Five Things You Need To Know Today, December 29

“Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section.

Today is Thursday, Dec. 29. Here are five things you need to know.

1. Cold and windy: Temperatures will continue to drop as the winds remains. According to the National Weather Service, the high for Thursday is expected to be 34 degrees. It should be mostly sunny throughout the day with wind gusts as high as 26 mph. By Thursday night temperatures are expected to drop to 27 degrees.
2. New Years Eve: The is still taking limited reservations for New Years Eve. Reserve seatings are available for 5p.m., 7 p.m., or 9 p.m. The tavern will be offering a four-course chef's menu and live music by award-winning vocailist Ellen O'Brien starting at 8p.m. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. Call (781) 369-1620 to make your reservation, space is limited!
3. Census: Annual will be mailed to Winchester residents during the week of January 9, 2012. All households must respond to the mailing by February 15, 2012. In the mailings will be Transfer Station permits and information on the fee increases.
4. Christmas tree pick-up: Local Boy Scout Troop 507 can The Boy Scouts will from Winchester residents on Saturday, Jan. 7. The Scouts will pick up trees and bring them to the Transfer Station for those residents who have pre-registered with a $10 donation.  To register, send your name, address and phone number with a check for $10 per tree payable to BSA Troop 507, c/o Tom Eid, 28 Maxwell Road, Winchester, MA  01890. Or you can sign up with a Boy Scout from Troop 507 at the Transfer Station on Saturdays in December. The order deadline is Monday, January 2, 2012.
5. Winter Parking: The winter parking ban is an effect. Vehicles parked on the street between 1 and 7 a.m. are subject to fines. Any vehicles parked on the street during a snow emergency may be fined and towed.

To find out what is going on today in Winchester, check out our events listings.