"5 Things You Need to Know About..." Basketball, Blood Drives and the Parkade

1. The Board of Directors approved the purchase of the blighted 19-acre property for $1.85 million as part of its meeting Tuesday. 

Now comes the demolition, and efforts to entice a private developer to invest in and re-purchase the property. Should be interesting to watch as it unfolds... 

2. The East Catholic girls basketball team Norwalk 55-40 Tuesday in the first round of the CIAC Class LL tournament. The Eagles move on to face No. 2 Mercy on Friday in Middletown. 

Manchester High, the tourney's No. 3 seed, is also in action on Friday, hosting a second round game against No. 14 St. Joseph's, who defeated Wilbur Cross 65-51 Tuesday in first round action. The Indians had a first round bye. 

3. The  on Cooper St. will hold Wednesday evening readings beginning at 7 p.m. through the Lenton Season. Prior to the prayer service, a Soup and Substance Dinner will be held at 6 pm. A $2.00 donation would be gratefully accepted for the dinner, according to organizers.

4. Coventry High School, at 78 Ripley Rd., Coventry, will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 12:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Wednesday. Those interested can contact Kristen Duke for an appointment or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for more information. 

5. And the Downtown Manchester Special Services District is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the district's offices at 983 Main St., Suite 10.