Five Things You Need to Know Today: Flood Fears, Twain Talks and Starbucks Sweets

1. A flood watch is in effect for Westchester County. The National Weather Service has called for one to four inches of rain to fall between today and Friday evening, so make sure your sum pumps are working, place valuables high on basement shelves and clear the catch basin in front of your house of all debris.

2. Starbucks is turning 40, which many of you know means that everyone’s favorite caffeine franchise is hitting the prime of its life, right? In place of opting to hire a baby-sitter for more “me” time or buying a Harley Davidson, Starbucks is instead giving away complimentary Starbucks Petites treats with beverage purchases from March 10-12. Stop into participating stores between 2 – 5 p.m. for a quick snack. Hey, everyone should celebrate a birthday with a sweet treat – even if it is too small to hold 40 candles.

 3. Today, Gymboree Play and Music is holding an afternoon of music, art and play from 2- 5 p.m. Manager Shane Bland, a former cast member of Broadway’s The Lion King, will lead your children in activities such as parachute and bubble time in the PlayGym. Perhaps he’ll even take a few seconds to teach them to work on their roars! Gymboree Play and Music is located on 450 Central Park Ave. Call (914) 472-0192 or email scarsdaleny@gymboreeclasses.com for more information. Admission is free for all children.

 4. Mark Twain once said that the rumors of his death had been greatly exaggerated. Actor John Chappell, a Mark Twain impersonator who will be performing onstage this Sunday at Westchester Community College, would certainly agree with that sentiment – after all, Chappell brings Twain back to life with every performance in which he emulates the satirist’s stinging wit. Find out more details about Chappell’s upcoming show, along with other fun weekend activity suggestions, in our Get Out! Planner— it runs live on Scarsdale Patch every Thursday at 10 a.m.!

5. The Scarsdale Senior Lecture Series will be presenting a video on the history of Gothic Art in Germany. Professor William Kloss, an art historian from the Smithsonian Institute, will present the video and lead a discussion following the viewing. And who says learning needs to stop once you leave the classroom? Participants will be given a take-home study guide so they can brush up on their facts long after they’ve left the lecture. The Senior Lecture Series is held at the Girl Scout House on 31 Wayside Lane. Call (914) 722-1160 for more information.