"We're an island, and no one is getting off," stated New York State Senator Michael Balboni, as he discussed emergency preparedness with editors of Anton Community Newspapers recently. Senator Balboni, who chairs the New York State Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, addressed his brand new committee report, "After the Storm ... New York's State of Readiness." And while the state has made some improvements in countering a catastrophic event, the senator gave barely passing grades to both Nassau County and Suffolk County. FULL STORY

At the last Herricks School Board meeting the latest winners of the Herricks Community Fund Mini-Grants were announced by Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Deirdre Hayes. All teachers who were present were invited to give a brief outline of his or her project. Each one thanked the Community Fund profusely for the grant. FULL STORY

Bob Mittleman is not only a runner, but the owner of Fitness Together in Woodbury, Long Island. In addition to the one-on-one personalized, private training sessions Fitness Together provides to its clients, Mittleman also developed a running program. Following is the story of one of Mittleman's clients. FULL STORY