5 Things You Should Know This Week

A new week is upon us, and this one brings us Thanksgiving and the official start of the Christmas and Hanukah shopping season. And if you sense something more than holiday cheer in the air, you're probably getting a whiff of Viking fever, thanks to the . Let's count our blessings as we run through events and information you need to know over the next seven days. 

1. If you would like to give the gift of warmth this holiday season, you're in luck. The first week of the . The women are collecting new and gently used coats to help Parsippany's flood survivors and others in need. Coat donations may be dropped off at the Post Hall, 91 N. Beverwyck Road, Mondays through Saturdays between 3-9 p.m. through Dec. 15.
2. Lots going on at  early this week: At 7:30 p.m. Monday, the. The next night, the . The council meets in its chambers 7:30p.m. Tuesday. Finally, Thanksgiving comes Thursday. That means township business takes a break. The municipal building will be closed Thursday and Friday. 
3. A special informational session takes place 7 p.m. Monday at the for owners of substantially damaged homes and buildings affected by the flooding in lower Lake Hiawatha. Representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the state Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will be on hand to provide answers. The center is located at 1130 Knoll Road.
4. Those looking for supplemental food assistance are invited to contact the Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry for help. Ready-made bags of basic food staples such as canned goods, cereal and dried food are available thanks to donations from individuals, schools, organizations and faith communities. The pantry, located at the Community Center, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Be sure to call ahead: The pantry can be reached at 973-263-7163 or 973-263-7351. Donations of nonperishable food items are always needed too.
5. If you need a place to have Thanksgiving dinner, Morristown's on Thursday. The event starts with a chapel service at 3:30 p.m. Dinner is served from 4-6 p.m. There is no charge for the meal and all are welcome to attend. The mission is at 9 Market St. For more information or if you would like to donate to the effort, call Rosita at 973-993-2871.