5 Things You Need To Know Today—Wednesday, April 18

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1) Chill: Not really, but it'll feel colder after the last two days. Sunny, with a high near 59. North wind between 8 and 11 mph. Tonight, partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Southeast wind at 7 mph becoming west. (Forecast by the National Weather Service.)

2) Break to your crib change your clothes once more, cause you're invited to a barbecue that's starting at: Noon! That doesn't rhyme. Sorry Fresh Prince. After the cancellation of the Winter Festival in February, the city looked to do something during spring vacation instead. So There will be a passenger train giving kids rides (pictured), a magician and balloon artist, and lots of food and fun activities. Please park at the , 409 Upham St.—there will be free shuttle buses bringing people up to Mount Hood. Only golfers will be allowed to park at Mount Hood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

3) We're talking softball, from Maine to San Diego: MHS Softball player Kaitlin Carson is spearheading a gently used softball equipment collection. and donated to the International Softball Federation for distribution to nations around the world. Items needed include, gloves, bats, helmets, large equipment bags, and cleats. Contact michelle.carson@comcast.net if you have items to donate, but can't make it to the Common.

4) Don’t let anyone say that it's just a game: Join the A portion of all sales will be generously donated by Liberty Bell to MNLL. MNLL raffle tickets will also be on sale the night of the event.

5) Whatever happened to Tuesday and so slow: What did happen to Tuesday? It's Wednesday and here's today's lineup of weekly columns that run each Wednesday on Melrose Patch:

• Poll of the Week: We'll run a poll every Wednesday asking you to weigh in with a quick click on the topic du jour. We'll compile the answers into an article next Tuesday.

• Get Out: Looking for something to do this weekend? Our roundup of stuff to do this weekend in Melrose now runs on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. (Giving you more time in advance of Thursday night events.)

Check our calendar for the full slate of events—and add your own!