Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 18

1. There's a wintering animals ranger presentation at, at 5808 Lakemont Blvd. SE, today from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Where do animals go in winter? How do even the tiny ones survive the harsh winter conditions? Find out how animals adapt to winter. Touch some real animal pelts and play the role of hibernating animals. Ages 6+. Cost $5.

2. Alice Stuart & The Formerlys will perform at , 15600 NE 8th, from 7 – 9:30 p.m.

3. On this day in 1996, the Oakland, Calif., school district took the controversial step of recognizing Black English -- more formally known as African American Vernacular English --- as a distinct language.

4. There will be a Holiday Ball from 7 - 10:30 p.m., with refreshments and a dance lesson by USA Dance, at the  4063 148th Ave NE.

5. If today is your birthday, you could share a cake with actor Brad Pitt, born in 1964 in Shawnee, Okla.