5 Things May 31: Founder's Day Donations, 'Oliver' 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. Founder’s Day Picnic donations being sought

The Norton Parks and Recreation is seeking donations for the Founder’s Day Picnic and fireworks. Fireworks alone are usually around $10,000. Checks can be made payable to Town of Norton and mailed to Norton Parks and Rec, 70 E. Main St., Norton with “Founder’s Day” in the memo line.

2. “Oliver!” performance

The Norton Singers will be presenting the musical "Oliver!" at Weber Theater, Wheaton College on May 31, June 1, 2, 7 and 8. Tickets purchased prior to the performances are $15 for children and seniors and $22 for adults.  All tickets at the door are $25. Tickets may be obtained by calling 508-285-4049 or on the website www.nortonsingers.com. "Oliver!" is a wonderful and fun musical for adults and children alike. The Norton Singers have been proudly presenting community theater for over 60 years. Please come and enjoy great musical theater!

3. ABC’s of Science

Visit the Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., for the ABCs of Science on Fridays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. From Aeronautics to Zoetropes, this class will introduce the fascinating world of science to curious toddlers. They will be able to explore different words each week and learn more about science with each visit. ABCs of Science does not require registration and is free with paid admission to the museum. Admission is $7.50 per person; members and children younger than 1 are admitted free. For more information call 508-230-3789 or visit www.childrensmuseumineaston.org.

4. Travel savings tips

Citizens Bank and Cumberland Farms offered budgeting tips for summer travel savings:

• Build a budget – To manage the expenses of your vacation, an important first step is to create a realistic budget that will help you to understand how much you can afford to spend on travel this summer. Once you have your budget in place, it will be easier to plan the trips you are going to take. In addition to the “big ticket” costs at your destination, be sure to factor in the incidental costs along the way.

• Pay yourself first – To take the sting out of the cost of your vacation after you get back, start saving for it now by setting up an automatic deposit to your savings fund from your paycheck or checking account. A specific amount of money can be transferred automatically on pay day before you even see it. It’s easier to save when you pay yourself first.

• Don’t borrow trouble – Don’t finance a vacation and place the cost on your credit card or line of credit unless you have a responsible repayment plan. A credit card is a great convenience, especially when traveling, but if you don’t pay off the full balance, you will incur finance charges that will add to the expense of your vacation and may make your vacation memorable in an unintended way.

• Put social media to work – Wherever you are going, there is likely a conversation about local deals taking place in social media. Follow hotels, restaurants and destinations on Facebook and Twitter. Use consumer ratings sites and sign up for social coupon sites. If you cover all of your social media bases, a special offer from the best place in town may pop up just as you arrive. Many of these sites also offer mobile apps that make it even easier to find the best value on the road.

• Use debit cards – Instead of using cash or credit cards, a debit card is a convenient way to make purchases. When using a debit card, keep in mind money will be deducted automatically from your checking account as you make purchases.

To read more tips check out this blog post.

5. High near 78, low around 62

Today will be sunny, with a high near 78. South wind will be 5 to 11 mph. Tonight there will be patchy fog after 1 a.m. Otherwise, it will be mostly clear, with a low around 62. Southwest wind will be around 7 mph.