The storm on Labor Day was an experience that I am sure none of us want to experience again. As it always does, the Fire Department did an outstanding job in protecting and assisting our residents during and after the storm. The Department of Public Works also did a good job in promptly attending to the cleanup after this storm.

Again this year, we have placed "School's Open" signs in and about all the schools in the village. Stop signs are placed in the vicinity of the schools in order to protect the children. A few people do not come to a complete stop at these signs. I encourage our residents to fully stop at these signs. The speed limit in school areas is not 30 miles per hour but rather 20. Please also comply with the reduced speed limit in school areas.

I want to thank all the members of the Library Board for their efforts in planning the renovations, improvements and/or new construction of our library. There will be a public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Village Hall at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the library project. I encourage our residents to attend this meeting. This is your library and your comments and ideas as to how it could serve would be appreciated. I recently purchased a computer to use at home. My experience in "surfing" the Internet has been exciting. You will now be able to "surf" the Internet at the library. The library is in the process of dedicating a computer for the public to use to access the Internet. If you need assistance the library staff will be glad to help you to "surf the net."

The media has often stated that there are hundreds of millions of dollars in "unclaimed funds" in the tri-state area. Statistics indicate that the predominant amounts of these monies are less than $200 each. You may wish to use the new Internet service at the library to find out if you are on the "lucky" persons who have such monies. The web site is www.osc.state.ny.us and it is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Computer access also permits you to print out the Claim Form to allow you to start the process of reclaiming your monies. Another way to access this information is to call Monday - Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1(800) 221-9311.

Open basketball returns to the Mineola Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 24. Basketball sessions are open to residents of all ages that hold a valid Village of Mineola Leisure Pass. Those participating will be able to play on the newly renovated gym floor. There will be separate sessions for different age groups in order to provide a safe and fair environment. Residents can come to play games against one another or to just work on their shooting skills. The schedule will be as follows: Thursday - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Open Friday - 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Teens Saturday - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Children Saturday - 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Adults

Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (an adult must be 18 or over and will have a letter "A" on their Leisure Pass to indicate such).

On Sept. 23, I, along with the board of trustees will be recognizing some outstanding student athletes. We will be honoring the 1998 Long Island Champion Mineola Lady Mustangs Softball team as well as the 1997 and 1998 Mineola Athletic Association's District 29 Tournament Teams. We are indeed fortunate to have two superior athletic organizations in our village that do so much for our children, the MAA and the PAL. The dedication, sacrifice and commitment of all of the members of these organizations make Mineola the great place it is to raise a family.

This past weekend, volunteers of all ages assisted in planting vegetation that is both "bird friendly" and also will attract butterflies. The Monarch Butterfly migrates from Mineola to South America each year. It is indeed fascinating to look at this type of butterfly, which looks so delicate and realize that it travels such distances.

The Nassau County Seniormobile is coming on Thursday, Sept. 24 to 155 Washington Avenue between noon and 2 p.m. I want to thank the Golden Age Club for its efforts to make the service available for our seniors. I would also like to thank County Executive Gulotta, Presiding Officer Bruce A. Blakeman and all the members of the county legislature for this program. An example of the information that will be available is: Social Security, Medicare, Energy Assistance, Passes and Discounts and Assistance Programs. If you are in need of transportation to the Seniormobile, All Island Taxi (746-2500) has agreed to provide free taxi service to the Seniormobile.

On Tuesday and Thursday of last week, the Leisure Club and the Golden Age Club returned from their summer "recess" to the Community Center. The number of trips that the seniors took during their "recess" was quite impressive. I look forward to the day when I will be a member of these organizations.