On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the United Community Fund of Great Neck and North New Hyde Park proudly kicked of its 52nd annual campaign to help make Great Neck a better place to live and work. Begun in 1954 by a group of visionary volunteers, UCF has raised millions of dollars to improve the quality of life in Great Neck. FULL STORY

After a four-hour, packed house public hearing, the park district commissioners approved a budget for 2006 for $10,489,149 in spending. The increase of $358,398 from the 2005 budget amounts to a 3.8 percent increase. Given the fact that there is a $250,107 fund balance and an anticipated $2,360,000 in revenues, it will be necessary to raise $7,879,042 in taxes. The Town of North Hempstead will also hold a public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 10 to review the park budget and give it a final approval. FULL STORY

After being deferred from the Academy the first time he applied, freshman engineering major, midfielder Chris Flanagan leads the Mariners and the Skyline conference in assists per game with .47 and is eighth in the conference in points per game at 1.18, proving to the world that if at first you don't succeed try, try again. FULL STORY

Orange and navy uniforms cover the field. Fans are on their feet, cheering on the sidelines. Teammates congratulate one another. The spirit and camaraderie are evident as the team counts down the final minute on a crisp autumn afternoon. The clock counts down the final seconds: three ... two ... one. The whistle blows and the Rebels win 2-1, their first victory of the season. FULL STORY