5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 22

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. State Sen. Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge) on Thursday was among 20 state senators who sponsored a resolution calling on the federal government to provide enough funding and personnel to process veterans claims in a timely manner. "We need action from the federal government so that these deserving men and women are not waiting more than one would reasonably expect," Moore said. A recent report of the Center for Investigative Reporting revealed that the average wait time for veterans benefits is 273 days, and that veterans filing their first claim, including those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, wait nearly two months longer, between 316 and 327 days. The average wait in Boston is 517 days.

2. Crivello's Crossing has closed. The family owned restaurant on Depot Street was one of the longest running businesses in Milford, open for 70 years. The family is selling the property, along with a residential home next door. The two-property package is now listed at $349,900 with Lioce Properties.

3. Guilia's Cake and Coffee has opened at 18 Main St. in Milford. The cake shop and coffee shop has a Facebook page with delicious looking photos. According to the Portuguese to English translations, the bake shop has homemade cakes in orange, carrot and chocolate varieties, for just $6 each, among other specialties.

4. A reminder: Lola's Helping Hands will host a fundraiser at TD's Pub on Saturday, to help the local team raise funds for MS.

5. The Learning Experience in Milford, which offers childcare from ages 6 weeks to 6 years old, will hold open enrollment all day on Friday. The business offer discounts through Work and Family and for Men and Women in Uniform.