Upper Merion Township E-Newsletter
April 22, 2016
 TOWNSHIP CLICKS
Take a glimpse inside!

These are just a few of the features to look forward to in the new
ultra-modern state-of-the-art facility Upper Merion Community Center.

Motorcycles Return to the Patrol Division
The Upper Merion Police Department recently brought the Harley Davidson Police Motorcycle back to the patrol division. The two brand-new bikes will primarily be used for traffic enforcement, community relations, and patrol.

Children's Author Will Hillenbrand visits UM Library
As part of the Library's Family Reading Month in April, award winning children's book author and illustrator Will Hillenbrand visited the Upper Merion Township Library for an author presentation and book signing on the evening of Tuesday, April 12th as part of the state of Pennsylvania's One Book Every Young Child program. His book, Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story was selected as the 2016 featured book for the program.
For more about the event, see the Library section below.

Publication provided by the Public Information Office.
Contact umtinfo@umtownship.org if you have something you would like to submit.

UTILITIES
PECO Energy to Restrict Route 23 
PECO Energy will restrict Route 23 (Valley Forge Road) between Hansen Road and Murphy Drive on Friday, April 22 and Monday, April 25 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for gas service installation.

AQUA Road Closure

Aqua Pennsylvania is scheduled to close Henderson Road between Beidler Road and Cinnamon Hill Road beginning Monday, April 25, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for water main replacement. The weekday closure will be in effect through mid-May. During construction, Henderson Road through traffic will be detoured over Beidler Road and Route 23 (Valley Forge Road). Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.
COMMUNITY

Join the fun and celebrate the Earth!
Saturday, April 23 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Upper Merion Township Building Park
Enjoy pony rides, balloon clowns, food, contests, and more! For more information, click here.  

Upper Merion 51st Annual Regatta 
Saturday, April 23 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Upper Merion Boathouse (behind Frosty Falls)
UM High School Crew Boosters will be hosting dozens of clubs and hundreds of rowers from across our region during their 51st annual home regatta. Please come out and support the local rowers. 

Run, Walk, & then Shop til you Drop!

Sunday, April 24 - Registration begins at 7:30 AM
Philadelphia Premium Outlets, Limerick, PA
Join the 1 Mile Walk / 5K Run to benefit the GVF TMA's Foundation, Communities in Motion. Register by April 1 to get the Early Bird rates.
 To register or for more information, scan 
here or visit: www.movingyou.org/events 
 
King of Prussia Car Show
The Upper Merion Police Association will be holding its 6th Annual King of Prussia Car Show on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (rain date Sunday, May 1) at Parkview Tower, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA. The professionally judged competition is open to all cars and trucks. Come see great vehicles and enjoy music, food, door prizes, and a 50/50 drawing. 
For more information and to register, click here.  

Community Paper Shredding Event 
Saturday, April 30 - 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Valley Forge Memorial Gardens
This free shredding event also includes a clothing & household items collection and features door prizes and give-a-ways. For information, click here or call 610.265.1660.

Women's Center Celebrates 40 Years 
Sunday, May 1 at 11:00 AM
Meadowlands Country Club in Blue Bell, PA 
The Women's Center of Montgomery County will host its annual Spring Champagne Brunch to celebrate its 40th anniversary of empowering women and supporting victims of domestic violence. Legendary Philadelphia broadcaster Larry Kane will be the moderator and special honoree Michael Smerconish will share insights into this election year. For more information and tickets, click here
 
Volunteer for the UM Clean Up Event!
Saturday, May 14 
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 
Join us for the UM Parks and Streams clean up. 
You can make a world of
difference to our world.
For more information, click here.  

Designer Bag Bingo 
Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company 
Sunday, May 15
Doors Open at 12:00 PM
Game Starts at 1:00 PM
Admission: $25.00 per person 
For more information, click here.

2nd Annual Viking 5K Run/Walk

Sunday, May 15 - Registration begins at 7:30 AM
Kids Fun Run starts at 8:30 AM
5K Run/Walk begins at 9:30 AM
Caley Elementary School
All proceeds will be used for projects that supplement
Upper Merion Area School District's basic educational programs. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to participate. Register before April 29 for discounted entry fees. For more information, click here
 
9th Annual King of Prussia 10 Miler
On Sunday, May 22 the race begins at Heuser Park on Beidler Road at 8:00 AM, followed by a 5K run/walk, and a free Kids Fun Run at 8:15 AM.
For more information or to register online,
visit www.KingOfPrussia10miler.com
 
Nominate a Beautiful Property! 
Each year, Upper Merion Township honors residents who beautify their landscapes, both front and back yards. These residents contribute to the township's overall quality of life for everyone. Businesses, institutions and organizations are recognized for their efforts, as well. To nominate a deserving property, please click here.

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
PennDOT joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in recognizing April as "National Distracted Driving Awareness Month," and reminds all motorists that driving is a skill that requires their undivided attention. For information about the hazards of distracted driving, click here. 
FARMERS MARKET
Farmers Market LOGO
Happy Earth Day! 
As part of the township's Earth Day celebration we have extended our hours from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. This week our vendors are Bottled Thyme, Hippie Soap Company, Jack's Farm, Livengood Family Farm, Maiale Deli, Nurturing Nature Farm, and Spring Creek Farms. Hmm, looks like you can get everything you need for a full meal with ambiance included! 

Mark your calendars! Regular season opens 
Saturday, May 21 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 
Rain or Shine.

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LIBRARY
Author's Visit Continued 
More than 150 children and family members attended Will Hillenbrand's presentation, which featured him reading his book, and included an interactive discussion of how he became an author and illustrator.  Families made their own kites, played spring-related games, and enjoyed delicious refreshments.  Each family received an autographed copy of Kite Day. Will has been visiting libraries, child care centers, and Head Start facilities throughout Pennsylvania. He emphasizes the importance of reading early and often to young children. To find out more about the free programs, story times, and events being held at the library for children, teens, and adults, please visit www.umtownship.org/library.

Saturday Family Fun 
Little Theater on April 23 at 10:30 AM Kids, ages 2 - 5, and their families are invited to stop by for a story time filled with books, music, and fun.

Block Party!
Monday, April 25 at 10:30am 
Kids, ages 3 - 6, are invited to build with blocks and learn valuable skills such as hand-eye coordination, math, science, creativity, and self-confidence. Register here.  
 
Murder Mystery Night at the Library 
Wednesday, April 27 at 7:00 PM in Freedom Hall. Help solve the mystery of who killed Max Liter?   Must be at least 18 years old. FREE EVENT. Come in early to reserve your seat. Refreshments will be served. Must register.

Spring Play
Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30 PM in Freedom Hall.
Mainly for families with children,
ages 3 - 8 years old, but all are welcome.
Join us for a night of live theater as the Jr. Friends Thespians present Twisted Tales.  This funny and free show will highlight some fairy and folk tale stories you know so well . . . or do you? 

Save the date!
Art Show on Saturday, May 21 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Upper Merion Township Building.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Join the Upper Merion Township Pool! 
Open House - Saturday May 21 From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Stop by and visit the Stingrays swim team, enjoy refreshments from the new concessionaire, stop in and see the new menu, and meet the guards. There will be kids games, activities, giveaways, music, and fun! For more information, click here.

Join the newest Citizens Board 
The Township needs qualified residents to share their insights and experience on the newly created seven-member Community Center Complex Advisory Board. For an application, please click here
 
L3 Tennis
Youth tennis for ages 5 to 16.
Saturdays, b
eginning April 25.
From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Learn the FUNdamentals of the sport, including forehand, backhand, serve, volley, and basic strategy.
 

Hands-on Science - Rockets
Come one, come all!  We will be building rockets and testing designs.  Lots of launching and lots of phun with Professor Bob! After school classes starting soon at Roberts and Caley.

Adult Tennis with Bob Green
Men and women, 18 years and older, of all skill levels are welcome. Emphasis on drills and play for intermediate students, and on stroke mechanics for beginners. Classes beginning May 10th.
Sign up here

Purposeful Play and Musical Moves
Looking for a class for your infant or toddler? You came to the right place! These are highly interactive, nurturing, play-based, learning programs for children from birth to 36 months. These classes will support the development of cognitive, physical, and social growth. Classes began April 7 and run through May 27. Check our program guide for specific times and days!
 
Potteryworks/Modeling Clay Laboratory
Join our after school modeling clay laboratory!  Give your child the opportunity to discover new friends in a social, interactive environment where he or she can design and sculpt his or her own creations. Click here to register for this after school program at Candlebrook.
 
Anti-Bullying
June 7, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gulph Gym.
This self-defense and youth anti-bullying program is designed to empower kids,
ages 5-12, by providing them with the mental and physical tools to face and overcome adversity.

Computer Explorers - Bridgeport
After school on Wednesdays from May 6 to May 11. 
Class will take place at Bridgeport Elementary.  
In this Robotics program, we build Robots and use software to program them to follow your instructions.  
 
UMCC - Spring 2016
Go inside the Upper Merion Community Center and see how it is shaping up. Visit the P & R's FB page.   
   
Sign up
to receive email updates about the
Upper Merion Community Center!
SENIOR SERVICE CENTER
19th Annual Flea Market & Bake Sale  
Saturday, April 23 - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Come join the fun! Make it a family/friend day! We have something for everyone - cash prizes and more! Enjoy hot dogs, sodas, and desserts. 
 
2nd Annual Wellness EXPO!
Save the Date-Tuesday, May 3 - 1:00PM to 4:00PM
650 S. Henderson Road, King of Prussia
Bring the whole family to this fun, informative community event that will include many interesting vendors. Enjoy a special guest appearance by the Philly Phanatic!!

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
Drug Take Back Day 
Saturday April 30
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 
The Department will serve as a drop off site where you can safely dispose of unused or expired medication.
For more information, click here to visit our Facebook page.

Aggressive-Driving Enforcement Announced 
The department began conducting aggressive driving enforcement activities as part of a statewide Wave on March 28, 2016, which will continue through May 1, 2016.
For more information, click here
 
Tips to Help Prevent Home Burglaries
Consider installing an alarm system. Most alarm systems come with video surveillance that record. 
For more prevention tips, click here.

Weekly Crime Bulletins
Updated every FridayView the latest here.
PUBLIC WORKS
Yard Waste Removal Began on April 18
The primary function of the program is to assist with the collection of sticks, shrub clippings, and limbs, during scheduled spring and early fall clean-up days and after severe wind or ice storms.
For guidelines and to schedule a pick up, click here.
SAFETY & CODES
Spring Safety Tip
Always start your mower outdoors. Never operate it where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed, or basement.
For more seasonal safety tips, click here.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
FREE Shingles Vaccine
Tuesday, April 26 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Upper Merion Township Building 
By appointment only - Please call 610-292-4539 
Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services. 
The free Shingles (Zoster) vaccine is for Montgomery County Residents who are 60 years of age and older. One of three Americans will get shingles some time in their lives and the risks increase with age.

Are You ReadyMontco?
Have you signed up for ReadyMontco yet?  This FREE emergency notification system is powered by Everbridge. Residents and businesses will receive information about emergencies, severe weather, crime alerts, and disasters in Upper Merion Township and Montgomery County.
To sign up, visit readymontco.org
ADMINISTRATION
Career Opportunities 
Click here for the updated list.   
  
Board Vacancies
A number of citizen boards that could use your insight and experience have openings. 
E-HISTORY FACT
Covered Bridge Across the Sckuylkill
The Port Kennedy Bridge Company, with the assistance of Mr. John Kennedy, was incorporated by an act of Assembly passed on March 9, 1846. The company built a covered frame bridge, resting on three stone piers and of sufficient width to allow two wagons to pass. It was not completed till the close of 1849. A replacement bridge, Sullivan's Bridge in Valley Forge, is currently under construction. 
 
(Courtesy of the King of Prussia Historical Society)

 

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MEETING SCHEDULE
 
MONDAY
 April 25    
 
___________

TUESDAY
April 26
  _________ 
  
WEDNESDAY
April 27
  
___________
 
THURSDAY
April 28    

Board of Supervisors Joint Meetings with Citizen Boards
Board Room
7:00 PM
______________
 
FRIDAY
April 29
  
Administration Offices
Closed
  ______________
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