5 Things You Need to Know Today: April 11

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. Oftentimes we report the "bad" news: break-ins, deaths, the police log. It heartens us, though, when we can talk about the "good" news in Milford. Our columnist Deanna Runeman tells the story of the woman who, while walking her Welsh corgi every day, picks up litter as she goes—definitely an inspiration!

2. Only 65 readers have voted in our Readers' Choice poll this week, with the majority listing as their go-to for sporting goods. We know there's a ton of kids out there playing sports, so come on parents, where do you go to get them new gear when the seasons or sports change?

3. , a senior at , always engages his readers regardless of his topic of choice. He has written about immigration and hot dogs, among other things, with his most recent entry promoting the high school musical. Do you have events you want to promote or issues on which to sound off? If so, do what Dan did: Sign up to blog! You won't regret it!

4. Less than a week to the Boston Marathon and we'll have ongoing coverage on Monday of the race, including times of the local runners such as firefighter John Dumont. Dumont is running his fifth marathon and has raised funds for cancer research. 

5. I've always wanted to do Zumba, but have been embarrassed about what my form—afraid I'd look like an escapee from the zoo! But there is an ongoing class in Milford and I'm thinking I should try it one of these days. It meets today at 9 a.m. at the . Have you ever Zumba'd?