5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 2

Here is a list of 5 things you need to know today:

1. T.G.I.F. According to the National Weather Service, today will be cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny. There will be a high near 47 degrees and a calm wind becoming south between 6 and 9 mph. Tonight will be rainy with a low around 43 degrees and a south wind between 10 and 13 mph.

2. Spay and Shake: The (FTHS) Patriot Players sing, dance and spray their way through this year's colorful musical, "Hairspray". The show runs from March 1st, March 2nd or March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. The show will also be held on March 3rd at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens. The general admission fee is $10. Click for a photo preview of the talented performers.

3. Read Across America: Today is Dr. Suess' birthday and National Read Across America day. Students at Park Ave. School in the boro will get a treat when Mayor Higgins and some of the council will be going back to school to read to the students. Continue the celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday and the love of reading with 's special Storytime Event featuring "The Lorax" on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

4. Exploring the Past: Monmouth County fifth-grade students are encouraged to dig into the past by visiting county historical sites and writing a 300 word essay. The essay should focus on a visit to a county historical site, a list of which can be found at the Monmouth County Historical Commission website. Click for more details. This weekend is a great time to start. Head back to the colonial times with the as they host open hearth cooking demonstration at the this Saturday, March 3 between 12-4 p.m. And, it's FREE! Click for more details.

5. Basket Bash: Don't miss the 9th annual PAE PTO Basket Raffle on Saturday, March 3rd! Featuring over 130 gifts and baskets, including a 32" HDTV, Nook reader, wine baskets, Disney World Parks passes, a pair of handcrafted Adirondack chairs, handcrafted wall mirror by Jim LaPointe of LaPointe Construction, restaurant gift certificates, 50/50 raffle and lots more! Doors open at 6:00 pm, the raffle begins promptly at 8:00 pm. Admission is $10 per person - adults only, no one under 18 yrs. permitted. Click for more details.