Holding signs begging County Executive Thomas Gulotta, "Don't balance your budget on the backs of our families," demonstrators gathered on the steps of the Supreme Court Building Dec. 16 to protest the county executive's proposal to cut funding to human services by 50 percent. FULL STORY

After an in-depth analysis of Nassau County's 2000 budget, Comptroller Fred Parola announced earlier this week a projected deficit that could reach as high as $180 million. FULL STORY

An errant turn along the way turned the 12th annual Ho Ho Ho Holiday Run from a 3.1 mile run into a 3.95 miler, but the extra distance didn't faze many of the 1,182 finishers in Bethpage's annual celebration of the holiday season for the Long Island running community. The Greater Long Island Running Club combined with primary Run sponsor Mobile Eight Apparel Corporation and its On The Brink line of sportswear, Grubb & Ellis Realty, and the Town of Oyster Bay to help local runners enjoy a great morning of family fun and fitness on the roads of Bethpage. FULL STORY

The featured speaker at the Jan. 18 open meeting of the Greater Long Island Running Club will be renowned coach and sports psychologist Dr. Andy Palmer. The meeting will be held at the Bethpage Public Library, on Powell Avenue in Bethpage, starting promptly at 8 p.m. FULL STORY