5 Things You Need to Know Today: November 27

1. Ever wonder how non-hibernating animals like coyotes, skunks and the stray panda survive the winter? Find out by joining Barbara Bates of in the free program called “Cooler Weather, Thicker Coats, and Other Animal Strategies of the Season” at 1 p.m. at the Beech Street Center. All ages are invited to attend. Have a look at specimens – some of them alive – and hear stories of winter survival.

2. Deb McDevitt, director of Social Studies for the Belmont Public Schools, will describe the Belmont High School American Studies “Innovation Project” at today's Rotary Club of Belmont meeting in the Assembly Room of the Belmont Public Library. Guests are invited to a full breakfast at 7:15 a.m.; the presentation will take place at 8 a.m.

3. Story times for children ages 2 and 3, in which songs and movement are part of the story time experience, will take place for early risers at 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and then again from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Held across the hallway from the Children's Room in the Flett Room of the Belmont Public Library. For children aged four to five, Story craft for 4's and 5's will begin with a story followed by a simple craft. The storytelling will take place in the Flett Room across from the Children's Room from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

4. Belmont's Benton Library Pre-School Story Time begins at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 2 1/2 to 5. This event features stories, word plays, and other activities. Siblings are welcome; parents or caretakers must be in attendance throughout the session. Registration is not required.

5. Drop-in yoga classes, taught by professional instructors in the Vinyasa style – flowing with the breath – will be held in Gardner Hall (enter via Alexander Street) of the Plymouth Congregational Church, 582 Pleasant St., beginning at 9:15 a.m. All levels welcome. Bring your own mat. Childcare is available for $6 per child with a $12 family maximum. There is also free parking on Pleasant and Leonard streets and behind Macy's. All proceeds benefit the Plymouth Nursery School.