Chairman of the Village's Environmental Advisory Board (EAB), Trustee John Watras asked me, on behalf of the EAB, to remind everyone that the season for West Nile Virus is upon us. In 1999, the West Nile Virus (WNV) was identified in Nassau County. Mosquitoes that have fed on an infected bird or animal spread it. Although most people infected will not develop symptoms, some will develop West Nile encephalitis, which is of serious concern. We generally think of mosquitoes as a nuisance pest. Although their bite can be uncomfortable, usually followed by redness, swelling and itching, I think that it is important to note that most mosquitoes do not transmit disease.

I imagine that residents are concerned about this issue because of this past spring's heavy rains, which make a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The following suggestions, offered by the EAB, are proactive strategies to prevent their breeding. For example, the single most important thing that you can do to help reduce the risk is to eliminate breeding sites commonly found around the home. Standing water in items as small as a bottle cap can serve as a habitat for mosquito larvae. Routinely empty water from flowerpots, pet bowls, clogged drain gutters, buckets, cans or any other items that may collect water. Birdbaths or decorative ponds should be temporarily filled for the daytime hours and emptied or covered before dusk. Mosquitoes love basements so check pipe areas for small leaks and it is also suggested that you vacuum the basement thoroughly.

I thought that it was important for residents to be made aware of the county's press release (June 19) issued by the Health Department (Commissioner David M. Ackman, MD, MPH) and Department of Public Works (Commissioner Peter J. Gerbasi, PE), which indicated that "To date, no mosquitoes, birds, horses or humans have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Nassau County." Monitoring this situation is within the county's purview and I encourage residents to report a dead bird or a mosquito problem as well as keep up to date on the latest information by phoning 571-8707 (Monday - Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) or on line at www.co.nassau.ny.us/health/WestNileVirus.html.

During July and August the board of trustees (BOT) meet once a month instead of twice. The dates are Thursdays, July 17 and Aug. 21 at 8 p.m. There is also a Special BOT work session meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on those dates. The major focus of the July work session will be a financial report for fiscal year (2002-2003); a specific agenda for the August work session hasn't been decided. BOT work sessions are meetings in public (meaning no public participation).

In last week's column I briefly mentioned that it was residents' responsibility to water village trees planted in front of their homes. Despite the past spring's heavy rains, the summer will hopefully have some wonderful hot, sunny days so please note that if you recently had a tree planted in front of your home, take the time to water it. The proper way to water is to first loosen the soil around the tree if it has become baked hard and then allow a hose to run at the base of the tree at a rate slow enough so that the water will be absorbed into the area around the tree trunk.

Watering hours are from 5 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sadly our continued war on terrorism finds us celebrating America's 1776 claim of independence from England and the day that democracy was born while American men and women in the armed forces as well as supporting agencies are at risk on a daily basis. I hope that while you are celebrating our freedom and independence in America with barbecues, picnics and family gatherings you will take the time to remember and pray for all those who have lost their lives as well as those who remain fighting for the freedom and independence of all in Iraq and across the world.

In case the weather is not optimal on the fourth, I wanted to share a few web sites I thought were informative about this national holiday: www.wilstar.com/holidays/july4.htm and www.wilstar.com/holidays/july4.htm (includes the complete lyrics of and plays the Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key) and www.eakles.com/95julyfourthpg.htm. Another one for kids is www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/july4. Happy Birthday USA!

Retail sales will be prohibited in the village between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, July 4. Certain exceptions are restaurants, delicatessen items and alcoholic beverages.

In observance of the holiday, municipal offices will be closed on Friday, July 4 and will reopen on Monday, July 7.

You can view fireworks rain or shine at Jones Beach. Starting at 9:30 p.m. the "center stage" will be at Field #4 but I was told that they would be visible from all parking fields. To confirm the event, call 785-1600.

Residents are reminded that the police department will be on alert to interdict illegal fireworks' use to prevent parental and community grief and often, needless injury. I strongly urge parents to ban the use of fireworks.

There will be no garbage and recycling pickup on Friday, July 4. The western half of the village (west of Rockaway Avenue) will have garbage pickup on Monday and Thursday and the eastern half of the village (east of Rockaway Avenue) will have garbage pickup on Tuesday and Saturday. There will be rubbish pickup on Wednesday for the entire village. Residents scheduled for recycling on July 4 are asked to put their recyclables out on Friday, July 11. All other recycling days remain the same.

The Sanitation/Recycling Collection Schedule and Guidelines for 2003/04 were mailed to residents last month. I encourage you to review the schedule and to please retain it as a reference source for the upcoming year. If anyone has not received a copy, please call the Department of Public Works at 465-4003.