{"id":81208,"date":"2026-01-08T11:03:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/81208\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T11:03:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:03:06","slug":"meet-the-townships-five-new-commissioners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/81208\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the township\u2019s five new commissioners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi, Lower Merion<\/a>! \ud83d\udc4b<\/p>\n

Welcome to the first full week of 2026. To kick off the year, we get to know the township\u2019s five new commissioners<\/a>, who were sworn in Monday. Also this week, a popular Manayunk bakery specializing in gluten-free breads and pastries is moving to Bryn Mawr<\/a>, plus construction on The Piazza<\/a> is underway. <\/p>\n

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Five new Lower Merion commissioners were sworn in Monday evening: Michael Daly, Charles Gregory, Christine McGuire, Craig Timberlake, and Shelby Sparrow. Each replaces a township official who chose not to seek reelection.<\/p>\n

The new commissioners come from across the township and have varied backgrounds, including local government, law, forensic psychology, business, and community organizing. <\/p>\n

With its new members now in place, the board will make some big decisions in the year ahead, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements, overseeing Main Line Health\u2019s redevelopment of the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary property, and addressing township finances, The Inquirer\u2019s Denali Sagner reports.<\/p>\n

Learn more about the new commissioners and what\u2019s on the docket for 2026<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Popular Manayunk bakery Flakely is relocating to Bryn Mawr in February, where it will take over a former hookah lounge at 1007 W. Lancaster Ave.<\/p>\n

Flakely is known for its gluten-free breads and pastries and is the brainchild of Lila Colello, who\u2019s worked for the Ritz Carlton and Wolfgang Puck Catering. She came up with the business after being diagnosed with Celiac disease. <\/p>\n

The new location, which will be takeout only, will offer everything from fresh baguettes to browned butter chocolate chip cookies, as well as frozen take-and-bake doughs, The Inquirer\u2019s Beatrice Forman reports.<\/p>\n

Read more about Flakely\u2019s new Main Line location here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca1 Community News<\/p>\n

In case you missed it, the township released its 2026 trash and recycling collection schedule, which you can see here<\/a>. Have a Christmas tree to dispose of? The township is collecting them curbside<\/a> through next week or they can be taken to the Public Works Complex in Penn Valley. <\/p>\n

Construction is now underway<\/a> on The Piazza, the mixed-used building in Ardmore that will have 270 apartments, 30,000 square feet of retail space, and 480 parking spots. The development at 100 Lancaster Ave<\/a>. will cost an estimated $187 million and is planned to be completed by 2028. <\/p>\n

In an effort to address homelessness, Montgomery County is embarking on a bipartisan plan to have three emergency short-term shelters throughout the county by the end of the year. They will be in Lansdale, Norristown, and Pottstown and provide 190 beds for those in need<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Lower Merion has been awarded over $385,000 from the state\u2019s Green Light-Go Program, which is aimed at improving traffic safety<\/a> and mobility. The funds are earmarked for modernizing Lancaster and Elliott Avenues.<\/p>\n

The Lululemon Athletica at Suburban Square was burglarized early Tuesday morning. Police are looking for two suspects who allegedly smashed the front door before taking merchandise and then escaping in a U-Haul truck<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Still looking to make some resolutions for the new year? The Inquirer\u2019s Denali Sagner rounded up four things for township residents to try, including workout classes, thrifting, and decluttering<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Lankenau Medical Center was one of the area hospitals to have a birth within the first hour of 2026. Kim and Jason Sarnoff welcomed Elliott at 12:22 a.m. on New Year\u2019s Day<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Country music station host Nicole Michalik, who\u2019s on-air weekdays at 92.5 XTU in Bala Cynwyd from 2 to 7 p.m., recently shared what her perfect day looks like. It includes a stop at the City Avenue Starbucks before starting her shift, followed by dinner at Lark. See what else is on her ideal itinerary<\/a>.<\/p>\n

GET Caf\u00e9 in Narberth was the 2025 recipient of CBS Philadelphia\u2019s Hometown Heartbeat Award<\/a>, which is given to a business \u201cworking to make our communities better.\u201d The nonprofit caf\u00e9, which provides employment and community to neurodivergent individuals, received $50,000, plus $25,000 in advertising. <\/p>\n

Leveaux Pilates, which opened at 14 Lancaster Ave. in June, is already expanding. The Ardmore studio has taken the space next door, where it will offer infrared heated mat Pilates<\/a>. The new space is expected to open early this year. <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfeb Schools Briefing<\/p>\n

Harriton High School is hosting its winter one act plays today through Saturday, and a number of other schools will have concerts next week. There are evening conferences at both high schools tonight and school board committee meetings Monday, in addition to an education association council meeting. See the district\u2019s full calendar here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f On our Plate<\/p>\n

There are two grand opening celebrations taking place Saturday. Bored Trading Cafe is hosting a grand opening<\/a> starting at 7:30 a.m. for its new Ardmore outpost at 43 Cricket Ave., where the first 100 people will get free coffee. The cafe<\/a> offers coffee and other specialty drinks, baked goods, burgers, salads, and all-day breakfast. And The Brew Room, which opened back in October<\/a>, is hosting its grand opening<\/a> from noon to 4 p.m. The Greek-inspired cafe will have a DJ, espresso martinis, and giveaways to mark the occasion. <\/p>\n

In case you missed it, The Inquirer\u2019s Michael Klein reflected on the most notable restaurant openings of 2025. They include Burtons Grill & Bar in Wayne, Eataly in King of Prussia, the expansion of Johnny\u2019s Pizza to Wayne<\/a>, and the opening of Triple Crown in Radnor. Also notable was The Buttery\u2019s expansion<\/a> to the Ardmore Farmers Market and Maison Lotus\u2019 debut<\/a> in Wayne. See the full list here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Speaking of new openings, pizza joints proliferated across the region in 2025. One of the best to open last year, according to Klein? Classic Pizza. The Bala Cynwyd shop at the former EVO Pizza serves old-school New York-style slices<\/a>. Johnny\u2019s Pizza also got a nod.<\/p>\n

As for the best things Inquirer food writers ate last year, the vegan combo with injera at Eshkol Ethiopian Cuisine<\/a> was up there. Here\u2019s why<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Italian eatery il Fiore closed its doors<\/a> over the holidays. In a message to customers on its website, the team behind the Bryn Mawr restaurant said it was a \u201ctough decision\u201d and thanked those who had dined there.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb3 Things to Do<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb6 Unforgettable Fire<\/a>: Tickets are going fast for the U2 tribute band which will perform some of the Irish outfit\u2019s best-known songs. \u23f0 Friday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $33.38 \ud83d\udccd Ardmore Music Hall<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7f Paddington<\/a>: See the film adaptation of the beloved children\u2019s series on the big screen. Bryn Mawr Film Institute will have another screening on Jan. 24, plus screenings of the sequel<\/a> on Jan. 17 and Jan. 31. \u23f0 Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $6.75-$7.75 \ud83d\udccd Bryn Mawr Film Institute <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf39 Create Beautiful Paper Poppies<\/a>: Add a little color to your winter by learning to make paper versions of these flowers. \u23f0 Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6-8 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $40 \ud83d\udccd Plant 4 Good<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfe1 On the Market<\/p>\n

A century-old stone Colonial in Merion Station<\/a><\/p>\n

Built in 1925, this classic five-bedroom stone Colonial mixes modern amenities with classic charm. Its features include a living room with a fireplace, a family room, a dining room, and a modern kitchen with exposed wood beams and white cabinetry. <\/p>\n

See more photos of the property here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Price: $1.3M | Size: 3,110 SF | Acreage: 0.32<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddde\ufe0f What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:<\/p>\n

By submitting your written, visual, and\/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer\u2019s Terms of Use<\/a>, including the grant of rights in Section 10.<\/p>\n

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer\u2019s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com\/donate<\/a>. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org\/supporters<\/a>.<\/p>\n