- Upper Merion Area Spotlight
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- 💡Issue #100
💡Issue #100
ISSUE #100 is brought to you by The MAGIC TRAVEL PROS
MARK SHEPPERD
May 06, 2025
👋Good Morning, Upper Merion - and welcome to our 100th spotlight newsletter!
As we step into this brand-new week in Upper Merion, there's a buzz in the air - spring is in full swing, and our vibrant community is alive with activity! Whether you're out enjoying the blooming landscapes at Valley Forge Park, supporting our local businesses or just soaking up the sunshine in between the rain drops, there's something special about this time of year in our corner of Montgomery County.
Once again we're bringing you all the latest happenings, local spotlights, and can't-miss events to keep you connected and in the know. Let’s make it a great one!
PLEASE NOTE: As of THIS MORNING (5/6) our newsletter will now be sent to you ONCE A WEEK. Delivery will still be in your inbox EVERY TUESDAY @ 5:30am. We are combining all the collected info for you to use throughout the week and into the weekend.
Our focus will always be on what makes Upper Merion a great place to Live, Work and Play, and our mission continues to help spread the good news, interesting stories and happening events in our corner of the world.
Thank you so much for reading our publication! Please continue to help us spread the good news. Word of mouth is one of the greatest assets we can ask for. Thank you for your continued support!
Remember: You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~C.S. Lewis❤
Mark Shepperd | Lead Contributor
💡SPOTLIGHT EVENT💡
Honor Flight Network - Philadelphia
Coming up on Saturday, May 17th…”Honor Flight Philadelphia”, a local non-profit organization, is honoring local WWII, Korean and Vietnam Vets with a FREE trip from King of Prussia to Washington, D.C. Following the day’s activities in our Nations capital, they’ll return to our area that night and be greeted at the Upper Merion Area Middle School with a dinner party for the vets and a welcome home USO-style on behalf of a grateful nation. The evening event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend starting @ 4:30pm. With open arms and grateful hearts lets show 1qwqwthese local Vets the recognition they truly deserve. The Veterans arrival time is approximately 6:00pm.
Activities will include: Face Painting - Balloon Twisting - Poster Making Stand - Hot Dogs and Ice Cream
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE:
Aquilante’s Catering for providing dinner for the vets upon their return.
Upper Merion Gymnastic and Dance led by Ms. Timberlake-Newell who will provide dance routines.
Music provided by Mark Shepperd Productions - Sponsored by the Brenda and Mark Shepperd Team of Long & Foster Real Estate.
Upper Merion Middle School is located @ 450 Keebler Road, KOP, PA
MORE EVENTS
| IF IT’S TUESDAY…it must mean “Tacos & Trivia” @ Screwball’s (216 W. Beidler Road) with your host Mark Shepperd. Join your friends and neighbors and play 5 Rounds of trivia for prizes and cash! TONIGHT (5/6) is the popular music round. Guess the group or artist - title of the song and year released. Up to 6 people allowed on a team…start time 7pm. VOTED BEST TRIVIA NIGHT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY |
 | The Rock & Roll Playhouse plays the Grateful Dead & More! SUNDAY, MAY 11th @ the Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore, PA |
 | Join Uplink KOP every Friday Night from 6-10!!! Open to Ages 8+ Drop Your kids and go have dinner or catch a movie or stick around and play some golf!!!! Space is limited to 30 gamers. Cost is $10/hr. |
 | One mans trash is another mans treasure! Ain’t that the truth…who doesn’t LOVE a great bargain AND you never know, that elusive find could be waiting for you right here. The Bridgeport Fire Company “Flea Market” is set for Saturday, May 17th from 9-1pm. Located @ 72 West 4th Street |
 | Celebrate Mother’s Day at Bridgeport Bingo! Early bird at 6:50 PM, regular games at 7:00 PM. Enjoy a progressive jackpot, cash prizes, May 8, 2025, hosted by Bridgeport Fire Co No 1. Located at 72 W. Fourth St., Bridgeport |
 | Join the 9th Annual Race for Peace, celebrating unity in the community, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at King of Prussia Mall (Neiman Marcus Entrance). The event runs from 11 AM to 2 PM, with vendor setup at 10 AM. For more info, contact Andrew Howell at [email protected] or (267) 733-4315. |
 | Join Upper Merion Youth Football and Cheer THIS THURSDAY, May 8th at Heuser Park for our next round of FREE football and cheer clinics — open to all registered and interested athletes! Football: 6:00 - 7:30 PM Bring your energy, bring your friends, and bring that Viking pride — we’re building skills, having fun, and getting ready for a legendary 2025 season! |
FROM LOCAL FUN TO TRAVELING LIKE A PRO
In case you haven’t decided what you’re trying this week…here’s a little help! This will be the place to learn about (be reminded of) local drinks, dishes, deals, and spots!
 300 Depot St. - Bridgeport, PA | Have you “Done The Depot”? NO…not the big box store… The Depot Bar is an elevated dive bar, with a laid back atmosphere and even more laid back patrons. Featuring a pool table, darts, live music and karaoke events, it's the "I feel young again" kind of joint even while playing the twice-weekly bingo (the place is nicknamed the Bada Bingo for a reason). The every-Friday night event: Bowling For Meat. Simple but awesome: compete in arcade bowling for your pick of meat from the fridge. Strikes for Steaks! Now a completely non-smoking bar, the establishment is undergoing a full update to the kitchen and will soon feature a simple, but refined menu. It's a corner bar where the beer is cheap but the talk never is. Come on by, and you can tell your friends that you went off the rails at The Depot. Hours of operation: Monday: 3p-2a - Tuesday to Saturday: 12p-2a - Sunday: 12p-9p  |
 Fall Off The Bone Goodness… RIBHOUSE Address: 1049 Ford St. Bridgeport, PA (610) 279-1275 | The Bridgeport Rib House, affectionately known as "The Ribby," is a beloved local spot in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, offering a unique blend of mouthwatering barbecue, live music, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. 🍖 Food & Menu Highlights The menu is a haven for barbecue enthusiasts, featuring signature dishes like fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked brisket sandwiches, and hearty BBQ platters. Notable items include:
🎶 Live Music & Atmosphere The Rib House is renowned for its vibrant live music scene, hosting performances six nights a week. The venue's dive bar charm, combined with its energetic atmosphere, makes it a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a fun night out. |
LOOKING TO GET FOUND BY THE FOODIES? GET IN THE GUIDE!
Welcome to Our Lifestyle Section!
Each week, I’ll dish out a variety of Upper Merion lifestyle vibes in hopes of sparking some inspiration for your next local mini-adventure, or perhaps even helping you find your people. With the help of the King of Prussia Historical Society, we’ll also occasionally celebrate and remember what King of Prussia once was, honoring its roots as we explore today. I’m hopeful some of these shares are helpful, and enjoyable to you. Enjoy!
KING OF PRUSSIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL PARK
Are you ready to celebrate 250 years of history in 2026?
Our country will turn 250 years old in 2026 and Valley Forge National Historical Park, located near King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is a significant site in American history. It was the location of the Continental Army's third winter encampment during the American Revolutionary War, from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778. Under the command of General George Washington, approximately 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children endured harsh conditions, including shortages of food, clothing, and shelter.
Despite these hardships, Valley Forge became a turning point in the war. The army underwent a significant transformation, largely due to the training and discipline instilled by Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian military officer. He introduced a standardized drill system and emphasized the importance of sanitation and organization, which greatly improved the army's effectiveness.
Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park preserves approximately 3,500 acres of this historic site, including restored historic structures, monuments, and a museum with exhibits of original artifacts. The park offers over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to reflect on the resilience and determination of those who fought for American independence.
The National Memorial Arch was erected in the early part of the 20th century on the road where soldiers marched into Valley Forge on December 19, 1777.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Service Above Self
Established in 1956, the “King of Clubs” is the King of Prussia Rotary Club. Part of Rotary International, a global organization of business and professional leaders dedicated to humanitarian service, high ethical standards, and goodwill. The club actively engages in community service and leadership within the King of Prussia area.
Additionally, the club has been featured in local media, such as the Upper Merion Township Community Connections podcast, where members discuss their initiatives and impact on the community.
There next big event is their annual golf outing on Monday, June 2nd @ Westover Golf Club in Eagleville, PA.
Interested in joining the Rotary? Their lunch meetings are held at 12N every 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month at Pepper’s by Amedeo’s (175 Town Center Rd. in KOP).
Their social hour is held every 2nd Tuesday of the month starting at 5pm @ Pepper’s.
Sponsored By:
When YOU need to Buy or Sell - Allow Us To Help You! 🏚
How Can I Get TOP DOLLAR For My Home?
Here are the 3 BEST WAYS YOU can get the best price for your home…
✅ 1. Price It Right From the Start
Overpricing scares buyers and leads to longer days on market (which lowers perceived value).
A competitive price can trigger multiple offers, often pushing the final sale price higher.
🧼 2. Clean, Declutter & Depersonalize
Buyers need to picture themselves living there.
A spotless, neutral home feels larger and more valuable.
🧰 3. Make Smart Repairs & Updates
Focus on high-ROI improvements: (ROI - Return On Investment)
Fresh paint (neutral colors)
Updated lighting or fixtures
Minor kitchen/bath upgrades
Fix anything obviously broken
EVEN IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO DO ALL OF THE ABOVE - AT LEAST CONSIDER DOING SOME PAINTING! A fresh coat of paint will do wonders in assisting the resale of your home.
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?
 | If you’ve answered YES to any of the above…contact The Brenda and Mark Shepperd Real Estate Team of Long & Foster, in Devon, PA. They not only live, work and play in UM - they’ve been helping your neighbors buy and sell homes in Upper Merion for 25+ years. |
🌤️ Upper Merion Weather - At A Glance
The weatherman said to dress for the 70’s - Do I take him literally? 🤣
Tuesday: 🌦 Cloudy start to partly sunny skies | High: 75°F | Low: 56°F
Wednesday: 🌥Mix of clouds & sun | High: 75°F | Low: 56°F
Thursday: 🌦 Partly Sunny - Possible showers in the PM | High: 76°F | Low: 52°F
Friday: 🌨Clouds and showers | High: 63°F | Low: 48°F
Saturday: 🌥Mix of clouds & sun | High: 74°F | Low: 51°F
Sunday: ☀ Sunshine | High: 78°F | Low: 55°F
Monday: ☀Sunshine & some passing clouds l High: 79°F | Low: 58°F
Sometimes gardening can be so frustrating!🌝🌝
HOW DID WE DO?
How did we do in this issue of Upper Merion Area Spotlight? |