Issue #039

🎶Rise Up This Mornin', Smiled With The Risin' Sun☀️

December 05, 2024

Good Morning, Upper Merion! ☀️

Thank you to the 1,165 (and counting) community members who make this all worthwhile. Over 500 of you will have read this before I even get out of bed—and I get up pretty early. Just wanted to say: don’t worry about a thing, because I love sharing the latest and greatest happenings in our community with you.

If you feel like continuing the conversation, hop on over to our Facebook Group, and we can connect over there! A lot to get to, so let’s go….

Corey | Chief Spotlighter

Calculate Figure It Out GIF by Originals

P.S. Got some local news or 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:

 🧠 Winter Holidays Trivia

☀️ Upper Merion Area Weather

 📅 Upper Merion Area Events and Entertainment

 🏫 Upper Merion Area School District News and Events

 🐕‍🦺 Pet People

 📰 Residents Demand Answers as Norristown Chief Faces Administrative Leave

 📰 $11,000 Sunglasses Heist: Upper Merion Police Seek Three Suspects

 📰 Bake It Till You Make It: Share Your Holiday Hits!

🏘️ Upper Merion Area Real Estate News and Events

 📝 Municipal Memos

🏙️ Municipal Directories

WINTER HOLIDAYS TRIVIA

🧠Today’s Question: How many nights is Hanukkah celebrated?

🙋Think you know the answer? Click the button below to submit your response! All correct answers will be entered into today's spin to determine the Daily Winner (8 p.m. deadline). Daily Winners earn a spot on the Winner's Wheel, where they'll have a chance to win the grand prize—a $25 Amazon eGift card!

Yesterday’s Trivia

  • Question: What does the word “Hanukkah” mean in Hebrew?

  • Answer: DEDICATION ✅

  • Daily Winner: BARB T. 👏

🎄THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY EVENT GUIDE 🎄

It’s finally here. Get ready to celebrate the season with this curated list of festive events happening in the Upper Merion Area! From tree lightings to holiday markets and everything in between, this guide will be your go-to resource for spreading cheer locally. Click on the green times for more event info. We continue to add events as they become public, so make sure to check back!

• File

 💡EVENT SPOTLIGHT💡

LAST DAY - KOP takes out hunger food drive (ends Dec. 5).

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Thursday, December 5

Friday, December 6th

  • Christmas Comedy by ETC Theater - MDP Providence Hall - info and tix.

  • Wild Lights @ Elmwood Park Zoo (5-9 p.m.) 🦒

  • Santa photos @ The COURT (book here) 🎅

  • Santa photos @ The PLAZA (book here) 🎅

  • Holiday Entertainment @ KOP Mall (3-5 p.m.) 🎺

  • In store cooking classes @ Sur la table in the KOP Mall (Check out classes)

  • Range instruction options @ Kings Shooters (browse classes)

  • Upper Merion Community Center

  • Upper Merion Senior Service Center (activities calendar)

  • December Grab and Go | CPR for babies @ UMT Library (more info) 📚

  • Winter Blast Dog Shows @ Oaks Expo (8-5 p.m.) ❄️

  • Aerial Gymnastics Aerial Cup @ Oaks Expo (8-9 p.m.) 🤸‍♂️

  • LIVE MUSIC 🎸

    • The Ken Battista Band @ Peppers (8:30-11:30 p.m.) 🌶️

    • Colin York @ Taphouse 23 (7-10 p.m.)

    • Brian Quinn @ Screwballs (5 p.m.) ⚾

    • The Juliano Brothers @ Screwballs (8:30-11:30 p.m.) ⚾

    • Happy Hour with Hal Aaron @ The Ribhouse (5-8 p.m.) 🐷

    • The Rift @ The Ribhouse (9-1 a.m.) 🐷

Saturday, December 7th

  • Christmas Comedy by ETC Theater - MDP Providence Hall - info and tix.

  • The Nutcracker Remixed - Upper Merion Middle School (2:30 and 5:00 p.m. showtimes) 

  • Holiday Village @ Upper Merion Township Building (12-3)

  • Santa photos @ The COURT (book here) 🎅

  • Santa photos @ The PLAZA (book here) 🎅

  • Range instruction options @ Kings Shooters (browse classes)

  • 5 State Licensing @ Kings Shooters (8-5 p.m.)

  • Providence Animal Center Pet Adoption @ KOP Mall | December 7 (12-3 p.m.)

  • Elmwood Park Zoo (multiple activities) 🦒

  • Upper Merion Community Center

  • Climbing classes for kids @ Reach (search classes) 🧗

  • Beer Release @ Workhorse (Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Analog) 🐎

  • Winter Blast Dog Shows @ Oaks Expo (8-5 p.m.) ❄️

  • Aerial Gymnastics Aerial Cup @ Oaks Expo (8-9 p.m.) 🤸‍♂️

  • Oaks Christmas Market @ Oaks Expo (9-6:00 p.m.) 🎄

  • Live Music 🎸

    • Fuse Box @ Peppers (8:30-11:30 p.m.) 🌶️

    • Jake Rizzo @ Taphouse 23 (7-10:00 p.m.)

    • Christmas Rock and Roll Extravaganza (for all ages) @ Workhorse (6-10 p.m.) 🐎

    • Jerremiah James with Augustus Scott and The Revival @ Screwballs (9:00 p.m.) ⚾

    • Mojo Hotel @ The Ribhouse (9-1 p.m.) 🐷

 Bonus for Bargain Hunters

  • Christmas Sale | Saturday, December 7 (10-1:00 p.m.) | Gladwyne

  • Moving Sale | Saturday, December 7 (9:30-2:00 p.m.) | Roxborough

  • Everything must go Sale | Saturday, December 7 (10-4:00 p.m. | Flourtown

A LOOK AHEAD

Sunday, December 8

  • Meat Bingo, Benefiting Honor Flight Philadelphia Firehouse- Swedesburg Volunteer Fire, December 8th (12-4 p.m.)

  • Christmas Comedy by ETC Theater - MDP Providence Hall - info and tix.

Friday, December 13

Saturday, December 14

  • March In to Valley Forge (6-8 p.m.)

    • Family friendly programming to commemorate 247th anniversary of the arrival of the Continental Army.

Wednesday, December 25 - Wednesday, January 1

  • Nightly Hanukkah Candle Lighting hosted by Congregation Or Ami AT MILES PARK (5:30-6:30 p.m.)

Fri-Sun, January 3-5

  • Greater Philadelphia Spring Home Show @ Valley Forge Casino Resort | Tickets are free when you REGISTER online prior to event.

👇Don’t see your event listed? Click here to add your event(s). 👇

UPPER MERION AREA

HIGH SCHOOL

 Winter Varsity Sports

  • Boys Basketball - Full Schedule

    • December 3 | Away vs. Landsdale Catholic | 7 p.m. L 71-43

    • December 5 | Home vs. Strath Haven | 6:45 p.m.

    • December 6 | Away vs. Hatboro Horsham | 7 p.m.

  • Girls Basketball - Full Schedule

    • December 3 | Home vs. Sacred Heart Academy | 4 p.m. L 40-29

    • December 5 | Away vs. Strath Haven | 7 p.m.

  • Boys Wrestling - Full Schedule

    • December 4 | Home vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh | 6:45 p.m.

    • December 6 | Away @ Solanco (Mule Classic) | 3:30 p.m.

    • December 7 | Away @ Solanco (Mule Classic) | 9:00 a.m.

  • Girls Wrestling - Full Schedule

    • December 4 | Home vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh | 6:45 p.m.

    • December 5 | Away @ Boyertown (Jamboree scrimmage) | 4:00 p.m.

    • December 7 | Away @ Pottstown (Pottstown Invitational) | 9:00 a.m.

  • Boys Indoor Track - Full Schedule

    • December 8 | Away @ Ursinus College | 9 a.m.

  • Girls Indoor Track - Full Schedule

    • December 8 | Away @ Ursinus College | 9 a.m.

  • Boys Swimming - Full Schedule

  • Girls Swimming - Full Schedule

  • Bocce - Full Schedule

  • Competitive Spirit - 12/14/24 @ Haverford High School (time TBD)

  • Junior Varsity/Freshman Athletics - Full Schedule

 UPPER MERION AREA

MIDDLE SCHOOL

SCHOOL BOARD

 December 2

  • Reorganization Meeting (6:30 p.m.)

  • Regular Public Business Meeting (watch replay)

    • Agenda (FINAL DRAFT) 👇

      		Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT-12-02-2024.pdf36.97 KB • PDF File

Past Meetings:

  • 11/18 Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee | REPLAY

Resources:

Everything for Pets and the People Who

Love Them

Local Pet Events:

  • Dog nights @ Elmwood Park Zoo | December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (5:00-9:00 p.m.)

    • Make sure to REGISTER your dog(s) prior to your first visit.

    • Also includes an invite for a picture with Santa 🎅

  • Winter Blast Dog Show @ Oaks Expo | December 4-8 (8-5 p.m.)

  • Providence Animal Center Pet Adoption @ KOP Mall | December 7 (12-3 p.m.)

  • Brandywine Valley SPCA Pet Adoption Event @ KOP Mall | December 8 - Lower level of Macy’s Court (12-3:00 p.m.)

Pet Friendly Establishments:

  • Puddlers Kitchen and Tap

  • Frosty Falls

  • True Food (patio)

  • Bald Birds Brewery

  • City Works (patio)

  • Davios (patio)

  • Workhorse (patio)

  • Who are we missing? Tell us here

Bake It Till You Make It

Angry Whoops GIF by The Drew Barrymore Show

The holiday season is here, and there’s nothing like the smell of delicious dishes wafting through the air to bring people together. This year, we want to celebrate the flavors of our community by featuring your favorite holiday recipes!

Do you have a dish that’s a must-have at your holiday table? If so, we’d love to hear about it—and share it with the Upper Merion Area!

It’s easy to participate. Just click the link below to fill out a quick form with your recipe and we’ll spotlight submissions in an upcoming newsletter.

Residents Demand Answers as Norristown Chief Faces Administrative Leave

Norristown Police Chief Dr. Jacqueline Bailey-Davis, the department’s first female leader, has been placed on administrative leave. Officials cite confidentiality, refusing to discuss the matter publicly. Residents expressed concerns over transparency during a council meeting, particularly regarding a municipal audit that led to numerous recommendations for the police department, which the chief was reportedly implementing. The situation remains unresolved as attempts to reach Dr. Bailey-Davis have been unsuccessful.

$11,000 Sunglasses Heist: Upper Merion Police Seek Three Suspects

The Upper Merion Police are investigating the theft of sunglasses worth $11,000 from Solaris in the King of Prussia Mall on November 13, 2024. Three suspects, described as males in their late teens to early 20s, fled the scene before police arrived. The public is encouraged to provide any information by contacting the police or submitting a tip online.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

  • River Trail @ Valley Forge, King of Prussia (Shannon Plan) - $781,990

  • River Trail @ Valley Forge, King of Prussia (Harper Grand Plan) - $751, 990

  • Overlook @ Town Center Community, King of Prussia - $709, 995

  • Stonebrook @ Upper Merion, King of Prussia - 667K - 700K

COMING SOON 

  • None Listed

NEWLY LISTED (0-6 days listed)

  • 56 Continental Way, Bridgeport - $529,905

  • 446 Depot Street, Bridgeport - 410K

  • 1308 Reed Aly, King of Prussia - $749,900

  • 174 Cambridge Road, King of Prussia - 530K

  • 564 B St, King of Prussia - 510K

RECENTLY LISTED (7-14 days listed)

  • 575 S Goddard Blvd Unit 510, King of Prussia - $484,900

  • 804 Laurens Aly, King of Prussia - $709,995

  • 55 Continental Way, Bridgeport - $584,304

  • 415 Arden Road, Conshohocken - 625K

  • 911 Laurens Aly, King of Prussia - 725K

  • 279 Lawndale, King of Prussia - 400K

  • 351 W. Signal Road, King of Prussia - $474, 900

  • 150 Josephine Ave, Conshohocken - 550K

OPEN HOUSES

December 5

  • 11-2 p.m. | 56 Continental Way, Bridgeport - $529,905

December 6

  • 11-1 p.m. | 56 Continental Way, Bridgeport - $529,905

December 7

  • 1-3 p.m. | 446 Depot Street, Bridgeport - 410K

  • 12-2 p.m. | 575 S Goddard Blvd Unit 510, King of Prussia - $484,900

  • 12-2 p.m. | 1086 Longview Road, King of Prussia - 772K

  • 1-3 p.m. | 564 B St, King of Prussia - 510K

  • 11-2 p.m. | 401 Brandywine Ln, King of Prussia - 359K

  • 11-3:30 p.m. | 56 Continental Way, Bridgeport - $529,905

  • 12-2 p.m. | 150 Josephine Ave, Conshohocken - 550K

December 8

  • 12-2 p.m. | 575 S Goddard Blvd Unit 510, King of Prussia - $484,900

  • 12-2 p.m. | 268 Larkspur Lane, King of Prussia - 530K

  • 1-3 p.m. | 116 Pinecrest Ln, King of Prussia - 419K

  • 11-2 p.m. | 401 Brandywine Ln, King of Prussia - 359K

  • 12-2 p.m. | 911 Laurens Aly, King of Prussia - 725K

Didn’t see your house listed? Let us know about it here!

👇👇 👇👇

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP

Memos from the Township:

  • BCA Grant and Scholarship Program now Open. More info HERE

  • Montgomery County burn ban information HERE.

  • Upper Merion Foundation mini grant information HERE.

  • The township is now taking applications for the Hometown Heroes program. Information and an application can be found HERE.

  • Letters to SANTA - starts November 19th - get info.

  • 2024 HOLIDAY LIGHTS registration through December 15th - register

This Week:

  • No Meetings Scheduled

Next Week: 

  • December 9 | more info

    • Library Board of Directors

    • Media Communications Advisory Board

  • December 10 | more info

    • Parks and Rec Board

  • December 11 | more info

    • Environmental Advisory Council

    • Transportation Authority

    • Planning Commission

    • Genral Authority

  • December 12 | more info

    • Board of Supervisors Business

Meeting Replays:

Job Opportunities:

Resources:

Upper Merion Township Directory

BRIDGEPORT BOROUGH

Memos from the Township

  • Mondays and Fridays: Fall Leaf Collection

  • $camJam Event | December 12 (10-11:30 a.m.)

This week:

  • Tuesday, December 10th

    • Council Meeting (7:30-8:30 p.m.)

  • Thursday, December 12th

    • Public Safety Committee (7 p.m.)

Resources:

Bridgeport Borough Directory:

BOROUGH OF WEST CONSHOHOCKEN

Memos from the Township:

This Week:

  • Thursday, December 5th

  • Saturday, December 7th

  • Sunday, December 8th

Resources:

West Conshohocken Borough Directory:

HOW DID WE DO?

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