👋Good Morning, Upper Merion - and welcome to our 101st spotlight newsletter!

As we turn the page into this brand-new week here in Upper Merion, there’s no better time to pause, reset, and refocus. Whether you're chasing down goals, lending a hand to a neighbor, or simply soaking in the beauty of our community, every week brings a fresh opportunity to show up with purpose.

Let this week be about progress, not perfection. In a town like ours—where hard work, hometown pride, and community spirit run deep—each small step forward counts. It’s in the morning greetings, the local support for small businesses, and the shared moments at school events and township meetings that we build something bigger than ourselves.

So here’s to new beginnings, renewed energy, and a shared commitment to making our corner of Montgomery County shine a little brighter with each passing day.

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: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." — Winston Churchill❤

Mark Shepperd | Lead Contributor

💡SPOTLIGHT EVENT💡

Honor Flight Network - Philadelphia

We are asking that you show your patriotic appreciation to our Local Heroes!

Over 120 Veterans are returning from a day of visiting Memorials during their Honor Flight trip.  This is our chance to show support and appreciation and a welcome for them to remember! 

Festivities will begin around 4:30 pm. Visit with Re-enactors and the Nurses' Honor Guard. Performances from Magnolia Sadies, and Late Entry Quartet. Upper Merion cheerleaders and band will be represented.  Ice cream from Handel's of Berwyn.  Along with an anticipated appearance of Franklin, 76er's Mascot and 76ers Cheerleaders!  As well as the Villanova Wildcat!  

Other activities will include: Face Painting - Balloon Twisting - Poster Making Stand - Hot Dogs and Ice Cream

With open arms and grateful hearts let's show these local Vets the recognition they truly deserve. The Veterans arrival time is approximately 6:00pm.

MORE EVENTS

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!

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

Christ Church (Old Swedes)

You’ve probably driven by this location multiple times on River road and never really realized the significance of this building or it’s cemetery. Christ Church (Old Swedes) is a historic Episcopal church located at 740 River Road, Swedesburg, PA 19405, within Upper Merion Township. Established in 1760, it stands as one of the oldest churches in Montgomery County and has deep roots in the area's Swedish Lutheran heritage.

🕰️ Historical Significance

Originally founded by Swedish settlers, the church was built to serve the spiritual needs of the Swedesburg community. The current stone structure replaced an earlier log church dating back to 1735. Notably, General George Washington and his troops are believed to have visited the church after crossing the Schuylkill River at Swedesford on December 13, 1777, en route to Valley Forge.

🕍 Architecture and Grounds

The church's architecture reflects colonial-era design, featuring original stonework and traditional elements. Adjacent to the church is the Christ Church Old Swedes Cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for many early settlers and notable figures from the region.

📍 Visiting Information

Address: 740 River Road, Swedesburg, PA 19405

Phone: (610) 272-6036

Email: [email protected]

For those interested in visiting, it's recommended to approach via Colbert Street for parking, as River Road has limited parking availability.

UMAMS TEACHER | NICOLE FORAKER

Congratulations to Upper Merion Middle School Teacher, Nicole Foraker on being awarded “Teacher of the Year” courtesy of the KOP Rotary Club. Presenting the award are (L-R) Current Rotary President Brenda Shepperd, Teacher Nicole Foraker and Past Rotary President/Board member George Nikolaou.

KOP Rotary’s next big event is their annual golf outing on Monday, June 2^nd @ Westover Golf Club in Eagleville, PA.

Are you interested in joining the Rotary? Their lunch meetings are held at 12 noon every 1^st & 3^rd Tuesdays of the month at Pepper’s by Amedeo’s (175 Town Center Rd. in KOP).

Their social hour is held every 2^nd Tuesday of the month starting at 5pm @ Pepper’s.

​Current Market Report - May 2025

Determining the precise value of your King of Prussia home depends on various factors, including its location, size, condition, and recent comparable sales. However, we can provide you with an overview of the current housing market in King of Prussia, PA, just let us know:

🏡 King of Prussia Housing Market Snapshot

• Median Home Value: Approximately $477,355, reflecting a 2.9% increase over the past year.

• Median Sale Price: Around $530,000 as of February 2025, marking a 35.9% year-over-year rise.

• Median Listing Price: Approximately $550,000 in March 2025, showing a 5.2% decrease compared to the previous year.

• Median Price per Square Foot: About $283.

• Average Days on Market: Homes are selling in approximately 13 days, indicating a competitive market.

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?

Mother Nature just may help you water your garden this week…

🌤️ Upper Merion Weather - At A Glance

Tuesday: 🌨 Periods of rain | High: 67°F | Low: 59°F

Wednesday: 🌧 Clouds & showers | High: 70°F | Low: 59°F

Thursday: 🌦 Rain & T-storms likely | High: 75°F | Low: 61°F

Friday: 🌦 Clouds and still a chance o T-storms | High: 79°F | Low: 62°F

Saturday: 🌦 Morning fog - scattered T-storms possible | High: 80°F | Low: 61°F

Sunday: 🌥 Mix of clouds & sun | High: 78°F | Low: 58°F

Monday: 🌥 Partly sunny | High: 75°F | Low: 55°F