The Daily Five: A Sock Hop, A Vigil, Skate for Babies, and Sequestration Sets In

1. March is the month that "roars in" but after a blustery few days earlier this week, we seem to be off to a mild start today. Weather.com is predicting a mix of sunshine and clouds, with a high temperature of 47 degrees and a low of 30 degrees. There's just a 20 percent chance of rain.

2. After a couple of proposals designed to head off looming budget cuts failed yesterday, the federal sequester is set to take effect today. Some are welcoming it as a long overdue trimming of the federal budget. Others are fearful of what it may mean for services and benefits that many families have come to depend on, such as college loans, energy aid, and unemployment benefits; military readiness and the military contracts that support local industry; and jobs, as millions of federal employees anticipate being furloughed. Unless some 11th hour agreement is reached, I imagine we'll find out soon enough.

3. As often happens following a tragedy, local people want to get together to do something to offer support and consolation to the family. It is with that in mind that local residents of North Stonington have organized a vigil tonight in memory of the two young boys who were so tragically killed earlier this week. The basic details are included in the story (linked above). There will be more information about the vigil posted on Patch at noon. 

4. After being postponed because of the snow storm, the . The event, which takes place from 6-9 p.m., asks for a suggested donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child. Skate rentals are available for $5. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

5. Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Old Lyme's Friends of the Library's "Rockin' '50s" fundraising dance sounds like it's going to be a ball. Although Saturday night's event is going to be slightly fancier than a sock hop, people are encouraged to dress up in '50s garb. To encourage more people to go, Lymes Youth Service Bureau has also partnered with the Old Lyme Girl Scouts to offer babysitting services the night of the dance.