5 Things to Know Today: June 28, 2012

1. The heat wave is here. Pour yourself a lemonade and take it easy. Today, the high temp will be around 95 and the low 70 degrees. Sunrise is 6:30 a.m. and sunset 8:52 p.m. It really heats up after that, with the weatherman  predicting highs around 100 Friday-Monday, with lows in the mid 70s.

2. Back in church. Preacher and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor will talk about the newly issued paperback edition of her spiritual memoir, Leaving Church. It's free and starts at 7 p.m. at Decatur First Baptist Church.

3. . The Decatur Book Festival is inviting all writers in the 30030 zip code to congregate at 5 p.m. at the old courthouse for a group photo. The "Great Day in Decatur" idea was inspired by the "Great Day in Harlem" picture that gathered 1950s jazz musicians in New York City.

4. Go whole hog. Pine Street Market in Avondale Estates says this about their July 14 butchery class: "During this interactive demonstration, Rusty & Kyle break down a whole pig while explaining various cuts of meat and the nuances of butchery. Participants slice their own pork chops and create two pounds of signature bacon!" The class will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 14 and costs $100.

5. Diabetes updates and free blood glucose screening. Hear endocrinologist Dr. Jay Mepani talk about diabetes symptoms and treatments and receive a free blood glucose screening. This event is free but you need to register by callng 404-501-9355. It starts at 6 p.m. at the DeKalb Medical Theatre on the North Decatur campus.