Need to Know: Winter Swim Hours, DUI Checkpoints and Tipsy Tow

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Here are five things you need to know in and around Newark through Dec. 31.

1. The closure of schools and city offices doesn’t mean there won’t be fun in the city this week. The will still be holding swim hours – and the pool is heated! Lap swim hours will be held from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through Dec. 30 and open recreation swim will be held from noon to 5 pm. through Dec. 30. The Family Aquatic Center will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. for more information on winter hours at the aquatic center.
2. Feeling lucky? See if you can win against your neighbors on Tuesday at . Early bird games begin at 6 p.m., with regular games following at 7 p.m. The pavilion is located at 6430 Thornton Ave.
3. Don’t drink and drive. Law enforcement agencies throughout the Bay Area are on the road and on Thursday, the Newark Police Department will be conducting a DUI checkpoint within city limits from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to the Avoid the 21 website.
4. Bring your little ones into the Newark Library for and fun. Stay ‘n’ Play is held at 10:30 a.m. and Preschool Storytime follows at 11 a.m. on Friday. The two programs are offered to children who are up to 5 years old and their parents/guardians for free.
5. New Year’s Eve is Saturday. Yay 2012! If you’re planning to drink and find yourself in a predicament, make sure you take advantage of . Anyone who has been drinking who needs a free 10-mile tow ride home is encouraged to call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) to ask for a Tipsy Tow. The service will run from 6 p.m. on Saturday to 6 a.m. on Sunday. AAA membership is not required.