Graduations and Grievances: 5 Things You Need to Know Thursday

1. John Jay, Fox Lane Seniors graduate today

It's going to be hot at Caramoor today and this evening as hundreds of students and their families pack the Venetian Theatre for high school graduation ceremonies. Fox Lane takes place at 1 p.m. and John Jay's ceremony goes on at 6 p.m. There will be water available and emergency responders on standby in case of heat-related emergencies, school officials said Wednesday. We'll be there too—look for photos and speeches and more coverage on Patch.

2. "Grievance Day" has passed, number of challenges rise

From June 1 through June 18, Bedford residents were able to file a grievance with the , meaning they had a chance to present evidence that their property was overassessed. Bedford Assessor Harold Girdlestone told Patch as of Wednesday afternoon, they were still tallying the number of property assessment challenges submitted but he estimated there were 500 filed—the majority of which were residential challenges. That's about six percent of 6,300 parcels—sounds small, but compare it to 2010 when there were just 95 residential homeowners filing grievances, that's a big jump. (Data on 2011 was not immediately available). We'll take a closer look at the final numbers for our story next week. In the meantime, if you've recently had a change in your property's assessment and you'd like to participate in our story, email LisaB@Patch.com.

3. S'Mores and Sing-a-Long

Join the Katonah Memorial Park Association for S'more's and Sing-A-Long with the band "The Differents." S'mores kits for sale all proceeds go towards the continued refurbishment of the Upper Shelter. It starts at 6:30 and goes until 8 p.m.

4. Third Thursdays

Yet another reason to visit Katonah today—it's the meaning there are great shopping and dining deals to be had. can receive 25 percent off any item at Noka Joe's/Little Joe's.

5. Seedswell and Daisy Hills Farm Stands open this weekend

We're featuring Saturday's re-opening of the John Jay Homestead Farm Market on Patch today but if you're in the Guard Hill Road area of Bedford don't forget you have two options closeby for farm-fresh produce: and If you are a farm owner or farm stand manager and you would like to