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. McCarthy  Elementary  School  PTO  is holding its Annual  Pumpkin Fair today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The  money  raised  by  the  PTO supports  school  programs  and  events  throughout  the  year including  field  trips,  library books, playground.  Families are invited to the fair, which features pumpkin  and  cookie  decorating,  air  brushed  tattoos,  and  even  feather hair extensions! A café is also on site for fairgoers to enjoy food and refreshments along with a fabulous bake sale.  One  of  the  highlights  of  the  fair  is  the  spectacular  basket  raffle, featuring more than two dozen baskets to be raffled off. You need not be present to win. Another highlight is the silent auction of pumpkins decorated by staff, parents and even students.

2. Framingham Rotary Club is holding a community pancake breakfast today from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Callahan Senior Center. The event's goal is to  purchase air conditioners to cool seniors in public housing. On the menu is pancakes, juice, sausages, milk, & coffee. Admission is $5 and children under age 5 are free.

3. To celebrate the Framingham Library Foundation and Library Trustees receiving its $4.186 million grant from the state, a celebration will be held at the McAuliffe Library branch today from 2 to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

4. Registration for the Framingham Youth Lacrosse 2013 season takes place today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Framingham Elks. The program is for girls and boys kindergarten through grade eight. Players are divided by age and grade level with quality instruction at all levels. For additional information, including cost, click here.

5.Well with last night's heavy rains, many of those colorful leaves are no longer on the trees but in your yards. Get out the rake and be ready for curbside leave collection which begins this month. For specific information, visit the Framingham Patch blog on recycling written by DPW Recycling Manager Stacey King.