“Five Things You Need to Know Today” is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. Heating up: Today will be partly sunny and hot, with a high near 98 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The evening will be mostly cloudy with a light wind, with a low around 77 degrees.

2. Olympics crafts: Children ages 2-6 are invited to drop by the Needham Free Public Library today at 10:30 a.m. for Summer Olympics-themed crafts. These free craft programs usually last for about 45 minutes, depending on the children. Four or five crafts related to the theme will be offered.

3. Swimming signups: Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. today for Needham residents for the third and fourth session of swimming lessons at Rosemary Pool. Session 1 will run from Monday, July 23 through Friday, Aug. 3, and Session 4 will run from Monday, Aug. 6 through Friday, Aug. 17. Classes range from 30-40 minutes each and are open to all levels, from preschool up through Levels 1-6. Cost is $30 per student with a Rosemary Pool Pass or $60 without a pass. Register online at needhamma.gov/parkandrecreation or in person at the Park and Recreation Office, located on the first floor of the Public Services Administration Building.

4. Children’s Theatre: Professional magician, balloon twister and all-around entertainer Ed Popielarczyk will visit the gazebo at Eliot School today at 1:30 p.m. as part of Park and Rec’s 2012 Children’s Theatre lineup. The program is free and open to all and offered every Tuesday afternoon in July, typically held outdoors at the Memorial Park gazebo except in the case of inclement weather. Note: Because of the heat advisory in effect today, the show has been moved indoors to the Eliot School Performance Center. The show will begin at 1:30 p.m. and run for 45-60 minutes.

5. Get your hands dirty: The Needham Community Farm invites the community to join them for fun and learning all summer long. Drop by the Pine Street site any Tuesday between 6 and 8 p.m. with the kids, friends and neighbors and help with farm chores. Also, check out the website, needhamfarm.org, throughout the summer for other volunteer opportunities and class offerings for children and adults.