Upper Merion Township E-Newsletter

 April 6, 2015

TOWNSHIP CLICKS 

No Soliciting
This video, produced by UMGA-TV & written by UMPD, thoroughly discusses our soliciting ordinance, including the revisions the Board of Supervisors made last year. These changes enable residents to obtain a "No Soliciting" sticker from the township, which when placed on your door makes most commercial soliciting illegal. (Facebook excerpt from Greg Waks, Township Supervisor)



Autism Awareness Month  April
This month is dedicated to educating people about the effects of autism and to raising money for critical social programs that can make autistic people's lives happier, healthier, and safer. (Patti, a King of Prussia resident, helped her mom decorate the showcase in the Upper Merion Township Building)   


Stream Clean Up

Join the Upper Merion Township Environmental Advisory Council and the partners of the Schuylkill Action Network to clean up the King of Prussia streams on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A pizza party will follow.  Ages 12 and up can volunteer.  Register at SchuylkillScrub.org or by calling the Montgomery County Conservation District at 610 489-4506 x15.  All supplies will be provided. 

 

Golf Fundraiser - Hole In One 

Karl Helicher writes: "On behalf of the library board and staff who worked tirelessly to create a fun filled day,  I am so pleased to thank all of those who donated their time and money to the mini-golf tournament on Saturday, March 28.  The fundraiser was a first time endeavor for the library, and I feel with all the hard work that went into this inaugural event -- my library team scored a hole in one!"

 

TAG and Jr. Friends who assisted with the Upper Merion Township Library Mini-Golf Tournament are, Noor Bukhari, Kayla Brown, Shabee Bukhari, Smana Bukhari, Mckenna Canale, Luka Canale, Soni Chaturvedi, Nathan Dallas, Lindsey Davis, Nebiyou Elias, Hirali Patel, Shiker Nair, Shuiat Nair, Shreya Srinivasan, Srisha Srinivasan, Grace Wu 

 

 

Summer Camp Fair

Parks and Recreation held its annual Summer Camp Fair on March 27 at the Upper Merion Township Building. Adventure Day Camp runs from June 22 - July 31. Early registration begins now. The deadline is April 15. Call Parks and Recreation at 610-265-1071 for more information.  The Summer Activity Guide is now available at the Township Building.

 

COMMUNITY 

CAST Scholarship Application  
The Community Alliance for a Safer Tomorrow is awarding a $1000 scholarship to a high school senior who resides in Upper Merion Township and plans to live on campus at a four-year college or university next year.  Read this attachment for information on the criteria, essay, and application.  
 
Free Parent Seminar 
CAST is holding a FREE seminar called, "Raising Children and Adolescents Who Are Prepared To Thrive," presented by Dr. Ken Ginsburg.  The seminar will be presented on April 7 at 7:00 PM in the Upper Merion Area Middle School Auditorium.  To attend: please e-mail sshelton@umasd.org or call 610-304-5533.
 
Future of Historic Parks
Here's your chance to shape the future of a National Historic Park.  Please take this survey on Valley Forge and share your knowledge and opinions because your voice needs to be heard!
 

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.  Get 20% off all events for March by entering this code: MARCHINTOSPRING at checkout. Great alternative to the Broad Street Run!
   
Taste of The Suburbs
This annual fundraiser will be on Sunday, April 12 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the King of Prussia Mall, and is hosted by the King of Prussia Rotary. Sample signature menu items from over 30 of the area's top restaurants and wineries. Purchase your tickets today.

 

Archaeological Discoveries
Archaeologist Kimberly Morrell will share her experiences unearthing local archaeological discoveries. Morrell will discuss her findings on April 11 at 2:00 PM at Christ Church Old Swedes. This FREE program is open to the public and sponsored by the King of Prussia Historical Society.  
 

Public Hearing (PGCB)

On Wednesday April 8, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board will hold a public hearing at the Upper Merion Township Building (175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, PA) at 10:00 AM in Freedom Hall. This meeting will consider the renewal of the Category 3 casino license, which is currently issued to Valley Forge Convention Center Partners, LP (operators of Valley Forge Casino Resort).

 

FARMERS MARKET

Farmers Market LOGO

Market Top 5  

  • Requires no taxpayer funding from Upper Merion Township
  • Operates entirely from its market fees, merchandise sales, and donations
  • Brings shopping dollars and tax revenue into the township
  • Only accepts vendors from within a 100-mile radius of King of Prussia
  • Was voted a Top 10 Farmers Market in a competition sponsored by American Farmland Trust
  • (The Market is open every other Saturday. Visit the website for more) 

     

    E-Newsletter Sign Up

    Sign up to join our mailing list and receive our e-newsletter. Get the latest updates on what's fresh at the market. Find out about our fun-filled special events.

    LIBRARY

    Fax & Scan

    A public fax machine (provided by Fax 24) is available at the Upper Merion Township Library that will also scan to your email. The fax machine is located in the business service room, next to the adult circulation desk. The Fax24 kiosk accepts VISA, MasterCard, AMEX & Discover credit and debit cards. The library is not responsible for material that is not received on time. (Must contact Fax24 directly.) 

     

    Money Smart Series

    Finance & Investment Professional Elizabeth Shamir, CFA, CFP� will appear on the following dates:

    -Monday, April 13 at 7:00 PM: "Retirement Income Planning"

    -Monday, April 20 at 7:00 PM: "Rising Rates What You Need to Know"

    -Monday, April 27 at 7:00 PM: "Building and Preserving Wealth"

     

    Teen Movie Matinee

    Enjoy the movie Mocking Jay with us on Sunday, April 19 at 1:30 PM in Freedom Hall. Bring your friends. Snacks will be served.

     

    Pajama Story Times

    On Tuesday evenings in April and early May from 7:00 PM to  7:30 PM, come out for fun PJ programs for 2 - 5 year olds and their families.  Story Times promotes early literacy development.  Registration is encouraged but not required.  

     

    Environmental Jeopardy

    Join our Library Junior Friends group (grades 5-8) on Monday, April 13 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, as we celebrate Earth Day through some educational rounds of Environmental Jeopardy.  No registration required.

    PARKS AND RECREATION

    Master Plan Open House  

    We invite you to participate in our P&R Master Plan Open House on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 PM in Freedom Hall.  Public input is vital to the success of the plan. 


    Earth Day Festival/5K Run & Fun Walk  

    Join us on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM to maintain a healthy earth. Activities include: park cleanups, environmental giveaways, crafts and more. The 5K Run/Fun Walk event starts at 8:30 AM at the Upper Merion Township Building Park Pheasant Road entrance. 

     

    Community Center Update  

    The Upper Merion Community Center is sharing more details about the basic amenities,  programs and rental opportunities. Follow us on Twitter and Like Us on Facebook for continual updates.  

    SAFETY AND CODES

    Need To Recycle?

    Search for a recycling solution here. 

     

    Recycling Events

    Here are a few Montgomery County paper shredding and tire collection events. 

    PUBLIC WORKS

    Road Repair

    Please be advised that a section of South Warner Road  will be closed for repairs on Wednesday, April 8. This repair will require a road  closure from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM between the Lafayette Road horseshoe. Traffic will be detoured onto Lafayette Road.

     

    Work Zone

    PennDOT is going to mill the section of South Gulph Road by Bill Smith Boulevard as well as Henderson Road  and Route 202 on Sunday, April 12, starting at midnight.  The work zone area will be flagged to maintain a lane of travel. They currently do not have a resurfacing date scheduled.

     

    You Can, Like Us

    The Public Works Department now has a newly designed Facebook page created by Lisa Kittrell, Executive Secretary for PW, and Scott Greenly, Associate Township Planner.

     

    State Roads vs. Township Roads 

    For information related to roadway concerns including, reporting pothole locations, stormwater and drainage concerns, traffic related concerns, or property damage incurred by PennDOT, call 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Or, share your concern here.  Which roads are considered township roads and not state roads? 

    SENIOR CENTER

    Wha' Cha' Doin?

    Stay active by clicking onto the UMSSC April calendar. You must call the Center at 610-265-4715 to register.

    E-HISTORY FACT

    Swedeland Origins

    Swedeland was originally founded as "Matsunk" by Swedish settlers in 1710. Situated along the Schuylkill River and the Matsunk Creek, it was originally occupied by about 19 homes and the Potts Farm, including Swedish families named Rambo and Yocum. The name Matsunk was changed to Swedeland sometime in the  19th century, but before 1876 when the Swedeland post office was established. Later the Swedeland and Bridgeport post offices were merged, although Swedeland lies within Upper Merion's boundaries. (Source: King of Prussia Historical Society.)

     

    ADMINISTRATION

    Website Update  

    The website subcommittee, consisting of 14 departmental staff members, is now evaluating the "style and format" phase." This phase  consists of font size, font style, indentations, use of color, use of hyperlinks and some flare.  Noticeable changes can be found on the Public Works page, created and designed by Lisa Kittrell, Executive Secretary for Public Works.  Take a look at the Library's page, created and designed by Laura Arnhold, Children's Librarian. 

     

    Workshop Agenda

    This BOS Workshop is open to the public. Here are the topics for discussion.

      

    Community Minded

    Here is a list of citizen board vacancies. 

     

    Connect With Us  

    View our township website here. 

    POLICE

    Paving & Sealing Scams

    Every spring, paving scammers are on the lookout for homeowners they can dupe! These tips will assist you while looking for a reliable driveway paving business.

     

    Stay Informed 

    Check out the weekly police report here

    ON THE MOVE

    Balligomingo Road Closed

    West Conshohocken Borough will close Balligomingo Road beginning Monday, April 7 through April 17, between Portland Road and Route 23 (Schuylkill River Road) for slope stabilization. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone    

     

    Road Conditions

    If you are traveling this weekend, you can check road conditions by visiting www.511PA.com.

     

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    MEETING SCHEDULE

     
    MONDAY

     April 6, 2015

     

    No Meeting

    Scheduled 

     ______________


    TUESDAY
      April 7, 2015
     
    Parks and Recreation Sub Cmte.

    6:30 PM

    Board Room (UL)

     

          ______________ 

      

    WEDNESDAY

    April 8, 2015

     

    Board of Community Assistance 

    6:00 PM

    Valley Forge (UL)

    ------------------------

    Planning Commission

    Cancelled

    7:00 PM

    Henderson Room

    -------------------------

    UM Transportation Authority

    7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    Board Room (UL)

    -----------------------

    UM General 

    Authority

    7:30 PM

    Board Room (UL) 

       _____________
      
    THURSDAY
    April 9, 2015

     

    BOS Zoning Code Workshop

    5:00 PM

    Board Room

    ---------------------

    BOS Workshop

    7:30 PM

    Board Room (UL)
      ______________

     
    FRIDAY
    April 10, 2015 
     
    No Meetings
    Scheduled

    Admin. & Public Works Offices Closed
    ______________

     

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