Five Things To Know Today, Sept. 20

1.  Today is Tuesday, Sept. 20.  The National Weather Service predicts cloudy skies, a chance of showers and a high temperature of 69 degrees. The low will drop to 59 tonight.

2.  Work on the retaining walls on Thames Street will get going this week, Groton City Mayor Marian Galbraith said. Monday was devoted to set up, and workers will be digging test pits today, she said. Businesses will remain open during the construction. The Newport, R.I. firm of Hugo Key and Son Inc, is the contractor for the $641,164 project.

3.  Duncan and Elizabeth Stoddard, of Tyler Avenue in Groton, have donated $700 toward buying basketball backboard equipment for Eastern Point Beach. "This is a very generous donation," Galbraith told the City Council Monday. The city was able to buy one of the special basketball hoops that will endure the weather with the money. The new hoops go up this week.

4.  Low income residents who suffered losses during tropical storm Irene may be eligible for additional supplemental food assistance, the state Department of Social Services said Monday. The one-time food benefit will become available starting and continue through Sept. 27 Wednesday. Groton Human Services will handle the benefits in town. Food aid ranges from $200 for a single person to $952 for a family of six.

5.  Ella T. Grasso Technical High School will hold its first Annual Golf Tournament at 12:30 on Monday, Sept. 26 at Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton. The entry fee is $100 per person and includes the greens fee, cart and dinner. Proceeds will benefit the senior class drug and alcohol graduation party.