One of the great benefits of technology (in my opinion) is the vastly improved ability to go cyber shopping and order anything online. And I mean anything!
I know that more and more people are taking advantage of the convenience as I see FedEx, UPS and the USPS delivering packages in Stillwaters on a daily basis. Shopping online saves driving you car all around and if you are lucky you can find many places that provide free shipping.
If you want to see variety just go online and peruse what Amazon.com has available. It boggles the mind how they keep it all sorted and get it delivered to the right place on time.
Now is a good time of year to share a reminder of good online etiquette to protect you while online.
From the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA):
“Hackers use three common techniques to take advantage of online shoppers. These methods are:
• Targeting vulnerable computers;
• Creating fraudulent sites and email messages; and
• Intercepting insecure transactions.
Don’t let holiday hackers ruin your Cyber Monday activities. Here are a few tips to stay safe while shopping online:
• Keep personal information private and passwords secure;
• Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the locked padlock icon at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address;
• Shop with companies you know; and
• Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software.”
Play it safe and happy shopping!
Quote of the week:
The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread and coming out with only a loaf of bread are three billion to one. ~ Erma Bombeck.
Happenings this week:
Holiday Bazaar & Turkey Dinner On Friday, December 5th, from 10am-2pm, the event will feature holiday gift items, crafts, baked goods and a turkey dinner at Centralia United Methodist Church at 506 S. Washington Street. It’s $7 for adults and $3.50 for kids with all proceeds going toward mission projects. Contact the church at 736-7311 for more information.
65th Annual Santa Parade On Saturday, December 6th at 11am, enjoy the spirit of Christmas in Downtown Chehalis! Of course, the parade is free!
39th Annual Breakfast With Santa On Saturday, December 6th, from 8-11am, take the family to breakfast at United Methodist Church at 16 S. Market Blvd. in Chehalis. Bring your camera to get a picture with Santa! Suggested donations are $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12, and FREE for children 3 and under. All proceeds benefit Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
15th Annual ‘Dickens of a Christmas’ On Saturday, December 6th, enjoy the sites of renovated historic homes decked in Christmas decor on the popular annual home tour. Participants will gather at the Historic Hub City Club at 216 S. Tower Avenue in Centralia at 11am for refreshments, then take a ride in a vintage trolley for the home tour through Centralia. Tickets are available at the Visiting Nurses Thrift Stores, Book N Brush, Heymann Whinery, and Bath Depot. All proceeds benefit local home health and hospice care programs. Call Jenny or Sheila at 623-1560 for more information
Plan Ahead: Next Saturday, December 13th, the Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade in downtown Centralia. A fun event each year!
Weather: After the last few days of very cold weather (and even a few snow flurries) we are heading back into rainy weather for at least the next 10 days. Get out the umbrellas again!
