Five Things You Need To Know Today: February 8

"Five Things you Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. Big Basketball game tonight at Stoughton High

The Stoughton High boys' basketball team hosts Oliver Ames tonight in a Hockomock League showdown. The Black Knights and Tigers are first and second respectively in the League's Davenport Division (Small School), with Stoughton holding a one-game lead.

Stoughton is 8-6 overall and 5-0 in the Davenport, while Oliver Ames is 9-5 and 4-1 in the Davenport. In their first matchup of the season, Stoughton pulled out a at O.A., with sophomore captain Aaron Calixte leading the way with 31 points, while added 24.

Can the Black Knights defend the home court and their lead in the Davenport, or will the Tigers get revenge and earn a road victory of their own?

The game starts at 6:30 p.m. at the gym.

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Meanwhile, the SHS girls' basketball team renews its rivalry with Oliver Ames, traveling to Easton tonight at 6:30 p.m. The first-place Lady Tigers are 10-4 overall and 5-0 in the Division. The Lady Black Knights (3-8 overall, 1-4 division) will look for the upset win on the road.

O.A. earned a at Stoughton earlier this season, but since a 0-6 start, Stoughton has been much-improved.

2. Meetings around town

Just down the hall from the Stoughton High gym, the School Committee will be holding a meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the Stoughton High television studio.

Click here for the full agenda.

3. Help Peg Carbone fight hunger

Stoughton resident continues her effort to in Stoughton, personally picking up donations for the food pantries every Thursday. Here's a note from Peg:

"I pick up non perishable food and also household items every Thursday, anywhere in Stoughton and deliver them to the food pantry. Please tell your friends and neighbors. One item, one bag or several, and I will pick them up every Thursday. These are tough times for people on fixed incomes, especially during the winter months when folks have to heat their homes, but still need to feed their families. They can call me at 508-889-1385."

4. Dining tip: Tuesday is Meatball Day at

Looking for a cheap, yet tasty meal? Every Tuesday, from 4 p.m. until closing at the IKEA Restaurant, their 15-piece Swedish meatball plate (complete with potatoes, cream sauce and ligonberry jam) is only $2.49 (regularly $3.99).

If meatballs aren't your thing, you can order one chicken tenders meal and "get a hot entree of equal or lesser value FREE," according to the IKEA website. This offer expires February 18.

5. Find out more about the "Ride for Strong kids"

On Saturday, February 26, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. the YMCA will be holding its Ride For Strong Kids, a program to help provide financial assistance for YMCA memberships and programs, camp, and after school care to those who are in need in the community.

Click for more details and to download a registration form. Pre-registration is required.