Five Things You Need to Know Today: Feb. 7

1. Get out for a morning walk! The forecast calls for the temperature to rise to a high of 48 degrees today, with some rain expected in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Tuesday's morning commute: rain and snow showers. (Sigh.)

2. After a fire destroyed his home, belongings and four beloved dogs on Thanksgiving Day, Steve "Pop" Cittadino needed the hugs. On Saturday. A busload of Holmdel wrestlers, a contingent from the Holmdel Half Century Club and a film crew from Holmdel High School showed up to partake of a spaghetti and meatballs dinner thrown by the Matawan Italian American Association at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Holmdel. Many volunteers were involved. Money for Pop was raised. Patch was there. See our photo story of the event coming Thursday at 1 p.m. 

3. With the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, the epic Battle of Chosin Reservoir of 1950 is being recalled. that Route 35 in Monmouth County will be renamed for the "Chosin Few" veterans of the brutal fight. On Saturday, a Hazlet documentary filmmaker showed his film, "Chosin"at the Vietnam Era Museum & Educational Center in Holmdel. Again, Patch was there. See our story from here. 

4. Long Branch laid off 21 employees on Friday, including eight police officers, to save the city $2.6 million. Sixteen more vacant positions were eliminated.  "Unfortunately we had to cut nearly $3 million to reach the levy cap," said Business Administrator Howard Woolley. "And even if we are at the cap, there is still an increase in taxes so we have to look at that as well. These are very difficult financial times for our municipality, but we're not alone." Read our story on Patch here. 

5.  Tomorrow night, at Barnes & Nobles on Route 35 in Holmdel, author Walter D. Greason will speak about his new book, The Path to Freedom. The book documents several African American families who fought for liberty and equality in New Jersey.