responsible for bringing the von Trapp merioncivic.org. family to Merion and provided them a home opposite to his, rent-free The website includes: after the family’s escape from Europe in 1939. The von Trapp family was G a description of MCA’s mission and threatened with deportation from Ellis Island when Drinker intervened. how we serve Merion residents;
Drinker’s greatest cultural achievement was establishing the Drinker G the spring and early summer Library of Choral Music, now housed at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Calendar of Events;
Henry S. Drinker was the Drinker of the renowned Philadelphia law G list of MCA’s committees, their focus firm Drinker Biddle & Reath. He was the author of the book “Legal and accomplishments;
Ethics,” published in 1953 and was the nationally recognized authority on G links to Lower Merion Township legal ethics at that time. His extraordinary list of legal accomplishments public services, county and state included two appearances before U.S. Supreme Court. offices, and other neighboring civic At the time and on a very different front, Drinker had become an interna- associations and local organizations tional face of choral music in the English- speaking world. He spread the links; music of J.S. Bach in America through his translations from German to G copies of past newsletters;
English and publication of all of Bach’s 200+ cantatas. In 1957, he gave as G a membership application for your a gift to the Free Library of Philadelphia his very large collection of choral convenience; performance music which became the Drinker Library of Choral Music. G list of the current directors and con- The library has made these performances materials available to choral tact information on how to reach groups both locally and nationwide. The Free Library has loaned choral MCA with any of your concerns; scores to groups as notable as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and as local G and, finally, the website includes a bit as Philadelphia church and school choirs. There is no other collection of of our history from when MCA was this scope available for loan to the many choral groups across the country. established in 1913. There is an Drinker made great choral music both accessible and meaningful through excerpt from the 1918 Annual Report his voluminous translations which significantly broadened the reach of that lists what members got for their this music to a portion of the American public. dues way back then. There is also a Because Drinker believed the deepest enjoyment of music comes fascinating article written by from participation, he was known for conducting an amateur choir for Theodore Roosevelt in 1917 entitled nearly thirty years at his home, referred to as the Drinker Singing Parties, Model Merion about Merion and the where 125-150 people would gather to perform each week. Members of Merion Civic Association. Though the von Trapp family participated in the Drinker Singing Parties which Roosevelt’s prose and references are was the only payment he would accept for providing the von Trapp family obviously from an earlier time, it is with housing. remarkably familiar.
G Continued on page 9 G Continued on page 4
3 MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION • SPRING/SUMMER 2009
WEBSITE LOOKING AT THE LOWER G Continued from page 3 MERION HISTORICAL SOCIETY
By Ann Bagley
MCA Board Member Michael R. Seiden LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE ONE OF assisted by MCA President Scott Feuer, THE MOST ORGANIZED AND INTERESTING GROUPS OF CITIZENS resident Phil Bagley and Board Member TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE. These dedicated citizens, members of the Marjorie Mudrick designed the site. Lower Merion Historical Society, have been working hard to record, cata- Michael Seiden will serve as the log and maintain accurate historical records of the area. webmaster for the site. The Society was organized in 1949 at a meeting at the Ardmore Junior High. Some of the most prominent men in the area met to form the society which has grown from that small beginning into a completely up-to-date col- lection of papers and artifacts, some dating back to the first settlers in the 1600’s. The vision of the ‘founding fathers’ of the Historical Society was to PLEASE REMEMBER TO PICK UP fill the gaps left by other community organizations as well as by the local AFTER YOUR DOGS AND DISPOSE school system which, it felt, did not teach students enough community- OF THE WASTE APPROPRIATELY based history. Our rich heritage was being ignored, they thought. To To those residents…and there are many quote from a recent publication of the Society: “Sixty years later, it would of you…who pick up after your dogs serve us well to examine our own history and the foundations upon which in our neighborhoods, THANK YOU! our Society was built, how much we have changed, and how we have To the few of you who do endured the test of time. We (the Society) have not only stayed true to our not, please understand mission, but have also expanded it to include stewardship, outreach, and that cleaning up after active conservation – in some cases, even renovation – of local landmarks your pet is the law in and open spaces.” Merion. In addition, A brief look at the historical record the society had created gives one please dispose of your an idea of the building blocks that make up the foundation of our dog’s waste at your home. A number Township: From a rural community in the 1600s, with Quaker Meeting of people throw dog waste in the trash Houses holding together the various communities of farmers to the estab- cans at the Train Station which makes lishment of mills along the waterways of the Township and railroads that for a pungent wait for trains, especially cut a swath through the community and were the beginning g of the in the summer months. Lower Merion we know today. In the mills many things were processed or made: things such as grain, gunpowder, paper, guns, lumber, sheet metal, woolen fabric, etc., a veritable cornucopia of industrialization. STREETS, LIGHTS, TRAFFIC Then came the railroads. The tracks of the Philadelphia and Columbia & POTHOLES! Railroad came directly through Lower Merion on the way west. The Renee Hill, chairperson of the Merion Pennsylvania Railroad purchased the Philadelphia and Columbia Civic Association’s Streets, Lights and Railroad, changing the route, adding track and developing long distance Traffic Committee would like to hear traffic. At this time the railroads were thought of as freight movers, not from you if you have any problems on people movers. However, the proximity of Merion to the city tempted your street with street lights, traffic, and now that it is spring/summer, any potholes some industrialists to move their private homes away from the closely which need to be filled. Contact her via built-up neighborhoods in Philadelphia to a more country-like setting. the Civic Association at 610.664.0441. Many wealthy Philadelphians built substantial homes (some say, castles)
4 G Continued on page 7 MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION • SPRING/SUMMER 2009
MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION DUES LEVELS OF GIVING 2008-2009
As of May 22, 2009
SPONSOR LEVEL $500.00 SPONSOR LEVEL $200.00 Robert and Toby Marmon* Saint Joseph’s University The Barnes Foundation
PATRON LEVEL $100.00 Philip and Ann Bagley*(P) Scott and Lynne Feuer* Hilibrand Family John and Frances Quinn*(P) Hausman/Berlin Family Stella Gabuzda James and Dina McFalls Michael Useem Jessamine Brandt Walter and Nancy Herman John Neill
BUSINESS LEVEL $50.00 Gordon/Burroughs Family Henry Maguire COUPLES LEVEL $25.00 & BELOW Gary and Phyllis Adler (P) Brenda and Charles Caper David Maltz William Abrams Richard Baron Young/Cinotti Family Stephen Martin Jacob B. Adams III Goldmuntz/Barr Family David Clements Samantha and William Matthai Carol and Michael Albert Berlansky Family Charles Cohen McConnell Family Michael Asbell Luis Blasco Dardashti Family Meckling Family Arthur Axelrod Adam Blistein Eric Eckstein Menachem Meller Liss/Baumgarten Family Thomas Diederich Zillig/Engard Family Karl Middleman Buddy Bear Scott Kalner and Linda Kristin and Timothy Fairbanks Michael Mooreville Harold/Beaton Family Dottor* Diane Ferber Kevin and Amy Murphy* Beltran Family Bruce and Ellen Eisenberg*(P) Robert Field Nakahara Family E.M. Berkowitz Edward Foster Paul Fink Owen/Oliner Family Ellen and Perry Berman Peter and Patty Smith Lock/Finkelstein Family Orne Family Brandt/Berthold Family Gardner*(P) David Fraimow Lee Pearch Brenner/Biloon Family Derek and Yael Gillman Eric Garvey Lindgren/Pearson Family Randy and Lumaria Blakeney* Henry Gladstone J. William Gaynor David Prince William Blount Sinai/Guthrie Family Ronkin/Gerson Family David and Jessica Rae Sharon Wolfson and Gary Blum Renee and Glenn Hill* Sonia Gilbert Rogoff Family Siegel/Bowring Family Gilbert and Carole Karash* Bruce Golboro David Romano Sandra and Peter Brown Kessler Family Spencer Golden Adam Rosen Joseph Camardo Marjorie and Mark Mudrick* Goldfine Family Janet and David Rutzel Family* John Carson O’Connor Family Henry Goldman Bernardini/Savastani Family Rolf Charlston Martin and Rhoda Piltch*(P) Joel and Marlene Goldwein John Senior Martin Cohen Dilip Ramchandani Frederick Golec David Shakow Lita and Stanley Cohen* William Ravreby Brian and Julie Gordon* Burrell/Sorensen Family Craig Culbert Elsbeth F. Swope Coyne/Green Family Armen/Stevenson Family* Andrea and John Danial David Taffet Family Stephen Greenberg Frank Strawbridge Family Frank Diamond Lindsten/Thompson Faily Mary Wood Groves Jennifer and William Strouse Jordon Driks Edna S. Tuttleman Michael Hafter Sved Family David Elesh Turka/Weber Family Neil Haimm Katz/Swenson Family David Ellis Lauren Wylonis Family Cacas Hanafee Family Leonard and Barbara Sylk James and Dot Ettelson*(P) Joseph Zebrowitz Hassan Family John Tighe Eric Michael Exley Richard Zeghibe Jon Hillsberg Valik Family Daniel Fife Hirsh Family John UngarMichael Wachs Alfred Fitoussi FAMILY LEVEL $35.00 & BELOW Philip Ivory Freedman/Wash Family June Franklin Raymond Alexander Thomas Jackson Ronald Weller Dorothy Fread Steven Asher Family Patrick Johnston Grohsgal/Weinryb Reisman/Friedman Family Ronald Barg Koch Family Crainic/Wien Family Leonard Ginsburg Mei Chen Liao and Derek Martin and Patricia Kohn Oliver/Worthen Family Joel and Irene Glickman Barnes Jerome Kolker Jonathan and Victoria Ziss Daniel Gold Jay W. Barnett Jane Krumrine Katherine and Kenneth Larry Goldberg Kleinman/Bernstein Family William Landsburg Zoldan Yale Goldman Biben Family Michael Lee George Goldstone Thomas Biron Kenneth Lehrer Gerald Gornish Stanton Braid Stuart Leibach Family Richard Hanak Lawrence Brown Gary Lichtenstein Rutstein/Haneman Family Barry and Eileen Bruckman Smith/Lizandra Family Ann and Dwight Hartzell David Buckman James MacDonald James Henwood 5 G Continued on page 6 MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION • SPRING/SUMMER 2009
MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION DUES LEVELS OF GIVING 2008-2009 G Continued from page 5
Walter Hofman Lewis Rose Richard Wender Harriet Lam* Robert Hornik Katy Ruckdeschel Samuel Wilf Marvin Levitties Gilbert Horwitz David Ruderman Thomas Wood Adele Lindenmeyr James and Charlotte Hyer Rita Sales Arthur and Jill Ziemer Michele Mantell Lund/Katz Family Sheldon Salzman Wayne Martin Fren and Marian Kazan Jacob and Jeanne Schachter INDIVIDUAL LEVEL $15.00 & BELOW Gary Miller Edwin and Wilma Kellerman Paul Schick Jeanne Adams Karla Moras Michael Krekstein Rosalind and Michael Seiden* Lawrence Albert Lisa Morein Cramer/Laddon Family Goetsch/Schiavone Family Francine Bader Elizabeth Mouser Carol and Joseph Lavoritano* Thomas Schmuhl Eileen Berko James Nealon Sylvia and Murray Lefkowitz Maury Shulman Philip Bolts Nina Orehoff Louise Leibman Joseph Shein Paul Buttacavoli Edith Panzer Joan and Peter Leon Ralph Siskind Alice Carroll Ralph Penza A. Leo Levin Joseph Slap Stephen Charney Veniese Pommer Ned Levine Bromley/Smith Family Carol Clymer Judith Richter Gilbert Ling Alexis Sokil Joyce Cooper Antoinette Roman Ludwig Family Margot and Paul Soven Vincent Cristofalo Howard Rosenthal Peter Maruca Leslie Spero Thomas Dougherty Barbara Scheer Aronowitz/Mathiesen Family Stephen Stamm Leonard Duboff Paul Schimmel William McLaughlin Eli Steele Virginia Ebert Ronna Schuller Joseph Miele Don Stephens Gloria Fraimow Fred Schwartz Christine Mitchell Robert Stern Irene Frank Bernard Sitnick James Mueller Steven Stern Herbert Friedman DiFalco/Stauffer Family Clement Nahmias James Stevens Marisa Fusaro Valerie Swarbrick Paul Newman Robert Tarampi Libby Goodman J.D. Testa Victor Nibauer Nassberg/Tarantiono Family Helen Guy* Marianna Thomas Michaela and Richard Perez Nancy and Ray Tompkins* Edwin Hoover Glenn Umberger Barry Pransky Kenneth Trotter Jr. Scott Isdaner Margaret Vance Frank Prestileo Niescior/Tulli Family Stanley Isenberg Yssabella Watt Henry Protas Ellis Weinberger Jothi Jurkofsky Deborah Weinstein George Ross/Lyne Raymond Phillipson/Weiner Family Chassem Kalani Cynthia Weiss Elizabeth Rich Stephen Weinstein Joan Kaufman Stephen Richman Leon Weiss Al Jarmas *Board Member (P) Past President
PLEASE JOIN THE MCA CIVIC MERION ASSOCIATION
G Hold public meetings with the community and members of the school board “ To be nation right and state right we must first be community right.” – EDWARD BOK/Founder, 1913
G Work with St. Joseph’s 96 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE MERION AREA COMMUNITY 1913-2009 University PLEASE JOIN THE MERION ASSOCIATION G Work with the Friends of the Enclosed are my/our dues for 2009: Name Barnes Foundation H $15.00 Individual H $25.00 Couples G Monitor the condition of street Address lights, trees and roads H $35.00 Family H $50.00 Business City / State / Zip H $100.00 Institutional H $100.00 Patron G Sponsor Historical Walking Tours H $500.00 Sponsor H Other Phone Number / Email G Keep abreast of Township issues
G Sponsor various concerts Please make checks payable to MCA and return with this form to: Merion Civic Association, Merion, PA 19066 and speakers Merion Civic Association is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your dues are tax-deductible. Please ask your company if they will match your donation.
G Beautify the Train Station and Post Office Grounds Merion, Pennsylvania 19066 | 610.664.0441 | email: [email protected]
6 MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION • SPRING/SUMMER 2009
MERION NEEDS COMMUNITY WATCH NEW POSTMASTER VOLUNTEERS G Continued from page 1
By Marjorie Mudrick
WHAT IS COMMUNITY WATCH? She acknowledged that some smaller Founded in 1977, the Lower Merion Community Watch is a volunteer post offices, such as ours, risk being mobile crime watch patrol that works in close cooperation with the Lower closed. She advised that the best way Merion Police Department. Oversight for Community Watch is provided to preserve our local post office is to by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of representatives from the patronize it. various civic associations in Lower Merion. Hours at the post office are Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, WHAT IS THE CURRENT NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS? Saturday 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The phone Community Watch is attempting to rebuild its membership which has number is 610.664.1484, Fax 610.664.1839. dwindled in recent years. Currently, there are no Community Watch The USPS number is 1.800.ASK.USPS. volunteers from the Merion area. Since volunteers usually patrol their own neighborhood, this means that Merion has no one patrolling our neighborhood at this time. LOWER MERION HISTORICAL HOW DOES COMMUNITY WATCH WORK? SOCIETY Community Watch essentially extends “the eyes and ears” of the police G Continued from page 4 force. Working in conjunction with the police, a pair of Community Watch volunteers patrol their neighborhoods on one Friday or Saturday every out in the corn fields of Merion, using month (could be more or less depending on the availability of the volun- the trains as transportation to the city teer). Generally it is hoped that volunteers patrol a minimum of four where they were the captains of indus- times per year. The pairs are comprised of a driver and an observer. try. Most of these huge homes have Each team is trained prior to patrolling the streets and while out on patrol been demolished over the years but simply watch for unusual happenings in their neighborhoods. The team there are occasional gate houses or radios into police headquarters once every half hour to report whether other out-buildings which remain as there is any suspicious activity. Community Watch volunteers do not get reminders of the elegant past. involved in any situation they may witness; they simply radio informa- If you are interested in more tion about the incident to the police. stories of the fabulous homes in Lower Merion just email note to the Civic HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? ([email protected]) and we’ll Interested volunteers need to submit an application and participate in one continue the story of Lower Merion. evening of training. For information on how you can become involved in To contact the Society: the program, please contact Civic Association Director Marjorie Mudrick P: 610.664.3216 at 610.667.5470 for a Community Watch Application or call the Lower E: [email protected] Merion Police, Crime Prevention Unit at 610.645.6240. Mailing Address: Lower Merion Historical Society, Box 2602, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 To Visit: Lower Merion Academy, 506 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
7 MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION • SPRING/SUMMER 2009
THE BARNES FOUNDATION ARBORETUM SCHOOL SUMMER WORKSHOPS
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION: FOUNDATION DRAWING landscape situations. Limited light, AND WATER COLOR compacted soil, fierce competition for June 8 and 9, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM nutrients, and less than ideal air circulation One day: $100; Both days: $190 are only some of the obstacles we'll examine Instructor: Marylyn Waltzer in depth. We'll talk about what you need Foundation Drawing for Botanical Illustration to do before you plant, the diversity Workshop: Learn skills for drawing plant specimen of herbaceous and woody plants able to thrive here, accurately with graphite pencil. This workshop will and what to do to ensure the long-term health of both help develop industry standards of form, measurement, your mature trees and what you plant under them. foreshortening, and perspective. BUILDING BETTER GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHS Botanical Watercolor Workshop: Learn how to use water- June 30, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM G CLASS COST: $100 color for botanical illustration, using the interaction of Instructor: Rob Cardillo light and shadow in correct hues and values. This work- Join professional garden photographer Rob Cardillo as shop will allow students to focus on selecting colors, he explores and demonstrates what goes into creating producing a pleasing composition, and creating accurate dramatic vistas and inspired floral portraits. Using exam- botanical painting. Participants may bring a bag lunch ples of his own work, Rob will begin the day with an and all materials; a material list will be mailed with a illustrated lecture on how great garden images are found, confirmation letter. designed and translated through the lens. Students will then head into the arboretum to find and capture their INDOOR ORCHIDS, TIPS FOR GROWING own compelling images. We’ll reassemble after lunch to AND BLOOMING download photos and engage in a lively critique. Whether June 16, 4:00 to 7:00 PM G CLASS COST: $60 you’re a point and shoot beginner or a mega pixel maniac, Instructor: Dr. Jacob Thomas, Arboretum Director Learn simple and easy tips to grow and bloom colorful you’ll walk away with a healthy handful of stimulating orchids inside your house. The workshop will be held in ideas, hints and tips on making your own garden photos the state-of-the-art- greenhouse of the Barnes Foundation, stand up and sing. Bring your digital camera, lenses, and will include a general lecture on orchids, discussion laptop and tripod if you use one. Also bring five jpegs about proper containers and propagation methods, hands-on of your best garden images. demonstration of planting repotting, and a question and GARDENING FOR BEES AND OTHER POLLINATORS answer session. Participants are encouraged to bring in July 21, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM G CLASS COST: $75 his or her orchid for advice on care and maintenance. Instructor: Jim Bobb This course covers two topics: designing gardens that SHADE GARDENS UNDER MATURE TREES attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and humming- June 23, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM G CLASS COST: $75 birds; and management requirements to incorporate a Instructors: Kathryn Belville & Harriet Cramer Learn how to create and sustain a lush, beautiful land- honey bee hive into your garden area. We plan a special scape in the shade of mature trees. This class will explore bonus look inside the hives at the Barnes Arboretum, one of the most common, yet most challenging, of all weather permitting.
For more information please call Dr. Jacob Thomas at 610.667.0290, Ext. 1071 For registration please call Nancy Rosner at 610.667.0290, Ext. 3825
www.barnesfoundation.org G The Barnes Foundation, 300 North Latch’s Lane, Merion, PA 19066
8 MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION • SPRING/SUMMER 2009
COMMISSIONER’S REPORT MERION RESIDENT,
G Continued from page 2 HENRY S. DRINKER
G Continued from page 3
While Pennsylvania law forbids such lights to spill over into the surrounding It was Drinker who assisted the Trapp neighborhood, questions arise such as whether the lights can be placed on family in their struggles to establish timer to wind down as the neighborhood goes to sleep. The matter is now their singing tours in the United States where it belongs: before the Township Zoning Hearing Board. This is during their three year stay in Merion Lower Merion’s zoning court where the application for new sports facilities and after. Of course, the von Trapp will be decided in accordance with the rule of law. Virtually every neighbor family story was immortalized in the would seek conditions to ensure no loud public address systems and musical and film Sound of Music in a commitment never to light the fields. Every neighbor wants the fields 1965 with Julie Andrews. As portrayed to fit within the neighborhood. in the Sound of Music, the von Trapp I continue to encourage the University to make their athletic field family was a traveling musical ensem- development plans fit within the neighborhood. I have opposed loud public ble, performing in European capitals address systems and the University has responded with an engineered and American cities before and after system. I encourage the University to do a mock up, as requested by fleeing Austria in 1938. the MCC, to see if the engineered PA system will be compatible with the Drinker’s historical marker will be surrounding neighborhood and sound ordinances. I have asked one of more than 2,000 historical markers the University to reduce concerns about future development by making located across Pennsylvania chronicling a commitment to light the fields in the future. While it has been people, places, and events that have represented to me that users of the fields, other than existing clubs and made Pennsylvania notable. camps, would require SJU to return to the Zoning Board, I would like Drinker’s actual roadside marker the University to make this a written commitment that this procedure installation and the dedication of the be followed. The University is within its right to go through land marker will follow within the coming development. Unfortunately, for the neighbors and the university the year. PHMC considers nominations for process is cumbersome, inexact and expensive. people who are no longer living and whose accomplishments have become Yours sincerely, Brian Gordon established. The person commemorated Brian A. Gordon has to have had a meaningful impact W: 610.667.4500 C: 215.939.1441 E: [email protected] G G on its times and be of statewide or national rather than only local historical significance. It should be noted that J. Margot Flaks (z’l), former president MERION COMMUNITY FAMILY of the Merion Civic Association, and G Continued from page 1 Vicky Donohoe were instrumental in Lastly, another successful planting was completed at the Merion Train the Drinker nomination for the historical Station and Post Office on Sunday, May 17th. Civic Association directors marker. Very special recognition and and many residents of Merion assisted with planting the window boxes appreciation goes to Narberth resident and cleaning, weeding and planting the gardens along the inbound side Vicky Donohoe who conducted extensive of the train tracks. Someone even donated a park bench and we are very research on the life of Drinker and appreciative of this. prepared the lengthy application I wish you all a great summer and look forward to seeing you required for the Drinker Historical in the fall. — Scott Feuer, MCA President Marker Nomination. 9 U.S. Postage PAID CIVIC Merion Station, PA MERION ASSOCIATION 19066 Permit No. 28
THE MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS President Scott Feuer 1st Vice President Kevin Murphy 2nd Vice President Janet Rutzel 3rd Vice President Renee Hill Treasurer Bob Marmon Secretary Helen Guy
DIRECTORS Ann Bagley Carol Lavoritano Randy Blakeney Marjorie Mudrick Lita Cohen Martin Piltch Bruce Eisenberg Adena Potok James Ettelson Frances Quinn Peter Gardner Michael Seiden Brian Gordon Jim Stevenson Scott Kalner Nancy Tompkins Harriet Lam COMMUNITY CALENDAR
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE JUNE 11 G FLAG DAY BAND CONCERT, MERION TRIBUTE Janet Rutzel, editor HOUSE GROUNDS G 7:15 PM Scott Feuer, design & layout Mark your calendar for the seventh annual Flag Day Concert. The concert Helen Guy, distribution will be held on the grounds of the Merion Tribute House. Bring a picnic supper to enjoy prior to the performance by the Merion Concert Band. THE MERION CIVIC The concert will be held indoors in case of inclement weather. ASSOCIATION JULY 4 G INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY Meets at 7:45 PM (7:30 PM Township Administration Building Closed. All township libraries closed. in winter months) the fourth No refuse or recycling collection. Tuesday of each month except December, July and August JULY 12 G WALKING TOUR OF MERION WITH ROLF CHARLESTON G 2:00 PM at the Merion Tribute House. SPONSORED BY THE PRESERVATION ALLIANCE OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA (Call 610.664.0441 to confirm time). Meet at the in-bound side of the Merion Train Station. Cost for the tour is $10 for adults. Children under 10, accompanied by an adult, are free. To address the association, please call The tour will be held rain or shine. No reservations are necessary. 610.664.0441 and request to be added SEPTEMBER 7 G LABOR DAY HOLIDAY to the agenda. Community members are Township Administration Building Closed. All township libraries closed. always invited to attend the meetings, No refuse or recycling collection. contact the Association with a concern or submit articles of community interest OCTOBER 25 G MERION CIVIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM to the newsletter. Merion Tribute House, Hazelhurst Avenue. Send to: Merion Civic Association Merion, PA 19066 SAVE THE DATES! P: 610.664.0441 Merion Civic Association Meetings at Merion Tribute House: E: [email protected] JUNE 23 G 6:15 PM Short meeting and then follows with Directors picnic www.merioncivic.org SEPTEMBER 22 G 7:45 PM OCTOBER 27 G 7:45 PM