Five Things You Need to Know Today: 'Occupy' Protests Expand, Patch Makes NYT Crossword, Window Painting Contest Deadline Looms

1. The "Occupy Wall Street" demonstration originally organized by Canadian activist group "Adbusters" have now influenced city residents across America to take to the streets and protest against myriad societal issues they believe are threatening our country: social and economic inequality, corporate greed and the nation's record unemployment level. As of yesterday, similar protests have sprung up everywhere from Mobile and Portland to Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis — and have also garnered support from public figures as varied as Susan Sarandon and former Minneapolis governor Jesse "The Body" Ventura. What are your thoughts on "Occupy Wall Street?" Have you swung by Zuccotti Park to view the action firsthand? Do you know anyone who's participating in — or vehemently opposes  — the protests? Sound off in the "Comment" section below.

2. Scarsdale's school system is renowned across the country for the strength of its faculty, the high school's rigorous Advanced Topics courses and its students' notable achievements. But is it "world class?" The Board of Education will meet at 8 p.m. tomorrow evening at Edgewood Elementary School and examine the above question in a special education report titled " Is Scarsdale Offering a World Class Education? How Do We Know?" Dr. Sheridan Blau of Columbia Teacher's College and Debra Sawch, a research team member at Columbia, will helm the presentation alongside Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Lynne Shain. 

3. It's October, a slight chill is lingering in the air and pumpkins, gourds and ingredients for savory stews and crackpots are filling farmers' market tables and supermarket shelves across Westchester County. Get into the spirit of the season by registering for Scarsdale's Annual Halloween Window Painting Programs, now available on the Recreation Department's website. Parent/child teams can enter joint submissions, and 3d-10th graders can enter both individual or group entries. Registration is due by Wednesday, Oct. 12th, so hurry — spaces are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis!

4. While completing yesterday's New York Times crossword puzzle, did you notice that Patch was featured in Clue #117? Click here to view the puzzle image online if your coffee-stained, crumpled Sunday paper is already gracing the bottom of your recycling bin. 

5. With a few clicks of a keyboard, you can have all the knowledge in the world right at your fingertips. But what if all you know how to do is turn the darn thing on? The Scarsdale Adult School will help you get clued into computers with enhanced class offerings this fall, which include "Computers Made Friendly," "Internet and E-Mail: The Basics," "Workplace Computer Skills" and "Website Design." Those who have already gained mastery of the mouse might also be interested in signing up with courses on InDesign and Photoshop led by Kate Schlientz, art director of "Project You Magazine" and senior designer at "Woman's World," along with "Learn to Blog," which will be taught in two sections by both Schlientz and Jeanne Muchnick of Westchester Magazine. Enroll for classes and view all SAS offerings at the Scarsdale Adult School's website.