Five Things You Need to Know Today: Aug. 7

1. Hemlock Gorge Picnic. The Friends of Hemlock Gorge will host their tonight at 6 p.m. The festivities will take place at the (located at 1 Hamilton Place, Needham) and members of the public are invited to bring a picnic dinner and relax by the Charles River. Festivities will go on until dusk. (Rain date is tomorrow).

2. Final two races. Newton native Stu McNay will sail in the final two races for the men's 470 event today at the London Olympics. After yesterday's races, . The event involves ten races total, with the top ten teams (with the 10 lowest scores) moving on to a medal race. Stay tuned to Patch for updates! 

3. Farmers' market. The will set up today at from 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. 

4. Land Use Committee. The Board of Aldermen's Land Use Committee will meet tonight at 7 p.m. for a working session in room 222 at . The committee will discuss a special permit application to enlarge a two-family home on Nevada Street.

5. Middle Essex Softball. The Newton Lions 18B softball team will face the Everett Riptide Silver 18B team today at . The Middle Essex Softball League game is set to start at 6:15 p.m.