5 Things: Sakonnet River Bridge Opens Today

Weather: Thursday will be sunny with a high near 66, according to the National Weather Service.

1. The new Sakonnet River Bridge opens its northbound lanes to traffic today. According to Charles St. Martin, state Department of Transportation spokesman, the northbound lanes on the new bridge - including exit 5 - will reopen in time for today's morning commute.

2. Does your deck need an upgrade? Learn if your deck is safe and how to make it a more livable space with Roland Vigeant. Information will include DIY remodeling, additions, refinishing, enclosing and shading. Handouts will be provided. Space limited. Call 401-625-6796 to register. $10 registration fee.

Lectures start at 6:30 p.m. at the Tiverton Essex Library, 238 Highland Road.

3. The Sandywoods Gallery is proud to present "The Newport Opera House Series" by Dan McManus & New Works by Felicia Cinquera. As well as new work from our gallery members. Join us on 9/22 for an artists talk and closing reception from 6-8pm.

4. Parents of children with Asperger's meeting every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month to share experiences, resources, support and to celebrate the uniqueness of our children.

Meetings state at 6:30 p.m. at 1215 Main Road.

5. On this day in 1973, in a highly publicized "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match, top women's player Billie Jean King, 29, beats Bobby Riggs, 55, a former No. 1 ranked men's player. Riggs (1918-1995), a self-proclaimed male chauvinist, had boasted that women were inferior, that they couldn't handle the pressure of the game and that even at his age he could beat any female player. The match was a huge media event, witnessed in person by over 30,000 spectators at the Houston Astrodome and by another 50 million TV viewers worldwide. King made a Cleopatra-style entrance on a gold litter carried by men dressed as ancient slaves, while Riggs arrived in a rickshaw pulled by female models. Legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell called the match, in which King beat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. King's achievement not only helped legitimize women's professional tennis and female athletes, but it was seen as a victory for women's rights in general.