5 Things You Need to Know Today: Monday, Aug. 6

Here are five pieces of information designed to start your week off:

1. Your 3-day Local Weather Forecast: According to the National Weather Service, there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon today, then a slight chance of showers between noon and 1 p.m. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 84. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

• Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
• Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind.
• Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
• Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 85.
• Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

2. Editor On Vacation: Tewksbury Patch editor Bill Gilman is on vacation this week. If there is something urgent that needs our attention, email Associate Regional Editor Daniel DeMaina at danield@patch.com.

3. Reader Comment of the Day: “Unapologetically be yourself. Be respectful not only to the staff but to your peers. Pay attention. Be open minded. Don't bully. There may be hundreds of different personalities and beliefs under that roof but you're all still on the same boat. Help each other. What's funny is I think these can all be used throughout life and not just in high school.” Reader Rachel Henba commenting on the story, “”

4. It's Happening Today:  at the at 2 p.m. For all ages. Bring a blanket or sleeping bag and a pillow.  Stretch out on the floor with your snacks and enjoy a movie in the air conditioned meeting room! No registration required.  Proper movie behavior expected at all times. This week's movie is Scooby Doo: Music of the Vampire, Rated G. Run time is 114 minutes. 

5. Vote Early, Vote Often: The battles are raging in the Best of Tewksbury Patch Readers' Choice Awards voting. You can vote once a day in each category, so vote early, vote often.