8 FREE EVENTS, for kids, teens, adults

Friday, March 9, 7-9 pm, Theatre Horizon, 401 Dekalb. PowerNet. A FREE Youth Empowerment Event that will highlight voter registration, college planning, job skill development, and networking. The latter part of the event will also feature an Artist Showcase; featuring young local poets and musicians that have committed to share and celebrate the positive vibe of the event. For info, 215-668-7100 or email radioconsortium@gmail.com.

Saturday, Noon-2 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. "Blanket & A Book." A FREE book and blanket for the first 50 families. Sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Omega chapter. For families and kids of all ages. Come and celebrate family and share fantastic books for children that feature characters, authors, and illustrators of color.  Drop in. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 610-278-5100 x 205 for info.

Saturday, 7 pm, Centre Theatre (208 Dekalb). JT Presents Catch A Vibe. Hip Hop, Spoken Word, Open Mic.

Tuesday, 2-3 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. St. Patrick's Day Party! Can you find a four leaf clover? If not, come into the Children’s Dept and make one to take home. Wear your green and have some Irish fun. For kids in grades K-6. Drop in. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 610-278-5100 x 205 for info.

Tuesday, 6:30-7:45 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room. Parsley: The Amazing Herb. Learn about how to enjoy--and grow--this underrated herb. Join herb enthusiast Jane Irvin for a demonstration and talk about parsley, the hidden gem of the kitchen. You’ll learn about parsley’s varieties, its special health benefits, and its folklore. Jane is sure to change your mind about leaving parsley behind on your plate. It’s easy to grow in the garden or even in the house. Contact Asha Verma, 610-278-5100 x0 or averma@mclinc.org.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Planning Commission meeting. Also, a special Zoning Board hearing, same night and time. I assume one will be in Council Chambers and the other in the Conference Room. The Zoning agenda is at this link.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room. Mary's Matinee. Enjoy a free movie in our boardroom the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Our very own Mary carefully selects a new-release film for your viewing pleasure. This showing: "Brad's Status." Drop in. Contact Mary Motta, 610-278-5100 x111 or mmotta@mclinc.org.

Thursday, 10 am-noon, 7-Eleven at 708 E Johnson Hwy. Coffee With A Cop (rescheduled from last week).

Next Saturday, March 17, 1:30-4 pm, Montgomery County OIC, 2nd Floor, 1101 Arch St. Educate to Advocate: A Drug and Alcohol Prevention Project. FREE event, open to all ages. Panel discussion, focus group, and presentation by Philly Young Playwrights. Lunch and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call (610) 279-9700.

Next Saturday, 2 pm at Norristown Library Community Room (Powell and Swede, 1st floor). Due to bad weather last week, the FREE screening and Q&A of the documentary film BLACK BALLERINA was rescheduled. 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. 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. (Note from Elena: I've seen this film and it's amazing. Definitely worth seeing. I'll be there, and I'm bringing pretzels for anyone who shows up!)