Community Calendar
Event submissions: Send to editor@phoenixvillenews.com a week prior to publication. Note “Phoenix, Reporter & Item Calendar” in the subject.
Area events
Gift Card and Basket Bingo: The Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville will hold its Gift Card and Basket Bingo Saturday, March 9, in the Covered Bridge Room of the Kimberton Fire Company, 2276 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and bingo will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets in advance are $25 each. This will include 20 games of bingo and entry into the door prize drawings. Tickets purchased at the door the night of the event (if available) will cost $30. In addition, guests may purchase special bingo games. There will also be raffle baskets and a 50⁄50 drawing for which guests may purchase chances. The proceeds from this event will benefit the All-Ability Playground in Reeves Park and other children’s projects run by the Kiwanis Club, such as the summer entertainment programs held at the Children’s Plaza on Saturday mornings. Tickets may be purchased at phoenixvillekiwanis.org by clicking on the “Buy Bingo Tickets” tab or by calling 610-246-1546 and making arrangements to pay for and receive tickets.
Beginner Genealogy Classes: Pennypacker Mills will hold genealogy workshops for beginners led by genealogist Rose Brown Saturdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. At each workshop, participants will explore how to trace their ancestors through a variety of sources. Find out how, what and where to find valuable information about your relatives through interviews of family members; visiting libraries, archives and cemeteries; and using the internet. Handouts will be provided. This workshop has limited enrollment. Fee: $40/adult, which covers all four classes. To preregister, call 610-287-9349. Classes will be held in the Classroom Building at Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville For information or online registration form, visit montcopa.org/pennypackermills.
Workshop on Raising Sheep and Goats: Learn more about what is involved with raising sheep or goats at a workshop sponsored by Penn State Extension and Kent Nutrition Monday, March 25, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Penn State Extension Office, 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville. Featured topics will include an overview of sheep and goat production practices, where to find sheep or goats to purchase, animal handling principles, equipment needs, preparing animals for breeding and how to handle breeding and lambing or kidding issues. Melanie Barkley, Penn State Extension educator from Bedford County, will be the featured speaker. The workshop will include a light dinner and handout materials. There is no cost to attend the meeting, but registration is requested by March 21. For more details or to sign up, visit extension.psu.edu/ so-you-want-to-raise-sheep-or-goats or call 877-345-0691. Quilt Show and Sale: Homemaker’s Country Quilters will hold its quilt show and sale, Blooms of Spring, Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the 4-H Center, 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville. The show will feature more than 150 quilts sewn by Homemaker’s Country Quilters members. The Recycle Room will sell fabric, sewing notions, books and magazines at reduced rates. Vendors also will have sewing patterns, fabric and many sewn items for sale. Cash or check only. The show will feature a display of Quilts of Honor Challenge Quilts. Members sewed these quilts to honor military, fire or police officers. In the Education Room, try your hand at hand quilting where instructions will be given around the quilt frame. Sandwiches and treats can be purchased at the Quilter’s Café. Admission price is $7 with the proceeds to support the 4-H Center. For more information, visit homemakerscountryquilters.org.
Norristown Garden Club Scholarship: The Norristown Garden Club is offering scholarships to residents of Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania enrolled in full-time, horticulture-related programs. Non-residents will be considered if attending a full-time, horticulture-related program at an academic institution in the above Pennsylvania counties. Horticulture-related fields may include agriculture education, agronomy, botany, conservation, environmental concerns, floriculture, horticulture, land management, landscape architecture and plant pathology. To obtain an application, visit norristowngardenclub. org/ngc/index.php/scholarshipapplication. The deadline for applications is April 30.
Phoenixville Public Library
Library Info: 183 Second Ave., phoenixvillelibrary.org, 610-9333013 ext. 132. Reservations for events/programs can be made online or by calling the library.
Happy Feet! Music Class: Second Monday of each month September through June. For ages 15 months to 5 years. Presented by Mr. Eric. An exciting, interactive class to introduce and instill a love of music. Classic tunes are featured along with newer songs and compositions. Register at phoenixvillelibrary.org or call 610-933-3013 ext. 124.
Phoenix Fiction Writers: Adult writers of fiction invited to attend meetings of the Phoenix Fiction Writers at the library. Group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. for education, empowerment and constructive criticism of their work. Led by Eric Parmer, the sessions offer writers the opportunity to ask questions about the writing process, read their work out loud and receive and offer input on the material read. Writers wishing to have their work critiqued should submit their work to Parmer prior to each meeting. The group is free and open to the public. To submit writing samples or for more information, contact 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 610-9333013 ext. 132 or email mpinto@ccls.org.
ESL Conversation Group: An ESL Conversation Group meets each Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Phoenixville Public Library. This free group is open to ESL students and anyone in the community looking to improve or practice their English. John Argeseanu is the group facilitator. For more information, call 610-457-5793 or email johnargeseanu@gmail.com.
Mobile Workforce Navigator: The PA CareerLink and the United Way Financial Stability Center of Chester County want you to meet Ann Marie Barr, the Mobile Workforce Navigator, your guide to resources available to unemployed and underemployed job seekers. Barr provides oneon-one employment assistance in Phoenixville Public Library’s Harrop Room Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-in appointments available. This service is free and open to the public. For more information, email abarr@ openhearthinc.org or call 610331-4101.
Dr. Seuss Celebration Events: Saturday, March 9, from 3 to 3:45 p.m. For all ages and families. Come celebrate Dr. Seuss Month. The entertaining and educational performance “Read, Rhyme & Respect with Rosie and … Dr. Seuss!” is based on the works of Dr. Seuss and other children’s authors and includes magic, props and audience participation. Register at phoenixvillelibrary.org, by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 124 or when visiting the library. Author Visit: The Phoenixville Public Library will host a talk and book signing with local author June McInerney Monday, March 11, at 7 p.m. Her newest work of historical fiction is “Colonial Theatre: A Novel of Phoenixville during the Roarin’ 20s.” McInerney will discuss the backstory of her novel and discuss the early history of Phoenixville’s award-winning theater. 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.
Needle Felting 101: Learn the basics of needle felting and create your own sculpture in Needle Felting 101 Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Jenne Dudrear of Lilac Road Handmade will be the instructor. The class will cover the basics of needle felting, the art of sculpting wool using a special barbed needle. Materials cost is $15, payable 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 will screen “A Star is Born” (R, 136 minutes) Thursday, March 14, at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments served. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132.
Microsoft Word and Excel Classes: Phoenixville Public Library will host a series of free Microsoft Word and Excel classes on selected Saturday mornings,. Paul Celentano is the instructor. The class schedule is as follows: Excel Basic (March 16); Word Intermediate (April 6); Excel Intermediate (April 20); Excel Advanced (June 1). Class time is 10 a.m. to noon. Basic computing and computer file management skills are required. Participants should bring a notebook and a USB thumb drive and may bring their own laptop. The classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Class descriptions are available, and required reservations can be made on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132. When registering, indicate if you are bringing a laptop.
The Life and Film Music of Bernard Herrmann: Learn about The Life and Film Music of Bernard Herrmann, whose distinctive music underscores such film classics as “Citizen Kane,” “Vertigo,” “North by Northwest,” “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and “Taxi Driver,” with Dorothy Herrmann, daughter of the composer, Monday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Dorothy will screen part of the Oscar-nominated documentary “Music for the Movies: Bernard Herrmann,” speak about life with her father and take questions from the audience. 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.
Massage and Reflexology: Learn self-hand massage techniques and the basics of the ancient Chinese healing technique of reflexology with master healer Linda Bender in a free program Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. Bender will teach attendees a 30-minute hand massage that can help counter the hand stresses of everyday texting and typing and can open up arthritic joints. 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.
Story Time with The American Helicopter Museum: Wednesday, March 20, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. For preschoolers and older. Learn about helicopters and make a related craft. Space is limited. Register at phoenixvillelibrary.org, by calling 610-9333013 ext 124 or when visiting the library.
“Alessandra Gabbianelli Sings Broadway”: Enjoy an evening
of songs from popular American musicals with local soprano Alessandra Gabbianelli and keyboardist Seth Trumbore at Phoenixville Public Library Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. “Alessandra Gabbianelli Sings Broadway” will feature selections from “Les Miserables,” “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” “Little Women,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Kinky Boots,” “Frozen the Musical,” “The Little Mermaid” and more. 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.
How to Protect Your Personal Information: Lean how to recognize, react to and prevent scams in a free presentation, “How to Protect Your Personal Information,” Friday, March 22, at 10 a.m. Elizabeth Doan, Bucks-Chester-Montgomery Link coordinator, Pennsylvania Link to Aging & Disability Resources, will be the presenter. The presentation is an overview of scams in all their forms — phone, mail, online, at the gas station and grocery store and more. Participants will learn how to recognize these scams, how to react appropriately and how to prevent them from happening in the first place. 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.
A Novel Lunch: Phoenixville Public Library will serves up A Novel Lunch with critically acclaimed fiction author Harlan Coben Friday, March 22, from noon to 2:15 p.m. at Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve, 100 Golf Club Drive, Phoenixville. Tickets are $65 per person and include lunch, talk and an autographed copy of Coben’s newest novel, “Run Away” (to be released March 19). Proceeds will benefit the Phoenixville Public Library Foundation. RSVP to Lauren Coy at 610-933-3013 ext. 131 or lcoy@ccls.org by March 13.
Trends in College Admissions: The Phoenixville Public Library will host a workshop for college students and their parents, “Trends in College Admissions,” Monday, March 25, at 7 p.m. Dr. Kevin Bukatman of College Planning Service America will discuss what’s new, what’s trending and insights into the best way to apply for a student’s top colleges of choice. Attendees will learn the hard and soft factors of college admissions, what “informed interest” is, early admission options, whether being wait-listed is a good thing, why more students are transferring, using technology to your advantage and other topics. 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.
Family Movie Night: Tuesday, March 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For children and families. The movie shown will be “The Grinch” (PG, 2018). Light refreshments will be served. No registration necessary.
Books on Tap: Books on Tap, the Phoenixville Public Library’s book discussion group for adults in their 20s and 30s, will meet Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at Root Down Brewing Co., 1 Main St., Phoenixville. The group will discuss “Wolf in White Van” by John Darnielle. A copy of the book may be reserved at the library or at ccls.org. This event is free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available for purchase. For more information, email Christine Shaffer at shaffer.m.christine@gmail.com.
Celebrating Jewish Women Writers: Local actress/director/ writer/educator Christine Emmert will present a free lecture, “Ruth’s Daughters: Celebrating Jewish Women Writers,” Thursday, March 28, at 7 p.m. at thePhoenixville Public Library. The biblical Ruth gave voice to a song which begins the thread of writing through the Jewish tradition to present day. Emmert will take attendees through her personal look at the talents of many women who wrote in their particular voice and touched life beyond their Jewish heritage, from Ruth to such moderns as Anne Frank, Gertrude Stein, Lillian Hellman, Geraldine Brooks, Nora Ephron and others. 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.
AARP Smart Driver 4-Hour Refresher Class: The Phoenixville Public Library will host the AARP Smart Driver 4-Hour Refresher class Friday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The AARP Smart Driver course offers an opportunity to learn how to drive more efficiently and safely. Participants will learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate a vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. Participants will learn how to manage and accommodate common agerelated changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Participants must have previously taken an eight-hour Smart Driver class in order to attend this refresher class and qualify for a possible insurance discount. Cost is $15 for AARP members (card must be presented) and $20 for nonmembers (check or money order only, payable to AARP Smart Driver). This event is open to the public. Lunch is not provided. Reservations are required on the Adult Events Calendar at phoenixvillelibrary.org or by calling 610-933-3013 ext. 132.
Photography Fundamentals: Phoenixville Public Library will host a Photography Fundamentals workshop by local professional photographer Laura Keen Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $20, payable in cash at the door. Whether you prefer a smartphone or a camera, this comprehensive session will elevate photography skills by teaching the fundamentals of lighting, composition, portraiture and technique. Fllowing the instruction, weather permitting, a comprehensive natural light photoshoot will be conducted, focusing on portraiture, nature and architectural aspects. Otherwise, participants will conduct a photo shoot in the library’s Carnegie Room to gain immediate application of skills. 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.
Perkiomen Valley Library
Library Info: 290 Second St., Schwenksville. Call 610-2878360 for registration and information.
Community Yoga: Mondays at 7 p.m. For teens and adults. Drop in for $5 per session. Join Adjoa Amoah, RYT 200, AYS/ Carmen Molina, RYT, for all levels of yoga. Bring a mat, and wear comfortable clothing. Beginners welcome. Email questions to vaayuyoga@gmail.com.
Knitters: First Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Bring your needles and yarn. Beginners welcome. Share your projects, learn a new stitch and make new friends.
Preschool Storytime: Thursdays through April 11 at 10 a.m. For ages 2 to 5 with an adult. Enjoy stories and songs introducing early literacy skills. Registration requested.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss: Saturday, March 9, at 10:30 am. Come meet the Cat in the Hat and enjoy the stories of Dr. Seuss. Don’t forget your camera. Registration requested.
Tail Waggin’ Tales: Tuesday, March 12, 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.
The Role of Seeds in Society and Culture: Thursday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. Dive deep into the concepts from The Triumph of Seeds during a facilitated lecture that looks at the wide range of usages of seeds in today’s society and culture. From their inclusion in global diets to their presence in creative arts, spirituality and textiles, discover how relevant seeds are in today’s world. In this program you’ll also learn how to properly process and store a menagerie of beautiful seeds to be used for jewelry, cooking and planting. Presented by Matthew Ross of Longwood Gardens.
Baby Storytime: Tuesdays, March 19 and April 2 and 16, at 9:30 a.m. For ages 6 months to 24 months with adult. Enjoy stories, songs and finger plays. Registration requested.
Read, Think, Chat: Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. Join a lively discussion of books. The book to be discussed in March is “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towle.
Tail Waggin’ Tales, Too: Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. to noon. Drop in and read to certified pet therapy dogs. No appointment needed. Come practice your read-aloud skills. All ages and reading abilities welcome.
Cookbook Club and Monthly Potluck: Tuesday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. Sign up at the library to make a recipe from the cookbook of the month and then join to eat, discuss and share in joy of cooking (and baking). Contact the library for the feature book of the month.
Spotted Lanternfly Workshop: Wednesday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. What is the big deal? Why is my area under quarantine and what does it mean? What can I do to reduce the invasive spotted lanternfly population? Presented by Master Gardener Sharon Gross. Registration requested.
Writers Assemble: Thursday, March 28, 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.