5 Things: Halloween Tips from the American Heart Association, Halloween Prowl at the Common, and More!

1. Today's Weather from the National Weather Service

• Today: A chance of showers, mainly before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
• Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Calm wind.

2. Special Town Meeting Warrant to be Released this Week

After weeks of proposal and drafts, the warrant for November's Special Town Meeting will be released on November 26. It will be accessible on the Town of Wrentham's official website.

3. KP Sports Today and Yesterday's Results

• Volleyball @ Taunton, today at 4:45 p.m.

Yesterday's Scores

• Boys' Soccer: KP - 1 Franklin - 1
• Girls' Soccer: KP - 0 Franklin - 7
• Field Hockey: KP - 0 Franklin - 3

4. Halloween Prowl on the Common this Saturday

The Downtown Merchants will hold a Halloween Prowl this Saturday, October 27 at Wrentham Common starting at 11:00 a.m. Families are invited to dress up and pick up candy and treats from the local downtown merchants. Shops participating can be identified with an orange balloon at their entrance.

The Terrace Cafe will host a young artists show from noon to 3:00 p.m.

5. Healthy Halloween Tips from the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is reaching out to families to show how children can have fun this Halloween while staying healthy. 

Unfortunately, the annual celebration of junk food and candy can have a negative impact far beyond just Halloween.  Childhood obesity has reached an alarming level in the United States.  More than one in three children and adolescents are overweight or obese.  Obesity can lead to other significant health issues like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.  But simple choices can help parents guide their kids toward a healthier path.

Try some of the tips below for a healthier Halloween this year:

• Remember to have a healthy meal BEFORE you go trick-or-treating. This reduces the temptation to “snack” while walking.
• Make this a fun family physical activity event. Set a goal of how many houses you will walk to and then stick to it!
• Think about a healthier version of treats to give out at your house: Mini boxes of raisins, 100% juice juice-boxes, snack sized pretzels, pre-packaged trail mixes, pre-packaged dried fruits, crayons, stickers, silly bands, tooth brushes, bubbles, plastic spiders, or coupons to local frozen yogurt stores. Avoid using toys that could be a choking hazard to little ones.
• Find the right sized collection bag for your child. Steer clear of the pillow case method.

So how do you deal with the excess of candy lying around your house come November 1st?

• Avoid the urge to buy on-sale candy in the grocery stores after Halloween.
• Pick out enough candy for one piece a day for 5 days and put those in the fridge. When your child asks for a piece of candy, make sure to pair it with a healthy snack: an apple, a banana, some healthy nuts, or celery.
•  “Buy back” the candy from your child with money or tokens they can trade in for a fun activity: a day at the zoo, an afternoon playing at a local park, going ice skating, or a day at the pool. 
• Some dentist offices have been known to buy back the candy from their patients so be on the lookout for that option!