Our daily morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Yesterday, Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law "An Act Expanding the Town Forest Committee of the Town of Natick from Three to Five," co-sponsored by Sens. Karen Spilka and Richard Ross and Reps. David Linsky and Alice Peisch. The law will allow the Conservation Commission in the town of Natick to appoint up to five members to a Town Forest Committee, which is currently limited to three members. The addition of two members will enhance the Committee’s ability to preserve and protect plant and wildlife habitats, as well as the quality of life for Natick residents.

2. Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day! Take some time to not only thank your children's teachers, but also teach them to appreciate what their instructors do for them.

3. May's Wednesday Evening Book Group meets May 30 at 7 p.m., in Morse Library's Meeting Room 1A and the subject will be Julia Alvarez's "In the Time of Butterflies." This is a novel based on the lives of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic who became icons of freedom when they were assassinated in 1960 for their role in the underground movement against Rafael Trujillo. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk and no registration is required. This is one of my all-time favorite books—and author. I highly recommend it! 

4. Does your dog have a few extra pounds on his or her body? At Natick Animal Hospital, May is all about healthy weight management. For tips on pet weight, visit its website.

5. The Villari Studio is participating in the Relay For Life. Do you know anyone else who is walking it? Tell us in the comments! We'd love to feature you in this column!