June 11, 2004

Mayor Michael R Bloomberg's decision not to move into Gracie Mansion, home of every New York City mayor since Fiorello H La Guardia, has transformed it into bustling retreat for scores of municipal workers, celebrators, schoolchildren and elected officials; it has housed traveling dignitaries and been used as quite hideaway where officials can conduct city business away from prying eyes at City Hall; mansion has undergone $7 million renovation, with Bloomberg paying most of cost; Bloomberg has also expanded areas open to public and increased number of mansion tours; mansion is still used for dinners and receptions; photos (M)

Article on visit to Roanoke Island, NC, where annual summer performances of The Lost Colony, musical history of short-lived early settlement on island, have been staged since 1937; popular show has helped transform island's commercial center, Manteo, from fishing village to theater company town; scene at Festival Park, a living history attraction telling the story of an even earlier failed English colonial settlement, described; photos; map (M)

Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative investigation reveals that many track and field athletes who could be banned from competition for drug use go to great lengths to hide steroid use and pass drug tests, making efficacy of drug testing questionable; various types of banned substances are discussed; photos (M)

R W Apple Jr appraisal of Ronald Reagan and what history may eventually conclude about his presidency; observes that Reagan died respected man, although affection is far from universal, and popularity is never reliable test of greatness; notes that Harry Truman, now counted among near-greats, left office with 23 percent approval rating, while Warren G Harding, now disdained, was much loved at his death; recalls Reagan as chief of state, 'often ignorant of or impatient with' policy minutiae, but succeeding mightily with his extraordinary communication talents, intuitive understanding of Americans, unfailing geniality and ability to build friendships across partisan lines; photos; chart explaining memorial service at National Cathedral (M)

George Wein, who originated Newport Jazz Festival and also originated idea of mixing musical genres, will celebrate its 50th anniversary by devoting entire festival in Newport, RI, which opens runs from August 11 to 15, to jazz; JVC Jazz Festival in New York, which continues to mix genres, opens on June 15; New York schedule highlights; photos (L)