Five Things You Need to Know Today: March 9

1. It's Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, which is the six-week preparation period before Easter that many Christian denominations practice. Ash Wednesday is observed by Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian churches. If you are looking for a church of one of these denominations, scroll down to the end of this article for the list of churches of these denominations in our directory.

2. Tonight, as the Washington State Department of Transportation tests the new tolling equipment installed on the bridge. Both lanes are expected to be open by 5 a.m.

3. Do you know a high school junior or senior who wants to be a police officer? The Washington State Patrol is accepting applications to the annual Youth Law Enforcement Career Camp in at the Washington State Patrol Academy in Shelton. The camp is from July 24 - 30, 2011 and is funded through the Washington Kiwanis clubs. The deadline to apply is May 13.

4. Just in time for Saint Patrick's Day, at Bill The Butcher in downtown Bellevue, butcher and chef John Neumark will demonstrate a traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie tomorrow, March 10, from 6- 7 p.m. The class is free but space is limited..

5. Do you fancy yourself an entertainer? Try your comedy skills at the open mic at in Lincoln Square. Sign up starts at 7 p.m. sharp. Is karaoke more your thing? Try .

These denominations traditionally observe Ash Wednesday. Call to find out the times of their Ash Wednesday services. The Patch directory also has links to the church's websites where you can look for an Ash Wednesday service.

• 4400 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, 425-747-6770
• 141 156th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-747-4450

• 3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, 425-822-7907
• 2650 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-746-2529
• 5501 148th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-881-2925
• 16231 NE 6th St, Bellevue, 425-401-1595
• 9625 NE 8th St, Bellevue, 425-454-4344 
• 411 156th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-746-7300
• 3730 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-746-1711

• 14230 SE Newport Way, Bellevue,  425-746-9800
• 17222 NE 8th St, Bellevue, 425-747-3210 
• 1934 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-454-2059

• 10936 NE 24th St, Bellevue, 425-454-1247
• 1836 156th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-746-8080 
• 3105 125th Ave SE, Bellevue, 425-562-9191 
• 1717 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 425-454-3082
• Newport Presbyterian Church, 4010 120th Avenue SE, Bellevuem 425-746-6111
  

• , 4228 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, 425-746-6650
• 1307 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, 425-646-1136
• 15220 Main St, Bellevue, 425-746-0322