Judge Jack Dunne of Manhasset and Michael Affrunti, former chairman of the North Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals, were the guiding spirits behind the formation of a new organization that they call the Political Governmental Alumni Association (PGAA), although some of its m embers are not alumni, but current members of North Hempstead's government. "It's not a political organization," says Judge Dunne," nor do they support individual or party candidates. It's an effort to bring together people who have worked for the Town of North Hempstead over the years." The group includes elected officials, past and present, commissioners, past and present, most of whom have retired. They held their first meeting, a luncheon, at North Hills Country Club last week. "We're looking for more members. I'm still collecting names and addresses," says Judge Dunne. FULL STORY

Manhasset's annual kick-off to the holiday season, the park district's tree-lighting at the Plandome Road Bandstand, will be held tomorrow Friday, Dec. 8 starting at 4:15 p.m. FULL STORY

The girls varsity field hockey team began its season with high expectations. With eight seniors returning for the 2000 season, four of whom were starters the previous year, the Indians lineup looked to be strong both offensively and defensively. FULL STORY