Community Calendar

Area events

A Victorian Christmas Open House: Pennypacker Mills will hold A Victorian Christmas Open House Saturday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 8 p.m. with a handbell choir and a Victorian Santa Claus on the mansion porch. Inside the mansion, see living historians portray family and friends. At each room, meet an interpreter who will share how the Christmas holiday started back in the early 1900s. In the kitchen, see a demonstration of how clear toy candy was made in multiple shapes. Pennypacker Mills is located at 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville. For information, visit montcopa.org/pennypackermills or call 610-287-9349. Toy Town Toy Drive: Edward Jones, 115 W. Main St., Suite C, Collegeville, is a dropoff location for this year’s Salvation Army’s Toy Town toy drive. New, unwrapped presents for children can be dropped off at our office through Dec. 10.

A Gilded Christmas: Pennypacker Mills will offer the A Gilded Christmas holiday tour through Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. See period-style Christmas ornaments and decorations used throughout the mansion in addition to original 1900s ornaments and greeting cards on exhibit in the Galleries. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Tours are free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person. Pennypacker Mills is located at 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville. For information, visit montcopa.org/pennypackermills or call 610-287-9349.

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.

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 610-933-3013 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: 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.

Teen Movie Night: Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 6 to 8:05 p.m. “Ant-Man and the Wasp” (PG13, 125 minutes). Light refreshments served. For grades five to 12. No registration.

Books on Tap: Books on Tap, Phoenixville Public Library’s book discussion group for adults in their 20s and 30s, will meet Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. at PJ Ryan’s Pub, 233 Bridge St., Phoenixville. It will discuss “Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan. 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 will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Christine Shaffer at shaffer.m.christine@gmail.com.

Holistic Healthy Holidays: Phoenixville Public Library will host a free seminar, Holistic Healthy Holidays, Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. Raphael Knauf, MD, of Phoenixville’s Carah Medical Arts, will be the speaker. Knauf will examine diet, exercise and some other lifestyle choices that can help attendees stay healthy and get healthier during the holidays and beyond. 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.

Phoenix Book Club: The Phoenix Book Club will meet at the Phoenixville Public Library Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. The group will discuss “Music of the Ghosts” by Vaddey Ratner. A copy of the book may be reserved at the library or online at ccls.org. The group is free and open to the public. For more information, call 610-933-3013 ext. 132.

Magnet Making Workshop: The Phoenixville Public Library will offer a workshop on magnet making, “Create Your Own Glass Magnets,” with Christine Tarlecki Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Materials will be provided. Bring your favorite ticket stubs, art and more to create an array of glass magnets. Cost is $10, 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.

Medicare Counseling: Free, unbiased, confidential appointments with a certified APPRISE Medicare counselor will be offered at Phoenixville Public Library during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period. Appointments will be available Wednesdays through Dec. 5 at noon and 1:30 and 3 p.m. APPRISE is the state-run Medicare counseling program. This service is free and open to the public. To schedule an appointment, call 610-3445234 and leave your name, phone number and a good time to call you back.

AARP Smart Driver Two-Day Class: The Phoenixville Public Library will host the AARP Smart Driver Two-Day Class Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The AARP Smart Driver course offers drivers age 50 and older an important opportunity to learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. Attendees will learn how to manage and accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Participants may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course. AARP membership is not required to take the course, and there are no tests to pass. Cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers (check or money order only, payable to AARP Smart Driver). 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.

Song of the Seasons: The Phoenixville Public Library will host “The Song of the Seasons: A Historical Music Program” with performers Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. 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.

Terrific Visits with Your Older Loved One: The Phoenixville Public Library will host a free presentation, “Terrific Visits with Your Older Loved One,” Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. Social worker Gregory J. Smith, BSW, will be the speaker. In this free program, Smith will show attendees how to ease fears and make visits more meaningful. 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. (no class Dec. 24 or 31). 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.

Cookbook Club and Monthly Potluck: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 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). Featured cookbook: “The Gourmet Cookie Book: the single best recipe from each year 1941-2009.”

Red Cross Blood Drive: Thursday, Nov. 29, from 2 to 7 p.m. Make an appointment 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. Call 610-287-8360 for more information.

Writers Assemble: Thursdays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 27, 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.

Cookies with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring your camera and have your picture taken with Santa. Enjoy snacks and a craft. Santa’s visit is co-sponsored by LBAC Travel. Call 610-287-8360.

Builders Club Thursday: Dec. 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Drop in with your friends and discover a variety of ways to build. Discover new, fun ways to build each month. No advanced registration required.

Knitters: Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. Bring your needles and yarn. Beginners welcome. Share your projects, learn a new stitch and make new friends. The knitters meet on the first Thursday of each month.

Tail Waggin’ Tales: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 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.

Stories and Songs with Mrs. Carles: Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Join Mrs. Carles each week to explore holiday music through stories, songs and crafts, featuring live guitar music and hands-on fun. Registration requested.

Christmas Cookie & Movie: Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Kids Cookie Decorating at 10 a.m., followed by a screening of “The Polar Express” at 10:45 a.m. Registration requested.

Read, Think, Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. Join a lively discussion of books. The book to be discussed is “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson.

American Girl Tea: Wednesday, Dec. 26, at 2 p.m. Join us to discuss your favorite American Girl books, play games, create an art project and partake of tea. Registration requested.