Community Calendar

Event submissions: Send to editor@phoenixvillenews.com a week prior to publication. Note “Phoenix Calendar” in the subject.

Phoenixville Public Library

Library Info: 183 Second Ave., www.phoenixvillelibrary.org, 610-933-3013 ext. 132. Reservations for events/programs can be made online or by calling the library.

Teen Writing Group: Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. For students ages 12 to 18 by students ages 12 to 18. Drop in; no registration required. Students are welcome at this after-school writing group. The group will gather to share creative writing tips, respond to writing exercises and prompts and just show up to write. Bring something you’ve already begun and want to finish or get started on a new writing project. No previous writing experience is necessary; all writing genres and styles are welcome. The idea is to create a creative, supportive community for young writers. For more information, contact the facilitator, Sara Chodak, at sarachodak@gmail.com.

Phoenix Fiction Writers: Adult writers of fiction invited to attend twice monthly meetings of the Phoenix Fiction Writers at the library. Free. Group meets second Thursday and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the library’s Harrop Room. Led by Eric Parmer, offering local writers education, empowerment and constructive criticism. Writers ask questions about the writing process, read work out loud and receive/offer input on material read. Free and open to public. To submit writing samples or for more information, contact Eric Parmer at edparmer@gmail.com.

Legal Outreach Clinic: A free legal clinic will be offered at Phoenixville Public Library on the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Ian J. Michener, Esq. of Rick Linn, LLC offers this Phoenixville Legal Outreach Clinic, providing information, counseling, and advocacy in various areas of law, including family law, trusts & estates, criminal defense, landlord-tenant law, and legal issues facing small businesses. Attendees receive a free 20-minute consultation with an attorney, who will provide counseling and access to legal resources as needed. Consultations are provided on a first-come, first served basis. For more information, call 610933-3013 x132 or email mpinto@ccls.org.

ESL Conversation Group: new weekly group on Saturdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. Group facilitated by John Argeseanu and open to ESL students and tutors and anyone in the community looking to improve/practice their English. Free and open to public. For more info, email johnargeseanu@gmail.com.

Mobile Workforce Navigator: Your guide to resources available to unemployed and underemployed job seekers through the PA CareerLink and the United Way Financial Stability Center of Chester County, is available for free, walk-in appointments each Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., immediately following the weekly meeting of the Library’s Career Success Group. Call for more info.

Cuéntame un cuento/Tell Me a Story: Second Wednesday of the month from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Ages 3 to 5 with caregiver . No registration required. This is a bilingual storytime. Come and enjoy stories and songs in Spanish and English. Presented in collaboration with Ursinus College.

Go – the Surrounding Game: Thursday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m. For all ages and families. Register online at phoenixvillelibrary.org, call 610-9333013 ext. 124 or visit the library.

Microsoft Office & More Classes: Learn Microsoft Office programs, QuickBooks, website design, and more in a series of classes to be held on at the Phoenixville Public Library. IT professional Ernie Tidball is the instructor. Class time is 10 a.m. to noon unless otherwise noted. The class schedule is as follows: Google Docs (April 7); Excel Basic (April 21); Publisher Basic (April 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.); Excel Intermediate (May 5); Excel Advanced (June 2); Cyber Security (June 2 from 1 to 3 p.m.); QuickBooks Overview (June 16); Website Design with HTML (June 23); Website Design with JavaScript (June 30). Basic knowledge of computers and the ability to use a keyboard and mouse are required. Students should bring a USB drive if they wish to save their work and may bring their own laptops with Microsoft Office 2013 installed for the Excel and Publisher classes. The classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Reservations are required. s. When registering, indicate if you will be bringing a laptop. Class descriptions and registration are available on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132.

Phoenixville Tech Group: The Phoenixville Tech Group will resume weekly meetings at Phoenixville Public Library Monday, April 9, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the library’s Community Education Room. Glenn Musser is the group facilitator. The Phoenixville Tech Group brings technology users together to share knowledge and experience. They are particularly interested in helping those who have limited or no experience with computers. Topics that can be addressed include: digital cameras, cell phones, tablets, cable TV & FiOS, GPS, computer and printer recommendations, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email, software installation, computer security and speeding up a sluggish computer. Weekly meeting topics at phoenixvilletg.com. The group is free and open to the public. For more information, email Glenn@SeniorTechGroup.com.

Public Gratitude and Perpetual Warfare: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free talk, “Public Gratitude and Perpetual Warfare,” Monday, April 9, at 7 p.m.. Evan Reibsome, an Iraq War vet and doctoral candidate, will be the speaker. Reibsome’s talk places pressure on a post-9⁄11 patriotic practice known as the “Thank You for Your Service” phenomenon, which involves a civilian approaching a military service member and literally saying the phrase “thank you for your service.” Drawing from a wide range of material — including literature, popular culture and his own military service — he acknowledges the need for civilian support for our military while also inviting audience members to re-examine this popular expression of gratitude with a more critical eye. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132.

Longwood Gardens Community Read Book Discussion: Phoenixville Public Library will host a discussion of “Lab Girl” by Hope Jahren, this year’s Longwood Gardens Community Read title for adults, Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. Mark Pinto, adult services director at Phoenixville Public Library, will moderate the discussion. A copy of the book may be reserved at the library or at ccls.org. Family passes to Longwood Gardens will be given away in a free raffle at the end of the discussion.

A Novel Lunch with Lisa See: Enjoy lunch with critically acclaimed author Lisa See (“The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane”) Thursday, April 12, from noon to 2 p.m. at The Columbia Station, 4 Bridge St., Phoenixville. Tickets are $65 and include lunch, author talk and a signed book. Proceeds benefit the Phoenixville Public Library Foundation. RSVP to Lauren Coy at 610-933-3013 ext. 131 or lcoy@ccls.org. Adult Spanish Book Club Author Event & Book Discussion: Phoenixville Public Library’s Adult Spanish Book Club will meet next at Ursinus College for a special event with author Reyna Grande Thursday, April 12. The award-winning author will offer a talk and Q&A (in English) on her memoir, “La Distancia Entre Nosotros,” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a book club discussion (in Spanish) at 5:30 p.m. This event will be held in Olin Auditorium at Ursinus College, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville. This program is free and open to the public. A copy of the book may be reserved at the library or at www.ccls.org. No reservations required. For more information, email Giovanna Steyaert at gsteyaert@ursinus.edu.

Movie Night @ the Library:

The library will screen this year’s Best Picture Oscar winner, “The Shape of Water” (2017, R, 123 minutes), Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments served. For more information, call 610-933-3013 ext. 132 or email mpinto@ccls.org.

Writing Your Memoir: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free memoir writing workshop with author Elizabeth Doan Friday, April 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. This presentation will explain what a memoir is and how to get started writing one. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or call 610-933-3013 ext. 132.

Eyes of the Wild & Wallaby Tales: Saturday, April 14, from 3 to 3:45 p.m. upstairs in the Carnegie Room. A family event; all ages are welcome. In conjunction with Earth Day, have an upclose and personal experience with live wildlife. Discover the habitat, survival techniques and communication skills of the wild animals that will be shown during the event. The library won’t know exactly which animals will come until they arrive; it depends on which ones are ready for a visit. The library has requested a bird, a reptile, a Vietnamese potbellied pig that does tricks and a couple more. Register online at phoenixvillelibrary.org, by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 124 or when visiting the library.

Stepping Up to Stop Sexual Assault: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free panel presentation, “Stepping Up to Stop Sexual Assault”, Monday, April 16, at 7 p.m. The presenters, from the Lower Merion School District, are Dermot Anderson, school counselor; Becky Bowlby, college access counselor; and Janet Pudlinski, mental health counselor. Learn the facts about sexual assault, how to protect yourself and how to be a good bystander to protect others. Issues of consent and establishing healthy relationships will also be addressed. Though this program was initially created to help students transition from high school to college or the workplace, the culture of sexual assault in general and its prevalence in every career field will be discussed. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132.

Author Book Talk: Phoenixville Public Library will host a talk by author Robyn Young Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. Young is the author of “Women in Penn’s Woods: A History of Women in Pennsylvania.” In this photo illustrated presentation, she will describe her efforts to obtain historical markers for 18 women in Pennsylvania. This event supports Longwood Gardens’ Community Read program and its celebration of women in science and horticulture. Each attendee to this event will be eligible for a drawing for free passes to Longwood Gardens. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by call-

ing 610-933-3013 ext. 132. Make Your Own Acrylic Painting: Come join Phoenixville Public Library for a step-by-step acrylic painting class Thursday, April 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The class will be taught by local artist Amy Hathaway. Cost of the class is $15, which includes a 16-by-20inch canvas and all the supplies for creating an art piece. This event is open to the public. Light refreshments served. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-9333013 ext. 132.

The Life of Ulysses S. Grant — Myths and Misunderstandings: Phoenixville Public Library will host a first-person portrayal of Ulysses S. Grant, “The Life of Ulysses S. Grant: Myths and Misunderstandings,” Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m. Professional living historian Kenneth J. Serfass will portray Grant, the U.S. president and general who died as one of the most beloved and respected men of the Victorian age. However, he is now regarded by many as a hard-drinking “butcher” who had little regard for human life or respect for his enemies. Serfass’s portrayal of Grant seeks to restore his reputation by helping attendees understand the Victorian-era mindset and offering insight “straight from the horse’s mouth.” This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-9333013 ext. 132.

Teen Movie Night: “Wonder Woman” (PG-13). Tuesday April 24, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. For grades five to 12. Light refreshments served. No registration required.

Clear Your Clutter: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free talk, “Clear Your Clutter,” Thursday, April 26, at 7 p.m. Clutter clearing practitioner Katya Wieber will be the speaker. She will talk about what clutter clearing is and how clutter affects you and will offer tips on how to get started to lead a clutter free life. She will share stories on how releasing clutter has transformed her clients’ lives. There will be a question and answer period after the talk. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132.

Perkiomen Valley Library

Library Info: 290 Second St., Schwenksville. Call 610-2878360 for registration and information.

Yoga: Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Teens and adults. Drop-in for $5 per session. Join Adjoa AmoahAggrey, RYT/Carmen Molina, RYT, for all levels of yoga. Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing. Beginners welcome. Email questions to yoga.vaayu@gmail.com.

Preschool Storytime: Thursdays through May 31 at 10 am. For ages 2 to 5 with an adult. Enjoy stories and songs introducing early literacy skills. Registration requested.

Tail Waggin’ Tales: Tuesday, April 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. Drop in and read to certified pet therapy dogs. No appointment needed. Come practice your read-aloud skills. All ages and reading abilities welcome.

Laughter Yoga Club: Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m. Join Laughter Yoga leader Chris Filippini on the second Thursday of each month for an evening of fun exercise. Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises with deep yogic breathing to the gain health benefits of laughing without having to rely on humor. Bring a bottle of water and a willingness to laugh on purpose. No mats needed. No fee required; donations to the library accepted.

Baby Story Time: Tuesday, April 17, at 9:30 a.m. Ages 6 to 24 months with adult. Enjoy stories, songs and finger plays. Registration requested.

Read, Think, Chat: Tuesday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. Join a lively discussion of books. The book to be discussed in April is “Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles.

Companion Planting Your Vegetables: Wednesday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. Master gardener Susan Doblmaier will share the how your vegetables can help each other grow. Registration requested.

Writers Assemble: Thursday, April 26, at 4:30 p.m. Join a monthly writing club. Meet other people who love to write. Come to write or to get or give feedback.

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet: Wednesday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. Master gardener Karrie Hontz will share some basic, easy-to-implement ideas on how you can make a positive impact on the environment through your everyday gardening practices. Registration requested.

Spring Book Sale: Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an early bird sale from 8 to 10 a.m. with $5 donation (includes light refreshments). Gently used books for adults, teens and children. Refreshments will be available to purchase. All proceeds benefit the library.

Area events

“Anything Goes”: Perkiomen Valley High School will present “Anything Goes” April 6 at 7:30 p.m., April 7 at 6:30 p.m. and April 8 at 2 p.m. on the Spahr Auditorium stage of Perkiomen Valley Middle School East, 100 Kagey Road, Collegeville. Tickets: $10. For more information or for tickets call 610-489-1230 ext. 2144 or visit pvmb.org.

Orienteering for Beginners: Come to Lower Perkiomen Valley Park Saturday, April 14, at 10 a.m. for a first look at the basics of orienteering. Visitors will meet members of the Delaware Valley Orienteering Association to learn about and try their hand at this fun, family activity. Orienteering includes using a map and good observation techniques to find desired locations, much like a treasure hunt. Instructions in basic orienteering will be given at 10 a.m., followed by the fun of using those newfound skills within the park. This event is suitable for all ages. A donation of $2 per person is suggested and appreciated. Preregistration is preferred. To reserve a space, call 610-6665371. Participants should meet at the main pavilion/picnic center. This event will be held rain or shine. Lower Perkiomen Valley Park is located on New Mill Road in Oaks. For further information, call 610-666-5371.

Spring-Ford Educational Foundation 5K Run/Walk: The Spring-Ford Educational Foundation will hold the fifth annual 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run benefiting the Spring-Ford Area High School Senior Impact Awards Friday, April 20, at Spring-Ford Area High School, 350 S. Lewis Road, Royersford. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., Kids Fun Run will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the 5K Run/Walk will start at 6:30 p.m. Fees: $20 for students grades K-12 registering for the 5K; $25 for adults registering for the 5K; $10 for kid’s fun run (T-shirt not included). Price increases after April 7. Register at spring-ford. net/about-spring-ford/welcometo-spring-ford/sfef/5k.

Free Dentistry For Veterans: Reardon Dental will partner with Brandywine Oral Surgery to provide a day of free dentistry for veterans Saturday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to 2: p.m. Choose one of the following services: dental cleaning, filling or routine extraction. By appointment only. Call 610-935-2883 to schedule an appointment. Reardon Dental is located at 1096 W. Bridge St., Phoenixville.

Share the Love Pet Event: The Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation will host a Share the Love event April 28 at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center, 153 Church St., Phoenixville. This veterinary care event is for dogs and cats of local senior citizens and will feature local veterinarians and technicians providing basic exams, vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, microchipping and nail trims. This event coincides with World Veterinary Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Saturday in April. Share the Love will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.