The Lower Merion School Board approved a final budget for the 2013-14 school year that includes a 3.82 percent tax increase, the Main Line Times is reporting. This comes out to an extra $225 for a home with an assessed value of $250,680.

While, according to the website, the hike prompted board members Gary Friedlander and Jerry Novick to vote against the budget, it actually marks a decrease from the preliminary budget the board approved in February. The initial budget included a 4.4 percent jump, though, according to district spokesman Doug Young, that figure was simply a starting point.

According to the report, in the coming school year, the district will spend an estimated $221,634,342—up from $212,809,404 in 2012-13. 

For more details on the budget, including information on the cost of school meals, read the full story here.

Entering the 2013 U.S. Open, the conventional wisdom was that the relatively short holes at Merion Golf Club, coupled with the wet conditions, would lead to low scores.

The conventional wisdom was wrong.

After four days of brutal play on a course that reduced the finest golfers on the planet to flailing amateurs, South African-born Englishman Justin Rose won the tournament with a score of +1.

But while Rose took the trophy, according to some of the competitors, Merion itself might have been the real winner.

"As tough a course as I've ever played," pro Russell Knox told ESPN.com's Gene Wojciechowski after a few rounds he'd just as soon forget.

"Perhaps next time you guys will believe when we say it's really not that easy," added Geoff Ogilvy. "Because it's really not that easy."

Merion: underestimate it at your peril.

                                               ***

Below is roundup of some of Patch's coverage of the event. As the week rolls on, there will be more to come, as we take a look at the economic impact, both near- and long-term, the tournament had and will have on the area.

• Fan Heckles Sergio Garcia with 'Fried Chicken' Chant
• Golfer Hits Historic Hole-in-1 at U.S.Open
• Merion U.S. Open Compared to Old Dog that Needs to be Put Down
• Locals Get Inside The Ropes View of U.S. Open
• U.S. Open Resumes After Suspension for Storm
• 2012 U.S. Open Champ Praises Merion
• Parking at Rose Tree Park Closed for Remainder of U.S. Open
• U.S. Open Brings Business to Ardmore, So Far
• Tiger Says 'Kicking Butt' is All He Wants to Do
• Local Towing Company Cleans Up After Rain at U.S. Open
• Along with the Game, the Merchandise

Well, for better or for worse, Philadelphia sports fans exited the 2013 U.S. Open with their boisterous reputation intact.

In a video captured by NBC, and featured on Deadspin, at least one fan loudly serenaded Sergio Garcia with a chant of "fried chicken" during Saturday's play at Merion.

The jibe was a reference to a controversial interview Garcia gave to the Golf Channel in May, during which he told a reporter that he would invite Tiger Woods over to dinner during the Open and "serve fried chicken."

Garcia and Woods have been embroiled in a public feud since, according to Garcia, Tiger intentionally distracted him during a swing at The Players Championship.

Garcia, for his part, said he wasn't surprised he took a bit of abuse for his remarks. Talking with the media after Saturday's third round, he suggested that he expected worse.

But the only thing I have to say is they're not very, how you say it, like the things they yell, they're very common. They're not very creative, how may I say?

Do you think the fan was out of line heckling Garcia at the Open, or was the ribbing richly deserved? Tell us what you think in the comments.

More U.S. Open in Merion Coverage:

• Golfer Hits Historic Hole-in-1 at U.S.Open
• Merion U.S. Open Compared to Old Dog that Needs to be Put Down
• Locals Get Inside The Ropes View of U.S. Open
• 2012 U.S. Open Champ Praises Merion
• U.S. Open Brings Business to Ardmore, So Far
• Tiger Says 'Kicking Butt' is All He Wants to Do

One thing is for sure: this week won't be quite as eventuful as the last. But while the 2013 U.S. Open has come and gone, there's still plenty to look forward to this week in Lower Merion Township.

Below we look ahead to some of the events that are coming up in the next seven days. If we missed anything, tell us about it in the comments.

• Tuesday is the final student day for Lower Merion School District.
• Also on Tuesday, Patch will be getting a new look. It promises to be a lot more user friendly, with more features, ways to connect with the community, and a snappy redesign to boot.
• The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners is meeting on Wednesday. To see the meeting agenda, check out the township's website here.
• Also on Wednesday, the township Building and Planning Committee is holding a special meeting to consider a handful of items, one of which is a proposed land-swap between BMW and the township. To see the agenda in full, click here.
• On Sunday at 12:30 p.m., Main Point Books is hosting Craig Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the Walt Longmire mystery series, at 12:30 pm. According to Main Point, Johnson’s series is the basis for Longmire, the hit A&E TV original drama, which started its second season on Memorial Day.

It is the first hole-in-one ever shot during a U.S. Open at Merion.

Merion Golf Club saw a historic first early Sunday afternoon as

It is the first hole-in-one ever shot during a U.S. Open at Merion.

Merion Golf Club saw a historic first early Sunday afternoon as Shawn Stefani took his tee shot with a four iron on the 17th hole at Merion's storied East Course.

The ball bounced on a slope in higher, not quite rough, grass on the edge of the 17th green, then rolled and turned and rolled right into the cup. It came to rest wedged between the metal stick and the cup underneath an iconic Merion red wicker basket.

The packed gallery in the grandstands around the 17th green erupted in cheers as the ball rolled across the green and finally into the hole.

"I didn't know what to do but jump up‑and‑down for joy." Stefani told interviewers after finishing his fourth round of play.

According to NBC Sports, it was the sixth U.S. Open hole-in-one over the past ten years and the first-ever hit during a U.S. Open at Merion.

"Oh, yeah," screamed Stefani, after he jumped up and down on the tee, hugged his caddy and gave high five's to all in his party around the tee and even kissed the ground.

"We're in Philly." Stefani told reporters.  "There's some great fans up here and I know they can be tough on you and they can love you forever.  So I'm sure they appreciated me going to the ground and kissing it, because obviously the ground is where the kick started and the ball kicking right and going on the green."

Stefani is in his second year on the PGA tour. Although he didn't finish in the hunt, his name will now be part of the legend of the historic Merion Golf Club's East Course in Haverford.

Big Deal Lunch: While it's not particuarly funny, it's certainly an "OMG" moment. TE Patch reported on bomb scare at an area YMCA. A suspicious package turned out to be someone's lunch, but it's appearance spooked people enough that police decided to be careful about it. Read the full story here.

Lightning Strikes Once: How's this for a big day; a story on Marple-Newtown Patch recounts a resident who had his house set on fire by a lightning strike and a high school graduation in the same day. Check the story out here.

Fancy New Doorframe: A stolen dishwasher, I can understand, but the stolen doorframe reported by Chestnut Hill-Mt. Airy Patch kind of escapes me. Read the story / share your theories here.

A Period of Theft: According to a report from Roxborough Patch, Two women stole $40 in “various feminine products” from an area Family Dollar store. Get the full story here.

Businesses in the greater Philadelphia area post vacant jobs on Craigslist every day. Here are a few notable vacancies that have been advertised recently:

• Mold Remediation Technician
• Science / Math Teacher
• Church Administrator
• Weekend Caregiver
• Campus Store Assistant
• Website Description Writing & Assistant
• Baby Photographers
• Sales Associate - Bookseller

For a full local list of the most recently available jobs in each Patch, click on its name below.

• PHILADELPHIA: Roxborough-Manayunk | Chestnut Hill-Mt. Airy

• MONTGOMERY COUNTY: Narberth-Bala Cynwyd | Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewood | Bryn Mawr-Gladwyne

• DELAWARE COUNTY: Radnor | Haverford-Havertown | Springfield | Media| Marple Newtown

• CHESTER COUNTY: Tredyffrin-Easttown | Malvern | West Chester | Phoenixville

Does your business have an opening that's not listed here? Post it in the comments section below.

Every June, I watch kids enviously as the school year dwindles and the excitement builds. Summer holds so much promise when you’re young: You can do practically anything now that you’re not spending six hours a day in school, your bedtime is extended, and you can sleep till quarter-past whenever. And there’s that whole, “no more teachers, no more books” thing. 

Here are a few things I'd do this summer if I were still a kid -- what would you do?

• Time was on my side. Three months off -- enough time to beat every video game I own, go creek stomping, perfect my Frisbee throw, swim in every pool on the block, build a tree fort, work my way through my reading list, and still get bored.

• The ice cream truck. I hear the ice cream man and suddenly have the undeniable craving for a Rocket Pop that will turn my tongue purple. But it’s just not appropriate for a grown woman to go tearing down the street after a white van blaring “The Entertainer.”

• Free vacations! As kids, we had all-expenses-paid trips to the beach, to Six Flags, and to theme parks. Of course we can still take those trips as adults and enjoy them with our own families, but now we know exactly how much they cost -- a lot.

• All-you-can-eat summer food. I miss the days of going to a cookout and eating whatever I wanted, the idea of counting calories was as foreign as minding my checking account balance. Seconds on dessert? Yes, please!

• No responsibilities. As a kid you might have to take a turn mowing the lawn. As a grown up you have to do it every week. You also have to weed the garden, paint the shutters, wash the car, stain the deck and clean the grill… Permission to put my feet up? Granted. 

What about summer makes you miss being a kid? Tell us why you wish you were a kid again by posting a comment below.

Need more summer inspiration? Grown Ups 2, starring Adam Sandler, comes to theaters July 12. 

It's been a wild week, Lower Merion. Below, in case you missed them, we rundown the most consequential stories of the past seven days.

As always, thanks for reading.

Lower Merion Expels Two Students for Living Outside District

The following incidents occurred in and around Lower Merion Township. Arrest, when mentioned, does not suggest conviction.

Fire Forces Evacuation of One Bala Plaza

Fire companies began responding about 4 p.m. Friday to the Bala Cynwyd of

The following incidents occurred in and around Lower Merion Township. Arrest, when mentioned, does not suggest conviction.

Fire Forces Evacuation of One Bala Plaza

Fire companies began responding about 4 p.m. Friday to the Bala Cynwyd office building.

Rosemont Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying About Cop Assault

Gabrielle Drexler told a grand jury in 2011 that a Lower Merion Police officer was stalking and intimidating her.

Narberth Collapse Victim Remembered

Anne Bryan, 24, died in the June 5 collapse of a Center City Building.

Child Home Alone During Attempted Burglary, Police Say

According to Lower Merion Police, the boy was unharmed.

Gladwyne Elementary Locks Down, Reopens

Someone with an arrest warrant was in the vicinity of the school, according to a district official.

3 Men Charged in Lower Merion Burglaries

Township police arrested three Philadelphia residents they say were responsible for at least two burglaries in the area, according to police.

Bala Cynwyd Couple Report Intruder, Police Say

The couple say they were awoken by footsteps and found muddy footprints in their home.

It's been a wild week, Lower Merion. Below, in case you missed them, we rundown the most consequential stories of the past seven days.

As always, thanks for reading.

Lower Merion Expels Two Students for Living Outside District

The district caught on to the fraud after a car accident on school property.

Merion U.S. Open Compared to Old Dog that Needs to be Put Down

ESPN's Rick Reilly writes that there's just not enough space for all the people and needs at Merion.

U.S. Open Resumes After Suspension for Storm

About 3 1/2 playable hours were lost Thursday morning.

Gladwyne Elementary Locks Down, Reopens

Someone with an arrest warrant was in the vicinity of the school, according to a district official.

Parking at Rose Tree Park Closed for Remainder of U.S. Open

Nearby Granite Run Mall will now be activated as a new parking option for general spectators, according to the USGA.

U.S. Open Brings Business to Ardmore, So Far

Christine Vilardo of the Ardmore Initiative said some bars and restaurants are already enjoying a bump.

Gladwyne Home Hits the Market for $24.5 Million

Linden Hill was once owned by the heir to the Campbell Soup fortune.

Tiger Says 'Kicking Butt' is All He Wants to Do

Can't be at the U.S. Open in person? Check out what Patch is seeing.

Kobe vs. Mom: Memorabilia Battle Ends, Finally

After a settlement, the star's parents apologized.

Harriton Takes PIAA Girls Lacrosse Championship

With an 8-7 OT win over rival Radnor, the Rams won their first state girls' lacrosse title.

No Cellphones at the 2013 U.S. Open?

Nope. When a pivotal moment happens at Merion, spectators will be forced to...just watch it.

Are you looking for a job?  Here are some positions available in the Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewood area, all advertised on Craigslist in the past week.

•  Baby Photographers
•  Garage Attendant
•  Document Solutions Intake/Operator Specialist
•  Cook / prep / sandwich person
•  Upscale French Bistro Seeking Line Cook
•  Store Business Manager
•  Sales Associate
•  Preschool Teacher
•  Part Time - Dandelion Jewelry Sales
•  Auto Tech
•  Graphic-Industrial Designer

Find more jobs nearby.

Does your business have an opening that's not listed here? Post it in the comments section below.

Check out these U.S. Open photos on Instagram.

To buy or to sell?

That's the big question that comes to mind for most general managers as the baseball season reaches mid-June and thoughts turn to the trading deadline at the end of next month.

These are the weeks where teams decide whether they will be buyers or sellers and the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves in that position as they hover around .500.

For any general manager, these are times for deep thought. But Ruben Amaro has bigger thoughts to ponder: Should he blow up his baseball team?

These aren't your World Champion Philadelphia Phillies any longer. So maybe it's time to swallow your pride and focus on the future.

These are a group of aging, injured veterans so now might be the best time to consider breaking up the core and rebuilding.

It's not like everyone needs to go.

So let's take a look at where the Phillies stand:

First off, the catching situation is a mess. Erik Kratz did a heck of a job filling in for the injured Carlos Ruiz before getting injured.

The Phils are now playing backups to backups. But with young catching prospect Tommy Joseph in the fold, maybe it's time to let Ruiz play out the year until free agency and go with Joseph and Kratz next year.

As far as the starting rotation, you keep Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels as the anchors. You count on Jonathan Pettibone as a rotation spot and maybe Adam Morgan for another.

In other words, it might be good to move Kyle Kendrick for prospects.

As far as the bullpen, trading closer Jonathan Papelbon is a great move. He's closing for a bad team and any team making a playoff run could use one of the best closers in baseball on the back end.

You would think that might bring in some prime prospects too. Then let the kids from the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs grow into a bullpen together. There's plenty of talent; they just need experience.

Maybe trading Lee is also the right move. He's the top trading chip. A team can win the World Series if Lee is in their rotation. That could pay major dividends for the future.

See if Michael Young or Delmon Young can bring anyone some help.

And test whether Chase Utley could be moved to an American League team who could use his big bat and winning ways for a World Series shot.

The Phillies need to build for the future.

Hamels, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard can still serve as the backbone. Domonic Brown has emerged as a rising star and maybe the new face of the franchise.

Give Freddy Galvis a chance to play every day and watch him go.

Let the kid Cody Asche have his shot at third next year and give Darin Ruf an opportunity. With Ben Revere growing, it's going to be a young team and maybe even more painful to watch.

And, one more thing, let Ryne Sandberg lead the new young club. He worked wonders as a Triple A manager.

This chapter of the Philadelphia Phillies is over. It's time to turn the page.

The future may really be bright. We'll never know until this team starts planning for it. That time is almost here.

I think many of us will say that our dad is the best, but there can be only one winner in Patch’s 2013 Father’s Day contest.

And the winner is Alissa Omlor and her dad Thomas Omlor. Both father and daughter are Roxborough residents.

In the comments,

Carmella M McCann wrote: "I vote for Roxborough-Manayunk Dad Tom Omlor. I've known him for many years and he is a great man. Anyone can be a father...it takes someone special to be a great Dad."

Kim wrote: "Amazing Dad...and amazing chef! love his shrimp salad on endive plus his stuffed roasted peppers....yum."

Thanks to everyone who participated in our contest and thanks to all the fathers out there who do what you do to help make us the people we are.

Omlor will enjoy the following prize package:

• Tablesaw Basics class and certification and One Month of Unlimited Membership at Philadelphia Woodworks in Manayunk ($237 value)
• 2 Hours of Family Night Golf Simulator Rental (Clubs included if necessary) at  Play-A-Round Golf in Malvern ($100 value)
• $60 gift certificate to Chew Philly Food Tours
• $50 gift certificate to Competitive Edge Outfitters in Wayne
• $25 gift certificate to Pinocchio's Pizza in Media, plus an empty, reusable growler ($24 value) to be filled with any of Pinocchio's Beer Garden 25 rotating draft beers (at cost)
• $15 gift certificate to Yosl's Frozen Yogurt in Bala Cynwyd

Happy Father's Day

Provided by AOLJobs.com

By Mariya Pylayev 

A job search can get quite frustrating these days, with so many people competing for too few openings. To ease the burden, AOL Jobs tracked down the 10 top companies that are hiring this week. From sales jobs to finance positions, full-time to part-time, these employers have a plethora of openings they're looking to fill.

Good luck job hunting!

1. Petco Jobs: 10,983 openings.

Petco isn't just where the pets go; it's also a place for many new hires. The pet supplies store continues to expand and is the perfect place for lovers of our furry, feathered and scaly friends.

Employee Review: "I met some great people and work with even more amazing people. The management was fantastic. I was paid fairly and had reasonable hours. I also was able to work around my school schedule which helped me pay for tuition. Plus, who doesn't like getting to play with puppies every Saturday?"*

If you're looking for a job in the Ardmore, Merion, Wynnewood area, check out our jobs page.

2. Pizza Hut Jobs: 6,162 openings.

Pizza Hut continues to expand, adding new locations nationwide. For those with a knack for customer-service-with-a-smile, these jobs could be for you. Work in the store, or behind the wheel as a delivery driver.

Employee Review: "Decent hours, fun working environment, challenging (but not too much), rewarding, quick training (I was cross-trained, so I could fill any role necessary)."*

3. UnitedHealth Group Jobs: 4,467 openings.

UnitedHealth Group currently provides health insurance services to more than 75 million people worldwide.

Employee Review: "Good, steady work. Great learning opportunities. Very little favoritism, you get ahead based on your own work. Work at home opportunities help on commuting costs. Great work-life balance, ample vacation time."*

4. Winn-Dixie Jobs: 4,005 openings.

Winn-Dixie is a supermarket chain based in Jacksonville, Florida. Although it went through some rough times recently, the company looks to be back on its feet and has ramped up hiring.

Employee Review: "Benefits 401k, life, vacation, weekly pay. Chance for promotions from within. Company paid parties on holidays. Management cares about employees safety."*

5. Vector Marketing Jobs: 3,753 openings.

Vector Marketing is the domestic sales arm of a knife-making company. People looking for sales jobs, but have little experience: this one's for you!

Employee Review: "The pay, flexibility, environment were all outstanding."*

6. Firestone Complete Auto Care Jobs: 2,971 openings.

Firestone Complete Auto Care is a car maintenance company with over 1,600 locations nationwide. Whether you're mechanically inclined or would rather work on the retail side of things, they could have the job for you.

Employee Review: "Higher than average compensation for retail, good camaraderie with co workers. Nice working for large company that you know will be there tomorrow. "*

7. Macy's Jobs: 2,297 openings.

Even though sales are down slightly, the retail giant continues to hire in large quantities nationwide.

Employee Review: "The management is competent. Employees are given a good discount and still able to use coupons. You can pick up more hours online when they become available."*

8. Combined Insurance Jobs: 2,240 openings.

Combined Insurance is a global supplemental insurance provider that provides accident insurance, life insurance, critical care coverage and other services.

Employee Review: "A solid company with an honest and ethical core belief system. It is a fully commission job so if you are not working effectively then you are not getting paid."*

9. Christus Health Jobs: 2,124 openings.

Christus Health is a Catholic nonprofit healthcare system that needs registered nurses.

Employee Review: "Love the staff. They're all "healing heroes" in my book."*

10. AT&T Jobs: 1,980 openings.

Wireless giant AT&T continues to hire in large volumes, as many customers upgrade their smartphones and purchase tablets that require LTE data plans.

Employee Review: "They provide great benefits and pay. I know they match quite a bit for 401(k) investment. It is a great job for someone interested in technology and learning about new technologies. Also, it is great to know that you are helping others out on a daily basis."*

Sarah Murnaghan Gets New Lungs: After a fight to get on the adult transplant list, a 10-year-old Newtown Square girl got the new lungs she desperately needed to survive. Read more here.

'I Don't Know Why I Did It,' Accused Killer Said: The statements made to police by a man accused of killing his mother and beating his father can be used at trial, a judge has ruled. More on the story here.

Woman Assaults Mom Over Jell-O Shots: Click here to read about a birthday party that went horribly awry.

Inspector of Collapsed Building Kills Himself: More tragedy in the wake of a Philadelphia building collapse that killed six people. Read what happened to a man who inspected the structure.

Joan Rivers Gets a Special Cake: What kind of cake was it and where was it made? Find out here.

Doctor Convicted in Prescription Drug Ring: A physician was found guilty Tuesday of more than 300 counts, including distribution of a controlled substance resulting in a patient's death. Click here to find out who he is and where it happened.

$500 for U.S. Open Parking Pass:If you think golf is crazy, click here to see what people paid to park to watch golfers at Merion Golf Club.

Nuclear Plant Must Upgrade Ventilation System: The nuclear power plant in Limerick is being ordered to make some improvements. Details here.

Ooh, Aah ... Nooo: Dorney Park Nightly Fireworks Rejected: Why won't Dorney Park be allowed to have nightly fireworks this summer? Click here to find out.

3 Teens Charged in Violent Home Invasion: A gun, a backpack full of marijuana and three teen boys were a dangerous combination, police say. Read what happened in a Lehigh County home.

Scholarship Fund Created In Honor of Slain Student: A teen who was stabbed to death (allegedly by her boyfriend) is being remembered through a scholarship fund at her school. Click here to read more about it.

Is Out-of-State Alcohol Worth the Risk: Some Pennsylvanians cross the state line to buy booze. Check out this story , which generated more than XX comments from Patch readers.

King of Prussia Named Great Unknown Place to Retired by USA Today: It's not in Florida or Arizona, so why is King of Prussia a great place to retire? Click here to find out.

Does Doylestown Need New Dog Laws?: Does your community prohibit tethering or leaving a dog in a car for extended time on hot days? Read about Doylestown's discussion of the humane treatment of dogs.

Lehigh Valley Tea Party Says Eliminate IRS: Find out what the LV Tea Party has to say about the latest government scandals. Click here to read the group's open letter to Congress.

Bucks County Native Hits the Road With NASCAR Team: Mike Smith is in charge of hauling the car and equipment across the country for NASCAR driver David Ragan. Click here for more about his racetrack adventures.

Suspicious Package Shuts Down YMCA: A cooler with burn marks on it caused some alarm at a YMCA this week. Click here to find out what was inside.

Disc Jockey Homicide Case Goes to Grand Jury: A Northampton County grand jury is investigating the killing of Ervin Holton, also known as "DJ E," was shot to death last November. Read an update on the case.

Homeland Security Chief Stops for Ice Cream: Click here to find out where in eastern Pennsylvania Janet Napolitano had ice cream last week and why she was there.

Gun Permit Leak Cost 3 Deputies Their Jobs: Confidential gun permit information was leaked and that led to trouble in Northampton County. Complete story here.

A fire of still indeterminate cause forced the evacuation of One Bala Plaza in Bala Cynwyd on Friday afternoon, causing damage to the building and a brief period of radio silence on at least one of the radio stations that operates out of the high rise.<