King of Prussia News Spring 2024

TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY CONTENTS:

Township Administration Building

175 W. Valley Forge Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-265-2600

Fax: 610-265-0482

www.umtownship.org

Injury Prevention ........................14

Parenting Your Teen ...................16

Sacm Alerts .................................18

Art & Creativity............................20

Auto Maintenance Spring Tips ..22

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?

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

Library................610-265-4805

Parks & Rec.........610-265-1071

Public Works.......610-265-2606

Safety & Codes....610-265-2608

Fire and Ambulance

Emergency Phone: 9-1-1

King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company

170 Allendale Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-265-1063

www.kpvfc.com

Swedeland Fire Co.

609 A Street

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-275-0177

www.swedelandfire.org

Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company

310 Jefferson St. Bridgeport, PA 19405

Non-Emergency Ph: 610-272-9853

www.swedesburgfire.com

Upper Merion Area School District

435 Crossfield Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-205-6400

Fax: 610-205-6433

www.umasd.org

Upper Merion Community Cetner

431 West Valley Forge Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Phone: 610-265-1071

www.umtownship.org/departme

nts/parks-recreation/ community-center

Upper Merion Senior Service Center

431 W. VALLEY FORGE ROAD

(in the Community Center Bldg.)

Phone: 610-265-4715

www.umssc.o

Upper Merion Fire Companies: 105 Years of Service

In 2022, the three fire companies serving Upper Merion Township, King of Prussia (47), Swedeland (48), and Swedesburg (49) Fire Companies, were combined under single command along with the Lafayette Ambulance & Rescue Squad. The new department is known as the Upper Merion Township Fire & EMS (Station 56). These fire companies trace their humble beginnings to a dedicated group of volunteer men and women who founded them, maintained them, and bravely risked their lives to protect our community. While we still have selfless and courageous volunteers, there are now career fire and EMS personnel on the Township's staff.

In 1919, the village of Swedeland was growing rapidly due to the expansion of the Alan Wood Steel Co. In 1920, following a large fire that damaged several buildings, residents clamored for a local fire company On November 24, 1920, the Swedeland Volunteer Fire Company was organized with an engine donated by neighboring Good Will Fire Company in Bridgeport. To get things started, the steel company donated the land, the bricks to build the station and 3,000 feet of fire hose. In 1923, the fire company purchased the first motorized apparatus.

completed in 1954 with a great deal of fundraising effort. For many years, Bernard and Pauline Gutkowski, who lived across the street, took care of the fire calls before the county system was initiated.

Until 1950, King of Prussia, then a village and a farmland, had relied on Swedeland and Swedesburg fire companies to come to their aid, but on April 7, 1950 a grocery store located at Rt. 202 near Gulph Road caught fire. At the time, there was a railroad crossing at the current intersection of Saulin Blvd. (The railbeds are now a part of the

occasion the fire went out, and the fire engine was so frozen that it had to be towed to a nearby garage to thaw out. Miss Supplee had the responsibility of sounding the fire siren when an alarm came in, and then starting the fire truck to warm the engine up for the responding volunteer driver and crew. In 1952, the King of Prussia volunteers themselves began erecting the original fire station on Allendale Road on land donated by William Walker. In 1989, the original building was demolished, and the current building was erected to include a social hall for events. The year 2011 saw

Chester Valley Trail.) DeKalb Pike would come to a complete standstill for as long as it took the train to pass. And that's where the fire trucks waited and waited as the grocery store burnt down. Forty-five days later, on May 25, 1950, a public meeting was held in Stewart Fund Hall which was the Township building at that time. A fire company to be known as the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company was formed.

Swedesburg's community would rely on neighboring fire companies until 1942 when the Swedesburg Fire Company was organized as part of the Civil Defense efforts of World War II. Committee meetings were usually held at a local tavern or barbershop. The original firehouse building was razed when the Turnpike was built, and the present building on Jefferson St. was

Early on, Ed Mack's garage was the KoP Fire Company headquarters at the intersection of Gulph Road and Rt. 202. When Rt. 202 was widened, Mack's garage was forced to close, and the fire station was moved across the street to a barn owned by Miss Jean Supplee the first female member of the organization. A potbelly stove would provide heat for the engine room. On one

the dedication of a new 911 memorial featuring two steel beams from the World th Trade Center on the 10 anniversary of the tragic 911 attacks.

In 2020 a new live-in area was added allowing for up to two members to live at the station and a bunk room for up to eight members to staff the station overnight. In 2023, there were 1,524 fire calls, and 4,293 EMS incidents.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Don’t let a tick make you sick!

How to keep your dogs and cats safe in the car

Dogs and cats may need to be transported in the family car, for short trips, such as to a veterinary appointment, or the local park. Or longer trips, such as family vacations. Proper pet car safety will ensure that everyone can enjoy a trip while staying safe.

Restraint and Positioning

It is safest to keep a cat or dog in the back seat during car travel. An airbag in the front seat that deploys in a collision can severely harm a pet whether they are in a carrier or not.

There are several ways to reliably restrain a dog or cat in a car. In general, the safest way to secure a pet is in a crate or carrier However, crates can break or bend during a collision, and it's important to pick one with high safety ratings. A good resource is the Center For Pet Safety. Other restraint devices for dogs include harnesses, car seats, or hammocks. These devices can vary in safety and reliability of tensile strength in straps and buckles. Researching safety ratings and reviews are helpful in picking a device.

Temperature Safety

It's vital to keep a dog or cat in a safe temperature during car rides. Pets can overheat easily as their fur keeps them well insulated, and they have limited sweat glands. Therefore, it's important to keep the air conditioner running in the car when the

weather is warm, and they should not ride extensively in direct sunlight. Dogs and cats should never be left unattended in a closed car when the temperature outside exceeds 60 degrees. The interior of a car can heat up quickly and can be extremely harmful or even fatal to pets. During cold weather, the heat should be turned on.

Planning ahead

Pre-existing health issues should be taken into consideration when deciding if a car ride is safe for a pet. While a veterinary visit is important for an ill animal, a lengthy car ride can put a sick dog or cat in danger Frequent stops are helpful, as a dog can walk around and eliminate outside, and take a drink of water, and a cat can be offered water

What not to do

A pet should not go for a car ride without identification. In the event of an accident, or a door kept open too long, a dog may run away. Therefore, they should have a collar with an ID tag, as well as a microchip implanted. While a cat usually stays in a crate for a car ride, the crate should be labeled with their information. If a cat is taken out during the ride they should have a collar or harness on with an ID tag.

A dog should never be able to hang their head out the window during car travel, as they can get injured or fall out of the moving vehicle. As a reminder, a pet should never ride on an owner's lap. Additionally, a pet should not be fed while the vehicle is moving, as they are at risk of choking.

With proper preparation, car rides for dogs and cats can be safe. If an owner is not sure how to proceed, they should contact their veterinarian with questions.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

What you need to know about thyroid nodules

The thyroid—the butterfly-shaped gland in the lower front of the neck—secretes hormones that play an important role throughout the body, from regulating metabolism, weight and temperature to controlling how fast our heart beats. But sometimes, cells in the gland grow abnormally and develop into lumps called nodules. In fact, women are four times as likely as men to develop one or more thyroid nodules.

You might not know you have them

Thyroid nodules are extremely common, but because these masses typically do not cause symptoms, most people are unaware they have them. Occasionally, nodules that grow too large can cause difficulty swallowing and, in rare cases, they can interfere with breathing.

cancerous and do not affect thyroid function. If you learn you have a thyroid nodule, however, it's important to have it checked.

“Although some nodules can be felt in the neck, many can only be detected through imaging,” explains Amit Bhojwani, DO, otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon with Main Line Health. “In fact, thyroid nodules are commonly found by accident while testing for other concerns.”

Experts are unsure what causes thyroid nodules. However, they are more prevalent in people who have had radiation to the neck as well as those with a family history of thyroid cancer. Hashimoto's thyroiditis—the most common form of hypothyroidism—is linked to greater risk of thyroid nodules. And they are increasingly common with age.

They can be harmless

Although it can be distressing to learn you have a thyroid nodule, keep in mind that the vast majority of nodules are not

April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

It is estimated that more than 650,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer were diagnosed worldwide last year. Unfortunately, many individuals are not aware of their cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Alcohol and tobacco use as well as infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) are risk factors for head and neck cancers.

Main Line Health will host a head and neck cancer screening this spring. To learn more about head and neck cancer treatment at Main Line Health and the screening event, visit mainlinehealth.org/hnc.

Typically, your primary care physician or endocrinologist will order an ultrasound of your thyroid to evaluate its size, location and other characteristics. Based on the results, your physician may simply monitor the nodule for any changes with periodic ultrasound tests. If the nodule is suspicious, you may be referred for biopsy to determine if it is cancerous.

Treatment is available

No one wants to learn they have cancer. But thankfully, thyroid cancer is typically slowgrowing and treatment is highly effective. “Thyroid cancer is not only very treatable, but often also curable,” says Dr. Bhojwani, who specializes in surgical treatment of thyroid cancer. “Main Line Health has an experienced multidisciplinary team of

specialists who can care for patients with thyroid cancer close to home.”

Dr. Bhojwani and team work together to determine the best treatment plan for thyroid patients. This usually includes removing part or all of the thyroid gland and possibly surrounding lymph nodes. Additional treatment may include the use of radioactive iodine.

“It's important to be aware of nodules, if you have them, and take action if you are diagnosed with cancer. We are here to help.”

Help for head and neck issues

Main Line Health's ENT (ear, nose and throat) experts—more formally known as otolaryngologists—treat and manage a wide range of conditions, from hearing loss and balance problems to voice disorders, swallowing issues and more. Visit mainlinehealth.org/otolaryngology for information.

Dr. Amit Bhojwani

About Dr. Bhojwani

Amit Bhojwani, DO, MS, MBS, FACS, is a board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon with fellowship training in head and neck cancer, microvascular reconstruction and robotic surgery. Dr Bhojwani provides care for the full spectrum of general otolaryngology conditions, but he has a passion for providing personalized, comprehensive care of patients with head and neck tumors. These conditions include oral and throat squamous cell carcinoma, skin cancers, thyroid and parathyroid tumors, and salivary gland tumors.

INJURY PREVENTION

WHAT IS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?

BY THE PHILADELPHIA HAND TO SHOULDER CENTER PHYSICIANS

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the handthe median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

In addition to numbness and tingling, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause swelling, weakness, and night time pain. Patients sometimes describe dropping things unexpectedly and may have difficulty with buttoning shirts, tying shoelaces, or handling loose change.

What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is frequently seen in individuals who develop swelling or inflammation in their hands. People who smoke, as well as those with connective tissue diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, may be at greater risk. Repetitive work activities can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

The median nerve acts as an electrical wire between the spinal cord and the hand. The nerve passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist along with nine tendons that bend the fingers. When the tendons in the

wrist become swollen and inflamed, the median nerve can become compressed by the transverse carpal ligament (see figure), leading to carpal tunnel symptoms.

Early on, symptoms commonly occur during sleeping hours. In more advanced cases, the symptoms can become problematic during waking hours. Many sufferers describe symptoms with benign activities, like reading the newspaper or driving a car.

What can a hand surgeon do to help?

A hand surgeon can order special nerve tests to verify the extent of the problem. Custom wrist splints are helpful for early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome. These splints are worn at nighttime to relieve pressure on the median nerve and to prevent the wrists from bending during sleep.

Cortisone injections often provide excellent relief from symptoms. Unfortunately, symptomatic relief is only temporary, and most people experience a recurrence of symptoms after 3-4 months.

For chronic or more advanced cases, carpal tunnel surgery is often recommended as the best course of treatment.

What can I expect from surgery?

Surgery provides more space for the median nerve and relieves pressure on the median nerve and tendons. This procedure is typically done under light sedation and local anesthesia and usually takes only minutes to complete.

While there are several different approaches to performing carpal tunnel surgery, usually a 1/2 inch incision is made near the wrist and use of a camera to release the tunnel under direct visualization. This minimally invasive approach minimizes discomfort following surgery and allows patients to return to activities more quickly. Over 95 percent of patients improve dramatically following surgical intervention, with most returning to daily activities within days. Many patients can resume heavier job-related activities after 2-4 weeks.

Contact us at 1-610-768-5959 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

13 Offices in Pennsylvania & New Jersey including:

Cape May Court House Cherry Hill

The Check is NOT in the Mail

Why thieves want your checks and how you could stop them. Have you ever sent a check that was cashed, but the recipient said it never arrived? You may be the victim of check washing. Check washing scams involve changing the payee names and often the dollar amounts on checks and fraudulently depositing them. Occasionally, these checks are stolen from mailboxes and washed in chemicals to remove the ink. Some scammers will even use copiers or scanners to print fake copies of a check. In fact, Postal Inspectors recover more than $1 billion in counterfeit checks and money orders every year, but you can take steps to protect yourself.

1. Pay your bills online.

As long as you're not on a public WiFi connection, paying bills online is safer than a check through the mail, since your bank account and the payment systems for your bills are encrypted.

2. Deliver your mail to a post office.

Don't leave envelopes containing checks in your own mailbox or in outdoor USPS collection boxes after the last pickup time. Instead, take your letter to the nearest post office during business hours and either hand it to a clerk or slide it through the outgoing mail slot inside the building.

3. Use a pen with blue or black non-erasable gel ink. Gel ink soaks into paper and may be more difficult to remove than ballpoint pen ink, according to authorities.

4. Don't let delivered mail sit in your mailbox. Grab your mail every day, as close to the delivery time as possible. If you'll be away, ask a trusted friend to collect it or have the post office hold it until you're back home.

5. Monitor your bank account.

Don't wait for your monthly statement. Go online every few days to review account balances and look at checks drawn against them.

6. Report incidents quickly.

Contact your bank as soon as possible after suspicious activity; banks are generally required to replace funds stolen via fraudulent checks, but only if the scam is reported within 30 days of the date of your bank statement. Also, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and credit reporting agencies.

Personal Safety Tips

Don't leave your wallet or purse in your car at any time—it's too tempting a target for thieves

Don't leave a purse or bag unattended in a market—secure bag handles in the child seat with the seatbelt, but don't walk away from your cart

Keep cars locked even in your own driveway—unlocked cars are being entered in driveways

Advise your alarm company of your cell phone number as well as your home number; if you're on vacation, they'll be able to reach you as well as reach the police or fire department

ART & CREATIVITY

Art Happens Here!

Tucked away in East Norriton, Greater Norristown Art League (GNAL) is bursting into spring with a host of colorful offerings including adult and kids classes, summer camps, art shows and exhibitions, and community focused events for all ages.

We have classes to fit every one. Onsite or online. During the day or in the evening. Painting, clay, pastel, drawing, photography, Zentangle, alcohol inks, and more! Spring session starts in April. We have after school kids class, as well as weekend classes. We are also still signing up for Summer Camps, but hurry as they are filling up quickly!

Bright, Bold & Beautiful is the theme for this year's first GNAL-sponsored art show. Come and enjoy light refreshments, vote for your favorite work in the People's Choice category, and partake of some of the best artistry in the area. April 6, 1-5, award announced at 4.

Join us at The Pinnacle in Plymouth Meeting. In partnership with The Pinnacle GNAL will have artist exhibitions featured every two months in their bistro. The first showing and reception for this partnership will take place on April 6 with the reception from 6-8 p.m. Featured artists will be Claire Goldenberg and Bonnie Vandenberg. This exhibition will change over at the beginning of June.

GNAL also currently hosts artist exhibitions locally within the Braemer Building, the MontCo Technical High School Bistro Cafe, and the Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting office.

Coming up in April, GNAL is excited to welcome Representative Matt Bradford to speak on the importance of art in the community on April 14 at 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available.

Member-hosted art shows: The weekend of April 19 there will be a member hosted art show featuring several area artists. The show will run Friday evening through Sunday the 21st. There will be a second member hosted show on May 18 and 19. Mark your calendars and support local artists!

Calling all Volunteers! We will be recognizing Earth Day on April 28 with a volunteer event. Rain or shine as we have both inside and outdoor tasks to accomplish. Stop over and help us get ready for summer. Bring gloves for any outdoor work. Lunch will be provided. 10-2 p.m. We are also planning several additional events, art talks, and other one-day classes and pop-up events. Please follow us on Facebook and check out our website frequently for updates.

Greater Norristown Art League is a local non-profit art education

AUTO MAINTENANCE & DRIVING SAFETY

Spring Car Maintenance Tips…From Your Friends at CJ's Tire & Automotive

After a long winter, you're likely ready to give up your hibernating ways for some adventure and sunshine. For many of us this means family vacations, trips to the ballpark, and weekend road trips. Whatever your style, chances are you are getting ready to hit the road, but are you confident that your car is in good enough shape to get you there safely and efficiently?

Winter's weather, cold temperatures, and road salt have been hard on your car, so it is likely showing some signs of wear and tear. Spring is the perfect time to bring your car in for a full inspection to identify any minor problems before they become major ones.

Here are some tips to keep your car running safely this spring and summer:

Check your tires.

Your tires are the only point of contact between you and road, so it's important to take care of them. Check the air pressure of all your tires (including the spare), and maintain the optimal pressure as recommended on the placard on the door jam or in your owner's manual. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and for cuts or bruises on the sidewalls and replace them if they are worn or damaged.

Change your oil and oil filter.

Changing your oil and oil filter at the intervals recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual is one of the best ways to keep the engine running trouble free. Neglecting to replace engine oil can result in poor engine performance, and even severe engine damage.

Check all the fluids under the hood.

Check your power steering, brake, and transmission fluids; your windshield washer fluid; and your coolant. If the levels are low, top them up, and flush/replace them as recommended in your owner's manual. Keep in mind that your power steering, brakes and coolant systems are closed, so low fluid levels may indicate a leak.

Check your lighting.

Check all exterior and interior lighting to identify any problems. When your vehicle's lighting is defective, other motorists may not get the message that you intend to stop or turn. The end result could be disastrous.

Check your filters.

Your car has a number of filters that are important to its longevity and should be replaced regularly. Check your engine air filter and your cabin air filter. They're designed to make your engine and you breath healthier.

Replace your wiper blades.

If they're torn or cracked your wiper blades won't do you much good in the middle of unrelenting spring showers when visibility is reduced.

Make vehicle maintenance a priority this spring to protect yourself, enhance fuel economy, and prolong the life of your vehicle!

Check your belts and hoses.

Cold temperatures can harden and/or damage rubber, so it's important to check your belts and hoses for damage. Check your hoses for hardening, softening, leaking, cracks, blistering, or other visual damage, and check your belts for looseness, cracks, frays, or glazing.

Check your battery and charging system.

Cold temperatures can also do a number on your battery, so now is a good time to have it tested and that the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion free. If your battery is more than five years old, you should consider having it replaced before it leaves you stranded.

At CJ's Tire & Automotive, We're Ready When You Are!