As the Great Neck Public Schools' Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program completes its first year, and anticipates a second year, Sheila Terens, assistant superintendent elementary schools, presented the board of education with a program update. Speaking at the board's May 13 meeting, Dr. Terens reported that ''a universal pre-kindergarten program was successfully established during the 2001-2002 school year, with 18 children at Parkville and two children whose families opted for the Great Neck Community pre-school, our collaborating community site.'' FULL STORY

The Asthma Clinical Research Center at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System is offering free medical help for patients suffering with asthma who are willing to participate in a research study. Patients who enroll in the study will receive free asthma examinations and testing, as well as free medication. These volunteers, who must be age 18 or older, will also be paid for their time and reimbursed for expenses. FULL STORY

The early bird tennis crowd gathered anxiously awaiting the starting time at Memorial Field outdoor courts on Wednesday, May 8. This was a little later than other years as the staff ran into several days of rain. The rain did have its benefits as this year the courts were the best in many years; of course the staff had a lot to do with it. It was a very fine day and included in one of the starting groups was Great Neck Park District Commissioner Ruth Tamarin. The crowd was appreciative of the park district effort and the work the staff has done. A good start. FULL STORY

Softball is fun. What's wrong with having fun? Softball is great fun --- just ask any member of the Great Neck North Varsity Softball team. If you were to watch the team during practice, you might see people waltzing around and having some idle conversations. But don't be fooled -- the team is actually very hard working and successful. The team had an amazing season this year. Led by senior captains Johanna Tucker and Katie McNabb, the team is undefeated in their conference. The record is 14 wins and four losses (only two teams in the leagues above in cross-over games). The girls even beat two teams, Malverne and Valley Stream North, in the league above. FULL STORY