The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to John "Jack" Gallagher on Sunday, Nov. 5 at its annual cocktail party. Mr. Gallagher was president and chief executive officer of North Shore University Hospital during the years of its phenomenal growth from a small local hospital to one that was named the Best Hospital in the United States by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Mr. Gallagher was given tributes from government officials, civic associations and individuals, including Lorinda DeRoulet, daughter of Joan Whitney Payson. Mrs. Payson, whose family had given the land on which North Shore was built, was the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce's first honoree as Woman of the Year. FULL STORY

Last week, North Hempstead Republicans filed a petition with the town clerk to hold a town-wide referendum on the creation of a council district system. The petition, which includes 3,895 signatures, is pursuant to Section 81 of the New York State Town Law requiring a referendum be held within the next 60 to 75 days, bringing the referendum before voters between the end of December 2002 and the second week of January 2003. FULL STORY

On Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the Manhasset Baseball and Softball League will begin registrations for the 2003 season at St. Mary's Marist Hall cafeteria. The website www.manhassetbaseballleague.com will have registration forms available to print. We strongly encourage everyone to print out the form and fill out your information prior to arriving at Marist Hall. By filling out the form in advance everyone saves time. The additional registration dates will be Nov. 17 and Nov. 24, both at Marist Hall again. The final registration date will be held on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2003, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Manhasset High School gym. FULL STORY

Last Friday, Nov. 1, the Manhasset Girls Varsity Swim team beat Wantagh High School 89 to 82 to capture the Conference II title. FULL STORY