This publication is an effort to keep the community informed with what is actually happening in your area. For future editions, I welcome your thoughts on topics that affect the community. I'd be happy to publish your opinions on any relevant topics.
Do you have an event that you'd like to publicize? Let me know, and I'll do my best to incorporate your event into the newsletter.
This is your community. This is your home. Use this publication to share your thoughts and ideas with your neighbors. Are you ready to get involved in your community?
David Amsterdam franklinmaps@aol.com
TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
Township Administration
175 W. Valley Forge Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: 610-265-2600
Fax: 610-265-0482 www.umtownship.org
Mon - Fri 8:15 am to 5 pm
Township Police
175 W. Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406
Emergency and Call for Service: 9-1-1
Phone: 610-265-3232
Anonymous Tip Line: 484-636-3888
Animal Control ...610-265-3232 Courthouse .........610-278-3000
Fire and Ambulance
Emergency Phone: 9-1-1
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company 170 Allendale Road
431 W. VALLEY FORGE ROAD (in the Community Center Bldg.) Phone: 610-265-4715 www.umssc.org
& Rec.........610-265-1071
Works.......610-265-2606
& Codes....610-265-2608
LOCAL HISTORY
Upper Merion resident Silas “Bud” Burgess was a dedicated naturalist and outdoorsman. He liked to fish and hunt, and to be amongst the trees and forests both for work and for relaxation. He spent 48 years working for Lower Merion Township, learning and working his way up to being a certified arborist. In the 1950s, Burgess recognized the unique and valuable trees on the property of the Moore-Irwin House and began a personal effort to preserve this rare public treasure. His efforts soon involved many area residents, and the site was made into a destination that thousands of local citizens, schools and students were able to enjoy for decades.
Beginning in 1963 and for the next 22 years until 1985, Burgess also served on Upper Merion's Shade Tree and Beautification Committee. When he retired from the commission in 1985, Supervisor Bob Montemayor announced that the arboretum surrounding the Moore-Irwin House (at that time also the Upper Merion Cultural Center) would be named the Silas T. Burgess Arboretum in his honor
According to the Upper Merion Township 2040 Comprehensive Plan released in 2019, the parcel of land containing the arboretum “is home to the former John and Jane Moore Farm. The site contains the original farmhouse, circa 1750…Trout Creek runs through the site.” In his diary, George Washington told of visiting the Moore House in 1787 during the Continental Congress, and of fishing in Trout Creek. In 1995, the township closed the Cultural Center and offices located in the MooreIrwin house due to safety concerns and the need for renovations. Sadly, the arboretum was not maintained for many years, but it has recently gained a new lease on life.
Under the watchful eye and untold hours of work by present day Shade Tree Committee Chairman Jerome Ocker along with Barley Van Clief and many others, this special park is now certified as a Level 1 Arboretum by accrediting organizations ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and the Morton Register of Arboreta.
There are now over 60 species of trees growing on the grounds, some with historic significance. Several experts have indicated that two large sycamore trees were planted back when roads were uncommon to mark the Trout Creek crossing spot for travelers. The arboretum is home to numerous “specimen trees” which are trees with a diameter of 28 inches such as the one pictured here. There are also several county and state “champion trees” which are the largest known tree of a particular species in a specific area. Recently, a young tulip poplar, a sapling of one planted by George Washington at Mount Vernon (and reportedly Washington's favorite tree), was planted near the Moore-Irwin House. Numerous trees are marked with aluminum tags identifying the trees and their measurements. The condition and treatment recommendations for each tagged tree are recorded to guide future management activities.
The township is in the planning stages of designing a ten-foot-wide multi-modal tr on both sides of Moore Rd. This would entail building pedestrian bridges on both sides of Moore Rd over Trout Creek. It is feared that trail construction on the arboretum side may have a negative impact on the park and the arboretum and will necessitate removal of several trees.
It is hoped that the Township's Moore Park property, including the house, the arboretum and creek, can all, once again, be a destination for all to enjoy
Silas and Helen Burgess. (Courtesy Sally Burgess)
Dedication of the Mount Vernon Poplar Tree at Burgess Arboretum (Courtesy J. Brophy)
Burgess Arboretum Champion Tree (Source: pabigtrees.com)
Ask for George ga3456@gmail.com acostacontracting.com
UPPER MERION SENIOR SERVICE CENTER
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Leading the Way in Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about one in five cancer deaths. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. But there are new options in lung cancer surgery being pioneered by Main Line Health specialists.
At the forefront of these innovations is Patrick Ross, MD, PhD, a nationally recognized thoracic surgeon specializing in robot-assisted treatment of chest cancers. Dr. Ross is one of a select group of experts chosen to evaluate the latest breakthrough in minimally invasive surgery: single-port robotic thoracic surgery
Minimally Invasive Robotic Techniques for Thoracic Surgery
“As someone who's done thoracic surgery for more than 30 years, I'm in awe of how far we've come,” says Dr. Ross. “We once had to create large incisions and spread the ribs to get to a tumor. Robotic surgery established the value of minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Now, we can use a robotic bronchoscope to detect and evaluate tumors, then reach the tumor through a 3centimeter incision that enters the chest below rather than between the ribs, and safely remove part of the lung — with the patient going home the next day. That's like Star Wars for thoracic surgeons.”
Dr. Ross and his team began performing single-port robotic thoracic surgery in November 2024. Since then, they have successfully removed lung tumors in both diagnosed patients and those with previously undetected cancer, with minimal complications. Most patients are discharged the very next day.
“Even our delightful 82-year-old was discharged the morning after her operation,” Dr. Ross says. “It truly has had a significant impact.”
Reducing Pain and Risks in Lung Cancer Treatment
Patients undergoing single-port robotic thoracic surgery have only one 3-cm to 4cm incision below the ribs, resulting in less postoperative pain, lower risk of nerve injury and quicker return to normal life or additional cancer treatment, Dr. Ross explains.
“When we combine single-port robotic thoracic surgery with robotic bronchoscopy, we can find and remove the tumor in a single operation, with only one anesthesia,” Dr. Ross adds. “Robotic bronchoscopy was a game-changer because it enabled us to locate and diagnose even the tiniest and most difficult-to-reach tumors. Now we can remove them with less risk and trauma to the patient. This technology is changing the outlook on lung cancer in a dramatic way.”
The importance of Lung Cancer Screening Low-dose CT lung cancer screenings are finding tumors earlier, when they are more treatable. If you are a current or former smoker, you may be eligible for this screening. A physician's prescription is required, so talk with your doctor if you are interested in getting screened. Once you have a prescription in hand, you can schedule a screening. At Main Line Health, we offer numerous lung cancer screening locations throughout the region.
Lung cancer screening is often covered by insurance. Check with your insurance company to see if lung cancer screening is covered by your plan.
Most lung cancers are caused by smoking, but not all. Your risk also increases if you have had long-term exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos and other cancer-causing substances. Lung cancer also runs in families so you may be more susceptible if you have a mother, father, sibling or close relative who has or had the disease.
While there are known risk factors for lung cancer, there are people who get the disease who never smoked or had extended exposure to smoke in their lives. It's important to see your primary care clinician regularly and be mindful of symptoms including chest pain, difficulty breathing, hoarseness and coughing up blood.
Changing the Future of Lung Cancer Care Advancements like single-port robotic surgery and robotic bronchoscopy enable Main Line Health to provide safer surgeries, faster recoveries and better outcomes, even when it comes to lung cancer.
For more information on lung cancer care at Main Line Health, visit mainlinehealth.org/lungcancertreatments
Patrick Ross Jr., MD, Thoracic Surgeon and Chair of Surgery at Main Line Health.
PET HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Now Open! Metropolitan Veterinary Urgent Care and Specialty (MVUCS)
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates (MVA) is thrilled to announce the opening of our first Urgent Care and Specialty center. MVUCS is designed to better serve our pet owning community by focusing on urgent care cases, conditions that require prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening. While the main MVA location continues to serve as the destination for critical emergency care cases, this expansion ensures that pets receive the care they need when they need it, without long waits or unnecessary stress.
Providing the same trusted, compassionate care you've come to expect from MVA, our highly skilled veterinary team at MVUCS are the same emergency doctors you would see if your pet needed emergency care at MVA. With our streamlined approach, we'll minimize time apart from your pet, addressing urgent issues quickly and effectively
Our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility isn't just about urgent care it's also home to advanced veterinary specialty services. MVUCS brings MVA's board-certified specialists closer to you, with experts in Cardiology, Radiology, and specialty Surgery, to provide the highest level of care (Please call for availability). Whether it's urgent care or specialty consultations, we're here to support your pet's health every step of the way
We can't wait to welcome you and your pets to Metropolitan Urgent Care and Specialty Services, where
we're expanding access to the exceptional care your pets deserve. Our urgent care services will be available from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am 7 days a week, 365 days of the year
Choosing the Right Care:
Urgent Care vs Emergency Cases
When a pet needs medical attention, it's important to quickly determine whether the situation can be handled through Urgent Care or if it requires immediate escalation to the MVA Emergency Team. Urgent Care cases are typically non-lifethreatening conditions that still need prompt attention, while MVA Emergency cases involve more serious, life-threatening situations that demand rapid intervention and hospitalization.
The lists below outline common conditions seen in each category to help guide decisions and ensure pets receive the appropriate level of care.
Urgent Care (MVUCS)
Anal gland issues
Back pain
Coughing or sneezing
Ear infection
Facial swelling
Fever
Frequent or urgent urination (+/blood in the urine)
Intestinal parasites
Itching, skin rashes
Lameness or limping
Loss of appetite
Lumps and bumps
Mild constipation
Minor bite wounds, lacerations
Ocular discharge or squinting
Post-operative incision issues
Single seizure event
Skin abscesses
Torn or bleeding nail
Upper respiratory tract infection
Vomiting or diarrhea
Vaccine or allergic reactions with facial swelling or hives
Emergency/Critical Care (MVA)
Anemia
Difficulty or labored breathing
Heat stroke
Kidney failure
Euthanasia
Multiple seizures (clusters)
Pneumonia
Severe bite wounds or lacerations
Severe lethargy
Sudden collapse
Most Toxins
Unproductively straining to urinate
Vehicular trauma (hit by car)
MVUCS is located at 997 Old Eagle School Road in Wayne, PA.
For more information please visit: www.metro-vet.com
VOTING INFORMATION
The Rule of Law — You'll be the Judge!
This fall, you'll be voting for judges — from the bottom up. It is important to understand their roles and responsibilities. These include interpreting and applying laws to settle disputes and ensuring fair and impartial outcomes. They oversee court proceedings, assess the evidence presented, and ultimately decide cases — with or without a jury.
The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania is best shown by this pyramid as illustrated by Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts. During this odd-numbered year, judges at all levels will be on November's municipal ballot.
At the base are the Minor Courts staffed in Delaware County by district magistrates. These individuals serve six-year terms and are not required to be lawyers. They settle disputes involving small amounts of money or property. Magistrates may also
conduct weddings, issue warrants, and decide bail and whether serious criminal cases go to the Court of Common Pleas or preliminary hearings.
The Courts of Common Pleas includes 439 judges who oversee trial courts within sixty judicial districts. Here cases appealed from the minor courts are heard, and decisions are made by juries or judges.
The nine-member Commonwealth Court and the fifteen-member Superior Court form the statewide Intermediate Appellate Courts. These courts generally convene as a panel of three judges. The Superior Court handles appeals in criminal, family, and civil cases from the Courts of Common Pleas. The Commonwealth Court deals with original civil actions brought by and against the Commonwealth and appeals from state agency decisions.
The seven-member Supreme Court is the final word on all matters appealed from lower courts' decisions and can intervene on requests in lower courts' proceedings at their discretion. However, some cases, such as those involving the death penalty or interpreting the Pennsylvania Constitution, require mandatory review. The Supreme Court is the ultimate authority on interpreting Pennsylvania laws. It further supervises and oversees the operations of the court system and
the regulation of the practice of law in the Commonwealth. Redistricting rulings at this level have changed the shape of Pennsylvania politics.
Pennsylvania, like a handful of other states, has partisan judicial elections. In spite of the efforts of the League of Women Voters, judicial candidates are affiliated with major parties, hold campaigns, and even have committees that raise money. Such a process can lead to conflicts of interest. For all judges above the minor courts, their initial ten- year terms are followed by nonpartisan retention (Yes/No) elections. This process can help diminish concerns of partiality over time. Judges in Pennsylvania must retire at age 75.
The Leagues in Delaware County have recently completed a study of the federal judicial system. A consensus was reached to set a mandatory retirement age, reduce conflicts of interest, promote ethical behavior, and improve transparency at the Supreme Court level. Based on League studies throughout the nation, a position will be developed from which members can advocate for change.
To find out more about judges running for election in November 2025, go to the Pennsylvania Bar Association (pabar.org). To learn more about the League of Women Voters, go to PALWV.org.
