Five Things to Know Today: Tue, Feb 15

1. Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America who recently published a new book, A Chance to Make History, will give an at the at 6 p.m. Teach for America works to send recent college graduates to teach in urban and rural public schools to help eliminate educational equality. Kopp's new book addresses what works, and what doesn't. She'll also be available to sign copies.

2. Didn't get anything from Tiffanys for Valentine's Day? You can still get your fix by swinging by the Ayer Mansion for the 's wine tasting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Built between 1899 and 1902 for art collector Frederick Ayer, the mansion is the country's only surviving residence designed entirely by the famed  Louis Comfort Tiffany. Designs include stone and glass mosaics, graceful metalwork, Favrile glass, custom furniture, intricate plaster work, and elaborate stained glass windows that all work together to create a masterpiece. Tickets are $25 and contact Kay Nagle at kaynagle@verizon.net to be added to the list.

3. Like Flogging Molly? Through Newbury Comics, three lucky winners can score a pair of tickets to see the Celtic-punk, foot-stomping band at the House of Blues on Sunday, Feb. 27. Opening that evening, at 6:30 p.m., are Moneybrothers and Drowning Men. Enter to win here. And enter soon, because the contest ends on Feb. 20. Also look for the new Flogging Molly album coming this May.

4. French...it's the language of love. And you can master, well, the basics, in one week. Sign up for the $415 course ($395 for members) at the . Classes are from 9 a.m. - noon the week of Feb. 21 - 25, or Feb. 28 - March 4.

5. We got a taste of spring on Monday. And Mother Nature is a tease. Temperatures are back down, for a blustery day with a high of 23 degrees. At least we'll see the sun.