5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 23, 2011

Good morning, Silver Spring! Here are five things to know this Friday to help you keep up-to-date about what’s going on in the community:

1.  Expect a partly sunny day with temperatures near 50 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Later on this evening, the skies should be cloudy 
with temperatures in the low 30s.

WEEKEND FORECAST FOR SANTA: 

Christmas Eve Day should be mostly sunny with temperatures in the high 40s. Later on, Santa and his reindeer may have to fight cloudy skies, but calm winds will be on their side throughout the night.

Santa will have to work extra hard to finish up on his gift drops before Christmas morning because there is a slight chance of rain. Throughout the day it should be partly sunny, with a high near 50 degrees.

2. Looking for a way you can give back this holiday? There are multiple ways you can contribute. Patch has compiled a list to make your donations easier this holiday season.

3. Today is the deadline for you to apply for various Montgomery County committee vacancies. County Executive Isiah Leggett is looking for one vacancy to be filled on the Commission for Women, two applicants for the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee, and three applicants for the Committee on Hate/Violence.

4. Patch.com launched a nationwide contest to find the best dressed home in its Patch communities, and the winner’s school district will receive $100,000, no strings attached.

5. Coming up in Silver Spring Patch, we give you the recipe for delicious Christmas cookies. Come back at noon.