Five Things You Need to Know Today: Aug. 9

1. Crystal Lake still closed. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health informed the city yesterday that , as the algae in the lake is still at an unsafe level. The Mass DPH will do another water test next week, at which point the city will again consider whether to reopen the lake. 

2. Art reception. The will hold a reception tonight at 7 p.m. for its newest art exhibit, "Fluids", by Mark J. Stock. The exhibit will be on display for the month of August. 

3. Win a seat at a local supper club.  in West Newton is holding monthly family-style supper clubs featuring four seasonally themed courses at a fixed price. This month, Lumiere will give one of its Twitter followers two free seats at the August 29 tomato and corn themed supper club. To enter the drawing, just follow Lumiere (@LumiereNewton) on Twitter by Friday, August 24. On August 24, Lumiere will select a follower at random, and announce the winner on Twitter.

4. Middle Essex Softball League. The Newton Panthers Blue 14A softball team will face the Methuen Majesty team tonight at 7:45 p.m. at Albemarle Field in Newton (250 Albemarle Road). 

5. Have you voted?  Vote for your favorite local businesses (as nominated by readers) in 25 different categories. The winners will be announced later this summer.