Five Things You Need to Know Today, June 30th

It's Thursday June 30th, one day before many start flocking for vacation destinations for the long holiday weekend. 

On this date in history, those headed to Niagara Falls might want to know that French acrobat Charles Blondin crossed the falls on a tightrope. This is not recommended as a thing to do today.

Also, in 1985, in a story that had the nation riveted to their television sets, thirty-nine American hostages from the hijacked TWA Flight 847 are freed in Beirut after being held for 17 days. 

Among those born today are American swimmer Michael Phelps (1985), New York Mets World Series hero Ron Swoboda (1944) and boxer Mike Tyson (1966). Now that would be an interesting group to have sitting around the dinner table tonight. But just watch your ear.

Anyway, here are five things in our area for you to do today.

1. Mother Goose Time at Berkeley Heights Library. The Mother Goose Time will be at the Berkeley Heights Public Library today at starting at 9:30am.Registration is required and all are welcome.

2. Re-live the Good Old Days. Songs of the Past featuring Laura Ekstrand, Clark Carmichael, Harry Patrick Christian and Roberta Smith, on piano will be presented at Berkeley Heights Nursing & Rehab. Center this evening and will begin at 6:30pm. This is sponsored by The Berkeley Heights Library.  

3. Did you ever wonder what your handwriting reveals about you? Come and find out! This lecture-demonstration by graphologist Bernice Krieger will include a general introduction to graphology, the study of handwriting, followed by individual analyses.  Registration is required and space is limited so please call today to reserve your place:908-233-0115.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Mountainside Library and admission is free.Due to the limited space, registration priority is will be given to Mountainside Library cardholders. 

The Mountainside Library is located on Constitution Plaza.  For more information on the library and its many services and programs, please visit www.mountainsidelibrary.org or call the MPL at the number listed above. 

4. The Westfield Thursday Night Band Concert Series will take place tonight. The concert will begin at 7:30pm and will be held at the Mindowaskin Park Gazebo.  All are welcome.

5. Clown Around. The Cranford Chamber is hosting the Zerbini Family Circus tonight with shows at 5:15pm and 7:30pm. Come and enjoy an old-fashioned circus under the big top.  This event takes place rain or shine.  Admission is $8.00 per person and you may purchase ticket in advance at TD Bank, Two River Bank, Tony's Cafe and Cranford Sunoco.  For more information, call 908-272-6114, email gina.tipton@gmail.com or visit www.cranford.com/chamber. All are welcome.