Welcome to 5 Things You Need to Know Today, your place for useful facts. We'll provide this early morning digest each weekday to keep Salemites and Salem Patch users in-the-know.

1. Scrub had a fun day Wednesday. A local Boston company was scouting the store for an in-house customer service training video. The video is supposed to occur in a retail store and coffee shop, and Scrub caught the company's eye. Check out the attached photo for a shot of Scrub in the spotlight.
2. The Northeast Animal Shelter got a special surprise from Panera Bread's Warm Up Wednesday Campaign Crew yesterday. Coffee, fresh baked cookies and even treats for the shelter animals made the morning a little sweeter.
3. If you did not have the chance yesterday, take a look at the YouTube videos from the Salem Masonic Temple and Armory fires we showcased. Yesterday was the anniversary of the 1982 blazes. 
4. We are very excited to welcome Bob Broderick to our Local Voices lineup. For those of you who know Bob, he always has a kind word, big smile and a love of music. Join us in welcoming Bob and check out his first post here.
5. Stewart Lytle has a report on some possible technological developments in the city coming up at 10 a.m. Be sure to tune in.