5 Things You Need to Know Today: June 17

Yep, it’s Friday, but you have some business to take care of before the end of the day. Don’t worry—It’s the good kind of business, like planning a 1940s ensemble for this weekend’s Swing Dance event, and registering for other fun weekend activities.

1. Vacation Bible School starts next week for children age 4 to sixth grade at University Baptist Church, 3513 Campus Drive, but you have to register your kids ahead of time. Make sure you get that done today by visiting the UBC website.

2. Register yourself for some fun as well. The College Park Committee for a Better Environment is holding a gardening and rain barrel workshop 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday at Davis Hall, 9217 51st Ave. A one-hour session on water conservation and gardens will be followed by a drawing to give away 10 60-gallon rain barrels (for College Park residents only—Bring your proof of residence). Registration is required. Email janiso@erols.com or call Elisa Vitale at (240) 487-3538.

3. The American Legion Post 217, 9218 Baltimore Ave., tells us it’s time to Swing into Summer. From 5 – 9 p.m. Saturday, learn to swing dance and enjoy live music. It’s a free event, which means today you should be (A) spending money on an outfit, or (B) reattaching your old shoulder pads to your blouses. The Legion encourages all who attend to dress in 1940s fashion. Start researching.

4. Seniors Day Camp Bingo is taking place at 1 p.m. today at the College Park Woods Pool, 3545 Marlbrough Way. And there are banana splits involved.

5. Unfortunately, we are facing another dreary sky today. Isolated and then scattered thunderstorms will begin around 1 p.m. and continue through the night, according to The Weather Channel. What’s the difference between isolated and scattered? Isolated means there is less than a 30 percent chance of precipitation, and scattered is between 30 and 60 percent. Bring the rain boots again.