Need to Know: Charitable Dinners, Holiday Shopping and a Train of Lights

Five Things appears every Monday on Newark Patch. Leave tips for future Five Things in the comment section below.

Here are five things you need to know in and around Newark through August 7.

1. Thanksgiving is Thursday and that means school is out of session. Schools with the are off for the entire week, while both and schools are only off Thursday and Friday. City Hall will be closed both Thursday and Friday and the post office will only be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
2. For those who are in need, the Tri-Cities League of Volunteers is hosting its annual from noon until 4 p.m. on Thursday at the Newark Pavilion. Dinner will include turkey and all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings from stuffing to potatoes. All are welcome – no questions asked. Visit www.lov.org for more information on attending or volunteering.
3. Work off some Thanksgiving calories by heading to the mall and shopping. Working through the crowds is sure to be a workout, and hopes to accommodate everyone by opening early this year for Black Friday. The mall will be open at midnight and the plans to bring gourmet food trucks to feed you between midnight at 2 a.m.
4. If you get some great gifts from Black Friday savings, you can get them wrapped and help out local youth. The Newark Band Boosters, which fundraises for band and choir, will be holding at starting on Nov. 25 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the lower level near . They’ll gift wrap for free, but donations are accepted and appreciated. Donations can be made by cash or credit card. Gift wrapping days will continue through Dec. 24. for the gift-wrapping hours.  
5. Ready for the holidays? Celebrate by checking out the , which will be held between Nov. 25 and Dec. 23. Tickets are $25 to take a train ride with decked out antique coaches and open cars. Holiday music will play as you take a one-hour ride from Niles Canyon to Sunol and back. to read more info.