Five Things You Need to Know Today: Domestic Violence Awareness, Livestrong Fundraisers and PTA Meetings

1. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month arrives in less than two weeks, but Westchester Reform Temple's Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) are already kickstarting awareness events by hosting their breakfast today at 9:15 a.m. Terri E. Simon, Esq., Chair of the Board of Directors for My Sister's Place, will inform participants how all forms of domestic violence, ranging from spousal abuse to human sex trafficking, occurs right here in Westchester County. To support My Sister's Place, a resource that provides shelter, legal services and education to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, stalking and human trafficking, attendees are requested to bring school supplies (notebooks, folders, glue, paper, art supplies, etc.) to the program. The Women Helping Women breakfast will take place at Westchester Reform Temple. Contact the Temple at 914-723-7727 or office@wrtemple.org for more information. 

3. The yellow bracelets may not be as de rigueur now as they once were in 2004, but LIVESTRONG, Lance Armstrong's nonprofit dedicated towards providing support for cancer patients, is just like its founder — still going strong. Tonight, Danny's Cycles is holding a for the Mendes Family Foundraising Efforts benefiting LIVESTRONG. Rica Mendes, a Danny's employee and mother of two, is a breast cancer patient who will be representing the Westchester County area at the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin, Texas. Featuring wine and cheese, appetizers, a silent auction and plenty of sweet treats, all proceeds from the evening will be contributed towards a $15,000 goal pledged towards the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Checks can be made to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and turned in at the door or payment can be made in advance online. The benefit will take place at Danny's Cycles at 7 p.m. $18 donations are requested per person. RSVP online or call 914-384-3648 for more information. 

3. If you're a CPA, chances are you spend more time crunching numbers than networking with like-minded professionals. Tonight, exercise both your social skills and your business savvy by attending a hosted in conjunction with the Financial Planners Association's Greater Hudson Valley Chapter and the New York State Society of CPAs. Everyone from estate planning attorneys and CPAs to other financial professionals are invited to listen to a lecture from Insite Security, Inc. President Christopher Falkenberg on family security titled "How can affluent families deal with the risks of threat on the Internet and beyond?" Additionally, Deena Baikowitz, chief networking officer of Fireball Network, will deliver a talk called "Networking Success- How to develop the strategic relationships that will best serve your clients." The dinner will take place at tonight at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online. Call 877-817-8400 or email lori@­fpaghv.­org for further inquiries. 

4. The modern world is filled with challenges — a troubled economy, rapidly accelerating technology and increased globalization — and Scarsdale High School has done its best to rise to the occasion, offering everything from Mandarin Chinese classes to allowing students to partake in month-long, end-of-the-year vocational projects exploring various career paths and interests. Tonight, SHS teachers will go even further by holding a series of workshops titled for parents and community members. Participants will be shown how Scarsdale's schools are preparing their students for their lives beyond 12th grade, and will also receive the opportunity to meet new staff members, including . The year's first PTA meeting will take place following the presentation. The workshops will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Scarsdale High School. Contact Vivienne Braun at (914) 725-9759 if you have any questions. 

5. The Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) is holding two at today, but not because its potential members need the caffeine. After all, the JLCW's members, which hail from Scarsdale, Eastchester, Greenburgh and White Plains, have more than enough energy, as evidence by the volunteerism they exhibit throughout Westchester County. From completing short-term community projects such as the recent nutrition-themed event "Choosy Fest" to helming interactive exhibits at the White Plains Hospital Community Health Fair and organizing the 2011-2012 Family Literacy Program, the JLCW identifies community need and spearheads it with style to spare. Tonight, prospective members interested in promoting positive change in their communities will get the chance to sip steaming hot beverages while meeting current members, learning about the JLCW's various opportunities and admiring historic Wayside Cottage's recent period renovations. The coffees will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Email jlcw@verizon.net or call (914) 723-6130 to attend.