Last week Village Administrator Bob Schoelle and I represented the Village at a special meeting conducted by the Nassau County Village Officials Association on the subject of the West Nile Virus and mosquito control. Commissioner Kathleen A. Gaffney, MD, MPH of Nassau County Department of Health provided a most informative overview of the problem, discussed what Nassau County is doing to prevent and control mosquitoes and advised what municipalities should do to inform residents.

Over the next several weeks, and periodically thereafter, I will be using this column to discuss this issue. For further information Dr. Gaffney has encouraged contacting the Nassau County Mosquito Control number 571-8707 or visiting the Nassau County website at http://ww.co.nassau.ny.us. Literature is also available at the business office at village hall.

The Health Department advises that most mosquitoes do not transmit disease. However, West Nile Virus (WNV), a disease carried by mosquitoes was identified within Nassau County last summer. It is distressing to note that the Culex pipiens mosquito, the primary transmitter of WNV lives and breeds in our properties wherever water can accumulate and stand for more than four days. Rain gutters, children's toys, plant pots, bird baths or any other objects that can collect rainwater can become mosquito breeding sites.

Mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus usually do not travel more than 200 feet from their original breeding site. That is why it is so important for us to eliminate breeding sites on our property.

Our office has been advised by the LIRR Governmental Affairs Office, that they are installing an additional electrification (third rail) to the central extension to 100' west of Washington Avenue. This was done in preparation for restoration work to the Franklin Avenue crossing scheduled for mid-June. The restoration project will take approximately two weeks and necessitate the closing of the Hempstead Branch east of the Garden City Station. Riders from Country Life Press and Hempstead will be temporarily bused to and from the Garden City Station. The additional electrification on the central extension will enable the railroad to pull their trains into this area as a temporary siding so that the train can be redirected, west, back to the city.

We have been advised that extensive press releases will be issued once the project plans are finalized.

A sign that spring is here is that The Men's Association of the Garden City High School is presenting its Annual Sports Fair on the Warren King Field at the Garden City High School starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 13. Families are encouraged to attend the day-long event and enjoy some of the community spirit which makes our Village the great place that it is.

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.