Craft Fair, Theater, FREE stuff

Chilly weather has arrived, reminding us that the holidays are coming up, which means food and clothing drives as well as crafts for Thanksgiving and beyond. You can start dropping off non-perishable food items for the annual Lt. Patty Simmons Food Drive this week at Municipal Hall, Five Saints Distilling, Norristown Library, Piazza Family Market (247 Lafayette) or Police and Fire Depts around Montgomery County. Crafts can be found at Selma Mansion's Craft Fair on Saturday, or make some of your own at the library next Friday.

Friday, November 10, Municipal offices will be closed (for Veterans Day).

Friday and Saturday, 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm at Centre Theater. "Sweet Charity" by the King of Prussia Players continues. Will run weekends through Nov 19. Info at this link. 

Saturday, 9 am-3:30 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy) Norristown Preservation Society's Annual Holiday Craft Fair, featuring gifts and decorations for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other December holidays, such as jewelry, candles, homemade items, candy, bath items, baked goods, and more. Raffle baskets. Santa! Historical Harmonies will sing carols (and maybe some drinking songs!) from 10 am to noon. The event is free and open to the public. All profits from the sale of vendor spaces go towards the restoration and maintenance of Selma Mansion.

Saturday, 11 am-1 pm at Cecil and Grace Soup Kitchen, 521 Church St. A November to Remember Event. Healthy hot lunch, warm hats, gloves, and socks (adults and kids) as well as hot chocolate, FREE. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha, Advocates Against Hunger and Einstein Medical Center.

Saturday, 8 pm-midnight at Five Saints Distillery (E Main and Green Sts.). Brian Horoho will perform.

Monday, 4 pm and 7 pm, Eisenhower School, Markley and Coolidge. 2018-19 NASD Budget Process Forum. Come participate in the process of setting the schools budget for next year. Learn how your schools get funded. Attend either session.

Tuesday (and all Tuesdays in November), 6-7:45 pm, Norristown Library. Career Workshops. Local career coach Lynn Carroll will share her expertise and enthusiasm with you in a series of workshops that will be helpful to job seekers at all skill levels and in all industries. This week Tell Your Story.  Info at this link. 

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

Wednesday, 5-8 pm, Municipal Hall. Public Hearing for Septa Regional Rail to King of Prussia. 5-6 pm Open house and refreshments, 6 pm presentation, 6-8 pm, public comment.

Thursday, 6-8 pm at Municipal Hall, Council Chambers. Law Enforcement Explorers Program Open House for students ages 14-20. Come learn about a career in law enforcement. Questions: Captain Rich Clowser, NPD, at 610-270-0496 or rclowser@norristown.org.

Next Friday, November 17, 11 am- 1 pm at Norristown Library. Make your very own Thanksgiving table decoration from local, natural materials. Artist Gary Fischer will help you make your own table decoration with locally-sourced natural materials including dried leaves, vines, grasses, seed pods and beautiful bittersweet. We'll provide everything you need. Call or drop by the Front Desk to register. SPACES ARE LIMITED. Contact Cliff Hirst, 610-278-5100 x0, cliffhirstmnl@gmail.com.

Next Friday, 5-8:30 pm and Saturday, 10 am-8 pm, St. Patrick's Church Christmas Bazaar. Plan to come for a meal of homemade soul food and Mexican food. Silent auction and raffle baskets. Santa! Dancers at 6:30 pm Friday, Carolers at 1 pm Saturday, plus other entertainment.

A month from now, on Wednesday, December 13, the Lt. Patty Simons Food Drive will be gathering at Elmwood Park Zoo and they'll need volunteers anytime between 8 am-11 pm to help collect, sort, and box donated nonperishable goods for this years drive. Heated tents, food and a DJ will make the volunteer time enjoyable. Please come and help.

N-Town Heats Up (with Theater, Music, Food, Reading, etc.)

Summer weather will FINALLY arrive this weekend and N-Town has plenty of events indoor and outdoor, that you can enjoy.

Friday, June 9, 7 pm at Stewart Middle School (1315 W Marshall). Stewart's Got Talent ~ Free talent show. Raffles, cash prizes, and refreshments available. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Friday, 8 pm at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), the King of Prussia Players production of "Chicago" opens. $25 adults, $15 children under 13 and seniors over 64. The show will run weekends, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm, through June 25. Tickets and info at www.kofpplayers.com  Also August Moon is offering 10% discount to all ticket holders before or after the shows.

Saturday, 10 am-2 pm at the parking lot at Dekalb and Airy. Community/ Police Meet and Greet. K9s, law enforcement equipment, food and much more. Meet the PA State Police and Norristown Police. For the whole family.

Saturday, noon-4 pm at the Carver Center (249 Jacoby). Carver Car Wash Fundraiser. For a $10 dollar donation get your car clean and help the Carver keep the kids swimming.

Saturday, 7:30 pm at Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Open Stage hosted by songwriter performer Jim Moore.

Saturday (no time given) at Diva's Kitchen (9 W Main). Mystery Dinner, "Lovers and Friends," by SlimTheWriter Productions. $20 includes dinner and raffles. BYOB. Stop by for tickets. Info at 484-674-7967.

Saturday, noon-7 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green) announces the opening of their Firehouse Kitchen, with Firehouse Memphis BBQ Ribs, Apple Cider Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Cornbread, Memphis Style BBQ Sauce on the side. Also at Five Saints that night from 8-11 pm, "Brick" performs.

Sunday, noon at Christ United Church of Christ (W Marshall and Noble). Little Free Library dedication. Little Free Libraries are small cabinets of books accessible to pedestrians who are asked to "Take a Book, Leave a Book," to encourage literacy in the neighborhood. This will be Norristown's 1st LFL.

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

Monday, 6 pm at the Norristown Library. the Norristown Citizens Athletic Alliance open discussion on the findings presented to the NASD school board in May. For info, email NorristownCAA@gmail.com

Monday, 6:30 pm at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (2 W Lafayette). Embracing the Consequences. FREE Program on Substance Abuse: Treatment vs. Punishment. For 13 and over. Register at this link.

Tuesday, 2-3:30 pm at the Norristown Library. Great Books Group. Get out of the heat wave and join a discussion of this month’s classic, “Fahrenheit 451” Ray Bradbury. Contact Shirley Miller 610-272-4179 for info.

Tuesday, 7 pm at Municipal Hall. Planning Commission Hearing. This is the Final Plan Review for 1529 Dekalb (Tennis Club development-34 townhouses on a tiny piece of land).

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.

Thursday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, Summer Concert Series presents their 2nd International Night concert with Mexican Mariachi Pedro. Bring a chair or blanket.

Thursday, 7 pm at CADCOM (113 E Main). Film "Daddy Don't Go" presented by the Fatherhood Empowerment Center for Father's Day. RSVP kbone@cadcom.org

Next Saturday, June 17, 11 am-1 pm at Riverfront Park. Introduction to Dragon boating for Breast Cancer Survivors. Come learn why dragon boating is good for you. RSVP info@dragonboatclub.org.

Next Saturday, noon-3 pm at Greater Norristown PAL (340 Harding Blvd). Norristown Youth Rally. Games, Face Painting, Live Music, Free Food. Dozens of area organizations.

Next Saturday, 12:30-2 pm at the Historical Society (1654 Dekalb). FREE program: "Slim The Lineman" presented by J. Michael Morrison. The story of Leslie W. Morrison and his journey north from his family home in South Carolina to work for the Philadelphia Electric Company as a foreman in charge of building the high-tension line through the Great Valley and King of Prussia from the Conowingo Dam to Bridgeport. For info, call 610-272-0297.

Next Saturday, the Summer Reading Program for kids 12 and under begins at the Norristown Library. Win prizes. For every 2 hours you read, you get a free book (maximum 10 per child) and are entered in a drawing for a bicycle or a $50 Barnes and Noble gift certificate. Sign up at the library. First 100 to sign up get a free T-shirt. The program runs June 17-August 19.

Also next Saturday, 6-10 pm at Diva's (9 W. Main), Lip Sync Battle. Prizes, Games, All You Can Eat Buffet. $20 per person. Stop by for information.

Starting Monday June 19 and running through August 11, students K-12 who are in need of breakfast and/or lunch can get meals FREE at the Montgomery County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC-1101 Arch). Monday-Friday, breakfast 8:30-9:30 am, lunch 12:30-1:30 pm. For info, call 610-279-9700.

Drive-In Movie, Ghosts, Music, Art, and... Fresh Veggies

Get out and enjoy the weekend sun before the rains return.

Friday, June 2, 7:30 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo's bottom parking lot. If you missed the movie "Moana" at Centre Theatre last week, you can catch it at the Zoo's first drive-in movie of the season. $20 per car for non-members, $15 for members. Walk-in for $5/person.

Saturday, 9 am-6 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). SelmaCon: The Rebirth. Paranormal Conference. Speakers and vendors from the paranormal field. Rain or shine, dress for the weather. Tickets are $10 for the day per person at the door. For information, please contact
battyaboutghosts@gmail.com

Saturday, 10 am-5 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo lower parking lot. Flea Market and Craft Fair. Free admission.

Saturday, noon to 2 pm, also at the Zoo. Sheep Shearing Day. Watch their woolly flock go from shaggy to shorn during live wool-processing demonstrations. Crafts, activities, weaving and spinning demonstrations. You must pay zoo admission to attend.

Saturday, 6:30-11 pm at Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green). Danielle and Jennifer perform.

Sunday, 2-5 pm at Norristown Arts Building, 619 W Washington St. Artist Reception for Sun Sook Kim, Philadelphia artist of colorful and bright paintings and drawings. She expresses the painful experiences of her childhood in an abusive family and her current battle with breast cancer. Reception is FREE and open to the public. The exhibition of her works will be on view until June 15. For info call 484-994-2392.

Sunday, 2-5 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo. Free zoo admission for Norristown residents. Must present valid photo ID.

Sunday, 4 pm at Centre Theatre (208 Dekalb). First Sunday: Classical Music in the County Seat. FREE concert.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, Summer Concert Series presents Wildflower performs. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Concession stand will be open.

Monday, 6-7:30 pm at Cherry Street Park. Community Meeting for Habitat for Humanity.

Tuesday, 7:30 pm at Municipal Hall. Council Meeting.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm on East Main between Swede and DeKalb. The Norristown Farmers Market will begin. Every Thursday through Oct 26. Variety of fruits and vegetables, farm fresh.

Next Friday, June 9, 8 pm at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), the King of Prussia Players production of "Chicago" opens. $25 adults, $15 children under 13 and seniors over 64. The show will run weekends, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm, through June 25. Tickets and info at www.kofpplayers.com  Also August Moon is offering 10% discount to all ticket holders before or after the shows.

Next Saturday, 7:30 pm at Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Open Stage hosted by songwriter performer Jim Moore.

Also Next Saturday at Diva's Kitchen (9 W Main). Mystery Dinner, "Lovers and Friends," by SlimTheWriter Productions. $20 includes dinner and raffles. BYOB. Stop by for tickets. Info at 484-674-7967.

Memorial Day Weekend and Beyond

Flea markets, yard sales and giveaways this weekend, plus the last chance to see "White" and don't forget that the summer concerts have begun at the band shell. But also, stop and remember what Memorial Day is about.

Friday, 8 pm at Theatre Horizon. Last weekend for "White." Performances are Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets and performance schedule at this link.

Saturday, 9 am-noon at 308 Stanbridge. Kids' Clothing Giveaway. Giving away gently used spring and summer clothing for kids birth to teenaged.

Saturday, 9 am-1 pm at Stewart Middle School. Parents/Faculty Club Flea Market. Vendors $15/space, $20/space with table.

Saturday, 10 am-1 pm, New Life Plaza Parking Lot (across from 530 Church St). Yard sale to benefit the homeless and those in poverty. Contact 610-277-1321 Ext. 109 or email outreach@hospitalitycenter.org for info.

Saturday, 11 am-1 pm at Montgomery Cemetery. Memorial Day observance by the Historical Society of Montgomery County. Wreath laying, speeches, historic reenactors. Meet at the gatehouse. Activities includes walking to gravesites.

Saturday, 6:30-11 pm at Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green). Joe Kenney Jazz Trio performs.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, Summer Concert Series presents AM Radio~hits from the 60s and 70s. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Concession stand will be open.

Thursday, 5-8 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo, June Jazz, a fundraiser to benefit the Montgomery County-Norristown Library's book budget. Featuring the NTown Band. Hors d'Oeurves, Drinks. $50 per person.

Next Friday, June 2, 7:30 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo's bottom parking lot. If you missed the movie "Moana" at Centre Theatre last week, you can catch it at the Zoo's first drive-in movie of the season. $20 per car for non-members, $15 for members. Walk-in for $5/person.

Next Saturday, 9 am-6 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). SelmaCon: The Rebirth. Paranormal Conference. Speakers and vendors will be present from the paranormal field. Rain or shine, dress for the weather. Tickets are $10.00 for the day per person. For tickets and information, please contact
battyaboutghosts@gmail.com

Next Saturday, noon to 2 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo. Sheep Shearing Day. Watch their woolly flock go from shaggy to shorn during live wool-processing demonstrations. Crafts, activities, weaving and spinning demonstrations. Sheep Shearing Day is included with zoo admission.

Scads of Childrens' Events This Week (and a few things for adults, too)

Going to be a beautiful day Saturday. Take the kids to a free movie Saturday morning, then take them to the library for the open house in the afternoon. Also free.

Friday, May 19, 6-8 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Norristown Recreation invites all kids to The Picnic Games. Free admission. Hotdogs followed by games, then sno-cones at the end of the evening.

Friday, 8 pm at Theatre Horizon, "White" continues its run. This week's performances are Saturday at 4:30 pm and 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm and Thursday at 7:30 pm. The play's been held over until May 28. Tickets and performance schedule at this link.

Saturday, 10 am at Centre Theater. Kids Movie Club presents the movie "Moana." FREE.

Saturday from 1-3 pm at the Norristown Library (1001 Powell), the Friends of the Library will hold an Open House in the back of the library. The event is FREE and will include performances by Colonial Revelers at 1 pm, the Norristown School Jazz Band at 1:30 pm, and the Grupo de Danza Nuevo Mexico Dancers at 2:15 pm. Plus you can take a Hidden Library Tour (see parts of the library no one sees), enjoy refreshments and maybe win a door prize. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, 6:30-11 pm at Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green). A-Mak Folk Festival. 3 bands will perform.

Sunday, 10:45 am at Christ UCC Church (Marshall and Noble). The cantata "We Are Sailing" with the Chancel Choir and guest instrumentalists, during the regular worship service.

Sunday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, Summer Concert Series presents the Allen Reynolds Band. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Concession stand will be open.

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

Wednesday, 6:30 pm at Riverfront Park. Monthly meeting of the Norristown Riverfront Community. Now that Earth Day is over, what will be the next project? Come help decide. If it's nice, meet at Riverfront down near the end of the parking lot on the river side, if it rains, meet at Alfredo's restaurant (Hamilton and W Main).

Next Saturday, May 27, 9 am-1 pm at Stewart Middle School. Parents/Faculty Club Flea Market. Vendors $15/space, $20/space with table.

Next Saturday, 10 am-1 pm, New Life Plaza Parking Lot (across from 530 Church St). Yard sale to benefit the homeless and those in poverty. Contact 610-277-1321 Ext. 109 or email outreach@hospitalitycenter.org for info.

Next Saturday, 11 am-1 pm at Montgomery Cemetery. Memorial Day observance by the Historical Society of Montgomery County.

Mother's Day Weekend Events, then Election Day

Once again, N-town is loaded with activities this weekend. Rain is predicted, so forget your garden work. Go to one or more events instead. And remember to vote Tuesday for Council, School Board and judges. Let's have a great turnout at the polls.

Friday, May 12, 7 pm at Ebenezer Methodist Church (234 E Spruce). Pre-Mother's Day Concert with The Sounds of Apostle Linda Henry and The Mighty Aires Gospel Quartet. Donation $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Friday, 8 pm at Theatre Horizon, "White" continues its run. Availability for tonight's show is limited. This week's performances are Saturday at 4:30 pm, Sunday at 2 pm and Thursday at 7:30 pm. The play's been held over until May 28. Tickets and performance schedule at this link.

Saturday, May 13, 10 am-noon at New Life Internet Cafe (19 W Marshall). Photo ID Clinic. If you're in need of a photo ID, bring ID and proof of residence. If you have questions, call 610-945-6398.

Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy), a special Mother's Day weekend event: The Ladies of Selma Mansion. A FREE living history open house. Meet the women who made Historic Selma Mansion a home from 1794-1980. Spinning and wool-craft. Learn how mothers used herbs to nurse their families back to health. Churn butter. Handle and try on historic clothing. Take a tour of the mansion to hear about the lives of the women who lived there. More activities for children and adults. Tea and goodies. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, noon-4 pm at Norristown Maenner-Chor Club (920 Haws Avenue), Help K9 Officer Jerry Get a Jitney. Fundraiser for a new K9 vehicle for the NPD. Adults, $20; 15 and under free. Food and beer. Listen to the great sounds of the Transister Trio band. (kids under 15 free) Lots of great baskets, large bonus baskets and 50/50. Meet our new K9 Jerry. Purchase tickets from the NPD at 235 E Airy, at the Maenner-Chor Club or at 40 E Main.

Saturday, 5-8 pm at Haws Avenue Methodist Church, Spaghetti Dinner and Sundae Bar to benefit the Dragon Boat Youth Team. Tickets are $15 at door and $13 online at this link.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, usually Second Saturday Jazz at August Moon, but I couldn't find information this month, so call before going.

Saturday, 8-11 pm at Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green). Sons of Thunder performs.

Tuesday, 7 am-8 pm, ELECTION DAY at your local polling place.

Tuesday, 2 pm at the Norristown Library (Swede and Powell). Leap Into Science. Since the schools are off for election day, the children's library is hosting a special Franklin Institute Science Program for kids grades K-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Council Workshop is listed for Tuesday at 6:30 pm, but since it's Election Day, I suspect it will more likely be Wednesday. Call borough hall to confirm. 610-270-0421.

Wednesday, 6:30 pm at Municipal Hall. Special and Events Committee Meeting.

Thursday, 7 pm at the Elmwood Park Bandshell, the 1st Summer Concert Series event of the season: International Night with the Irish Band, Belfast Connection.

Next Saturday, May 20, 10 am at Centre Theater. Kids Movie Club presents the movie "Moana." FREE.

Next Saturday from 1-3 pm at the Norristown Library (1001 Powell), the Friends of the Library will hold an Open House in the back of the library. The event is FREE and will include performances by Colonial Revelers at 1 pm, the Norristown School Jazz Band at 1:30 pm, and the Grupo de Danza Nuevo Mexico Dancers at 2:15 pm. Plus you can take a Hidden Library Tour (see parts of the library no one sees), enjoy refreshments and maybe win a door prize. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Happy Mother's Day to all moms.

The Arts As a Cure for Gloomy Weather

Rain predicted this weekend, but most of the activities are indoors. Take in the play at Theatre Horizon, the classical concert at the Centre, go to Five Saints, or bring the family to the zoo for free on Sunday. And remember, today is Cinco De Mayo, and Norristown has the best, most authentic Mexican food in the region.

Friday, 8 pm at Theatre Horizon, "White" continues its run. Availability for tonight's show is limited and Saturday and Sunday are already sold out, but other shows this week Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm. Tickets and performance schedule at this link.

Saturday, 8-11 pm at Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green). Ken Pierson performs.

Sunday, 8:30 am-1 pm, meet at Riverfront Park. Schuylkill Scrub. Volunteers wanted to clean along Schuylkill River. Contact Kristi Barletta at 610-270-0470 or email kbarletta@norristown.org.

Sunday, 2-5 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo. Free admission for Norristown residents who present a valid photo ID.

Sunday, 3 pm at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb). The First Sunday Concert Series with an ambitious program performed by students of Temple University. Violinist Shannon Merlino, cellist Chen Chen and pianist Silvanio Reis will play Dvorak’s Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor Op. 90, the “Dumky.” Clarinetist Zhou Zan, cellist Mia Angelela, and pianist Joshua Kwon will  perform Beethoven’s Trio in B-flat major, Op. 11. The concert will open with “Tango Tzigane” by the Danish composer Jacob Gade, performed by the cellist Steve Kramer and pianist Maria Taylor. The concert is FREE and open to the public.

Tuesday, 2-3:30 pm at the Norristown Library (1001 Powell). Great Books Group. This month's book discussion will be The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.  For more information, contact Shirley Miller at 610-272-4179.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Planning Commission meeting at Municipal Hall.

Wednesday, 5:30-11:30 pm at Theatre Horizon. Young Friends Night. If you sign up for a FREE membership and buy a ticket to Wednesday's performance of "White" (using the Young Friends discount), you get a pre-theater Paint Party, a Post-show discussion, and a post-show cocktail party at Five Saints. For information and tickets, go to this link.

Thursday, 4:30-6:30 pm at the Carver Center (249 Jacoby St). Driver's License Restoration Clinic. Attendees need to possess a driver’s license number and a social security number. Attendance is FREE, but RSVP to Chad Hoffmann at choffmann@pasenate.com or 610-768-4200.

Next Saturday, May 13, 10 am-noon at New Life Internet Cafe (19 W Marshall). Photo ID Clinic. If you're in need of a photo ID, bring ID and proof of residence. If you have questions, call 610-945-6398.

Next Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy), a special Mother's Day weekend event: The Ladies of Selma Mansion. A FREE living history open house. Meet the women who made Historic Selma Mansion a home from 1794-1980. Spinning and wool-craft. Operate a drop spindle, rushlight, quills and other historical objects. Learn how mothers used herbs to nurse their families back to health. Churn butter. Handle and try on historic clothing. Take a tour of the mansion to hear about the lives of the women who lived there. More activities for children and adults. Tea and goodies. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Next Saturday, noon-4 pm at Norristown Maenner-Chor Club Pavilion, Help K9 Officer Jerry Get a Jitney. Fundraiser for a new K9 vehicle for the NPD. Adults, $20; 15 and under free. Purchase tickets from the NPD at 235 E Airy, at the Maenner-Chor Club or at 40 E Main.

Next Saturday, 8-11 pm, Second Saturday Jazz at August Moon.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!