5 Things You Should Know Today—Aug. 9, 2011

Tonight, citizens have two opportunities to learn more about their local government, and music lovers can sit back and listen to a little banjo music. Here's how today is shaping up:

1. The weather

Take your umbrella. The National Weather Service predicts a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms today and 40 percent tonight. We'll move from the mid-80s down to the low 60s.

2.

If you're a young adult looking for a way to give back to the community, the Farmington Area Jaycees is a good place to start. They're having a cookout tonight at Farmington's Shiawassee Park, where you'll have a chance to talk with committee members, find out about upcoming projects and help plan the calendar for the year. For information, call 877-411-FAJC. (And if you go, bring a dish to pass.)

3.

continues its Summer Concert Series tonight, featuring Banjos of Michigan. The music is presented in the community's lovely gardens, and the concerts are always free of charge.

4.

This group oversees Farmington Hills parks and recreation programs. Tonight at 7:30 p.m., it'll meet at the to review Special Services, Cultural Arts and Senior program fliers and hear reports on summer programs, among other items. The meeting is open to the public.

5. Zoning Board of Appeals

Tonight, the Farmington Hills Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will take up a variance for a play structure in a front yard setback on Holly Hill and a variance to allow Proto Tool Company on Nine Mile Road side yard storage. The ZBA will also consider allowing a temporary outdoor sales event at 32905 Northwestern Hwy. for Oceanside Seafood and a variance to allow construction of a sun porch at a home on Country Ridge Circle. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers at .