Lindenhurst High School volleyball standout Samantha Rosario signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Maryland in the fall. She has been the team's All-Star player for the past four years and is a true leader. "Sam is a true competitor on and off the court," said Coach Kellie Block. More...

The "Twelve Dogs of Christmas" highlight some happy endings of the year (courtesy of folks working together), one for each month; a microcosm of all the joy and sadness that happens at shelters everywhere. This list promises not to mention partridges, turtle doves or French hens. The 5 golden rings have already been melted down to generate more moola for rescue. More...

Babylon Library, 24 South Carll Ave. 669-1624 More...

The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: SATURDAY, Dec. 27 •Bariatric Support Group: 9-10:30 a.m., Good Samaritan Hospital, 1000 Montauk Highway, West Islip. For info., call 376-4444. More...

Lifetime Amityville resident Nora L. Carmen, who was a waitress in a Massapequa restaurant, died Nov. 11, 2008 at New Island Hospital in Bethpage. She was 69. She was born Oct. 10, 1939 in Bay Shore to John and Emily (nee Horne) Hartman and spent her entire life in Amityville. She lived on Union Avenue for many years. More...

It's not called the season of hope for nothing. Whether you and your family share a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who freed mankind from sin, or Chanukah, the Jewish holiday commemorating the miracle of the burning of oil at the rededication of the Holy Temple, the Christian and Jewish holidays we celebrate this week are important. More...