Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 8

1. Tickets for Newton Family Singers. The Newton Family Singers will celebrate the music of Carole King and Joni Mitchell tomorrow at 4 p.m. in a fall concert at Memorial-Spaulding Elementary auditorium. Online ticket sales for the concert end today. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children. Tickets will also be sold at the door tomorrow.

2. West Newton Ca$h Mob. Show some support for local business today at the West Newton Ca$h Mob. During the event, shoppers are encouraged to spend at least $10 at local West Newton businesses. The one-hour event will kick off at Morningsilver Gallery at 10 a.m. and end at Keltic Krust at 11 a.m. 

3. Holiday cookie sale. St. Mary's Church in Lower Falls is hosting a holiday cookie sale today from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes cookies, candies, tea breads, jams and jellies. 

4. Hobbit Party. In advance of the movie The Hobbit, which comes out next week, the Newton Free Library is hosting a Hobbit Party this afternoon with fun, food, games and more. The event starts at 2 p.m. and will be held in the library's Druker Auditorium.

5. Gala Concert. The winners of the Totenberg String Competition will give a gala concert today at 4 p.m. at the Newton Cultural Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/students.