"It started as an idea," according to Great Neck Arts Center Executive Director Regina Gil. Actually, the Great Neck Arts Center did begin as one woman's dream back in 1986. An artist in her own right, Ms. Gil kept her dream in the forefront, receiving her first grant, "seed money," from Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli in 1989 and then, by 1994, garnering considerable support from Bob Rosegarten, who was mayor of Great Neck Plaza at that time. Mayor Rosegarten declared May 1995 "Great Neck Arts Center Month" and Ms. Gil reports "steady growth ever since." FULL STORY

"It was a special experience, I felt the sense of history," said Mr. Zimmerman, a Democratic National committee member and New York State Co-chair for John Kerry. "It was a very moving experience and Senator Ted Kennedy is a wonderful host." FULL STORY

The American Red Cross in Nassau County (ARC/Nassau) reminds families to follow these safety tips for staying healthy and safe in or around the water: FULL STORY

David Freedman, a Great Neck resident and a freshman at Great Neck South High School, will be playing basketball for the Suffolk Y JCC Maccabi team at the JCCA Maccabi Youth Games in Boston, MA. from Aug. 15 to 20. FULL STORY