Welcome Spring! - Lots of Things to Do This Week

A little bit of nice weather and all of a sudden, events are popping up all over town.

Today, Friday March 18, at 10 am, live Facebook Chat with Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones. Your chance to ask questions about our town, up-coming projects and municipal services. Go to the Norristown Municipality Facebook page at that time.

Tonight from 6:30-8 pm at Greater Norristown PAL. Family Science & Invention Night, for students K-8 (all students must be accompanied by an adult). Hands-on science. For info call 610-278-8040.

Saturday morning at 8:30-10:30 am, Hancock Fire Company (820 West Airy) presents an all-you-can-eat Easter Bunny Pancake Breakfast. Adults and children over 8, $7. Children 4-8, $5. Under 3, Free. Includes Children's Easter Egg Hunt.

Saturday from 11 am-12:30 pm at Norristown Library (Swede and Powell), NCAA Informational. For student athletes in grades 7-12 and their parents. Presented by Coach Williams and others. Refreshments will be served.

Also Saturday from 12:30-2 pm at the Montgomery County Historical Society (1654 Dekalb St). The Aftermath of Loyalism in Pennsylvania, presented by Rene Silva. Explore the Revolution from the perspective of those Americans loyal to Great Britain. FREE program. For info contact Barry Rauhouser, 610-272-0297, barryr@hsmcpa.org

Also Saturday, 7 pm at the Centre Theater. "Off Broadway on Centre--A Night of Art, Cabaret and Comedy." $30 admission includes show, light hors d'oeuvres and one drink. Cash bar. All proceeds benefit the production of Venus In Fur.

Sunday from 3-5 pm at MLK Jr. Park (Oak and Arch)--Easter Funday. Prizes and refreshments. Easter egg hunts for ages 1-12.

Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 2:30 pm at Eisenhower Middle School. Bake Sale. Most bake items $.50- $1. All money raised will be used to send students to educational field trips.

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 pm at Norristown Library (Swede and Powell). Volunteers are available to help students K-6 with their homework. English or Spanish.

Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 pm at the Carver Center, 249 Jacoby St, Community Education Meeting presented by the Norristown Fire Department, the American Red Cross and others. Learn how to best protect yourself, your family and your belongings in a fire. Hosted by the Norristown NAACP.

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

Wednesday from 6-7:30 pm and next Saturday from 2-3:30 pm at Norristown Library, Informational meetings for middle school and high school students about Norristown's Youth Dragon Boat Teams. First race will be on June 4th in Philadelphia. For information, contact info@dragonboatclub.org

Wednesday, 6-7:30 pm at Norristown Library. Intro to Web Design. Come learn how to create your own website using WordPress through this introductory course. Cost $10 for full course per person.  Only email address and basic computer skills required. Registration required. Please call 610-278-5100 ext. 0.

Next Saturday, March 26, at GN PAL (340 Harding Blvd), from 11 am-12:30 pm, Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 4-12. Bring your Easter basket. To register or for info, call 610-278-8040.

Theatre, Sports, Jazz and More Coming Up

Please remember that if you list an event on Facebook or Norristown.org, include all the pertinent information, plus a contact number or email if people have questions. I'm seeing a lot of events lately missing important facts, like times or if tickets need to be purchased in advance. If they're missing too much info, I don't post them.

Tonight, March 11, at 8 pm at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb), "Lobby Hero" continues. This is the LAST WEEKEND. Performances are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets at this link. For information, contact Josh Millhouse, 610-283-2230 or go to ticket@theatrehorizon.org

Saturday at 8 pm at August Moon, Second Saturday Jazz presents the Julie Charnet Quintet (featuring Larry McKenna on Tenor Sax) Doors Open at 7 pm. Sets begin on the hour. Entertainment Fee: $10, 2 drink minimum.

Monday at 7 pm at Montgomery County Human Services (1430 Dekalb), Genesis Housing presents a Free Money Management Class. Learn how to set up a working budget and prioritize spending.

Tuesday at 6:30 pm Municipal Hall. Council Workshop Meeting. No agenda yet.

Next Friday, March 18, at 10 am, live Facebook Chat with Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones. Your chance to ask questions about our town, up-coming projects and municipal services. Go to the Norristown Municipality Facebook page at that time.

Also next Friday from 6:30-8 pm at Greater Norristown PAL. Family Science & Invention Night, for students K-8 (all students must be accompanied by an adult). Hands-on science. For info call 610-278-8040.

Next Saturday morning at 8:30-10:30 am, Hancock Fire Company (820 West Airy) presents an all-you-can-eat Easter Bunny Pancake Breakfast. Adults and children over 8, $7. Children 4-8, $5. Under 3, Free. Includes Children's Easter Egg Hunt.

Also next Saturday at 11 am at the Norristown Library. NCAA Clearinghouse Informational for student athletes (grades 7-12) and their parents. For more information, contact Coach Williams at miltwilliams204@yahoo.com

Next Saturday, 7 pm at the Centre Theater. "Off Broadway on Centre--A Night of Art, Cabaret and Comedy." $30 admission includes show, light hors d'oeuvres and one drink. Cash bar. All proceeds benefit the production of Venus In Fur.

And, of course, check the Library's online calendar for all their ongoing activities. There's always something for kids to do there. Click on the link to the right of this blog.  

Theater, Free Coffee, and More

Great variety of events coming up this week. Something for everyone. Remember, if you've got an event coming up, post it at least 2 weeks before on www.norristown.org/town-calendar.html  and on www.montcooic.org/community-calendar.html . Let people know what's happening. Also check out the library calendar link in the right column. Lots of activities for kids and adults.

Friday, March 4 at 7:30 pm at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), Comedy Open Mic Night. $5 admission. For info, call 484-477-2058.

Also Friday at 8 pm at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb), "Lobby Hero" continues. Performances this week are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm, Monday and Thursday at 7:30 pm. The show will run through next weekend. Tickets and schedule at this link. For information, contact Josh Millhouse, 610-283-2230 or go to ticket@theatrehorizon.org

Saturday, 10-noon, at the Senior Adult Activities Center (536 George). Coffee with a Cop.  Free coffee.

Monday, 7 pm at Montgomery County Human Services (1430 Dekalb). Understanding Credit. Free class sponsored by Genesis Housing on understanding credit and credit scores. Obtain a Free Credit Report from Major Credit Bureaus with Scores. Learn How to Improve Your Credit Score. Register online at www.genesishousing.org

Tuesday, 6-8 pm at the Historical Society of Montgomery County (1854 Dekalb), "Reading Your House" a workshop about the fundamental tools for researching the history of your house. They will also host a 2nd workshop, "Researching Your Home", on March 15 from 6-8 pm, that will examine various documents related to house construction and occupancy that will give you more information about how houses and architecture function, plus information on the restoration and preservation of historic architecture. $25 per class for members, $30 for non-members, or $40 for both classes for members, $50 for non-members. Call 610-272-0297 or email us at contact@hsmcpa.org to register.

Also Tuesday, 7-9 pm, Planning Commission Meeting at Municipal Hall. No agenda yet.

Wednesday, 4-8 pm at Municipal Hall. Public meeting by SEPTA about the King of Prussia Rail Project. For info, go to www.kingofprussiarail.com

Also Wednesday at Municipal Hall at 7:30 pm, a special Council workshop meeting. No agenda yet.

History vs. Developers, plus music, theater, and other events

A few important events that should be noted: Ebenezer Methodist Church is now an official historic site. The marker will be dedicated Sunday at 11:30 am. Hopefully that will keep it from ever joining other Norristown landmarks that have been demolished. If you want to express your opinion on the latest endangered historic building, The Erskine Tennis Club, Valerie Scott Cooper will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting with guest speaker, developer Sarah Peck on Thursday. Details below.
 
Friday, Feb 26 at 8 pm at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb), "Lobby Hero" continues. Performances this week are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm. The show will run through March 13. Tickets and schedule at this link. For information, contact Josh Millhouse, 610-283-2230 or go to ticket@theatrehorizon.org

Saturday from 5-9 pm at the Carver Community Center, Apollo Night Talent Show hosted by the Norristown R.e.b.e.l.s. Singers, Rappers, Dancers. Open to ages 5-13, 14-17, 18 and up. Cash prizes. 3 professional judges and 1 sandman.  Contact 484-868-7656 or 484-288-0982. After party also, 9 pm-1 am.

Sunday at 11:30 am at Ebenezer Methodist Church, 234 E Spruce (at Arch). Dedication of their historical marker. Ebenzer Methodist Church has been named to the National Register of Historical Sites. The Montgomery County Historical Society will be on hand to assist in the dedication.

Sunday at 4 pm at Coffee Talk, 507 W Marshall. Blues and Jazz featuring Vince Roggio and friends. Admission $5.

Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Municipal Hall. Council meeting. No agenda yet.

Wednesday, 6:30 pm at Norristown Library, Town Hall Meeting sponsored by Councilwomen Valerie Scott Cooper. Guest Speaker developer Sarah Peck (Tennis Club demolition and development at 1529 Dekalb).

Theater, Sports, Police Town Hall

(Maybe even a Zoning Meeting, if they can get their act together, but don't hold your breath.)


Friday, Feb 19 at 8 pm at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb), "Lobby Hero" continues. Performances this week are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm, Wednesday at 6:30 pm, Thursday at 7:30 pm. The show will run through March 13. Tickets and schedule at this link. For information, contact Josh Millhouse, 610-283-2230 or go to ticket@theatrehorizon.org

Monday and Wednesday, 6:30-8 pm at Eisenhower Middle School, registration for Norristown Elite Track & Field for ages K-8. Also registration on Saturday the 27th at the Bandshell in Elmwood Park from 10-11:30 am. Cost: $110/registration (includes sweatshirt, t-shirt, uniform and track meet fees). For info, contact Mark Benjamin or the Recreation Department at 610-270-0467. Anyone who is looking to volunteer or be a coach, please reach out ASAP.

Also Monday and Wednesday, 6:30-8 pm at Eisenhower Middle School and Sat Feb 27 at the Bandshell, 10-11:30 pm, registration for Little League Baseball and T-ball, ages 4-16. Fee: $120 per player (includes Beef & Beer ticket), $25 each additional sibling/ Late fee after Feb 27 $10. For Further Info Call 610-270-0467 or admin@norristownlittleleague.com or go to www.NorristownLittleLeague.com. They need coaches, sponsors, umpires, volunteers for snack bar, etc.

Monday, 7-9 pm at Montgomery County Human Services, 1430 Dekalb. Free home buying basics class sponsored by Genesis Housing. Learn about realtors, agreements of sale, mortgages, inspections and more.

Tuesday, 7 pm at Municipal Hall, Zoning Meeting. The agenda is available at this link, but frankly, if council still hasn't appointed the vacancies yet, you might as well not go because they won't have a quorum and the people asking for variances will get whatever they want by default. In this way, Council allowed Sarah Peck permission to do whatever she wants with 1529 Dekalb, despite the protests of residents in the neighborhood and the rest of us who are thoroughly pissed off that the Historic Erskine Tennis Club will be destroyed, not because of any democratic vote but because people in government didn't do their jobs properly.

Wednesday from 6-7:30 pm at Evangel Assembly of God, 810 E Marshall. First 2016 Town Hall Meeting for the Norristown Police Department. They'll talk about patrol strategy, review crime reduction and have a Q&A session with the officers patrolling your streets. Invite your friends, neighbors and family.

Thursday, February 25, 5-6:30 pm at the Historical Society of Montgomery County (1654 Dekalb), Lisa Minardi will give a lively presentation about the ongoing research and restoration of The Speaker’s House, the historic home of Frederick Muhlenberg in Trappe, PA. The presentation begins at 5 pm with a social gathering and light refreshments. Lectures begin at 5:30 and last for about an hour with time for questions at the end. This program is free and open to the public.

Celebrations, Education and Theater

Lots of events this weekend and through the week, whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, Black History Month or you want to learn about money management or colleges. And Theatre Horizon's next show opens on Thursday.

ALL MONTH (February) at the Vance Center, 216 Cherry, from noon to 8 pm, Black History Museum Educational Exhibit. By appointment. For more information, call 484-964-4075 or go to www.thelivingground.com.

Friday, February 12, from noon-8 pm at the Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), Montgomery County Black History Program. Food, vendors, music, poetry, spoken word, exhibits, door prizes and more.

Friday, 2-3 pm at Norristown Public Library.Valentine Fun for grades K-6. Come make a Valentine for someone you love and enjoy some holiday activities. Drop in.

Friday, 5-9 pm at the First Presbyterian Church gym (Dekalb and Airy). DATE NIGHT FOR MOM AND DAD away from the kids and game night for the kids. A night of indoor soccer, pilo pollo, dodgeball, ping pong, foosball, air hockey and more. $20 for the first child and $10 for each sibling, ages 6-14. Includes hotdog, beverage and snack. Limited to the first 25, must preregister. Call 610 -270-0467

Saturday, from noon-8 pm at the Vance Center (216 Cherry), Montgomery County Black History Program. Food, vendors, music, poetry, spoken word, exhibits, door prizes and more.

Saturday, 8-10:45 pm at August Moon, 2nd Saturday Jazz presents the Kevin Valentine Quartet, “the premier balladeer,” for songs of love on Valentine’s Eve.. Doors open at 7 pm for dinner. Sets on the hour. Entertainment Fee $10. 2 drink minimum.

Monday, 7 pm at Montgomery County Human Services, 1430 Dekalb, Free class on Money Management sponsored by Genesis Housing. Learn how to: Set Up a Working Budget, How Current Spending Impacts Future Financial Options, Prioritizing Spending. There was no contact info on the listing so I suppose you just show up.

Tuesday at 6:30 pm in Municipal Hall, Council Workshop meeting. No agenda posted yet.

Thursday from 10 am-2 pm and 6-7:30 pm at GN PAL (340 Harding Blvd). Regional College Fair. FREE and open to all high school students. Sponsored by PA Assn. for College Admission Counseling. For information, contact Carolyn White at 215-641-6561 or
cwhite@mc3.edu

Thursday, 7:30 pm at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb), pay-what-you-can preview of "Lobby Hero." The show will run through March 13. This week's performances on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets and schedule at this link. For information, contact Josh Millhouse, 610-283-2230.

Events for Black History Month and More

ALL MONTH (February) at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb) from noon to 8 pm, Black History Museum. Educational Exhibit. By appointment. For more information, call 484-964-4075 or go to www.thelivingground.com.

Saturday, Feb 6 at 4 pm, St. Patrick's Church (Dekalb and Chestnut) welcomes the New Vision Gospel Choir from Philadelphia. They'll perform at afternoon mass to celebrate the contributions of the Black and African American members of the parish in honor of Black History month. Visitors welcome. (I heard them sing last year--they were outstanding.) Soul food dinner afterward in the Parish Hall downstairs.

Saturday, 8:30 pm (doors open 7:30), at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), Starving Artist Prevention presents Robert Rule in There's A 50% Chance For Everything comedy show. Also performances by Lump Hamilton, Buddy Harris, Marc Staudenmaier. Emceed by Jeff Roser. $20 in advance. $25 at door. Tickets at by phone at 215-906-0919 or 484-809-4216, or at Rule.BrownPaperTickets.com.

Monday, 7 pm at GNPAL, Harding Blvd. GNPAL Track Team's Open House and Registration. Ages 5-18. Light refreshments.

Monday, 7 pm, Montgomery County Human Services, 1430 Dekalb, Understanding Credit: Free class sponsored by Genesis Housing on understanding credit and credit scores. Obtain a Free Credit Report from Major Credit Bureaus with Scores. Learn How to Improve Your Credit Score. Register online at www.genesishousing.org

Tuesday, 7 pm Municipal Hall, Planning Commission Meeting.

Next Friday, February 12, from noon-8 pm at the Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), Montgomery County Black History Program. Food, vendors, music, poetry, spoken word, exhibits, door prizes and more.

Also next Friday, 2-3 pm at Norristown Public Library. Valentine Fun for grades K-6. Come make a Valentine for someone you love and enjoy some holiday activities. Drop in.