Tots in Shabbat Spotlight Friday

Two local synagogues plan special services for young people and their families tonight as they welcome Shabbat. These are just some of the options available to folks around town today.

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.

Friday's options include

Two area synagogues hold "Tot Shabbat" services Friday night. Rabbi Steven Conn leads the service at the  from 6-6:30 p.m with songs, stories and prayer for kids ages 1-5. Meanwhile, Rabbi Michael S. Churgel will lead babies, toddlers and preschoolers and their parents, grandparents and siblings through song and prayer at . The service is from 6-6:45 p.m. Regular Shabbat services for the grownups follow at both synagogues.

2. The staff and students of Mattlin Middle School have many successes to be proud of. To honor these accomplishments, the school community is forming a “Circle of Success” Friday morning. The entire Mattlin population will create a human circle around the building. Patch will have coverage and photos this afternoon.

3. There's lots to do at the  Friday, like tonight's meeting of the Center for Inquiry Philosophy Club. The 7 p.m. session is open to all. For more, check out our "events" listings or the library's web site.

4 On Monday,  put new schedules in place to accommodate summer track and signal work. Generally, mid-day trains are the only ones impacted. See our story on the changes here.

5. Did you hear about the tonight at Plainview Middle School to benefit "Relay for Life." Or yesterday's casting call for actors in "Rocky Horror?" You can get to know our latest  Let us know your ideas for other family-friendly features and news stories for, or browse our "events" calendar for other happenings around town.