Five Things To Know Today

1.  Today is Thursday, June 23.  The National Weather Service forecasts cloudy skies, rain and thunderstorms, with a high temperature of 74 degrees and a low of 62 tonight.

2.  A Groton man who does not want to his name publicized won $1 million on Powerball on June 1, according to the lottery website.  The retired lab technician bought the “Quick Pick” ticket at a Henny Penny store in New London, and guessed five numbers correctly, the website said.  He had added the “power play” to his ticket, so it multiplied the $200,000 prize by five. He plans to use the money to help pay for his grandchildren’s college, the website said.

3.  The town's parks and recreation department is offering a free summer food program for children and teenagers ages 18 and younger. The program will run Monday through Friday at William Seely School and Claude Chester Elementary, and will serve breakfast from 8 a.m. until 8:45 a.m., and lunch from 11:15 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The two schools will serve meals until August 12.  West Side Middle School will also offer meals from July 5 through August 19.  In addition, free meals will be available from June 27 until August 19 at Washington Park.

4.  The Summer SoundWaves Concert Series begins today, with concerts from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday nights at Esker Point Beach. The group "Eight to the Bar" plays tonight. Groton City is also holding is free concerts at Washington Park at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays through July. This week's group is "High Times", followed by the "Dick Campo Big Band" on July 1.

5.  The Groton Business Association is urging local artists, craftsmen and business organizations to register early for the town fall festival scheduled for Oct. 8. Those who sign up early can save $25, but registration must be completed by August 5. For more information, call (860) 572-9578.