5 Things You Need To Know Today: January 6

1. More than 400 women are expected to attend the “2012 Women’s Retreat” at the Manatee Convention Center Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to learn important ways to take better care of themselves. Hannah Curlee – a finalist on  “The Biggest Loser” – will provide inspiration, insight and health tips. Curlee lost 120 pounds over 20 weeks and wants to help others improve their lives and achieve their dreams. In addition, attendees will receive free medical screenings for bone density, hearing; vision; blood pressure; cholesterol; and fasting blood glucose. There will also be mini seminars on women’s weight loss; healthy pregnancy and mastering menopause. Free pampering services will also be available including facials, mini-manicures and chair massages. Sponsors include the Manatee School District’s HealthVantage wellness program, Your Choice Manatee Health Plan and Blake Medical Center. For information call Kristi Dickerson, Manatee School District Wellness Coordinator, at (941)708-8770, ext. 2249.

2. The South Florida Museum will salute Hollywood’s biggest successes during award show season as Academy Award Best Picture winners from the past 80 years are featured as part of the “And the Winner Is...” Film Fridays series. The new Film Fridays series will run most Friday evenings, Jan. 6 through March 16. Tonight Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert can be seen in Frank Capra’s screwball comedy about a spoiled heiress and an out-of-work reporter who meet up on a cross-country road trip – causing words and sparks to fly in "It Happened One Noght." All screenings are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the South Florida Museum’s all-digital Bishop Planetarium Theater located at 201 10^th Street W. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and guests are welcome to enjoy a selection of beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks available for purchase prior to and during the screening. Tickets are $5 per person for general admission with discounted rates of $3 per person for Museum Members. For reservations and information call 941-746-4131, ext. 27 or visit www.southfloridamuseum.org.

3. The Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market returns to Old Main Street Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fresh food and produce, plants, easy-listening live music, arts and crafts, and different demonstrations and events every Saturday.  Click here for more info.

4. The Village of the Arts ArtWalk is this weekend from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tonight and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Shops, galleries and studios open for browsing. Enjoy floral art in honor of this month's theme “Bloomin' in the Village.”

5. There are three days left to help Pinellas schools win $100,000 from Patch! Vote in the Patch Deck the House contest. And go to Facebook and "Like" the page. Every "like" helps spread the word.