The Wheaton 5: Aug. 15

1. Bring those raincoats and umbrellas with you today, folks, as there's a 70 percent chance of rain, mostly after 8 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms are also likely. Even when it's not raining, it will be mostly cloudy with an expected high of 82 and winds between 5 and 10 mph.

2. Exercise your civic duty and be sure to attend tonight's , including state Sen. Richard Madaleno (D-District 18).

3. Remember that this is tax-free week in Maryland, when apparel and footwear at $100 or less are not taxed. Get those new school clothes this week and save!

4. Check back to Wheaton Patch later today to learn about a new series we're launching that looks at how the American Dream is changing and how we are adapting to the new economic realities of 21st century life in the United States.

5. Don't forget that the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg is still in full swing this week. Today is one of the two Family Days this week. So don't miss out.