Today marks 277 days left in the year. In 1799, New York passed a law to abolish slavery. The Republic of Ireland, on March 29, 2004, banned smoking in all workplaces. Johnnie Cochran, famous for his defense of OJ Simpson, died today in 2005. In 1973, according to The New York Times, the last U.S. troops left South Vietnam. And today, Come to the Edge: A Memoir, by one of John F. Jennedy Jr.' girlfriends, is being released.

1. Tonight at 7 p.m. at Town Hall there is a public hearing on a proposal to re-zone part of the corner of West and Frankinlin streets. The development, at the former Jimbo's restaurant property, was protested by neighborhood residents for commericial encroachment onto residential land.

The Planning Board will likely review an adjusted proposal by owner Messina Enterprises tonight. Last week town officials and a Messina lawyer confirmed that the plan was being altered in response to public concern.

2. The Royal Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Braintree on Commercial Street is hosting a seminar called "Cooking Class for Diabetes Prevention and Treatment" that is open to all from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 781-794-7849 for more information.

3. Thayer Public Library is the setting for a Lesley University E-Learning seminar from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Logan Auditorium.

"Wondering how to incorporate Web 2.0 tools into the classroom? Curious about tools like Twitter, blogs and wikis? Join South Shore alumni for an evening of networking and discussion about new technologies for classroom use. Learn how to integrate technology into the classroom and curriculum. To sign up, please e-mail alumni@lesley.edu or call 617.349.8622."

4. Running March 26 - April 30, Thayer Academy is hosting a show by the Braintree Art Association. It is a multi-media show consisting of works by many South Shore artists. Runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5. The Department of Elder Services, at the Senior Center on Cleveland Avenue, is hosting at 5 p.m. an Alzheimer's Meeting and Supper. Call 781-848-1963 for reservations.