Around Phoenixville

PennDOT is set to re-open the White Horse Road bridge tomorrow afternoon, three months ahead of schedule. See phoenixvillenews.com for more info.

This Saturday, April 30th, the first ever Schuylkill River Shad Festival will be held at various locations throughout the area. The event will be held at three locations, Taylor Alley, Lock 60 in Mont Clare, and Black Rock Sanctuary on Route 113 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. From the Shad Festival website : The introduction and establishment of this exciting new festival is based in the building of a new fish ladder for the Schuylkill River. Exelon Power, in cooperation with Chester County has completed the building of the ladder enabling the American Shad and other migratory fish to travel northward of Black Rock Dam. For the first time in over 200 years, the Schuylkill River will again become home for once indigenous fish species. In celebration, The Schuylkill Canal Association, the Phoenix Iron Canal & Trail Association, Phoenixville Area School District, the Phoenixville Historical Society, the Phoenixville Green Team, and other community organizations have worked to produce an...

This Saturday, April 30th, Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company is hosting their Auxiliary Yard Sale. The Yard Sale will be held rain or shine at their main station, 630 Valley Park Road, from 8am-1pm and is open to the public. Interested in being a vendor? Book your space today! Prices are $10 w/ table or $8 if you bring your own table. Rent a table by completing our online registration form here: http://www.valleyforgefireco.com/yardsale.html or call (610) 935-9930 for more information. Setup starts at 7am. In case of inclement weather, the sale will be moved inside the apparatus building.

Two months after submitting his plans for Lot "O" of the steel site , Manny DeMutis was back in front of the Planning Commission with a new project named The Fairway, envisioned as an arts and entertainment trail that would replace what is currently the Schuylkill River Trail. From the Steel Site blog: Phoenix Steel Site developer Manny DeMutis presented to the Phoenixville Planning Commission Thursday a plan to improve the Schuylkill River Trail located next to the proposed downtown development. The 7 acre site is adjacent to a temporary trail that was constructed as a make shift effort to have a trail in the downtown. The plan that DeMutis presented would have amenities to compliment the trail plan. The plan would work as part of the proposed development as the temporary trail will be moved approximately 12 closer to the stream as the parcel will be realigned to accommodate the development. “We seek to have the trail amenity be a integral part of the development,” D...

PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. – Horror fans rejoice! On Friday, May 6, 2011, the Colonial Theatre will screen Maniac (1980) as part of their First Friday Fright Night series. The film’s director, William Lustig, will make a special appearance to introduce the film and participate in a Q&A after the screening. This is the only appearance by Lustig and screening of the new 35mm print in the area. Launched in 2008, FFFN has quickly become the Colonia’s most successful film series and presents an eclectic mix of horror, cult, camp and sci-fi films on the first Friday of the month. Past screenings have included films as varied as A Clockwork Orange , Jaws , Blade Runner , Young Frankenstein , Old Boy , Suspiria , Zombie , and Plan 9 from Outer Space . Upcoming screenings include The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension on June 3 and The Planet of the Apes on August 1. Show time is generally 9:45PM but is subject to change. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students...

Our friends over at OneNineFourSixZero interviewed our most recent Local Business Spotlight, Toxi-KAB: Toxi-KAB is a public service available along the Rt. 422 Corridor between Pottstown & King of Prussia - including Phoenixville, Collegeville, Skippack, etc... Available to pick up on a moments notice if you find you've been "over-served" and cannot drive. Read the full interview here .

Be the first to see the new Neil Patrick Harris comedy before its summer release! There will be a Q&A with cast members and filmmakers after the movie. A cast to die for, an unpredictable plot full of twists, and a nothing-held-back sense of silly, yet intelligent sense of humor — these are just some of the things that make The Best and the Brightest live up to its name. Josh Shelov directs one of the edgiest comedies ever to touch on the rearing of children, featuring Neil Patrick Harris and Bonnie Somerville as a newly-transplanted New York yuppie couple trying in vain to enroll their little girl into an absurdly elitist private kindergarten. After they hire eccentric placement consultant Amy Sedaris(!), a most outlandish “Three’s Company”-meets-the-Farrelly Brothers chain of events tumbles into place. To say any more would be to ruin the film’s many surprises, but get stoked for savage swipes at class struggle, as well as some of the most hilarious filthy “poetry” on record. B...

LuLu Boutique & Gifterie,creation of Joan Moore and Keely Wrigley, opened in March on 10 S. Main Street. With some encouragement from Dan Mrusko, owner of Grace Tattoo, we were happy to join Main Street. Our shop specializes in lightly worn and vintage clothing, handmade goods and gifts. Our shop contains everything that ladies love: clothes, jewelry, shoes, bags, candles, soaps, etc. We feature local artists who are crafty, and are constantly adding to our collection. If you need a gift for your girlfriend or a baby shower, stop in. And yes, "gifterie" is a made up word-but you know you like it! If you are cleaning out your closet, bring in your cute clothes to LuLu and you may be leaving with some extra cash in your pocket. You can exchange your cute tops, skirts, dresses, shoes, and bags in good condition for cash. We are having a great time meeting new people in town and welcome everyone to our Grand Opening, May 6th First Friday . We'll have music, food, disc...

VW Bus by Lee Stoetzel The TEDxPhoenixville organizing committee has announced that their April TEDTalks Salon will take place in the Colonial’s 650-seat main auditorium (instead of the 50-seat screening room) and will be FREE! Everyone is invited to participate in this unique event on Tuesday April 19, 2011 at 7PM. TEDTalks Salons combine pre-recorded TED talks with one live speaker to spark engaged conversation and ideas among participants. No talk is longer than 18 minutes so the pace is lively and eclectic. The live speaker on April 19 will be artist and West Collection Director Lee Stoetzel , who will speak about his own artwork. The pre-recorded TEDTalks will include committee favorites from the TED2011 conference in Long Beach, CA held in March.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is hosting a fundraiser for the Friends of Reservoir Dogs! Park tomorrow. From 5-10pm, 20% of each check (excluding alcohol) will be donated to the Friends when you present the coupon below. Download coupon

Beginning Sunday, April 17th, Molly Maguire's Irish Restaurant & Pub in Phoenixville (197 Bridge Street, 610-933-9550) and Lansdale (329 West Main Street, 267-263-2109) will offer up some Irish family fun. Each Sunday (including Easter and Mother's Day), from 3:00 - 7:00pm, both Molly Maguire's locations will host a traditional Irish Session of live music and dancers along with a 3 course Sunday Supper for $15.95. Kids 12 years and under can chose from their very own menu for just $1. Molly Maguire's a la carte menu will also be available. In Ireland, a traditional Irish Session is a gathering of musicians and dancers in a relaxed and informal setting. At Molly Maguire's it's good family fun. There is no charge to attend the Sunday Session. Guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments and join in!

On Thursday, April 28th, State Representative Warren Kampf will be hosting a Career-Seekers Workshop at Franklin Commons. The event, which will be held from 5-7pm, will feature tips on interview techniques, making your resume stand out, providing a valuable skills inventory and help with navigating PA employment resources. The workshop is free to the public but you must register by April 21st. To reserve a spot, please call 610-251-2876 or email DO157@pahousegop.com .

The Columbia Bar and Grille has several events lined up for the month of April. Friday 4/8 - Retro disco Night returns Upstairs at the Columbia with DJ Express. 8pm – 10 pm A 10.00 donation is requested to benefit Phoenixville’s “Bang for Bucks” for the Phoenixville July 4th fireworks display. Door Prizes and drink and Food Specials throughout the night. Saturday 4/9 - Upstairs at the Columbia , The Cool Jazz styling’s of Hidden Treasure returns, from 7pm to 11pm Drink and Dinner Specials all night, No cover or minimum. Friday 4/15 - Our Patio reopens (weather permitting) with Singer Songwriter David Allen Scoli performing from 7pm to 11 pm Saturday 4/16 - Karaoke Night on the Patio, come out and be a star. Drink and food specials throughout the evening. Friday 4/22 - The Ryan Wickersham Band returns performing from 7pm to 11pm Saturday 4/23 - Singer songwriter Dan Frantz returns to the Columbia performing 7pm to 11 pm Thursday 4/28 - Join us for Dining out for Life at the Co...

Women interested in golf as well as helping out a good cause can do both as a part of the PHAGL, a golf league for women. PHAGL was founded over 35 years ago and has been here at Meadow Brook ever since! Our goal is to not only have fun playing golf, but to also make an annual donation to organizations that provide services to families, such as The Clinic in Phoenixville, a facility that provides healthcare to those who do not have insurance The league meets every Monday morning (or Saturday morning) starting the end of April thru September--but you can join anytime! Each week there is a different game such as best par 4’s, fewest putts, etc.-if you can’t make it every week—that’s okay!! There are also special tournaments held throughout the season: Member-Member, Member Guest, The Gotwals You will need to establish a handicap, but that can be done after you join the league! And don’t worry what your handicap is! We have a wide range of handicaps in the league! Dues are ...

Beginning this evening, Valley Forge Christian College will be presenting William Nicholson's Shadowland . The play, based on the life of C.S. Lewis, will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday night beginning at 7pm each of the next two weekends. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and children. For more information, visit the event page at vfcc.edu .

Have you recently quit smoking or are you planning to do so? Phoenixville Hospital offers monthly meetings which can help. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month in the hospital's cafeteria and are free and open to the public. Details on the next two meetings: April 25 @ 7:00 PM - Presentation by the Freedom Valley YMCA Member Relations Dept. to assist with "Moving into Spring" May 23 @ 7:00 PM - Investigate "Smelling the Flowers" To register for either event, please call 610-983-1021.

On Saturday, April 16th, Phoenixville YMCA will be hosting its second annual Comedy Night. Don't miss the Phoenixville YMCAs 2nd Annual Comedy Night! Join us on Saturday, April 16, 2011 for an evening of serious laughs featuring NY comedians Jeff Caldwell and Rodney Laney. Event held at Franklin Commons - 400 Franklin Avenue, Phoenixville Doors open at 6:30pm Dinner at 7:00pm (includes food, beer & wine) Comedians at 8:00pm & 8:45pm Silent & Live Auctions & Raffles Tickets:$30/in advance or $35/at the door Purchase tickets at the Phoenixville YMCA or call 610.933.5861 or email pbradish@fvymca.org FREE BABYSITTING! For ages 6 weeks to 11 years at the Phoenixville YMCA from 6-10pm for those attending Comedy Night. Space is limited. Registration is required by April 11. All proceeds benefit the Phoenixville Branch Y Cares Campaign to provide financial assistance to those in need. For more information about the Y Cares Campaign or to make a donat...

Grimes’ 5th Annual Red Black & White Gala “It’s Mother’s Day Special” Remembering Mothers of the Community, Women in the Community, and the Young Ladies Shaping the Community Saturday, May 14, 2011 ~ 4:00 to 8:00 pm Come dressed in your best Formal Attire to enjoy an Elegant Night of Music & Dancing while dining at a scrumptious Buffet at the Franklin Commons Bistro, 400 Franklin Street, Phoenixville, PA. Tickets are $40 per person. For more information call 610.935.7100 Rev. Richard H. Worthy, Pastor Proceeds benefit Grimes & G.A.M.E.

On Sunday, May 22nd, Phoenixville will be hosting its first Restaurant Festival. From Downtown Phoenixville News : The Main Street CDC in conjunction with downtown restaurants and stores plan on staging the first Phoenixville Restaurant Festival on May 22 from 11 AM to 6 PM. The event will take place on the 100 and 200 blocks of Bridge Street. Those blocks will be closed down for the event pending the approval of Phoenixville Borough. Many of the restaurants will expand their service capabilities to the middle of the street as a vast array of specialty food is presented in festival fashion. Although there will be no formal stage, musical groups will be spread throughout the downtown similar to what has been done in the past for First Fridays. There will be an area for children with face painting and other amenities including a moon bounce. The organizers hope to bring forth a new festival, which will be replicated throughout the years. The festival schedule is very crowed du...