July 11: Five Things You Need to Know Today

Good Monday to you, Little Neck. Five things!

1. Nikki Blonski, who starred in the 2007 movie "Hairspray" alongside the likes of John Travolta and Queen Latifah, is currently employed a Great Neck shoe store, the Daily Mail reports. Head to Steven Dann on Middle Neck Road if you want Blonski's autograph or new wedge heels.

2. Bastille Day is on Thursday. You don't have to be French to appreciate the value of a good fortress-storming, so we'll have some ways of celebrating locally coming at you later this week.

3. Did you meet this week's team of Whiz Kids? If not, you may do so here.

4. The Douglaston Green Market is officially open! Check back in a bit for Douglaston editor Nathan Duke's coverage of the market's debut.

5. In addition to sun screen, you may as well slather yourself in bug repellent, too - mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been identified