5 Things To Know Today: Dec. 21

Post Your Pix And Win: We're looking for nicely-decorated homes in Johnston — and people who'd like to win $100,000 for local schools, plus a few bucks to cover the electric bill. Click here to read about the Patch.com Deck the House contest.

Weather: Rain is in the JohnstonPatch Weatherbug forecast for this afternoon, with patchy fog and highs in the 50s. Tonight, more rain and fog before clearing out Thursday morning.

Vacation: Johnston public schools are scheduled to be closed starting Friday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 2, returning on Jan. 3. Better get that shopping done before the kiddies are out for the holiday. [A copy of the school calendar is attached.]

Knit 1 Purl 2: I'm not even sure what a 'purl' is — if you do, you're welcome to drop by Mohr Library for a knitting and crochet group meeting at 6 p.m. Maybe you can make a nice stocking...

Thanks, Jim: On this date in 1891, Springfield College hosted the first game of basketball. Jim Naismith is credited with inventing the sport. [Link goes to History.com]