Norristown and Team USA !

Sorry that the Diary's been intermittent this week. I've had that stomach bug that's been going around. But before I get on with the activities for the next week, I have a HUGE ANNOUNCMENT. The head coach of the Norristown Dragon Boat Club, Robin Parker, has been selected to coach Team USA's Senior C Women's Dragon Boat Team. Robin will handpick the team from women all around the US, then lead them on to victory at the World Competition in Welland, Canada in August of 2015. And even better, Norristown won't be losing her--she'll continue to be the head coach of our Dragon Boat Club. (In fact, she'll be leading her team into a different kind of competition next week. See the last item below).

A couple more announcements:

Local visual artists can have their work showcased for FREE at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library. If you're interested, contact Asha Verma at 610-278-5100, ext 112.

GNPAL Track Team (for ages 5-18) is kicking off its new season. I got the notice for the open house meeting too late, but if you're still interested, contact Jamaica Mitchell: jamaicamitchell@yahoo.com or at 610-278-8040. Registration ends April 10th, $125 per child, $100 for each additional child. They're looking for volunteer coaches.  Practice starts March 31st at 6 pm at GNPAL, 340 Harding Blvd.

Now, on to the calendar (for more activities, check the Norristown Project calendar in the right column or the Municipal calendar  which now seems to be up and working):

Tonight, "Circle Mirror Transformation" continues at Theatre Horizon at 8 pm. Tickets from $22 to $31. Generous discounts for groups of 8 or more. Call the Box Office at 610-283-2230 or visit www.theatrehorizon.org for more information. Additional performances Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm and Monday at 7:30 pm.

Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 am, you can again Breakfast with the Animals at Elmwood Park Zoo. This week they're "Snacking with the Snakes" (just before St. Patrick comes to drive them away). Guests will enjoy a light continental breakfast buffet among the company of animals from our education collection, then watch as breakfast is prepared for the animals, plus crafts and other activities. Adult $18, children $9; discounts for members. Reservations must be made in advance. Contact the Education department at 610-277-3825, ext 235 or 236.

From 9 to noon Saturday, Certified Enrollment Navigators from the Norristown Regional Heath Center will again provide free assistance with health insurance enrollment at the Norristown Library, 1001 Powell St.

Same day, 10 am, you can get CPR/AED/First Aid Training at GNPAL, 340 Harding Blvd. If interested, call 610-278-8040. $25 per person. Any questions, please contact Ericka Wharton at 610-306-9420.

Orientation for OIC's free Pre-Apprenticeship Program begins Monday, March 10, at 4:30 pm at 1101 Arch Street, and continues Wed, Mar 12 at 10 am. New classes begin March 17th. The program is in partnership with Local Laborers Union and job placement is included!. Call 610-279-9700 for entry requirements. Space is limited. SE HABLA ESPANOL. Funded through a grant from Montgomery County Department of Commerce

On Monday evening at 7 pm, you can attend a free class on Understanding Credit at 208 DeKalb Street. This class is sponsored by Genesis Housing Corporation. Obtain a free credit report from major credit bureaus with scores. Also, learn how to improve your credit score. Registration required, at www.genesishousing.org or call 610-275-4357.

Tuesday at 7 pm is the Municipal Planning Commission Meeting and, hey!, the agenda is already posted!

Seniors looking for something to do Wednesday afternoon can attend the monthly Senior Film Festival at 1 pm at the library, Powell and Swede. This month's film is "Norma Rae,"  based on a novel by Ron Leibman. For info, contact: Mary Motta, 610-278-5100 ext 0, or at mmotta@mclinc.org

Here's an important one for the town: Thursday from 7 to 9 pm, Theatre Horizon, Dekalb and Penn, will host the OUT OF HARM'S WAY FORUM. The forum will address risk factors affecting youth in Norristown--drug use, truancy, violence and safety issues. The event will feature a dramatic presentation and forum for parents, youth and civic leaders to engage one another directly about ways our community can combat these problems together! All are welcome. This is a FREE event but you MUST reserve seats. Visit www.theatrehorizon.org or call the box office at 610-283-2230.

Friday night at 6 pm, you can catch the Spring Gospel Concert at Eisenhower Middle School (Marshall and Selma). Concert will feature the Siloam Baptist Church Praise and Worship Team, Mt. Zion AME Male Chorus, Holy Matrimony and Company, The Voices of the Main Line and vocals by Danavia Williams, Carrie Porter, Lastasha Jackson, Evangelist Wanda Richet, and Minister James Saunders. Admission, $10. For tickets, call 610-270-0467. NO TICKETS will be sold at the door.

Also Friday night, 7 to 9 pm, come to Family Feud Game Night at Casa Bonita International Cuisine (801 DeKalb St). The Norristown Business Association will host this as a monthly event. This month pits the Norristown Council against the Norristown Dragon Boat Club, for bragging rights. The champion will return next month to face the next challenging team. Does Council have enough competitive spirit to beat the Dragon Boaters? Is it even fair, now that we know Robin's Team USA material? Come out and root for your favorite team.