Upper Merion Township E-Newsletter
FEBRUARY 19, 2016
 TOWNSHIP CLICKS


Are You In? Why Not? Join the Upper Merion Community Center today!
  


Watch a short video about ReadyMontco, a FREE emergency notification system.  Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this alert system to receive information about emergencies, severe weather, crime alerts, and disasters in Montgomery County.

  

 
 Upper Merion's iconic rooster was auctioned on E-Bay for $2,325.  Francis "Shorty" Shultz, a township resident and business owner, was the winning bidder.  All proceeds from the sale of the 50-year old rooster is donated to the Upper Merion Township Foundation. 
  
  
 

  
 The officers of the Upper Merion Township Library's Friends of Black History (holding Proclamations) were honored by the Board of Supervisors for their 17 years of volunteer service to the community, at the February 18 BOS meeting. 
(Standing: Karl Helicher, Library Director; Tracy Pasquale, Library Board Vice Chair; Ruth Harmon; Dave Bristowe, Library Board Chair)
(Sitting: Patricia Ackah; Winona Brown; Cecelia Crommarty; Virginia Hammond)   
  
  
 
Torrential downpours on Tuesday, February 16 caused the Public Works Department to handle multi-flooding calls. 
  

 

  Publication provided by the Public Information Office.
Pictures are submitted by the public or taken by a member of the UMGA-TV staff.
Enhancements to renderings are done by Don Herbert, Television Services Coordinator.
Contact umtinfo@umtownship.org if you have something you would like to submit.
  
  
  

COMMUNITY
Are You Hungry?
The popular dineKOP restaurant week returns March 7-13. dineKOP allows diners  to experience the best culinary offerings in the area with special lunch/dinner menus at incredible prices! 
 
Green Goats?
Goats have been used to control undesirable vegetation throughout history. Now Green Goats are coming to Bob White Park this summer, saving the township money on equipment rental. More information in the spring edition of Township Lines. (Appearing March 21)    
  
He/She Did What?
On Monday February 22, Community Alliance for a Safer Tomorrow (CAST) is sponsoring a seminar, Is This Normal?, (pertaining to your child's behavior) which will be held in Room C-230 at Upper Merion Area Middle School at 7:00 PM.  
Parents and students in middle and high school are welcome to attend. Email: sshelton@umasd.org or call 610-304-5533 to sign up.
  
Red Cross Blood Drive
Please give on Monday, February 22, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Freedom Hall at the township building.


FARMERS MARKET
Farmers Market LOGO
Save The Date
The Farmers Market is premiering its Spring Clean the Parks project on Saturday, May 14 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Rain date is May 15 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Sports teams, families, and groups are invited to participate. More information in the coming weeks. 
 
Winter Market  
The Market is open on Saturday, February 27. Remember, there are fewer vendors during the winter market and some offer pre-ordering. The market is open every other Saturday from 10:00 AM to  12:00 PM on the lower level of the parking lot behind the Township Building. You can pick up your orders, and most vendors bring a little extra to tempt you.
  
Check It Out 
See which vendors are available during the winter market season by signing up for the Market e-newsletter.
LIBRARY
Black History Month  
Celebrate Black History on Saturday, February 27 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Entertainment, soul food, giveaways, vendors, and much more!
  
Say Cheese!
Meet photographer Milt Dienes on Monday, March 7 at 7:00 PM. Enjoy seeing his display on People, Places, and Things.
  
All Thing Norse
Calling all middle schoolers! On Monday, February 22 at 7:00 PM, a discussion on Rick Riordan's new series Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard will be held at the library. Let's learn more about Norse Mythology! Must register.
  
Party With Blocks
On Monday, February 29 at 10:30 AM, kids ages 3-6 are invited to build with blocks at the library.  It teaches valuable skills like hand-eye coordination, sharing, math, science, art, imagination, and self-confidence.  Must register.
  
All of these events take place at the library. Please see the township website for more information.

  
PARKS AND RECREATION
Take Survey - Win Big!
What group exercise classes are you looking for? Complete the  Upper Merion Community Center Group Exercise Survey and automatically enter to win a $50 Target gift card! The deadline is Friday, February 26!
  
Trivia Night
Drop by the KOP Firehouse on Thursday, February 25 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The Parks and Recreation Department promises Great Competition, Great Prizes, and Great Food and Drinks! Get your team together now...or form a team with others that evening! Must pre-register!
  
Rock Climbing
Now's your chance to enjoy 2 hours of low ropes initiatives designed to enhance problem solving, communication, and leadership skills, which will be followed by a challenging rock-climb. For teens ages 13-18. Takes place at Oaks Philadelphia Rock Gym on Wednesday, March 23 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
  
SNAP B-ball Buddies
This youth special needs basketball program is looking for volunteer Buddies aged 14 and up. Buddies will receive certificates of volunteer service. 

Fun Starts Now 
Sign up for these programs and more.




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SENIOR CENTER
AARP Tax Preparation
Thursdays only! From February 4 until  April 14. Appointment sign-up book is at the Reception Desk at the Upper Merion Senior Service Center.  
  
Wanna' Play?
Big Bingo - 7th season! Cash prizes too. Takes place  Saturday, March 5.  Doors open at the UMSSC at 11:00 AM. Games start at 12:00 PM.  More information on the website.
  
Don't Be Bored!
There's plenty to do right here.  
  
Stay In Touch
Visit our website for the very latest updates.  
 
Call the UMSSC at 610-265-4715 to register for all programs.
POLICE
Tax Season
The IRS wants you to read this informative article on the Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2016.    
  
Weekly Crime Bulletins
View the latest here. Updated through February 19, 2016.
  
UMPD Team Wins! (42-41)
Detective Elbert Lee writes:  The UMPD Basketball team continued its winning ways Saturday, February 13. Upper Merion's finest now  enjoys a two-game winning streak  with the help of two new players. UMPD team beat a very good Macedonia team (Baptist Church - Norristown). UMPD has now positioned itself as a contender with a 2 and 1 record. Next game against Ferrandino (II) will be on Saturday, February 20 at 10:00 AM at the Norristown PAL Center.
ADMINISTRATION
Snow Statement
Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Jenaway shared this statement at the BOS meeting on Thursday, February 18. It was the first meeting since the blizzard of 2016. 
 
New Board Vacancies
A number of citizen boards that could use your insight and experience have openings. 
 
BCA Is For You
What's your funding need? The Board of Community Assistance can help. Fill out an application by March 15.  
 
E-HISTORY FACT
Old Roberts School 
In 1848, Jonathan Roberts, farmer and U.S. Senator, built a school to educate the poor children from the mill workers' houses on Croton Road, and for the pupils from the Henderson, Hughes, and Roberts farms. A ten acre site was set aside and the first school was built mostly from logs, lasting for 50 years. It was abandoned in 1917, and reverted under terms of its original deed to the Roberts estate. After that it remained abandoned and fell into decay. In 1957, the King of Prussia Historical Society initiated a fundraising effort to restore the old school. Today the school remains as a monument to historic preservation under the watchful eye and constant care of the Upper Merion Park and Historic Foundation.   
(Courtesy of the King of Prussia Historical Society)
ON THE MOVE
Aqua Alert
Aqua Pennsylvania will restrict Route 23 (Valley Forge Road) between Kleyona Avenue and Valley Road in Schuylkill Township beginning Monday, February 22.  A lane closure will be in place weekdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM,  through Tuesday, March 8.
  
                                                                        

 

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MEETING SCHEDULE
 
MONDAY
 February 22,
 
 Economic & Community Development Committee
Board Room
7:00 PM
   ___________

TUESDAY
 February 23,
  
 No Meetings Scheduled
  _________ 
  
WEDNESDAY
February 24, 
  
 Planning Commission
Henderson Room
7:00 PM
  
  
  ___________   
 
THURSDAY
February 25, 
  
No Meetings Scheduled 
______________  
 
 
FRIDAY
February 26,
  
Administration Offices
Closed
  
______________

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Upper Merion Township | 175 West Valley Forge Road | King of Prussia | PA | 19406