5 Things You Need to Know Today: May 16

1. Newton Upper Falls Area Council Meeting. Interested in the projects and issues affecting Upper Falls? The May meeting of the Newton Upper Falls Area Council takes place tonight at 7 at the Emerson Community Center. Come learn about the latest updates. Anyone is welcome to attend.

2. Artist Talk at the Library. Chawky Frenn will be at the Newton Free Library tonight to offer his talk "Transforming Walls into Bridges." The talk focuses on how Frenn's paintings "give a voice to his belief in the nobility and the dignity of being human."

3. Felting Class. Indalo Gallery and Studio in Newton Highlands will introduce students to felting this afternoon at 2 p.m. with a Felting 101 class. The class is geared to kids 12 and older and the fee is $20, which includes materials for one creation.

4. Volunteers Needed. Newton at Home is looking for individuals wiling to drive older adults to destinations within Newton, neighboring towns, and to downtown hospitals and Logan Airport.

5. Early Morning Cyclists. If you happen to be an early riser reading this "5 Things" article before heading to work, be aware that there's a commuter bike trip planned from Whole Foods on Walnut into the Longwood Medical Area. The group planned to depart at about 6:30 a.m. and pick up other riders in Newton Centre at about 6:50 a.m. So if you're reading this article much after 7:30 a.m., just be your typical safe-driving self.