When you read this article, you, the residents of Mineola will have determined whether or not we will have a renovated library.

As you are aware numerous public meetings were held prior to the referendum and I want to thank all of those who attended. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.

To all the members of the Library Board thank you. Your efforts on behalf of your residents are to be applauded.

There seems to be misinformation regarding eligibility for VA Health Care.

Some of our veterans are of the belief that they had to apply by Oct. 1 of this year to be eligible.

Such is not the case. It is factual that to be eligible for VA Health Care, most veterans must be enrolled. I encourage you to do so. Should you have any questions about your eligibility, please call 1-877-222-VETS.

There are three public hearings scheduled on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Village Hall, 155 Washington Ave.

The first of these hearings, which will commence at 6 p.m. is an application by Long Island Checker Cab to review the denial by the Board of Trustees, acting as the Taxi Commission, of 12 taxi licenses to operate taxi cabs within the Incorporated Village of Mineola.

The second of the hearings which is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. is regarding the application of George Lally of 333 Beebe Road to park/store a 28 foot recreation trailer alongside his dwelling.

The last hearing relates to the Churrasquerira Bairrada Restaurant located at 144 Jericho Turnpike. The "Special Use" permit had previously been revoked by the Board of Trustees and the application to be determined at this Public Hearing is whether the "Special Use" permit to operate as a restaurant should be reinstated.

I encourage our residents to attend these hearings. We want your input. Should your schedule not permit you to attend these hearings, please send me your comments.

I mentioned in last week's column that "you must file your application no later than Dec. 31, 1998" with the Nassau County Department of Assessment, 240 Old Country Road, Fourth Floor, Mineola New York 11501.

It appears that based on phone calls to my office that several thought that they would automatically receive the benefits of the Basic Star Program. Such is not the case.

Failure to file your application on time will regretfully result in your not receiving the benefits of this program.

Another misconception, again based on calls to my office, concerns the Enhanced Star Program. If you are a senior and your "income" exceeds $60,000, you do not qualify for Enhanced Star, but you do qualify for the Basic Star program.

If you need assistance and/or have questions about either or both of these programs, please contact my office.