The Michigan State Police (MSP) is reminding holiday shoppers that following a few safety precautions can help this season remain fun for all.

“A primary factor in crime prevention is being aware of your surroundings and potential areas of danger,” stated Trooper Roger Hunt, Lakeview Post. “By remaining vigilant and following a few safety tips, you can minimize your chance of becoming a victim and enjoy your holiday season.”

Mall shopping safety tips:

*Avoid shopping alone.  Use the buddy system whenever possible.

*Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas.  Always lock your vehicle.

*Have your keys in hand before exiting the shopping area and returning to your vehicle.

*Carry your purse close to your body. If at all possible, do not bring a purse. Keep your wallet in a front or zipped pocket.

*Do not carry large amounts of cash. Bring just one credit or debit card.

*Do not count cash in open areas, especially after leaving an ATM.

Online shopping safety tips:

*Shop only on Internet sites of companies you know and trust.

*Only use secure websites. To determine if a website is secure, look for a key or closed padlock at the bottom browser window and a URL that begins with “https,” not just “http.”

*Protect your personal information. Read the retailer’s privacy policy and never provide your Social Security number, birth date or mother’s maiden name.

Holiday Shopping Safety tips:

*Ensure your computer has the latest anti-virus software installed before shopping online.

*Beware of emails offering cut-rate prices on popular items; if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Auto Safety tips:

The Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) recommends the following safety tips to avoid a car break-in or theft:

*Keep your vehicle doors locked at all times. The majority of vehicle thefts involve an unlocked door.

*Do not keep valuables in your car. If you can’t avoid it, try to keep them out of sight by placing them either under a seat or in the trunk.

*Use your car alarm if equipped. Try to make it as difficult as possible for a thief to steal your valuables or your vehicle.

*Newer cars have a “panic” mode feature on the key fob. Don’t hesitate to use this feature if you see something suspicious around your vehicle when approaching.

*If you see something suspicious, do not confront the person but rather call the police and report what you witnessed.

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Holiday Market

Nov. 26: The Tri County Music Boosters is hosting a Holiday Market on Saturday, November 26^th at Tri County High School, 21338 Kendaville Rd., Howard City, from 10 am to 4 pm. Over 30 of your favorite vendors will be on hand offering specials for the holiday season on their unique items! Why fight the crowds in the malls when everything you could want can be found right here! Admission is only $2.00 and includes a raffle ticket of over two dozen fantastic door prizes. #47p

Sand Lake Tree Lighting & Carols

Nov. 27: There will be a Tree Lighting and carols in Sand Lake at Salisbury Park on Sunday, November 27^th at 5:30 pm. Meet at the tree on the southeast corner of the park. Special music from Resurrection Lutheran Church Preschoolers. #46,47p

Praise the Lord at Cowboy Church

Nov. 27: 2^nd Chance will be having Cowboy Church on Sunday, November 27^th at 6 pm. It will be at 2^nd Chance School at 810 – 17 Mile Rd. Cedar Springs (corner of 17 Mile and Olin Lakes Rd). The message and music will be shared by the group Riding for the Brand. Invite your family and friends. Cowboy Church will be every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday of the month. Each service will have different people sharing God’s word and music. Cowboy Church will introduce you to 2nd Chance and its vision. The school is in the building stage, which when completed, will teach troubled teens through God and the horse. If you have questions, call 616-293-2150. See you there! #47

Indoor Live Nativity

Dec. 2,3: Sand Lake United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall is transformed into the city of Bethlehem for an indoor live Nativity on Friday, December 2^nd from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday, December 3^rd from 1 to 3 pm. See the baby in the manger and listen to the angels sing. Our free gift to you this Christmas. #46,47p

Annual Cookie Walk

Dec. 3: St. Peter’s Ladies Guild’s Annual Cookie Walk will be Saturday, December 3^rd at 310 E. Division in Rockford from 9 am until the cookies are gone. The cookies are sold by the pound and you pick the combination. This is the perfect time to pick up cookies for the holidays. Proceeds help our Mission Projects throughout the year. #47,48p

Vendor and Craft Show

Dec. 3,4: The Rockford American Legion, 330 Rockford Park Drive, is hosting a Craft and Vendor Show on December 2^nd from 5 to 9 pm and December 3^rd from 9 am to 4 pm. Lunch will be available for purchase. #47,48p

Holiday Marketplace

Dec. 3: Get a good start on your Holiday Shopping at the Greenville Area Senior Citizen Center, 715 S. Baldwin, Greenville, during their Holiday Marketplace event, taking place on Saturday, December 3^rd from 9 am to 3 pm. Choose from a nice selection of quilts, crafts, dolls, holiday décor, gift items and baked goods, along with unique gift options from outside vendors. Entrance and free parking is in rear of building. Holiday Marketplace is part of a citywide holiday celebration. #47

Chalk Artist and Ventriloquist

Dec. 4: Chalk for Christ artist and ventriloquist, Rod Snow will present an entertainment show the whole family can enjoy, Sunday, December 4^th at 4 pm in the sanctuary of the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! There is no charge for this event. #47,48p

Help Promote Literacy

Dec. 5,16,20,28: The need is urgent at this time! The Literacy Center of West Michigan has scheduled  information sessions for prospective volunteer tutors. These sessions last one hour. It allows persons interested in becoming volunteer tutors to find out more about the Literacy Center and its programs. At the end of the session there will be a chance to sign up for tutor training. Sessions are Monday, December 5^th at 10 am, Friday, December 16^th at 2 pm, Tuesday, December 20^th at 6 pm and Wednesday, December 28^th at 10 am. By training people to be tutors, the Center can offer one-on-one reading help to adults asking for assistance in reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). You do not need to speak another language to tutor ESL. The Literacy Center of West Michigan is located at 1120 Monroe Ave., NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids. Please call 616-459-5151 (ext. 10) or email us at info@literacycenterwm.org to register. #47

HCNC Holiday Party

Dec. 9: The Howard Christensen Nature Center staff, board and volunteers would like to invite you (everyone) to our annual holiday party at the Center! Unlike the previous years potluck style dinner, this one will have a light faire provided with samplings of cider, wine, juice and pop! No need to bring anything, however HCNC always appreciates holiday donations. Mingle with those who make this place happen and get to know us a little more! FREE to all, but donations are appreciated. The center is located at 16160 Red Pine Drive, Kent City, 616-675-3158, www.HowardChristensen.org. #47

The Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Small Business Saturday on November 26, two days after Thanksgiving.

Small business Saturday was created to help drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S. When you shop locally, you help support your family, friends and neighbors.

While out doing your holiday shopping, be sure to stop in to local businesses in Cedar Springs to see what they have to offer! Click here to Check out the Chamber’s ad for more info.

From the Michigan State Police

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Lakeview Post reminds holiday shoppers that following a few safety precautions can help this season remain fun for all.

“A primary factor in crime prevention is being aware of your surroundings and potential areas of danger,” stated Trooper Keith Disselkoen of the Lakeview Post. “By staying alert and following a few safety tips, most holiday crimes can be avoided.”

Mall shopping safety tips:

Avoid shopping alone. Use the buddy system whenever possible.

Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas.  Always lock your vehicle and put away any valuables.

Have your keys in hand before exiting the shopping area and returning to your vehicle.

Do not keep packages in plain view in your vehicle; keep packages in the trunk of your car or covered by a blanket.

Be alert, pay attention to your surroundings and move with a purpose; don’t dally.

Carry your purse close to your body. If at all possible, do not bring a purse. Keep your wallet in a front or zipped pocket.

Do not carry large amounts of cash. Bring just one credit or debit card.

Do not count cash in open areas, especially after leaving an ATM machine.

Remain vigilant of your environment by paying close attention to where you are and knowing what you would do if something happened.

Remember where you are located within buildings and where the nearest emergency exit is.

If you see something suspicious, immediately notify law enforcement.

Online shopping safety tips:

Shop only on Internet sites of companies you know and trust.

Only use secure Web sites. To determine if a web site is secure, look for a key or closed padlock at the bottom browser window and a URL that begins with “https,” not just “http.”

Protect your personal information. Read the retailer’s Web site privacy policy and never provide your Social Security number, birth date or mother’s maiden name.

Ensure your computer has the latest anti-virus software installed before shopping online.

Beware of E-mails offering cut-rate prices on popular items; if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.