5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 21

1. Weather: Forecasters are not predicting much, but there's a 30 percent chance of snow in the area today.

2. Local Art: Seems there's a new JP-based art exhibit or festival popping up daily. Use our announcements or events sections to promote your event.

3. Voter registration: The last day to register to vote or change one’s voting address or party affiliation for the April 30 primary is April 10. The Election Department is located in Room 241 of Boston City Hall and will be open until 8 p.m. that evening to accommodate prospective registrants and those wishing to make changes. Voters who have used absentee ballots in the past are reminded that a new application must be filled out each calendar year. Applications can be downloaded from the Election Department’s website, www.cityofboston.gov/elections. 

4. Educator Award: The nominations for the annual Boston Educators of the Year awards are now open and will be accepted until April 11. The awards recognize outstanding teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, school nurses and other educators who have made a unique contribution to their students, their classrooms, and their schools. Forms can be found here. Please submit nominations to BostonEducator@cityofboston.gov.

5. DCR Art Contest: The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking artists to paint wildlife and landscape scenes on 99 Iron Rangers, the narrow metal contribution containers located in parks across the state. Donations placed in the Iron Rangers directly benefit the state parks. Artists' proposals must be submitted by April 26. Selected artists will be notified by May 1, and the work must be completed by Aug. 30. Submissions should be sent to Sharon Hoey, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Suite 600, 251 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02114.

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