Five Things You Need to Know Today, March 18

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for increasing clouds, with a high temperature near 35 degrees. On Monday night, snow will develop with a low temperature near 29 degrees.

2. City Council meeting: The Portsmouth City Council will hold a work session at 6 p.m. to discuss a $3.3 million bond request for the Portsmouth Middle School addition project followed by their regular meeting at 7 p.m. The agenda can be viewed on the city's website.

3. Listen to the music: Portsmouth is celebrating “Music in Our Schools Month” throughout March and this Wednesday Grades 5-12 will perform at 7 p.m. at Portsmouth High School. There is a suggested donation of $2 for adults.

4. Downtown bars celebrate St. Patty's Day: Several Portsmouth restaurants and pubs rolled out the green carpet for patrons eager to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Sunday. .

5. AARP to offer free tax assistance: The AARP will offer Portsmouth area residents free 2012 income tax return preparation assistance at the Portsmouth Public Library through Sunday, April 14. The service will offered from 4:30 p.m.  to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sundays. People should call 2-1-1 to make an appointment and walk-ins are also welcome.