Around Phoenixville

Tomorrow (Dec. 1) from 10-2, East Pikeland Elementary will be hosting their annual Holiday Shoppe. Featured will be over 20 vendors selling various crafts, a bake sale and a basket raffle featuring an American Girl Doll, an electric scooter and more. In addition, kids will be able to take part in a Secret Workshoppe and there will be food for the whole family. East Pikeland Elementary is located at 1191 Hares Hill Road.

Iron Works Church and the Bertrand Russell Society have partnered to host “Saints and Skeptics”, a moderated debate and open forum on faith and skepticism, taking place on December 13th at 6:30pm at Franklin Commons. The evening will include an unscripted debate between two scholars, followed by an open forum where the audience may ask questions of the presenters. Carl Trueman of Westminster Seminary will represent Historic Christianity as espoused by Saint Augustine and Chad Trainer of the Bertrand Russell Society will represent skepticism/atheism as espoused by Philosopher Bertrand Russell. Tickets are on sale now and are discounted to $12 if purchased before November 30th. To purchase tickets or to find more information, visit the Saints and Skeptics website . Ticket price includes complimentary wine and cheese.

Historic Yellow Springs , Chester Springs, PA is pleased to announce SPEAKING IN SHINOS, a group exhibition featuring VITRA5. This unique ceramic exhibit runs from November 30th-December 15th, 2012 with an opening reception on Friday, November 30, 2012 from 7 to 10 pm. The public is cordially invited to attend in the First Floor Galleries of the Lincoln Building, 1685 Art School Rd. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday noon-4pm. SPEAKING IN SHINOS is the second annual show for the group VITRA5 that includes Heidi Brett, Karen Ewerth, Jessica Greet, Jackie Henisee and Wendy Vedder. A collective fascination with wood firing has been their focus over the last 2.5 years. This year VITRA5 wants to show the beauty in the Shino glaze family and explore how Shinos respond in the mysterious atmosphere of the wood kiln. Using the common language of the Shino glaze each ceramic artist brings their own voice with surface decoration, incorporation of other cone 10 glazes and c...

For a twelfth straight year, Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides educational opportunities for at-risk high school students, will award a college scholarship to one student from every community that is home to a Simon property. Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarships are awarded through the Simon Youth Scholarships program and in partnership with local Simon properties. The application period is open from Thursday, November 8, 2012, to Friday, January 11, 2013. Locally, students can pick up a copy of a scholarship application at the Simon Guest Services Center at Philadelphia Premium Outlets. Applications also can be downloaded at the SYF website or http://www.syf.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/SMS-2013-application.pdf Any student who will be graduating in the class of 2013 and lives within 50 miles of a Simon property is eligible. The program will award a one-time scholarship of up to $1,400 to students who plan to enroll in an accredited college, ...

On Thursday, December 6th, come out to Spring Hollow Golf Club in support of a great cause. Louie's Foundation , whose goal it is to help critically ill children and their families by providing funding and advocacy to improve their quality of life while at home or in the hospital, is hosting a beef and beer from 6-10pm. In addition, there will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and live music. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at http://www.eventbee.com/event?eid=995958305 or by stopping into the proshop at Spring Hollow. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit chronically ill children in our community and their families and Child Life Programs at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Hors d’oeuvres, live music and holiday shopping will all be in store for those attending a charitable fundraiser in Radnor next month. On December 5, the National MS Society will be partnering with the 333 Belrose Bar and Grill to host a kick-off event for Walk MS at the grounds of the Devon Horse Show. “We are proud to be partnering with the MS Society to host this event. We are committed to supporting those living with MS on the Main Line,” says Kelly Finch, Manager and Events Coordinator at 333 Belrose, which has a reputation for its commitment to community involvement in the Radnor Area. Amongst the vendors who will be present for “Shop to Beat MS” will be the trendy trunk show vendor Stella and Dot, and the cupcake truck Dia Dolce. Guests who attend the event will enjoy valet parking, a variety of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine and a silent auction while they shop. There will also be a performance from singer-songwriter Seamus McGroary. Guests will also have the chance sign...

Karen Johns has organized a group of volunteers collecting money and supplies to assist those effected by Hurricane Sandy. The group has opened an account with Phoenixville Federal Savings and Loan and has created a Facebook group which you can visit at facebook.com/groups/479046235452003 .