5 Things Dec. 13: Writer's Group, Norton Playroom and More

Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Writer’s Group
Join Norton Public Library for one of two Writers' Groups that meet monthly at 10:30 a.m. Bring some of your work to share, get feedback and discuss the joys and challenges of writing. All writers welcome. Yoga for Preschoolers scheduled for today has been cancelled. 

2. Norton Playroom
All caregivers with infants and toddlers are welcome to stop by Trinitarian Congregational Church at 11 a.m. for this drop-in playgroup. Cost is $1 per child covers a snack and craft, with open play and a storytime.

3. Healthy-Steps program
The Oncology Department at Sturdy Memorial Hospital offers a six-week Healthy-Steps exercise and movement program for cancer patients on Thursdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hospital’s Conference Rooms D & E.  Healthy-Steps is a therapeutic exercise program provided by the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, which combines gentle movements, dance and music to improve overall wellness, range of motion, balance, strength, and endurance, as well as emotional well being and self-image. The class is taught by a certified Lebed Method instructor. Registration is required. For more information and to register, call the Oncology Department at 508-236-7010.

4. Energy saving tips for safe and festive holiday lighting
National Grid offers the following tips to save energy:

• Use energy efficient LED lights
• Limit the time that lights are on. Wait until dark to turn on your holiday lights; then, turn them off before you go to bed.
• Turn off room lights when the tree is lit.
• Make sure your lights have a safety listing from a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).    
• While reading labels, be sure to buy the right set for indoor use, outdoor use, or both.
• Before decorating, check all light sets for frayed wires, damaged sockets or cracked insulation. If any defects are found, replace the entire set.
• All outdoor cords, plugs and sockets must be weatherproof. It's also a good idea to use a ground fault circuit interrupter on each circuit. If current leaks through frayed or damaged wires, the interrupter will shut off the lights.
• Don't overload electrical circuits. Circuits in older homes carry a maximum of 1800 watts each while many newer homes can handle 2400 watts.

5. High near 42, low around 27
Today will be sunny, with a high near 44 and light and variable wind. Tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 27 and light southwest wind.