Upper Merion Township E-Newsletter

 February 27, 2015

 TOWNSHIP CLICK
 
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois
(Born: 1868- Died: 1963)
Dr. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard and was a co-founder of the NAACP. His contributions to realms of sociology, civil rights, and black literature still resonate.
  Photo Source: Commons 
 
 
Safety First
The Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council recognized the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Companies as the Pennsylvania Rescue Service of the Year at their annual awards ceremony in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The ceremony was held in November 2014, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Fire & Emergency Services Dinner.
(Shown in the photo are executives of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, Pennsylvania Director of Emergency Medical Services and members of the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company. The King of Prussia Fire Company Assistant Chief of Rescue Services accepted the award on behalf of the company.) 
 
 
Edward Dybicz
In Loving Memory
(Born: 1923- Died 2015) 
Edward Dybicz,  known as "Mr. Upper Merion History," passed away on February 18, 2015. The title was bestowed upon him during History Week in 2005 by the Upper Merion Board of Supervisors. Mr. Dybicz was insistent on truth and accuracy when writing history, and he was a good friend and great supporter of the King of Prussia Historical Society. Mr. Dybicz was a life-long resident of Swedesburg. Full obituary viewed here.   
  
 
Black History Celebration
The 16th Annual Black History Celebration was held on February 21, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Despite the inclement weather, it was a huge success!!!! This Friends of Black History event is supported by the Robert and Shirley Fine endowment.


First Responders Recognized 
  The Township recognized first responders at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday, February 26, after icy roadways caused a 60 vehicle pile-up at the Gulph Mills interchange on I-76.

 

What's your Township Click? Send photos to umtinfo@umtownship.org.  

COMMUNITY 

Need A Menu? 
Restaurant Week, which runs from March 2-8, has lunch menus priced at $10, $15, or $20. Dinner menus are priced at $20, $30, or $40. Sign up here  and find out which restaurants are participating.

 

KOP 10 Miler 5K/Walk Run

Start getting in shape for the challenging, family fun, and scenic 10-mile loop! It all begins Sunday, May 17. For details visit http://www.kingofprussia10miler.com. Get 20% off all events for March by entering this code: MARCHINTOSPRING at checkout. Great alternative to the Broad Street Run!

 

KOP Rail Workshops

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) welcomes your interest and participation in the King of Prussia Rail Project. Survey found here.  Public meetings will be held on March 16 and March 25 to discuss the future of Norristown High Speed Line Expansion (KOP Rail). Click here for more information.

 

BCA -Deadline Looms
The Board of Community Assistance is awarding a $10,000 senior student scholarship this year; the largest scholarship the BCA has offered during its three-year history. Grant and scholarship applications found here. 
 
Recycling Update  
Montgomery County will not hold electronics collection events in 2015.  However, a Paper Shredding Event, Household Hazardous Waste , and a Tire Shredding  community events will be held in April.

Guess What? 
Best Buy will accept computers and 32" TVs for free recycling when dropped off at its store. Best Buy will also pick-up TVs from homes for a fee. The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Montgomeryville accepts working TVs of any size and shape, as well as working computers and electronics. The store is located at 671 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA 18936.  Phone number: 215-631-1570.

Women Honored

In honor of Women's History Month, Karin Koons-Stocking will tell the story of Anna M. Holstein, one of Upper Merion's most prominent women, on Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 PM at Christ (Old Swedes) Church Hall. Click here for more information.

FARMERS MARKET

Farmers Market LOGO

Please Vote - Last Week! 

The Upper Merion Farmers Market is  nominated this year as one of the best markets in the county. This is the last week to vote. Click here

 

Rain, Shine Or Snow?   

The Market is open every other Saturday, weather permitting. Stop by Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Visit the website. A select group of vendors will be there, including Sweet Tree Artisan Roasters with fresh brewed coffee, as well as bagged single source coffee.

 

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LIBRARY

Open Fore Reading

This is an inaugural event! Come and enjoy a round of golf on  Saturday, March 28, at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information or to sign-up, call the library at 610-265-4805. Sponsor a hole by calling Karen at 610-265-1196. Details here.  
 

Practice Makes Perfect

Free ACT Practice Test for high school students is on Saturday, March 14 at 9:45 AM. You must register here to take part in this test.


 

Author Goes Viral

Meet Kathy and Brendan Reichs, authors of the popular Viral book series, on Thursday, March 5 in Freedom Hall, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Enjoy a discussion, author Q&A, book signing, and free pizza!  Books by the authors will be available for purchase at the event.  Great for students in 5- 12, plus adults.


 

Winter Blues?

Children ages 1 - 3 and their parents/caregivers are invited to attend a play workshop series with developmentally appropriate toys. Register for the next two Monday mornings (3/2/, 3/9/) from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. here.


 

Read 1,000 Books....

....Before Kindergarten. Register your child (ages birth to Pre-K) for this fun literacy program.  Read books and earn rewards!  Stop by the library to pick up a folder and reading log to get started.

Register here.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Spring Into Step 

Take a trip to Washington D.C. in April but get your tickets now. More information.

 

Lift Your Spirits

Discount ski-lift tickets are available. Tickets must be purchased in the office during office hours. No returns, exchanges, or refunds for discount tickets.  Visit here.

 

Philadelphia Flower Show

Experience the magic of the movies and horticulture at the 186th Philadelphia Flower Show, which runs from February 28 until March 8.  Save by purchasing your tickets through P & R.  Click here to register online. 

 

Summer Job?

Applications are being accepted until March 15.  Stop by the Parks and Recreation office for an application. ADC and Camp Beechtree applicants must be at least 16 years old. Volunteers can apply if you are 14 or 15 years old. Contact sudha@umtownship.org  

 

Master Plan Meeting

The next public meeting for the P & R Master Plan Subcommittee will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 PM in the Valley Forge Room. Please take the P&R Comprehensive Master Plan Survey which can be found here.

SENIOR CENTER

Bingo Bonanza

The 5th annual Bingo Bonanza will be held on Saturday, March 7 at the UMSSC at 12:00 PM! Get your tickets today. View flier for details.

 

Tax Season

The UMSSC will host AARP 2014 Tax Preparation: Thursdays ONLY, from now through April 9.

 

AARP Drivers Course

The UMSSC will host a 4-hour AARP Drivers Course, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, on Monday, March 16. Cost: $15.00 for AARP members or  $20.00 non-AARP members. Payment due day of course.  Sign-up at the reception desk. 

 

Activities Calendar

Stay active by clicking onto the UMSSC February calendar. View here.   

E-HISTORY FACT
Post Office, Name Change
The Post Office was established as Reesville, Montgomery County on January 18, 1820. The name was changed to Upper Merion on February 28, 1829, and changed again to King of Prussia on April 5, 1837. It's the only post office with this name in the world! There has never been an incorporated City of King of Prussia; the official name of the municipality is Upper Merion Township, which was established in 1713 and incorporated in 1789. The fire department uses King of Prussia, while the police department uses Upper Merion as their name. 

(Source: Upper Merion Township The First 300 Years, p 8.)
 

PUBLIC WORKS

Winter Love

The Public Works Department thanks the Upper Merion Mothers Club for dropping off wonderful treats on Thursday, February 26. The kind gesture was extended to the staff for keeping the roads safe, even in the worst weather conditions. 

ADMINISTRATION

Township Lines

Don't miss the Spring issue of Township Lines; you'll want your very own copy. To submit content for the Summer edition, contact us at umtinfo@umtownship.org.

 

Website Update

FB, Twitter, Instagram and the e-newsletter now have links on the front page of the front page of the website. Scott Widenhofer, IT Director; Don Herbert, Television Services Coordinator; and Justin Friend, PIO Assistant all worked hard to make these icons more visible. View web  http://www.umtownship.org/

 

Business Tax Info.

You are required to know the following information if you are a business owner. Click here. Additional information and forms are available at the Upper Merion Township Building or by calling the Business Tax Office at 610-265-2600 ext. 211, ext. 224, and ext. 227.

 

Become A Member

You can become an active member of your community by becoming a citizen board member. Click here.

 

Website Connection

View our township website here. 

POLICE

Stay Informed

Check out the weekly police report here

 

ON THE MOVE

Slow Going

PennDOT announced that lane restrictions are scheduled for eastbound and westbound U.S. 422 between the Hanover Street and Sanatoga interchanges in Lower Pottsgrove Township, on Monday, March 2 through Friday, March 6, from 6:00 AM to  4:00 PM, for road and bridge construction .

 

Detour! Detour!

PennDOT announced that westbound U.S. 422 will be closed and detoured between the Route 100 and Stowe interchanges in North Coventry Township, Chester County, and West Pottsgrove Township on Thursday, March 5 from 12:01 AM to 4:00 AM for the removal of a bridge beam.

 

 

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MEETING SCHEDULE

 
MONDAY

 March 2, 2015

 

No Meetings
Scheduled

 ______________


TUESDAY
  March 3, 2015
 
Parks and Recreation Sub Committee Meeting
Board Room
6:30 PM

      ______________ 

  

WEDNESDAY

March 4, 2015

 

Zoning Hearing Board
(CANCELLED)

   _____________
  
THURSDAY
March 5, 2015

 

Board of Supervisors
Zoning Code Workshop
Board Room
5:00 PM

Board of Supervisors
Workshop
Board Room
7:30 PM
  ______________
 
FRIDAY
March 6, 2015 
 
No Meetings
Scheduled

Admin. & Public Works Offices Closed
______________

 

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