Through his $150,000 capital improvements grant last year Senator Michael Balboni became the first to "buy" a street light and enable the Village of Westbury to pay off part of the unfunded portion of its purchase of new Victorian style lights on its Post Avenue downtown strip. FULL STORY

On the last stop of a 17-city national tour, an Israeli woman and a Palestinian woman came together at The Islamic Center of Long Island in Westbury on Oct. 31 to promote reconciliation and dialogue as alternatives to fear, hatred and revenge. They are both members of the Parents' Circle, a group of 500 Israeli and Palestinian bereaved families who have all lost family members in the conflict and work for understanding and peace. For Robi Damelin and Nadwa Sarandah, the two brave women who led the discussion, the path to forgiveness and reconciliation has been a long one. FULL STORY

Westbury resident Gerard (Jerry) Albig has been named director of athletics at New York City College of Technology (City Tech) of the City University of New York (CUNY). Albig succeeds Raymond Amalbert, who retired in June 2004 after 34 years with the college, including the last nine as director of athletics. FULL STORY

The Boroughs vs. The Burbs is the name of this year's Metro Girls High School Hoops Classic. The action-packed contest when the Long Island All-Stars face off against the New York City All-Stars at SUNY Old Westbury on Nov. 6, in a basketball exhibition that will benefit both younger and older people on Long Island and in New York City. FULL STORY