Montgomery County Food Pantries See Rise in First Time Visitors
As food insecurity grows, neighbors helping neighbors matters more than ever.  More Montgomery County residents are turning to food pantries for the first time, highlighting the financial challenges facing local families.

According to an October 22 report, a survey by the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network found that 68% of responding food pantries reported an increase in first-time visitors.

With demand growing, community organizations continue working to ensure that residents have access to nutritious food and essential support.

A Community That Cares

Food insecurity doesn’t always look the way we imagine. It can affect working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and neighbors experiencing unexpected financial hardships.

As demand continues to grow, local food pantries remain an essential lifeline. Whether it’s donating a few groceries, volunteering your time, or simply spreading awareness, small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

Need assistance? Don’t hesitate to reach out to a local food pantry. Want to help? Consider supporting one in your community.

Because a stronger Montgomery County starts with neighbors looking out for one another.

Source: Whitemarsh-Plymouth News, October 22, 2026 reporting on the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network survey.

Imagine receiving a frantic phone call from your grandchild saying they’ve been in an accident and desperately need money. The voice sounds exactly like theirs. But what if it’s not really them?

Welcome to the frightening world of AI voice cloning scams!  Using artificial intelligence, scammers can imitate someone’s voice from a short audio recording, sometimes obtained from social media videos or online posts.

They then call family members, pretending to be a loved one in trouble, and pressure them to send money immediately.

How can you protect your family?

Create a family password. Choose a secret word only your family knows.
Hang up and call back. Contact your loved one using a number you already trust.
Don’t rush. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to cloud your judgment.
Never send money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps without verifying the emergency.

Tech Talk Tip: A familiar voice is no longer proof of identity!

A simple family password and a quick verification call could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of heartache.

Online raffles offer new ways to support our volunteer firefighters.

Good news for Montgomery County’s volunteer fire companies! Pennsylvania has approved new legislation allowing eligible fire companies to sell raffle tickets online, making it easier for residents to support their local firefighters.

Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro on October 22, the legislation establishes an online raffle pilot program through 2027. A separate law will also expand electronic payment options for eligible nonprofits.

For local departments, fundraising is essential. Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company in Whitemarsh Township, for example, is working toward a $600,000 fundraising goal for a new ladder truck.

Supporting Those Who Protect Us

Our volunteer firefighters dedicate countless hours to protecting homes, businesses, and families. Behind every emergency response are equipment, training, and operating costs that require community support.

These new fundraising opportunities could help departments reach more supporters while making participation more convenient.

The next time your local fire company holds a fundraiser, consider lending a hand. Supporting those who protect our communities is one way we can give back.

October 28 – November 30, 2026

Discover what’s happening around Montgomery County! From Halloween festivities and family outings to holiday celebrations and historic tours, there’s something for everyone.

History Happy Hour: Ghost Stories

• Date: October 29, 2026, 7:00–8:00 PM

• Location: Morgan Log House, Lansdale

• Details: Gather around a bonfire for chilling ghost stories and mysterious legends from Montgomery County’s past.

• Source: Morgan Log House Events⁠

Northern Star Farm Fall Fest

• Date: October 31 – November 1, 2026

• Location: Northern Star Farm, Trappe

• Details: Celebrate the final weekend of fall festivities with hayrides, a corn maze, farm animals, and family activities.

• Source: Montco Fall Events⁠

First Friday Lansdale

• Date: November 6, 2026, 6:00–9:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Lansdale

• Details: Enjoy an evening in downtown Lansdale featuring community festivities and local businesses.

• Source: Local Events Calendar⁠

Veterans Day Commemoration

• Date: November 11, 2026, 11:00 AM

• Location: National Memorial Arch, Valley Forge National Historical Park

• Details: Honor America’s veterans at a special commemorative gathering in historic Valley Forge.

• Source: Montgomery County Community Events⁠

Early American Candle-Making Workshop

• Date: November 14, 2026, 1:00 PM

• Location: Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown

• Details: Learn traditional candle-making techniques and create your own beeswax candle and cinnamon-scented ornament for the holidays.

• Source: Montgomery County Events⁠

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

• Date: November 20–30, 2026, select evenings, 5:00–9:00 PM

• Location: Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown

• Details: Experience dazzling holiday light displays and festive attractions throughout the zoo.

• Source: Elmwood Park Zoo⁠

Colonial Saturdays

• Date: November 21, 2026, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

• Location: Peter Wentz Farmstead, Worcester Township

• Details: Step back in time with demonstrations of colonial chores, traditional crafts, and daily life in early Pennsylvania.

• Source: Montgomery County Events⁠

Lansdale Holiday Mardi Gras Parade

• Date: November 21, 2026, 1:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Lansdale

• Details: Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a festive community parade through downtown Lansdale.

• Source: Local Community Calendar⁠

Hatboro Holiday Parade

• Date: November 23, 2026

• Location: Downtown Hatboro

• Details: Enjoy Hatboro’s 65th annual holiday parade featuring the theme “Small Town with a Big Heart.”

• Source: Local Community Calendar⁠

Holiday Tours at Pennypacker Mills

• Date: November 24–30, 2026, during scheduled tour hours

• Location: Pennypacker Mills, Schwenksville

• Details: Tour a beautifully decorated historic mansion and discover Christmas traditions from the early 1900s.

• Source: Pennypacker Mills Events⁠

MoTown Turkey Trot

• Date: November 26, 2026, 8:00 AM

• Location: Montgomery Township

• Details: Start Thanksgiving morning with a community race featuring 5K and 8K distances, a two-mile walk, and a kids’ fun run.

• Source: 2026 Montgomery County Fall Guide⁠

Twelfth Night Holiday Tours

• Date: Beginning November 28, 2026

• Location: Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown

• Details: Explore colonial holiday customs and discover how families celebrated during the challenges of the Revolutionary War era.

• Source: Montgomery County Events⁠

Event dates are from published 2026 listings. Schedules, admission, and registration requirements may change, so readers should confirm details with the organizers before attending.

Last week, we focused on staying hydrated. See last week's article here.  This week, we’re building on that healthy habit by adding a little more movement to our day!

Did you know that even short bursts of physical activity can make a difference? You don’t need an expensive gym membership or a complicated workout routine to get moving.

Something as simple as walking for 10 minutes after lunch, dancing to your favorite song, or taking the stairs can help boost your energy, improve your mood, and support your overall health.

And here’s the best part: You don’t have to do it all at once!  Try adding a few minutes of movement throughout your day. Take a quick walk during a work break, stretch while watching television, or turn household chores into an opportunity to get moving.  Over time, those little moments can add up to healthier habits.

This Week’s Dig In Challenge: Add 10 minutes of extra movement to your daily routine. Choose something you enjoy and make it fun!
Remember, a healthier lifestyle isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making small changes that stick.

Small steps today can lead to big improvements tomorrow!

Your home may look spotless, but some of the dirtiest places are hiding in plain sight!

We all remember to vacuum, mop, and wipe down countertops. But what about the little things we touch every day?

Here are five often-overlooked spots that deserve some attention:

• Light Switches & Door Handles: Frequently touched but rarely cleaned.
• Remote Controls: A favorite gathering place for fingerprints, crumbs, and germs.
• Kitchen Cabinet Handles: Grease and grime can build up without you noticing.
• Refrigerator Seals: Those rubber folds can trap crumbs, moisture, and mold.
• Under Furniture: Dust collects where the vacuum doesn’t always reach.

This Week’s Cleaning Challenge: Pick just two of these forgotten spots and give them a quick cleaning. Small efforts can make a big difference!

Montco Cleaning Pros Tip: A truly clean home isn’t just about what you can see. It’s about the little details that help create a fresher, healthier living space.

Montco Cleaning Pros  Connecting You With Independent Cleaning Professionals.