5 Things You Need To Know Today: Oct. 30

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

1. Rain: Hurricane Sandy was expected to move out of the area Monday night, but the showers will remain, with a 100 percent chance of precipitation today, according to the National Weather Service. Rain will continue into the evening, ending by around 1 a.m. High: 68, Low: 54.

2. Library activities: If you’re looking to get out of the house after a day of hunkering down inside during Hurricane Sandy, bring the kids to the Needham Free Public Library for a Halloween-themed storytime today at 10:30 a.m. and “Slightly Scary” crafts at 4 p.m. Both programs are free, with no registration required.

3. Study abroad info: If school is in session today (it was as of Monday night), Needham High School will host a Global Travel Night from 7-8:30 p.m. in the high school media center. Parents and students can meet with representatives from various global travel programs, some of which are low-cost or provide scholarships. There will also be a presentation on the value of global travel for high school students and an overview of the school's Global Competence Program.  

4. Delayed opening: Both Charles River YMCA locations in Needham will open late today, at 8 a.m., to give crews time to clear roads after the storm, according to an email sent out to members Monday evening. Babysitting will start at 8:30 a.m., and programming will not begin until noon. Plans are subject to change; visit www.ymcaboston.org/charlesriver for the most up-to-date information. Know of other delays or closures today because of the storm? Add them in the comments below, email to becca.manning@patch.com or tweet @NeedhamPatch.

5. Design a menorah: The Chabad Jewish Center in partnership with Parametric Technology Corporation in Needham invite local residents to build a virtual Menorah using PTC's Creo product design software. The most creative and original Menorah will be manufactured and lit on Needham Town Common during the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. The winner will also receive an iPad or $500 cash. Learn more at chabadjewishcenter.us/menorah-design-contest.