Jan. 31: Rodents, Traffic Rules and More Things to Know Today

January is coming to an end, but another week has started. Here's a quick guide to help you stay on top of the big news and interesting events happening in your neighborhood. 

Check out the five must-know things for Jan. 31.

1. Rodents in Malverne Schools: On Friday, students who arrived early to found a disturbing sight in the school cafeteria. See what it was here. On the flip side, a livelier rodent will be making its way through the schools in the village this week. In anticipation of Groundhog Day, which is this Wednesday, a six-foot Malverne Mel mascot will be visiting students, making his first stop at . Patch spotted the lovable groundhog on Friday in the Westwood section of Malverne and even convinced him to pose for some photos and give a quick video interview. Check it out .
2. New Parking, Traffic Rules: On Tuesday, the Town of Hempstead held its monthly board meeting and passed several measures to amend parking and traffic rules and regulations in various places. This includes some changes in Malverne and West Hempstead. Patch will have up this afternoon.
3. Patch Videocasts: We're launching a new video feature later today. Learn about the top stories for the day in Malverne, West Hempstead and surrounding towns, including Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Garden City and Long Beach in a quick video report. Stay tuned to watch the first Patch-cast.
4. Books, Ballroom and Blockbuster: Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise grace the projection screen at the today for the latest installment of the Monday Matinee series. The show, Knight and Day, starts at 2 p.m. Get more information . The West Hempstead Public Library has an extensive line-up today, which includes Storytime for young kids (10:30am for ages 3-5) and toddlers (4 p.m. for ages 1-2), Ballroom Dancing (7:30 p.m.) and a special program by the members of the Rotary Club, who will be reading their favorite books to youngsters beginning at 7 p.m. Click here for more information. 
5. Shooting in West Hempstead: Gun fire opened up over the weekend at a popular nightclub in West Hempstead. Two victims were sent to the hospital and Nassau County Police arrested Read the full story. Plus, check out what other top stories you may have missed in Malverne, West Hempstead and neighboring towns by clicking .

Check back early tomorrow for the Daily Five list for Tuesday and keep us in the loop too. E-mail Tara.Conry@Patch.com or add a comment below to let us know about stories and events that we should be covering in the community.