πŸ’‘The Weekly Warm Up

Issue #070

Good Morning, Upper Merion!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent frequency poll. Your feedback is invaluable. As I always say, this is YOUR newsletter.

The overwhelming response? Two days a week. As such, effective today, the Spotlight will now be published on Tuesdays and Fridays.

I truly appreciate your input and look forward to watching this community first resource evolve.

If you enjoyed hearing from us every day, come join our Facebook Group and become part of our conversations!

Ciao for now!

Corey | Chief Spotlighter πŸ’‘

What we’re spotlighting:

πŸ’‘The MLK Day of Service Series: Daily Ways to Give Back

πŸ’‘Local MLK Events

πŸ’‘Coming Soon: Eataly, An Italian Culinary Destination

πŸ’‘Get Crafty This Winter with AR Workshop Malvern’s Creative Events

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

πŸ“… Lifestyle and Local Happenings

πŸ’‘ Spotlighting Local Life

πŸ“ Community Services and Resources

β˜€οΈ Upper Merion Weather

Today’s Tips

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

❄️ Winter Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Home Cozy and Protected

Winter weather can be tough on your home, but a little preparation goes a long way. From preventing frozen pipes to improving energy efficiency, tackling these essential maintenance tasks will help keep your home cozy, safe, and damage-free this season. Check out our quick tips to protect both the inside and outside of your home!

🏑 Exterior Tips:

βœ… Check for drafts in areas with exposed pipes, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
βœ… Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even at night, to prevent frozen pipes.
βœ… Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor water lines to avoid freezing.
βœ… Keep your roof and gutters clear of debris to prevent ice buildup.
βœ… Use a roof rake to safely remove heavy snow from the edges of your roof to avoid damage.

🏠 Interior Tips:

βœ… Replace or clean HVAC filters to keep your system running efficiently.
βœ… Schedule a mid-winter inspection for your furnace or boiler to ensure it's working properly.
βœ… Test your thermostat to ensure it’s functioning accurately.
βœ… Check your attic insulation and ventilation to prevent heat from escaping and reduce ice dam risks.
βœ… Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk to stop drafts.
βœ… Install a programmable thermostat to save energy when you’re not home.
βœ… Reverse ceiling fans to a clockwise direction to circulate warm air effectively.

Are You:

  • πŸ€” Curious about real-time market activity in your neighborhood?

  • πŸ’° Looking to find out your home’s value in minutes?

  • πŸ“‹ 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

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

  • Live Music: Jack Mangene
    πŸ“ Gypsy Saloon | πŸ•’ 6:00 PM

  • Live Music: Demitri Grivas
    πŸ“ Southern Cross Kitchen | πŸ•’ 6:00 PM

  • 2024 "Wrapped" Trivia
    πŸ“ Workhorse Brewing | πŸ•’ 6:30 PM

  • Trivia with Mark Shepperd
    πŸ“ Screwballs | πŸ•’ 7:00 PM

  • Music Bingo
    πŸ“ Taphouse 23 | πŸ•’ 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

  • Bingo & Live Music: Scott Brimmer
    πŸ“ Southern Cross Kitchen | πŸ•’ 6:00 PM

  • Live Music: Jerry Watkins
    πŸ“ Gypsy Saloon | πŸ•’ 6:30 PM

  • Comedy Night: Brendan Donegan & Tyler Wolf
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 7:30 PM

  • Live Music: Ear Candy Duo
    πŸ“ Screwballs | πŸ•’ 7:00 - 10:00 PM

  • Quizzo
    πŸ“ Taphouse 23 | πŸ•’ 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Thursday, January 16, 2025

  • Live Music: Chris Foux
    πŸ“ Southern Cross Kitchen | πŸ•’ 6:00 PM

  • Live Music: Dead Band
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 6:00 PM

  • Live Music: Danny Lynch
    πŸ“ Gypsy Saloon | πŸ•’ 6:30 PM

  • Rum Tasting (Complimentary)
    πŸ“ Paladar | πŸ•’ 5:00 - 6:30 PM

  • Live Music: Little Joey Stout
    πŸ“ Pepper's | πŸ•’ 6:30 - 9:00 PM

  • Live Music: Jerry Lee Watkins
    πŸ“ Screwballs | πŸ•’ 8:30 - 11:30 PM

Friday, January 17, 2025

  • Live Music: Elise Frasch
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 4:00 PM

  • Live Music: Elise Noel
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 4:00 PM

  • Live Music: Reggae Thunder
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 7:00 PM

  • Live Music: Jim Lyman
    πŸ“ Gypsy Saloon | πŸ•’ 7:30 PM

  • Live Music: Dan Ward
    πŸ“ Taphouse 23 | πŸ•’ 7:00 - 10:00 PM

  • Live Music: Dancing Thru the Decades with Mark Shepperd
    πŸ“ Pepper's | πŸ•’ 8:30 - 11:30 PM

Saturday, January 18, 2025

  • Museum Day
    πŸ“ John James Audubon Center | πŸ•’ 10:00 AM

  • Live Music: Dan Reed
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 4:00 PM

  • Live Music: Scott Brimmer
    πŸ“ Southern Cross Kitchen | πŸ•’ 6:30 PM

  • Live Music: Chris Foux
    πŸ“ Gypsy Saloon | πŸ•’ 7:30 PM

  • Live Music: Old School
    πŸ“ Screwballs | πŸ•’ 8:30 PM

  • Live Music: The Bar Band
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 8:30 PM

  • Live Music: High Five Swan Dive
    πŸ“ Taphouse 23 | πŸ•’ 7:00 - 10:00 PM

  • Live Music: Scattertrain
    πŸ“ Pepper's | πŸ•’ 8:30 - 11:30 PM

Sunday, January 19, 2025

  • Live Music: Wally Smith Hammond Organ Trio
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 4:00 PM

  • Live Music: Jerry Watkins
    πŸ“ Gypsy Saloon | πŸ•’ 6:00 PM

  • Live Music: Billy Price Band
    πŸ“ 118 North | πŸ•’ 8:00 PM

  • Vendor Market
    πŸ“ Workhorse Brewing | πŸ•’ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Live Music: Disco Perfect
    πŸ“ Pepper's | πŸ•’ 5:00 - 8:00 PM

  • Tommy's Open Mic
    πŸ“ Ribhouse | πŸ•’ 9:00 - 11:00 PM

  • Lunch with Bluey and Bingo
    πŸ“Puddlers Kitchen and Tap | πŸ•’ 12:00 - 2:00 PM

RECURRING EVENTS

  • Upper Merion Camera Club
    πŸ“Upper Merion Baptist Church (Room 25) | πŸ“… Wednesdays | πŸ•’ 7 PM

  • ONLINE cooking class: Italian Winter Favorites
    πŸ“ Sur La Table | πŸ“… View Available Classes

  • ADULT Climbing and Fitness
    πŸ“ Reach Climbing and Fitness | πŸ“… View Calendar

  • Classroom Instruction
    πŸ“ Kings Shooters Supply | πŸ“… View Classes

  • Range Instruction
    πŸ“ Kings Shooters Supply | πŸ“… View Classes

  • In Store Cooking Classes
    πŸ“ Sur La Table | πŸ“… View Available Classes

  • Daily Orientation Film
    πŸ“The Theatre at Valley Forge | πŸ•’ 9:30 - 4:00 p.m. | every Β½ hour | watch online

  • Bird Watching
    πŸ“ John James Audubon Center | πŸ•’ Trail and Museum Hours

  • Art Exhibitions

    πŸ“Jenkins Arboretum | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

    πŸ“ Upper Merion Community Center | Business hours

  • KID Climbing and Fitness
    πŸ“ Reach Climbing and Fitness | πŸ“… View Calendar

  • Bluey CAMP Experience

    πŸ“ King of Prussia Mall | πŸ“… 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!

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

The MLK Day of Service Series: Daily Ways to Give Back

Create an MLK-Inspired Art Project: Express the Dream

Encourage kids to honor Dr. King’s legacy through art! Whether it’s a mural, poster, or personal drawing, art projects allow children to express ideas of equality, peace, and kindness in creative ways. Display their artwork at home, in classrooms, or in community spaces to spark conversations about his lasting impact. Personalizing Dr. King’s message through art helps kids connect to his vision and inspires them to contribute to a more just world.

Local MLK Events

  • MLK Community Day of Service in Upper Merion
    πŸ“… Monday, January 20, 2025
    πŸ“ 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
    πŸ“… Monday, January 20, 2025
    πŸ“ Conshohocken United Methodist Church
    An uplifting event with performances celebrating Dr. King's legacy through music.

  • Main Street Cleanup: Elmwood Park Zoo & Partners
    πŸ“… Date: January 20, 2025
    πŸ“ Location: Centre Theater, 208 DeKalb Street, Norristown
    πŸ’¬ 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!
    βœ‰οΈ RSVP: Email [email protected] to sign up and get involved.

  • MLK Day of Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church
    πŸ“ 640 Berwyn Avenue, Berwyn, PA
    πŸ•’ 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
    πŸ“ Location: Preserve (specific details provided upon registration)
    πŸ•’ Date: Monday, January 20, 2025 | Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Join 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! 🌱

    πŸ‘‰ Register here: https://bit.ly/3ZE4Hoj

Coming Soon: Eataly, An Italian Culinary Destination

Eataly is set to open in 2025 at the King of Prussia Mall, taking over the former Rite Aid location. Known for its vibrant Italian marketplace concept, Eataly combines restaurants, cafes, and a market offering authentic Italian products. From freshly made pasta to gourmet cheeses and wine, this one-stop destination will bring a taste of Italy to Upper Merion, offering residents and visitors a unique culinary experience.

Get Crafty This Winter with AR Workshop Malvern’s Creative Events

Flyer courtesy of AR Workshop Facebook Page

Looking to get creative this winter? AR Workshop Malvern has you covered with hands-on workshops that bring out your inner maker! From chunky knit blankets at The Blue Heron (Jan 23) to candle pouring at The Malvern Library (Feb 4) and secret message candles at 12 West Wayne (Feb 5), there’s a fun, crafty event for everyone. Perfect for a night out or a new hobby! Learn more at www.arworkshop.com/malvern.

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

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

  • Family Storytime - Time to Sleep
    πŸ“ Little Theatre | πŸ•’ 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    πŸ“š Categories: Storytimes
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: PreK

  • ESL Class - English as a Second Language Conversation Group
    πŸ“ Valley Forge Room | πŸ•’ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    πŸ“š Categories: Basic Literacy
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: Adult

  • Kanopy Tuesdays
    πŸ“ Henderson Room | πŸ•’ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    πŸ“š Categories: Screenings
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: Adult

  • Meditation Workshop - Falun Dafa Meditation
    πŸ“ Valley Forge Room | πŸ•’ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    πŸ“š Categories: Health & Wellness
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: Adult

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

  • Guitar 101
    πŸ“ Little Theatre | πŸ•’ 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
    πŸ“š Categories: Music
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: Elementary School, Middle School

  • Digital Detectives: "The Viral Video Hoax"
    πŸ“ Little Theatre | πŸ•’ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    πŸ“š Categories: Critical Thinking
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: Middle School

Thursday, January 16, 2025

  • Baby Storytime - Dinosaurs
    πŸ“ Little Theatre | πŸ•’ 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    πŸ“š Categories: Storytimes
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: PreK

  • Baby Storytime - Dinosaurs
    πŸ“ Little Theatre | πŸ•’ 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
    πŸ“š Categories: Storytimes
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: PreK

  • Mahjong Meetup Mania
    πŸ“ Valley Forge Room | πŸ•’ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    πŸ“š Categories: Gaming
    πŸ‘₯ Audience: Adult

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

PARKS AND RECREATION

MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP

January 14

  • πŸ“ Public Safety Citizens Board Reorganization | πŸ•’ 7:00 PM

  • πŸ“ Park & Recreation Board Reorganization | πŸ•’ 7:30 PM

January 15

  • πŸ“ Board of Community Assistance Reorganization | πŸ•’ 5:30 PM

  • πŸ“ Zoning Hearing Board Reorganization | πŸ•’ 7:00 PM

  • πŸ“ Shade Tree & Beautification Commission Reorganization | πŸ•’ 7:00 PM

Click HERE for community resources

BRIDGEPORT BOROUGH

January 14

  • πŸ“Council Meeting | πŸ•’ 7:30 PM

Click HERE for community resources

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN BOROUGH

January 14

  • πŸ•’ 7:00 PM | Council Meeting

Click HERE for community resources 

PUT IT ON YOUR RADAR

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | πŸ“… January 20th | All municipal officess closed.

  • Miss the message from Dr. Smith regarding the process for inclement weather communication? You can see it HERE.

HOW DID WE DO?

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