Family Fun, a Block Party, and 2 Nights of Jazz

Everyone seems to have gone into August doldrums, including Blogger, which isn't letting me post photos with my Diary this morning. I'll post them later if it lets me.  In Norristown, the only energy is on the East End, at 216 Cherry Street, and at the Library. No one else seems to be doing anything for Fourth Friday or much of the rest of the weekend. But here are a few things happening around town if you're not stuck in the doldrums, too.

Today (Friday) from 11 am to noon at the Courthouse, you're invited to the Kick Off Event for the Philadelphia Museum Of Art Inside Out Program, followed by a walking tour of 5 of the exhibits.  More info at this link.

Tonight, 6-9 pm at Scag Cottman Park, Family Fun Friday, hosted by Buck Jones in association with Main St. Water Ice for all kids ages 6-13. Movies, food, games and entertainment. More info call 267-774-1694.

Tonight is also Fourth Friday, though the only event I could find for it is at Jazz on Cherry Street (216 Cherry). They're hosting Cedric Napoleon and Friends from 7-10 pm. Tickets $15, available at this link

Saturday from 10 am–2 pm at the Norristown Library. Backpacks and school supplies will be available upstairs in the Children’s Department on a first come, first served basis.

Sunday from 11 am-dusk at Simmons Park (Oak and Arch), Community Block Party. $5 for adults, kids eat free. Double Dutch contest, Tug-o'-war. Volunteers and donations needed.  More info at this link.

Saturday from 7-11 pm, Jazz on Cherry (216 Cherry) will be hosting saxophonist Sam Peake and singer/songwriter Te'Naj and the Expressmen. Tickets $20. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Centre Theater Music School. Cash bar or BYOB. Setups and food available for purchase. For more info contact Jill Adelman at jadelman@vance.us.com or call 610-277-9125 ext 307.

Sunday starting at 7 pm, the FREE Concert in Elmwood Park this week features Norristown's own Verdi Band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Refreshments available at the concession stand.

Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Norristown Public Library, introduction to acting and theater for kids in grades 3-6. For info, contact the Children's Department, 610-278-5100, EXT 205 or ysprmcnpl@yahoo.com

Tuesday at 7:30 pm at Municipal Hall, Council Meeting. No agenda listed yet.

The Library has many more programs this week. Check their calendar at the link in the right column.

Family Fun, Biyaking, More Italian Food, Etc.

Another busy weekend, but the times are staggered so you could get to everything if you wanted to. The weather's going to be great. Get out and enjoy. 

Tonight, 6-9 pm, Family Fun Friday at Scag Cottman Park (Basin & Violet Sts). Movies, food, games and entertainment, for kids ages 6-13. Presented by Buck Jones in association with Main St. Water Ice. For info, call 267-774-1694.

Saturday starting at 8:30 am, BIYAK on the Schuylkill at Riverfront Park. Bike 4 miles from Norristown to Betzwood, Kayak back to Norristown. Bring your own bike. $35 fee includes kayak, paddles, safety equipment and snacks. Participants will learn about the the Revolutionary River and its role in the American, Industrial and Environmental Revolutions. Tickets and info at this link. Prior registration a must.

Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm at the Carson Valley Children's Aid Society (1314 DeKalb St), Norristown Police will be partnering with the Montco Office of Children and Youth in a "Fathers Matter" initiative called "Back To School Kick-off With Dads." They'll be giving away school book bags and other supplies while supplies last. Father or father figure must accompany all kids. Hot dogs, DJ, photos, fun.

Sunday starting at about 2 pm is the 2nd Italian Festival of the summer, indoors at Savior Hall, Airy St between Violet and Walnut. Hosted by the MSS Club. Procession after the 11:30 am mass, then music, pork sandwiches, fried pizza and lots of other food.

Sunday, 7-9 pm, FREE concert at the Elmwood Park Bandshell will feature "Where's Pete" this week. Music: 60's to today. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Refreshments available at concession stand.

Tuesday starting at 6:30 pm, Municipal Council Workshop in Council Chambers. No agenda yet.

You can make reservations now for the August 29 tour of Norristown’s historic Montgomery Cemetery. Tour will highlight and honor those who died in train accidents in the late 19th and early 20th century. Starts at 7 pm. Wine and cheese will be served in the Gatehouse after the tour. Tour cost: $10 per person. Participants must be at least 21. For reservations or more information: 610-272-0297 or info@montgomerycemetery.org.

Registration is now open for the 2015-16 year of classes at ACPPA Community Arts Center (506 Haws Avenue). They offer a variety of dance, music, drama and visual arts courses for kids age 2-13 and for teens and adults, and their prices are lower than you'll find anywhere else in the area.  Go to this link for more information and to register. 

This Weekend Is Packed with Events

August in Norristown means cultural festivals. Between now and early September, you can enjoy Italian, Irish, Mexican and even Egyptian celebrations. Check out Norristown's rich mix of cultures.

Tonight at 5 pm, the first Italian festival of the summer begins at Holy Saviour Club, 436 East Main (across the street from Holy Saviour Church rectory--right down the block from Lou's Sandwich Shop. Park in the church lot across the street and walk down the club's driveway to the lot in back). The festival is 3 days, tonight from 5-11 pm, Saturday from 4-11 pm, and Sunday after the 11:30 am mass and procession (figure about 1:30 pm) until 9 pm. Carnival rides and games, live music, bocce, souvenirs, and best of all, Italian food: roast beef, roast pork (as good as Sessano's), meatballs, and sausage and pepper sandwiches, tomato pie, fried pizza (pizza dough deep fried and coated with sugar). Beer and birch beer on tap, wine plus other beverages. Lots more. No admission to the festival, just pay for food, rides, etc. separately. Go feed your inner Italian.

Tonight at 5:30 pm, End of the Summer Talent Show at Eisenhower Middle School, 1601 Markley. Join Camp Xtreme as they put on a talent show for the community and parents. All members of the community are welcome to attend to see what our children have learned this summer and see what talent they have been practicing. Doors open at 5 pm and there will be a concession stand serving hot dogs and hamburgers.

Also tonight, 6-9 pm, Family Fun Friday at Scag Cottman Park (Basin & Violet Sts). Movies, food, games and entertainment, for kids ages 6-13. Presented by Buck Jones in association with Main St. Water Ice. For info, call 267-774-1694.

Saturday from 8-10 am, come support the Norristown Youth Eagles at their Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast at Applebees Grill, 555 S. Trooper Road. $10 per adult, $7.50 per child.

Sunday at 1 pm, BINGO at Hancock Fire Company, 820 West Airy. Games start at 2pm. $20 to get in, game cards (1 for each game) and door prize entry.

Sunday starting at 4 pm, HairLabb Salon at 1448 Powell is hosting the 365 Success Coaching team in "Soar For More" -- a seminar on fitness, freedom, finances, etc. Economic Wealth Business Overview begins at 5 pm.

Sunday night's FREE concert at the Elmwood Park bandshell this week features Mark Reno, Elvis Impersonator. Food available for purchase at concession stand. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Tuesday at 7 pm, Planning Commission Meeting at Municipal Hall. No agenda yet.

Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm, Norristown Regional Health Fair at the Regional Health Center at 1401 Dekalb, in the clinic's parking lot. Free food, fun, and resources. Face painting, health screenings, and educational materials for the community. For info, contact Kelsey Smyth, Outreach and Enrollment Counselor, 610-270-2817, smythk@dvch.org

Twilight on the River, plus Community Picnics, Parties and More

Tonight from 5:30-7:30 pm, head over to Riverfront Park after work and unwind for a fun and easy paddle along the Schuylkill River. This guided tour will depart Riverfront Park, located in Norristown, at Haws Ave and the river, will feature a history of the river and the roles it played in the American, Industrial, and Environmental Revolutions. The tour will take approximately 1.5 hours with an introduction to paddling for first timers. Open to anyone over 16 years of age. Cost: $30 per person which includes kayak, paddle, PFD (personal flotation device) and tour, or $10 per person if you bring your own kayak, paddle, and PFD. Go to this link for tickets and additional info.

Family Fun Friday tonight at Scag Cottman Park (Basin & Violet Sts) from 6 to 9 pm. Movies, food, games and entertainment, for kids ages 6-13. Presented by Buck Jones in association with Main St. Water Ice. For info, call 267-774-1694.

Also tonight at 7 pm at ACPPA (Haws Ave, in back of Grace Lutheran Church), all are invited to celebrate the creative accomplishments of their Summer ARTS Intensive students. Pay what you wish to enter, but save money to take home some tasty baked goods too.

Saturday, 10 am–noon, Photo ID clinic at the New Life Plaza, 25 E. Marshall Street.

Saturday starting at noon at Simmons Park (Oak St), Appreciation Day. This is a Community Day event. All ages welcome! Basketball games, DJ, Free food and water ice. Hosted by Khalif Wyatt, family and friends.

Also on Saturday, The Norristown Ladies Flag Football League will be hosting a pool party at the George Washington Carver Community Center, Jacoby St. This event is for everyone in our community. Kids will SWIM FREE and there will be free food, beverages, as well as GAMES during this day. For questions, please reach out to Latisha Howell or Ericka Wharton at norristownladiesflagfootball@yahoo.com. (There was no time listed on the notice I saw, so you might want to email and ask.)

Sunday 10 am-1 pm, Coffee Talk Artists Co-op, Open Mic.

Sunday from 2 to 5 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo admission is FREE to Norristown residents. Adults must show ID proof of residency and must accompany children. Go to this link for details.

Sunday through Thurday, 6-8:30 pm, Christ Church, W. Marshall & Noble. Free five evening Vacation Bible Camp for kids aged 4 through 4th grade. All welcome. For more info, call 610-275-3092.

Sunday, 7-9 pm, Flower Power - classic rock. Elmwood Park Bandshell. FREE concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food available at the concession stand.

At last year's Night Out.

Tuesday, 5:30-8:30 pm, National Night Out. Block party for the entire community, hosted by local churches, with the Norristown Police and Fire departments, Municipal Staff and other community organizations. 1300 block of Willow Street. Food, Fun, Games, Music.

Due to the Natonal Night Out, this month's Municipal Council Meeting will be on Wednesday at 7:30 pm, Municipal Hall. No agenda yet.

Thursday from 5:30-7:30 pm, Kids Fair at the Elmwood Park Zoo, hosted by Sen. Daylin Leach and Mercy Suburban Hospital. FREE event but families must RSVP at 610-768-4200 or by email at kidsfair2015@pasenate.com

Next Friday, August 7, 5:30 pm, End of the Summer Talent Show at Eisenhower Middle School, 1601 Markley. Join Camp Xtreme as they put on a talent show for the community and parents! All members of the community are welcome to attend to see what our children have learned this summer and see what talent they have been practicing. Doors open at 5 pm and there will be a concession stand serving hot dogs and hamburgers. Camp Xtreme children eat free! 

FOURTH FRIDAY, Family Fun, and More

The weather is supposed to be beautiful tonight for both Fourth Friday and Family Fun Friday. Get out and enjoy it.

Today is Fourth Friday Downtown. Come for the food and the arts or enjoy a relaxing game of Spades. Here's the schedule:

Noon - 2 pm, Courthouse Square - Food and other vendors with fun lunchtime activities. Brush up on your golf putting, play a quick game of chess or paint a masterpiece with friends (group painting), PLUS see children from the ACPPA Community Art Center perform selections from their upcoming production at Theater Horizon at 1:10 pm!

5 - 7 pm, Sessano Cafe & Deli (corner of Airy and Swede) - Award winning sandwiches meets Group Art Painting. Come out to create your own masterpiece. ($7 admission for painting workshop)

7 - 10 pm, Jazz on Cherry Street (216 Cherry) The impeccable sounds of Saxophonist Mike Clay as he leads his Jazz Ensemble with Straight Ahead and Contemporary Jazz to soothe your soul! (Tickets $15 at this link.)

8-10 pm, Jus' Java (317 Swede) - Open Mic. Café food, gourmet coffee. No cover charge.

8-10 pm, also at Jus' Java – Spades Tournament. Are you interested in playing spades? If you love to play cards, you'll have a good time. Come out and compete in the spades tournament.

8-11 pm, Salsa on Cherry Street (216 Cherry, upstairs) – Salsa lessons from 8-9 pm, salsa dancing from 9 -11 pm ($7 Admission)

Also, as usual, it's Family Fun Friday tonight at Scag Cottman Park (Basin & Violet Sts) from 6 to 9 pm. Movies, food, games and entertainment for kids ages 6-13. Presented by Buck Jones in association with Main St. Water Ice. For info, call 267-774-1694.

This weekend the Ancient Order of Hibernians are meeting at a local convention and on Saturday at 4 pm, a special Irish mass will be held at St Patrick's Church (Dekalb and Chestnut). Come if you want to see Irish pageantry, bagpipes and all.

Sunday afternoons, Jus' Java is still hosting their weekly Acoustic Open Mic. If you would like to sign up, message "Nick Filone" or "Jus Java Music" on Facebook. Or, just stop by and play.

Sunday night's FREE Concert in the Park this week features British Invasion - 60's British and American Music. 7 pm-9 pm. Elmwood Park bandshell. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food available for purchase.

Monday - Friday from 6-8 pm, Norristown Youth Eagles registration, at the field. 484-429-9330 or email norristownyoutheagles@gmail.com

Tuesday night at 7 pm at Municipal Hall. Zoning Board Hearing. Agenda can be found at this link.

Tuesday from 7-9 pm at the Historical Society of Montgomery County (1654 Dekalb),  local historian and author Michael Tolle will discuss his newest book "They've Been Down So Long...". Copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing. This program is free and open to the public. Contact Karen Wolfe, Executive Director 610-272-0297 or contact@hsmcpa.org

Wednesday at 3 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo will hold a "Keeper Chat" on Facebook. Go to this link at that time and one of their lead keepers will answer all of your questions about the Zoo's newest residents, the red pandas.

Wednesday from 6-7:30 pm at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library (1001 Powell St), join Norristown Police Dept. for their Monthly Community Meeting. This time they'll be introducing one of our community engagement tools: Nextdoor, an online social network for you, your neighbors and your community. Personal note: Quite a few residents in our community (including me) already use Nextdoor to discuss community issues and keep up on neighborhood events. I'm thrilled that the NPD is joining Nextdoor. This is a great way to reach residents who just can't get out to meetings (like me right now). Looking forward to meeting more residents through Nextdoor in the coming weeks.

Lots of other events at the Zoo and Library. Check out their Facebook and web pages for more details.

Family Fun, Coffee With A Cop and More This Week

Tonight and every Friday from 6-9 pm at Scag Cottman Park, Basin & Violet Sts, Buck Jones in association with Main St. Water Ice presents Family Fun Fridays. For all kids ages 6-13. Movies, food, games and entertainment, more info, call 267-774-1694. Bring your family out and enjoy the nice weather.

Saturday from 2-5 pm, starting at Riverfront Park, 1 Haws Ave., The Norristown Project (TNP) needs volunteers to clean up the Norristown portion of the Schuylkill River Trail. The project will begin at 2 pm near the Haws Avenue entrance of the trail and conclude at 5 pm near the bridge over US-202. Volunteers of all ages are needed to clean up trash/debris, cut back weeds, and remove graffiti. TNP will also create a pop-up drink and cooling station for bikers and runners passing by. Setting up a cooling station and tracking data of how many people were served can create a conversation of the need for an investor to purchase the abandoned retail store. The goal of this project is to promote development on Norristown’s portion of the Schuylkill River Trail and add beauty to the community. For more information, contact Shae Ashe, sashe@montcooic.org.

Southern Edge

Norristown.org lists a Gospel Concert at the bandshell on Saturday from 4-6 pm, but I haven't seen it listed elsewhere.

Sunday at 7 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, the FREE Concert Series in the Park will feature Southern Edge, who play country music and southern rock. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Refreshments available.

Tuesday morning from 8-10 am at Dunkin Donuts, Logan Square (corner of Markley and Johnson Hwy) - Coffee With A Cop. Join your neighbors and police officer for some coffee and conversation. No agenda, no speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers. More info call 610-270-0490.

Tuesday starting at 6:30 pm, Municipal Council meeting at Municipal Hall. No agenda yet

Thursday evening starting at 5:30 pm at Norristown Farm Park (Whitehall entrance). ACPPA Fun Run 4 Art. The Fun Run 4 Art is a beautiful weeknight run through farm fields and shady creek-side woods. Competitive and fun! Full array of awards and prizes! Register at this link. Proceeds benefit ACPPA Art Center.

Remember, next Friday the 24th is Fourth Friday Downtown. Here's the tentative schedule:

Noon - 2 pm, Courthouse Square - Food and other vendors with fun lunchtime activities. Brush up on your golf putting, play a quick game of chess or paint a masterpiece with friends (group painting), PLUS see children from the ACPPA Community Art Center perform selections from their upcoming production at Theater Horizon at 1:10 pm!

5 - 7 pm, Sessano Cafe & Deli (corner of Airy and Swede) - Award winning sandwiches meets Group Art Painting. Come out to create your own masterpiece. ($7 admission for painting workshop)

7 - 10 pm, Jazz on Cherry Street (216 Cherry) The impeccable sounds of Saxophonist Mike Clay as he leads his Jazz Ensemble with Straight Ahead and Contemporary Jazz to soothe your soul! (Tickets $15 at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-on-cherry-street-4th-fridays-featuring-the-mike-clay-jazz-ensemble-tickets-17731962778)

8 - 10 pm, Jus' Java (317 Swede) - Open Mic. Café food, gourmet coffee. No cover charge.

8 - 10 pm, also at Jus' Java – Spades Tournament. Are you interested in playing spades? If you love to play cards, you'll have a good time. Come out and compete in the spades tournament.

8 - 11 pm, Salsa on Cherry Street (216 Cherry, upstairs) – Salsa lessons from 8-9 pm, salsa dancing from 9 -11 pm ($7 Admission)