March 5-6: Countdown to Spring

Welcome to the weekend, Little Neck! We're looking forward to at least a few hours of rest and relaxation as Mother Nature takes what we hope are the last gasps of winter.

Here are the 5 Things You Need to Know:

1. Forbes Magazine rated New York City as one of the nation's top ten toxic towns, with a total of five unhealthy quality days in 2009 and 4.1 million pounds of toxic substance releases.

2. Staff members of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., posted this haunting Facebook picture of the Congresswoman talking to a constituent on the morning of a shooting that left six people dead and Giffords with a devastating brain injury from which she is still struggling to recover.

3. In case you missed it: Queens Library put our yesterday to help a 'sister' cultural institution in need.

4. The Bayside Lady Commodores lost a tough game with Leon M. Goldstein in overtime last night, 55-52.

5. Alternate side parking rules are in effect Saturday.