Five Things: June 21, Cooling Centers, Book Babies, 100 Degrees

Cool: There are two cooling centers for you to take advantage of today if you lack air conditioning. Or do you have an elderly neighbors? Chances are, they're not reading Cranston Patch. Let them know they can go to the or the to stay cool in this serious heat. Every year, senior citizens die during heat waves and sometimes a thoughtful neighbor can save a life. 

Babies: Head to the this morning at 11 a.m. for . The science proves that the earlier a child starts reading books, the bigger a head start they'll have later in life.

Blog: Did you catch She has Asperger's syndrome but it didn't stop her from getting a degree from the Community College of Rhode Island. She's concerned about finding a job that she can excel at, echoing a concern shared by many young adults with autism spectrum disorders who have graduated college and have unique talents. Her post was inspiring for many readers, generating plenty of comments, including some from parents of young children with Aspberger's who were encouraged by Lincoln's story. 

Maya's post and the subsequent reaction is a perfect demonstration of why the Patch blogging platform is useful. If she can sign up and submit a first blog post, why can't you? Your story doesn't have to be as personal as hers. You could post about cat food, even. Or what about the rat problem in Auburn? Or what's shaping up to be an interesting election season? Sign up to be a Patch blogger TODAY.

Hot: It will be sunny and hot, with a high near 99 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service issued a heat advisory for today and air quality is expected to be poor. If you have to be outside, don't push yourself and drink plenty of water.

Insanity: John Hinckley is found not guilty by reason of insanity by a jury on this day in 1982. He was on trial for the attempted assassination of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.