Patricia Dejewski's sixth-graders at Albany Avenue Elementary School in Farmingdale sent their own money to President Bush in response to his request that each child in America send $1 to help the children of Afghanistan. In sending the funds, Dejewski saw an opportunity for her students to communicate their feelings to the president, and asked her students, "What do you want to tell President Bush when we mail him our money?" The youngsters replied with letters to the president, expressing a variety of sentiments. FULL STORY

Farmingdale's holiday season officially began last Wednesday with the annual lighting of the Village Tricentennial tree. Beginning at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5, several local residents, village officials and other dignitaries gathered on Village Green outside Village Hall on Main St. to light the tree and kick off the holiday season. FULL STORY

Due to the approaching holidays and early deadline and production schedules, the drop box at Farmingdale Village Hall for the Farmingdale Observer will be checked on Thursday, Dec. 20 after 1 p.m. The following week, the drop box will be checked on Friday, Dec. 28 after 1 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate residents' cooperation. FULL STORY

Making history as the first football team to win a Long Island Championship at Farmingdale is very special. Much has been made of championship rings, as they would be a well-deserved keepsake for the boys to commemorate a special accomplishment. FULL STORY