5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 18

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. Michael Shea, a senior at has been nominated by both former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. The nomination is a critical step in the process of gaining admission to the service academy, and it is unusual for a student to gain two letters. In his letter, Brown said he had received several hundred requests, but could only grant a few nominations. The decision is based on an interview with the applicant, as well as a review of academic credentials and leadership potential.

2. Do you want to get into politics without holding a particular office? The election in April will include re-election or election of Town Meeting members. According to Town Clerk Amy Hennessy Neves, each voting precinct in Milford has 10 candidates to be elected to a 3 year term. Precincts 1 and 4 have multiple openings for Town Meeting, and precincts 5 and 7 have one opening each for a one-year term.

3. Milford Parents for Music will host a Wine Tasting Fundraiser Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Tasting Room on West Street. Parents can sip wine for a good cause.

4. A reminder that Milford TV will host its grand opening from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, with a catered lunch and entertainment. Tours of the new studio will be available too. The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra's "String Trio" will play from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by the Jerry Seeco Jazz Band at 4:30 p.m. A large gallery of local art will be for sale by The Blackstone Valley Art Asscociation, along with local photographers Harry Platcow and Jim Calarese.

5. The Milford Public Schools will be closed for students Friday, so all teachers in the district can participate in professional development. Schools also are closed Monday, for the national observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthdate.