Our daily morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. There is a basic rights workshop for parents with children who have special needs tonight from 7 to 9 at the Parent Information Center. Pre-registration is suggested. The workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Special Education Law and No Child Left Behind (NCLB). It is designed to help parents learn how to be effective partners with their child’s school to decide the child’s eligibility for special education, and to plan, make decisions and monitor their child’s progress in school. Register by calling 800-331-0688.

2. Temple Beth Am Sisterhood is inviting 2 to 5 year olds to a Sukkot & Simchat Torah Yom Tov Party. This is a “Bring Your Own Lunch” party but the Temple is nut-free and pork and shellfish products are not allowed in the Temple. After lunch, join Cantor Schechtman, who will talk about Sukkot & Simchat Torah and lead the group in singing songs. At the party, children will a craft, play a special game and share some yummy treats! It is not necessary to be a Temple member to participate. Reservations are suggested by calling 508-620-9481 or emailing badler73@yahoo.

3. It's Thursday so the Framingham Farmer's Market will return to the Village Green from noon to 5:30 p.m. Stop by the manager's tent to be entered for the weekly raffle. Save a Dog will be in the outreach tent. Whoopie Monster & Hedgies Hot Stuff will be in the showcase tent. This week's vendors include: EL Silvia Farm, Hanson's Farm, Natick Organic Farm, Globe Fish, Velma Kettle Corn, Great Harvest Bread and Pasta by Fior Ditalia.

4. A community blood drive will be held at Plymouth Church today from 2 to 7 p.m.

5. Although not an event in Framingham, consider attending the first Metrowest Brew-Fest sponsored by the Holliston Business Association and 5th Avenue Liquorsat the Holliston Historical Society from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance at www.hollistonbusinessassociation.com or $30 at the door. We hear more than 20 brews will be at the event.