Where is the oyster sloop Christeen? She's not moored at the Oyster Bay Marina as she was last year. The entire right side of the marina is almost clear of boats. The bubble machine is hard at work keeping the water flowing so it can't ice up the entire marina. Still, there are many boats tied up there, including the Tahiti, another of the WaterFront Center ships. FULL STORY

The Oyster Bay Civic Association Jan. 27 meeting at the Italian-American Club covered a great many topics. In spite of the freezing weather, about a dozen members, plus the board, attended. The board members include Joe Mimmo, (absent was Sean O'Toole, Esq.), Stan Spiegelman, vice president; Marie Knight, president; Judith-Ann Barnett, secretary and Peggy Bundas, treasurer. FULL STORY

Enter any martial arts school during its normal hours of operation and you are sure to get an earful of ambient noise. The sounds of bodies and feet hitting the mat accompanied by a sharp "kihap" now and then resonate in your head. Let's not forget the booming voice of a bellowing instructor and the "smack" of a well-aimed punch striking its intended target. Few would contest the tremendous energy found in these martial arts schools, but there is one thing that can take the intensity to a whole new level as the Oyster Bay/East Norwich Unit of the Nassau County PAL Karate Program can attest to. The sound of drum beats. FULL STORY

The Greater Long Island Running Club is pleased to announce that North Fork Bank has joined with the club's Racing Teams and The Runner's Edge running specialty store in Farmingdale to stage the North Fork Trail Relay at Bethpage State Park on Sunday morning, Feb. 27. The relay starts at 10 a.m., and, thanks to the generosity of North Fork Bank and The Runner's Edge. entry to this event is absolutely free! FULL STORY