I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer to date and I look forward to seeing you at our Sept. 9 General Membership Meeting. At this meeting, Janet Jones, manager of Community Affairs for Bell Atlantic will be our guest speaker. She will be discussing how to avoid telephone scams, prevent slamming and describe services available to seniors and handicapped individuals. We will also be seeking candidates for the Nominating Committee for Village Trustee.

The WPOA is also seeking candidates for a director position. Please submit your names for consideration to Arnold Fenimore. The WPOA Board of Directors meets each month to review and discuss pending Village issues and concerns, providing input to the Mayor and Board of Trustees on a regular basis.

At our last general meeting in June, Charles O'Shea, the chairman of the Nassau County Board of Assessors was our guest speaker. He discussed tax assessments and answered many questions posed by the audience. Information about the STAR Program will be mailed directly to homes. Additionally, a Certificate of Achievement and a U.S. Savings Bond was presented to Stas Drakos who recently attained Eagle Scout.

A survey is being sent to residents of the West to be completed by those who have experienced pinhole leaks. If you have not already done so, complete the short survey when you receive it and let the WPOA pursue this problem with the Village.

Recent accomplishments of the WPOA include the regrading of the Stewart Manor railroad crossing, capital resurfacing, curbing and drainage projects completed in the West, and representation on the Board of Directors for the Water Authority of Western Nassau resulting in a rate decrease of 17 percent, the third decrease in as many years. Many residents have also volunteered in the continued efforts at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary. Congratulations also go out to Jack McGowan on his selection as our Library Trustee.

I again ask for your participation in our organization. The WPOA will be sponsoring a family picnic on Sept. 12 from noon to 6 p.m. at Nassau Haven Playground. Please attend and find out more about the WPOA, meet your fellow residents, and visit the Bird Sanctuary.

Please join us at our Sept. 9 General Membership meeting.

Gerard P. Lundquist, President, WPOA