The hour was early, his schedule brimming over, but state Senator Michael Balboni was full of energy and enthusiasm, as he took time for a surprisingly leisurely breakfast interview with the Great Neck Record last week. Topics ranged from homeland security to states' rights to school district financial accountability. And the senator was full of praise for the concerted efforts of the Great Neck VOA, as that body works toward a real local emergency management plan. FULL STORY

On April 5, the board of education approved a request from the Lockheed Martin Corporation to install an additional treatment method to oxidize a chemical that has shown up in air quality tests that are part of the ongoing monitoring of the groundwater cleanup. Even though the New York State Department of Health has concluded that the chemical, vinyl chloride, does not dissipate beyond the stack on the water treatment facility and poses no health hazard, the agreement between the school district and Lockheed Martin calls for an extra measure of caution. FULL STORY

Time to take out your golf shoes and join business leaders from across Long Island at the Long Island Business News first Annual Golf Classic Kick-Off Reception on Tuesday, April 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hofstra University Club in Hempstead. FULL STORY

Colton Schnall, a second grader at Lakeville School, just concluded the 2004-2005 ice hockey season with a 46 win/ 5 loss record with his travel team, the Long Island Edge. The season ended on a high note after winning the "Congressional Cup" tournament in Maryland, where the team went undefeated, and Colton, who plays right-wing, scored three goals in the championship round. FULL STORY