5 Things You Need To Know Today: December 22

1. The holidays are upon us. City and County offices are closed Friday and Monday. Look for a complete list of closings later today.

2. If you want to vote in the Republican Presidential Preference Primary, you must be registered to vote by Jan. 3. And if you have moved, you must be sure to officially change your address on your voter registration card by Jan. 3 as well. Don't forget the Supervisor of Elections offices wil be closed Friday and Monday for the holidays and again on Jan. 2. New 2011 elections laws are posted at the Supervisor of Elections web site.

3. Yes, the holidays are approaching quickly and there's still so much to do, but don't forget to take time to enjoy your family and friends. Take a deep breath, relax and remember the holidays are about sharing your enjoying time together.

4. is offering a winter camp for young students next week during the school break. The Winter 2010 Camp: Florida Tourist 101 will be available for children in grades 2 through 5. Campers will virtually travel to many of Florida's “best” tourist attractions—from the out-of-the-way attractions to those we all know, featuring alligators, space shuttles, caverns and a mouse—all from the comfort of the Museum’s classroom. Campers are invited to dress in “tourist garb” for the virtual tour of the Sunshine State’s attractions. The five-day camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and costs $175 for the first camper and $155 for each additional camper for Museum Members and $200 for non-members.

5. Manatee County has three openings for a citizens advisory committee that creates and recommends policy for the Manatee County Libraries. The openings are for representatitves from Bradenton, Palmetto and Anna Maria Island. The representaitves must reside in each of those communities. The Bradenton City Council and the Palmetto City Council will appoint two of the representatives. The representative from the Island will be appointed by the Manatee County Commission upon recommendations from the Island municipalities. Each member is appointed for a term of four years. Applications are due Jan. 11, 2012 and may be found online at www.mymanatee.org/advisory_boards. Please send completed applications to carol.parsons@mymanatee.org  The group generally meets on the third Wednesday of each month at noon at the Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Boulevard West, Bradenton. For more information, call Carol Parsons, Library Administration, at (941) 748-5555 ext. 6306.