5 Things You Need to Know Today: Sept. 7

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Ten years ago, our nation changed forever. Plans are in the works for a 9/11 candlelight vigil on Sunday from 8 to 9 p.m. at the town center. At Shrewsbury Patch, we want to hear your stories. How did this day affect your family, your life, your experience. Contact Editor Jennifer Lucarelli at jennifer.lucarelli@patch.com and visit Patch's Facebook Page honoring those who have fallen in and around our communities.

2. On this day in 1914, the first post office was opened in New York. To honor the , today is Neither Rain nor Snow Day. With a hurricane last month and the unofficial end of summer last weekend and winter just around the corner, today is a great day to thank your postal worker. No matter the weather, they are committed to bringing us all the mail we need to make our lives work.

3. On this day in 1813, Uncle Sam becomes a household name. Thanks to the stamp "U.S." on the meat supplied by Sam Warton's business to the U.S. troops fighting the War of 1812, they joked the meat was from "Uncle Sam." The name stuck and Uncle Sam is now in the fabric of our culture even today.

4. Stop by the today for  at 10:30 a.m., 609 Main St. There is a craft, a story and fun for the little ones.

5. Check out the hot rides at the at tonight at 5 p.m., 70 Clinton St.