New York State Assemblyman James Conte hosted a ceremony Nov. 10 in which he awarded New York State's highest military honor, the Conspicuous Service Cross, as well as the New York State Conspicuous Service Star and the New York State Medal for Merit to area veterans. The ceremony was held at the VFW Post No. 1469 in Huntington Station where over 50 veterans received commendations. FULL STORY

Plans are rapidly taking shape for the Village of Farmingdale's 100th anniversary celebration of incorporation, which will take place during the year of 2004. Festivities will include a carnival, parade and street fair in July, as well as a host of other events throughout the year, all focusing on the centennial theme. FULL STORY

Be certain to mark the date on your Daler calendar now! The Friends of Farmingdale Athletics (FFA) will hold its next general meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8 in the Community Center at Allen Park beginning at 7:30 p.m. It will be sponsored in partnership with the Farmingdale High School Varsity Leaders Club and will include presentations to those student-athletes who have been featured in the Spotlight sections in the weekly Focus articles published by the Farmingdale Observer highlighting various Varsity sports teams. There is a good chance the Farmingdale "Daler" will make a personal appearance. Don't be late. FULL STORY

Some of the Farmingdale Swim Club members participated in the "Thanksgiving Classic" meet sponsored by the Long Island Aquatic Club. The meet was held at the Nassau County Aquatics Center at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Thanksgiving weekend. Members of the senior, junior and developmental teams competed in various events, according to their age group. Younger swimmers swam the AM sessions on Saturday and Sunday, while the senior swimmers swam in the evenings. FULL STORY