Our daily column, 5 Things You Need to Know Today, will help you to get your day started and offer you some fodder for water cooler conversation.

1. Framingham High School's student government is sponsoring a free electronics recycling drive today. Residents can drop off old computers, televisions, printers, microwaves between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the high school.

2. There is a Styrofoam (EPS foam) recycling event today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace Congregational Church. All labels, paper, cardboard, and tape must be removed from each piece of foam and all food related containers and cups MUST be rinsed or washed before bringing. Please let ReFoamIt know if you are planning to bring more than one car or small pickup truck of Styrofoam.  Please consider helping us to defray expenses.

3. The main Framingham Library is holding a 2-session Make-a-Myth Creative Writing Workshop for students grades 6-7-8. Pre-registration is required for the free sessions on today and Jan. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Students will create their own mythological character. In today's session 1, students will craft and decorate a special journal and outline their character, and then complete and perform their poem, essay, skit, or song in session 2. To register email  mmaiorana@minlib.net or call 508-532-5570 x4335.

4. Boy Scouts of America Knox Trail Council Executive Director Dennis Prefontaine retired on Dec. 31, after four decades working with Scouts. Today, the Knox Trail Council will host a retirement party in honor of Prefontaine on at 1 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Natick. All of Prefontaine's family, friends and supporters are invited to attend.

5. Sunday is FREE lesson day at the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest. Between 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan 6 students can try a private lesson in piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, ukulele, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone or drums and tour the Arts Center. Reservations required by calling the PAC office at 508-875-5554. Walk-ins will be accommodated if any spaces left.