Five Things to Know Today, March 22

Welcome to Thursday. Here are some things to know today.

The weather: Expect some fog before 9 a.m., the National Weather Service says, and cooler weather today. It'll be cloudy, with a high near 77 degrees. There's a 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1 p.m. The low tonight will be around 59, and there's a 30 percent chance of rain after 9 p.m.

Gas prices: The spread has widened, according to reports from Lilburn to www.georgiagasprices.com. The cheapest was one cent less at $3.75 (at Kroger, 3050 Five Forks Trickum Road, and at Kroger, 4155 Lawrenceville Hwy). The highest was 3 cents more, $3.79 (at Texaco, 4785 Lawrenceville Hwy).

Adventure: Want to give camping a try but not sure how? There’s a great adventure deal this year from Georgia’s state parks called First Time Camper: It lets you stay in one of their modern campsites for two nights with brand new loaner equipment, including tents, and get Camping 101 guidance from park rangers. All this for just $45. You have to call and make reservations in advance. Groups are welcome too, on three set weekends this season: April 21, June 9 and August 18. This is a great way to dip your toe in and see if camping is fun for you or your family. The equipment, by the way, is from REI, a top-of-the-line outdoor outfitter.  

Equality: This was the day in 1972 when Congress, after sustained political protests and lobbying by women across the country, passed the Equal Rights Amendment and sent it to the states for ratification. Opponents of writing women’s equality into the Constitution ultimately stalled that ratification, which failed within sight of its goal. Thirty-five of the required 39 states approved the amendment. In another nine states, at least one chamber of the state legislature approved it. The amendment read, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”  

Taxes. It’s the anniversary of the Stamp Act, Britain ’s poorly thought-out revenue plan to get the North American colonies to repay the costs of the just-completed French and Indian War. But instead of shoring up the Empire, the measure was one more big step down the road to revolution. Oops.

Don't forget: Patch Office Hours are today, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alcove Coffee, 4615 Highway 78. Come say hello and chat about what's important to you in Lilburn and on Patch.

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