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

Today is Monday, Dec. 17. Here are 5 things you need to know:

• Rain showers: Looks like a pretty messy day today. According to the National Weather Service we can expect showers, mainly before 1 p.m., with a high temperature near 45 degrees. Rain tonight with a low around 40.
• Send love and prayers: In the wake of the Newtown, CT., tragedy, we are collecting thoughts and prayers for the victims, their families and the Newtown community. Click here for more details and to get involved. 

• Preserve the park: The Friends of Mary Cumming Park are meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the Folgelberg A meeting room at the Burlington Public Library. The purpose of this meeting is to To discuss and plan strategies to ensure that Mary Cummings Park in Burlington and Woburn remains open to the public for recreation and conservation.

• Lend a hand: The community group "Help Me Help Someone" (HELPIS) is meeting at 6:45 p.m. this evening in the Burlington Public Library. According to the group "This organization will bring people in our community together to reach out and help those in need. Through simple act of kindness and generosity we will heal, uplift, inspire, and improve the lives of others."

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