The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) hosted a public information meeting last week regarding soil contamination at Bethpage Community Park, located on the west side of Stewart Avenue near its intersection with Cherry Avenue. The 18-acre park, which is used by many Town of Oyster Bay residents, is currently owned by the Town of Oyster Bay and includes a swimming pool, playground, baseball field and picnic area. In early May, Town Supervisor John Venditto ordered the park be closed until further investigations could be completed. At the meeting, DEC officials deemed Bethpage Community Park ready to be opened, but residents weren't quick to agree. FULL STORY

The Joint Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment recently reduced the number of Congressional Districts (C.D.) throughout the state from 31 to 29. The change, made every 10 years in an effort to ensure that citizens are appropriately represented by their elected officials, has resulted in a dramatic population increase in the 3rd C.D., which includes Farmingdale and currently falls under the jurisdiction of Congressman Peter King. FULL STORY

On June 8, Long Island Systems Distributor Inc. ("LISD") was crowned co-ed softball tournament champion, at the 8th Annual Business Cares for Kids Sports Festival, after a 7-4 victory over the team from the Roslyn Savings Bank. The team from LISD, Inc. will play against players from the New York Jets and New York Power, later this month. The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions recovered from an opening round loss to run the table and emerge as the Conciliation Round Champions. FULL STORY

Undefeated Mers Ale House pulled out a thrilling victory against Barboy in the last inning to win their seventh victory by the score of 14-13. George Cohan had one of the best nights at bat that has been seen in the league this year. Cohan went 4-4 with 5 RBIs and added 3 monster home runs over the right center field fence. It was an awesome display. Rich Lewis and Joe Fanning went 3-3 while Joe Girimonte and Bill Sutherland went 3-4. Bodine, Tim Fitzpatrick, Tom Vella, and Ed Healy all went 2-3. Sutherland and Byron Bodine each added 2 RBIs. Mers faces Singleton's this week and the winner of that game will take over sole possession of first place in the top American League conference. FULL STORY