Five Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 7

1. Amy Stanley's family hopes to honor the six people they believe helped free her from her seat as flames erupted from her car in Rockland, Oct. 22. The family has organized a benefit to recognize her rescuers and raise money to help pay Stanley's continued medical expenses. The benefit will be held at 5 p.m. Jan. 19 at Plymouth VFW Post 1822. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 781-982-3188.

2. Plymouth County Sheriff Department’s K-9 Lieutenant Patrick Charette can be seen in a K-9 SWAT response scenario in March of the Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog 2013 Calendar, now available for a $10 donation, online and at select locations, including including Doggie Fun and Fitness Center at 47 Marion St., Kingston (across from the Kingston commuter rail). Proceeds from the calendars will support Massachusetts police dogs, by helping provide bulletproof vests, essential equipment, and funding for training and the purchase of dogs for K-9 work. Preview the calendar and see the complete list of businesses where the calendar is available on the organization’s website, www.mavestadog.org.

3. Be Plymouth’s “Biggest Loser” for the New Year, and win money and prizes for getting healthier, feeling good and looking great. Open to the public. Challenge is run by local wellness coaches and is being hosted by Healthy Vibes, located at 21 Court St. Each participant will receive their own personal wellness coach and nutritional classes for the entire 12 weeks.

Fee is $40 per person. A portion of the registration fee is paid out in cash prizes. Participants will have the option to join a regional challenge for an additional cash prize in conjunction with the Plymouth “Biggest Loser” challenge for an additional $10. Due to popularity, preregistration is required to hold your spot. Call Noreen at 508-272-2183 for dates, times and additional information.

4. Alternately, you can take your tree to Balboni’s Landscape Supply and Green Waste Reprocessing which will be accepting Plymouth residents’ Christmas trees for recycling free of charge from Dec. 27 through the end of January. Drop off is at 135 Camelot Drive and proof of residency is required. Balboni’s hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (closed Sunday). All ornaments, tinsel and lights must be removed from the trees; only clean trees are accepted for recycling.

The Christmas trees will be ground, producing high quality mulch, which will eventually break down and enrich the soil, giving back to the environment. By participating in the Christmas tree recycling program Plymouth residents will be given $40 worth of coupons which can be redeemed at Balboni’s for products or future disposal. Call Balboni’s at 508-746-6111.

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