Be Careful Digging Out; Cheer On The Home Team

The region is approaching a record snowfall for the month of January. In the aftermath of Thursday's Utica-Class snowstorm, forecasters say it won't be long before we break the monthly record. Think of it, perhaps, as what it's like to live Upstate every year.

Each day the "5 Things" column will tell you five essential pieces of information you need to know today, like events happening or community topics being covered on the site later on in the day. Have an event or topic that should appear in this column? Add it to the calendar or send us a news tip.

Today digging out may be a big part of your day. The weekend is at hand. Here's some tips for Friday:

1. Digging out can be If you're not in good physical health, just don't risk it. Hire a neighborhood kid or call a relative.

2. While they're at it, remember to shovel out the on your street. The fire department is again asking for the community's help. The effort can save time and even lives.

3. Cheer on the P team. The ladies take on Hicksville at 4:30 p.m. at the high school on Kennedy Drive. The boys are at Hicksville; tip-off is 7 p.m.

4. The Plainview-Old Bethpage Physical Education Department holds its regular Friday night recreation program for the middle schools. is for all district 5th & 6th graders, and runs from 7-9 p.m. The session at is for all district 7th & 8th graders. Also 7-9 p.m.

5.  opens its second weekend of  "Rent," Jonathan Larson's musical based loosely on Puccini's opera "La Boheme."  Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday Jan. 30 at 3 and  7 p.m. Tickets: $20.