Five Things You Need to Know Today: May 16

Five Things You Need to Know Today is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance.

1. This week, our Best of Patch Readers’ Choice Poll asks, what is the ? Vote for your favorite place, tell us why in the comments and then go to Patch Places and give your nominee a review.

2. The Grand Arrival takes place at the today at 3 pm. Ship tours will take place from 4 pm - 6 pm. For more information, call 508-627-4441 ext. 110.

3. Author this evening at the . Dresser’s book chronicles the 1884 City of Columbus shipwreck off Gay Head. Twenty-eight years before the Titanic, in 1884, the steamship City of Columbus ran aground off Gay Head. Although the ship was fully equipped with life jackets and lifeboats, more than a hundred passengers and crew drowned in the frigid waters.  At the time, it was the most disastrous shipwreck off the New England coast. Free. 5:30 pm.

4. The at in West Tisbury continues tonight with Alexandra Styron discussing her book, Reading My Father. Hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments will be served. Proceeds benefit the Foundation. $75 per person. Space is limited. 5:30 pm. For more information, or to make reservations, call Carol Brush at 508-693-3489.

5. There is a Ukulele Jam at in Oak Bluffs tonight. Free. 7 pm - 9 pm. For more information, call 508-693-1850 or visit featherstoneart.org.