Five Things You Need to Know Today: Blood Drives, Red Cross Donations and Discounts at the Bronx Zoo

 1.This past winter, severe snow storms prevented citizens from giving blood, causing the lowest blood supply in a decade. Give the gift of life by donating blood today at the Red Cross Blood Drive in Irvington. The drive will be held at the Abbott House (located on 100 North Broadway Irvington), and it will last from 9 - 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-Red Cross.

2. Just in time for bathing suit season comes National Fitness Month – and personal trainer Jeannine Palermo from FitnessLinkLLC is offering a free “Fitness Challenge” for Scarsdale’s female gym-goers. Join Palmero’s 6 a.m. boot camp to combat stress, fatigue and flab. All you’ll have to do is set your alarm an hour early… and prepare to get into fighting shape. For more information, contact Palmero at (914) 874-3427. 

3. The American Red Cross has opened shelters for the victims of the deadly tornadoes that occurred over the weekend in the Midwest. Please consider making a donation to help with their efforts. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

4. The rain has finally ceased, and the clouds have opened to reveal a bright blue sky. This week’s weather forecast is expected to be just as benign as today’s mild, mid-spring climate. The National Weather Service has called for today’s temperatures to be mostly sunny, and tomorrow is supposed to be sunny, with a high near 77 and a north wind between 4 and 7 miles per hour.

5. Looking forward to Memorial weekend? Celebrate your mini-vacation by buying your children tickets to the Bronx Zoo. This weekend, adults pay $23.95 instead of $29.95 and children get in for $15.95, as opposed to $19.95.