Five Things You Need to Know Today, Nov. 12

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for a sunny day, with a high near 64. Southwest wind 7 to 13 mph. On Monday night, showers likely, mainly after 3 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 52. South wind around 10 mph. 

2. Veterans Day holiday: Veterans Day is being celebrated today and as a result City Hall and all city offices are closed. The Portsmouth public schools are also closed today. The Connie Bean Recreation Center will open at 2:30 p.m. today.

3. City tax rate set: The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration has approved the 2012 tax rate for Fiscal Year 2013 of $17.55 per $1,000 of valuation. The approved rate is 28 cents, or 1.6 percent, above the current rate. The newly approved tax rate will be reflected in the tax bills mailed this month, with the first half due Dec. 12 and the second half due June 1, 2013.

4. Restaurant Week continues: The Restaurant Week Portsmouth and the Seacooast continues until Nov. 17 and will feature several Portsmouth area restaurants that will offer great deals for lunch and dinner.

5. Portsmouth Holiday Parade deadline: The deadline for all floats on flatbeds and towed trailers that wish to participate in the Portsmouth Holiday Parade on Dec. 1. is Nov. 14. The deadline groups that wish to walk in the parade as well as vehicles without trailers, bicycle units, bands, etc. is Nov. 19. The complete details surrounding the holiday parade deadlines and requirements be found on the city's web site.