Events and Advice to Open The Season

Before I get to the week's events, here are some tips for the season from the Norristown PD.

1. If you're expecting packages to be delivered to your house and your porch/doorstep is visible from the street, either try to be home when they're delivered or have a friend or neighbor take them in. Thieves ride around this season looking for packages they can easily snatch.

2. Also, don't put empty boxes for electronics, small appliances or other expensive items just sitting on top of your trash. You're telling thieves what you've got in your house. Break down the boxes and put them out of sight in your recycling bin.

3. Lastly, make sure ALL your house doors and easily accessible windows are LOCKED whether you're in your house or away. Also lock your car doors and don't leave packages visible in the front or back seats.

As for events, the norristown.org calendar had NOTHING on it this coming week, the Montco OIC calendar is down, and the only event on Nextdoor.com is the Dragon Boat's Winter Wonderland. If you've got holiday events coming up, make sure you put them on the norristown.org calendar and/or Nextdoor.com (a great place to publicize events), or send the info directly to me at missmaggieandpat@verizon.net if you want me to list them on my Friday Diary (I check Facebook, but don't always see the listings unless you tag me). For my Friday blog, the event MUST be open and of interest to the general public and take place within Norristown's borders.

Carolers at last year's Winter Wonderland

This Monday through Friday, November 28-Dec 2, 6 pm at 660 Washington St., volunteers will be helping to craft decorations and blow up balloons in preparation for the Winder Wonderland Festival at Riverfront Park on December 3. They need more volunteers. Everyone, young and old, is welcome. For info, contact Robin Parker, rparker@dragonboatclub.org.

Next Saturday, December 3, 6 pm at Riverfront Park (1 Haws Ave), Santa will once again come to Norristown by Dragon Boat. Come to the Dragon Boat Club's Winter Wonderland and Christmas Caroling celebration. Riverfront Park will be decked out for the occasion and luminaria will light your way to the festivities. Norristown's High School Jazz Band will provide music. FREE to everyone. For information, contact Robin Parker, rparker@dragonboatclub.org.

Register your child NOW for the Norristown Recreation and First Presbyterian Sports Club "Christmas Around The World" which will take place Friday, Dec 16, 6-8 pm at First Presby Church (Airy and Dekalb). Food, games, open gym, crafts, snacks, and Santa (arriving by fire truck this time). All pre-registered kids get a gift from Santa. To register, call 610-272-4961 or email fpileggi@norristown.org.

Vance Community Partners is beginning their 2nd Annual PJ Drive. Please drop off winter weight pajamas sized infant through toddler, school-age and teens at one of these locations before December 31: Vance Center, 212 Cherry St (Mondays and Wednesdays only); Municipality of Norristown (235 E Airy, main lobby, weekdays); Prothonotary Office in the Courthouse (weekdays); Centre Theater, 208 Dekalb. For info, contact Jill Adelman, 610-277-9125, x 307 or jadleman@vancecp.com.

The Norristown Fire Department's Santa Express will take place Saturday, December 17. If you'd like Santa to stop at your house to deliver a present to your kids (Norristown residences), go to http://norristownfire.org/3rd-annual-santa-express/ and download the form.