Five Things To Know Today: Aug 21

Weather: There will be isolated showers and thunderstorms today with high temperatures hitting 78 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

1. The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island invites you to enjoy one of its newest trails, The Dundery Brook Trail, with a guided walk today at 6 p.m.

Enjoy the coastal oak-holly forest from a unique vantage point on the accessible boardwalk. Walk the grass path along Bumble Bee Pond as we explore local wetland plants and animals. This walk is about 2.2 miles round trip. Binoculars and cameras are encouraged. 

The hike is free of charge and participants are encouraged to park near the tennis courts and meet at the trail entrance to the left.

2. Sandywoods Farm together with  Bay Coast Bank, formerly Citizens~Union Saving Bank, will present a free seminar for first-time home buyers.

The seminar will discuss budgeting and credit, the housing search process, lead paint issues, home inspections, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues and successful ownership strategies. 

The seminar will be held at Sandywoods Farm, 43 Muse Way, Tiverton on Aug. 21, 2012 from 6 - 7 pm. Light refreshments will be served and seminar handout materials given to attendees.

3. Rhythm Quest Percussion will jam today at 6 p.m. at 235 High St. in Bristol. The youth-based percussion ensemble is open to teens ages 11 - 18.

Students will learn from experienced staff about teamwork, different styles of music and rhythms being performed on various types of percussion equipment. From hand clapping, trash percussion, boom whackers to more traditional percussion, it teaches all of these different styles of percussion. Rhythm Quest students get a chance to experience a variety of musical challenges and grow with the program over time.

The class costs $25.

4. Get into shape with Tai Chi at the ABC Studio at Four Corners Fitness in Tiverton. Class starts at 9 a.m. this morning.

The class costs $15.

5. On this day in 1959, the modern United States receives its crowning star when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting Hawaii into the Union as the 50th state. The president also issued an order for an American flag featuring 50 stars arranged in staggered rows: five six-star rows and four five-star rows. The new flag became official July 4, 1960.