The Party's Over: Kids Back to School Monday

The holidays are now past and it's back to school on Monday. Here's hoping yours was safe and joyous from Plainview Patch.

The "5 Things" column brings you a daily assortment of essential news you can use today. The column appears every day. We want your announcements and events to be a part of it. Please send them to us.

Here's a look at the New Year's Day line-up.

1. Two performances are scheduled to close out the current run of  at the  A talented cast is assembled to perform all the hits from the smash Broadway musical. Today's performances are at noon and at 3 p.m. Tickets: $20.

2. Take the kids out with shovels and clear snow from neighborhood fire hydrant. and the Plainview Water District are urging residents to assist in clearing the snow to the . The effort can save lives while you teach a lesson in civics.

3. The s featuring an art exhibit by Eleanor Abrams, showing her "Travels in Watercolor: Note cards from Original Watercolor Paintings" Also presented are works from Harriet Davidson based on her travel

3. Did your holiday bring a family engagement, a job promotion or other big announcements? Add it to our announcements page.

4. Had enough college football for one week? The NFL's final weekend of regular season games is on tap for Sunday with the a playoff-birth at stake. The Giants play a must-win game against the Redskins in Washington (4:15) and need the Chicago Bears to defeat Green Bay Packers for New York to earn the final wildcard berth. The Jets are in the playoffs and play a largely meaningless games against Buffalo at the Meadowlands (1 p.m.)  Chips, dips, soda, beer, etc. available at   and .

5. Ask a question about Plainview on our  Q&A Tab and Patch will find the answer for you.