Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major, is the brightest star in the night sky, 23 times as luminous as the sun, about twice the size, and considerably hotter. It is also the name of the new shop, at 307 Main Street, that specializes in custom-made skateboards and skateboarding accessories. Sirius Skateboards had its grand opening on July 12, 2002 and is owned by Port Washington residents, Jimmy Kallenberg, also owner of Jimmy's Shoes on upper Main Street, and Joe Antonik, after whose pet whippet, Sirius, the shop is named. FULL STORY

Councilman Wayne H. Wink, Jr., North Hempstead's liaison to the Port Washington community recently spoke with Port News concerning a number of current issues. Wink's discussion covered the restructuring of councilmanic districts, building projects affecting Port and term limits. FULL STORY

The Cannonball Race, known previously as the Louie's Race, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, with a rain date the following day. This year the venue will be moved to Manhasset Bay Marina, and will be hosted by Guy Lamotta. The competition is open to all who sail and would like to have a little fun on the racecourse. For example, the competitors may be asked to retrieve a bottle from the water with a note inside with the instructions to "sail by the race committee and laud the committee for their wisdom." (truly a difficult task for some racers). For those interested in joining this fun-loving group of sailors, registration is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, followed by the Skippers' meeting at noon. After racing, there will be a buffet, raffles and an award ceremony at 5 p.m. Sailors can pre-register in person at Lamotta's Restaurant, or by e-mail: cballregatta@aol.com, or call Karen (516-816-0737) or Widge (877-635-9148) with the make, model, and length of boat, plus the name of the skipper. The Louie's Cup, which has been a tradition on the bay for 17 years, was the brainchild of, among others, Dick Zwerlein, past owner of Louie's Shore Restaurant, who felt there was too much seriousness in sailboat racing. So come out to Manhasset Bay Marina on the last Saturday in September for a very fun race - and keep Dick Zwerlein's memory alive. FULL STORY