I would like to welcome the Mineola American readers to the first installment of what I expect will be an informative weekly column. I would like to extend a special "thank you" to the editorial staff of the Mineola American for their assistance and for providing the Village Trustees and myself the opportunity to bring noteworthy items to the residents of our village.

First, I would like to remind everyone that our beautiful Residents Only Pool is scheduled to open on June 20. Hours of operation will be Mondays 2 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In an effort to better serve our residents, we are introducing this year a special pass. This pass will allow residents to bring a guest to the pool at a reduced price. We thought it would be nice if grandparents could bring their grandchildren and friends could bring friends. These passes may be purchased at the cost of $18 for a pack of six at Village Hall.

Registration for swimming lessons will be held at the pool office on June 16 and 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. both days. You must have a leisure pass to register for classes and use the pool. Leisure passes may be obtained by calling Village Hall if you do not already have one.

This past weekend was a busy one indeed. Our Chamber of Commerce is to be congratulated for a job well done on our Village Fair. A special thanks to the members of the Mineola Fair Committee: Richard Abondolo; Carmella Benacchio; John Broder; Diane Alflen; John DaVanzo; Lou DiDomenico; Linda Doerr Becker; Stuart Goldstein; Peter Gollobin; Carol Ann Harrigan; Lawrence Jones; Gary Katz; Robert McBride; Kim Anderson; Jerry Mehlman; Honorable Richard Nicolello; Teri Ranfone; Rob Ratner; Joy Savasta; Gail Stevens; and Kathy Tomaras. The Mineola Choral Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a jubilee on Saturday evening. The professionalism of this group is outstanding. If you are interested in joining the society, please drop them a note at PO Box 651, Mineola, NY 11501. The installation dinner for our Volunteer Fire Department was also held this past Saturday evening. Walter Langer was installed as Chief of the Fire Department. Assisting him are Jack Gayson, 1st ass't chief and Mike DeStefano, 2nd ass't chief. Officers for the year are...Company One: Victor Cordeiro, captain; Brian Santosus, 1st lieutenant; Jack Fernandes, 2nd lieutenant; Joseph Conlon and Joseph Sellitto Jr., wardens...Company Two: Robert Connolly, captain; Christopher Franz, 1st lieutenant; Matthew Farmer, 2nd lieutenant; Martin Dawber and Richard Kotowski, wardens...Company Three: Thomas Bellizzi, captain; George Rowe, 1st lieutenant; Thomas O'Brien, 2nd lieutenant; James Rowe and Scott Holliday, wardens; James Rowe, dep't. treasurer; Joseph Sellitto jr., dep't secretary and Joseph Conlon, Donald Franz ad William Gresalfi, 1st battalion delegates.

The Mineola Ambulance Corps, with a membership of 73, held its First Annual Open House and Health Fair on Sunday. Special thanks to Mary Mahoney, Virginia Tufaro, Joseph Nadolny and Chief Ed Rummel.

Mineola is a great community because of all the people who volunteer their time and talent. To all of you, I want to say 'thank you'. Your commitment is truly appreciated.

See you next week.

Mayor John Colbert

Applications for the Mineola summer recreation program are available. These must be completed and returned no later than June 12. The camp will run from Monday, June 29 through July 31.

The mayor and board of trustees will have a public meeting on May 20. It will start at 7:30 p.m. The work session will commence at 6 p.m.

On May 21, the board of zoning and appeals will hold a hearing at 8 p.m. at the Village Hall regarding the application of James Haralampoodis for a variance to construct a new two-family dwelling at 120 Washington Avenue.

Mayor John P. Colbert and the village board are pleased to announce the opening of the Community Roller Rink at Wilson Park, on May 21, for open skating. Hours of operation will be:

Monday through Friday from 3 until 7 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Protective gear must be worn at all times when skating.

Open basketball continues at the community center. Hours for basketball are:

Monday - 7 to 10 p.m. - Open

Friday - 8 to 10:30 p.m. - Teen

Saturday - 7 to 10 p.m. - Adults

Sunday - 9 to 11 a.m. - Children

Sunday - noon to 2 p.m. - Teen

Sunday - 3 to 5 p.m. - Adult

Leisure passes are required to use all village facilities.