News from Upper Merion Township

December 12, 2014

TOWNSHIP CLICKS

Trail Blazin'

Thank you to all who attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Schuylkill River West Trail! It was held in Heuser Park on December 11. This part of the trail begins in the park and continues outside Valley Forge National Historical Park (VFNHP) near the US 422 Bridge.

(Middle Photo from l. to r.) Tim Briggs, Pennsylvania State Representative; Greg Philips, Township Supervisor; Dan Russell, Parks and Recreation Director; Greg Waks, Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors; Mike Trachtenberg, P&R Board Chairperson; and David G. Kraynik, Township Manager

(SRWT photo taken by Don Herbert, Television Services Coordinator)

Babies and Books

The Upper Merion Township Library has partnered with Dr. Nersi Niami of King of Prussia Pediatrics to provide a welcome packet to each family of a newborn baby in his practice. (Also pictured: Jeanne Kauffman, Head of Children Services)

Bookmas Challenge!

Guess the number of books in the Library's Bookmas tree and win a prize! One prize will be given by the Adult Department and one prize by the Children's Department. Entry slips are available in each department. A drawing will be held on January 2, 2015. Good Luck!

"Love Yourself, Be Drug Free"

Community Alliance for a Safer Tomorrow (CAST) held a contest encouraging families to participate in Red Ribbon Week, a campaign of drug awareness, education, and prevention for youth. (The Canale family committed to a drug-free lifestyle and won the "Red Ribbon Week" challenge. The Canale kids won free jump sessions at SkyZone in Oaks!)

(Pictured from top l. to r.) Susan Shelton, CAST Community Mobilizer; Patrick, Josh, Luka, Ava and Noah Canale

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

UMGA-TV

King of Prussia Rail

Be sure to check out UMGA-TV's full coverage of the November 17 proposed King of Prussia extension to the SEPTA Norristown High Speed Rail Line public meeting. Video can be viewed here.

Air Dates

UMGA-TV will air SEPTA's (NHSRL) meeting on the following Tuesdays: December 16, 23, and 30 at 9:15 PM and on the following Wednesdays, December 17, 24, and 31 at 1:15 PM. (Channel 22, Comcast and Channel 33, Verizon)

COMMUNITY

CAST Yourself In

To learn more about Community Alliance for a Safer Tomorrow, (CAST) visit www.umacast.org or become involved with the coalition by contacting sshelton@umasd.org.

SleevesUp

The American Red Cross has a new way for you to help meet the constant need for blood by bringing people together, no matter their location. This virtual blood drive is an amazing experience for donating blood. For more information click here.

St. Lucia Feast

Christ Church Old Swedes will be celebrating its annual St. Lucia Feast on Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 PM. Please join the congregation and members of the King of Prussia Historical Society as they commemorate George Washington's visit in 1777.

PUBLIC WORKS

Leaf Update

Crews are working hard to get the leaves up. The modified schedule is here.

FARMERS MARKET

Farmers Market LOGO

Winter Ready!

The Winter Market is open on December 20, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The vendors set up on the lower level of the parking lot behind the Township Building, where you can pick up your orders. Look for the WFM every other Saturday, beginning January 3, 2015. Yes, you can pre-order.

Stay In Touch

Log onto the UMFM website here.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Lights, Cameras, Winners!

Stay tuned next week for the winners of the Holiday Lights Contest. The names were announced at the Holiday Hoopla on Friday, December 5.

Speak Up/Speak Out

The Parks and Recreation Department is updating the township's Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The next public meeting will be on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 in the Township Building's Valley Forge Room.

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.

POLICE

Don't Be A Victim

Important information about soliciting. Click here.

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

SENIOR CENTER

Knitters Wanted

The UMSSC knitting group donates knitted caps to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. The hats are for the premie babies to keep their tiny bodies warm. We need volunteers to help knit the hats. Please visit the UMSSC and give your name.

Gift Of Reading

The Bridgeport Elementary School children (grades K through 4) are still accepting donated books. The collection box is on the table under the bulletin board at the Center. Please be sure that the books are in good condition. The kids love it!

Casino Trip

We're taking a trip to the Valley Forge Casino on Wednesday, December 17. Contact the UMSSC at 610-265-2715.

Want More?

Check out the UMSSC website for more details on all the events.

LIBRARY

Babies and Books

The Library offers free story times for children from birth to six years old. For more information on programs being offered at the library for children and adults, please go to www.umtownship.org/library.

Holiday De-Stress!

Come to the library to de-stress before the Holidays. Call or register online.

Tech Night

Don't "tech out" on the latest technology. Our youth volunteers are here to help you on Monday, December 15 at 7:00 PM. Feel free to learn from our demo ipad. Please register.

Holiday Display

Linda, a library staffer, arranged a holiday themed book display just in time for the holidays. Feel free to check out the books.

Sensory Friendly Story Time

On Saturday, December 13, at 10:30 AM join us for a special story time in the Little Theater (geared for children ages 8 and under with disabilities). Register here.

Feeling Frozen?

Warm up in Freedom Hall on Tuesday, December 30 at 2:00 PM at the library's FREE family movie matinee. Come enjoy the popular Disney movie Frozen (rated PG, 102 minutes).

SAFETY AND CODES

Santa Revisits

The Swedesburg Fire Company will have its annual Breakfast With Santa on Sunday, December 14, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Swedesburg Social Hall.

Think Recycling

During this time of year, recycling programs remain one of the major efforts against pollution. Check out this website by clicking here.

ADMINISTRATION

What's New?

The new signage for the Public Information Office allows everyone to know exactly where we are. We now have a Public Access Center stand outside Freedom Hall on the upper level of the township building. Residents can fill it with information approved by the PIO.

Board Vacancies

The following township citizen boards have vacancies. Click here.

E-HISTORY FACT

St. Lucia Feast

On December 13, 1777, as General George Washington and his troops were making their way to a site for their winter encampment, they saw lights burning on the west side of the Schuylkill River near Matson's Ford. Making their way across the river, they came to Christ Church in Swedesburg during the church's festival for the feast of St. Lucia. Washington and his officers were welcomed into the church for the evening. After the service, Washington asked the men of the church to join his effort and 8 volunteers joined Washington's army.

(Source: Upper Merion Township: The First 300 Years, page 36)

ON THE MOVE

Slow Going

Crews are scheduled to work Saturday, December 13 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on US 202 South from Gulph Road to Swedesford Road, and on the U.S. 202 North ramp to Interstate 76 and on the U.S. 202 ramps at Devon Park Drive.

Work Ahead

Crew will be out on Sunday, December 14, working from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the U.S. 202 North ramp to I-76, East and on the U.S. 202 ramps at Devon Park Drive.