5 Things You Need To Know Today in Framingham: July 17

1. Blues and jazz are the featured sounds tonight at the weekly summer concert on the Framingham Centre Common. The Bruce Katz Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. as part of the Framingham Parks & Recreation concert series.

2. The Framingham Public Schools’ Summer Scene Program, located at the McCarthy Elementary School, has openings in the Pre-K program for Framingham children ages 4 and 5.

Openings are available for the final two weeks of the program: Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24 and Monday, July 27 through Friday, July 31. The program is offered in both a full and half day option. Click here for program costs and how to register.

3. Congresswoman Katherine Clark, a Democrat who represents Framingham, and Congressman Joe Heck, a Republican from Nevada, introduced the Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Act, legislation to protect children from sexual abuse this week.

The proposed legislation funds school programs that provide age-appropriate lessons to primary and secondary school students on how to recognize and safely report sexual abuse. The Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention Act provides federal funding to develop, implement or expand these programs for students, teachers, and guardians. Click here to learn more.

4. The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority will hold a gran opening event this morning for its new $12 million maintenance and operations facility on Blandin Avenue.

5. Dan Newton’s Café Accordion Orchestra plays an eclectic mix full of French flair, Latin heat, and Bohemien attitude and will take the stage tonight at Amazing Things Arts Center in downtown Framingham at 8. Tickets are still available.

Photo courtesy Dan Newton’s Café Accordion Orchestra