Five Things You Need to Know Today: Nov. 8

1. Empty Bowls fundraiser. Newton South consumer science students will be showcasing their culinary talents tonight with delicious soup served inside beautiful bowls created by South ceramics students at the Empty Bowls fundraiser. The event, which benefits the Bristol Lodge Soup Kitchen, will start at 6 p.m. in the NSHS cafeteria. Admission is $10 and you can keep your bowl!

2. Go Tigers! The No. 1 Newton North girls' varsity volleyball team defeated No. 4 North Quincy last night 3-0 to advance to the Central-East Div. 1 finals. The finals will be played on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Babson College and Newton North will play the winner of a semifinal between Quincy and King Philip (played today).

3. Essay contest winners. In honor of Samuel Glass, a Newton community leader and activist who dedicated his life to public service, the Newton Free Library invited all Newton middle and high school students to participate in the "Politics of Inspiration" essay writing contest. The winners will be announced at the library today during a special reception starting at 4 p.m. The three winners will receive their cash prizes (first place $100, second place $50, third place $25) and the winner will read his essay.

4. Meet the artists. The Indalo Gallery and Studio in Newton Highlands will host a show opening tonight at 5:30 p.m. where you can meet artists and enjoy their art as well as light refreshments. The event is free.

5. Land Use. The Newton Board of Aldermen's Land Use Committee will meet tonight at 7 p.m. in room 222 at Newton City Hall. The committee will consider three items tonight, including a request to demolish the building at 429 Cherry St. and replace it with a three-story residential building. The agenda is available on the city's website.