Halloween Events, Painting, Free Movies, Native Plants

Enjoy these 12 days until Halloween, with activities at Selma Mansion, the Library, Elmwood Park, and a truly scary program on the 1918 Flu Epidemic at the Historical Society. Plus FREE movies, a painting class, native plant sale, and the LAST Farmers' Market this year.

Friday, Oct 19, 6-9 pm, First Presbyterian Church (Dekalb and Airy). Norristown Recreation presents movie night. FREE.

Friday, 7-9 pm, Norristown Area High School, 1900 Eagle Drive (in the art rooms). Painting With a Purpose. The Art Teachers will teach you how to paint a masterpiece. For $35 you get a blank canvas, paint, brushes, and very easy instruction to create one of two designs. Refreshments included in the price. To register, click this link. For info, contact NHSPFC@GMAIL.COM.

Saturday, October 20, 10 am-1 pm at Roosevelt School (Markley and Sterigere). Native Plant Sale by the Audubon Society. Also 10 am-1 pm on Sunday, October 21.

Sunday, Noon-4 pm, Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). Halloween Witches' Tea. Tickets for Tea Seating are sold out, but you're welcome to come visit the vendors for free. All proceeds benefit the Norristown Preservation Society for the preservation and restoration of Selma Mansion.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Zoning Board Hearing. Agenda at this link.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room. Mary's Matinee. FREE movie. This showing: "Adrift." Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta 610-278-5100 x111 or  mmotta@mclinc.org.

Thursday, 10:30-11 am, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. Spook-tacular Halloween Storytime. Come dressed in your Halloween costume. Hear stories, sing pumpkin songs, and do a little trick-or-treating in the library. Ages 2-5 must be with a caregiver. Drop in. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x 205.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. LAST DAY for the Norristown Farmers' Market until next year. (Thanks to the Farmers Market for serving N-town through this hot, rainy summer.)

Thursday, 6:30-8 pm, Historical Society of Montgomery County (1654 Dekalb St). FREE program. BLACK OCTOBER: The 1918 Influenza Epidemic in Montgomery County and Surrounding Area, presented by Charles J. Kelly, RN. The 1918 flu pandemic affected over 500 million people around the world. It killed an estimated 74,000 Pennsylvanians, nearly 13,000 in Philadelphia alone. For more information about the program: 610-272-0297; contact@hsmcpa.org; or visit hsmcpa.org.

Next Saturday, 10 am-noon, New Life Internet Café, 19 W. Marshall. Photo ID Clinic.

Next Saturday, noon-1:30 pm, Elmwood Park. Jack O'Lantern Jamboree. Tricks and treats. Costume Contest, Music and Pumpkin Decorating. For info, contact 610-270-0467 or recreation@norristown.org.

FREE Movies, Crafts, and Music

Friday, January 19, 11 am-1 pm, Norristown Library. Paper Embroidery Craft. Draw a fun design on paper and embellish it with needle and thread. Learn this craft and you'll be able to make your own handmade greeting cards, bookmarks, and more! We'll provide everything you need, but registration is a must. Call, email or drop by the Front Desk to register. Contact Cliff Hirst at 610-278-5100 x111 or  cliffhirstmnl@gmail.com.

Friday, 4-5 pm, Norristown Library (Powell and Swede), Childrens Reading Area, 2nd Floor. FREE Hatha Yoga Classes for adults will take place each Friday. Learn the basic poses and alignments of Hatha Yoga. No experience needed. Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Library Volunteer Ash Aragam, a certified Yoga instructor, will conduct the sessions. Yoga mats are provided, but patrons are encouraged to bring their own if they have one. Contact 610-278-5100 x141  for info.

Friday, 5:45-8 pm. 1st Presbyterian Church, Airy and Dekalb. Free Movie Night: Despicable Me 3. FREE event for all kids, games in gym, arts and crafts and kids receive a snack. Sponsored by Norristown Rec.

Saturday, 2-3:30 pm, Norristown Library Board Room (2nd Floor). The Saturday Book Club will discuss "The Fortunes" by Peter Ho Davies. New members are always welcome. Dr. Harold Halbert will lead the discussion. We encourage registration. Stop by the Front Desk or call to register. Contact Asha Verma 610-278-5100 x0 or averma@mclinc.org.

Saturday, 5-9 pm, Five Saints Distillery (Main and Green). Build your own Mac N' Knife Bowl. From 7 pm to midnight, Jazz 180 will perform. No cover.

Tuesday, 3:30-5 pm, Norristown Library, Create Club. Make your very own paracord bracelet. You can also draw on your own time, do some origami, and more. Supplies provided. Preteens and teens (Ages 10 -18) only. Drop in. For info, contact Asha Verma 610-278-5100 x0 or averma@mclinc.org.

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

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Norristown Library Board Room, Mary's Matinee. FREE movie on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This week is  “Battle of the Sexes.” Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta 610-278-5100 x111 or mmotta@mclinc.org.

Next Saturday, 6:30-10:30 pm, Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Winter Songwriters/Performers Event.

FREE Fair, Halloween Happenings, and Other FUN

I think October in Norristown has had more activities than the entire summer combined. You'll find a variety of kids' and adult events this week, and next weekend on the lead-up to Halloween. And many are FREE.

Friday, October 20, 5:30-7 pm, Musselman Learning Center, 1020 Sandy Hill Rd. Fire Safety Fair. FREE and open to all.

Friday, 5-6 pm at Greater Norristown PAL (340 Harding Blvd). Tell It Like It Is. New program for Teen Girls (13+). Open discussion. Bring a friend.



Friday, doors open 5:45 pm at First Presbyterian Church (Airy & Dekalb). Norristown Rec presents Movie Night. Kung Fu Panda 3. FREE. Also an open gym and craft room.

Friday, 8 pm at Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb). "2.5 Minute Ride" continues (runs through Oct 29). Other performances this week: Saturday at 3 and 8 pm, Sunday at 3 pm, Monday at 7:30 pm, Thursday at 8 pm. Full schedule and tickets at this link.

Saturday, Noon-7 pm at St. Patrick's Church Hall (in the basement, enter to left of church at 714 Dekalb St.) Soul Food Day. The Davis Family will cater a special fundraiser for St Pat's Church. $14 per person gets you a choice of fried or baked chicken, fried fish or barbecued spare ribs, choice of sides: Mac and cheese or potato salad; collards or string beans or sweet potatoes. Variety of pies and cakes for dessert. BYOB. No reservations, just stop by.

Saturday, 3-5 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo's Pavillion. Climate change Is Not A Myth. PennEnvironment will show how climate change is effecting our community and what you can do about it. FREE admission. For info, contact Angelique Hinton, 610-952-2282, Angeliquehinton03@gmail.com.

Saturday starting at 7 pm at Diva's Kitchen (9 W Main). Pre-Halloween New Wave Show. $10 for admission and finger food. BYOB. For info, email philadu8007@gmail.com or call 610-202-5064.

Saturday, 8 pm-midnight at Five Saints Distillery (E Main and Green Sts.). Jazz 180 will perform.

Tuesday, 5-7 pm at the Carver Center. Expungement Clinic hosted by Senator Daylin Leach and LegalAid of Southeastern PA. To attend, you must RSVP to chad.hoffmann@pasenate.com or call 610-768-4200.

Tuesday 6-8 pm, Historical Society of Montco (1654 Dekalb). Understanding Style in Early America. New workshop will take a look at various styles in the arts and architecture of early America. $10 Members/$15 Nonmembers. Contact Barry Rauhauser, 610-272-0297, contact@hsmcpa.org.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Zoning Board Hearing at Municipal Hall. Agenda at this link.

Wednesday, 4:30-6 pm at Norristown Library, Spooky Scary Slime Making. For ages 10+. Learn how to make your own safe slime for Halloween.

Wednesday, 4:30-6:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church (Airy and Delkalb). Volunteer Tutor Orientation. Find out how to become a tutor for an adult needing help with reading, writing, math, GED prep or English as a Second Language (ESL). Free 1.5 hour Orientation offered by the Literacy Council of Norristown. To register, call (610-292-8515) or visit our website: www.LcnLit.org. Contact Theresa Oliver, 610-292-8515, executive.director@lcnlit.org.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm on East Main in front of the Courthouse. LAST DAY for the Norristown Farmers Market this year. Fall seasonal veggies and apples, farm fresh, plus baked goods.

Next Saturday, October 28, 10 am-noon, new Life Internet Cafe (19 W Marshall). Photo ID Clinic. If you need a photo ID, bring any of the following: SS Car, old photo ID, driver license, military ID, marriage or divorce papers, passport, school ID, birth certificate, naturalization/ citizenship papers. Also bring proof of residence. Info at 610-945-6398.

Next Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, Norristown Police Department, 235 E Airy, Take Back Day. Make your home safer by cleaning out your medicine cabinets and dropping off unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Next Saturday, 11 am-5 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). 1st Annual Psychic Fair. Variety of talented readers, healers and workshops available. Tickets are $10 at the door, which includes attendance to all workshops offered during the day. Separate charges for all readers, healers and other vendors. Vendors fee for tables, $20 (supply your own table). Space is limited for this event, and all proceeds will go directly to the preservation of Selma Mansion.

Next Saturday, 2-5 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). Bring your kids Trick or Treating at Selma. FREE admission. Costume Contest at 3 pm. Cheap kids games (25 cents/ticket). Benefits the upkeep of Selma Mansion.

Next Saturday, 3-6 pm at Martin Luther King Park (Oak St). Fall Festival. FREE for kids. Games, food, raffles, lots of candy. Positive costumes allowed.

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.

Events for the Coming Week

Looking for a place to take your sweetie for Valentine's Day? Remember, N-town has lots of great restaurants, with a diversity of cuisines to match every palette.

Friday, Feb 10 at 11 am at the Norristown Library. Adult Coloring Hour. 2nd Friday of each month.

Also Friday, 5:30-8 pm. Game Night for kids at First Presbyterian Church (Airy and Dekalb). Movie night (Pets)--bring your favorite pet. Also gym will be open for soccer and dodgeball. Arts and crafts for Valentine's Day. Free pizza and popcorn.

Also Friday, 6-7:30 pm at Eisenhower Middle School, last day to register for Track & Field. For ages K-8. Costs :$110. Practices will be Mondays at Norristown High and Wednesdays at East Norriton Middle School.

Friday at 8 pm, "Grand Concourse" continues at Theatre Horizon. The play will run through Feb 26. This week's other performances: 8 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday, and 7:30 Wednesday and Thursday. Go to this link for information and tickets.

Saturday, 5:30-9:30 pm at the Zoo. Parents can take the night off to celebrate Valentine's Day and give children their own evening of fun. Drop them off for an exclusive, after-hours tour of the zoo, animal bingo, Valentine's crafts, a live animal show, snacks, movie and pizza dinner. Zoo Members, $15.95/child and $7.95/additional sibling. Non-Members, $25.95/child and $15.95/additional sibling. Visit http://bit.ly/2hsZKJM to register. Space is limited. For more information about this event, or to make your reservation by phone, contact 610-277-3825 x222.

Also Saturday, 8-11 pm, Second Saturday jazz at August Moon. The Geri Oliver Quartet. Doors open at 7 pm.

Sunday, 5-7 pm, Five Saints Distilling, 129 E Main. Treat your Valentine and yourself to a 3 Course Meal of Meatballs, Surf & Turf, Cookie Brownies. Advance ticket purchase required $35 per person. For more info, call Butler Catering at 484-288-0982.

Monday at Montgomery County OIC (Arch and Basin), Job-Training Classes begin for Customer Service/Sales. Requirements: Montgomery County resident, 18 years of age/older, HS diploma or GED, meets income guidelines, clean background. For information, contact 610-279-9700 or www.montcooic.org

Tuesday, 2-3:30 pm, Norristown Public Library, 1001 Powell St. Great Books Group. This month's book is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. The Great Books Group meets every second Tuesday of the month.  New members are welcome.  For more information, contact Shirley Miller at 610-272-4179.

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

Thursday, 10 am-2 pm and 6-7:30 pm at Greater Norristown PAL (340 Harding Blvd). Pennsylvania Regional College Fair. Email this link for info.

High School Juniors and Seniors, Montco OIC will be running a second college tour to Kutztown University on February 23, 10 am-1 pm. $10 includes transportation, lunch and the campus tour and information. Advance registration required.  For information on how to apply, call 610-279-9700.

The Sewing Club of Ebenezer Methodist Church (234 E Spruce) is organizing a bus trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC. The trip will be Saturday, April 22. $80 per person. If you're interested, call 484-674-5479.

MLK Day Events and More

Enjoy programs for kids and adults on Martin Luther King Day at different venues around town, most of them absolutely FREE and staggered throughout the day so you can get to all. Then, at the end of the week, be a light for our community at Theatre Horizon, and learn about our river at Centre Theater.

Starting Saturday, January 14th at 10:45-11:15 am at First Presbyterian Church gym on Airy St., Norristown Recreation will host a 6 week Norristown Ninja Warrior Obstacle Training Course for ages 6-16. Practice agility, speed, jumping, strength, balance and other needed skills for 6 weeks. The last week, you will be challenged by a complete obstacle course to see if you are a real Norristown Ninja. Cost $25.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, August Moon, 300 E Main. This month's Second Saturday Jazz will feature the Dylan Taylor Quartet. Dine during the show. Jazz doors open at 7 pm. Sets on the hour.

Monday, 10 am-2 pm, GW Carver Community Center (Jacoby and Arch), MLK Day of Celebration. Arts, crafts and activities for children grades 1-12. History and entertainment. Everyone welcome. Cmmunity serve hours available if needed.

Monday, 1-4 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd. MLK Day at the Zoo. Admission will be free, though we do ask that you make a donation as you enter the zoo. We'll be hosting a live animal education program entitled "I Have a Dream" at 1 pm in the Canopy Gardens Hall. Elmwood Park Zoo salutes all of the volunteers who have contributed their time and services throughout the year.

Monday, 5-7 pm at Theist Temple Church (535 E. Marshall) MLK Day-NAACP Youth Chapter film screening of "Boycott."  In addition to the film, learn about NAACP membership. Bring snacks.  All ages welcome.

Tuesday, 5-6:30 pm, Municipal Hall, Lobby, Ready Montco and the GPS tracker for snow plows. Sign up event to get added to the email/text or phone notifications through this county system. The sign up will take less than 5 minutes. More information please call 610-270-0429.

Tuesday, 5-7:30 pm at Municipal Hall rear (police station). Open Office Hours with Chief Talbot and Captain Clowser. Do you want to express concerns or just chat? This is your chance to interact with Chief Talbot and Captain Clowser during open office hours.

Tuesday, 6:30 pm, Municipal Hall, Council Workshop.

Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 pm, at Norristown Library. Police COMPSTAT, a meeting that Chief Talbot and his leadership team use to discuss the crime strategy and their effectiveness in implementing the strategy. Open to the public.

Thursday, at 5:30 pm, in front of Theatre Horizon. "Be A Light." Everyone is welcome; bring any source of light (flashlight, candle, phone, etc.)  In each time zone across the country, people will gather at this time outside of theaters to create a "light" for dark times ahead, and to make and renew a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Next Friday, January 20, 5:30-7 pm at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb). "The Death and Rebirth of the Schuylkill River." FREE PROGRAM.  An evening of spirits and history, as the Schuylkill River Town Program presents a fact and fun-filled program about the Schuylkill River, from its role as lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution and the “workshop of the world”, to a fiery open sewer, and finally to its recent rebirth as 2014 River of the Year and home to bald eagle and shad. Learn the incredible story of how the river has shaped our community and the nation. Beforehand, sample products from Norristown’s Five Saints Distillery and Conshohocken Brewing Company.

Next Saturday, January 21, 6-9 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo, Canopy Garden Hall. Tiaras & Ties: Father-Daughter Date Night. Dance the night away as you share a special night together featuring snacks, games, music and photo opportunities. Father Daughter Member Pair: $20, Father Daughter Non-Member Pair: $25, Additional Daughters: $10. each Go to this link to register.

Also next Saturday, 8 pm at Centre Theater. "Delinquent Comedy" by Starving Artist Prevention. $15.

Job-Training Classes will begin at the Montgomery County OIC (Arch and Basin) on February 6 for Certified Nursing Aide and Feb 13 for Customer Service/Sales. Requirements: Montgomery County resident, 18 years of age/older, HS diploma or GED, meets income guidelines, clean background and reliable transportation for CNA. For information, contact 610-279-9700 or www.montcooic.org

The Sewing Club of Ebenezer Methodist Church (234 E Spruce) is organizing a bus trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC. The trip will be Saturday, April 22. $80 per person. If you're interested, call 484-674-5479.

Santa Express and Other Happenings

Last week of events before Christmas.

Friday, December 16, 5:30-7:30 pm at Montgomery County OIC (Arch and Basin, 2nd floor). Toys for Tots Distribution Day.

Friday, 6-8 pm at First Presbyterian Church (Airy & Dekalb), "Christmas Around The World". Food, games, open gym, crafts, snacks, and Santa (arriving by fire truck this time). All pre-registered kids get a gift from Santa. To register, call 610-272-4961 or email fpileggi@norristown.org.

Saturday between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, Norristown Fire Department's Santa Express will cruise the streets delivering presents to kids. If you'd like Santa to stop at your Norristown residence, go to this link, and download the form NOW. Bring your gifts to Municipal Hall lobby (235 Airy) TODAY (Friday 12/16).

Saturday, 10 am to noon at the Library (Powell and Swede), Buying Town Back Real Estate Investing Seminar presented by Christopher Darden Real Estate and Norristown Men of Excellence.

Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, the last Brunch with Santa events at the Elmwood Park Zoo. EPZ Member Adult $25.95, EPZ Member Child (age 3 to 12) $14.95, Non-Member Adult $30.95, Non-Member Child $19.95, Baby (2 and under) $10.00. To purchase your tickets, please visit http://bit.ly/EPZBrunch

Sunday, 5-7 pm at Five Saints Distilling, 129 E Main St. Pop Up Restaurant from Butler Catering. 4 Course Meal. $25 per ticket advance purchase required. Call 484-288-0982.

Tuesday, 6:30 pm at Municipal Hall (235 E Airy), Council workshop meeting.  No agenda yet.

Vance Community Partners is running their 2nd Annual PJ Drive. Please drop of winter weight pajamas sized infant through toddler, school-age and teens at one of these locations before December 31: Vance Center, 212 Cherry St (Mondays and Wednesdays only); Municipality of Norristown (235 E Airy, main lobby, weekdays); Prothonotary Office in the Courthouse (weekdays); Centre Theater, 208 Dekalb. For info, contact Jill Adelman, 610-277-9125, x 307 or jadleman@vancecp.com.

38 kids will have a better Christmas because of donations to the N-town Police Foundation's "Seven Days Before Christmas" project. You can help the Foundation help our community by making a minimum $10 donation. You get a lawn sign for your pledge. Bring your donation to the Police Department (235 E Airy, rear) or Signarama at Logan Square. Let's help them raise funds and show our support by putting these signs up all over town.

Events and Advice to Open The Season

Before I get to the week's events, here are some tips for the season from the Norristown PD.

1. If you're expecting packages to be delivered to your house and your porch/doorstep is visible from the street, either try to be home when they're delivered or have a friend or neighbor take them in. Thieves ride around this season looking for packages they can easily snatch.

2. Also, don't put empty boxes for electronics, small appliances or other expensive items just sitting on top of your trash. You're telling thieves what you've got in your house. Break down the boxes and put them out of sight in your recycling bin.

3. Lastly, make sure ALL your house doors and easily accessible windows are LOCKED whether you're in your house or away. Also lock your car doors and don't leave packages visible in the front or back seats.

As for events, the norristown.org calendar had NOTHING on it this coming week, the Montco OIC calendar is down, and the only event on Nextdoor.com is the Dragon Boat's Winter Wonderland. If you've got holiday events coming up, make sure you put them on the norristown.org calendar and/or Nextdoor.com (a great place to publicize events), or send the info directly to me at missmaggieandpat@verizon.net if you want me to list them on my Friday Diary (I check Facebook, but don't always see the listings unless you tag me). For my Friday blog, the event MUST be open and of interest to the general public and take place within Norristown's borders.

Carolers at last year's Winter Wonderland

This Monday through Friday, November 28-Dec 2, 6 pm at 660 Washington St., volunteers will be helping to craft decorations and blow up balloons in preparation for the Winder Wonderland Festival at Riverfront Park on December 3. They need more volunteers. Everyone, young and old, is welcome. For info, contact Robin Parker, rparker@dragonboatclub.org.

Next Saturday, December 3, 6 pm at Riverfront Park (1 Haws Ave), Santa will once again come to Norristown by Dragon Boat. Come to the Dragon Boat Club's Winter Wonderland and Christmas Caroling celebration. Riverfront Park will be decked out for the occasion and luminaria will light your way to the festivities. Norristown's High School Jazz Band will provide music. FREE to everyone. For information, contact Robin Parker, rparker@dragonboatclub.org.

Register your child NOW for the Norristown Recreation and First Presbyterian Sports Club "Christmas Around The World" which will take place Friday, Dec 16, 6-8 pm at First Presby Church (Airy and Dekalb). Food, games, open gym, crafts, snacks, and Santa (arriving by fire truck this time). All pre-registered kids get a gift from Santa. To register, call 610-272-4961 or email fpileggi@norristown.org.

Vance Community Partners is beginning their 2nd Annual PJ Drive. Please drop off winter weight pajamas sized infant through toddler, school-age and teens at one of these locations before December 31: Vance Center, 212 Cherry St (Mondays and Wednesdays only); Municipality of Norristown (235 E Airy, main lobby, weekdays); Prothonotary Office in the Courthouse (weekdays); Centre Theater, 208 Dekalb. For info, contact Jill Adelman, 610-277-9125, x 307 or jadleman@vancecp.com.

The Norristown Fire Department's Santa Express will take place Saturday, December 17. If you'd like Santa to stop at your house to deliver a present to your kids (Norristown residences), go to http://norristownfire.org/3rd-annual-santa-express/ and download the form.