Five Things You Need to Know Today: Oct. 10

1. Today is Columbus Day. Schools, municipal offices and libraries are closed today, but many retail stores will remain open. For more information on what's open and closed today, .

2. Do you support a candidate for the Newton municipal election? From now until Nov. 4, Newton Patch will be accepting letters to the editor supporting candidates for aldermen and School Committee. Email your letters to Melanie.Graham@patch.com.

3. The JV football team is scheduled to play a home match against Westford Academy today at 4 p.m. 

4. The  will host author Steve Almond today at 3:30 p.m. Almond will read samples from his books My Life in Heavy Metal, Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life, and (Not That You Asked) in the New Art Center’s main gallery. The event is free and open to the public. 

5. The City of Newton started hydrant flushing on Sept. 5 and it will continue through Nov. 1. The flushing occurs between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and moves from village to village depending on the day of the week. During the hydrant flushing, residents may experience some discoloration in the water, however, this discolored water does not pose a health risk. Residents are encouraged to run water through the lowest tap in the house until the water turns clear and to not do laundry while the water is discolored. For more information and to find out when your village has its hydrants flushed, check the city website.