Five Things to Know Today: Thursday, December 8

1) We're kicking off our Deck Your House competition today. If you have the best decorated house in the nation, the beach schools will win $100,000 and you'll get your electric bill paid. Check out our

2) Tonight is the . Come out and bring some cookies and enjoy the fire and friendship.

3) Do you know someone who could use a new furry friend? Introduce them to .

4) Do you have a story you think should be told by Patch? You can always e-mail me and let me know what it is and we’ll try our best to tell the story.

5) Here's your Thursday Forecast. It'll be partly cloudy and cool. Highs will bein the mid 60s with no chance of rain and lowest wind chill around 35 degrees. Break out the jackets!