- Upper Merion Area Spotlight
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- 💡Your Weekend Welcome
💡Your Weekend Welcome
Issue #071
Good Morning, Upper Merion!
Welcome to the week’s end! Glad you made it.
While it isn’t spotlighted, here’s some stuff worth mentioning: Big game for the Birds Sunday - More snow is on the way - Conshy police are hiring (more on that Tuesday) - there’s a singles event (if you’re 23-38) at Puddler’s Kitchen and Tap on the 18th (info below), and so much more. Make sure to check out all the events and happenings below!
I hope you enjoy!
Ciao for now!
Corey | Chief Spotlighter 💡
What we’re spotlighting:
💡The MLK Day of Service Series: How you can get involved
💡Coming to KOP | Lazy Dog Restaurant: Comfort Food with a Twist
💡Conshohocken St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Hosting Event To Name This Year’s Grand Marshal
💡Celebrating Cookie Season Opening Weekend - And The Businesses Hosting Them
P.S. Got some local events we should know about? Click the button below and let us know. It’s your newsletter, after all! 😊
In This Issue of the Upper Merion Area Spotlight:
🏘️ Real Estate and Housing Insights
📅 Lifestyle and Local Happenings
🔍 Your Community Close-Up
📝 Community Services and Resources
☀️ Upper Merion Weather
Friday’s FAQs
Brought to you by our sponsor, Carolyn Kauffman, Realtor with Keller Williams Main Line
💰 What Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the fees and expenses required to finalize the purchase of your home, in addition to your down payment. These costs ensure the transaction is legally processed, paperwork is filed, and everyone involved is paid for their part in the process.
What Do Closing Costs Cover?
1️⃣ Lender-Related Costs:
Loan Origination Fees
Appraisal Fees
Credit Report Fees
Underwriting Fees
2️⃣ Third-Party Fees:
Title Search & Title Insurance: Protects you and the lender from ownership disputes or unpaid liens.
Escrow Fees: Covers a neutral party managing the transaction and holding funds.
Recording Fees: Officially records the sale with local authorities.
How Much Are Closing Costs?
Typically, closing costs range from 3% to 5% of the purchase price. For example:
On a $300,000 home, closing costs might range from $6,000 to $15,000.
The exact amount varies based on the home price, loan type, location, and seller negotiations.
Key FAQs About Closing Costs
🗓️ When Are They Due?
Closing costs are due on closing day, usually paid via certified check or wire transfer.
🤝 Can They Be Negotiated?
Yes! Some costs, like lender fees or title insurance, can be negotiated. In some cases, sellers may agree to cover part of the costs, especially in a buyer’s market.
📍 Are They the Same for Everyone?
No. Closing costs vary based on:
Location: State and county taxes or fees differ.
Lender: Loan origination and underwriting fees vary.
Loan Type: FHA, VA, and USDA loans may have unique structures.
💡 Pro Tips to Manage Closing Costs:
Plan ahead and set aside funds.
Compare lenders to find the best rates and fees.
Negotiate with the seller or lender to lower costs.
By understanding these expenses, you’ll avoid surprises and feel confident as you finalize your home purchase!
Are You:
🤔 Curious about real-time market activity in your neighborhood?
💰 Looking to find out your home’s value in minutes?
📋 Interested in viewing all active and coming soon listings?
🏠 Looking to help someone buy or sell a home in Upper Merion?
 SPONSORED BY: Carolyn Kauffman, Realtor | If you answered yes to any of the above, CLICK HERE to connect with Carolyn, your trusted local expert for all things Real Estate in Upper Merion! Keller Williams Main Line |
SPECIAL EVENTS
Friday, January 17, 2025
Live Music: Elise Frasch
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Elise Noel
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Reggae Thunder
📍 118 North | 🕒 7:00 PMLive Music: Jim Lyman
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: Dan Ward
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PMLive Music: Dancing Thru the Decades with Mark Shepperd
📍 Pepper's | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Singles Winter Warm-Up (ages 23-38)
📍Puddlers Kitchen and Tap | 🕒 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |Museum Day
📍 John James Audubon Center | 🕒 10:00 AMLive Music: Dan Reed
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Scott Brimmer
📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:30 PMLive Music: Chris Foux
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: Old School
📍 Screwballs | 🕒 8:30 PMLive Music: The Bar Band
📍 118 North | 🕒 8:30 PMLive Music: High Five Swan Dive
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PMLive Music: Scattertrain
📍 Pepper's | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Live Music: Wally Smith Hammond Organ Trio
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Jerry Watkins
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: Billy Price Band
📍 118 North | 🕒 8:00 PMVendor Market
📍 Workhorse Brewing | 🕒 11:00 AM - 5:00 PMLive Music: Disco Perfect
📍 Pepper's | 🕒 5:00 - 8:00 PMTommy's Open Mic
📍 Ribhouse | 🕒 9:00 - 11:00 PMLunch with Bluey and Bingo
📍Puddlers Kitchen and Tap | 🕒 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Monday, January 20, 2025
Live Music: Jim Lyman
📍 Gypsy Saloon |🕒 6:00 PM
RECURRING EVENTS
Upper Merion Camera Club
📍Upper Merion Baptist Church (Room 25) | 📅 Wednesdays | 🕒 7 PMONLINE cooking class: Italian Winter Favorites
📍 Sur La Table | 📅 View Available ClassesADULT Climbing and Fitness
📍 Reach Climbing and Fitness | 📅 View CalendarClassroom Instruction
📍 Kings Shooters Supply | 📅 View ClassesRange Instruction
📍 Kings Shooters Supply | 📅 View ClassesIn Store Cooking Classes
📍 Sur La Table | 📅 View Available ClassesDaily Orientation Film
📍The Theatre at Valley Forge | 🕒 9:30 - 4:00 p.m. | every ½ hour | watch onlineBird Watching
📍 John James Audubon Center | 🕒 Trail and Museum HoursArt Exhibitions
📍Jenkins Arboretum | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
📍 Upper Merion Community Center | Business hours
KID Climbing and Fitness
📍 Reach Climbing and Fitness | 📅 View CalendarBluey CAMP Experience
📍 King of Prussia Mall | 📅 Check Schedule
LOOKING FOR A BIGGER ADVENTURE?
 | Set Sail with Disney Cruise Line’s Exclusive Disney+ Subscriber Offer!Disney+ subscribers, here’s your chance to create magical memories at sea! For sailings from January 3 through June 13, 2025, third and fourth Guests (ages 17 and under) can sail for half price when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Choose from select cruises aboard the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Wish. Don’t miss this limited-time offer to set sail on a Disney Cruise Line adventure filled with unforgettable experiences for the whole family! Have questions? Contact the Pros ([email protected]) to see how you can take advantage of this new promotion! |
👇Don’t see your event listed? Click here to add your event(s). 👇
The MLK Day of Service Series
 | As we approach MLK Day, our community is buzzing with opportunities to honor Dr. King’s legacy. From local food drives and Main Street cleanups to creating care kits and joining inspiring events like Lucy Belle’s Rainbow service day, there’s something for everyone to make a difference. Whether you give an hour, lend a hand, or simply reflect on his vision, your actions contribute to building a kinder, stronger community. Together, we can keep the dream alive. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, please check out our local MLK events below. |
Local MLK Events
🛠️ Upper Merion Youth Service Opportunity
📅 Date: January 20, 2025
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Valley Forge Presbyterian Church, 191 Town Center Rd, King of Prussia, PA
💬 Details: Open to UMASD middle and high school students! Learn about housing insufficiency in Upper Merion Township and VFPC’s plan to convert an underutilized building into affordable apartments for underserved neighbors. Volunteers will help clear the building for its transformation while enjoying free pizza and snacks, courtesy of a generous donor.MLK Community Day of Service in Upper Merion
📅 Monday, January 20, 2025
📍 Upper Merion Township Building
Participate in various service projects suitable for all ages, including making care packages, writing letters to veterans, and creating pet toys for shelters.Freedom & Justice Musical Celebration
📅 Monday, January 20, 2025
📍 Conshohocken United Methodist Church
An uplifting event with performances celebrating Dr. King's legacy through music.Main Street Cleanup: Elmwood Park Zoo & Partners
📅 Date: January 20, 2025
📍 Location: Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb Street, Norristown
💬 Details: Join Elmwood Park Zoo, The Charles L. Blockson Exhibition, Keep Norristown Beautiful, and the Norristown Chamber of Commerce for a Main Street cleanup to honor MLK Day of Service. Volunteers will receive a free lunch as a thank-you for their efforts!
✉️ RSVP: Email [email protected] to sign up and get involved.MLK Day of Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church
📍 640 Berwyn Avenue, Berwyn, PA
🕒 January 18, 2025 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Join the community in making a positive impact on MLK Weekend with various service projects, including a Repair Cafe to mend broken items from the neighborhood.MLK Day of Service – Invasive Plant Removal
📍 Location: Preserve (specific details provided upon registration)
🕒 Date: Monday, January 20, 2025 | Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pmJoin the effort to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy by participating in an invasive plant removal project at the preserve. This family-friendly event is open to all ages, with a focus on maintaining the health and beauty of native plants. Every helping hand makes a difference! 🌱
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/3ZE4Hoj
Coming to KOP | Lazy Dog Restaurant: Comfort Food with a Twist
 | Opening in 2025 at 160 N. Gulph Road (former Fox & Hound location), Lazy Dog Restaurant will offer a cozy, family-friendly dining experience. Known for its scratch-made comfort food, the menu features everything from hearty entrées to shareable appetizers, all inspired by the warmth of the mountains. With its rustic vibe and welcoming atmosphere, Lazy Dog is set to be a new favorite for Upper Merion residents and visitors alike. |
Conshohocken St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Hosting Event To Name This Year’s Grand Marshal
 | Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with the Conshohocken Saint Patrick’s Day Committee this Saturday, February 18th, at the Norristown Maenner-Chor Club! Join the festivities as they announce the Grand Marshal for the Montgomery County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, happening March 15th. Enjoy food, beverages, and live entertainment by Killen and Clark. Don’t miss the 50-50 raffle, Lotto Tree, and parade shirts for sale. Let them know you’re coming by hitting "Going" on their Facebook event! Celebrate with music, good times, and great company! |
Celebrating Cookie Season Opening Weekend - And The Businesses Hosting Them
 Cookie season is officially underway, and it’s always an exciting time for the community. A HUGE THANK YOU to the businesses hosting cookie booths this year. Booths are a big commitment, and their support means so much as fewer locations are able to participate. Check out the list below to find a booth near you, grab your favorite cookies, and show your appreciation for these local businesses that make it all possible!If you’re crunched for time or want no part of getting out in this blustery weather (who could blame you) you can also order online HERE. Delivery is available for Upper Merion Township, and the Boroughs of Bridgeport and West Conshy. Please Note: Many variables, including weather, can affect the operational times of the booths | Cookie Booth Locations & Times (This Weekend)🍪🍪 📍 Walmart |
Want The Spotlight?
 | We love sharing community events for free. For businesses looking for extra visibility, our spotlight features are available, perfect for highlighting what makes you special.Interested? E-mail us: [email protected] |
UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
Saturday, January 18
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver – Monthly Book Discussion
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📚 Categories: Book Discussion
👥 Audience: Adults (18+)
Monday, January 20
Upper Merion Martin Luther King Community Day of Service
📍 Freedom Hall | 🕒 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📚 Categories: Community Service
👥 Audience: Family
Open Makerspace
📍 Freedom Hall | 🕒 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📚 Categories: Makerspace
👥 Audience: Family, Elementary School
Needle & Thread: Stitch & Chat Sewing Circle
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📚 Categories: Crafting
👥 Audience: Adults
Pajama Storytime
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: PreK
For event details and a full look at the event calendar, click here.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Group Exercise
📍Upper Merion Community Center | 📅 Today’s classesOpen Gym
📍Upper Merion Community Center | 🕒 Today’s Open Gym TimesProgramming for Seniors
📍Upper Merion Senior Center | 📅 View CalendarWinter/Spring Programming Guide
MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS
UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP
Meeting: Economic Community & Development Committee Reorganization
📍 Board Room, upper level | 🕒 January 20, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Meeting: Sanitary & Stormwater Authority Reorganization
📍 Board Room, upper level | 🕒 January 21, 2025 | 6:30 PM
Meeting: Historical Commission Reorganization
📍 Board Room, upper level | 🕒 January 21, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Meeting: Community Center Complex Reorganization
📍 Board Room, upper level | 🕒 January 21, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Meeting: Farmers Market Advisory Board Reorganization
📍 Board Room, upper level | 🕒 January 21, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Meeting: Board of Community Assistance Reorganization
📍 Board Room, upper level | 🕒 January 22, 2025 | 5:30 PM
Click HERE for community resources
BRIDGEPORT BOROUGH
Meeting: Finance Committee & Small Business Economic Development Committee
🕒 January 21, 2025 | 6:30 PM
Click HERE for community resources
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN BOROUGH
No meetings scheduled
Click HERE for community resources
PUT IT ON YOUR RADAR
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | 📅 January 20th | All municipal officess closed.
Winter’s Mix is Coming: Sunshine, Snow Showers, and Freezing Temps Ahead
🌤️ Upper Merion Weather Outlook: Your Week at a Glance
Friday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 39°F | Low: 29°F
Saturday: 🌨️ Scattered Snow Showers | High: 40°F | Low: 29°F
Sunday: 🌨️ Snow Showers | High: 32°F | Low: 16°F
Monday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 21°F | Low: 4°F
Tuesday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 14°F | Low: 5°F
Wednesday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 16°F | Low: 8°F
Thursday: ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | High: 25°F | Low: 18°F
❄️ Get ready for a winter mix of sunshine, snow, and icy temperatures this week in Upper Merion
HOW DID WE DO?
How did we do in this issue of Upper Merion Area Spotlight? |