5 Things March 18: Keep Norton Beautiful, Meditation and More

Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Town cleanup volunteers and donations needed
Volunteers and donations are being sought for the second annual Keep Norton Beautiful town cleanup April 27, 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteer by registering online at www.keepnortonbeautiful.com. Donations can be sent to:
Town Clean Up
c/o Board of Selectmen
70 E. Main St.
Norton, MA  02766

2. Gift basket raffle
Friends of the Library is selling tickets for a gift basket raffle through March 29. Basket themes include kitchen, wine, music, kids, office, spa, etc. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. The drawing will be March 29 at noon.

3. Monday Night Meditation Club
Energize yourself for the work week ahead using guided meditation 7 p.m. at  The Healing Moon Wellness Center, 34 School St., Suite 101, Foxborough. Come and join us as we start the week off through guided meditation. In this one-hour class you will be transported to a place and time of peace and restorative energy. Cost is $15. Call ahead to confirm your spot.

4. Weather pattern facts and tips
Early spring is well-known for its mixed bag of weather conditions. That’s why Amica Insurance has compiled some tips to help you stay safe during nature’s most hazardous weather patterns.
Snowstorm fact: The snowiest city in the U.S. is Syracuse, N.Y., which averages 128 inches of snow each year.
Safety tip: If you or your family exhibit the warning signs of hypothermia, such as uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and exhaustion, seek immediate medical attention.
Lightning fact: Lightning can heat the surrounding air to around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is five times hotter than the sun.
Safety tip: Head indoors if you can’t count to 30 in between seeing lightning and hearing thunder.  Then, wait 30 minutes after the storm has passed before leaving your shelter.
Hurricane fact: Hurricanes can pack wind speeds of more than 160 mph and unleash more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day.
Safety tip: Use plywood to reinforce windows. Tape might keep more of the glass together when impacted, but it will not keep it in place.
Prior to any major storm, be sure that your family has practiced an emergency evacuation plan. It’s also important to have emergency kits in your home and cars. After any severe weather has passed, stay indoors until emergency personnel announces that the danger has subsided.

5. High near 37, low around 29
Today there will be increasing clouds, with a high near 37 and light north wind. Late tonight into early Tuesday there is a 60 percent of 1 to 3 inches of snow before it turns to heavy rain. Otherwise, it will be cloudy, with a low around 29. Southeast wind will be 5 to 9 mph.