News from Upper Merion Township

November 21, 2014

TOWNSHIP CLICKS

New Retail and Restaurant Space

The King of Prussia Mall unveiled major expansion plans on Tuesday, November 18, detailing how 155,000 square feet will join the mall's two main shopping zones, The Plaza and The Court. Click on the video above to see the full coverage.

(Coverage provided by UMGA-TV staff; Video edited for broadcast by Jim Carracappa)

King of Prussia Mall Unveils

Dignitaries sign a rendering of the mall expansion project during its unveiling on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.

(Pictured from l. to r.) Carole Kenney, Township Supervisor; Greg Waks, Board of Supervisors Chairperson; Tim Briggs, Pennsylvania State Representative; Josh Shapiro, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, and David J. Contis, President of Simon Malls.

SEPTA King of Prussia Rail Project

More than 60 residents attended a public meeting on Monday, November 17 at the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge (Grand Ballroom) to discuss four proposed alternative alignments that would connect the Norristown High Speed Line to destinations in King of Prussia.

(Pictured from l. to r.) Leslie Roche, Environmental Task Leader for AECOM; Byron Comati, Director of Strategic Planning for SEPTA; Elizabeth Smith, Manager of Long Range Planning for SEPTA; and Bert Cossaboon, VP of McCormick Taylor Media Consultants)

Marking Township's History

The marker stone for the Tricentennial Eternal Tree was installed on Wednesday, November 19, next to the tree in front of the township building, adjacent to the Tricentennial Time Capsule. The Eternal Tree, which is illuminated at night, and its marker were dedicated by the Upper Merion Township Tricentennial Committee in honor of the Township's 300th Anniversary. Judy Vicchio, retired Assistant Township Manager and Chairperson of the Tricentennial Committee, noted that the Eternal Tree symbolizes the continually growing and vibrant history of Upper Merion Township.

UMGA-TV's New Logo!

UMGA-TV is part of the township's Public Information Office team, providing award winning shows on Channel 22 (Comcast) and Channel 33 (Verizon Fios). Look for new programming in 2015 and the return of "On The Move."

(Logo created by Don Herbert, UMGA-TV's Television Services Coordinator)

Do you have a Township Click to share? Send your picture to umtinfo@umtownship.org.

COMMUNITY

Holiday Fun Guide

This list is provided by the King of Prussia Business District (KOP-BID), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit special services organization. Learn more at visitKOP.com

Public Invite

A presentation, about the proposed expansion of the Lower Merion District Transportation Facility at 1165 Matsonford Road, will be held on Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00 PM in the Harriton High School Auditorium, located at 600 N. Ithan Avenue, Rosemont, PA. Invitations were sent to residents living in the area.

Food Donations Needed!

A non-perishable food drive, hosted by the Valley Forge Patriots Girls Softball team, will be held on Saturday, November 22 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Heuser Park. All items will be donated to Philabundance.

What Is The BCA?

The Board of Community Assistance recognizes organizations for their civic mindedness and service to the township and honors students who have demonstrated academic excellence. More information here.

BCA Grant Applications

The application period for the Board of Community Assistance is underway! The Senior Student Scholarship application can be found here and the 501 (c) Organization application can be found here. Grant Applications are due by March 15, 2015. For more information on the BCA, click here.

Holiday Toy Drive

Feel The Warmth! This local 501 (c) 3 non profit organization is holding its 3rd annual toy drive, which runs until December 14. More information here.

Rockin' And Wheelin' For Charity

Join Rock Bottom and Neighborhood Meals On Wheels for tasty charity work at 6:00 PM on December 3. For every Wicked Elf sold that night, Rock Bottom will donate $1 to Neighborhood Meals On Wheels. During December Rock Bottom will donate $.25 for each Wicked Elf sold.
The restaurant is located in the King Of Prussia Mall, on the lower level, next to the former Sears.

Visit www.neighborhoodmealsonwheels.org.

PUBLIC WORKS

Leaf Update

For the second time this season, crews are wrapping up leaf collection in Area #1. Crews will go through the area one last time before the season ends.

Important! Please Read

Please do NOT rake or blow your leaves beyond your curb-line or your property's border into the roadway travel lanes. This is a violation of a township ordinance and could require the police department to respond to unsafe roadway conditions. Click here.

FARMERS MARKET

Farmers Market LOGO

Hello Winter Market!

Saturday, November 22 marks the last day of the seasonal Market. The winter market begins on Saturday, December 6. Several vendors will be at the Market every other week from 10:00 AM to Noon.

Feeling Hot?

Winners for the annual Chili Cook-off Contest will be announced at 12:45 PM on Saturday, November 22. Entrants must bring a 5-7 quart crockpot filled with their best chili recipe. Market patrons can sample each entry and vote for their favorite. (A $5 fee will be charged) Tasting and judging ends at 12:30 or when we run out.

Market Madness

Log onto the UMFM website here.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Speak Up/Speak Out

The Township Parks and Recreation Department is updating the township's Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The next public meeting is Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 6:30 PM in the Valley Forge Room at the township building.

On Line Survey? Coming Soon

The Parks and Recreation Department will distribute an on-line survey as part of the development of a Master Plan for the dozens of park facilities, activities, and programs. These policies will affect your families, so we encourage residents to fill out the form when it becomes available.

Holiday Hoopla & More

Celebrate the holidays with Parks and Recreation on Friday, December 5 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. All festivities will be on the upper level of the township building. Please bring a non-perishable food item for Upper Merion Emergency Aid. We will also announce the winners of the Holiday Lights Contest. Want to join? Click here.

Parenting Center
Facilitators Janet Main and Cynthia Grivner will be available on Thursdays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, starting December 11. They will share practical and helpful advice that every parent will benefit from knowing. For more information, please call 484-685-5474 or email umparenting@gmail.com.

Ornament Workshop

Join us Friday, December 12 at the Belmont Park Classroom from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM to create your own clay ornaments! Feel free to bring along a favorite cookie cutter for help. Ornaments will be ready for pick-up on December 19, at the Township Building.

POLICE

Shopping Tips

Be sure to share this information with all your friends before you go shopping on Black Friday. Click here.

(Information provided by Harry Nuskey, Community Response Unit Officer)

SENIOR CENTER

Band Tours

The UMSSC Band will perform at the Upper Merion Middle School's Patriotic Concert on Monday, November 24 at 7:00 PM.

Holiday Celebration

The UMSSC is hosting its annual Holiday Party on Monday, December 8 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Grand Ballroom at the Radisson Tower of the Valley Forge Casino. Cost: UMSSC Members $23.00. Non-UMSSC members $26.00.

Want More?

Check out the UMSSC website for more details.

LIBRARY

Holiday Hours

The library will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will open Saturday, November 29 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Fundraiser Results

California Pizza Kitchen raised $390 for the Upper Merion Library's Pizza With Purpose fundraiser. Thank you to all!

Free Tutoring!

Tutor.com is an online tutoring service that connects students to tutors in an online classroom. The Library offers this free service to students from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. UMASD students from Bridgeport and Conshohocken may receive tutor.com ID numbers by contacting the library at 610-265-4805.

Teen Book Discussion

There will be a discussion on, The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green on Monday, November 24 at 7:00 PM. For grades 7 through 12 ONLY. Please Register.

Stress Free December

Come to the library in December to de-stress!!! Check our online calendar for the program details or click here for the flyer.

It's Hanukkah

Join us on December 2, at 7:00 PM to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights. It's a fun story time for all kids ages 2 - 5. Register here.

Celebrate the Bear!

On December 3 at 6:30 PM, bring your favorite teddy bear to a special picnic to honor Paddington (a famous bear who will be coming to the big screen during this holiday season). Open to kids in K - 2 grade. Register here.

SAFETY AND CODES

Breakfast With Santa

The King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company is having its annual Breakfast With Santa on Sunday, December 7. Click here for details. If you can't make it on that date, the Swedesburg Fire Company is having its annual Breakfast With Santa on Sunday, December 14 from 8:00 AM to 12 noon at the Swedesburg Social Hall.

ADMINISTRATION

E-Newsletter Break

The township e-newsletter will not be sent out Thanksgiving week. Please send December content to UMTinfo@umtownship.org.

We Need You

The following township citizen boards have vacancies. Click here.

Grand Opening !!

Drop by the Public Information Office on Thursday, December 4 from 11:00 until 5:00 PM. The furniture arrived! We're located across from the Police Communication Center in the township building. We're sharing food and drinks, our New Years goals, and the latest technology.

Biz' Talk

Attention all civic minded and business professionals of Upper Merion Township! The Public Information Office is no longer sending the monthly newsletter called, Community Connections through "snail mail." It's now online and you can sign up here.

E-HISTORY FACT

Trolley Line Derailed

In 1901, a trolley line was proposed to link Valley Forge Park to the surrounding areas. The line would begin at the Park, pass through Port Kennedy into King of Prussia, and along DeKalb Pike to Bridgeport, where a connection would be made at Fourth and DeKalb streets. The trolley line would pass through picturesque countryside and provide the most convenient means of reaching the Park. However, the trolley line was never built. The state would not allow any trolley line to pass through the Park land. There was a trolley line from Phoenixville to the outskirts of the park where the line ended.

(Content provided by: Shirley Funkhouser, King of Prussia Historical Society)

ON THE MOVE

Slow Holiday Week

Paving operations will slow travel at the U.S. 202-U.S. 422 Interchange in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, and Upper Merion Township.

* On Sunday, November 23 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, U.S. 422 E. between First Avenue and U.S. 202; U.S. 422 East ramp to U.S. 202 North; U.S. 422 East ramp to I-76 East; U.S. 202 North ramp to I-76 East; U.S. 202 ramps at Devon Park Drive;

* From 7:00 PM Monday, November 24 until 5:00 AM Tuesday November 25, U.S. 422 West between U.S. 202 and First Avenue; U.S. 202 South ramp to U.S. 422 West; U.S. 202 North ramp to I-76 East; U.S. 202 South between Gulph Road and Swedesford Road

* From 7:00 PM Tuesday, November 25 until 5:00 AM Wednesday, November 26, U.S. 422 West between U.S. 202 and First Avenue; U.S. 202 South between Gulph Road and Swedesford Road; and U.S. 422 East between First Avenue and U.S. 202.