Kennedy Center Board Hiring New Director

Today is Friday, Oct. 14. Here are five things you need to know today.

1. The Board of Directors at the Kennedy Center have officially opened the at Charlestown's local anti-poverty agency. The position is open after the board asked longtime director Kate McDonough to resign last week -- and after McDonough declined, (The board cited communications problems for her dismissal. McDonough has said she's taking legal action.) You can .

2. Got a pet? Get it blessed this weekend. The neighborhood's churches will host a 'blessing of the animals' on Sunday at 9:15 a.m. Pets and pet owners should meet in Thompson Square. For more details, .

3. Speaking of adorable animals -- here is some mandatory cuteness for your Friday. Maybe you've heard about the twin red pandas at the Franklin Park Zoo? They were recently name Yanhua and Duli. "Yanhua" is Chinese for "fireworks" and "Duli" is Chinese for "independence," which seems appropriate since they were born on the Fourth of July. Boston.com has links to other name suggestions and a really cute photo.

4. Are you an AT&T customer? Is your service any better in Charlestown this week? AT&T sent me a press release a few days ago, saying the company is enhancing its presence in the neighborhood -- which means you should be seeing fewer dropped calls. If you're not, give AT&T a call.

5. Today's forecast: Looks like another rainy day. Showers, with possible thunderstorms. High around 70. Possible periods of heavy rainfall.

For more info on what's happening around the neighborhood, check out our events calendar. And please, feel free to post your own!