💡ISSUE #080

Your Weekly Warm Up

February 18, 2025

👋Good Morning, Upper Merion! 

It feels like a good time to express how grateful I am for those of you that choose to subscribe. I’m grateful that’s almost 2500 of you. I’m also thankful that so many of you share community events with me—and that you pass this newsletter along to others. Those things save me time and money 🙃. I’m especially grateful for the kind messages I get; they truly make my day.

While my mission remains the same—to spotlight all the amazing people, places, and things that make the Upper Merion Area unique— the process for doing so continues to evolve. You’ll notice some subtle changes in how events, stories, etc., are submitted for inclusion in the newsletter. Remember, good vibes only 🙂. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at [email protected].

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff!

What we’re spotlighting:

💡Swedesburg Fire Company Social Room

💡A Valentine’s Day Throwback: Dining at Victoria Station

💡UMASD’s One District, One Cause Event Coming Up February 28th

💡Join the 2nd Annual Autism Fathers Conference

💡COMING SOON: Upper Merion Township Approves Exclusive $1M+ Luxury Home Development on Privet Lane

💡Reminder: Art Workshops Still Available at Jenkins Arboretum

💡Family Puzzle Competition

Ciao for now!

Corey | Chief Spotlighter 💡

In This Issue of the Upper Merion Area Spotlight:

💼 Business Spotlight

👥 Community Spotlight

📅 Lifestyle and Local Happenings

🏘️ Real Estate and Housing Insights

📝 Community Services and Resources

☀️ Upper Merion Weather

Sponsored By:

💡Business Spotlight💡

SWEDESBURG FIRE COMPANY SOCIAL ROOM

Welcome to our spotlight on the Swedesburg Social Room, a cherished community hub with a rich history and a bright future. What started in 1942 as a place for firefighters to relax has evolved into a vibrant venue where locals come together for events, celebrations, and lasting connections. Dive into our Q&A to learn more about the heart and soul behind this unique space and discover why it remains a beloved gathering spot in Upper Merion Township.

Can you share the story behind your social room?
The Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company and Social Room has been serving Upper Merion Township since May 1942. Originally, the room was a place for members to relax and socialize after responding to fire calls. Over time, it was transformed into a venue that members could rent for parties and other events. Eventually, the social room underwent a complete renovation and is now a hall capable of hosting up to 200 people, featuring a full kitchen and bar.

Is there anything that makes your social room unique?
The social room has hosted numerous events over the years, but its most unique feature is the hand-painted mural on one wall. The mural depicts fire trucks from the station, along with members of the firehouse. This artwork is a standout feature of the social room, and everyone who enters immediately understands its significance.

With events like bingo and wing night kicking off, what unique experiences do you aim to offer?
We are a family-run organization, and our goal is to make every event we host fun and welcoming for everyone. While some events are designed for adults, we also offer dinners and other gatherings throughout the year that are enjoyable for all ages!

In what ways does your social room serve as a hub for community connection?
We promote all our events throughout the community, whether through various social media platforms or emails to local organizations. Our goal is to bring people together and create opportunities for the community to connect and enjoy each other's company!

What kind of atmosphere are you striving to create in your social room?
The firehouse events are planned and run by our dedicated members. It's always wonderful to see the community come together and interact with our team. Some events bring back familiar faces, giving us the opportunity to build lasting relationships. We welcome everyone who steps into our social room as family because, to us, the firehouse is one big family.

Are there any upcoming events or new initiatives that you’re particularly excited about?
Lenten Dinners held every Friday during Lent from 5pm-8pm. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny-April 13 from 8am-Noon

How do you keep your events fresh and engaging for both new visitors and longtime guests?
We are always open to suggestions in making our events the best they can be. 

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of your social room?
Our vision for the future is to continue holding events for the community to enjoy! Our social room is also open to rent out for special occasions. Visit our website at www.Swedesburgfire.com

If locals want to keep up with your events and happenings, where is the best place to do that? All of our events are posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

E-mail us at [email protected] for details about spotlighting your business.

Sponsored By:

A Valentine’s Day Throwback: Dining at Victoria Station

Photo courtesty of KOPHS Facebook page

Photo courtesty of KOPHS Facebook page

Before King of Prussia became a hub for fine dining, a unique train-themed restaurant called Victoria Station stood at the edge of Valley Forge Shopping Center—where McDonald’s sits today. Built from four out-of-service boxcars and a caboose, the restaurant offered a charming, railway-inspired atmosphere with booths in train cars and a bar in the caboose. Part of a nationwide chain with over 100 locations, it was famous for steak, prime rib, and even a Johnny Cash promotional album. The KOP location thrived until the mid-1980s before closing, later replaced by Rib-It and eventually McDonald’s.
Click HERE to read the full story on the King of Prussia Historical Society’s Facebook page.

Photo courtesy of the KOPHS Facebook Page

UMASD’s ONE DISTRICT, ONE CAUSE EVENT COMING UP FEBRUARY 28TH

KEY EVENT DETAILS

  • Friday, February 28th

  • Doors Open at 4:30pm, Games will begin around 5:15pm, Schedule with game times will be released the week of the event.  The entire event should conclude by 8pm

  • 13 Teams of UM Faculty and Staff … PLUS a bonus team this year representing our PTC organizations!

  • Admission is $5 per person plus amazing raffles and concessions available at additional cost.

  • Cash and Venmo will be accepted

  • This is NOT a drop-off event.  Parents must remain with, and directly supervise, their kids.

  • All proceeds benefit the Upper Merion Family Assistance Fund which supports district students and families through our UM social workers.  Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year!

HOW CAN UM FAMILIES HELP RIGHT NOW?

Community Cupboard Donation Drive - Each UM School is competing to see which school can gather the largest donation to the UM Community Cupboard during the month of February.  The following items have been assigned to each school and the school with the largest quantity of donated items will win a trophy at this year’s ODOC event! Please gather these items and send them to school this month with your students!

  • UM High School - Toilet Paper

  • UM Middle School - Bar Soap and Hand Soap

  • Bridgeport - Soups and Stews

  • Caley - Paper Towels

  • Candlebrook - Baby Wipes

  • Gulph - Toothpaste

  • Roberts - Shampoo and Conditioner 

Join the 2nd Annual Autism Fathers Conference

Fathers of individuals with autism are invited to the 2025 Autism Fathers Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10 AM - 2 PM at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Autism Research. This event offers a safe, supportive space to connect, share personal experiences, gain expert insights, and access valuable resources.

📌 Don’t miss this opportunity to build connections and community! For more details, scan the QR code on the flyer.

COMING SOON: Upper Merion Township Approves Exclusive $1M+ Luxury Home Development on Privet Lane

In Upper Merion Township, an upscale residential project has been approved for 2025. Located at 231 Matsonford Road on Privet Lane, the development features six large homes, each priced at over $1 million. The phased construction plan promises to enhance neighborhood appeal and boost local value. As this transformative project unfolds, residents and stakeholders can look forward to periodic updates. Stay tuned for timely additional local details as design plans and construction timelines are finalized.

Reminder: Art Workshops Still Available at Jenkins Arboretum

Photos courtesy of Jenkins Arboretum FB page

There’s still time to explore your creativity at Jenkins Arboretum! Don’t miss these remaining winter art workshops:

🐑 Wool Art Painting – Sat, Feb 22 | 1-3:30 PM
🌲 Sketching Winter Trees & Shrubs – Sat, Mar 15 | 10 AM - 3:30 PM

All levels welcome! Whether you're trying something new or honing your skills, these nature-inspired workshops are a great way to unwind.

📌 Spots are limited—register now! 👉 Sign Up Here

Photos courtesy of Jenkins Arboretum FB page

Family Puzzle Competition

Think your family has what it takes to complete a 300-piece puzzle the fastest? Put your skills to the test at the Family Puzzle Competition at the UMT Library!

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
⏳ Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Freedom Hall
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Teams: Up to 5 people

Registration required—spots are limited! Sign up now: 👉 Register Here

Long-Term Sinkhole Remediation on U.S. 202

PennDOT’s ongoing sinkhole remediation project on U.S. 202 (Dekalb Pike) in Upper Merion Township aims to provide a permanent fix to recurring road stability issues.

🔹 Starting Monday, February 24, northbound U.S. 202 will close 24/7 between Henderson Rd. and Saulin Blvd./Prince Frederick Blvd. through early June.
🔹 Once completed, southbound lanes will undergo similar closures.
🔹 These improvements will ensure a safer, more reliable corridor for commuters, businesses, and residents.

📌 More info: Project Webpage

Your Guide to Summer Camp is Here

Planning for summer? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to local summer camps, making it easy to find the best options for your kids! Whether you're looking for sports, arts, STEM, outdoor adventures, or general fun, this resource has you covered.

Check out the guide and start planning for an unforgettable summer! Click HERE to get started.

You can always find our guide above in the table of contents.

Have a community story or event to share? Email us at [email protected] to get featured in our Community Spotlight!

Sponsored By:

SPECIAL EVENTS

Tuesday 2/18

Wednesday 2/19

Thursday 2/20

  • DANNY SPEC (6:30pm) - Covers & Originals featuring Ed Sheeran, Eminem, and more!

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Winter Sneak Peak
    📍 Chanticleer Garden | 📅 March 1, 5, 8 | 🕒 11 - 4 PM

  • Designer Bag Bingo | KOPSC
    📍 Spring Mill Ballroom, Conshy | 📅 March 22nd | 🔗 Register HERE

  • 19th Annual Revolutionary Run
    📍 Valley Forge National Historic Park | 📅 April 13th | 🕛 8:30 AM

CLICK BELOW to see more upcoming events in the area!

👇👇👇👇👇

RECURRING EVENTS AND CLASSES

  • Upper Merion Camera Club
    📍Upper Merion Baptist Church (Room 25) | 📅 Wednesdays | 🕒 7 PM

  • ONLINE cooking class: Italian Winter Favorites
    📍 Sur La Table | 📅 View Available Classes

  • ADULT Climbing and Fitness
    📍 Reach Climbing and Fitness | 📅 View Calendar

  • Classroom Instruction
    📍 Kings Shooters Supply | 📅 View Classes

  • Range Instruction
    📍 Kings Shooters Supply | 📅 View Classes

  • In Store Cooking Classes
    📍 Sur La Table | 📅 View Available Classes

  • Art 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 Calendar

CLICK BELOW to see more available activities in the area!

👇👇👇👇👇

LOOKING FOR A BIGGER ADVENTURE?

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Now’s the perfect time to plan your dream vacation! Book today and enjoy 60% off your second guest plus Kids Sail Free on select sailings. Experience bigger thrills, bolder adventures, and endless memories aboard the world’s boldest ships. And for a limited time, save up to $500 on select flights when you book with Royal Caribbean.

Don't miss this chance to turn your vacation dreams into reality. Offer valid February 1–28, 2025.

📩 Contact us to book now:
Magic Travel Pros LLC
✉️ [email protected]

Hurry, these deals won’t last long!

CLICK BELOW to add your Event, Activity, Deal, or Restaurant to THE MAIN LINE GUIDE

👇👇👇👇👇

📊 Market Activity Report (Last 30 Days) - Upper Merion Area (Last 30 Days)

Brought to you by our sponsor, Carolyn Kaufmann, Realtor with Keller Williams Main Line

Areas with popular listings

👥 Number of Active Buyers: 384
💬 Buyer Interactions: 1,478
🏠 Recently Listed/Updated Listings: 42
💲 Average List Price: $656.7K
✅ Recently Sold Listings: 97
💰 Average Sold Price: $502.3K
📐 Average Sold Price per Sq Ft: $257

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 Kaufmann, 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

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Family Storytime - Ice Skating
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: PreK

ESL Class - English as a Second Language Conversation Group
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📚 Categories: Language Learning
👥 Audience: Adults

That Touch of Mink: Kanopy Tuesdays - Classic Cinema
📍 Upper Merion Township Library (ACR Room) | 🕒 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📚 Categories: Film Screening
👥 Audience: Adults

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

OUTREACH: Basic Computer Class at U.M. Senior Center
📍 Upper Merion Senior Service Center | 🕒 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📚 Categories: Technology & Digital Literacy
👥 Audience: Adults

Intermediate Chess Club
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📚 Categories: Chess & Strategy Games
👥 Audience: Elementary School Students (Ages 6–12)

Digital Detectives: "The Case of the Credible Source"
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📚 Categories: Critical Thinking & Media Literacy
👥 Audience: Middle School Students (Grades 5–8)

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Baby Storytime - Bear-y Fun!
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: PreK

Baby Storytime - Bear-y Fun!
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: PreK

Mahjong Meetup Mania
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📚 Categories: Games & Social Activities
👥 Audience: Adults

For event details and a full look at the event calendar, click here.

PARKS AND RECREATION

MUNICIPAL RESOURCES

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP

Click HERE for monthly calendar of events/meetings

Click HERE for community resources

BRIDGEPORT BOROUGH

Click HERE for monthy calendar of events/meetings

Click HERE for community resources

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN BOROUGH

Click HERE for monthly calendar of events/meetings

Click HERE for community resources 

🌤️ Upper Merion Weather Outlook: Your Week at a Glance

  • Tuesday: ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 25°F | Low: 14°F

  • Wednesday: 🌨️ Snow Showers | High: 26°F | Low: 17°F

  • Thursday: 🌨️ Snow Showers | High: 27°F | Low: 19°F

  • Friday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 34°F | Low: 19°F

  • Saturday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 36°F | Low: 24°F

  • Sunday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 40°F | Low: 27°F

HOW DID WE DO?

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