For the 14th year in a row the folks of the Anton Community Newspaper family brought in toys to donate to the Toys for Tots Drive. This year, however, the group collected more toys than ever. Major Chuck Kilbride, who is in charge of the drive for the east coast, stopped by to pick them up. With him are Jackie Pierangelo, Barbara Holubar, Carol Kanawanda, Carol Pytel, Anton Newspaper Publisher Angela Susan Anton, Thomas McKeown, Sheila Ferrari. Kneeling Wendy Kreitzman and Joe Rizza. FULL STORY

Nassau County's Department of Social Services (DSS) failed to take photographic "finger-images" of most applicants for public benefits as a condition of eligibility, as required under New York State law, according to a new audit issued today by Nassau County Comptroller Howard S. Weitzman. FULL STORY

While many local boating enthusiasts have put their crafts away for the long winter, here's a reminder that the next boating season is not too far off. The National Boat Show is about to get underway at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, just a short distance from Penn Station. The MTA Long Island Rail Road's special National Boat Show Package, good from Dec. 27 through Jan. 4, allows LIRR customers to save on travel and admission to the boat show. In addition, a free shuttle bus operates between Penn Station and the Javits Center for LIRR customers attending the show. FULL STORY