Around Phoenixville

Forever Changes , a pop-up vinyl record store, recently opened inside Heart Stone Coffee in Franklin Commons. The store, owned by Shawn Cephas, is open every Saturday from 10am-2pm and features not only new and vintage vinyl records but also music inspired gifts and art made by locals, including Rich's Really Cool Notebooks, Livnsol by Brian Hearns, and Kate's Creations. "Forever Changes is not just a place for the vinyl record fan, it's a place where our friends, family, and lovers can shop and support local merchants," he said. "It's more than records" Cephas traces his love of music to the day he was born above a record store: King James Records, one of the first African-American owned record stores in Philadelphia. Read more on the Phoenixville Patch . Voxipop was also there for the grand opening, watch the video here . Visit Forever Changes on Facebook to keep up to date.

Come out this Saturday evening to An Evening of Hope, a benefit to raise funds for Manor of Hope . Manor of Hope, a long-term therapeutic community for young men battling the disease of addiction in our surrounding communities, sets itself apart from traditional drug rehabilitation programs because its long-term curriculum provides individuals with the opportunity to re-wire their minds, rejuvenate their bodies and refresh their spirits. The event, which will be held from 6-10pm at Franklin Commons , will feature appetizers and dinner followed by a silent auction, music and dancing. Complimentary beer and wine served throughout the evening and attire for the event is Smart Casual. For more information or for tickets, visit friendsofthemanor.org/an-evening-of-hope .

On January 30th, 2016 from 1:00-4:00 the Art Gallery at Franklin Commons will host an opening reception for its exhibition RADIUS. The show invites 9 art organizations from the region to showcase their artists and their communities. The participating organizations are: ArtFusion, ARTsisters, MCGOPA (Montgomery County Guild of Professional Artists) Phoenix Village Art Center, Pottstown Area Artist Guild, Greater Norristown Art League, Studio B Boyertown, Whitemarsh Art Center and Artists' Equity. The event is free and open to the public. Each organization will have a dedicated space in the gallery for their artists work, and each organization will present briefly on the history of their organization, their current impact on their communities, and opportunities in each organization. There will be live music, and food. Don't miss this first ever collaborative show! * The snow date for this exhibition is February 6th

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, 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 .

Over the next two weekends, the Renaissance Academy will be hosting their annual haunted house. This year's Industrial Accident Dead Zone 2012 will be held at Franklin Commons this Friday and Saturday (the 19th and 20th) and again next Friday and Saturday (the 26th and 27th). More from their website : This chilling event, which has been an area favorite since 2006, includes trained live actors, special effects, and well designed sets. There will be a variety of food and beverages available for purchase, as well as glow sticks and temporary tattoos. *Sorry no chicken refunds … So be prepared for a screaming good time!' FREE Crafts & Activities for the Little Ghosts and Ghouls Saturday, October 20th and Saturday, October 27th at 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm This area is all treats (and no tricks) including a Halloween-themed children's movie, face-painting, crafts, games, and more. (Small Donations Appreciated) Flash Mob Performance of “Thriller” prior to the event star...

On Thursday, April 19th, State Representative Warren Kampf is hosting a Career-Seekers Workshop for unemployed, under employed and for those looking to change career.s This free event, which will be held from 5-8pm at Franklin Commons (400 Franklin Ave) will feature interview techniques, tips on how to make your resume stand out, a valuable skills inventory and help with navigating PA employment resources. In addition, select employers will be on site with job opportunities for qualified candidates. To register, please call 610-251-2876. Registration ends tomorrow (April 14th).

On Saturday, March 31st, the Phoenixville YMCA will be hosting its 3rd Annual Comedy Night. Don't miss the Phoenixville YMCAs 3rd Annual Comedy Night! Join us on Saturday, March 31, 2012 for a charitable evening of outrageous fun featuring NY comedians Buddy Fitzpatrick and Joe DeVito. Event held at Franklin Commons - 400 Franklin Avenue, Phoenixville Doors open at 6:00pm Dinner at 7:15pm (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 5:45pm to 10:30pm for those attending Comedy Night. Space is limited. Registration is required by March 26. All proceeds benefit the Phoenixville Branch Y Cares Campaign to provide financial assistance to those in need. For more information about the Y Cares Campaig...

The 10th Annual 'Taste of Phoenixville' will be held on Thursday, January 19th. This year's event will be held at Franklin Commons , 400 Franklin Blvd., from 6-10pm and once again features the best of Phoenixville's restaurants and food vendors. For more information and to sign up, visit the Phoenixville Dish website.

Join Iron Works Church for this year's Neighborhood Cookie Decorating Party! They’ll have everything you need to decorate yummy holiday cookies and meet some of your neighbors. Drop in any time from 2-5pm on December 11th at the Franklin Commons Bistro (400 Franklin Ave). In addition, they will have pizza at 5:30pm and neighborhood caroling at 6pm. All are welcome, and the event is 100% free of charge. For more information, please visit www.ironworkschurch.org .

This October, the Renaissance Academy will be hosting a haunted house in Franklin Commons . Come experience a frighteningly good time! There will be activities for kids of all ages including the main event, our Haunted House – sorry, no “chicken” refunds, so enter at your own risk! Craft & Activities Area for younger ghosts and ghouls (donations appreciated). The haunted house will be open to the public on October 14th, 15th, 21st & 22nd from 6-9pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance (available at www.rak12.org ) and all proceeds support the RA New Campus and Fine Arts Department. For more information, email them at Haunt@rak12.org .

The Phoenixville Area Entrepreneur Expo is coming to Franklin Commons on Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 12-5pm Plans for the day include guest speakers, a panel of entrepreneurs, networking opportunities, children’s activities, door prizes and a helping of entrepreneur-related advice and news. In addition, State Senator Andy Dinniman will be presenting the award to Phoenixville's Favorite Entrepreneur/Business at 1pm. The event is open to the public and tickets are $5. For more information, visit http://www.paeexpo.com/ .

On Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 3-6PM, Spirit Fire Farm will be hosting its 2nd Annual Chow & Tunes Fundraiser at Rock & Roll After School in the Franklin Commons located at 400 Franklin Avenue in Phoenixville, PA. Come join us for a night of fun to help Spirit Fire Farm kick start programming in 2012! Enjoy food from area businesses and restaurants, listen to fabulous music from local bands and musicians, enter the raffles and silent auction, play fooseball, pinball, and other games at this wonderful venue. This year’s musicians include: Hillary Wallace and Meg Kelly (more to be announced shortly). Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door (tickets include dinner, drinks, and 1 door prize entry). For more information or to purchase tickets online (via Events page): www.spiritfirefarm.org

Award-winning and Oscar-nominated documentary film “Gasland” and filmmaker Josh Fox comes to Franklin Commons September 7th at 6:00 pm. Exploring the urgent issue of the dangers of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), the event will feature discussion between Fox, state legislators, and the public, as well as a screening of the film. Fracking is a means of natural gas extraction that involves millions of gallons of water, sand, and undisclosed chemicals being injected under high pressure into the ground. 80-100 tons of chemicals are used per frack and scientists have identified known carcinogens, such as Benzene, among these substances. The evening begins at 6:00 pm with an hour of dinner and drinks (BYOB). Seating is limited and tickets may be ordered now via email to lisa@consultcts.com . Your $35 donation purchases a ticket for the entire evening's events. Starting at 7:00 pm, Fox and state legislators will be invited to take part in a panel discussion, followed by a Q&A...

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 .

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.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is hosting a discussion on the 'Economic Value of Open Space' on Tuesday, March 29th. About the discussion: The basic function of the meeting is for people to learn about DVRPC and how they can get involved in the regional planning process as residents of the Delaware Valley. These meetings are part of a series of listening sessions held around the region. Our goal is to reach those in the Greater Philadelphia region to inform them about DVRPC plans and programs and public participation activities, such as membership on the RCC. We hope these meetings will provide an opportunity for a continuing dialogue between the public and DVRPC regarding the most important issues facing the region. In addition, we have a presentation on a recent DVRPC plan, program or study. For the March 29 meeting, Patricia Elkis, DVRPC Director of Comprehensive Planning, will present a recently completed study: The Economic Value of Protected Open ...

JONBENET RAMSEY INVESTIGATOR BRINGS NATIONAL SEMINAR SERIES TO CHESTER COUNTY WITH STOP BULLYING TODAY PROGRAM Dale Yeager a criminal analyst, who worked for the Boulder District Attorney’s office in 1997 on the original murder investigation of JonBenet Ramsey, is bringing his national seminar series to Chester County. "We are excited that Mr. Yeager will be coming to Franklin Commons with his STOP BULLYING TODAY - A child and parent seminar for children ages 4-12," says Director of Events and Public Relations Teri Eide. "This is a serious issue and Mr. Yeager is the definitive national expert on this subject." The 90 minute seminar will be held for parents and their children on March 2, 2011 7- 8:30 pm at Franklin Commons located at 400 Franklin Ave., Phoenixville, PA. The seminar is free of charge , but parents must pre register their children by calling or emailing Laura Collins at 866-468-7962 ext 802 or info@seraph.net . The Instructor: Criminal Analys...

Neumann University, located in the Franklin Commons building in Phoenixville, will host a re-employment project using the Five O’Clock Club model. The program begins February 28 th with the orientation meeting that day. The program will run for 10 weeks, every Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is designed to work with individuals who are looking to get back to work quickly in their industry or transition to another industry. “What differentiates this re-employment program from other public, private and commercial programs in the area is the focused concentration on the individual,” says Gail Fletcher of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation Leadership Academy. “The program is a cross between a graduate school curriculum and boot camp and has a rigorous syllabus to follow, with weekly high-powered guest speakers to kick off the day’s program.”