Daily Five: Why They’re Cutting Down Trees on the Copp Property

1.  Today is Friday, Dec. 14.  The National Weather Service predicts sunny skies and a high temperature of 48 degrees. The low will fall to 31 degrees tonight.

2.  If you’ve seen crews cutting down trees and pulling out brush on the Copp Property, it’s because the town park and recreation and public works departments are restoring a 5- to 6-acre area to an open meadow. The property has filled in with brush and small trees during the last 30 or 40 years, so they’re clearing it out, according to the town website.

A state grant is paying for the work, and it’s going to continue through the winter. Once the acres are clear, they will be mowed so they may be used for recreation like walking.

3.  across from Big Y in Groton, has teamed up with Fitch High School’s student-to-student club to raise money for Operation E.L.F. and help military families. The store will donate 20 percent of its proceeds on Saturday to the cause, and then students will take the money and buy gift cards. Operation E.L.F. helps families who have someone deployed overseas or about to be deployed. Frogeez hours on Saturday are noon until 9 p.m.

4.  Historic interpreter Jennifer Emerson will give a dramatic reading from "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens at 6 p.m. today at the Avery Copp House Museum at 154 Thames Street.  The museum is decorated for the holidays and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $15, and space is limited so reservations are required. For more information, call (860) 445-1637.

5.  Mystic Aquarium is holding breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the aquarium. Tickets are $12 and registration is required. Ocean Blue Catering is providing the breakfast buffet, and you can look at some of the indoor exhibits while you’re there. Don’t forget the camera!  For more information, call (860) 572-5955, ext. 520.