5 Things You Need To Know Today: March 23

“Five Things You Need to Know Today” is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. Clouds then sun: After a week of highs near the 80-degree mark, temperatures will slide back down this weekend, but today will still be a warm 76 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The morning will start off cloudy, but skies will gradually clear throughout the day. The evening low will be around 38 degrees. This weekend, highs will be between 51 and 61 degrees, with showers possible Saturday evening into Sunday.

2. E-mail free: Today is E-mail-Free Friday, part of the month-long campaign designed to get people to unplug their electronics and plug in with friends and family. Although Needham Patch obviously understands the great benefits of electronics, e-mail and the Internet, we’re on board with the idea of connecting more with the people around you. So today, join us in limiting electronic communications and contacting people the old-fashioned way—by telephone or meeting up in person. Want to reach Needham Patch Editor Becca Manning? Call me at 781-217-4233. And for a sample message you can put on your e-mail to help spread the word about E-mail-Free Friday.

3. Thrift shop open: The at 570 Hillside Ave. is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by to find deals on “new to you” clothing and small household items. Customers should use the entrance to the left side of the building. Donations can be delivered at the right-side entrance.

4. Friday flick: Drop by the today at 1 p.m. to watch the 1960 film "Midnight Lake.” The program is free, and there is no sign-up required.

5. Support local marathoners: will be participating in the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 16 as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, raising funds to support cancer research. You can help Janessa McQuivey, Patricia O'Connell, Michael Reardon, John Shea and Richard Winkler reach their fundraising goals by visiting their donation pages and adding your contributions. Go online to www.RunDFMC.org and search for runners by name, or contact the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge office at 617-632-1970 for information about donating to the cause.