The vote enables Osushi Japanese Restaurant to transfer the license from Upper Providence Township to 36 Greenfield Avenue in Ardmore.

Brandon Ford, assistant township manager, said that under the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board rules, municipalities are given a quota for the number of liquor licenses they can have. To exceed that quota, the local elected body, in Lower Merion’s case, the board of commissioners, must approve it.

Anthony Beldecos, attorney for the owner, said the restaurant has been in Ardmore since 2021. It is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and employs about 20 people.

According to Beldecos, the restaurant currently seats about 86 people and is in the process of expanding into a neighboring space to add a service bar and some seats in the front.

The target opening date for the new bar area is October 2024.

“I applaud our restaurants expanding,” Commissioner Sean Whalen said. “I wish you all the luck here. I think it’s a wonderful thing, and I am fully in support.”

They will be transferring an “R” type liquor license. According to township officials, an “R” license is for restaurants that mainly provide food service to the public. Serving alcohol products is available as a secondary or supplementary function. Businesses with an “R” license cannot “sell any single, open container of alcoholic beverage for consumption outside the establishment.”

“Most of the recent liquor license transfers into Lower Merion Township have been transfers of “R” licenses to grocery stores for beer and wine sales. The Township’s most recent request was a “G” (Brewery) License transfer from Haverford Township to Lower Merion Township. A liquor license transferred from one municipality to another may not be transferred to any other location for a five-year period,” according to a staff memo to the commissioners.

Commissioner Josh Grimes said he supports the transfer but raised some concerns over the number of liquor licenses and what could happen to them after they are transferred into Lower Merion.

According to Grimes, Lower Merion has recently received many requests for license transfer from other municipalities. Most of those transfers have been for grocery stores.

Grimes said the LCB rules allow one license for every 3,000 residents.

“So in a township with our 2020 census being 63,600 residents, that would be about 21 liquor licenses,” Grimes said. “We now have 41 restaurant licenses in addition to the other licenses.”

Grimes said that once one of those licenses is transferred into the township, other than its zoning codes, Lower Merion has no say in whether the owners could move those licenses to another part of the township.

So his concern is whether they could later be transferred to a different part of the township without the commissions having much of a say. He wanted to see if in the future, Lower Merion could add a stipulation into the approval for a business to come back to the commissioners if they wish to move a license to a different part of Lower Merion.

Beginning July 1, changes to the borough’s residential two-hour parking permitting system will be in full effect. The borough will also be migrating to an all-digital parking permitting system, so parking stickers will no longer be needed.

Narberth officials have also divided the borough into three parking neighborhoods to allow flexibility for those eligible for parking permits.

The North zone includes Narbrook Park and areas north of Stuart, Woodbine, and Iona avenues. It then runs along Montgomery Avenue to North Wynnewood Avenue.

The central zone runs along Windsor to Conway and then along Stuart and Woodbine avenues to Iona and Montgomery. It ends at Haverford Road.

The south zone includes the borough south of the SEPTA R5 line and the commercial area south of Haverford Avenue to the borough’s border with Lower Merion at Narberth Avenue.

Residents living along a street identified as a restricted parking zone can park anywhere within each zone. Permits will no longer be assigned to specific streets.

As an example, a vehicle permitted to park within the Central Neighborhood will be allowed to park anywhere within the Central Neighborhood.

No new restricted parking areas have been added to the borough’s streets. The changes to the residential restricted parking do not apply to those NOT located along a restricted parking area or streets with parking meters.

While the changes will go into effect on July 1, 2024, the borough is encouraging residents along two-hour zones to register for a permit today. All residents who currently have a parking sticker will be required to register.

Please follow the link below for a complete summary of the changes and how to register for a permit today!

www.narberthpa.gov/services/parking/parking-permits-visitor-registrations.

According to a West Chester police criminal complaint, Ahmad Wasfi Al-Azzam forced his way into an elderly borough resident’s home in May, tied him up, beat him with a hammer in the face and head for an hour, and robbed him of his car keys, phone and cash.

During the assault, Al-Azzam allegedly filmed the man, who was 73 years old at the time, and whom he had met in an online chat room, and forced him to make statements about being a pedophile, threatening him with violence if he did not.

Police said that Al-Azzam also posted at least six videos of the beating — as well as other incidents from that night — in which the man is seen bound hand and foot. At one point, the victim is told to look at the camera and “say sorry for trying to meet up with a 15-year-old.”

There is no evidence that the man, who is not identified in the affidavit by West Chester Detective Cpl. Jerry Ferriola, was a pedophile or engaged in any illegal sexual activity with a minor.

Al-Azzam, 26, of Uwchlan, was taken into custody on June 11 and interviewed. At the time, he implicated himself in the West Chester assault, according to Ferriola’s complaint.

He is charged with kidnapping to facilitate a felony, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, criminal trespass, terroristic threats, possession of an instrument of crime, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Al-Azzam was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Marc Leiberman, who set bail at $1 million. A preliminary hearing is set for July 12. A phone call to Al-Azzam’s attorney, Eliot Marc Cohen of Philadelphia, on Friday was not immediately returned.

According to Ferriola’s complaint, Al-Azzam is a suspect in at least two other possible assaults, one unconfirmed in Phoenixville, and one confirmed in Mount Laurel, N.J. Images of the two incidents were posted on an Instagram account that Al-Azzam allegedly maintained, “realjuujika,” and shows a masked man stalking people at night and slapping one person in the face who promises “not to do it again.”

The investigation

The investigation began on May 26 when Ferriola and Detective Greg Cugino responded to Penn Presbyterian Hospital to interview the victim from West Chester, who was being treated for a “brain bleed” he suffered in an attack in his home in the borough’s southwest end.

During three interviews, the man told officers that between May 18 and May 22, he had been in a chatroom conversing with an unknown person who said he was 18 years old.

At some point, that person stated he was actually only 15 years old, and the man said he could not continue the conversation. The other person then offered to send him a gift, which the man accepted.

He was told a Lyft driver would soon deliver a milkshake and two cheeseburgers.

At about 11 p.m. that night — the man was not able to recall the exact date but investigators believe it was May 20 — someone knocked on his door and when he went to open it, a person, who was wearing a black mask, forced his way inside and bound his hands with packing tape.

He proceeded to beat him with a small hammer for about an hour.

He used a cellphone to record the beating, and forced the man to make statements about being a pedophile. He then ransacked the house, took the man’s wallet with cash and credit cards, and also the keys to his car, which was parked outside.

The man then told him not to bother calling the police because he had “a very fast car.”

When the man went outside the next day, he saw that three of the tires on his car had been slashed. He did not immediately call police.

The ‘realjuujika’

In response to a tip, detectives were able to review videos on Instagram tied to the “realjuujika” account.

Juujika is a Japanese literary character who seeks vengeance on those who had bullied him. They watched six videos of the assault on the man, and others from what was purported to be an assault on an alleged predator in Phoenixville.

When investigators contacted Phoenixville police, they learned that that department was investigating an incident involving a self-proclaimed child predator vigilante who was part of an organization called Juujika. The incident in which a man dressed in ninja attire — all black, with a balaclava — spoke with officers about his work catching men trying to meet young boys was noted by officers as occurring on May 1.

Phoenixville police were able to identify a car the man drove, and linked it to Wasfi Al-Azzam, the suspect’s father. But when they looked at his records, Wasfi Al-Azzam was too old to have been the man they encountered. They determined it was instead his son, Ahmad Wasfi Al-Azzam.

Because the man in Phoenixville had spoken about an incident he was involved with in New Jersey, borough investigators contacted police in Mount Laurel, who confirmed they had an open case involving a beating in a Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot.

The suspect in that case was driving the same kind of car that had been identified in Phoenixville.

West Chester police were later able to track a Range Rover registered to Wasfi Al-Azzam, using license plate readers, and saw it enter the borough on May 20 around 10:30.

Then, using surveillance cameras from West Chester University, saw a man get out of a Range Rover and walk to the victim’s home. It left at a high rate of speed about 45 minutes later.

On June 10, detectives interviewed Al-Azzam at the borough police headquarters. In the interviews, which were recorded, Al-Azzam admitted being the creator and owner of the Instagram account, and admitted having items that police had found in his home and tied them to the beating, including a small hammer.

While initially he denied having anything to do with the assault on the older man, he ultimately admitted that he was the person seen in the videos beating him. He admitted slashing the tires on the man’s car.

No charges have been filed involving the incident in Phoenixville. Questions about possible charges in New Jersey were not answered after an email was sent.

To contact staff writer Michael P. Rellahan call 610-696-1544.

Katherine “Kay” Lynn Emel, 31, of the unit block of Richardson Street, Plymouth Township, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court on Friday to charges of third-degree murder, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery in connection with the Jan. 20, 2024, fatal shooting of William Carter, her ex-boyfriend, in the unit block of West Wood Street in Norristown.

Essentially, Emel admitted that she told one of the robbers about Carter’s “daily agenda” and provided the location where Carter was going to be on the evening of Jan. 20. Emel admitted on Friday that she was upset because Carter, with whom she had recently broken up, stopped paying part of her rent in November 2023 even though he continued to live with her.

Third-degree murder is a killing committed with malice or cruelty, hardness of heart or recklessness of consequences and is punishable by a possible maximum sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison.

By pleading guilty, Emel avoided the possibility of being convicted at a trial of a more serious second-degree murder charge, which carries a mandatory life prison sentence. Second-degree murder is a killing that occurs during the course of another felony such as robbery.

The open guilty plea means Emel has no deals with prosecutors regarding her potential sentence.

Judge William R. Carpenter will have sole discretion in determining Emel’s punishment.

Under questioning by defense lawyer John Francis McCaul, Emel admitted she has agreed to testify truthfully at the trial of three men accused of carrying out the deadly robbery when they head to trial on Sept. 3.

Additionally, Assistant District Attorney Meghan Bernadette Carney advised Emel in court that if she fails to cooperate and testify truthfully, then prosecutors could take her to trial on the original charge of second-degree murder.

Emel was charged with homicide along with four others under accomplice liability theories.

“She was essentially one of the individuals that helped set up this robbery,” Carney alleged.

“Under accomplice liability and conspiracy liability, even if she was not present at that robbery and subsequent murder, she put it into motion. She conspired and agreed that robbery would occur and she provided information to assist with that robbery and during the course of that robbery William was shot and killed. So even if she didn’t pull the trigger, she’s liable as an accomplice and a co-conspirator,” Carney added.

Four others are still awaiting trial in connection with the robbery and fatal shooting.

Damon Brantley Jr., 18, the alleged shooter, of the 1000 block of West Beech Street, Norristown, faces charges of first- and second-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy and multiple weapons offenses. Brantley was 17 at the time of the incident but turned 18 several days later.

Daquan Tyrone Allen, 29, the alleged getaway driver, of the 500 block of Norris Street, Norristown, and Jerry Lamar Butler, 29, of the 500 block of East Clarkson Avenue, Philadelphia, who is accused of participating in robbing Carter, are charged with second-degree murder, robbery and conspiracy to commit murder.

Allen, Butler and Brantley, who face a joint jury trial Sept. 3, were extradited to Montgomery County from Endicott, N.Y., where they were apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service several days after the alleged incident.

A fourth male, Justin Lyaire Davis, 17, of the 300 block of East Brown Street, Norristown, previously was held for trial on homicide, robbery and conspiracy charges. Davis, who was 16 at the time of the incident but was charged as an adult because of the violent nature of the crime, is seeking to have his case transferred to juvenile court.

Davis is not accused of firing the shot that killed Carter but is accused of taking part with Brantley and Butler in the strong-arm robbery that ended in Carter being fatally shot.

The investigation began about 7:53 p.m. Jan. 20 when Norristown police responded to the report of shots fired at West Wood and Powell streets. Arriving officers found Carter, 35, dead on the sidewalk on the west side of West Wood Street, according to the criminal complaint filed by county Detective John Wittenberger and Norristown Detective Stephen Sowell.

Carter suffered a gunshot wound to the head and authorities determined the fatal shooting occurred at 7:49 p.m. Investigators determined Carter possessed only a set of keys but no money and no cellphone.

The investigation determined Carter, who was unarmed, had left a nearby residence to get some money out of a white Buick LeSabre.

Detectives said they obtained video surveillance footage that depicted Carter leave the Buick, and as he crossed the street, three males, Brantley, Butler and Davis, exited a gray Toyota RAV-4 and ambushed and robbed Carter.

Allen waited in the driver’s seat of the Toyota, according to court papers.

After the three suspects robbed Carter, one of the assailants, Brantley, pointed a firearm at Carter and fired three rounds from a distance of about three-feet, and one of the rounds struck Carter in the head, according to the criminal complaint.

“The succession of the three gunshots was so fast that detectives believed the firearm had an illegal ‘switch’ installed, enabling the firearm to operate in automatic fashion,” Wittenberger and Sowell alleged in court papers. “In addition, it is obvious this firearm is equipped with an extended magazine.”

Investigators found three 9mm fired cartridge casings at the scene.

After Brantley, Butler and Davis got into the RAV-4, Allen, the alleged driver, then fled the area, traveling west on West Wood Street.

Detectives used surveillance footage to develop photographs of the suspects which were released to the media and helped lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspects.

Detectives also obtained a photograph of Brantley attending a basketball game at Norristown High School between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 20 during which Brantley was wearing clothing that prosecutors alleged was consistent with the clothing the shooter was wearing later that night when Carter was fatally shot.

On Jan. 21, authorities discovered the RAV-4 getaway vehicle was set ablaze with an accelerant and destroyed by fire and authorities alleged Brantley is responsible for torching the vehicle. Photographs of Brantley, taken shortly after his arrest, depicted him to have burns on his face and ears and singed eyebrows.

Detectives subsequently determined the Buick vehicle that Carter was driving on the night he was killed belonged to Emel, who had placed a GPS tracking device in the vehicle’s trunk, according to the arrest affidavit.

An analysis of cellphone records, interviews of witnesses and through other investigative techniques detectives learned that Emel had communicated with Allen multiple times before Carter’s robbery and murder, telling Allen that Carter had recently won $5,000 gambling, according to court documents.

Following the alleged murder, video surveillance from a business on North Broad Street in Philadelphia, depicted Emel and Allen meeting between 9:31 and 9:48 p.m., where Allen gave $700 to Emel, according to the arrest affidavit.

The 9 mm was loaded with 10 bullets when TSA officers detected the firearm Friday morning among the worker’s belongings when he was entering an employee checkpoint on his way to work, the agency added.

Airport police were contacted and responded to the checkpoint where they confiscated the firearm, cited the Philadelphia resident and took possession of his airport identification badge. Without the badge, the man is unable to work at the airport, the TSA said.

“This was a good catch on the part of our TSA officers as it addressed a possible insider threat situation,” explained Gerardo Spero, TSA’s federal security director for the airport. “Individuals who work at the airport, whether they are members of the flight crew, work at retail shops, work for airlines, or are contractors of a company that does business at the airport are not allowed to bring prohibited items onto the secure side of the airport. We are always on alert for employees who may have possible bad intentions, which could possibly represent a threat to aviation security.”

In addition to losing his ID badge, which prevents him from working at the airport, the individual also faces a possible federal financial civil citation, which could cost thousands of dollars, the agency said.

“We are deep into our busy summer travel period, and here at Philadelphia as well as at airports across the country, we are extremely busy and our officers have remained vigilant in focusing on their mission,” Spero said. “We want people to get to their destinations safely and get home safely.”

It was the 17th gun that TSA officers have detected at PHL checkpoints so far this year. In all of 2023, 45 firearms were intercepted at airport checkpoints.

Your Way Home Montgomery County received the six-figure funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund to create more affordable housing opportunities and prevent homelessness.

“These funds will help us expand our rapid rehousing and landlord engagement and support programs, which are crucial to quickly housing individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community,” Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Housing and Community Development Administrator Kayleigh Silver said in a statement.

The recent cash infusion will assist the public-private partnership with expanding services to the area’s vulnerable populations.

More than 1,000 single adult county residents reportedly experienced homelessness last year, according to figures from the Philadelphia-based Resources for Human Development. Another 435 people were found sleeping outside or in temporary shelters on a night in January, according to a Montgomery County spokesperson.

“We are pleased to have been awarded the PHARE grant,” Montgomery County Co-Deputy Chief Operating Officer Dr. Tamra Williams said. “Rapid rehousing with supportive services and assistance for landlords are critical components of Montgomery County’s strategy to address homelessness.”

The development comes just days after county housing officials launched a new website aimed at offering affordable housing data and resources for stakeholders as the county grapples with its affordable housing and homelessness crises.

As of April 2024, the median sales price for a house in Montgomery County was $450,000 and $1,886 per month to rent a two-bedroom apartment, according to a county spokesperson.

Figures from a February conference hosted by the HealthSpark Foundation revealed that 20% of Montgomery County homeowners are considered “cost-burdened,” while 47% of renters pay more than 30% of their income to rent.

Around 74,000 households “live above the poverty line but below what it actually costs to live in Montgomery County,” HealthSpark CEO Emma Hertz said during the Feb. 12 conference, noting those making between $45,000 and $75,000 are considered the “largest growing cohort of housing unstable families.” All while evictions remain on the rise, with 22 per day reported in Montgomery County — the third highest eviction rate in Pennsylvania.

“Housing is necessary to provide the opportunity for the educational, civic, economic, and social empowerment of all Montgomery County residents,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder said earlier this week. “However, affordable homes are increasingly out of reach for county residents of all income levels and backgrounds.”

Arbetina Johnson-Lowery, 35, of the 200 block of Hazelton Avenue, pleaded guilty in Montgomery County Court on Friday to charges of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and controlled substances, DUI, driving under suspension and failure to have a child properly restrained in connection with the 2:43 p.m. Sept. 30, 2023, crash at Old Arch Road and East Johnson Highway in East Norriton.

Judge Thomas P. Rogers, who accepted a plea agreement in the case, sentenced Johnson-Lowery to 3 to 6 years in the Pennsylvania Correctional Institution at Muncy. The judge ordered Johnson-Lowery to report to prison on July 5 to begin serving the sentence.

The sentence included the 3-year mandatory term allowable under state law for the charge of homicide by vehicle while DUI and sought by Assistant District Attorney Gabriella Eileen Glenning.

“This is the ultimate crime that someone can commit when they get behind the wheel intoxicated and unfortunately, in this case it was even more horrendous that it was this woman’s own 14-month-old son who lost his life due to her intoxication,” Glenning said after the hearing. “Anything less than the mandatory (sentence) would depreciate the significance of what happened here.”

Glenning said the mandatory sentence sends a message to others in the community that prosecutors take DUI-related fatalities seriously and “that this is not going to be tolerated.”

The judge also ordered Johnson-Lowery to complete two years of probation, consecutive to parole, meaning Johnson-Lowery will be under court supervision for eight years. Johnson-Lowery must complete parenting classes as a condition of the sentence.

Johnson-Lowery, a mother of three other children, who range in age from 4 months old to 17, did not address the courtroom before the judge imposed the sentence.

But defense lawyer Matthew Sherman Hagarty told the judge that Johnson-Lowery is remorseful, has been sober since the incident, has been in counseling and plans to take advantage of therapeutic programs in prison to address her substance use disorder.

“She has tremendous remorse for what happened. She’s living with it every day. She’s accepting responsibility,” Hagarty said.

The investigation began about 2:43 p.m. Sept. 30 when East Norriton police responded to a report of a crash involving a Mazda MPV minivan and a SEPTA bus at the intersection of Old Arch Road and East Johnson Highway. Witnesses reported “a young child on scene, who was suffering from a head injury, was in and out of consciousness, and the mother of this child was trapped in her vehicle,” according to the criminal complaint filed by county Detective Anthony Caso and East Norriton Detective Jared Weiner.

Witnesses to the crash found the toddler lying on the backseat floorboard of Johnson-Lowery’s vehicle suffering from severe injuries and he was flown by medical helicopter to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he later died of blunt impact injuries to his head.

Investigators found a child’s car seat in the backseat of the Mazda, but determined the restraints were not correctly set for the toddler’s size, according to court documents.

“The locations of the straps were in the lowest level, consistent with the strap location used for a newborn or infant. The location of the straps would have been in a position too low to secure a fourteen-month-old toddler the size of (the victim) into the seat,” Caso and Weiner alleged in the criminal complaint.

Johnson-Lowery was trapped and had to be extricated from her vehicle and she was transported to a local hospital to be treated for multiple injuries.

The bus driver was transported to a local hospital to be treated for a knee injury, according to court papers. There were four other people on the bus at the time of the crash.

After obtaining surveillance video from the bus and eyewitness accounts, investigators determined the SEPTA bus was traveling westbound on East Johnson Highway when it stopped to load and unload passengers.

Johnson-Lowery, traveling eastbound on East Johnson Highway at a high rate of speed, made slight contact with the rear bumper of a vehicle in front of it and then crashed into the driver’s side of the SEPTA bus, according to the criminal complaint.

Detectives determined the Mazda was traveling between 47 and 50 mph in the 35-mph zone just prior to striking the bus.

Detectives found two empty bottles of Yukon Jack whiskey and a Newport cigarette box that contained two partially smoked marijuana cigarettes and cocaine wrapped in foil inside Johnson-Lowery’s vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.

Testing on Johnson-Lowery’s blood found Bromazolam (a designer benzodiazepine drug, similar to fentanyl), methamphetamine, metabolites of cocaine and a small amount of alcohol, according to the criminal complaint.

The investigation determined that Johnson-Lowery’s driver’s license had been suspended effective Sept. 13, 2018, and the Mazda’s registration had been suspended on Jan. 21, 2023, for insurance cancellation.

Other charges of recklessly endangering other persons, careless driving, speeding and accidents involving death while not properly licensed were dismissed against Johnson-Lowery as part of the plea agreement.

Depending on the weather, they expect to finish the work sometime around noon or a little later each day.

The work involves the replacement of the roof at Radnor High School.

Kyle Fails, construction manager with Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc., said they’ve received the approval for the work and are ready to start. But they’d like to get a variance to begin in the early morning hours.

“So we are proposing to start the daily construction at 3 a.m.,” Fails told the Radnor Board of Commissioners at its Monday night meeting. “We have the summer until the kids get back in mid-August – Aug. 26th when the teachers return, and we would like to get the majority of our more intrusive work with tearing off the roof and getting back everything before it gets occupied for safety reasons.”

About 16 to 20 people would be working on the roof.

Noise from the work and lights would be some of the concerns for township officials. The closest residential neighbors are about 1,000 feet away, they said.

Most of the nose would come from forklifts. They said they could disconnect the backup beeper until about 7 or 8 a.m.

Since the township was voting on the variance request, Commissioner Jake Abel raised concerns over disconnecting the backup beeper. Other commissioners then expressed the same concerns with safety and possible OSHA regulations.

In the end, the commissioners decided to address any noise issues with the school district first.

According to Fails, there are a few reasons for the request.

“The rationale behind this request is multi-faceted and rooted in ensuring the success and safety of the project, as well as minimizing disruption to the school’s operations,” Fails wrote in a letter to the board seeking permission to start earlier.

The contractor also wants to get ahead of the anticipated heat this summer.

“Additionally, beginning work early in the morning will allow us to undertake intensive tasks before the temperature rises significantly,” Fails wrote to the board. “This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of our construction crew, minimizing the risk of heat-related illnesses, and ensuring a safe working environment throughout the duration of the project.”

The commissioners unanimously approved the request.

The township now has its twelfth.

On Wednesday night, Andrew Block, a lifelong resident of Lower Merion, was formally sworn in as the department’s latest superintendent.

“I want to thank our board of commissioners and township Manager Ernie McNeely for selecting me for this very, very sacred position within law enforcement to lead this phenomenal police department — the Lower Merion Police Department,” Block said after being sworn in. “I am truly humbled and grateful for everything you’ve done for me thus far as the commissioners and the leaders of this township. I will not let you down. I will not let our citizens down, nor will I let down our fine officers of the Lower Merion Police Department down.”

Block officially became Lower Merion superintendent on June 3, but township officials waited until this month’s commissioners meeting for the swearing-in ceremony.

Block has been a police officer for nearly 40 years, most of that time working in Radnor Township. Recently, he served as police chief in Upper Moreland Township. He has also served as a member of the Gladwyne Fire Company, including some of that time as its chief.

He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Neumann University and a Master’s in Public Safety Management and Administration from Saint Joseph’s University.  He also completed the FBI National Academy’s Law Enforcement Executive Management program.

District Magisterial Judge Henry Schireson formally swore in Block as superintendent during Wednesday night’s Lower Merion Board of Commissioners meeting.

Schireson said police and courts are held in high esteem in the United States.

“True respect for the law is promoted by our integrity, our impartiality, our sense of fair play, our conscientious attention to duty, and yes, our sense of duty,” Schireson said. “I know Andy as a person who embodies these qualities. Someone is generally caring, humble, an unwavering sense of duty – you couldn’t ask for more in a police superintendent.”

Todd Sinai, president of the board of commissioners, said many people have come to him to say that the township’s choice of Block was a great one.

“When it comes to policing, I believe that our board of commissioners has one singular goal, which is to have the best possible police department,” Sinai said. “I’m glad that tonight, we’ll add to our array of amazing officers, command staff, and police department staff with the swearing-in of an outstanding superintendent.”

Commissioner Dan Bernheim said that for everything they do as a municipality, the most important thing they do is keeping the public safe. And the most important decisions they make in public safety is when they select a chief fire officer and a police superintendent.

“Those who know Andy, respect him, hold him in the highest regard, and those who don’t, and I address those in the police force, you are going to find out why they do so very, very quickly,” Bernheim said. “It is absolutely a privilege and an honor to be a part of this ceremony here this evening. And if I can go out on a limb and give one piece of advice, just be yourself. We will all benefit so much from that.”

McNeely said that in the search and eventual hiring of Block, Lower Merion hired a national search firm and then saw candidates from all over the country, including 59 at the start.

The 59 were narrowed down to eight finalists. Six of those eight were from the Philadelphia area, and the other two were out of state.

“But in the end, we are so very pleased to have landed on somebody who has lived their entire life in Lower Merion Township,” McNeely said.

McNeely pointed out Block’s 38 years in law enforcement and 28 years in Radnor Township.

“We are so glad to welcome Andy Block as our new superintendent,” McNeely said.

Photos taken at Penn Museum on June 15 tell some of the story that the concepts of free admission and festival events connect the two very special and robust efforts.

According to an official Wawa media release, “Wednesday, June 19th marked the official kickoff of Wawa Welcome America with the Juneteenth Block Party and Free Museum Day at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

“From there, the festival is officially in full swing with celebrations, family-friendly programming, the new Declaration House Block Party, and the new Celebration of Innovation and Education in honor of Jefferson’s 200th Anniversary, and community events throughout the days of this annual list of offerings.”

FREE MUSEUM DAYS: For the full list of participating museums offering free and/or pay-what-you-wish admission during Wawa Welcome America, click here.

FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:  The full 2024 festival schedule is available here in multiple languages.

For instance, Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta, supported by PECO, is a two-day festival, Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., uniting people of all ages through music, dance, and cuisine to celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage.

New this year, Philadelphia’s largest event of its kind, the Fiesta will move to the John F. Kennedy Bridge, from 20th to 30th streets on John F. Kennedy Boulevard.

Part of the PECO Multicultural Series since its inception, this year’s event will happen next to the iconic PECO Building in downtown Philadelphia.

Both days are jam packed with great performances, including legendary artist Joseph Fonseca, an icon of merengue music, and Huey Dunbar, one of the most prominent representatives of the history of salsa in all the Hispanic countries.

While there, guests can delve into cultural cuisine at the Oasis supported by the Philadelphia International Airport and explore the many vendors and activations.

“Well-Being On Wheels,” presented by Independence Blue Cross, will feature free health screenings, wellness information, and nutrition takeaways.

This event is produced in partnership with Concilio, a non-profit organization located in North Philadelphia which has been serving the community since 1962.

On Monday, June 24, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., celebrate the opening of Monument Lab’s newest exhibition at the Declaration House at Independence National Historical Park, 7th Street between Market and Chestnut.

This block party will celebrate the global debut of Sonya Clark’s The Descendants of Monticello with special performances.

Plus Monument Lab will showcase several historic and artistic organizations from the area, including the African American Museum in Philadelphia, PhillyCAM, and more.

This event is in partnership with Monument Lab at Independence National Historical Park. The exhibition will be live through early September.

And brand new!

Celebration of Innovation and Education, in partnership with Jefferson University and Medical School. In honor of Jefferson’s 200th Anniversary, join us at the new Jefferson Plaza in Center City for an afternoon celebrating innovation and education with entertainment, sweet and savory treats, and activities for all to enjoy.

Founded in 1824 as one of the nation’s first medical schools, Jefferson has grown to become a national global research university with over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, and the region’s largest health system.

DJ Hollywood will be spinning all afternoon with performances by Mark Early Jr., Benita Farmer Band, The Austin Woodlin Band, and a special performance by the legendary Kathy Sledge, a founding member of Sister Sledge!

Make plans to attend on Tuesday, June 25, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jefferson Plaza, 12th and Chestnut Streets.

REMINDER! Voting for the Wawa Foundation Hero Award is open through June 28:

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award honors a non-profit organization and its volunteers serving Philadelphia by providing services that build stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety, and mentoring and inspiring our youth.

Submissions were accepted through May 31, 2024. Four of the most compelling stories will be chosen for voting by the public.

Voting will occur from June 13 to June 28, 2024. The winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant from The Wawa Foundation, and three finalists will each receive a $10,000 grant.

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be announced during the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on July 4. 2024.

For more information on The Wawa Foundation Hero Award terms and conditions or to vote, visit www.TheWawaFoundation.org.

About Welcome America, Inc: Welcome America, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization engaged in a public-private partnership with the City of Philadelphia which seeks to enhance the resident and visitor experience by planning and producing citywide celebrations including Wawa Welcome America and the Philly Holiday Experience.

These events generate positive economic impact to the local economy and increase awareness of Philadelphia as a global destination.

Wawa Welcome America is Philadelphia’s premier summer festival that celebrates freedom and independence from Juneteenth to July 4th!

As the nation’s largest July 4th celebration and one of the largest free festivals in the country, Wawa Welcome America offers Philadelphians and visitors sixteen days of free, family-friendly programs.

These featured programs celebrate the lives, voices, and experiences of all Americans through art, culture, wellness, and history.

The Wawa Welcome America Festival includes concerts, fireworks displays, Wawa Hoagie Day and more!

Welcome America was founded in 1993, and celebrates its 32nd festival in 2024. Visit july4thphilly.com to learn more, and join the conversation.

Safety Tips from the City of Philadelphia to help reduce heat-related illness while attending events during excessive heat:

•  Know the forecast. Humidity increases what the actual temperature feels like and severe storms can pop up during excessive heat events. You can find forecasts on the National Weather Service website. Get free severe weather alerts from the City by texting AMERICA to 888777.
• Know the signs of heat-related illness like heat stroke or hyperthermia. Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Find information on the City of Philadelphia’s website. If you suspect someone is experiencing distress, call 911.
• Be aware of the effects of heat on vulnerable populations like older adults, small children, people with pre-existing health conditions, or those with access and functional needs.
• Pack plenty of water for you and your group. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Limit drinks that cause dehydration. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. Wear a hat or bring an umbrella.
• Use sunscreen for protection.
• Plan your trip! Besides deciding on a meet-up place where your group knows to go if you become separated, schedule visits that include locations that have air conditioning or shade to get a break from the sun, especially during the warmest part of the day.
• Limit the amount of strenuous activity. If travelling a distance, consider SEPTA mass transit or ride-share options.