The Daily Five: School Budget Referendum, Thank You Teachers, Honoring Tim Griswold, And Brisk Business!

1. Today is likely to be partly cloudy, with a high of 67 degrees and an overnight low of 52 degrees. According to Weather.com, there's a 20 percent chance of rain. There's also a very high pollen alert so if your eyes are itching and you're sneezing, it's probably allergies.  

2. Don't forget to vote today in the referendum on the proposed budget for Regional School District 18. Voters in Lyme and Old Lyme are being asked to approve a budget of $31,741,789 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 as recommended by the Regional School Board. 

Here are a few of the highlights from a public hearing on the budget. Voting will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:

• Hamburg Fire Station, Route 156, Lyme  
• Cross Lane Fire House, Cross Lane, Old Lyme 

You'll find a copy of the entire budget online or you can pick one up at Central Office, LOL Middle School, 53 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. 

3. This week is National Teacher and Staff appreciation week and local schools are celebrating in a variety of ways. East Lyme teachers and staff are being feted with luncheons, flowers, manicures, and a whole host of little gifts that go way beyond an apple.

With local schools being ranked among the best in the nation, and local teachers working in many cases for less than they could earn in other school districts, there are a lot of reasons to say thank you this year. How will you show your appreciation? 

4. East Lyme Zoning Official William Mulholland often says his phone is ringing off the hook these days. At the most recent Zoning Commission meeting in East Lyme, however, he was able to put a dollar figure to just how busy the town has been with people seeking permits. On an average month, the Zoning office takes in about $2,000 in fees. Last month, Mulholland said, the town took in more than it ever has. A whopping $9,000. That's a busy month. 

5. Former Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold was recently honored as Legionnaire of the Year. The award was given for service to the community on April 16, which was also declared "Tim Griswold Day" in Old Lyme.

"It sure is nice to have your own day in Old Lyme," said Griswold in a letter thanking the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen for their proclamation. "I expect we shall all be volunteers for years to come."