5 Things You Need to Know Today

Welcome back from the weekend, Douglaston.

It's a busy week coming up. On Wednesday, Douglaston Patch will launch new features for local parents and, on Thursday, we will debut Must-See Day. Check back later this week to find out more.

Also, make sure you read our top stories from the weekend, including a piece on  the National Art League's new show and a rundown of Alley Pond Environmental Center's February classes for children.

Keep an eye out today for Walter Mugdan's latest installment of The Conservation Conversation.

Here are 5 Things You Need to Know Today:

1. State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, took the oath during a district swearing-in ceremony at Queensborough Community College. The story will be up soon.

2. Read our story on the National Art League's small works exhibit and Alley Pond's upcoming programs.

3. Drop by later this morning for The Conservation Conversation, a column written by Udalls Cove Preservation Committee President Walter Mugdan.

4. Stop by Wednesday to find out more about new content we will post for local parents and Thursday for Must See Day, which will include a list of top spots for the weekend and a column on the community's best eateries.

5. Check out our calendar today to find out more about a dinner being hosted by the Samuel Field Y at Great Neck's Cafe Rustica.