5 Things: Brownie Bake Off, Farmers Market Open House

1. So you think that you make a mean brownie? Do you have a favorite family recipe? Then come to the the Assembly Room of the Belmont Public Library at 7 p.m. for the '"Best of Belmont Brownie Bake-Off." The bake-off is just one of the fun activities planned for the 'Fifty Shades of Chocolate' month at the Library.  Bakers must register in advance online or by calling 617-993-2870. Come and share your family's favorite brownie recipe. Bring enough for 20 people and 20 copies of the recipe. A panel of "experts" will vote for the Best Appearance and Best Recipe. This is a great opportunity to share your favorite recipes, exchange baking tips, and discover new faves. Everyone will be able to sample the treats and take home copies of recipes. Please, no recipes requiring refrigeration. All recipes will be posted at the library the next day. Call the Reference Desk at 617-993-2870 for more information.

2. Meet the folks who run Belmont's Farmers Market tonight at the Belmont Farmers Market and Food Collaborative Open House in the Flett Room in the Belmont Public Library beginning at 7 p.m. Learn how to get involved from adopting a yard sign, helping with market management, working on the educational mission of the market, writing for our Roots & Sprouts Newsletter, as well as for our social media channels, helping with our food assistance programs and more. All generations are welcome; many students have volunteered at the Market to earn community service credits, and we appreciate their energy and community spirit. 

3. Take a virtual tour along the Charles River and see the hidden wildlife that live on and along the shore at the Beech Street Center beginning at 1:15 p.m. In colorful images, narration and music, Watertown photographer Carole Smith Berney will lead the audience along the path, sharing beautiful springtime images of the river and entertaining stories about the denizens of the Charles; from nesting birds, to fishing herons, to snapping turtles, to swimming muskrats.

4. Storytime at the Benton Library begins at 10:30 a.m. There will be word plays, stories and activities for children ages 2 years, 9 months to 5 years. Parents or caregivers must be present for the entire session. Younger siblings may attend with their parents. The library will be open today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 617-484-0988.

5. It's Storytime at the Belmont Public Library: Story time for 2's and 3's, songs and movement are part of the story time experience for children ages 2 and 3, will be held at the Belmont Public Library's Children's Room. The fun begins at 9:30 a.m. and then again (for you late risers) from 10:30 a.m. Storycraft for 4's, 5's, and 6's will be held at 3:15 p.m. 617-489-2000.