Planned Parenthood of Nassau County held a ribbon cutting event for its new Massapequa health center on Jan. 24. The evening ceremonies were marked by a protest by pro-life demonstrators, who marched with candles and signs outside the facility on Carmans Road. FULL STORY

After years of fund-raising efforts, YES Community Counseling Center of Massapequa is ready to purchase a building to serve as a community center, the agency's administrators announced last week. FULL STORY

The featured speaker at the Jan. 16 meeting of the Greater Long Island Running Club was veteran swimmer and triathlete Rich Barkan, who is the publisher and editor of www.metrotri.com, a website devoted to triathlons, running, swimming and biking. FULL STORY

The latest addition to Lockhart's extracurricular activities is its newly formed Chess Club. The club meets once a week after school and has over 60 members from various grades. In the spring, the students will participate in a five round tournament. The children have fun playing and look forward to attending the club each week. Furthermore, studies have shown that students who play chess experience and increase in reading comprehension and overall concentration. Lockhart teacher Neal Bellon is the club's advisor and is assisted by parent John Morga as well as Lockhart graduate Matt Topper. FULL STORY