Around Phoenixville

On Friday, January 2nd, the Pennsylvania Philharmonic will perform Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert at the Phoenixville Area Middle School. From bewitched broomsticks to flying horses, this iconic program taken from the original 1940 version and “Fantasia 2000,” includes Dukas’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, Respighi's Pines of Rome, Stravinsky’s Firebird, Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” Suite and much more, is performed live by The Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s 80-piece ensemble while Disney’s stunning footage is shown on a gigantic high-definition screen above the orchestra. For more information and to order tickets, go to http://paphilharmonic.org/fantasia_phoenixville.html or call 717-368-5143.

On Saturday, December 13, the Schuylkill Canal Association will be hosting their annual the Holiday Luminaria from 6-9pm. Celebrate the holidays with the Schuylkill Canal Association as we invite you to join us for the Holiday Luminaria, on Saturday, December 13th, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This magnificent holiday light show will be held along the Schuylkill Canal up to Lock 60 and the Locktender’s House in Mont Clare, PA, just across the river from Phoenixville, PA. See one of the most beautiful sights of the season as you observe well over a thousand luminary candles reflecting on the canal waterway. Towpath Road will be lined with candles from the Mont Clare Bridge / Rt. 29, all the way to Lock 60 and surrounding the Locktender’s House. Beginning at dusk, the candles are lit for a spectacular display. If there is a mist or light snowfall the scene is even more beautiful. The Locktender’s House; built in 1836, will be decorated beautifully for the holidays with natural greens a

Looking for something to do tomorrow before heading up to watch the Firebird Festival ? The Phoenixville Candlelight Holiday Tour will be held from 3-7pm and features "beautifully decorated homes, houses of worship, and adaptive re-use. There will be several homes in the Main Street, Church Street and Gay Streets area near downtown for those who wish to make this part of the tour a walking tour. There are also homes featured in Schuylkill Township, which will require some driving. Of special interest will be a Celtic harpist featured at one of the homes, original art work done by another home owner, model trains, holiday collectibles, and decorations from Country Charm Furnishings which can be purchased that evening." Tickets can be purchased today for $20 at the following locations: Heidi Sue Variety (230 Bridge St); Valley Forge Pizza (1130 Valley Forge Rd); Forestas Market (1098 West Bridge St); Ellie's Choice (211 Bridge St). They will also be on sale tomorrow a

Come out this Saturday and join the Phoenixville Jaycees as they once again host their Burn off the Bird 5k . About the race: 5K Race & 1 Mile Fun Walk through Phoenixville, PA, beginning and ending at Stepping Stone Educational Center. Proceeds generated from the race will go to Phoenix Animal Rescue and Operation Homefront. Street parking available. Strollers are allowed on the course. Water available midway in 5K Run. Timing is provided by The Athlete’s Closet. Follow @BOTB_5K on Twitter! Use #BOTB5K on race day! For more information including route map and registration information, visit phoenixvillejaycees.org/burn-off-the-bird-5k .

This Saturday, November 15th, St. John's United Church of Christ (315 Gay St) will be hosting a Church Bazaar. This family event will be held from 9-2 and will feature food, crafts, kid games, Avon and Thirty One vendors and their popular white elephant table! For more info, visit the Facebook event page .

Today's the day to make your voice heard. Unsure where to go? Chester County has your answer .

This Sunday, come out to First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville (145 S. Main Street) between 3-5pm for their "Trunk 'n Treat" event. They will have cars decorated for Halloween and participants handing out candy! This is a safe family environment for trick-or-treaters of all ages.

The annual Phoenixville Halloween Parade will be held this Saturday beginning at 3pm. For more information, including the parade route, visit phoenixville.org .

NerdWallet recently compile a list of the top 20 cities on the rise in each state and Phoenixville placed 16th in Pennsylvania. From the study: To find the cities and communities that are growing the fastest and why, NerdWallet crunched the data to determine the “cities on the rise” in states across America. Our analysis factors in growth in the working-age population, employment and income from 2009 to 2012 to create a composite growth metric. Visit nerdwallet.com for more including the ranking methodology and the rest of the top 20.

"That’s the thing about this river: you have to imagine it to see it.” That line was written by award-winning author Beth Kephart in the prelude to her book Flow: The Life and Times of Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River. On Tuesday, October 14 Kephart will talk about the place the Schuylkill River has forged in her own imagination. Her talk will take place at Montgomery County Community College West Campus, in the Community Room in South Hall at 7 p.m. A second presentation will be held on Thursday Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Trinity Center for Urban Life in Philadelphia. Both talks are free. Registration is not required but recommended. Register at riverdreams.eventbrite.com or by calling the Schuylkill River Heritage Area at 484-945-0200. In addition to speaking about the place the Schuylkill River has in her own imagination and teaching, she will also look at the impact rivers have on all our lives, and the legacy of those who have worked to restore Philadelphia’s essentia

Golden Autumn is a one-day music festival and charity event taking place on Saturday October 18th in Collegeville, PA. All proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia and Susquehanna Valley . The event will feature two stages, vendors, yoga, byob, and 10+ bands from Philadelphia, Collegeville, and the neighboring areas. Guaranteed to be a great time for a great cause. For more information, visit their website at www.goldenautumnfest.com or their Facebook event page . Featuring performances from: Mo Lowda & the Humble Satellite Hearts Glim Dropper The Folded Faces Darla Vita and the Woolf Jeremiah Tall Storyteller Off Duty Cops Barnjam All-Star Band

This first Friday of October will be a very special first Friday for the Humane Society Phoenixville & The Art Deska Gallery . Not only will the Humane Society Phoenixville & The Art Deska Gallerry be participating in the Borough of Phoenixville’s regular First Friday festivities, but it will also be commemorating its first anniversary in the borough. The First Friday event, October 3, 2014 from 6 – 8 p.m. will feature renowned artist and creator of Humane Pennsylvania’s omnipresent Spike & Tilly logos Adrienne Trafford as well as Phoenixville Mayor Michael J. Speck. In addition, and as a special thank you to the Humane Society Phoenixville’s new friends in the community and in order to commemorate the 1st anniversary, all cat adoptions will be just one dollar ($1) all weekend long from October 3, 2014 through October 5, 2014. “The Phoenixville community has been great for us to be a part of and has been really supportive. We are excited to build on the relationships we

On Saturday, October 4th Charlestown Township will be hosting Charlestown Day . The Charlestown Township Parks and Recreation announces Charlestown Day 2014 to be held Saturday October 4th, 2014 at Charlestown Park. The vision for the day is to encourage our community to join together for a day of wellness, community spirit and to enjoy the beauty of our township and neighbors. The day will kick off with a 5K run through beautiful Charlestown Township. The run is geared to runners of all ages and will go through the beautiful rural countryside of Charlestown township. There will also be a 1 mile Fun run/walk which will go through the township park. A Kids' Dash will take place after the 5K. Prizes will be awarded for all 3 events by age group. Charlestown Day 2014 activities will be held from 10:00am - 2:00 pm at the Charlestown Township Park where the community will enjoy many vendors selling their wares, local non-profit organizations, music, food and Kid Zone activities

For five weeks only, The Art Gallery at Franklin Commons is excited to display the stunning work of local Photographers. The exhibit will begin with the Opening Reception on Saturday, September 27th, from 1-4pm, accompanied by music of a local guitarist. The Art Gallery at Franklin Commons is a newly developed and a unique venue for artists to display their work. Come support local art! Entrance to the Art Gallery from the Main Lot of Franklin Commons, 400 Franklin Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Exhibit dates: Sept 27- Oct 31

On Saturday, September 6th, Humane Pennsylvania will be offering a free vaccine and microchip clinic at Friendship Fire Company #2 (423 W. High St). The event will be held from 9-2 and is open to the first 75 dogs who will be served on a first come, first served basis. Included will be vaccinations for rabies and distemper-parvo along with Home Again microchips. Interested in volunteering? Contact Humane Pennsylvania at volunteer@humanepga.org or call 610-917-CATS.

This Sunday, Salon Fiber will be hosting CUTS FOR A CURE to benefit children’s brain cancer foundation, Get Well Gabby Foundation . From 12-4pm, stylists from Salon Fiber, 22 South Main Street, will perform complimentary haircuts and trims to all children at the event. There will be lite bites & beverages, a grand prize beauty raffle, and more! Parents must call the salon at 610-933-5633 by Friday, 8/22 to reserve their child’s space. A $25.00 donation to the Get Well Gabby Foundation is suggested at the door. Donations of $100.00 or more will automatically be entered in a raffle to win the Grand Prize Back-to-School Beauty Package from Salon Fiber valued at over $250.00. One hundred percent (100%) of all money raised at the event will be donated to the Get Well Gabby Foundation, helping to fund research and find a cure for childhood brain cancer. Guests can RSVP to the event at tinyurl.com/cutsforacure . Event Hashtag: #cutsforacure ABOUT GET WELL GABBY FOUNDATION:

The Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National MS Society has recently formed a Multiple Sclerosis peer support group for the Phoenixville area. They will be holding monthly meetings at the Phoenixville YMCA on 400 E. Pothouse Road, Phoenixville, PA beginning on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are expected to take place on the first Thursday of each month at the same time. The group is forming in an effort to provide people with Multiple Sclerosis an opportunity to share their experiences, knowledge, support and helpful resources. To confirm your attendance or request additional information, please call (215)271-1500.

Beer lovers and dog lovers from all over the Phoenixville area will gather next Saturday, August 9, 2014 to celebrate their passion for canines and their love of imbibing – all for a great cause! The Humane Society Phoenixville’s first ever Pints for Pups event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the parking lot of Bridge and Main Streets in Phoenixville. The event, which began in 2005 by the Humane Society of Berks County , a Humane Pennsylvania partner organization, consists of dozens of beers in which to sample, a full buffet, silent auction, dog-friendly snacks, music from The Barren Wells and much more! As has always been the case for this event, all 21 years of age and over individuals are welcome to attend, as well as well-behaved and leashed canine companions. All proceeds go directly to aid Humane Pennsylvania in its mission to ensure that every companion animal lives in a safe, loving and secure home. “We have a lot of fun putting this event on in Berks County and as we look

As part of The Humane Society Phoenixville’s ongoing commitment of serving the community, on Saturday, August 9, 2014 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., veterinary staff and volunteers from The Humane Society Phoenixville’s partner organization, Humane Pennsylvania , will be on hand to administer free vaccination and microchip services to area residents. Vaccinations for Rabies and Distemper-Parvo, along with Home Again microchips will be provided at no-cost for up to 75 dogs on a first come first served basis. In tough economic times, many pet owners feel as though they have to choose between caring for their family or their pets’ needs. Humane Pennsylvania has been a leader in developing programs, such as PetNet and AniMeals, so that pet owners hopefully do not have to make that unfortunate choice. “Our goal has always been to make pet surrenders a last resort,” said Karel Minor, Humane Pennsylvania’s President/CEO. “Fortunately, we have made tremendous strides in this area, but more can alwa

On Wednesday, July 23rd, Snyder Family Chiropractic in conjunction with Griffin Training will be hosting a Hands Only CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) information session. Hands Only CPR provides live saving assistance to those in sudden cardiac arrest. Designed for the general public, this form of CPR provides compressions only, no mouth to mouth breathing. Date: Wednesday, July 23rdTime: 6:30pm-7:30pm Location: Snyder Family Chiropractic 1003 Egypt Rd. Bldg A Phoenixville PA 19460 For more information, please visit Phoenixville Patch .training

On Saturday, July 12 from 12 noon until 8 p.m., Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (130 East Bridge Street, 610-983-9333) will join in the festivities during Phoenixville’s annual BLOBfest, celebrating the cult-classic horror movie The BLOB. The film will be shown at the nearby Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, 610-917-0223), before and after screenings, fans are invited to Iron Hill for the release of Cherry Blob, our award-winning Belgian-style tripel brewed with tart Michigan Montmorency cherries, as well as two special menu options: a TV Dinner for $20.95 or a multi-course BLOB Tasting Menu for $40 per person, including beer pairings with each course. “Every year, BLOB fans take over the town of Phoenixville, and we’re happy to be a part of the fun, creating fun retro dishes and brewing a special BLOB beer as a part of the celebration,” says Head Brewer Tim Stumpf. “This year’s Cherry Blob is a terrific summer beer, and it goes perfectly with our fun, irreverent menu addit

BlobFest is set to return this weekend. Things kick off on Friday night with a stage show followed by the popular “Run Out” reenactment. Saturday features the StreetFair with live music by rockabilly band Full Blown Cherry and, at noon, the Fire Extinguisher Parade as well contests throughout the afternoon. All weekend long the Colonial Theatre will be showing The Blob and other cult classics. Joining the fun this year will be Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Joel Hodgson who will help judge both the Costume and Trivia Contests on Saturday afternoon. PHOENIXVILLE, PA – The 15th annual BlobFest, The Colonial Theatre's kitschy, family-friendly event saluting the 1958 classic sci-fi movie The Blob, will take place July 11th through 13th at the theatre in Phoenixville, PA. The Blob was filmed in and around Phoenixville, and The Colonial Theatre plays a key role in the film. The theme of this year’s ‘Fest is “Clash of the Kaiju,” and features a celebration of Japanese monster fil

On Thursday, June 26th, Berryville Frozen Yogurt & Juice will be hosting a fundraiser for Coast to Coast For the Kids , Norman Horn's quest to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer. Simply present the coupon below and Berryville will donate 20% of your purchase to this great cause. About Berryville: Berryville Frozen Yogurt & Juice was created because the founders want to offer healthy yogurt and juice options to people of all ages. For Phoenixville, Pennsylvania residents, an option for healthy drinks and healthy snacks should always be available! Berryville Frozen Yogurt & Juice believes they can fill the void and become the natural option for those wanting to enjoy great tasting frozen yogurt and juices. Our store creates an atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy and we've designed is so everyone feels comfortable and at home. Expect to meet a friendly staff with music playing in the shop while you enjoy your juice and frozen yogurt. Berryvil

Main Line Parkour , conveniently located in King of Prussia, opened their doors to the public earlier this month. Parkour is the art of overcoming obstacles using your own body and strength. Translation: think running, rolling, diving, balancing, swinging, and climbing. Summer will be the perfect time to take advantage of what Parkour has to offer - camps and birthday parties for the kids, Obstacle Training classes featuring high-intenstiy, full-body workouts for adults, and Toddler Tumbling classes, so even your littlest ones can join in for the fun! (Children as young as 18 months of age are welcome.) Main Line Parkour is the largest Parkour center on the East Coast, covering 9,000 square feet! Parkour boosts brain power, instills confidence, AND is a fun, healthy form of exercise for people of all-ages. Benefits of Parkour: Boosts BRAIN POWER (through creating new nerve pathways) Full-body workout Instills confidence and a “can-do” attitude Over 64 classes a week means

On May 17th at The Colonial Theatre the One Night Only Comedy & Variety Festival visits Phoenixville for ONE NIGHT ONLY! Pennsylvanian, Jonathan Burns, is a comedian and co-producer of this one of a kind festival. “I spend about 150 days performing on the road each year, and I wanted to create an event near home to showoff what I’ve been doing around the globe, and bring my funniest friends along. It is sure to be a night of big laughs and unusual talent.” Each show will feature a mixture of unique and world-class talent that has been seen on America’s Got Talent, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as on thousands of stages around the globe. “The Colonial Theatre performance is only 1 stop of this comedy road show. The 6 day Pennsylvania tour will feature 12 comedic performers in 9 different shows in a variety of venues including theaters, arts centers, bars, and even a Mausoleum,” Burns quipped.

On Friday, April 11, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant earned five prestigious awards from the Brewers Association – the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers – at the 2014 World Beer Cup® Awards, including the highly coveted award for “World Beer Cup 2014 Champion Brewery and Brewmaster” in the Small Brewpub category, marking the third consecutive time Iron Hill has been named the best small brewpub in the world. The bi-annual competition featured 4,754 beers from 1,403 breweries representing 58 countries, with brewers from five continents, and voted on by an elite international panel of judges in 94 different styles of beer. Already recognized across the brewing industry as a trailblazer in the craft beer movement, Iron Hill is now an international leader and standard bearer. The region’s fastest-growing collection of brewpubs was also presented with five individual awards at the conclusion of the Craft Br

Iron Hill is hosting a number of events over the next couple of weeks for the craft beer lovers out there. British Invasion Iron Hill's annual "British Invasion" will be held this Saturday from 1-8pm. They will have nine English-style beers on tap including a cask conditioned ESB and a few reserved strong beers. King-of-the-Hill members will also be able to try their "Winston Churchill", a special smoked, bourbon-barrel aged barleywine. In addition to great beers, Chef Tim has created a full British-inspired menu for the day as well, so be sure to save some room. Phightin’ Phils Pils Release This First Friday, April 4th, Iron Hill is celebrating the start of the Philadelphia Phillies season with the tapping of their "Phightin' Phils Pils" a flavorful but crisp German-style Pilsner. Chef Tim has prepared a specialty hot dog menu for us to enjoy during the game, and they will be tapping a "Firkin" of Cask conditioned beer like the

The Kimberton Waldorf School will be hosting a number of events during the month of April Kirtan Benefit Concert with David Newman (DurgaDas) and Mira When: Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 pm Where: Kimberton Waldorf School, 410 West Seven Stars Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460 Join chant artist David Newman (DurgaDas) and his wife Mira for a joyful and moving evening of chant (Kirtan) at Kimberton Waldorf School. Kirtan is a transformational and joyful yoga mantra practice, using the power of sound and devotion to uplift the mind and open the heart. David Newman (Durga Das) and Mira are widely recognized chant artists who travel throughout the world spreading love, and uplifting others through Kirtan, sacred song and the devotional aspects of the Yoga path known as Bhakti Yoga. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For further information, visit www.kimberton.org/kirtan , call 610.933.3635 ext. 108, or email stacylfalco@yahoo.com . Rosebud Garden Tea & Play at Kimberton

On Saturday, April 5th, The Birth Center is screening Breastmilk: The Movie at the Colonial Theatre . Following the movie, lactation consultants and local doctors will host a panel discussion and a raffle will be held to benefit the local support group which meets at St. John's Lutheran Church every other Friday at 10am. Doors open at 9:30am for the 10am screening. This is a family event, babies and children are welcome and a $12 donation per seat is suggested (please give generously!). All profits go directly to The Birth Center's breastfeeding support groups, now known as Mother-Baby Breastfeeding Connection. About the Movie: With unexpected humor, with an unflinching camera, with some guilt and some pain, this film takes the unusual risk of examining what breast milk truly means. We are often told that breast milk is better. Better for babies, better for mothers, better for nutrition, health, well-being, and society. Many accept this and yet there are still very fe

KUNTAO Martial Arts, located in Franklin Commons, is hosting two free self defense seminars this month. Free KIDS SAFE Seminar in Phoenixville PA – Bullies Kidnapping March 19th from 6 to 7:30pm. The seminar is free but all participants must pre-register. A parent or guardian must participate with their children. The seminar is for children ages 4 to 10. Free REAL LIFE Self Defense & Criminal Profiling Seminar Phoenixville, PA KUNTAO Martial Arts Club will host a FREE REAL LIFE Self Defense seminar on March 29th from 11am to 1pm. Open to ages 11 and Adult. Both seminars will be led by forensic profiler Dale Yeager. Mr. Yeager began his education as a criminal behavior analyst in 1988 which includes advanced training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center from 2005 to 2008. For more information or to register, visit the KUNTAO website at kuntaomac.com .

On Saturday, March 22nd, the Gustafer Yellowgold Show returns to the Colonial Theatre . About the show: Since his creation by Morgan Taylor in 2005, Gustafer Yellowgold has become an international phenomenon, acclaimed by The New York Times, which described Gustafer as “A cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss.” Entertainment Weekly praised “…The most infectious original songs. It’s like tapping into some pleasure center in the brain- both adult and kid…absurdly appealing. Grade: A.” New York Magazine named Morgan Taylor “Best Kids’ Performer” in a recent “Best of New York” issue. “Mint Green Bee” from Gustafer Yellowgold’s Wide Wild World was a Grand Prize Winner in the Children’s Category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. The show is from 2-3pm and tickets are $6.50. For more information and for tickets, visit gustaferyellowgold.com .

On Sunday, February 23rd, the Historical Society of Montgomery County will be celebrating the birthday of George Washington. The event, which begins at 2:30, will feature a tribute by Rudy Cusumano, retired American history teacher and author, and will include light refreshments and a birthday cake to honor our first President. About Rudy Cusumano: Mr. Cusumano is a retired English, history, andmath teacher whose passion has always beenAmerican History. After his retirement from the MethactonSchool District in 1991, he began to pursue his love of our Nation’s history. He is the author of thirteen papers about General Lafayette and America’s Founding Fathers. He lectures here and abroad on American Colonial history. Hisbook, The Mock Court Martial of British General Sir WilliamHowe, has recently been published. The Historical Society is located at 1654 DeKaalb Street in Norristown. For further information: 610-272-0297 or contact@hsmccpa.org .

Phoenixville Area Soccer Club has opened registrations for their Spring season. From their flyer: PASC offers Recreational and Travel soccer for boys and girls from the ages of 4 to 19 with programs designed to meet US Youth Soccer recommendations. Pee Wee (ages 4-6) - March 22 - May 17* Our in-house Pee Wee program features an eight-week curriculum designed to teach youngsters the basics of the great game of soccer. The Pee Wee program features small-sided activities and games hosted at our club fields on Saturday mornings. U8 Intramural Soccer Program (ages 6-7) - March 22 - May 17* Our U8 program (U8 means "under 8 years old") runs for eight weeks and features games of 4v4 (four players per side) soccer on Saturdays with practice once a week. U10 Intramural Soccer Program (ages 8-9) – March 22 - May 17* U10 Intramural soccer runs for eight weeks and features 6v6 games, introducing a goalie and modified soccer rules with games on Saturdays and practice once a

Consumer finance website NerdWallet recently conducted a study to determine the best cities and towns across the country to live in if you are a job seeker. Their methodology takes into account things like population growth, cost of living and employment rates and coming in at number twelve in Pennsylvania is none other than our own Phoenixville! For more including the full list of top towns, visit them at nerdwallet.com .

On Saturday, January 25th, Franklin Commons will be hosting the Grand Opening of their new Art Gallery. The celebration will be held from 1-4pm and will feature the "New Perspectives" exhibition. About the exhibition: Take on a new perspective of photographs, sculptures and paintings by talented local artists! Don't miss our first exhibition in support of the local arts! For more information, see their Facebook event page or visit them online at franklincommons.net .

Looking for something fun to do before settling down to watch the Eagles tomorrow night? Phoenixville Improv has the answer: It's time for another night of playing improv games and making each other laugh until we cry. Phoenixville's LIFE UNCHAINED has graciously agreed to give us their space for a few hours at a very affordable cost - so it's time to improv it up again! Always wanted to try your hand at some of the games on Whose Line Is It Anyway and other improv shows? Have a sneaking suspicion that you’re extraordinarily witty? Trying to improve your acting skills, decrease your reaction time when put on the spot, or increase your comfort with speaking in front of a crowd? Looking for some new friends and a few hours of laughter? Join us for an afternoon of improv exercises for fun! We will do some warm-ups, some group activities, and some skit scenarios. Nobody gets put on the spot, but be prepared to laugh at yourself. This improv meetup is geared toward beg