Mangano Looks to Work With Democratic Administration for a Better Nassau -- Edward P. Mangano, the veteran Republican legislator representing Hicksville, was installed for a fourth term last week, during inaugural ceremonies that saw a Democratic-controlled county administration come to power for the first time in decades in Nassau. FULL STORY

Next week, the Hicksville Board of Education will present community taxpayers with the details of a proposed $42 million bond issue to address a broad spectrum of infrastructure projects that would touch virtually every student in the district. The projects range from boiler replacements, to fire alarm upgrades, to additional science rooms. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 8:15 p.m., at the Hicksville High School auditorium on Division Avenue. FULL STORY

Back in July when I was asked to be the Great Long Island Running Club's director for the annual Athletes for Life Blood Drive, who would have imagined that come December we'd be living in a changed world? The unspeakable acts that were brought upon our nation have become an indelible part of the rest of our lives. In the aftermath of Sept. 11, the outpouring of generosity, goodwill, patriotism, and compassion has truly been a silver lining during this darkest time. People giving of themselves with no thought of something in return have become the rule not the exception. This was evidenced on Dec. 29 at the 12th annual Athletes for Life Blood Drive. I can only hope and pray that these positive changes that made this year's Blood Drive a success are here to stay, and that our changed world will also, in some ways, be a better one. FULL STORY

Joseph Barry Council #2520, Knights of Columbus will sponsor a Youth Free Throw Championship. All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition to be held Saturday, Jan. 19, at noon in Msgr. Tarrant Hall at St. Ignatius Loyola School. FULL STORY