There were two surprises in store for the casual observer watching the congregation gather outside All Saints Episcopal Church on Middle Neck Road, Great Neck on Sunday, April 27. The first was to see so many churchgoers mingling as early as 9:30 am for an 11 am service and the second was realizing how many of the group were furred or feathered. This was because it was the 16th Annual Blessing of the Animals, a service that attracts animal lovers and their non-human companions from all over Long Island for the rare opportunity to step paw, claw and hoof into church and receive a blessing as one of God's beloved creatures. FULL STORY

The Johnny Pump, a new restaurant on Main Street, seeks to provide a dining experience that the whole family can enjoy. Owner Charlie Consignore aptly describes his concept as "gourmet food in a relaxed atmosphere." He said, "So often a family has to settle for 'fast food' or a diner. This is an alternative, where mom and pop can get high-end food and the kids can get well-prepared, nutritious meals that are not too expensive." FULL STORY

The weather this past weekend was something to celebrate - it only rained on Saturday. After having three weekends in a row lost to downpours, it was great to leave the umbrella home on Sunday, even if the sun never managed to poke its face from behind the clouds. There was a good turnout of boats for bay racing on both days, in spite of the weather. Race Committee, who should be awarded for their dedication for being out on Manhasset Bay on a very soggy Saturday, completed three races for the competitors - and not one team came ashore early. According to Greg Corkett, co-chair for Bay Racing for MBYC, who had RC duties, "We had a great turnout both days. Saturday was soaking wet and cold, with wind shifts over 60( and Sunday was overcast with winds shifting a little less." Top honors on Saturday, June 7: Race One: 1. #396, Delight, Bob Kirtland, 2. #652, Sounder, Rick Jordan, Jeff Shane, and 3. #451, Ping, Sue Miller and John Browning. Race Two: 1, #375, Housemartin, Greg and Beth Danilek, 2. Ping, and 3. Sounder. Race Three: 1. Ping, 2. Delight, and 3. Sounder. On Sunday, June 8th, 14 Sonars were on the starting line, as were three Knickerbocker One Designs (KODs) and one Manhasset Bay One Design (MBO). The wind on Sunday was light, from 3-6 knots. Winners: Sonars. Race One: 1. Housemartin, 2. Delight, and 3. Sounder. Race Two: 1. Delight, 2. Housemartin, and 3. Sounder. Race Three: 1. Ping, 2. Housemartin, and 3. Delight. The order of finishers for the KOD fleet (Sunday only): Race One and Two: 1. #15, Dybbuk, Roy Israel, and 2. #8, Second Chance, Perry Lengton. For the Race Two only: 3. #14, (name unknown). Race Three: 1. Dybbuk, 2. #14, and 3. Second Chance. The lone MBO that raced on Sunday (first two races only) #9, Miss B Haven, Grace Allen and Ralph Heinzerling. FULL STORY