Five Things To Know Today, Oct. 20

1.  Today is Thursday, Oct. 20.  The National Weather Service predicts showers in the morning, then gradual clearing with a high temperature of 68 degrees. It'll be partly cloudy tonight, with a low of 51.

2.  The Groton Board of Education will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the Town Hall Annex rather than the central administrative office. The board is expected to discuss whether to , then will vote at a later date on which school to close if it goes that route. The board's Oct. 11 meeting drew a crowd of more than 60 people.

3.  The Mystic Aquarium’s 5th Annual Penguin Run/Walk on Oct. 15 raised nearly $30,000 for penguin research and conservation, the aquarium said. Groton's Avery Point Marine Science had the top fundraising team, and will have a plaque at the aquarium. Louise O’Boyle, of Stonington, was the top inidividual fundraiser.

4.  Congratulations to Bank Square Books! Downtown Mystic’s bookstore recently won the Independent Spirit Award <http://patch.com/N-cBmp>  from the Book Publishers Representatives of New England. The Independent Spirit Award is given for “excellence in bookselling, creativity in marketing and community participation.”

5.  Naval Submarine Base New London will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Friday at its newly completed, $10 million Port Operations Center.  The building includes an observation deck to see the waterfront, weather monitoring, and electronic harbor security. The center supports 15 home port submarines.