Noa Fohrer and I first met in May of 2021.
Harriton students Rose Weathers and Ava Grabar, Class of 2023, had organized an amazing concert with an array of singer-songwriters and bands from various high schools to raise money and awareness about WXPN Radio and “Musicians On Call.”
Weathers and Grabar had also made provision for student vendors to sell their merchandise, including hand-sewn bags, knitted tops and hats and scarfs, and jewelry.
It was the Friday evening of the day when Governor Wolf had lifted the COVID-19 restrictions and we could go mask-free.
Our venue, the Gazebo and green space at the Ludington Library area, erupted in joy, enthusiasm, and celebration as nearly a hundred people enjoyed live music, organic snacks from Mom’s, and animated conversations with the designers.
Out of that wonderful experience, Radnor’s Kaitlyn May, Class of 2024, decided to accept my invitation to start up the long-tenured Teen Learning Community Fashion and Design Show and begin to recruit designers.
We have been doing this since Lower Merion students ran the inaugural show in May of 2007.
Kaitlyn did not have to look far.
At the concert was Noa Fohrer who was more than happy to oblige.
Noa and another Lower Merion student were selling oodles of Noa’s unique hand-crafted jewelry designs, and dedicating a percentage to “Musicians On Call.”
Fast forward to last Spring.
Noa got in touch with me for help in getting the word out about the film which she was directing and producing about the inimitable value of Oakwell located on County Line Road in Villanova, next to Stoneleigh.
Noa figured rightly that I am very concerned about preservation – historic, architectural, horticultural, and environmental – so, of course, we decided to work together on a plan.
Our first step was to pick a date and place for a “preview” of Noa’s film.
That was easy because through Teen Learning Community events I had first-hand experience in getting a permit for the Ludington Library “Big Room,” as I call it.
Noa handled refreshments and social media, and I secured the room-use and originated publicity in the Main Line Times and Suburban, online and print.
It was a tremendous success, seeing Noa’s film in progress, seeing her manage the Q-and-A, discussing edits which she wanted to make before the “opening” of her film.
Next came an introduction to the people at Bryn Mawr Film Institute, a “GoFundMe” campaign to raise the rental fee monies, publicity, and personal invitations from Noa to key people whom she wanted to see her film.
And students everywhere.
That is the big point here, that students know what is right – and wrong – in this day and age.
Rip out 500 plus heritage trees? Not on Noa’s watch.
Destroy vintage gardens and outdoor living space? No.
Neglect historic structures which were recently habitable? Of course not.
Realize that “hands on” learning and skills-based productivity are keys to 21st century teaching and learning? Yes.
Acknowledge that an education partnership with Stoneleigh and Natural Lands is plausible for LMSD students to study horticulture and organic gardening? Yes.
Visualize that the Oakwell mansion can become an arts and music center with concerts and rotating student art exhibits, AND fashion and design shows? Yes.
Appreciate that district-wide and invitational creative and technical writing retreats could take place at Oakwell? Yes.
How about STEAM? Can you imagine if teams of students “learned by doing” – using applied mathematics and physics – in the guided restoration of segments of the Oakwell structures and re-created the garden walls and paths? And carpentry? Yes.
And talk about the biosphere – what better way to study biology than “in situ” at Oakwell?
The basis for my enthusiasm?
Today I received an email from Adrian Seltzer of StandUp4LM and Narberth: “The Lower Merion Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and Shade Tree Commission (STC), and the Borough of Narberth EAC and STC jointly host the Annual ‘Go for the Green’ Awards, “to raise awareness of environmental issues by recognizing residents, businesses, organizations, and institutions in Lower Merion Township and the Borough of Narberth for significant contributions to improve or protect the environment and its natural resources. Nominations are now being accepted through Monday, April 1, 2024.”
Wow! Imagine adding STUDENTS to the list of possible “Go for the Green” awards.
Do you see now what potential Oakwell offers to us, Lower Merion and Narberth in harmony with LMSD?
As Adrian included in her email today, “At the Penn Wynne Civic Association meeting, Kerry Sautner (School Board President) said that LMSD realized its need for playing fields is less dire than it previously thought (not a direct quote) and is seeking alternatives.
“The Preserve Oakwell efforts convinced them to change course. (HOORAY)”
To that, I will add an enthusiastic “Woo Hoo!” What’s next?
Mary Brown, President of Teen Learning Community since 2006, has been teaching and/or mentoring LMSD students since 1974 and is a Steering Committee Member of the Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth and President of The Philadelphia Classical Society.
