Pick Your Next Voting Machine, plus FREE Music, Movies and More

I know I don't usually post events outside Norristown (mainly because we have so many events here, I don't have room to expand the area), but this weekend, I included an open house at the Community College on Saturday for all county voters to give opinions on possible new voting machines. This year's election is vitally important, so come and participate, and choose wisely for the sake of our state and country.

Friday, 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb). This weekend is your last chance to see "The Revolutionists." Other performances are Saturday at 3 pm and 8 pm. (All 3 shows have limited availability at both, so call now). For the full schedule, go to this link.

Saturday, 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Montgomery County Community College, 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell in the Health Science Center, Main Gym. VOTING MACHINE OPEN HOUSE. This year, our county will be purchasing new voting machines and this is an open house to get public opinions. Voting machine vendors will be on site with machines that have been certified, or are currently in the process of being certified, for use in Pennsylvania. They will hold a public forum to outline the process for replacing our current voting machine system and give our residents an opportunity to offer brief public comment. Following the public comment period, residents will be able to view, test, and provide feedback on the various voting machines on-site. Want a say in how secure and easy your voting process is? Show up tomorrow.

Saturday, 11 am-noon at Norristown Public Library (1001 Powell). Celebrate Black History Month with the uplifting and empowering rhythms of live Gospel and R&B. The Liberty Trio features local musicians Sam Baker (vocals), Kent Grantham (guitar), and Harvey Perry (piano) will perform. FREE. Contact Asha Verma 610-278-5100, x112 or averma@mclinc.org.

Saturday, 7 pm, Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Herman Bruning in concert.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distillery (Main and Green). Jazz 180 performs.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Zoning Board Hearing? Your guess is as good as mine. It's listed as "cancelled due to no items on the agenda" but then an agenda is attached with 3 items, one of which is a continuance for a duplex at 213 Haws (so you'd think they'd have to do that or it might automatically get approved) and the other is for the Municipal Building itself to put up a 7'2" animated sign out front (I could think of better uses for my taxes, like, fix the potholes). Makes you wonder if the "cancelled" notice is to make sure no one shows up to protest. Agenda at this link.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Norristown Public Library Board Room (Powell and Swede, 2nd floor). Mary's Matinee. "Victoria & Abdul.” Drop in. Contact Mary Motta 610-278-5100, x111 or mmotta@mclinc.org.

Wednesday, 4:30-6 pm, First Presbyterian Church, Airy and Dekalb. Volunteer Tutor Orientation. Find out all about volunteer tutoring for adults needing help with reading, writing, math, GED preparation or English as a Second Language. Orientation provided by the Literacy Council of Norristown, which outlines details of the tutoring process. Attendance at a future Tutor Training Workshop will prepare the volunteer for the opportunity. For info, go to www.LcnLit.org or contact Theresa Oliver 610-292-8515 or executive.director@lcnlit.org.

Next Saturday, March 3rd, 2 pm at Norristown Library Community Room (Powell and Swede, 1st floor). BLACK BALLERINA: FREE Screening and Q&A of the Documentary Film. Black Ballerina tells the story of black women from different generations who fell in love with ballet, and stimulates a fresh discussion about race, inclusion and opportunity across all sectors of American society. Producer/Director Frances McElroy will be on-hand for a Q& A discussion after the viewing of the 57 minute film. She's a 2009 Pew Fellow in the Arts and 2010 Leeway Foundation Transformation Awardee. BLACK BALLERINA is produced by Shirley Road Productions and distributed by American Public Television. Door prizes, too, and the Friends of the Library will provide refreshments. For info, contact Asha Verma at 610-278-5100 x112 or averma@mclinc.org. (Note from Elena: I've seen this film and it's amazing. Definitely worth seeing. I'll be there.)

Also next Saturday, 2-3 pm in the Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department (2nd floor). Dr. Seuss' Birthday Celebration. Create your own Cat In the Hat thinking cap. How high can you stack the Cat's hats contest. Create your own Which Pet Should I Get? pet. And 2 very special guest readers ~ Crandall Jones, Norristown Municipal Administrator, and Valerie Scott Cooper, Councilwoman for the 3rd District. For kids of all ages. Drop in. For info, call 610-278-5100 x 205.

Black History Films, President's Day Crafts, History of Breweries, and More

HAPPY Chinese New Year everyone. Fun fact, Norristown has 9 restaurant/take-out places that serve Chinese food.

Friday, February 16th, 6-8 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church Gym 113 E. Airy. Norristown Rec presents Winter Olympic Carnival & Valentine Game Night. Olympics in the gym, Valentine crafts in the arts room. Snack of the night is soft pretzels and ice cream. FREE.

Friday, 2-3 pm, Norristown Public Library Youth Services Dept. Presidential Celebration. Celebrate President’s Day by making a “cent-sational” craft, along with other festive activities. For kids in grades K-6. Drop in. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x 205.

Friday, 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb). "The Revolutionists" continues. Other performances this week are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 3 pm (the whole weekend has limited availability at both, so call now), and Wednesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 pm. The play will run through February 25 (next weekend). For the full schedule, go to this link.

Saturday, 1-7 pm, Mt Zion AME Church (1312 Willow). Black History Month Film Festival. Sponsored by the Greater Norristown NAACP. FREE and open to the public.

Saturday, 2-3:30 pm at Norristown Library (1001 Powell). Saturday Book Club. The selection this month is "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman. Copies of the book are available at the Front Desk. Stop by the Front Desk or call to register. Asha Verma 610-278-5100 x 0 or averma@mclinc.org.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distillery (Main and Green). Alex O'Brien performs.

Monday ~ Municipal Offices and Library closed for the holiday.

Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Municipal Hall. Council workshop meeting.

Thursday, 6:30-7:30 pm, Historical Society of Montgomery County, 1654 DeKalb. Brewing historian Rich Wagner will highlight the many breweries that operated along the Schuylkill River like the Scheidt Brewery in Norristown as well as other breweries in Montgomery County from the Schuylkill's headwaters to "America's Oldest Brewery" in Pottsville. Social begins at 6:30 pm with the presentation at 7 pm. FREE and open to the public.

Next Saturday, February 24, 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Montgomery County Community College, 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell in the Health Science Center, Main Gym. Voting Machine Open House. This year, our county will be purchasing new voting machines and they want public opinions first. Voting machine vendors will be on site with machines that have been certified, or are currently in the process of being certified, for use in Pennsylvania. They will hold a public forum to outline the process for replacing our current voting machine system and give our residents an opportunity to offer brief public comment. Following the public comment period, residents will be able to view, test, and provide feedback on the various voting machines on-site. Want a say in how secure and easy your voting process is? Show up.

Next Saturday, 11 am-noon at Norristown Public Library (1001 Powell). Celebrate Black History Month with the uplifting and empowering rhythms of live Gospel and R&B. The Liberty Trio features local musicians Sam Baker (vocals), Kent Grantham (guitar), and Harvey Perry (piano). FREE. Contact Asha Verma 610-278-5100, x112 or averma@mclinc.org.

Next Saturday, 7 pm, Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Herman Bruning in concert.

Art, Music, Theater, Black History Programs, Tax Prep~most FREE

Scads of activities this week for children and adults.

Friday, February 9, 7-9 pm, Norristown Area High School Art Rooms. "Painting With A Purpose." Hosted by the National Art Honors Society and Parent Faculty Club. Step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful artwork. Open to families and the public. $35/person. Register at this link. Contact NAHSpfc@gmail.com for info.

Friday, 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb). "The Revolutionists" continues. Other performances this week are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 3 pm (limited availability at both, so call now), and Monday and Thursday nights at 7:30 pm. The play will run through February 25. For the full schedule, go to this link.

Saturday, 9 am-2 pm, BB&T Bus at 113 E Main. FREE Tax Prep. Hosted by Genesis Housing Corp.

Saturday, 10-noon, New Life Internet Cafe (19 W Marshall). Photo ID Clinic. Info at 610-945-6398.

Saturday, 4 pm, St. Patrick's Church (Dekalb and Chestnut) welcomes the New Vision Gospel Choir from Philadelphia. They'll perform at afternoon mass to celebrate the contributions of the Black and African American members of the parish in honor of Black History month. Visitors welcome. (I've heard them ~ they're really good.) FREE.

Saturday, 8-11 pm at August Moon. Second Saturday Jazz features Conjunto Philadelphia. Doors open at 7 pm. $15.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distillery (Main and Green).  Somewhat Civil performs. No cover.

Tuesday, 6-7 pm, Montgomery County OIC, 2nd Floor, 1101 Arch. 2nd information session for Spring Break College Tour. $100 deposit is due on this date to hold your space. Total cost of the tour is $450, all inclusive. For more information, call (610) 279-9700.


Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Planning Commission Hearing.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Norristown Public Library Board Room (2nd floor, Powell and Swede). Mary's Matinee. Come in out of the cold and watch a FREE heart-warming movie. This showing: "Home Again." Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta, 610-278-5100, x111, or mmotta@mclinc.org.

Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 pm, Norristown Public Library Youth Services Dept (2nd floor). Valentine Fun. Create beautiful valentines for your friends and family. Paper, stamps, ink, and other materials supplied. For kids in grades K-6. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Wednesday, 5-7 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green). Valentine's Dinner by Butler Catering. Salad and bread sticks, Surf and Turf, Oreo Cheesecake. $40 per person. For tickets, call 484-288-0982.

Next Friday, February 16th, 6-8 pm, 1st Presbyterian Church Gym 113 E. Airy. Norristown Rec presents Winter Olympic Carnival and Valentine Game Night. Olympics in the gym, Valentine crafts in the arts room. Snack of the night is soft pretzels and ice cream. FREE.

Next Friday, 2-3 pm, Norristown Public Library Youth Services Dept. Presidential Celebration. Celebrate President’s Day by making a “cent-sational” craft, along with other festive activities. For kids in grades K-6. Drop in. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Next Saturday, Feb 17, 1-7 pm, Mt Zion AME Church (1312 Willow). Black History Month Film Festival. Sponsored by the Greater Norristown NAACP. FREE and open to the public.

Theater, Concerts, and FREE Programs

Norristown is finally coming out of winter hibernation. If you are too, you'll find concerts, theater, and FREE programs and services around town in the next week. So don't crawl back into your hole if you see your shadow.

Friday, February 2, 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb). "The Revolutionists" continues. Other performances this week are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 3 pm, and Tuesday at 6:30 pm, which is Norristown Night. Residents can call the box office at 610-283-2230 for FREE tickets (limit of 4 per order). The play will run through February 25. For the full schedule, go to this link.

Saturday, 4 pm, Theis Temple Church, 535 E Marshall. Greater Norristown NAACP Youth Chapter presents "I Believe In Music" Freedom Concert to celebrate Black History Month. FREE admission. A free-will donation will be taken.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distillery (Main and Green). Peggy Kellar performs.

Sunday, 1-4 pm, Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Open Mic.

Sunday, 2-5 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo. Residents of Norristown Borough that present valid photo ID may enter the zoo FREE of charge.

Sunday, 3 pm, Centre Theater (208 Dekalb). Bach to Beatles string concert. FREE.

Monday, 6-7:30 pm, Eisenhower School Gym. Registration begins for little league baseball in the Connie Mack League (ages 12-16 as of May 1).

Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Municipal Hall. Council meeting.

Next Saturday, Feb 10, 9 am-2 pm, BB&T Bus at 113 E Main. FREE Tax Prep. hosted by Genesis Housing Corp.

Also next Saturday, 10-noon, New Life Internet Cafe (19 W Marshall). Photo ID Clinic. Info at 610-945-6398.

Next Saturday, 4 pm, St. Patrick's Church (Dekalb and Chestnut) welcomes the New Vision Gospel Choir from Philadelphia. They'll perform at afternoon mass to celebrate the contributions of the Black and African American members of the parish in honor of Black History month. Visitors welcome.

Next Saturday, 8-11 pm at August Moon. Second Saturday Jazz features Conjunto Philadelphia. Doors open at 7 pm. $15.

Happy Ground Hogs Day. Winter's half over.