Five Things You Need to Know Today: January 15

in Oak Bluffs will have a special Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service this morning using excerpts from his sermons & other writings. 10 am.

2. in West Tisbury is offering a Gospel Spinning Class this morning. Featuring music from the civil rights movement, this class will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Free with Island Food Pantry donation. 10 am. For more information, or to reserve a bike, go to omofmotion.com.

3. There is a new workshop on Animal Skins at today in the Tipi. Gain experience in skinning animals and how to make skins useful. Participants will skin some smaller (road killed) animals, work on skins in different stages, clean and scrape deerskins and begin the tanning process. This workshop is geared towards adults and youth that can handle knives responsibly. Younger children are welcome to join and need to be accompanied by an adult. Dress in warm, outdoor clothing that can get dirty including gloves. Bring a good knife if you have one and a snack for your children. Sassafras will provide hot tea. $25 per person; $35 per parent and child; $40 max per family. 1 pm – 4 pm. For more information, call 508-645-2008.

4. Opera on Sundays returns to the in Vineyard Haven today with Verdi's "Nabucco.” "Nabucco" is a story of Nebuchadnezzar II who destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and put the Hebrews into captivity in Babylon. This is Opera at its grandest as 400 take to the stage at one of Europe's most popular open-air summer Opera Festivals (over 200,000 attend each year).  Admission: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors/Students. 1pm. For more information, call 508-627-5900.

-- An Educational Forum: Faces, Facts and Future takes place at the in Vineyard Haven this afternoon. The program consists of short video clips and informal discussions to follow from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm and will be followed by a Community supper at 5pm