Upper Merion Township E-Newsletter
March 11, 2016 
 TOWNSHIP CLICKS
  
Spring Thoughts
 Can you smell the fresh herbs? In the meantime,
come join us Saturday, March 12 for the few "winter" markets we have left. You can purchase baked goods just in time for St. Patty's Day as well as coffee and fixins for a meal!
  
BCA - Deadline 3 Days Away!
The Board of Community Assistance (BCA) was established by the Board of Supervisors and Valley Forge Casino Resort to provide grants to organizations that serve Upper Merion residents and to award scholarships to high school seniors from Upper Merion Township who will continue their education
 Come On In
The spring edition of Township Lines will take you inside this ultra modern state-of-the-art facility: publication will hit your doorway later this monthExtra copies will be at the township building.
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Signal Ahead
In Upper Merion Township all signalized intersections have been equipped with Traffic Signal Pre-emption Systems. These systems take control of the traffic signal patterns at the intersection when an approaching emergency response vehicle has turned on a specialized strobe light emitter mounted on the vehicle.  Look for Mark Shepperd, UMGA-TV's host/producer, to share how it works on "Spotlight" this spring.
(Picture shared by Don Herbert, UMGA-TV)
 
 
      

  Publication provided by the Public Information Office.
Contact [email protected] if you have something you would like to submit.

COMMUNITY
"Bring It For Brielle"
Students, teachers, staff and the larger community will unite for a week of fundraising for Pediatric Cancer Research in support of Brielle Barber, the five-year old daughter of Upper Merion Area Middle School Teacher, Kelly Barber, who has been battling cancer for the past two years. Find out how you can be a part of "Bring it for Brielle" Spirit Week," beginning March 14. 
  
Black Mulch
The Upper Merion Crew Team has a lot of black mulch left over in 2cf bags for $4.00 a bag.  If you are interested, please contact RaeAnne at 484-686-7683 to set up a pick up time.    
  
Choo! Choo!
On Saturday, March 12 at 2:00 PM, railroad and local history enthusiasts can hear about the Chester Valley Railroad (ChVRR) Branch of the Reading Railroad from former Bridgeport resident Jim Brazel. Jim's presentation of his extensive collection of historical and contemporary photos and maps will be held at Christ Church (Old Swedes). Click here.
  
Dee-li-cious! -March 7-13
The popular dineKOP restaurant week is in full swing! dineKOP allows diners  to experience the best culinary offerings in the area with special lunch/dinner menus at incredible prices! View news release.
  
Are You ReadyMontco?
Police Chief Tom Nolan sent out a crime alert to the northern half of the township on Wednesday, March 9. You can receive these alerts by signing up with ReadyMontco: it is a FREE emergency notification system powered by Everbridge. Residents and businesses can receive information about emergencies, severe weather, crime alerts, and disasters in Upper Merion Township and Montgomery County.
FARMERS MARKET
Farmers Market LOGO
Market Warm Up
Come and see why our patrons rave about the family-friendly, community-focused market. The Market features a wide selection of farm-fresh goods and sustainable products from local vendors. It also hosts many fun-filled venues, including animal rescue groups and LIVE  entertainment. Regular season opens Saturday, May 21 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Rain or Shine.
 

Check It Out 
You can receive the winter Market e-newsletter.
LIBRARY
Saturday Story Time  
  • On Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 AM, kids ages 2 - 5 will have fun learning through stories, music, and rhymes.  Registration preferred.
  •  

  • Money Smart April 
  • Monday, April  4 at 7 PM: Financial Literacy
    Monday, April 11 at 7 PM: Special Needs
    Monday, April 18 at 7 PM: Estate Planning and Trusts
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  • Free ACT - Last Call
    This practice test for high school students will be held on Saturday, March 12 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Freedom Hall. It is sponsored by Kaizen Learning Center and Upper Merion Township Library. Register here.
      
  • Preschool Explorers! 
  • On Tuesday, March 15 at 1:30 PM, kids ages 3.5-6 are invited to explore MATH and COUNTING through interactive books and fun hands-on activities.  Register here.
  •  
    Spring Book Discussion Series
    It starts March 13. Contact the library if you would like to join.  Click here for more information.
      
      
      
      
      
    PARKS AND RECREATION
    New Yellow Button
    UM Living is a simple, wonderful way for Upper Merion Township residents and visitors to share photos and videos of happenings around the township. Gerri Vattimo, Marketing & Events Manager, says "this is a good way for residents to connect with each other visually." Go to www.umtownhip.org and look for the new yellow UM Living icon at www.umtownship.org this spring. 
      (Thanks Tom Neil, from IT and Don Herbert, UMGA-TV)
     
    Anti-Bullying
    This Self-defense and youth Anti-Bullying program is designed to empower kids by providing them with the mental and physical tools to face and overcome adversity. Ages 5-12 at Gulph Gym, April 5, June 7, from 6-7 PM.
        
    UMCC - Spring 2016
    Go inside the Upper Merion Community Center and see how things are shaping up. Visit the
    P & R's FB page.   
     
    F-O-O-T-B-A-L-L!
    The Adult Coed League takes place Sundays on March 20 through June 12 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Games are played at Heuser Park. Sign-up as a team or individually. 
       
    Washington DC Trip
    Motor coach transportation to Washington DC on Saturday April 9. Sign up today. Bus leaves UM Township at 7:00 AM and departs from DC at 5:00 PM. Sign up at the P& R office.
     
    Summer Jobs
    The P & R Department is looking for summer camp staff, swim instructors, and lifeguards who like working with children. Contact Sudha Suryadevara, [email protected] for ADC and Beechtree information and Heather Melck, [email protected] for swim instructor and lifeguard information. Application deadline: March 15. 
      
    Sign up to receive email updates about the Upper Merion Community Center!
    SENIOR CENTER
    What's Ahead
    Do something fun this month.
     
    Get Movin'
    You have no excuses. There's plenty to do for anyone 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
    Weekly Crime Bulletins
    View the latest here. Updated through March 11, 2016.
      
      
      
      
    Playoff Looms 
    Detective Elbert (Elbie) Lee writes: 
    When the UMPD Basketball team walked into the Police Athletic League Center (PAL) for Saturday's game (February 27), the team felt confident that it could win the game against Ferrandino (II) after beating them in its previous contest by 25 points. However, when the UMPD Basketball team stepped onto the court it was fielding a team with six total players, one of which was injured. Luckily for the team, Ferrandino (II) was also fielding a team with only six players. By games end, the UMPD had built an insurmountable lead and finished the 40 minutes with a comfortable 56-37 victory to raise its record to 4 and 2.  With three games remaining the UMPD has positioned itself as a contender and is close to realizing its playoff goal. The UMPD plays against John Middleton on Saturday, March 12 at 9:00 AM.
    (Public is invited to attend -Norristown PAL Center )




      
      
      
      
    ADMINISTRATION
    Career Opportunities 
    Upper Merion Township is looking to fill a few positions. Click here for the updated list. Deadline looms.  
      
    Board Vacancies
    A number of citizen boards that could use your insight and experience have openings. 
     
     
    E-HISTORY FACT
    Valley Forge Homes
    With the construction of the Turnpike and the Expressway, housing developments began to emerge in Upper Merion Township. One of the earliest, Valley Forge Homes, was developed on the east side of DeKalb Pike (Rt 202). In 1951, 202 houses were built with an additional 52 added in 1953.  The land was opposite the Walker Farm.

     
    (Courtesy of the King of Prussia Historical Society)

     

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    Click above for Community Center Info
      
      
    MEETING SCHEDULE
     
    MONDAY
     March 14,
     
    Henderson Room
    6:45 PM
    ----------------
     Media Communications Advisory Board
    ACR
    7:00 PM
      
      
       ___________

    TUESDAY
    March 15,
     
    Henderson Room
    7:00 PM
    -------------
      
    Board Room
    7:00 PM
      
      
      _________ 
      
    WEDNESDAY
    March 16, 
      
      Shade Tree & Beautification Commission
    Henderson Room
    7:00 PM
    ----------------
    Freedom Hall
    7:00 PM


      ___________   
     
    THURSDAY
    March 17, 
      
    No Meetings Scheduled
      
      
    ______________  
     
     
    FRIDAY
    March 18,
      
    Administration Offices
    Closed
      
    ______________

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