The long-awaited recommendations from the KBD Planning Group, Inc., the educational facilities planning firm hired by the school district, were formally presented to the board and community on Dec. 15. The introduction to the "Recommendations and Rationale" portion of the 139 page report, notes, "There is no easy or painless solution to the financial implications facing these recommendations. Further delay in facing up to them are not likely to make them easier to solve." KBD states that the recommendations, if implemented, "will create a situation where Port Washington School District can meet current and future obligations to provide parity in programs and facilities to all of their students." FULL STORY

At the board of trustees meeting held on Dec. 14, Mayor Tom Pellegrino announced the board's intentions to hire JAC Planning Consultants of Great Neck for a proposed $25,000 to help with rezoning decisions and building possibilities for the village. An urban planner that worked on the final Nassau County master plan, JAC ¬ if retained ¬ will help the village determine the impact on the infrastructure and environment if and when someone develops the Lewis Oil and 40 Acres properties. Impacts include the effects on elements such as traffic, water use, sewage, parking, schools, and taxes should these properties be used for retail, heavy and light industry, or senior housing. FULL STORY

On Sunday, Dec. 20, 12 frostbiting teams sailed in light wind. Six races and one crew race were completed. Top sailors and crew: 1. Pedro Lorson and Mimi Berry (#536), 2. Ted Toombs and Monique Gaylor (#514), and 3. Co-skippers Doug Morea and Jason Hill (#653). Jason Hill won the crew race. There was no sailing on Sunday, Dec. 27. FULL STORY

Last week the Vikings (2-3) played three games, won two and lost one. After two losses the week before in the Manhasset Tourney, the Vikings bounced back and won both non-league games in the Bethpage Tourney. In the opening round the Vikings defeated Division 67-59 and in the finals they beat Bethpage 72-57. In the third game played last week, St. Dominic's handed Port their third loss in non-league play 75-50. The Vikings played one more non-league game, (Great Neck North) on Dec. 22 before starting the regular season on Jan. 5 at home vs. Lawrence. Comparatively the Vikings also got off to a slow start last year in pre-season non-league games (1-3) before going on to qualify for the county championship playoffs. Two of the Vikings losses to date have been against two of the best teams in Nassau, St. Marys and St. Dominic's. At this point, it appears, that the Vikings are following the same road traveled last year. FULL STORY