👋Good Morning, Upper Merion!

Welcome to the weekend! Did you know Upper Merion was home to the 9th Northeast RegionalYouth Poet Laureate? Pretty cool right?! Check out my interview with Evan Wang, and the path he’s traveled to get to this point!

Enjoy your weekend!

And GO BIRDS! 🦅

What we’re spotlighting:

💡Rising Star: A Conversation with Evan Wang, Upper Merion’s Youth Poet Laureate

💡One Night Stand-Up Comedy Show at Midtown Social

💡Berwyn Farmers Market – Winter Market Edition

💡Where to find the cookie booths this weekend

Ciao for now!

Corey | Chief Spotlighter 💡

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

🔍 Your Community Close-Up

📅 Lifestyle and Local Happenings

📝 Community Services and Resources

☀️ Upper Merion Weather

Current Interest Rates – January 2025

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

Market Report - Upper Merion Area

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?

Rising Star: A Conversation with Evan Wang, Upper Merion’s Youth Poet Laureate

Evan Wang, a senior at Upper Merion High School, recently achieved the extraordinary honor of being named the 9th Northeast Regional Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. This title celebrates both literary talent and civic engagement, placing him among the nation’s brightest young poets. We spoke with Evan about his journey, his work, and what this honor means to him.

Q: Can you tell us what this award means and how you earned it?

Evan: Being named the 9th Northeast Regional Youth Poet Laureate is one of the highest honors for a young poet in the political arts. In this role, I represent one of four regions of the United States as a poet and am a finalist for the National Youth Poet Laureate title. This award has been four years in the making. Back in 2021, after Amanda Gorman’s stunning reading at the Inauguration, I dreamt of becoming a Youth Poet Laureate and founded the Montgomery County Youth Poet Laureate Program in 2022. Through support from adult laureates in the area, I became the first Montgomery County Youth Poet Laureate, which is a requirement to apply for the regional position. Urban Word NYC, the program curator, has been instrumental in my journey, and my civic engagement over the years helped shape my application.

Q: What was the selection process like, and how did you find out you were chosen?

Evan: I had to submit three poems and a ten-page civic brag sheet for my application. Writing it alongside my college applications was quite stressful—the application totaled over 7,600 words! Community leaders across the country judged the Northeast region applications, ranking candidates on literary achievements and civic engagement. In early January, I was notified via email that I was the regional winner.

Q: What’s next for you as a finalist for National Youth Poet Laureate?

Evan: Plenty more opportunities to engage with the arts and enact social change! With this title, I’ve gained more resources to organize events and collaborate with organizations. I’ll be performing at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on April 26th, where the National Youth Poet Laureate will be announced. I’ll also perform at The Smithsonian Museum’s Folklife Festival this July.

Q: How did you get started in poetry, and what inspired you to pursue it seriously?

Evan: It started as a hobby in 6th grade. My best friend and I dreamed of writing a poetry book that would become a New York Times bestseller and get us on the Ellen Show. While that didn’t happen, my passion for poetry grew. In 2021, after experiencing a microaggression during the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, I wrote a poem titled “The Blood We Inherit, The Blood We Spill.” It became the face of a district cultural event and inspired me to continue exploring how far I could take poetry.

Q: Do you remember the first time you shared one of your poems publicly?

Evan: Yes, in 7th grade for an English class project. I performed a spoken word poem based on Renee Watson’s book Piecing Me Together. It was nerve-wracking! At the time, I didn’t have the reputation I do now, so my poetry could easily have been dismissed. But that experience made me braver and tore away the fear of starting something new.

Q: What themes or messages do you explore in your poetry?

Evan: My poetry is very confessional, revolving around my identity, social issues, yearning, and the suburban teenage experience. I aim to resonate with readers who are searching for connection and understanding.

Q: What does it mean to you to represent Upper Merion on a national level?

Evan: It’s wonderful, especially since Upper Merion hasn’t engaged with creative writing at this level before. Representing my hometown reminds me of how hard I’ve worked to stand alongside peers from bigger, better-resourced areas.

Q: How has your family, school, and community supported you on this journey?

Evan: Getting started in poetry was challenging in Montgomery County due to the lack of resources for young writers. I owe much to my middle school gifted support teacher, Dr. Bramucci, who encouraged me early on, and organizations like the Moonstone Arts Center and the Iowa Young Writers Studio. My creative writing teachers, Ms. Rieger and Ms. Darnell, have also been incredibly supportive.

Q: Is there a particular poem that best represents your voice?

Evan: One of my favorites is a poem called “Seventeen,” which I wrote over several months. The ending lines are:

“I want to believe I am headed somewhere beautiful.
Somewhere an old dog still chases a butterfly.
Somewhere in bloom, in daylight.”

It reflects the end of being 17 and turning 18, marking a transition in my creative and personal journey.

Q: What are your hopes for the future, both as a poet and beyond?

Evan: I’m excited to have a chapbook published by Northwestern University Press in 2026 and hope to release a full-length poetry collection someday. I also plan to study biology in college to influence public health policy, bringing a creative touch to the pharmaceutical industry. And of course, I’ll keep writing and performing—maybe even at the 2028 Summer Olympics!

Q: What message would you share with young writers or those inspired by your story?

Evan: If you’re passionate about something, always look for ways to engage beyond your community. Being the first to do something can be hard, but it’s an opportunity to lead and inspire. Surround yourself with people who ground you—their support is invaluable.

About Evan Wang
王潇/Evan Wang is the author of Slow Burn (Northwestern University Press, 2026), winner of the Drinking Gourd Poetry Prize, and the 9th Northeast Regional Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. His work has appeared in The Poetry Foundation, The Kenyon Review, The Harvard Advocate, and elsewhere, and has been featured at and recognized by The White House, Button Poetry, NPR, TEDx, and more. He is a two-time National YoungArts Winner, a Scholastic National Gold Medalist, and a commended Foyle Young Poet of the Year. He will be performing at The Kennedy Center and The Smithsonian Museum later this year.

Follow Evan on Instagram: @sincerelyevan_
Explore more of his work on his website: https://evanwang.carrd.co/

Evan’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Be sure to cheer him on as he takes the stage at The Kennedy Center in April!

One Night Stand-Up Comedy Show at Midtown Social

Berwyn Farmers Market – Winter Market Edition

Celebrating Cookie Season - And The Businesses Hosting Them

Want The Spotlight?

SPECIAL EVENTS

Friday, January 24, 2025

• Live Music: Colin York
  📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:30 PM

• Live Music: Jeff & Diandra
  📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PM

• Live Music: Huge in Europe
  📍 118 North | 🕒 9:30 PM

• Live Music: Lindsay Jordan
  📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PM

• Live Music: Old School
  📍 Pepper's | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM

Saturday, January 25, 2025

• One Night Stand-Up Comedy Event
  📍 Midtown Social | 🕒 8:00 PM

• Live Music: Stephen Dijoseph
  📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PM

• Live Music: Bryan Miller
  📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PM

• Live Music: The Hot Sauce Junkies
  📍 Screwballs | 🕒 8:30 PM

• Live Music: Concrete Charlie
  📍 118 North | 🕒 9:00 PM

• Live Music: Scooter & Pablo
  📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PM

• Live Music: Old School and Coverfire
  📍 Arnold's | 🕒 8:00 - 11:00 PM

• Live Music: Corner Boys & Co
  📍 Pepper's | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM
  

Sunday, January 26, 2025

• Live Music: Jerry Watkins
  📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:00 PM

• Live Music: Lyons Jane & Mighty Joe Castro
  📍 118 North | 🕒 7:30 PM

• Live Music: Flamin' Caucasians
  📍 Pepper's | 🕒 5:00 - 8:00 PM

• Tommy's Open Mic
  📍 Ribhouse | 🕒 9:00 - 11:00 PM

• East Coast Reptile Super Expo
  📍 Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks | 🕒 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Monday, January 27, 2025

• Live Music: Jack Mangene
  📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:00 PM

RECURRING/UPCOMING EVENTS

• 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

• Daily Orientation Film
  📍The Theatre at Valley Forge | 🕒 9:30 - 4:00 p.m. | every ½ hour | watch online

• Bird Watching
  📍 John James Audubon Center | 🕒 Trail and Museum Hours

• 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

• Bluey CAMP Experience

  📍 King of Prussia Mall | 📅 Check Schedule

• QUIZZO
  📍 TJ’s Restaurant and Drinkery | 📅 Tuesdays | 🕒 7-9 PM

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

LOOKING FOR A BIGGER ADVENTURE?

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

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

Monday, January 27, 2025

Beginner Chess Club
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 January 27, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📚 Categories: Elementary School
👥 Audience: Elementary School

Knit Nite
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 January 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📚 Categories: Adult
👥 Audience: Adult

Family Occupation Exploration
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 January 27, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📚 Categories: Middle School
👥 Audience: Middle SchoolWednesday, January 22, 2025

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Preschool Storytime - Winter Wonders
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 January 28, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: Preschool

Teen Advisory Board Meeting
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 January 28, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📚 Categories: Teen Programs
👥 Audience: Teens

Adult Book Discussion: 'The Night Circus'
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 January 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📚 Categories: Book Discussions
👥 Audience: Adults

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Toddler Storytime - Animal Adventures
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 January 29, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: Toddlers

STEAM Club: Building Bridges
📍 Freedom Hall | 🕒 January 29, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📚 Categories: Children's Programs
👥 Audience: Elementary School

Evening Yoga for Adults
📍 Freedom Hall | 🕒 January 29, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📚 Categories: Health & Wellness
👥 Audience: Adults

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Family Storytime - Snowy Stories
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 January 30, 2025, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: Families

Chess Club for Kids
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 January 30, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📚 Categories: Children's Programs
👥 Audience: Elementary School

Author Talk: Local History with John Smith
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 January 30, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📚 Categories: Author Events
👥 Audience: Adults

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

PARKS AND RECREATION

• Programming for Seniors
  📍Upper Merion Senior Center | 🔗 Visit Website | 📅 View Calendar

• Rambler Informational Session
  📍Upper Merion Senior Center | 📅 February 5th | 🕛 11:00 AM

• Group Exercise
  📍Upper Merion Community Center | 📅 Today’s classes

• Open Gym
  📍Upper Merion Community Center | 🕒 Today’s Open Gym Times

• Winter/Spring Programming Guide

MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS

UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP

Click HERE for community resources

BRIDGEPORT BOROUGH

Click HERE for community resources

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN BOROUGH

No meetings scheduled

Click HERE for community resources 

This Week's Weather at a Glance: Snowflakes, Cold, and Sunshine

🌤️ Upper Merion Weather Outlook: Your Week at a Glance

• Wednesday: ☁️ Cloudy | High: 17°F | Low: 6°F

• Thursday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 26°F | Low: 13°F

• Friday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 28°F | Low: 12°F

• Saturday: 🌙 Partly Cloudy Night | High: 29°F | Low: 25°F

• Sunday: ☁️ Cloudy | High: 38°F | Low: 22°F

• Monday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 36°F | Low: 29°F

• Tuesday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 36°F | Low: 22°F

• Wednesday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 36°F | Low: 26°F

HOW DID WE DO?