5 Things You Need to Know Today: April 12

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Banning smoking in public places was a heated debate at the selectmen's meeting this week. Town officials said they hadn't even heard about the debate until they heard it on a radio talk show. Selectmen raised questions about if the ban would include public places, which the Board of Health will look into because complaints have been made at events in town like on the Fourth of July.

2. . I can't stand to get calls at home in the middle of dinner. It just takes a minute to sign up on the registry, but some organizations, like charities are not covered and can continue to call. If you'd like to get in on the conversation, comment on the story or blog on Grafton Patch. We'd love to hear your voice.

3. . The technology upgrade is part of the school's push to get kids to learn 24/7. What do you think about the program? My high school classroom barely had one computer and now each student will be connected. How great is that?

4. Get up early today and get moving at the event at the at 8:30 a.m., 30 Providence Rd.

5. Bring an umbrella with you today since it will be highs in the mid 50s and a 50 percent chance of scattered showers throughout the day.