Hello Readers! I’m back with this week’s edition of What’s Up in Odenville! Due to unforeseen emergency surgery, this week is short and sweet. Let’s get to the news:

Reminder: Odenville now has a Blessing Box and it is located in front of Blast from the Past Barber shop. If you find yourself in need, stop by and help yourself, however we ask that you take only take what you need so we can help as many as possible. Donations are welcome, but please make sure they are unopened and in date. If the box is full, you can leave your donations at the barber shop.

The Second Annual Christmas in the Park will be held this Sunday, Dec. 4 starting at 4 p.m. at Odenville City Park. We will have food available for purchase, entertainment, a tree lighting and a movie! This is a free event with a minimal cost for concessions. We will have a box to drop off unwrapped toys for Cops for Tots as well as a donation bucket. If you would like to participate or help decorate, set up a booth or be entertainment please call Trese at (205) 542-3176 or David Johnsey at (205) 516-8853.

It’s almost here! The Odenville Christmas Parade is this coming Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The entry fee to participate is $5 per parade participant, excluding first responders. Get by City Hall or OPD to enter. This year’s theme will be “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Santa will be arriving in his sleigh and The City of Odenville will host a Santa meet-and-greet immediately after the parade. Stop by City Hall and enjoy refreshments and take a pic with Santa!

The Kurly Q’s Square Dance Club will be hosting The Warblers on Friday, Dec. 9 at OMS Purser-Ray Hall from 7 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person. The Warblers are a male choral group organized in 1929 at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham. They will be performing traditional songs of long ago and also Christmas music. For additional information/tickets call (205) 525-5128, (205) 640-8939 or (205) 467-6686.

Remember to shop local this holiday season! Here are a few businesses in Odenville you can shop:

BEI – Window Tinting and vinyl graphics

Sassy’s Boutique – Womens’ Clothing and Gifts

Tablescapes and More – Flower arrangements, home decor, gifts

411 & Main – Home decor, furniture and gifts

Johnson’s Trading Post – antiques, gifts, furniture, decor

Odenville Drugs and Giftshop – jewelry, home decor and more

Get your fixins for your feast at Piggly Wiggly or pre order a feast from Charlies BBQ!

Here are a few shopping safety tips from the Metro Police Department to help you stay safe and protect your Christmas purchases:

If You Are Shopping:

• Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.

• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.

• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

Protect Your Vehicle

• Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of progress in the holiday shopping. But if those packages are left out in the open after they’re in the car, your car has become a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché “Out of sight, out of mind?” The same idea applies to items in your car.

• Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn’t worth a thief’s time. However, anything left in plain view—from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, cell phones or briefcases—may tempt a thief.

• Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it’s cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store—even if for only a minute or two.

For more info go to mpdc.dc.gov/page/winter-holiday-safety-tips.

That’s all for this week! Send your Odenville News to odenvillenews@gmail.com.