5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 14

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. If you like to shop through Amazon.com, please visit the Friends of the Milford Town Library site here before you go. By using the link on their site, the friends will get a small percentage from Amazon, at no additional cost to you.

2. A recent change in state ethics law has cleared the way for teachers to accept class gifts that exceed the standard $50 limit on gifts. Teachers can now accept a gift from a class valued at up to $150, and would not have to disclose it, according to the State Ethics Commission.

3. The MetroWest Health Foundation has announced the award of a $16,000 grant to Community Legal Aid of Milford, to provide outreach and advocacy for residents who lack health insurance.

4. A lot of trims for dog nails added up to a sizable donation for a Hopkinton-based rescue that finds homes for greyhounds. Especially for Pets of Medway recently presented Greyhound Friends with a check for $9,771. The funds came from dog nail services collected over the summer at several Especially for Pets locations.

5. The Milford Performing Arts Center presents "Another Christmas Carol" this weekend, featuring face painting games and crafts for the whole family, along with the show. Tickets are $7 in advance; $8 at the door.