5 Things You Need to Know Today in Hopkinton, March 8, 2011

1. Today is Fat Tuesday, the conclusion of Mardi Gras. Expect scantily clad dancers in the streets. You may not notice amid all the regular street-dancing but some of those people are celebrating Mardi Gras! 

Nick's Bar and Bistro celebrates with with the toes-tapping, hand-clapping Dixieland of the "Black Sheep Jazz Band." No cover. Laissez les bons temps rouler. 124 Millbury St., Worcester.

2. Speaking of bon temps, the is on an exciting post-season run. Pack up the kids, make a hotel reservation near the Peter Asiaf Field House at Massasoit Community College where the Hillers will play the Bishop Feehan Shamrocks at 7:45. Google maps says it takes one hour to get there so give yourself 90 minutes.

3. You missed today's Free Coworking Day at the Zen Bungalow but don't miss , when Hopkinton Patch will be there.  Free Coworking Day is when consultants, freelancers, entrepreneurs and location-independent small business owners try out the the zen-like business clarity sharing a business environment can bring to your workday. 15 Main St., Hopkinton. Free but you must register in advance.

4. In the spirit of spring and planning ahead, the Weston Nurseries Landscape Department and the Garden Center are offering a free seminar on Landscaping your Home, Saturday morning, March 12, at 10. Free. No pre-registration required. Learn how to visualize a new landscape, draw it and do it. In the building that houses the Floral Shop (Geenhouse 3). 508-435-3414.

5. With the snow melting, the sun shining and special Town Meeting in less than two weeks, Hopkinton politics is warming up. The Americans With Disabilities Act Oversight Committee, the Appropriations Committee, the Downtown RevitalizatioCommittee and the Marathon Fund Committee all meet tonight. My favorite is the Board of Selectmen. Lots of interesting talk on a variety of subjects but I can't make it tonight. Say hello to Mary Pratt for me.