5 Things You Need to Know Today: Feb. 22, 2012

1) Today will start out mostly cloudy, with rain possible in the morning. The clouds should clear in the late morning, so look for a mostly sunny afternoon. Temperatures will be higher than the last few days, hovering in the mid to high 40s before possibly touching 50 around noon.

2) Author and historian William Fowler comes to the Cape Cod Conservatory of Music and Arts to discuss his book, An American Crisis: George Washington and the Dangerous Two Years After Yorktown. Following the lecture, Fowler will sign copies of the book, which will be available for sale. Admission is $5 for non-members, $4 for members, and the program begins at 6:30 p.m.

3) The Falmouth Public Library hosts the Great Decisions Discussion Group, which invites anyone with an interest in American foreign policy to join the conversation. This week's topic is Mexico, and the discussion begins at 7 p.m. Stop by the Reference Desk to pick up a copy of the group's discussion book. For more information, call (508) 457-2555, extension 6.

4) Bridge players have two options, both beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Falmouth Senior Center. Games for intermediate players and those who want to play party bridge are available. There's no charge for either option. For more information on the first, call Ethel DeLoria at 508-548-2770, or Renee Farrell at 508-548-3191.

5) This day in history: George Washington was born (1732); Spain cedes Florida to the U.S. (1819); and the U.S. Olympic hockey team beats the heavily favored U.S.S.R. team, 4-3, in the Miracle on Ice (1980).