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: 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.

Medicare 101: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free workshop, “Medicare 101,” Monday, May

7, at 7 p.m. If you will be joining the ranks of Medicare soon, are already in the Medicare system and have questions, are helping a friend or relative obtain Medicare coverage or just want to understand what Medicare is all about, this session is for you. Thomas Wand and Margaret Ross, APPRISE insurance counselors, will be the presenters. Learn about Medicare A, B and C; the drug benefit (Part D); the types of health care insurance available in Chester County; benefits available to low income beneficiaries; and things to consider when selecting your medical coverage. APPRISE is Pennsylvania’s free, unbiased health insurance counseling program. 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. All-Occasion Cardmaking Workshop for Adults: Phoenixville Public Library will host an alloccasion cardmaking workshop for adults Tuesday, May 8, from 7 to 8 p.m. Helen Burnley is the craft instructor. Join us for some fun and friendship as you make three all-occasion cards. Cost is $10 per person, payable in cash at the door. This event is open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary. org or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132.

Movie Night @ the Library: The library will screen “The Greatest Showman” (PG, 105 minutes) Thursday, May 10, at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments served. Reservations not required. For more information, call 610-933-3013 ext. 132 or email mpinto@ccls.org.

Mr. Dave: Saturday, May 12, from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Mr. Dave will present a high-energy, interactive show featuring recognizable songs and finger plays. Get ready to dance, play instruments and be entertained. All ages and families welcome. Registration required at phoenixvillelibrary. org (click on kids calendar, then the event), by calling 610-9333013 ext. 124 or when visiting the library.

Where the Wild Things Are — Living Peacefully with Suburban Wildlife: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free presentation, “Where the Wild Things Are: Living Peacefully with Suburban Wildlife,” Monday, May 14, at 7 p.m. Licensed wildlife rehabilitator Deb Welter and veterinarian Ann Caulfield will be the speakers. Learn how making space for wildlife can enhance all of our lives. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610933-3013 ext. 132.

Hiking & Backpacking 101: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free “Hiking & Backpacking 101” class Thursday, May 17, at 7 p.m. Rangers Chris Wales and Nathan Helminiak from Warwick County Park will be the presenters. This ranger-led program will teach you how to properly prepare for an easy day hike or a backpacking adventure. Topics discussed include what kind of gear to bring, how to navigate and what food to bring. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610933-3013 ext. 132. Photography Fundamentals: Phoenixville Public Library will host a “Photography Fundamentals” class Monday, May 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Photographer Laura Keen is the instructor. Whether you prefer a smartphone or a camera, this comprehensive session will elevate your photography skills by teaching the fundamentals of lighting, composition, portraiture and technique. Following the instruction, participants will conduct a photo shoot in the library’s Carnegie Room to gain immediate application of skills. Cost is $20, payable in cash at the door. This event is open to the public. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132. Books on Tap: Books on Tap, Phoenixville Public Library’s book discussion group for adults in their 20s and 30s, will meet next Tuesday, May 22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Bistro on Bridge, 210 Bridge St., Phoenixville. The group will discuss “Nutshell” by Ian McEwan. A copy of the book may be reserved at the Library or at ccls.org. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Food and drink are not included but will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Christine Shaffer at shaffer.m.christine@ gmail.com.

Leonardo & The Golden Mean: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free presentation, “Leonardo & The Golden Mean,” Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m. Ellen Nelson, arts department faculty member of The Hill School, will be the speaker. In his works, Leonardo da Vinci utilized the ratio of the Golden Mean, with the intent of emulating the beauty inherent in nature. In order to define this concept, lecture attendees will create their own Golden Spirals. Then Nelson will show examples of how Leonardo experimented with the Golden Mean in his quest to get closer and closer to the heart and splendor of nature. 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. The Great Lady Songwriters: Singer, keyboardist and lecturer Fred Miller will return Tuesday, May 29, at 7 p.m. for another lecture-in-song, “The Great Lady Songwriters.” If women did not dominate American songwriting, their presence is undeniable. This tuneful Lecture-in-Song pays tribute to those female composers and lyricists who played a significant part in Tin Pan Alley’s colorful history. Eight ladies are profiled, representing a broad range of eras and styles, beginning with Edwardian sentimentalist Beth Slater Whitson and ending with ultra-cool singing/ songwriting legend Peggy Lee. his 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. Volunteer Recruitment Month: During the month of May, Phoenixville Public Library will host representatives from several area nonprofit organizations that are recruiting volunteers. Participating organizations include Chester County Food Bank, Open Door Ministry, Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Bon Homie Better Days Foundation, Compassionate Care Hospice, Coatesville VA Voluntary Service, Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care and Compeer Chester County. Scheduled days and times representatives will be in the library can be found on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org. Science in the Summer: GSK Science in the Summer is a fun and free science education program sponsored by GlazoSmithKline and administered by The Franklin Institute that introduces students to the g world of science. Through classes held in local public libraries and taught by certified teachers, this program gets kids excited about science with hands-on experiments. Visit phoenixvillelibrary. org for more details regarding dates and times. There are two class levels: one for those entering grades two to three and one for those entering grades four to

ing grades two to three and one for those entering grades four to six. Registration at scienceinthesummer.com.

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 Amoah Aggrey, 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,

May 8, 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, May 10, 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.

Science in the Summer: A free hands-on science program provided by Glaxo Smith Kline. 2018 features the science of space. Classes at Perkiomen Valley Library will be July 2 and 3. Fall grades two and three: 10 a.m. to noon; fall grades four to six: 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is online only. Online registration begins noon, Tuesday, May 15, at sciencein-thesummer.com/phl.html. Note: young scientists are expected to

attend both days.

Read, Think, Chat: Tuesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. Join a lively discussion of books. The book to be discussed in May is “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey” by Countess Fiona Carnarvon.

Spotted Lanternfly Workshop: Tuesday, May 2,2 at 6:30 p.m. Spotted Lanternfly information will be presented by Sally Sue Richmond from Penn State Extension. What is the big deal? Why is my area under quarantine and what does quarantine mean? What can I do to reduce the invasive Spotted Lanternfly population? No advanced registration required.

Star Wars “Solo” Party: Wednesday, May 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. For all ages. Make Star Wars crafts, test your knowledge with trivia and enjoy a Lego Star Wars movie. Registration requested.

Red Cross Blood Drive: Friday, May 25, from 2 to 7 p.m. Make an appointment online at redcrossblood.org. Complete your Rapid Pass the day of the blood drive to shorten your registration time. The blood drive will be held in the auditorium. Use Church Street

entrance. Walk-ins welcomed; however, appointments are highly recommended.

Writers Assemble: Thursday, May 31, 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.

Area events

Spring Chicken BBQ: Perkiomen Township Fire Co will holds its Spring Chicken BBQ May 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at its firehouse at Route 29 and Trappe Road. This is takeout only. For more information, contact Bill Patterson at 484-614-4698

Singers Sought For Choir Concert: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 355 St. John’s Circle, Phoenixville, will hold the annual St. John’s Choir & Friends concert Sunday, May 6, at 7 p.m. Titled “Christmas in May,” this year’s program includes both sacred and secular selections including a set of Four Appalachian Carols set for brass quintet and choir and audience favorites. For additional information, contact Tom Snyder, director of music at St.

John’s, ftsiii@gmail.com.

Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony: The Phoenixville Area School District will induct David Gautreau and Portia Adele Ramsy into the district’s Wall of Fame during a ceremony Monday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Following the ceremony, a reception will be held.

Montgomery County Bookmobile: The Montgomery County Bookmobile will make the following stops: May 8 and 22 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Collegeville Shopping Center, Route 29 and Main Street, Collegeville; May 11 and 25 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the TD Bank, routes 113 and 73, Skippack; and May 15 and 29 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Upper Providence Recreation Center, 499 Hopwood Road, Upper Providence.

Speakers Series: Samantha Harris, vice president of policy tesearch for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, will discuss “Free Speech on Campus” Wednesday, May 9, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, 1601 Valley Forge Road, Phoenixville.

St. Mary School will hold for the fifth annual Saint Mary Golf Outing and Dinner Social Friday, May 11, at the Brookside Country Club in Pottstown, with a shotgun start at noon. Cost: $145 includes cart and greens fee, lunch, two drink tickets and dinner. Cost for just dinner is $45 per person. Registration and a brochure are online at smsk-8.org/annual-golfouting. For more info, contact Jill McCafferty at smsgolfouting@gmail.com.

Estelle B. Solomon Scholar-In-Residence Weekend: Congregation B’nai Jacob, Starr and Manavon streets, Phoenixville, will present the Estelle B. Solomon Scholar-In-Residence Weekend featuring Dr. Amy-Jill Levine May 11 to 13. The theme of the weekend is “Judaism, Jesus and Jewish-Christian Relations: How Jews and Christians Misunderstand Each Other.” The weekend program schedule is available at congbj.org/scholar. For more information and to register for sessions, email admin@congbj.org or call 610-933-5550.