Today's 5: The Life of Mel Brooks

The library is offering a free showing of a film about the life and career of funnyman Mel Brooks Wednesday night.

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.

1.The is showing a free film at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday exploring the life and career of writer/filmmaker Mel Brooks.

2. will conduct an Erev Sukkot service Wednesday at 7 p.m. Rabbi Churgel and Cantor Pilatsky will lead the congregation at it celebrates the festival of Sukkot with the shaking of the lulav and etrog. Open to the community.

3.South Side High School challenges in a girls swimming meet Wednesday at 5 p.m.

4. You might want to clear your calendar for this upcoming event: The 's annual open house is Sunday, Oct. 16, beginning at noon at Station 1 on Old Country Road. There will be games and prizes for kids and safety demonstrations.

5. It's political season: Our blogger, Rafe Lieber, stirred up a lively discussion recently about the nature of our political system. Why not see what you can stir up by blogging for Plainview Patch? Do you have a great fall photo of your kids, or of you and your pet. Send them to us: Contact Joe Dowd at Joe.Dowd@patch.com.