5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 6

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. The end of the winter parking ban is approaching, but not before another big storm. With an expected snowfall Thursday of up to 12 inches, according to some meteorologists, it's worth reminding people that the winter parking ban is in effect through March 15. It prevents parking from midnight to 6 a.m. on town streets.

2. Are you an unheard talent? The Milford Performing Arts Center will conduct auditions for the Sound of Music beginning on Sunday. The show will require performers aged 8 to 25. See the event details for more information.

3. Newly seated U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III is a co-sponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013. Introduced in the House and Senate Tuesday, the act, according to a press release "will raise the minimum wage to $10.10 over the next three years, hike the tipped minimum wage and tie future annual increases to the rate of inflation. The minimum wage is now $7.25 an hour, putting the yearly earned income for a minimum wage worker around $15,000 per year — $3,000 dollars below the poverty line for a family of three."

4. Do you know a non-profit leader who is worthy of recognition? The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network is seeking nominations for the fifth annual Nonprofit Excellence Awards. The awards recognize the work of exceptional nonprofits and nonprofit leaders across the state. Nominations for the 2013 Excellence Awards may be made in seven categories: advocacy, board leadership, collaboration, communications, innovation, leadership and young nonprofit professional. Nominate a nonprofit in your community by March 12. Full descriptions of the awards and nomination forms are available here.

5. The Milford Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking lunch, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, at the Alamo Restaurant. Lunch is included in the price of $12, but registration is required because space is limited. Email the chamber to register for the event.