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 Public Library Children’s staff member Dana Perkins, writer of The Mighty Thor Saga (published by Marvel Comics) will discuss Super Heroes as Modern Mythology tonight at 7 at the main Framingham Library. While these figures from mythology are thousands of years old, you might be surprised to find that they share a lot more in common with comic and movie superstar attractions like Iron Man, Spider-Man and Superman than you think! So consider attending the discussion tonight on the pop culture phenomenon known as Super Heroes, from their not-so humble beginnings in the Golden Age of comics, the rise of Marvel in the Sixties, to their current incarnations today. There will be a special emphasis on The Mighty Thor and The Avengers!

2. The main Framingham Library is offering great summer programs every Wednesday. This week's program is the Tanglewood Marionettes' version of Sleeping Beauty.

3.Get fit and stay cool doing Senior Aerobics at Focus On Fitness at 10:30 a.m. Fee: $5.

4. Bruins start their season in 85 days. Check out the sand sculpture created at Learneds Pond earlier this week.

5. The Ashland Republican Town Committee is hosting a debate between  Republican primary candidates Jeff Semon of Lexington and Frank Addivinola of Malden tonight. One of these two candidates will succeed in the Republican primary to go head to head with Democrat Congressman Ed Markey. The district includes Framingham. The debate will be held at The Trackside Grille, 78 Front St. at 8. The public is invited to the free debate.