Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 12

1. Author event. Author Samuel Shem will visit the New England Mobile Book Fair this evening to talk about his book The Spirit of the Place. The free event starts at 7 p.m.

2. Blood drive. The Newton Free Library will host a blood drive today from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., according to its website. 

3. Happy Birthday Village 14! The Village 14 blog will mark its first birthday with a party at Mick Morgan's Pub tonight. Stop by between 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. to celebrate! 

4. "12-12-12" Concert. Huge names in music are lending their talents to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts at the “12-12-12” concert tonight. The Concert for Sandy Relief will be broadcast live from Madison Square Garden via a global network of US and international television stations, Clear Channel radio stations and leading web sites. Check out this article for more information. 

5. Newton North parking plan. A community meeting will be held tonight on the proposed changes to parking regulations on streets in the vicinity of Newton North High School. The public will be allowed to comment on the plan during the meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Newton North lecture hall.