Focus on the Weekend Begins Thursday in Patch

There are some great things to do around town today, and some interesting reading here at that is all about your weekend.

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.

Here's what's scheduled Thursday:

1. All day Thursday,  will be focused on your weekend plans. It's part of a new feature that gives you essential local information about a variety of upcoming events. The features include a weekend planner and a listing of area open houses. Let us know what you think of the new content.

 2. The  is the venue for the Center for Inquiry Philosophy Club that promotes science and inquiry on a number of academic fronts. The group meets from 7-10 p.m.

3. Keeping your is the topic of a lecture at the from 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Topics include creating a safe home environment for baby, home emergencies, basic first aid for bleeding, burns, fractures, shock and poisoning. Pre-registration required. Phone: 516-465-2500 Price: $20.00 per person, $35.00 per couple.

4. The Town of Oyster Bay Plainview-Old Bethpage offers lunch to Nassau seniors at noon at the Jamaica Avenue School. Suggested donation $2.00

5. Do you know a great kid who deserves recognition? Send your nomination for our honors. Email Plainview Editor Joe Dowd at joe.dowd@patch.com.