Five Things You Need to Know Today: August 18

1. The Run For Jabberwocky 5K Fundraiser happens today. The 5K begins at 9 am at the Farm Institute and the half-mile fun run starts at 10:15 am. $25 in advance and $30 on race day. For more information visit : runforjabberwocky.com.

2. There is a event today at in Oak Bluffs. The second annual Jazz on the Vineyard festival proceeds benefits Student Achievement Through Opportunity (SATO). Bring family and friends for a delightful day in support of a worthy cause. $75. Noon - 6:00 pm. Doors open at 11:00 am. For more information, email info@jazzonthevineyard.org or phone 888-565-9397.

3. Today at the home of Jacquelyn Shropshire in West Tisbury, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education fund is hosting an event “Hijacking Democracy: Voter Suppression and the 2012 Elections.” This free public forum, led by Debo Adegbile and Lani Guinier and moderated by Callie Crossley to discuss the impact that voter suppression laws in various states across the country could have on the elections in 2012. RSVP required at mbush@naacpldf.org or call 212.965.2219

4. continues tonight at in Oak Bluffs. Drum Circle begins at 7:30pm. (All acoustic musicians are invited to join in!) Dance performances begin at 8pm. The program is different each night and all shows are family friendly. As ever, the shows are free to the public and audiences many come and go as they please. FREE. Donations at the door welcome! No reservations necessary. 

5. Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is scheduled to make a brief trip to the Vineyard for a private fundraising event this evening at the home of Kate and Jim Sims in Farm Neck in Oak Bluffs. There will be an 11 am VIP reception for those contributing or raising over $50,000 per person; at 11:30 am, there will be a photo reception for those who raise $25,000 or contribute $10,000 per person and at 12 noon there will be a general reception requiring a contribution of $2,500. Resort casual attire is requested.