"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1.   Scattered thunderstorms are expected for the holiday, so plan accordingly. The high will be around 79 today with an overnight low of 62.

2.   Because today is Independence Day, many establishments are closed. Check our list to see what’s open and what’s closed for the holiday.

3.   On a day like today, it’s important to remember the troops who helped secure America’s freedoms. Barrett & Company is collecting items for the troops at 33 Walden St.

4.   The 4^th of July Picnic in the Park is taking place between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. today.

5.   Around 25,000 people come to Moscow for a special rock concert on this day in 1987. Featuring performers like the Doobie Brothers and Santana, the concert was held to promote the idea of peace in the Soviet Union.