Community Calendar

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

Area events

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-orgoats 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.

Concerts for a Cause: Royersford United Methodist Church, 380 Church St., Royersford, will present the Concerts for a Cause concert series to support Spring-Ford Project Outreach (SFPO), a cooperative ministry of 27 Christian churches that provides community outreach emergency assistance services and programs for those in need in the Spring-Ford area. A concert titled Songs of Faith and Justice performed by Lydia Muñoz will take place April 5, while musician Charlie Zahm will perform a Celtic concert April 26. Concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. All concerts in the series are free to the public. A free-will offering will be taken at each concert in support of SFPO. For more information, visit sfconcerts.org or call 484948-7691.

Designer Bag Bingo: The Community Club of Collegeville will sponsor a designer bag bingo event Saturday, April 13, at 11 a.m. at Imperial Catering in Trappe. Tickets are $30, which will include 10 bingo cards and lunch, plus door prizes and a raffle. Tickets will only be sold at the door. All proceeds will benefit the club’s school awards and scholarships program. For more information, call Kathleen at 610-831-8887 or Joanne at 610-608-6513.

Easter Workshop for Kids: Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, will present an Easter workshop for kids Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m. Attendees can create Easter and spring crafts especially designed for kids. There will be four crafts: decoupage eggs to hang, a 3-D butterfly image, a bunny mask and a black-and-white spring lamb. Refreshments will be served, and kids can play bowling for bunnies. Children ages 5 and older, with an adult, are invited to attend this workshop in the Classroom Building. The fee is $5/child. Call 610-287-9349 to preregister by Friday, April

5. For more information, visit montcopa.org/pennypackermills or call 610-287-9349. 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/ scholarship-application. The deadline for applications is April

30.

St. John’s Choir & Friends Concert: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 355 St. John’s Circle, Phoenixville, invites singers to join in the annual St. John’s Choir & Friends concert Sunday, May 5, at 7 p.m. This year’s program, titled “Psalms and Spirituals,” will feature Psalm settings by John Ness Beck, Randall Thompson, Ralph Vaughan Williams and César Franck and spirituals. Rehearsals are scheduled at St. John’s for Sundays, March 24 and 31 and April 7, 14 and 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. A light supper will follow the May 5 rehearsal. Music will be provided for the singers. For additional information, contact Tom Snyder at ftsiii@gmail.com.

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 610457-5793 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.

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 610-933-3013 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.

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.

Spotted Lanternfly Presentation: The Phoenixville Public Library will host a free presentation on controlling the invasive spotted lanternfly Monday, April 1 at 7 p.m. Peg Friese, a master watershed steward with the Penn State Extension, will be the speaker. At this presentation, learn more about this invasive pest and how to help control the impact to the community through the different stages of its life cycle. 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.

Super Seed Starting: The Phoenixville Public Library will host a fun and educational hands-on workshop on starting plants from seed, “Super Seed Starting,” Tuesday, April 2, at 7 p.m. Elizabeth Alakszay, an instructor for Longwood Gardens, will lead the workshop, which is being held in conjunction with Longwood’s Community Read program. In this hands-on workshop, Alakszay will discuss and demonstrate the techniques that will ensure success in starting plants from seed. After a brief overview of the structure of seeds, she will take an indepth look at what is involved in starting a plant from a seed. Choosing seeds, soil, containers, lighting, watering, temperature, fertilizing and transplanting a seedling will be covered. The art of seed saving at the end of the growing season will also be reviewed. Each participant will plant flower seeds to take home for their garden. Cost for the workshop is $10 per person, payable at the door. Attendees will be entered into a free raffle drawing for vouchers for free admission to Longwood Gardens to be awarded at the conclusion of the program. 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.

Lecture-in-Song: The Phoenixville Public Library will host a free “lecture-in-song” — “A Land That’s Free for You and Me: Jewish Songwriters Give Universal Voice to the American Dream” — with pianist/singer/ lecturer Fred Miller Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. Through the anthems of gratitude and grit of Irving Berlin, Al Jolson, George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg, Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and others, this lecture-in-song will examine the Jews’ experience of the freedom they reveled in and the very real obstacles they faced as well. 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.

Yoga for Beginners: The Phoenixville Public Library will host a free Yoga for Beginners class Saturday, April 6, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The class will be led by members of the nonprofit Isha Foundation. This class does not require any fitness level or prior exposure to yoga. 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 Visit: The Phoenixville Public Library will host awardwinning author Ira Poliakoff Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. He will speak on his new book, “Synagogues of Philadelphia,” which traces the history of the Jewish people in the Philadelphia region through the more than 500 synagogues that exist or have existed. Autographed copies of the book will be available for purchase. 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 Manage Your Emotions, Stress and Sleep with Essential Oils: The Phoenixville Public Library will host a workshop, How to Manage Your Emotions, Stress and Sleep with Essential Oils, Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. Natural health educator Megan Koppel will lead the class. Learn the foundational essential oils and techniques for naturally supporting emotional and physical health, including reducing tension, increasing energy levels and supporting emotional balance and restful sleep. Make a custom essential oil blend with powerhouse oils for reducing stress and increasing joy. Cost is $5, 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.

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.

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.