"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the five things in the comments section.

1. Today from 11-11:45 a.m. there will be Fall Story Time at the West Roxbury Library for preschoolers ages 3-5. There will be fun stories, songs and crafts. Free.
2. Today the West Roxbury Community Center is holding a 1/2-day trip for students grades 6 & up to Boston Bowl. Children meet at the Roche Family Center at noon. All registrants must sign up for membership and cost of the trip is $15. Pre-registration is required, as well as a permission slip and waiver. Call 617-635-5066 or email courtney.­losi@­cityo­fboston.­gov.
3. On Wednesday at the West Roxbury Pub, the Ward 20 Democratic Committee will host a Candidates Forum for the at-large Boston City Council race. 7 p.m. Open to all. 
4. The Charles River Spring Valley Neighborhood Association will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Elks Hall. This meeting will feature and update from leaders at Catholic Memorial School, a presentation by Renew Boston's Residential Energy Efficiency Program, and a report from the Area E police. All neighbors in the Spring Street neighborhood are welcome.   
5. On Thursday, the Boston Ward 20 Republican Committee will host Les Gosule to speak about "Melissa's Bill" at 7 p.m. in the community room at the District E-5 Police Department. Gosule will update on the progress of “Melissa’s Bill,” named for his daughter, Melissa Gosule, who was brutally raped and murdered in 1999 by a habitual criminal out on parole after serving just two years for 27 violent felonies. "Melissa’s Bill" – which is currently before the state legislature – would deny parole to habitually violent offenders.