5 Things You Need to Know Today: Oct. 10

Here is a list of 5 things you need to know today:

1. Indian Summer: Head over the bridge to Sea Bright this Columbus Day because according to the National Weather Service, today will be another hot one with sunny skies and a high near 79 degrees. There will be a north wind around 8 mph. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 61 degrees and a north wind between 3 and 7 mph.

2. Happy Columbus Day: Today is Columbus Day, which means no school and most government buildings are closed. Back in 1906, Columbus Day first became an official state holiday in Colorado. It became a federal holiday in 1937. According to Wikipedia, people have celebrated Columbus's voyage since the colonial period. The way people across the U.S. observe the holiday varies ranging from Italian festivals to large-scale parades to complete non-observance. How will you be spending the holiday? Tell us in the comments section below this article.

3. Flu Shots Available: Getting a flu shot this year will protect you from the H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) along with other influenza viruses that are expected to be circulating in the up coming seasons. The is the only local pharmacy in Rumson and Fair Haven and they are currently offering flu shots. The Rumson Pharmacy charges $27.95 for the flu shot. Click to read more about this service and see when they are available.

4. Bridging the Gap: Bridge of Books volunteer and Middletown resident Patty Aber is one of four finalists for the Better Jane France Humanitarian Award, a prize given to a NASCAR fan who has had a significant impact on the lives of children through volunteerism or charitable work, the racing outfit announced recently. According to a release from NASCAR, as a finalist, Aber was awarded $25,000 for the Bridge of Books Foundation, a Monmouth County-based organization that collects and distributes books to disadvantaged children in the greater Red Bank area. Click to read more about this honor and what it would mean for the organization.

5. Get More Out of Patch: Rumson-Fair Haven Patch is part of a network of hundreds of sites nationwide, each dedicated to bringing readers the latest news from their communities. The editor and other reporters cover government, schools and other news. But you, the readers, are a big part of how we learn what's happening in town. Our events calendar and announcements page are a great resource for us and for other readers. Click for a refresher course on how you can use Rumson-Fair Haven Patch to help you get the word out about events and happenings, as well as some other tips for how to make the most of Patch.