Commemorating freedom was the theme of this year's Fourth of July celebration in Oyster Bay. People lined Audrey Avenue to see the annual parade march from the Oyster Bay Community Center to the Derby-Hall bandstand in Townsend Park. Chairs were placed in the shade, opposite the bandstand, for the audience. FULL STORY

Representatives of Mill Pond Overlook, the senior housing plan proposed for the Lizza property on Mill River Road, will be the focus of an open forum of the Oyster Bay Civic Association on Thursday, July 18. The proposal includes the stretch of land on Mill River Road from one house short of Lexington Avenue, up to and including the house opposite Harbour Lane (Top of the Harbour). The meeting will be held at the Italian-American Club on Summit Street, beginning at 7:30 p.m. It is open to the public. Marie Knight, president of the OBCA said she has contacted Wayne Edwards, attorney for the Lizza project and he will bring his team to the meeting. FULL STORY

The 4th Annual Friends of the Bay/Sagamore Yacht Club Race was held on Saturday, June 29. It was a bright sunny day but windless, so after waiting in the Sound for over an hour the race was cancelled. What the weather lacked for racing was more than made up in a great day for a party. The post-race party held afterwards on the Sagamore waterfront with the food catered by the Harborside Deli, was well attended and greatly enjoyed by all. The weather was perfect and the reggae band had everyone dancing all evening. We were originally planning to write this column about the race, which although was well attended, was cancelled for lack of wind, so there's not much to tell. FULL STORY

Frank Bladykas, a retired civil engineer, surveyor and longtime resident of Oyster Bay, recently donated his wooden sailboat, Tahiti, to The WaterFront Center. Including her bowsprit she is 351/2 feet long, and was built by Frank in 1973-74 in his own backyard. Frank has sailed it with his family and friends in the waters around Oyster Bay ever since. Rather than sell the Tahiti, Frank wanted her to remain in Oyster Bay where she is well-known and appreciated. FULL STORY