- Upper Merion Area Spotlight
- Posts
- 💡Your Weekly Warm Up
💡Your Weekly Warm Up
Issue #072
👋Good Morning, Upper Merion!
Welcome to your weekly warm up…boy is it needed! The Birds advance, the Buckeyes are champs, and the week ahead is cold. But don’t worry, it’s still chock full of ways to support, and connect with, the community.
I’ve also created a Facebook Group if you’re looking to engage a bit more on the information I share in the newsletter. Feel free to join here.
What we’re spotlighting:
💡Dine to Make a Difference: Support Honor Flight Philadelphia
💡Coming to KOP | Stonebrook: A New Neighborhood Taking Shape
💡Discover Your Child's Perfect Summer Adventure at the Main Line Camp Fair
💡Dive into Deliciousness: Support UMHS Swim & Dive Team at Chick-fil-A Week
💡Supporting Cookie Season - And The Businesses Hosting Them
💡Serve Your Community: Conshohocken Police Department Hiring Event
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 Kaufman, Realtor with Keller Williams Main Line
Federal Reserve Benchmark Rate:
5.25% to 5.50%
(Significant increases over the past two years to combat inflation.)
Mortgage Rates:
30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates: 6.5% to 7%
Savings Account Rates:
High-Yield Savings Accounts: 4% to 4.5%
📅 Interest Rates One Year Ago – January 2024
Federal Funds Rate: 4.25% to 4.50%
30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates: 6% to 6.5%
High-Yield Savings Accounts: 3.5% to 4%
📈 Summary of Changes:
The federal funds rate has increased by approximately 1% since January 2024.
Mortgage rates remain high, with a slight uptick compared to last year.
Savings account rates have risen, offering higher yields as a result of the Fed’s rate hikes.
💡 Key Takeaway: Interest rates are still higher than in recent years, though they’ve stabilized somewhat since mid-2024. The Fed has signaled a cautious approach to further hikes, indicating a period of relative stability in rates.
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 |
Brought to you by MainLineJobs.com | Local jobs, for local residents, run by local companies.
Dine to Make a Difference: Support Honor Flight Philadelphia
 | Join “Chow Down for Charity” on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at City Works Eatery and Pour House in King of Prussia to support Honor Flight Philadelphia! Dine in or order online using code HonorFlight, and 20% of sales will be donated to this incredible cause. Present this flyer or mention the event while dining. Can't make it? Order at cityworksrestaurant.com to participate. |
Coming to KOP | Stonebrook: A New Neighborhood Taking Shape
  | Stonebrook, located off Ross Road, is an ambitious residential development featuring 65 single-family detached homes and 208 single-family attached townhomes. A new street will connect Route 202 near Saulin Boulevard to Prince Frederick Road, improving local access. This phased project is expected to wrap up by 2025 or 2026, bringing expanded housing options and enhanced infrastructure to Upper Merion Township. |
Discover Your Child's Perfect Summer Adventure at the Main Line Camp Fair
 | Join the Main Line Camp Fair on January 22, 2025, from 5:30–8:00 PM at Conestoga High School! Meet representatives from over 40 camps, explore options for your kids, and enjoy games, crafts, prizes, and snacks. This fun, free event supports Devon Elementary School and offers a great opportunity to find the perfect camp.For details, visit www.mainlinecampfair.org or email [email protected]. Don’t miss this exciting and informative evening. |
💡Want a chance to spotlight your camp to our thousands of local subsribers? We’re beginning a summer camp series next week. E-mail us at [email protected] for details💡
Dive into Deliciousness: Support UMHS Swim & Dive Team at Chick-fil-A Week
 | Support the UMHS Swim & Dive Team during Chick-fil-A Week from January 20–25, 2025, at the King of Prussia location! Order via the Chick-fil-A® App for carry-out, dine-in, drive-thru, or curbside between 6:30 AM and 10:00 PM, and 15% of your order will be donated. Toggle “Support Community Care Event” and use code: swimteam. Enjoy great food while making a splash for a great cause! |
Celebrating Cookie Season - 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 (January 24-26)🍪🍪 📍 Walmart |
Serve Your Community: Conshohocken Police Department Hiring Event
 | The Conshohocken Police Department is participating in a hiring event hosted by the Montgomery County Consortium of Communities on Saturday, February 10, 2025, at Springfield Township High School (1801 Paper Mill Road, Erdenheim, PA). Prospective candidates must register by Wednesday, January 31, 2025, at 4 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the team!For more details and to register, visit https://conshohockenpa.gov/resources/news/article/?id=7756. |
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] |
SPECIAL EVENTS
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Live Music: Jack Mangene
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: Jess Forget
📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:00 PMWinter Sports Trivia
📍 Workhorse Brewing | 🕒 6:30 PMTrivia with Mark Shepperd
📍 Screwballs | 🕒 7:00 PMMusic Bingo
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Live Music: Chris Giakas
📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: David Zweiback
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:30 PMKaraoke Night
📍 118 North | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: Ava DiFiore & Joe Montalbano
📍 Screwballs | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PMQuizzo
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Live Music: Danny Lynch
📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: Tall Heights
📍 118 North | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: Marc Storace
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:30 PMRum Tasting (Complimentary)
📍 Paladar | 🕒 5:00 - 6:30 PMLive Music: Porch KT Duo
📍 Screwballs | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM
Friday, January 24, 2025
Live Music: Colin York
📍 Southern Cross Kitchen | 🕒 6:30 PMLive Music: Jeff & Diandra
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: Huge in Europe
📍 118 North | 🕒 9:30 PMLive Music: Lindsay Jordan
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PMLive Music: Old School
📍 Pepper's | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Live Music: Stephen Dijoseph
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Bryan Miller
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: The Hot Sauce Junkies
📍 Screwballs | 🕒 8:30 PMLive Music: Concrete Charlie
📍 118 North | 🕒 9:00 PMLive Music: Scooter & Pablo
📍 Taphouse 23 | 🕒 7:00 - 10:00 PMLive Music: Old School and Coverfire
📍 Arnold's | 🕒 8:00 - 11:00 PMLive Music: Corner Boys & Co
📍 Pepper's | 🕒 8:30 - 11:30 PM
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Live Music: Jerry Watkins
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: Lyons Jane & Mighty Joe Castro
📍 118 North | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: Flamin' Caucasians
📍 Pepper's | 🕒 5:00 - 8:00 PMTommy's Open Mic
📍 Ribhouse | 🕒 9:00 - 11:00 PMEast 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 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
QUIZZO
📍 TJ’s Restaurant and Drinkery | 📅 Tuesdays | 🕒 7-9 PM
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). 👇
UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Family Storytime - Snow
📍 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
Kanopy Tuesdays
📍 Henderson Room | 🕒 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📚 Categories: Movies & Documentaries
👥 Audience: Adults
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
In Our Library Era: Taylor Swift Party
📍 Freedom Hall | 🕒 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📚 Categories: Music & Activities
👥 Audience: Families
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Baby Storytime - Things That Go
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: PreK
Baby Storytime - Things That Go
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
📚 Categories: Storytimes
👥 Audience: PreK
Art, Games and Chit Chat for Adults with Disabilities
📍 Freedom Hall | 🕒 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
📚 Categories: Arts & Games
👥 Audience: Adults
Mahjong Meetup Mania
📍 Valley Forge Room | 🕒 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📚 Categories: Games
👥 Audience: Adults
Middle School Book Adventurers: Big Nate
📍 Little Theatre | 🕒 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📚 Categories: Books & Activities
👥 Audience: Middle School Students (Grades 5–8)
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 CalendarGroup Exercise
📍Upper Merion Community Center | 📅 Today’s classesOpen Gym
📍Upper Merion Community Center | 🕒 Today’s Open Gym TimesWinter/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
This Week's Weather at a Glance: Snowflakes, Cold, and Sunshine
🌤️ Upper Merion Weather Outlook: Your Week at a Glance
Tuesday: 🌨️ Light Snow | High: 16°F | Low: 4°F
Wednesday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 17°F | Low: 9°F
Thursday: ⛅ Mostly Sunny | High: 26°F | Low: 11°F
Friday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 28°F | Low: 12°F
Saturday: 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | High: 30°F | Low: 27°F
Sunday: ☁️ Cloudy | High: 37°F | Low: 29°F
Monday: 🌨️ Snow | High: 35°F | Low: 26°F
HOW DID WE DO?
How did we do in this issue of Upper Merion Area Spotlight? |