Don't Let The Snow and Cold Stop You

I apologize for no Diary yesterday. I had an early appointment that lasted longer than I expected, but I had a chance to drive around the north end a bit. Oddly enough, small streets like Locust were clearer than main routes like Fornance. Harding Boulevard was good, I suppose because it's the detour for Markley. Coolidge looked as if it had never been plowed or salted at all (I'd think streets that have a school on them would be a priority).

But, if you can get around in the next week, there's plenty to do.

From now until Thursday the 30th, NAHS Cheerleaders  are selling Pretzel Trays for Super Bowl Sunday. A tray of nuggets and mustard dip is only $25 (regular price $30). Trays can be picked up Feb 2 from 11 am to 3 pm at The Pretzel Factory, 132 W. Main St. Call to order, 610-278-6049. Help out the cheerleaders AND an N-town business.

Today from 1 to 2 pm, Theatre Horizon will present their 2nd "Mommy and Me," an interactive book club for preschoolers and their moms. Read the stories along with out storyteller and use boxes of costumes and props to bring the story to life. Each class focuses on a different book. $15 per class, or you can register for the remaining 7 classes.

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Friday is Jus' Java's Acoustic Open Mic night, 7 to 10 pm, for musicians and vocalists of all skill levels. BYOB event. Jus' Java is located at Dekalb and Brown Sts. Please check in at the front counter for details.

 On Saturday morning, 10 am to noon, New Life Internet Cafe (25 E Marshall) will host a Photo ID Clinic. If you need help obtaining a photo ID and other identity documents for job applications, housing, bank accounts, medical services, etc., you should come. New Life can also help with 2011-2013 tax returns and applications for SNAP, LiHEAP, PACE, PACENET and FAFSA through The Benefit Bank (free). Email happytail@cavtel.net for more info.

Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30 pm, ACPPA Community Art Center (506 Haws Ave) is hosting "Keeping it Klassy." (As a former middle school teacher and girl scout leader, I LOVE this idea.)  4th and 5th grade GIRLS are invited to attend this FREE event focusing on learning to love themselves and become community leaders through art. Each girl attending is asked to bring a snack to share and their favorite pillow or blanket to hang out on.  RSVP by Friday the 24th at info@acppa.net, or call 610-277-2270.

Saturday from 9 pm to midnight (correct time--error on the TNP calendar), Zachary BBQ at 1709 Markley St. presents another ChefSoul Saturday, an Atlanta-inspired “uptown down south feel” where guests enjoy small plates, barbecue, small-batch bourbon and more. This is an MLK-inspired event. The admission price is $25 (call 610-272-1800 for a reservation). If you haven't tried Zachary's food yet, you're in for a treat. For further information visit: http://www.zacharysbbq.com/ .

Sunday, 2pm – 4pm, Montgomery County OIC (1101 Arch St) will hold an information session for their annual Spring Break College Tour.  $25 deposit required to hold space. Limited scholarships available. The tentative price is $350, all inclusive. For information, call 610-279-9700

Tuesday, Jan 28th at 3 pm, a Norristown Action Team Meeting will be held by Schuykill River Towns at BartonPartners Architects Planners at 700 E. Main St. I have to admit, I'm intrigued by this. "Schuylkill River Towns" is a Facebook page whose contact website is a Eastwick Marketing. According to Robin Parker of the Dragon Boat Club, Eastwick received a grant from the Penn Foundation to help several community's revitalize the banks along the river and Schuylkill river trail. In Norristown, the short term goals is signage and bathrooms. The meeting is open to all residents and businesses (though 3 pm seems an odd time to expect many residents or businesses to attend).

Also, Tuesday night at 7 pm is the monthly Zoning Hearing Board Meeting. No agenda posted yet.

Thursday, January 30, 5 to 7 pm, ACPPA Community Art Center invites business professionals from the greater Norristown community to a Business Mixer. Tell them what you want to see happen in your community in the coming year and learn how the art center can help grow your business. Members of our Business Partnership Program will be automatically entered to win a Visa Gift Card. Stop by for a quick drink and some munchies. Plenty of off-street parking. ACPPA is located on the lower level of Grace Lutheran Church. Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 29th at info@acppa.net, or call 610-277-2270.

For more events, check out the Norristown Community Calendar, a collaboration between The Norristown Project and the Norristown CTC.