5 Things You Need to Know Today: Oct. 18

Here are five thing you should know as you start your Thursday.

1. A new monthly event for first and second graders. Join the Merrimack Public Library on the third Thursday of every month (from October through April) and discover great books to read on your own. There will be lots of books to take home too! This month's theme is "Halloween Howls." This event, which runs from 4-4:45, is open to Merrimack children enrolled in first and second grade. Register using an adult Merrimack Library card.

2. Leaf peeping. Have you been out taking in the grandeur of New Hampshire's colorful fall leaves? Share you photos with your fellow Patch readers of all the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows you're seeing through the lens. Upload your photos to our gallery linked here, and let us know when you do. We'll make sure to go in and feature your photos! Just email carolyn.dube@patch.com.

3. AM Networking. Join the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce at Darlene's [bath+body] Boutique for this week's AM Networking Plus event. This is an open event and anyone is welcomed to attend. Please come early as the first 35 attendees will receive sample/grab bags filled with bath and body products. Darlene's [bath & body] Boutique provides their guests with access to unique, international, luxury beauty lines that get great editorial attention but little exposure outside of metropolitan cities. In addition to Darlene's presentation, you'll also have the opportunity to meet with other business owners and representatives in a relaxed social environment while enjoying some light morning refreshments. Register now for Friday morning's event, which runs from 8:30-10 a.m. at Darlene's [bath + body] Boutique, 707 Milford Road, Unit 3A.

4. Chili champ. Congratulation to Chef Eduardo and the Homestead Restaurant and Tavern for their win at the New England Chili Classic last weekend in Manchester. Chef's "Chili Verde" received the award for "Most Creative Chili." Yum!

5. Weather watch. Today's forecast calls for sunny skies, with a high near 63. Tonight there is a chance of showers, mainly after 2 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 49.