Five Things to Know on Jan. 17: Meet a Musher and Author

Today is Thursday, Jan. 17. Here are five things you need to know in Hamilton and Wenham:

1. Sun: The sun is forecasted to return on Thursday, with temperatures getting up to about 40 degrees. There will be a light west wind.

2. PMC: “Alumni” of the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge have been able to register for the 2013 ride for the past few weeks. On Thursday, it is a chance for newcomers to sign up for this summer’s bicycle ride across the state, with rides up to 190 miles over one or two days. Last year, 35 residents from Hamilton and Wenham rode in the Pan-Mass Challenge, helping raise $37 million for cancer research.

3. Dog Sled: The sled dog races originally planned for this weekend have been postponed, but Wednesday snow should put everyone is the mood for Thursday night’s appearance by musher Shelly Gill at the Community House of Hamilton-Wenham. Her presentation starts at 7 p.m. and is scheduled to run an hour. It is free and open to the public. Gill, who was one of the first women to complete the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska, is an author who has written more than 25 best selling books.

4. Rum: Get a firsthand look at how rum was made 175 years ago up the road at Turkey Shore Distilleries in Ipswich on Thursday. The event, which starts at 6 p.m., is hosted by the Essex National Heritage Commission as part of its effort to keep its popular Trails and Sails event going year-round. Reservations are required and the cost is Essex Heritage $17 for members and $24 for non-members.

5. First Aid: The deadline to register for this weekend’s first aid class at the Community House is Thursday. The class is taught by American Heart Association certified instructors Regina Baker and Sheryl Razney. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the cost is $50. Successful completion includes a certification card valid for two years.

To find out what is going on today in Hamilton and Wenham, check out our events listings.