As the school year and the sports season ramps up, we have been receiving an increasing supply of material, particularly via email. On an average week, we get about two thousand emails per week, the vast majority of which are spam. (Fortunately we have good filtering software.)

In spite of the amount of junk mail, the use of email has in some ways changed how we interact with the community. It has become much easier for readers to simply zip off their digital photos along with some text instead of having to have photos processed and then mail or carry them into our office. We're running more pages of local material than in years past, and we will endeavor to continue to serve the community in this way.

Keep the email coming ;-)

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On a more serious note, there is a blood shortage in our area, and the following is a piece from Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy calling us to donate blood:

"New York area hospitals are reporting a dangerous shortage in donated blood and donations are needed throughout the region. According to the New York Blood Center, the situation has become so dire that hospitals may be forced to postpone and cancel surgeries if the shortage continues.

A shortage of donated blood represents a serious public health crisis for our area. If you or anyone you know is medically eligible to give blood, I strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Potential donors can call the New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-BLOOD or visit www.nybloodcenter.org to schedule an appointment.

Blood donors save countless lives every day. Giving blood today may save the life of a child, parent, or grandparent tomorrow. It's time for Long Islanders to come together and do their part to make sure all types of blood will be available to our hospitals and clinics. "

Meg Morgan Norris

Publisher