Here are five pieces of information to help you get your weekend off to a wicked awesome start and to help make you the sharpest tool in the shed.

1. This weekend's Local Weather Forecast: According to the NWS, today will be partly sunny, with a high near 49. Calm wind becoming southwest between 10 and 13 mph. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Saturday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 40. Northwest wind between 3 and 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 21. West wind between 3 and 7 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 39. Southwest wind between 3 and 7 mph.

2. It's Happening Today: Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Methuen High School. The Redmen open their 2011-2012 season tonight at home against Methuen. The JV game starts at 6 p.m. with the varsity set to start at 7:30 p.m. This should be interesting, as some players on the squad couldn't start practicing until Monday because of their participation with the football team.

3. Win $100,000: For the Tewksbury Schools and another $500 for yourself with the Patch Deck The House Contest!! Check out the details and enter today!

4. Reader Comment Of The Day: "The Tewksbury Redmen Did an Awsome Job this year I AM very Proud of This TEAM Second to None it is A privilege to have them." -- Reader Gerald McCormack commenting on the story, "Football Season Was One To Remember"

5. It's Happening Today, Part 2: There is a Blood Drive going on today at Gold's Gym, 540 Main St., starting at 1 p.m.