5 Things to Know Today, Aug. 2

1. Tonight is 28th Annual National Night Out crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.

Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2010.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

2. The Brandon area's nonprofit groups will have a chance to discuss their programs, services and needs with other nonprofit groups at the Greater Brandon Community Foundation's first quarterly Charity Summit Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Bridges retirement center, 11202 Dewhurst Drive, Riverview.

The guest speaker will be Cindy Sofarelli, group vice president of the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA who will talk about recruiting and retaining volunteers.

3.  Dozens of businesses will showcase their offerings at the 2011 FishHawk Summer Fest, hosted by the FishHawk/Lithia/Boyette Area Council Aug. 2 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at The Palmetto Club, 17004 Dorman Road, Lithia.

This is the second year the council has hosted the event, which will feature displays by area businesses, food vendors, children's activities, youth sports registrations and door prizes.

During the event, school supplies will be collected for the YMCA and a portion of the proceeds from the raffles will be donated to A Kid's Place.

4. The AARP Brandon Chapter 4442 meets the first Monday of the month at the Brandon Community Center, 502 E. Sadie St. No membership is required to attend meetings. This is the only AARP chapter in the Tampa area.

5. Are you behind on your mortgage? Have you been served with foreclosure papers?

An attorney will help homeowners understand the foreclosure process and explain how federal programs may help them to keep their homes Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Brandon Regional Library, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon. The program is being presented by the Brandon Bar Association. For more information, call 813-273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.