We were pleased to learn from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada this week that the village's Comprehensive Annual Finance Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003 earned a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and its accomplishment by the village. This is the eighth consecutive year that the village has received this national recognition.

Chairman of the village's Environmental Advisory Board (EAB), Trustee Robert Rothschild, asked me on behalf of the EAB to remind everyone that the season for West Nile Virus is upon us. In 1999, West Nile Virus (WNV) was identified in Nassau County. Mosquitoes that have fed on an infected bird or animal spread the virus. 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.

The following suggestions offered by the EAB are proactive strategies to prevent their breeding.

-West Nile Virus usually spreads by the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. Outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (follow the directions on the package). Use good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Empty any standing water in the yard to get rid of mosquito breeding sites.

-Most people infected with WNV show no symptoms. Up to 20 percent have mild symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms typically go away after a few days.

-Less than 1 percent of those infected experience severe symptoms that range from high fever and neck stiffness to disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss and paralysis. Symptoms may last several weeks or may even be permanent.

-If you develop symptoms such as a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and severe headaches, you should see your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment, which may require hospitalization.

During July and August the board of trustees (BOT) meets once a month instead of twice. The dates are Thursday, July 8, and August 12 at 8 p.m.

I would like to remind residents that it is their responsibility to water village trees planted in front of their homes. Despite some rain this past spring, the summer will hopefully have some wonderful hot sunny days. 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 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days. Thank you for your cooperation.