Five Things You Need to Know Today: February 16

1. The Youth Task Force 5th Annual Middle School Parent is tonight at the . The Youth Task Force invites parents of 7th and 8th grade students to an evening of delicious food prepared by the MVRHS Culinary Arts program with discussion and resources to support you as your children transition through middle school and the high school. 6 pm. RSVP Requested: ytf.theresa@yahoo.com.

2. It’s for grades 6 - 12 at the tonight. Play Wii games, computer games, do crafts, watch movies, join books clubs, have parties and more. Events change weekly. 6 pm – 7:30 pm. For more information, call 508-696-4211.

3. The is hosting its very tonight. The Animal Shelter became a fully independent, federally chartered not for profit organization on January 1, 2012. The open house is open to all especially children and families to celebrate their new standing as a not-for-profit organization, and to say thanks for the community support and introduce staff, board of directors and pets. 6 pm – 8 pm. For more information about the event or if you’re interested in helping the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, call 508-627-8662.

4. In collaboration with , the gives you the opportunity to explore culture through cuisine. Tonight’s offering is . Join Elton Nascimento at the as he prepares bacalhau, a dish made with salted cod that has its roots in both Portuguese and Brasilian cuisine. $35 (plus a $10 material fee). Sign up for the series of five classes for $135, and save $40. Museum members, MVYPS staff, and seniors, take an additional 10% off on the series or each class. Bring a container for leftovers. 6:30 pm. For more information, or to register, call 508-627-4441 x110.

5. Tonight the Pathways Projects presents - the first in a winter series of Videography in Digital Media at the in Chilmark. Hosted by Richard Skidmore, the event will feature a screening of work made possible with digital media, followed by a discussion with the artists. Guests: Valerie Sonnenthal and Jeremy Mayhew. Refreshments will be served. Free. 8 pm – 10 pm. For more information, call 508 645 9098/9088