A rare opportunity to gain insight into the county's fiscal crisis and ask questions directly of county leaders occurred on Jan. 29, when the Barbara Johnson Democratic Club presented a trio - NIFA board member David Peirez, County Legislator Craig Johnson, and County Comptroller Howard Weitzman - in the club's first public program of the year. FULL STORY

Ending months of speculation, Dr. Sid Barish, Schreiber High School's popular principal for the past 14 years, announced his retirement last week. The date is early August, when he celebrates his 55th birthday. Known for his deep emotional connection and commitment to the students, Dr. Barish told the Port News that he feels as if he's ending on the right note. "I leave on a happy note, feeling very fulfilled professionally." FULL STORY

The Women's Racing Clinic (WRC) was founded last year with the idea of getting women together who would like to race on Manhasset Bay in a competitive and supportive environment. During last year's season, this group met monthly and raced in Ideal 18s during the season. Excellent speakers were contacted to lead seminars on racing tactics, teamwork, etc. For example, the WRC hosted Pat Healy, the sailing coach at the US Naval Academy, at several seminars last May and again in July. The first meeting of the WRC for this season took place on Feb. 7 at the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. Ralf Steitz, the US Merchant Marine Academy Varsity Offshore Sailing Coach, spoke to the group about the importance of teamwork when racing. Almost thirty women sailors from our bay and from Sea Cliff attended this excellent seminar and were treated to two excellent videos on upwind and downwind racing. Ralf, who has spoken to the WRC in the past, is a favorite speaker, because he brings his knowledge to the group in a way that is immediately understood. He has a manner that allows even the most novice racers to feel comfortable. He covered tactics and the importance of on-the-water practice. Communication between teammates is absolutely necessary to be competitive, as is assigning positions before the start of the race. To bring home the importance of communication, Ralf grouped the participants in teams and had each work on a "real world" activity, such as the downwind jibe. He stressed that teams make sure their goals are the same - sailing for fun, to work on a specific area, or to win the race. Stephanie Baas, who has been instrumental in getting the WRC together, said, "We are fortunate to be in an area where there are so many world class sailors who are willing to share their knowledge." Ralf Steitz, who has been involved in many America's Cup challenges, is one of those special people who takes the time to "spread the word" to others about our wonderful sport of sailing. FULL STORY

In a stunning and decisive 50 to 24 victory over Conference #1 seed Glen Cove, Port's varsity wrestlers successfully concluded their 10 and 9 season by winning the Nassau County Conference IV Dual Meet Title. Under the direction of Coach (and former Viking grappler) Anthony Schettino and with the guidance of JV Coach (and former Viking grappler) Derek Novinski, the Viking varsity collected their victory at W.T. Clarke High School in Westbury on Saturday, Feb. 2. FULL STORY