Five Things You Need To Know Today, November 22 (Thanksgiving Day)

Editor's Note: Happy Thanksgiving, Coventry! Before you browse today's Five Things, you should know that today officially marks my second anniversary as the editor of Coventry Patch (the site's second birthday is coming up in December). I just want you all to know how thankful and lucky I am to have such a great community to work with and for, every day! Have a great holiday!

-- Lauren

What It's About: Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States, the 149th year that it's been celebrated as a national holiday. President Abraham Lincoln started the official holiday in 1863, though the tradition of the Thanksgiving feast s traced to 1621 in Plymouth, MA.

What's Closed: Coventry schools and town offices (except for police and fire services) are closed today. Trash and recycling pickup will be delayed one day, with Thursday's collection moved to Friday, and Friday's pickup set for Saturday. Click here for more business/office listings.

Thanksgiving Game: The Coventry High School Oakers face off against the West Warwick High School Wizards today at 10:30 a.m. at CHS. Tickets are $5 at the gate. Click here for Coventry's Thanksgiving Day Game history.

Historical Perspective: Want to learn more about the holiday from where it started? Check out the Plimoth Plantation Thanksgiving web page, which explains the development of the modern holiday and offers lots of links and activities for readers of all ages.

For The Kids: The National Geographic Kids web page has more information, online games, and craft ideas to keep the kids' hands busy while the turkey's roasting.