ECLIPSE! and other events this week

Theater, a movie and a once-in-a-decade eclipse viewing for the kids this week (and any adults like me who think eclipses are cool). Plus members of Council will be out and about listening again, and the N-twon Chamber of Commerce will show you what's planned for downtown.

Friday, August 18, "Hero School" continues at Theatre Horizon, an interactive play for children and their parents. Performances at 5, 6:15, and 7:30 pm. Only 30 seats per performance. Hero School will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through August 27. This weekend's performances Saturday at 10 am, 11:15, 1:30 pm, 2:45. Sunday at 2 pm, 3:15, 5:30 and 6:45. Tickets at this link.  FREE tickets are available for Norristown families at this link.

Saturday, 10 am, Centre Theater's Kids' Movie presentation will be "Frozen." FREE. For more information and to reserve your seats, please send an email to centretheater@gmail.com. Since seating is limited, we recommend making reservations.

Saturday at 10 am at Coffee Talk, 507 W Marshall, Heather Lewis, the 2nd District Councilwomen will be on hand to speak with residents.

Saturday, 7-8:30 pm at Montgomery Cemetery. The Historical Society of Montgomery County will be offering a twilight tour entitled "Symbols of the Cemetery." Discover the meaning of symbols on the tombstones and the history behind them. $15 per person includes the tour, refreshments and presentation. RSVP 610-272-0297 or contact@hsmcpa.org.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green). Hal Aaron performs.

Sunday, starting about 1:30 pm (after the noon mass) in the basement of St. Patrick's Church (Dekalb and Chestnut). Irish Festival with food and music.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, Summer Concert Series presents the Whiskeyhickon Boys (classic sounds). Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Concession stand will be open.

Monday is the solar eclipse. The optimal time for viewing it in Norristown is 2:43 pm (when 80% of the sun will be blocked by the moon), but it will last from about 1:20-4 pm. Two places in town (below) will hold Eclipse Viewing events (if it's a sunny day). If you can't make either or if it's cloudy in the afternoon, check out the NASA website at this link to find a livestream of it between noon and 4 pm. Whatever you do, DO NOT look directly at the sun without approved glasses.

Monday, 1:30-4 pm, Norristown Library (Powell and Swede). Solar Eclipse Comes to Norristown. Cliff Hirst will help you safely observe the eclipse and explain how and why eclipses happen. For info, contact Cliff Hirst at 610-278-5100, x 0 or cliffhirstmnl@gmail.com.

Monday, 2-3 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). View the Partial Social Eclipse from one of Norristown's highest points. FREE event. Elena Santangelo (yeah, me) will answer questions about the eclipse and explain the science. The Norristown Preservation Society will have safe cardboard box viewers and a telescope viewer for anyone who wants to stop by and see the partial eclipse. Or bring a box at least the size of a copy paper box and they'll help you make a viewer. Family friendly event.

Tuesday, 6-7:30 pm at the Norristown Library. Norristown Chamber of Commerce will mix, mingle, then listen to Tom Bonner, Capital Projects Program Director for Montgomery County, discuss the Montgomery County Campus Redevelopment Plan which consists of six projects in downtown Norristown including a 220 million dollar Justice Center, and renovating and expanding Hancock Square park. RSVP to this link. Food provided by Banh Mi Bar & Bistro.

Tuesday, 7 pm at Municipal Hall. Zoning Board Hearing.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm on East Main in front of the Courthouse. Norristown Farmers Market. Every Thursday through Oct 26. Variety of fruits and vegetables, farm fresh, plus a new vendor with baked goods (even gluten-free).

Thursday, 6 pm, Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb). Council Listening Tour again. This time about economic development. Bring your smartphone or a pen.

Next Saturday, Aug 26, from 11 am-3 pm in front of 401 Dekalb. The Willow School will celebrate its first 5 years with a block party.

Next Sunday, Aug 27, 10 am-noon, Coffee With A Cop at Selma Mansion. More details next week.