Five Things You Need to Know Today: April 24

1. Encountering Slavery and Race in New England. E. Benjamin Skinner, an award-winning author and journalist, will give a presentation tonight at the  titled "Encountering Slavery and Race in New England." The event, which is being put on by Historic Newton, begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. 

2. Erik's Pizza has a new look. , located at 549 Commonwealth Avenue, has officially reopened as The Mediterranean Grill and specializes in Middle Eastern, Russian and Armenian food. The revamped business held a grand reopening last night. 

3. Morgan Place Fire Fund. Donations are still being sought for the victims of . Those who are interested in helping out the two families displaced by the fire can make donations to the at any local Village Bank. 

4. Story time at the Auburndale Community Library. Need something to do today with the little one? Stop by the  around 10:15 a.m. for . The story time is open to parents and caregivers with toddlers or preschoolers.

5. Rain barrel pick-up. Did you purchase a rain barrel from the city? Barrel pick-up will be held today from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Rumford Avenue Recycling Dept. (Note: barrels had to be purchased by April 16 for pick-up today).