Tzvi Lewisohn, a Calhoun High School senior, loves to win. Basketball, bowling, you name it, Lewisohn is a competitor. But, he is quick to note, more important than winning is sportsmanship. “We always congratulate the other teams,” Lewisohn, a member of Calhoun's Challenger bowling and basketball teams, says with a smile. “We don't want them to think we're out to win; we're just trying to have fun.” Of course, it doesn't hurt that both teams are undefeated for the past two years. They have not lost since the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District started the Challenger basketball league for special-education students with a handful of other Nassau County school districts in 2008. more

The Sugar Plum and her Cavalier continue to dance their way across area stages. Fans of The Nutcracker will find performances this weekend at Hofstra University and Tilles Center. more

State Sen. Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. is reminding all Nassau County residents that the deadline to apply for New York State's School Tax Relief (STAR) program is Jan. 4, 2010. more

The Forever 9 - Robbie Levine Foundation recently held a fundraiser gala at the East Meadow Jewish Center. From left, Bob Samuels, president of the Merrick P.A.L., Laurie Samuels and Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg joined Craig and Jill Levine, founders of the organization. more

The Kiwanis Club of Merrick is wrapping gifts at Roosevelt Field Mall now through the end of the holidays. Cost is $3-$15 and up, depending on the size of the box. Volunteers will be at the main entrance by the glass elevator outside New York & Co. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call (516) 972-1423. more

Larry Wallach, a licensed exotic animal trainer and exhibitor from Hewlett-East Rockaway, is bringing some baby critters — including a kangaroo and a Royal White Bengal tiger — to the Hallmark … more

The Merrick-North Merrick Little League's 9-year-old Yankees recently won the World Series in the International Division. Celebrating the victory were, top row, from left, Coach Rob Porcelli, Manager Felix Marks, Coach Ed Goldstein and Coach Gary Birke; middle row, Mike Pokorny, Alec Oppenheim, Ben Birke, Ray O'Keefe, Jack Goldstein, David Kantor and Justin Oberstein; bottom row, Haden Levine, Mike Porcelli, Jake Marks, Matt Molzon and Jack Appello; and on the ground, James Hampton. more

The Nassau Council Chamber of Commerce, an organization representing more than 40 chambers in Nassau County, announced Tuesday the start of its most comprehensive media and advertising campaign encouraging Nassau residents to shop locally this holiday season. The program, dubbed "It Starts Here... Buy Locally," includes more than 130 radio spots, more than 50 TV spots, and print advertisements. more

Three Mepham High School soccer players were recently awarded All-County and All-Conference honors, including Anthony Ippolito (All-County), Stephen Polimeni (All-Conference) and Anthony Duranona (All-Conference). Joining them at right was James Koester, the boys' varsity soccer coach. more

Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg, a Democrat from Merrick, is advising residents to protect themselves while holiday shopping. "Holiday shopping should be fun, not a time when you become a victim," Denenberg said. "By following a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself from thieves and carjackers." more