5 Things You Need to Know Today: Oct. 23

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. Milford Special Town Meeting members approved most articles on the warrant Monday, including $77,093 to meet the terms of the third year of a three-year contract for the town's firefighters' union. The money will provide a 1.5 percent raise retroactive to July, and another 1 percent raise in January 2013. These terms match what the police receive.

2. Three former New England Patriots will be at PiNZ Sunday to watch the game against the Rams. The event "Watch the Patriots with the Patriots" will feature former players Steve Nelson and Roland James.

3. Milford Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its business after-hours Tuesday at the Milford Sports Center and Rivera Athletic Center. Come casual to test out all the athletic gear, including the batting cage. Throw a pitch and see how fast is, with the radar gun. Rich Gedman, a former Red Sox all-star, will be on hand.

4. The Porketta Dinner at the Hoboken Club to benefit Milford athletics will be Oct. 27, and organizers are still searching for some silent auction items to help raise funds. Most desired items: Red Sox, Patriots , Celtics or Bruins tickets; apparel, golf outings or equipment, weekend getaways, restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets. If you have an item to donate, contact Gina Tarolli at 774-248-4931.

5. Classes begin this morning for 2012 Citizenship Classes, provided through Catholic Charities. The classes are Tuesday at Milford Town Library from 10 a.m. to noon, and on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at First Congregational Church. Registration is ongoing. Contact Maddy Hennessy at 508-860-2261.