5 Things You Need To Know Today: December 13

1.Tampa Bay Rays Manager will be in Bradenton today at noon to serve meals at the Salvation Army as part of his annual Thanksmas. For more information on how to help Joe Maddon help the needy, visit joesthanksmas.com.

2. “The Star of Bethlehem?” an informal science conversation is set for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Join Howard Hochhalter for a seasonal think + drink session and an astronomer’s exploration of the question “What was the Star of Bethlehem?” Using the planetarium’s ability to travel through time and space, the will virtually transport attendees to Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago to look at the skies to see what the magi saw. Was the “star” a comet, a supernova or something else entirely? The event is free, but RSVPs are appreciated: 941-746-4131, ext. 11 or anash@southfloridamuseum.org. Beer, wine, soda and snacks will be available for purchase.

3. Two local commuity farms have joined with local food banks to provide fresh produce to area hungry. This program sets up “donor shares” that the public can purchase for the food banks. Donations from Geraldson Community Farm will go to The Food Bank of Manatee and donations from Gamble Creek Farm will go to All Faiths Food Bank. Donated shares are discounted and can be purchased for one week ($22) or multiple weeks directly through the websites for each farm. Go to www.GeraldsonCommunityFarm.org or www.GambleCreekFarm.org to donate. The Local Food Buying Club connects local farmers to local consumers. The cost of goods is passed directly to members without markup, there is a handling fee added. Go to http://www.fwcrcd.org/projects/buyingclub.html for more information.

4. The Culinary Club at is hosting “Gourmet Nights 2011” on Friday and Saturday, in the Seminole Café’. The choice of entrées includes Filet Mignon, Garlic Studded Monkfish and Grilled Venison Chop. Reservations for Gourmet Nights can be made for 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night. The cost of dinner is $27 per person. For reservations, or for more information, call (941) 741-3366, ext. 2048.

5. The trails of will be lit up with holiday luminaries on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to walk the trails.