FIVE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY: Free Stuff, Beard Contest, Fiery Food & More

To the Somerville Arts Council, a beard is not just facial hair, it’s “art on your face.” The council’s annual All-American Beard & Mustache Competition (March 19) celebrates everything from classic full beards and handlebar mustaches to goatees, sideburns and flipped out free-style facial hair. The follicle-challenged are also invited to compete in the fake beard category. Start now and you still have time to grow your entry. Register by March 11. Details . Video from last year’s contest here.

Free Stuff If You Donate to the Somerville Museum by Feb. 14:

The Somerville Museum could loose $30,000 in matching funds that they need for roof repairs if they do not receive enough matching donations from the community by Feb. 14. To sweeten the deal, if you donate $50 by Valentines Day, you’ll get the following in thanks. If just 600 people donate $50 each, they’ll reach their goal. Full story . Donation details here:

• A free one-year membership to the Somerville Museum, which is good for a 10% discount at the Museum store
• A free one year membership in Historic Somerville
• A souvenir pin that you can wear with pride
• A piece of the old roof slate

Check Out Citizen Somerville: Growing Up with the Winter Hill Gang at the Library:

The library recently purchased copies of this memoir by Somerville insider turned author Bobby Martini. Great interview with Martini . Or if you prefer, read another recent purchase: Troll Attack. This children’s easy reader by Allison Lasseur is about Medieval trolls somehow made out of Legos.

Hot Can You Handle? Thai Spice Challenge Tonight:

Holy Scoville Scale, Batman, is turning up the bird’s eye chili heat at tonight’s Thai Tapas Tuesday. Dishes will be authentically fiery. Salvation will be provided by Berkshire Brewing Co.’s, Dave Keating, who “will pour three Berkshire brews to soothe enflamed palates.” Details here.

Ongoing Towing Alert:

The City is working to clear snow banks from the streets so that cars can park closer to the curbs, but hazardous conditions remain on many streets where passage is not wide enough for emergency vehicles to pass. As a last resort some cars are being towed to clear the way. Please see our tips on how to help and not get towed . Full story .

Looking for more things to do in Somerville?

Be sure to check our Events Calendar here.