Over 70 local residents attended the March 11 kickoff rally for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life at Farmingdale State University. The event is scheduled for this summer and plans are already under way. The university will be the host of the relay for the first time this year. Relay For Life is an overnight celebration of hope, progress and answers held in honor and celebration of millions of Americans who have survived cancer, to remember those who lost their lives to cancer and to raise funds to fight the disease. FULL STORY

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto recently announced the winners of the fifth annual Town of Oyster Bay 2003 "Women of Distinction" awards. The town bestows this honor upon local residents annually in the month of March, which is Women's History Month. Until the end of December 2002, residents had the opportunity to nominate somebody they felt met the criteria and distinguished themselves in one of eight categories, including the arts, business, community and civic affairs, education, government, health services, humanitarian and volunteer. FULL STORY

The Columbus Lodge #2143 is currently accepting resumes for their 25th annual scholarship program for graduating seniors with a 75 percent or above average grade and who attend Farmingdale, Massapequa, Bethpage or Plainedge High School. The lodge will give out $500 scholarships to eight lucky students (two from each high school). FULL STORY

Vytra Health Plans and the Greater Long Island Running Club are combining their resources on Saturday morning, April 12, to stage the Vytra Human Race 5 Kilometer Run, with the entire proceeds of the run to be turned over to the Developmental Disabilities Institute. Runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes from all areas are encouraged to participate. FULL STORY