On Monday, Dec. 13, approximately 30 to 35 homeowners met in the Port library to participate in a discussion of several hot-button real estate issues led by Dolores Sedacca, a community service representative of the Nassau County Department of Assessment. Sedacca covered two major concerns, assessments and real estate tax exemptions. The meeting was opened by Nancy Cowles, president of the Port Washington Board of Education who commented on the importance of the discussion and its impact on school taxes in Port. The assistant superintendent of business, Mary Callahan, accompanied Cowles. FULL STORY

Bill Scaglione won a stunning victory over his opponent for the seat vacated on the Port Washington Garbage District by Jimmy Kallenberg. He received 556 votes, while his opponent, Doug Schlaefer, garnered only 251, despite Schlaefer's well-run and well-financed campaign. It was Mr. Schlaefer's second unsuccessful bid for the position. Last year he ran against incumbent commissioner Pat Van Dusen. FULL STORY

For sailors planning to race in Storm Trysail Club (STC) handicap events next season, "the time to start the IRC measurement process is now," says incoming Commodore Rich du Moulin. Earlier this year, STC jointly announced with the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) that they would lead the effort among major American yacht clubs and event organizers to offer the IRC handicap rule for events in 2005. "Beginning with the Block Island Distance Race in May, and including Block Island Race Week in June," said du Moulin, "IRC will be our primary rule, and IMS and Americap divisions will no longer be offered." FULL STORY

It's not too late to start practicing and polishing up those foul shots. On Saturday morning, Jan. 8, the annual "Elks Hoop Shoot Contest" will take place at 11 a.m. at Weber Middle School. All boys and girls ages 8-13 are invited to participate. The competition will be divided into age groups for boys and girls separately. Each participant will get 25 shots. The competition will get 25 shots. There is no entry fee for this event. So, come one, come all for a really fun, active morning. Plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m. to register. All kids from Great Neck, Port Washington and Roslyn are welcome. Winners from this event will advance to the next level of competition. There will be four tiers of competition before the national finals. Richard Scallon, youth activities coordinator from the Elks Club said, "This will be our 33rd year hosting this fun event for the kids. We look forward to a strong turnout and everyone is guaranteed a fun time." FULL STORY