The BBC recently sent a video crew to Oyster Bay to follow the trail of one of the founding families of America - the Townsends. In this case they were following Viscount Raynham, from Norfolk, England, the branch of the Townshend family that spells their name with an "h." Charles Raynham was returning to Oyster Bay after five years, to attend the annual meeting of the Townsend Society of America and to thank his cousins for helping raise $80,000 to restore the bells of St. Mary's Church on his family estate, Raynham Hall. The money was donated by Townsends in Great Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia. FULL STORY

The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Board of Education heard a report from the Facilities Committee that has been meeting since last August to evaluate district buildings. Speaking for the committee, resident Donald Zoeller reviewed the members' in-depth evaluation of suggestions made by the architectural firm Burton, Behrendt, & Smith. "In examining the buildings, we focused on health and safety issues, deterioration, risks of future deterioration, compliance to building codes, especially the Americans with Disabilities Act, new systems, and ways to save money," stated Mr. Zoeller. Working with the architects, the committee asked hard questions, including why, why now and why so much. "The committee felt that costs had to be reduced but we still had to accomplish what had to be done," stressed Mr. Zoeller. As a result, the plans were revised to reflect the most responsible and economic renovations and upgrades. FULL STORY

For many hardcore recreational boaters there is a feeling they have during the colder months that can be described as "boater's winter itch." Boating is an expensive hobby so many boating enthusiasts become obsessed in the warmer months with using the boat as much as possible. FULL STORY

The 18th annual Carter, DeLuca, Farrell & Schmidt Ho Ho Ho Holiday Run, held on the roads of Bethpage on Dec. 17, was a tremendous success, and represented a big score for veteran athlete Steve Quigley of Bayville. FULL STORY