Five Things You Need to Know Today: March 21

1. Historic Newton Book Club. The Historic Newton Book Club will meet tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Homestead & Museum. During this month's meeting, the book club will discuss "A Murder in Virginia: Southern Justice on Trial" by Suzanne Lebsock. The book club is free and open to the public and new members are always welcome.

2. School Committee. The Newton School Committee will begin its budget deliberations tonight. The committee will meet at 7 p.m. in the Education Center to discuss budgets for regular instruction (elementary, middle and high schools), professional development and technology. To read more about the School Department's fiscal 2014 budget, check out this story.

3. Scrimmage. The Newton North boys' varsity lacrosse team will face the Belmont Hill School this afternoon in a scrimmage. The game will take place at 4 p.m. in Newton North's Dickinson Stadium.

4. Newton Upper Falls Area Council. The Newton Upper Falls Area Council will meet tonight at 7 p.m. in the Emerson Community Center. Tonight's agenda includes a housing development discussion, an Add-a-Lane project update, info on NewtonSERVES and an update from the Emerson Playground Replacement Committee. The full agenda is available online.

5. Casino Night. The Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce will host a Casino Night tonight at Mr. Sid in Newton Centre from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The evening will include friendly gabling, food from The Biltmore, drinks, prizes and, of course, networking. The event will benefit the Newton Cultural Alliance. Tickets are $40 for Chamber members, $50 for the general public and $60 at the door. Ages 21 and up.