5 Things You Need to Know Today: Nov. 29

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

1. Cloudy with a Chance: Today will be filled with cloudy skies and a high near 64 degrees. Showers are likely. There will be a southeast wind around 16 mph. Tonight the showers will continue with a low around 49 degrees. There will be a south wind between 11 and 15 mph.

2. Shining Stars: For the fourth year, the borough is participating in the Little Soliders program and is asking residents to help. The program provides gifts for children of military personnel posted overseas. You can join their mission by picking up a star with a child's name and request on it at Fair Haven Borough Hall. Click for more detail about this program.

3. Voicing Concerns: Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty asked the Board of Chosen Freeholders to keep municipalities informed about the process of privatizing the county’s movable bridge operations. The board voted on Nov. 9 to unanimously approve a $1.485 million one-year contract with Florida-based Drawbridge Services, Inc. This privitization would affect those controlling the Oceanic and Sea Bright bridges. Click to read more about his concerns.

4. FEMA: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced a 60-day extension for the proof of loss deadline for flood victims of Hurricane Irene from Nov. 23, 2011 to Jan. 23, 2012 under the National Flood Insurance Program. The extension goes into effect for flood policyholders in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia with dates of loss between Aug. 26 and Sept. 4. Click for the number.

5. Bridge of Books: Just days remain in Bridge of Books volunteer and Middletown resident Patty Aber's push to be named NASCAR's Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award and earn $100,000 for the Red Bank-based charity that collects and distributes new and gently-used books to underserved children throughout the area. Click to learn how you can help!