5 Things You Should Know Today - Dec. 22, 2011

Yesterday may have been the shortest day of the year, but today may seem like the longest for Farmington Public Schools students. Here are a few more things you should know: 

1. The weather

Be careful as you venture out this morning, because the National Weather Service is predicting patchy areas of fog before 10 a.m. The clouds will stick around, and temperatures will range from a high of 41 today to a low of 28 tonight, with a 20 percent chance of snow. 

2.

Enjoy treats, raffles, door prizes, Christmas carols and even a visit from Santa tonight at this Farmington on Orchard Lake Rd. north of Grand River. The fun starts at 6 p.m., and there's no charge. 

3. Beautification Commission openings

The needs volunteers to serve on this commission, which hosts plant swaps, works on gardens with school children and seniors, and coordinates an annual beautification awards ceremony. Attend the commission's next meeting in the city hall community room at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17, or contact Charmaine Kettler-Schmult by email ckettler@fhgov.com or phone, 248-871-2543. 

4. School's out

Today is the last day of school in 2011 for Farmington Public Schools students. Winter break starts tomorrow, and kids go back to school on Jan. 3, 2012. 

5. Look ahead: Farmington Civic early movies

During winter break, the is offering earlier movie times starting tomorrow. The theater's first movie of the day will be Courageous (PG-13) at 11 a.m., and Golden Globe Award-nominated Puss in Boots (PG) at 11:15 a.m. Two additional new features, Moneyball (PG-13), nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, and Real Steel (PG-13), will show later in the day. 

The downtown Farmington theater will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24 and re-opens Sunday, Dec. 25, with show times starting at 4 p.m. The early movie schedule starts again on Monday and runs through Jan. 2.