Arlene Besner, longtime principal of Howitt Middle School, will officially retire as of Feb. 1. Until that time, she will continue to work with new principal Luis Pena - whose first day on the job was Dec. 2 - to ease the transition of leadership. When Pena first heard about the impending vacancy at Howitt, he began researching the district, from the website to state education information. While he found all this research helpful, Pena felt he still needed to "meet" Farmingdale. FULL STORY

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto is seeking a $300,000 grant through the New York State Transportation Department Multi-Modal program for street lighting improvements along major roads in Massapequa, Farmingdale, Bethpage and neighboring communities. FULL STORY

The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 softball committee has selected two new inductees into the Softball Hall of Fame. On Thursday, a spokesperson for the lodge announced Joseph Contorno and Tommy McLoughlin would be inducted, in a ceremony to be held prior to the start of the 2003 softball season. FULL STORY

To celebrate the 2002 football and cheer-dance season, the Farmingdale Titans, Youth Football and Cheerleading will be holding a Spirit Awards Night on Friday, Jan. 24, at the Stuart Thomas Manor in Farmingdale at 7 p.m. FULL STORY