Five Things You Need to Know Today: June 21

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

1. Community Discussion and Dinner: Route 138 Bottleneck Study

The Old Colony Planning Council is conducting a study of Route 138 in Stoughton, including Stoughton Center, to relieve traffic bottlenecks and improve bike and pedestrian safety. 

The public is invited for a discussion and dinner (sponsored by the Pioneering Healthy Communities Coalition).  Help create a new vision for Rt. 138.  Your input is critical!  Dinner is free but RSVP is required - please contact Teresa Tapper at 781-341-2252 or at ttapper@stoughton-ma.gov.

2. Cooling Centers

Need relief from the heat? Stoughton has opened cooling centers at the  and  (9 a.m. - 7 p.m.) on Thursday, June 21 due to the extreme heat. More details are available here:

3. Thursday is Food Pantry Day in Stoughton

Stoughton resident Peg Carbone continues her effort to curb hunger 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."

Haven't called to arrange a pickup? It's not too late. Call Peg at 508-889-1385 or send an email to peg.carbone@comcast.net.

4. Converse with a Nurse

Every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at  on the 2nd Floor, meet Stoughton Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) nurses and ask health-related questions and discuss your concerns.

5. Looking Ahead: Hawaiian Luau at the Stoughton Senior Center

There will be a Hawaiian Luau at the Stoughton Senior Center Thursday, June 28 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $5 for Stoughton senior citizens. Tickets are $8 for out-of-town seniors.

There will be lunch and entertainment. Seating is limited. Luau attire is requested, but not required.