The 2010 Showcase of Homes is nearly upon us! Coordinated by the Saratoga Builders Association, this year’s Showcase of Homes will be spectacular and is indeed the largest ever in its 15-year history. There are 16 homes from 15 builders on display in Saratoga County. The lineup of award-winning builders is: Amedore Homes, BCI Construction, Bella Homebuilders, Belmonte Builders, Bette & Cring, Bonacio Construction, Camelot Builders, Cicero Builders, Saratoga Builders, SAS Builders, Sustainable Designs, Terrace Homebuilders, Toll Brothers, Waldron Builders and Witt Construction. Congratulations to all these fine builders who are participating despite the difficult economic times we are currently experiencing.

Nassau Republican Elections Commissioner John DeGrace, 59, the Valley Stream GOP leader, is retiring Sept. 30 from his $128,000-a-year post. DeGrace started in Nassau in 1976 as a county grants writer, then moved to Hempstead to serve as a deputy receiver of taxes, returned to Nassau as a deputy treasurer, became clerk to the former County Board of Supervisors, and was appointed elections commissioner almost 14 years ago.

These two dispatches come from Celeste Hadrick in Nassau, and from Rick Brand in Suffolk, perhaps showing the Long Island counties to be parallel universes. Hadrick: Nassau Republican Elections Commissioner John DeGrace, 59, the Valley Stream GOP leader, is retiring Sept. 30 from his $128,000 per year public job.A former Valley Stream mayor, DeGrace started in Nassau in 1976 as a county grants writer, then moved to Hempstead to serve as a deputy receiver of taxes, returned to Nassau as a deputy treasurer,  became clerk to the former County Board of Supervisors and was appointed elections commissioner almost 14 years ago.“I’ve had a good run,” DeGrace said. “It’s time to make room for a younger person.”Nassau Republican Chairman Joseph Mondello, who chooses the commissioner, has yet to select a replacement. But DeGrace has advice for his successor: “Stay focused and make sure you stay close to your county chairman.” Brand reports: Suffolk Republican Chairman John Jay LaValle is about to name a new Republican elections commissioner, a plum patronage post, after 34 year elections veteran Cathy Richter Geier stepped down from her $131,000-a-year post a week ago.Geier, whose term was up at year’s end, retired even though as a commissioner she was not eligible to take advantage of state early retirement incentive, though sources say she unsuccessfully sought to be included.In the interim, GOP deputy commissioner, Wayne Rogers of Brookhaven but once worked as chief labor advisor to former Islip Supervisor Peter McGowan, is in charge, but LaValle said party leaders have not made a decision though it could come as early as this week. Sources say that Rogers is a heavy favorite to get the post but David Reilly, a lawyer from Northport is also a contender. Insiders also say that Smithtown GOP leader Bill Ellis is pushing succeed Rogers as deputy. While the party leaders recommends the commissioner, the county legislature must vote on it. What makes the post attractive is that it carries a four year term..

Detectives are investigating the discovery of two "mummified" babies found wrapped in 1930s newspaper in the basement of a Los Angeles apartment building.

A new blowout preventer was installed atop BP's plugged well and its failed predecessor was being hauled to the surface, officials said Saturday.

Across Long Island - in districts rich, poor and middle-class - students returning to class this week will be dealing with the fallout from the greatest financial challenges.