Daily Five: State of the Stoningtons This Friday

1. Through the month of December Bartleby's in downtown Mystic is hosting an exhibit of pastel drawings, oil paintings and watercolors inspired by scenes in the Mystic area. The exhibit features artwork by members of the "Stonington Plein Air Group."

2. The First Selectmens and Superintendents from Stonington and North Stonington will give updates on their towns during the State of the Stoningtons on Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:45 a.m at Buon Appetito. The cost is $5 for Eastern Chamber of Commerce members and $10 for nonmembers.

3. Shout out to The Finer Line Gallery, Angel Haven, Quality Woodwork and Fort Rachel Marina for recently claiming their business listings. Do you own a small business in Stonington, Mystic or Pawcatuck? Owners or managers should search for their business listing and select "claim your listing" in order to make updates to the page. A form will pop up asking for your name, contact information, and proof of ownership.

Within a few days, someone from Patch will contact you to verify your authenticity, and then you'll be approved as the business owner. Once approved, you'll have a "Manage Your Listing" button on the top of your Directory page. Click the button to be taken to your dashboard.

4. The Stonington Board of Education meets tonight at 7 at the Stonington High School. Tonight's agenda includes a discussion of the 2012-2013 calendar, 2013-2014 calendar, and the recognition of the Mystic Middle School band.

5. Today's thought: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." —JFK