Many Ways to Honor Dr. King's "Dream' Today.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday. are closed along with state and local government offices including the post office,and banks and financial institutions, including the stock markets.

The however, is open.

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.

There are many way today to remember Dr. King's "Dream" in and around town. For example, today:

1. Take the kids to the in Hempstead, which is featuring a photo exhibit of Dr. King taken by Pulitzer Prize winner Moneta Sleet, Jr. Today only, the museum, open from noon until 8 p.m., will play short documentaries of Dr. King's life.

2. Closer to home, the has a unique way for kids to spend Martin Luther King Day. From 11:30a.m.–3:30p.m., help create a giant fthat will be hung up and displayed in the hallway to help celebrate children and friendship. Each child should bring a photo of themselves ( photos will not be returned) and can include other children but no adults. A story, lunch and playtime is also included; $40 for members.

3 Perform community service. Volunteer at your house of worship. Shovel out the neighborhood  Check on an older neighbor. Look up the Marches from Selma to Montgomery or the "I Have a Dream" speech with your kids on the internet and then talk about it.

4. Want to get out of town for the holiday? The Mid-Island Y JCC is sponsoring a day of tubing at the The event runs from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. costs $65 for members, $75 for non-members and includes transportation to the ski center in Orange County. Participants can pack a lunch or buy it at the hill.

5. The family can go ice skating today at in Hicksville from 1-3 p.m. It's $7 with leisure pass, $5 per child. Without the pass: $20 for adults, $14 for a child.