Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

1. Thunderstorms expected
There is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10 a.m. It will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Southwest wind will be around 6 mph. New rainfall amounts will be between a tenth and quarter of an inch with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight there is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog is expected after 11 p.m. Otherwise, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 67 and light and variable wind. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

2. Under the Petticoats
EPOCH Assisted Living of Norton, 190 Mansfield Ave., will welcome Pat Perry, a longtime historical presenter and re-enactor, for a unique event called “Under the Petticoats” at 2:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. All are invited to attend. For more information call 508-285-3355.

3. WAAF blood drive
Join WAAF at the Holiday Inn, 929 Hingham St., Rockland, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in a blood drive. One donation can help save up to three lives. DJs will be onsite throughout the day. Be one of the first to donate and receive a Red Sox t-shirt. More prizes and giveaways will be available, as well as food from local restaurants. For more information visit www.waaf.com.

4. Protective vests for police canines
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. announced that their 2013 color calendar featuring two newest K9s teams from the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office are now on sale for $15 online and at select retailers. Proceeds from the sales will provide bullet and stab protective vests for police dogs actively working without the potentially life saving equipment. There are presently over 20 law enforcement dogs waiting for a bullet and stab protective vest, which costs $1,006 each.
Secure online ordering of the 2013 K9 calendar available at www.vik9s.org. Tax deductible donations for VIK9s are welcomed via the website or by mail at Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9, East Taunton MA  02718. For more information call 508-824-6978.

5. Denis Feely running for Southeastern School Committee
Earlier this month, Norton resident Denis Feely filed papers with the Town of Norton to register as a candidate for the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School School Committee. As of Monday, he is the only one gunning for the Norton representative seat left empty by Christopher DeLeo. Learn more about Feely here.