5 Things You Need to Know Today: August 16

Here is a list of 5 things you need to know today:

1. Rainy Days: According to the National Weather Service, today will be mostly cloudy with a high near 75 degrees. There is a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms also possible after 1:00 p.m. There will be a north wind around 11 mph. Tonight is expected to be partly cloudy with a low around 66 degrees. There will be a north wind around 6 mph. 

2. Stingrays Near Shore: Stingrays have been sighted in the waters off  and Long Branch over the past few weeks and this past weekend fishermen caught two off the beach just south of Donovan’s Reef. Each stingray was large in size, and appeared to weigh approximately 60 to 70 pounds. It took the fishermen about 20 minutes to reel in each sting ray. Shortly after the first one was caught, another was hooked and reeled to shore. Click to see photos of the rays.

3. Rockin' the Dock: Friday night at the dock on the end of Fair Haven Road, families, couples, teenagers and even pets gathered together in mutual appreciation for music and young talent. After two very impressive opening acts, Elephunk, a band made up with Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (R-FH) students and graduates, performed for the crowd of locals. Click to see photos and read about the performances.

4. Job Growth Plan: The Monmouth County Office of Economic Development has spearheaded a new initiative to create a business-friendly environment in the region. The campaign is aimed at retaining and expanding business, enticing new business, and encouraging job growth. Grow Monmouth will also focus on building partnerships with state and regional business development offices to meet goals of expanded business and job growth. Click for more details.

5. Dispatches: We're excited to inaugurate a new occasional series for our Patch Readers:  The common thread in stories like these are the people in our towns who are working to fulfill some portion of the American Dream for their neighbors, their families and themselves. These are the kinds of stories we plan to continue telling in "Dispatches" and we invite you to help. Let us know about the issues, struggles and successes in your communities and the people touched by them. Please email noel.aliseo@patch.com with your suggestions.