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 new feature in the comments section. 

1. There is still a lot of debris from yesterday's visit from Tropical Storm Irene. If residents have issues concerning trees, branches and what the town will and will not remove, call the Department of Public Works at 617-993-2680. And if you are without lights still, call the Municipal Light Department at 617-993-2800.

2. It is the final three days of the season at the Underwood Pool adjacent to the library. The 99-year-old community pool will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. until Aug. 31 for the last dips of summer. Call to see if there will be any delays in opening or closures due to yesterday's storm. The Recreation Departments number is 617-993-2760.

3. Residents have until Sept. 15 to send in a letter of interest to fill the final eight months of the vacant seat on the School Committee. The letter should include:

• Reasons for seeking the appointment
• Expertise, skills and perspectives they will bring to the Committee
• Identification of the most pressing issues facing the School Committee, both through the April election and beyond

A suggested length is one to two pages.

Letters can be emailed to the Superintendent’s office via Cathy Grant, cgrant@belmont.k12.ma.us with School Committee Vacancy in the subject line; an email acknowledgement will be sent to the candidate. Paper letters may be delivered or mailed to the Cathy Grant, Belmont Public Schools, 644 Pleasant Street, Belmont MA 02478. 

4. This Day in History

On this day in 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastates much of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, killing more than 1,836 and causing over $80 billion in damage.

5. Quote of the Day

"That's one of the tragedies of this life - that the men who are most in need of a beating up are always enormous." 
— Preston Sturges, screenwriter and director of films such as 'The Lady Eve' and 'Sullivan's Travels,' born on this day in 1898.