Five Things You Need To Know Today: April 29

1) I don’t know if you know how much I love karaoke, but if you’re like me, you want to know that DJ Thump is laying down the tracks at , 550 106th Ave NE, tonight from 10 p.m. – 1:15 a.m. In addition to the gossamer sounds of your fellow singers, enjoy happy hour prices on appetizers and local brewery favorites.

2) Let’s all go on an tonight at , 5808 Lakemont Blvd SE. Discover what owl species live in the Pacific Northwest. Then take a night hike with the Rangers to look for owls and other nocturnal wildilfe in the park. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for the journey. Ages 6Y and up. The cost is $3 per person; register at http://bellevuewa.gov/pdf/Parks/lewis_creek_programs_spring_2011.pdf, and look for me there with my son.

3) If you're more of a day owl, there are multiple things going on at , at 1625 118th Ave SE,  this weekend. On Friday, April 29, at 5 p.m., enjoy the movie Blue Planet’s - Tidal Seas. The sun and moon move billions of tons of water around the world with every turn of the tide. With the strongest and weakest of tides, the coastal landscape changes, and strand sea creatures and control their movements. Approx. 50 min. Best for age 10+. On Sunday, May 1, join a Park Ranger in the Douglas Fir Community Room at 2:30 p.m., to discover “Great Migrations” Wildlife migrations are among the most fascinating events of the natural world.  Did you know that a monarch butterfly migrates 2,500 miles or the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates 620 miles? Find out who travels here and around the world. All ages welcome, and the program is free.

4) The Newport Way Library is celebrating its at 14250 SE Newport Way, Bellevue, with community leaders, library staff, neighbors and others, after months of construction. This week also sees the closure of the temporary Factoria mall library, which allowed families in the Newport area to check out and return books.

5) A fundraiser is coming up this weekend in nearby Renton:  turns 2 in April, and is throwing a birthday party, with delicious desserts and fun games, we will have a great auction and wonderful speakers.  Bring birthday party supplies or toys to receive tickets for a fun raffle.  Check back frequently as the day approaches to view the exciting items up for auction. While the adults are having fun at our auction, the kids will be having their own party!   The children's party features inflatables, craft projects, games, clowns and more.  It will be similar to the group parties that we put on at homeless shelters throughout the Puget Sound region. The cost is $20 per person, or $30 per couple, and kids are free.