Our weekday 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.Hearings on the proposed city budget for fiscal year 2013 continue Friday and among the department heads due to make their case to the City Council's Finance Committee is Superintendent of Schools Anthony Pope. The Committee meets at 8 a.m. in City Hall, with the school budget review slated for 11 a.m.

2. For one Marlborough resident and her castmates, it's almost opening night. Ginny Carpenter will be performing in The Cannon Theatre production of Blithe Spirit, a comedy by Noel Coward. The show opens with a show Friday at 7:30, at the Littleton theater with another nine performances planned. 

3. Always wondered how much that antique in your living room is worth? Here's your chance: Antiques Apprisal Day being held by the Friends of the Marlborough Public Library is Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 p.m. at the library. No pre-registration is required, but there is a $5 fee for each item, with a limit of three items.

4. The 20th annual Stamp Out Hunger campaign means US Postal Service employees will be picking up non-perishable food items to help feed hungry families in the U.S. as they make their rounds Saturday. More than 70 million pounds of food was donated in last year's drive. 

5. Mother's Day is Sunday and with sunshine and a high of 74, the weather looks to be perfect for brunch. Kennedy's took the honors as top local spot in our recent poll. Need flowers for mom? Patch readers said Edinboro Flower Shop & Greenhouse is the place to go in Marlborough in another recent Patch poll.