Today in Lawrence: Take a swim to beat the heat; help orphans in Tanzania

The Outdoor Aquatic Center is open in the evenings this week, and all afternoon and evening on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Summer blast

The temperature is dropping, even thought it’s just a few degrees. It’s still going to be hot: a high of 97 with partly cloudy skies, and a low of 75. The evening barely cools off before the mercury heads back up again on Wednesday for a high of 96.

Take a dip

There’s still time to take a swim before the end of the pool season. Good news, with our late-summer heat wave! The Outdoor Aquatic Center, 727 Kentucky St., features two water slides, zero-depth children’s area, diving well and interactive play features including fountains, spray mushrooms. and water buckets. Hours are 4-7:45 p.m. (the hottest part of the day!) today through Friday and 1-8:45 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Help orphans

The husband and wife team of Jenny Peck and Geoff Knight, former Lawrence residents and KU alums who operate the Igoda Childrens Village and related educational outreach in the Mufindi district of Tanzania, will discuss their activities and answer questions. Attend their presentation, Mufindi Orphans Project of Tanzania, at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St.

Yesterday’s most-read

More Aug. 26 events

Red Dog’s Dog Days workout, 6 a.m., west side of South Park, 12th and Massachusetts streets.

Lawrence Farmers’ Market, 4-6 p.m., parking lot at 824 New Hampshire St.

Orscheln’s Farmers Market, 5-7 p.m., west side of parking lot, Orscheln Farm and Home, 1541 E. 23rd St.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County volunteer information, 5:15 p.m., 2518 Ridge Court.

Red Dog’s Dog Days workout, 6 p.m., west side of South Park, 12th and Massachusetts streets.

Lonnie Ray’s open jam session, 6-10 p.m., Slow Ride Roadhouse, 1350 N. Third St., no cover.

Lawrence City Commission meeting, 6:35 p.m., City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St.

Free English as a Second Language class, 7-8 p.m., Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St.

Affordable community Spanish class, 7-8 p.m., Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St.

Gamer Night, 8 p.m., Burger Stand at the Casbah, 803 Massachusetts St., free.