Five Things You Need to Know Today: February 12

1. There is a Slow Food Local Brunch and Discussion this morning at the . Come together with the farming community to discuss promoting local food and hear from the farmers regarding needs and challenges. Farmers, community members and local food lovers alike are all welcome. Brunch will be served at 10:00. Discussion to begin at 10:30. $7 per person.

2. There is a Vineyard Conservation Society Winter Walk today at in Oak Bluffs. Join Richard Toole for a walk through the interior woodland and learn about local bird diversity and habitat needs. 1 pm. For more information, call 508-693-9588 or visit vineyardconservation.org.

3. Pathways Projects Institutes presents , moderated by Fan Ogilvie, West Tisbury Poet Laureate at the this afternoon. Bring your original or favorite poems to share to the second annual Valentine's Celebration Reading. This will be the first of six winter to spring poetry readings. Light Fare Served / Free Admission. 4 pm – 6 pm.

4. There is public skating this afternoon at the . Rental skates and helmets available. Admission is $5; $2 for ages 5 and under and $15 per family. 3:30 pm – 4:50 pm. For more information, call 508-693-5329.

5. The first art opening of the 2012 Featherstone season happens today in the Virginia Weston Besse Gallery. Artists Collections – What Island Artists LOVE To Collect features the personal collections of approximately 30 artists who show at Featherstone. Exhibit continues through Feb. 29. 4 pm - 6 pm. For more information, call 508-693-1850 or visit featherstoneart.org.