Five Things to Know Today: July 18, 2011

1. Hot, hot, hot: Expect a high of 92 degrees today and mostly sunny skies, the National Weather Service has said. Tonight, there is a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms today after 8 p.m. The storms may produce lighting, heavy rain, hail and gusty winds; low near 71.

2. Air Quality Alert: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a code orange air quality alert for Monmouth County today. A code orange means that there will be an unhealthy concentration of air pollution in the air within the county. Children, the elderly, asthma sufferers and people suffering from heart or lung diseases should keep outdoor activity to a minimum.

3. Government:

• The group is meeting in room 107 of the at 8 p.m. 

4. Arts and Crafts: Bring your kids (ages 4 through 10) down to the Kuschick Pavilion at the r for an evening of ! The night Recreation and Arts Crafts Program takes place on Monday and Thursday evenings, July 7 through Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Parents are expected to stay with their children.

5. Englishtown Growth: At last week’s special Englishtown Borough Council meeting the council made a motion to create a cost-benefit analysis of acquiring 17 Main St., the property next to borough hall, and then approaching the owner about . The council discussed turning the land into a parking lot or impound lot. What are your thoughts?