Christmas Bazaar, Victorian Holiday, The Color Purple, and More

Start your holiday shopping at St. Pat's Christmas Bazaar and Norristown Preservation Society's Victorian Holiday at Selma Mansion this weekend.

Friday, Nov 9, 5-8:30 pm, St. Patrick's Church Basement (Dekalb and Chestnut). Annual Christmas Bazaar. Wreaths, Attic Treasures, Jewelry, Children and Teen Booth, Tombola, Craft Booth, 50/50 Raffle, Raffle Baskets, Spirit Wheel, Entertainment, and amazing soul food and Mexican food, plus a bakery table. All are welcome. Bazaar continues Saturday 11 am-8 pm.

Friday, 8 pm, Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb). The Color Purple. Other shows this week: Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 3 pm. Tickets and complete schedule at this link. Info at 610-283-2230 or email ticket@theatrehorizon.org.

Saturday, 9 am-3 pm, Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). Victorian Holiday at Historic Selma Mansion. Stop on by to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. Admission fee is a donation of a non-perishable item which will benefit the Patrician Society Food Bank. Make an ornament for our tree, learn some history, purchase baked goods, take a chance or two on our Raffle Items, shop our vendors on the 2nd floor of the Mansion. Info, contact Michaelene Walski, 484-516-6357 or Michaelene320@gmail.com.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling. Pat's Run Album Release Party. No cover.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall (235 E Airy). Planning Commission.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room. Enjoy a free movie in our boardroom the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This showing: "Ocean's 8." Drop in.  Contact Mary Motta 610-278-5100 x111, mmotta@mclinc.org.

Thursday, 6-9 pm, Municipal Hall, Special Economic Development Meeting. ELON Presentation on Phase 2 of the Montgomery Senior Housing Project, 1 West Main Street Project Update, HOW Group Proposal for a Residential/Commercial Project at Kennedy Kenrick, Riverfront Feasibility Study Update, 200 East Logan Presentation on a Proposed Townhome Development Project, Norriswood Apartments Upgrades Presentation & Request for Letter of Support for State Funding, 412 DeKalb Proposed Mixed Use Development Presentation, and Updates on On-going Development Projects.

Next Saturday, 7-10 pm, Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). The Great Fall Songwriters and Performers Event.

Ghosts, Art, Music, and FREE Zoo

'Tis the season for ghost stories and haunted houses. This Saturday and next, Selma Mansion will be open for both. Plus, you'll find art at Timshel Coffee and music at Five Saints.

Friday, October 5, 6-8 pm, Timshel Coffee, 104 E Main. Art Show Open House for Greater Norristown Art League.(GNAL) Family, friends and public are welcome to come and join in the excitement. October 1-31st artwork from GNAL will be on display and for sale.

Saturday, 6-10 pm at Historic Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). An Evening of Ghost Stories presented by Norristown Preservation Society. Tour the mansion, hear personal experiences. Light refreshments. $5 for adults (13 and up), $3 children (5-12). Tickets at the door. Street parking.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Sons of Thunder performs. No cover.

Sunday, 2-5 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo. FREE admission for Norristown residents with ID.

Monday is Columbus Day, observed. Municipal Hall is closed.

Tuesday, 6:30-8 pm, Municipal Hall. Public meeting to discuss the Norristown State Hospital grounds. Questions, please contact Tracey Vernon at tracey@vernonlanduse.com.

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

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room. Mary's Matinee. Enjoy a FREE movie the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This showing: "Won’t You Be My Neighbor?" Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta, 610-278-5100 x111, mmotta@mclinc.org.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Saturday, October 13, 10 am at Roosevelt School. Native Plant Sale by the Audubon Society. Also at 10 am on Sunday, October 21.

Next Saturday, Oct 13, 2 pm, at the Montco Historical Society (1654 Dekalb St). In conjunction with Made in Montgomery County Exhibit, Rich Wagner Presents: Brewing in Montgomery County: Past, Present, & Future. FREE. Social hour at 2 pm, presentation at 3 pm. Rich Wagner has researched the history of brewing and has self-published guidebooks and conducted tours throughout many parts of Pennsylvania. For more information: 610-272-0297; contact@hsmcpa.org or go to hsmcpa.org.

Next Saturday, 7-11 pm, Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). Selma's House of Horrors. Tickets at door. Kids under 5 free; Kids 5-12, seniors 60+ and veterans $3; Adults $5; Active military, Norristown Police and Fire Departments free with ID. All proceeds benefit the preservation and restoration of Selma Mansion.

Register as a vendor before October 15 for the "Pitching For Unity" softball game (Norristown Police Dept vs. Carver Center Staff and members) to take place Sunday, October 28, 11 am-5 pm, at Eisenhower Middle School. There will also be food vendors, raffles and a live DJ. Register by calling Theresa at 267-979-7700. You can also donate to the event by calling Phyllis at 610-272-7480.s

The Arts Return to N-Town

The arts return this weekend with an Art Show reception, and Arts and Music Festival.

Friday, September 7, 6-8 pm at Timshel Coffee Shop (104 E Main). Art Show Reception. Artworks by the Greater Norristown Art League.

Saturday, 9 am-5 pm at Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. Library Card Sign-Up Month. Through Sept 30, kids in grades 0-12, if you don't have a card and sign up for one this month, you'll receive a free book and bookmark, plus be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Amazon gift card. New registrations only. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x205

Saturday, 1-6 pm, Elmwood Park Bandshell. Arts and Music Festival. Live music, Food, Giveaways, Raffles, Vendors. (Hopefully the weather will cooperate.)

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Main and Green). Brian Quinn performs. No cover.

Monday, 6-7:45 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, Cookbook Club. New book club for cookbooks on the second Monday evening of each month. On the 10th, the selection is Christopher Kimball's "Milk Street: The New Home Cooking." Prepare one recipe of your choice from this cookbook (to serve 4-6 people) and bring it to the club to share. A copy of the book is available at the Front Desk. Drop by and make a free copy of your recipe and get ready to cook. We will provide paper plates, utensils and water. Be prepared to take home any food of yours that is left over after the meeting. You must bring one dish of food in order to participate. You must register for the club, at the Front Desk, call, or email us. Contact Cliff Hirst at 610-278-5100 x0, or cliffhirstmnl@gmail.com.

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

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room, Mary's Matinee. FREE movie on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This showing: "Game Night." Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta at 610-278-5100 x111 or mmotta@mclinc.org.

Wednesday, 5-7 pm, Norristown Library. My Life Montco meeting. For youth aged 13-23 who have experience with mental health issues, substance abuse, foster care, other challenges. Speakers, entertainment, free food and other activities. FREE admission and dinner is provided.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Saturday, 10 am-4 pm, Annual Psychic Fair at Historic Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). Join the Norristown Preservation Society for their 2nd annual Psychic Fair. A variety of talented readers, healers and workshops available. $5 admission at the door includes attendance to any and all of the workshops offered during the day. All readers, and healers are a separate charge for their services upon day of event. Also raffles of many goodies. All the proceeds from this event go to the Society for the upkeep and restoration of Selma Mansion.

Next Saturday, 2-6 pm, Riverfront Park. Riverfront Festival. Kayaking, food, music. Sponsored by the Municipality and the Norristown Chamber of Commerce. The glitch is, no parking. They're suggesting you park at the Intermediate Center on Lafayette St. and walk on the Schuylkill River Trail more than a half mile west to the park. They say it only takes 10 minutes (at a very fast walk of 3.4 MPH). At a stroll, it will take closer to 20 minutes, after which you have to go down a long flight of steps and walk into the park. And of course, you'll have to climb those steps and re-do the half mile walk when you leave. I've asked twice about parking for disabled, elderly, people with small children, etc., and they've only said they're working on it. You could try parking closer, perhaps Grace Lutheran Church parking lot, which is half the distance, but it's still a pretty good hill down Haws Ave to the park. Riverfront Park will be closed that day to regular picnickers, fishing, and boaters.

Next Saturday, 7-10 pm, Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Remembering Woodstock, concert with Herman Bruning, Jim Ramsey, Paul Girard and more. Donations welcome.

Italian Festival and Norristown Appreciation Day

The Italian Festival is this weekend, and there are 2 happenings at Simmons Park, this weekend and next.

Friday, August 10, 6-10 pm at Holy Saviour Club, 436 E Main (walk down driveway to rear of club). Festa Italiana. Live music, Games and Rides, Souvenirs, Bocce, and really great Italian Food. All are welcome. Festival continues Saturday, 4-11 pm, and Sunday 11 am-10 pm.

Saturday, Aug 11, Noon-2 pm, at the Carver Community Center. Senior Swim and Game Day. $3. For info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, starting at noon at Simmons Park (328 E Oak). Norristown Appreciation Day. Food, Facepainting, Water ice. Oak League All-Star Games.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Danny Beisel performs. No cover.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, Whiskeyhickon Boys perform. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Monday, last day to register for the 3-on-3 Co-ed Basketball Tournament at Simmons Park on Aug 18 (Raindate 8/19), hosted by Norristown Lady Eagles Basketball and Willis Barbecue. 3 Divisions, ages 10-13, 14-17, 18 and up. 4 Player max per team. $40 to register team. Grand Prize $200 for adult team, trophies for younger teams. Call or Text Coach Richard Fisher at 610-457-4471 or Facebook@NorristownLadyEaglesBasketball. Proceeds benefit Norristown Lady Eagles team.

Tuesday, 7 pm. Municipal Hall. Planning Commission meeting. Agenda at this link.

Wednesday, 10 am-2 pm, Norristown Regional Health Center. Health Fair for National Health Center Week.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Friday, 8:30 pm, Carver Community Center. Poolside Movie Night. Movie starts at 9 pm. $3 for movie only. $5 includes movie, snack and beverage. For info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Next Saturday, 11 am-6 pm at Simmons Park (Oak and Arch Sts). Watch the 3-on-3 Co-ed Basketball Tournament, hosted by Norristown Lady Eagles Basketball and Willis Barbecue. 3 Divisions, ages 10-13, 14-17, 18 and up. Register by Monday, August 13.

Next Saturday, 6:30-8 pm. Historic Montgomery Cemetery (Hartranft and Jackson Sts).  Author and Historian Tammy Schane presents a tour on Symbols of the Cemetery. Discover the meaning of symbols carved on tombstones; the history behind them; and why tombstone styles changed in the 19th century. Tickets: $15 per person includes: Walking Tour, Refreshments and Presentation. Tickets are limited: to reserve a space by phone 610-272-0297; online at hsmcpa.org; or email contact@hsmcpa.org. For info, contact Barry Rauhouser, Executive Director, 610-272-0297.

FREE Movies, Activities for Kids, and Rescheduled Fireworks

I hope you all got through that awful heat wave without problems. (I got the feeling that a lot of people escaped to the shore or mountains.) The good news is, the fireworks have been scheduled! See the last entry below.

Tonight, Friday, July 6, 9 pm (gate opens 8:30 pm) at the Carver Community Center. Today's nasty weather will clear out in time for the Poolside Movie Night. $3 admission for movie alone. $5 for movie, snack and beverage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, 8-11 am at the Carver Center. Carver Kids' Car Wash. $7. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Brian Horoho performs. No cover.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, AMRadio performs. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Tuesday, 1-2 pm, Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. Theater Workshop. Children will be introduced to a variety of theater games that will demonstrate such concepts as stage presence, character development, and stage direction. The class will eventually end with a short scripted play in which all children will have an opportunity to demonstrate the skills taught in the workshop. Ages 8-12. Registration required. Contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Tuesday, 3-4 pm, Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. Crafternoon. For kids ages 6-12. Feeling creative? Come make something. Art, crafts, and STEM projects. Drop in. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Planning Commission.

Wednesday, 8:30-11 am, Shilom Baptist Church (1329 Willow). Inter-cultural workshop. Learn how to reach every person in your community. FREE. Sponsored by the Greater Norristown Area Ministerium. Register at https://www.gnaministerium.org/events.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Norristown Public Library Board Room (2nd floor). Mary's Matinee. Enjoy a free movie the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This week: "The Post." Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta at 610-278-5100 x111, mmotta@mclinc.org.

Wednesday, 5-7 pm, Norristown Library Community Room. My Life Montco meeting. For youth 13 to 23 with challenges such as mental health, foster care, substance abuse, etc. Speakers, entertainment, free dinner, and information. FREE.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Saturday, July 14, Noon-2 pm, at the Carver Community Center. Senior Swim and Game Day. $3. For info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Next Sunday, July 15, at dusk, after the concert at Elmwood Park. Rescheduled fireworks. Bring a chair or blanket.

Activities for Another Rainy Week

I, for one, am getting tired of all this rain and overcast skies. But there are lots of indoor activities this week in N-town.

Saturday, 5-8 pm, Timshel Coffee (104 E Main). Partay! FREE. Lite refreshments. Fun activities. Come say hello to Norristown's new coffee shop.

Saturday, 7 pm at Coffee Talk Artists Co-op (507 W Marshall). Herman Bruning and Friends in concert.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Peggy Geller performs. No cover.

Sunday, 10- noon, Elmwood Park Zoo. Montgomery County Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. Rain or shine. First 300 people get in FREE.  For info, call 610-292-5039.

Sunday 2-5 pm is also FREE admission day at Elmwood Park Zoo for Norristown residents with ID.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues (assuming the rain lets up). This week, Flower Power performs. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Monday, Science in the Summer registration continues at the Norristown Library Website (http://www.scienceinthesummer.com/). Children entering grades 2 through 6 can sign up for this FREE, fun science enrichment program provided by The Franklin Institute. This year we explore the Science of Space. Through active, hands-on learning, students explore the sun’s energy, the phases of the moon, human survival in space, and how rockets overcome Earth’s gravity. Two-day session dates are July 11 and 12, or July 30 and 31. Sign up is online and requires an email address. Registration will continue through June. Info at 610-278-5100 x205.

Tuesday, 1-2 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room. The Author Hour, featuring two successful authors: Sandra Cody, author of the Jennie Conners Mysteries, and Bob McCrillis, author of Puckerbush: Milestones on the Journey to Manhood, will share their inspirations and experiences in writing and publishing. A question and answer session will follow. Light refreshments will be provided. If you have dreamed of becoming an author or just want to meet one, don’t miss this opportunity! Please register by calling 610-278-5100, ext. 2 or email jhoey@mclinc.org.
 
Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Planning Commission.

Thursday, 5-8 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo. June Jazz@The Zoo, the annual fundraiser for Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library.  Tickets are $50/person and include drinks, hors d'oeuvres and live music and dancing with the N Town Band. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, contact the library at 610-278-5100 x140.

Next Saturday, June 9, Social: 12:30 pm; Presentation: 1 pm, at the Historical Society of Montgomery County (1654 Dekalb). Making History Greater Series: Montgomery County Trolleys. Presenter Mike Szilagyi will speak about the 140 miles of trolley lines that once ran through Montgomery County. In the first half of the 20th century, a wide array of trolley cars rolled over Montgomery County’s rails, from quaint open streetcars rumbling through borough streets to sleek 80-mile-an-hour trolleys sailing across open fields in Upper Gwynedd and Hatfield Townships. The cars had zero emissions, and some lines were powered by renewable hydroelectric power. Books will be available for purchase and signing. FREE admission. For info, contact Barry Rauhouser at 610-272-0297 or contact@hsmcpa.org.

On Tuesday, June 12, 9 am-7pm at the Montgomery County Human Services Bldg (Dekalb and Fornance), Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition among first responders to see who can recruit the most blood donors from their communities. NPD, NFD, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will be in competition. Sign up to help them out now at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Norristown%20BoB. All donors will receive a free t-shirt.

On Saturday, June 16, the Norristown Preservation Society will once again host their annual Flea Market at Selma Mansion. If you'd like to be a vendor, indoor spaces are limited and filling up, first come first serve. $20/space, 8×4 feet bring your own table. Outdoor spaces are 8×8 feet bring your own table, chair, and canopy if you want. $15/space. These are pick your own space when you arrive. Payments can be made through PayPal at SelmaMansionNorristown@Aol.com or by check or money order mailed to Norristown Preservation Society, PO Box 2097, Norristown, PA 19403. If mailing please include your contact info and if type of craft, product you vend, or if it is yard sale or flea market items. To check availability and for other info, call or text Dee Kirkpatrick at 484-860-2533.

Both Theaters Open, a Slew of Library Programs, and More

We've got plays at both theaters this weekend! And during the day Saturday, THREE FREE events for kids at the library. I'll be singing songs welcoming May at the Friends of the Library Open House at 1 pm, so stop by. It's FREE.

Friday, May 4, 5-7 pm at Gotwals Elementary School (Swede and Oak). Fire Safety Night. Games, raffles, food, and face painting. Proceeds benefit Fire Safety in Norristown (so I assume it's not a free event).

Friday, 8 pm, at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), King of Prussia Players opens "Avenue Q." This weekend's shows are Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. The show will run weekends through May 19, and is for adults only. Tickets at this link.

Friday, 8 pm. Peter and the Starcatcher continues at Theatre Horizon (401 Dekalb). Swashbuckling storytellers and musicians use handmade magic and effortless flights of fancy to upend the century-old story of how a brave young girl inspires an orphan boy to become the legendary Peter Pan. Other shows this week: Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, both limited availability shows, and Monday at 7:30 pm. The show runs through May 20th. Click on this link for the schedule and tickets.

Saturday, May 5, 9 am-4 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. Mother's Day Card Craft. Come in and make a special card for the mothers and grandmothers in your life. For kids in grades K-6. Drop in. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Saturday, 11 am, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library. Peter Pan Workshop for kids grades 1-6. Presented by Theatre Horizon.

Saturday, 1-4 pm at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library (1001 Powell). The Friends of the Library invite you to a FREE Open House. Refreshments, door prizes, and entertainment by the Norristown Jazz Band (1 pm), May Revelers (2 pm) and Grupo de Danza Nuevo Mexico dancers (3 pm). You can also take a Hidden Library tour at 2:30 pm. High school students will be on hand to read aloud to small children. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Come find out how the Friends support your library.

Saturday, 1-3 pm at Community Arts Norristown (506 Haws). Mother's Day Pottery Workshop. Make your mom a beautiful gift of pottery for Mother's Day with Daisy Chapman. $30, includes one child and one adult; additional children are $15 each. For info and to register, contact Kim O'Neill 610-272-1545, kim@communityartsnorristown.org.

Saturday, noon-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Cinco De Derby. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo while you watch the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Fancy Hat Contest. Food by Butler catering. Music by Brian Horoho from 7 pm on. No cover.

Sunday, 9:30-10:30 am, Christ Church UCC (1003 W Marshall). Pancake Breakfast. Help support Christ Church UCC participate in a mission trip with the Appalachia Service Project this coming summer. $5 adults, $3 children. Please call or email the office to reserve your tickets. 610-275-3092 or church@uccchristchurch.org.

Tuesday and Thursday nights through June 7, 6-8:30 pm, Montco OIC (1101 Arch). Almost Home program, by Habitat for Humanity. FREE finanancial empowerment seminars. This began on May 1, but I only got the into this week. Free dinner and childcare provided. For info and to sign up, visit their website  or contact 610-278-7710 x132, cfarrell@habitatmontdelco.org.

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

Wednesday, 11 am-2 pm, Montco Senior Adult Activities Center (536 George). Health and Human Services Fair. Not just for seniors. Get help with LIHEAP, rent rebate, food stamps, medical assistance, and more. Presented by Senator Daylin Leach and Montco SAAC.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room. Mary's Matinee. Enjoy a FREE movie the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This showing: "Lady Bird." Drop in. Contact Mary Motta, 610-278-5100 x111, mmotta@mclinc.org.

Wednesday, 5-7 pm, Norristown Library. My Life Montco meeting (for youth ages 13-23, with mental health, substance abuse or other challenges). Speaker, entertainment. FREE. Dinner provided.

Thursday, 9-10:30 am. Human Service Bldg (1430 Dekalb), Community Room. ICN Breakfast with the County Commisioners and PA State Rep, Matt Bradford. RSVP required to Vivian Schorle, icn@icnconnections.org.

Next Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, parking lot at Dekalb and Airy. FREE shredding event. Place all documents to be shredded in paper bags. For info, 1-866-389-5654. (Question from Elena: where does one get paper bags these days?)

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

Next Saturday, 11 am-1 pm, Community Arts Norristown (506 Haws). Mother's Day Brunch: Family Workshop. Families that cook together have fun together. Learn to make a delicious brunch with chef Kristin Stitz. Please call 610-272-1545 for info and to register. $30, includes one child and one adult; additional children are $15 each.

FREE Comic Fest, Community Arts, and More

This weekend's event at Selma Mansion, Ladies of Selma II, has been rescheduled to April 28 due to bad weather and cold. But Comic Fest is still on at the library.

Saturday, April 7, 10 am-3 pm at Norristown Public Library. Comic Fest. Gaming, cosplay, workshops, vendors and more. Plenty of things to see and do for any interest and age. Special activities for kids include: Read to a Superhero Therapy Dog from 11-1, Writing a Great Comic workshop at 11 am, and Creative Cartooning at 1 pm, plus crafts, special guests, and other fun activities. For info contact Asha Verma, 610-278-5100, ext 0 or averma@mclinc.org.

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

Sunday, 1-4 pm, Community Arts Norristown (506 Haws Ave--where ACPPA used to be). Open House. Meet the teachers, check out the schedule, see the space. Refreshments and a drawing for a free class. Call 610-275-1545 for info.

Monday, 5:30-8 pm at Stewart Middle School. Family Night Out continues. For parents and youth aged 10-14. Help your youth succeed during their teen years. Free progam, dinner, raffles and prizes. This program is 7 Mondays from April 9-May 14. To sign up, contact Carolyn Herrera 610-630-2111, x270 or email xcherrera@fsmontco.org.

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

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Norristown Public Library Board Room (Powell and Swede, 2nd Fl), Mary's Matinee. Enjoy a free movie in our boardroom the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This showing: "Darkest Hour." Drop in. Contact Mary Motta at 610-278-5100 x111 or mmotta@mclinc.org.

Wednesday, 5-7 pm at Norristown Library. My Life Montco meeting.

Also next Saturday, 7 pm at August Moon. The Last 2nd Saturday Jazz Night until the fall. The Tony Smith Quartet performs.

On Saturday, April 28, 11 am-4 pm at Selma Mansion (1301 W Airy). The Ladies of Selma II. FREE and open to the public. Norristown Preservation Society takes another look at the feminine side of our American past. Learn about the Women of Selma Mansion, historical women’s clothing, and the surprising political histories of pockets and pot holders. Help churn fresh butter. Sample historical recipes. Music and more. Drop in.

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!)