Five Things To Know Today

1.  Today is Monday, June 20. The National Weather Service predicts mostly sunny skies, with a high temperature near 75 degrees and low of 58 degrees tonight.

2.  For the first time ever, the Department of Human Services has spent all of the money in a fund set aside to help residents with rent and fuel assistance, according to a report by the town manager. The yearly $30,000 in the Spicer allocation was exhausted because of increased demand, cuts to the Operation Fuel program and a delay in getting money from another federal program. During the last year, 95 households received rental assistance through the Spicer grant, and 41 received utility assistance.  Human services is using money from another grant program to fill the gap until July 1.

3.  Fifty-one people, six dogs and six cats spent the night at the Groton Senior Center on June 3 for the state's emergency shelter drill run by the Connecticut Chapter of the Red Cross. The Groton shelter had play area for children, a first-aid station and provided cots as well as breakfast the next morning. "Overall, the operation of the shelter was a success," said a report by Town Manager Mark Oefinger, adding, ". . .the town should draw comfort in knowing that when we need to open an emergency shelter on short notice, we have the facilities, equipment and trained and experienced personnel available using proven plans to do so."

4.  Two important farewell gatherings are this week. The first is a "roast" for John Silsby, who is retiring as parks and recreation director after almost 11 years with the town. The roast is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Groton Senior Center. The town is also getting together to honor Groton Town Police Chief Kelly Fogg, who is retiring after 29 years. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday at RiverWalk Restaurant in Mystic.

5.   The Mystic Streetscape project continues to move forward. Between now and Labor Day, work will include road re-paving along Gravel street, drainage improvements on both sides of Bank Street near the intersection of West Main, and installing curbs and sidewalks.