March 1 is the deadline for filing your STAR applications. This program will, thanks to our State representatives, reduce your school taxes. Please don't miss this opportunity to save money.

Should you have any questions regarding this program, please call Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell at 516-222-0007 and her staff will assist you.

Winthrop-University Hospital in its continuing program, Health Update for Seniors and Their Families, will be holding a program on Monday, March 8, at the Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue, regarding strokes and mini-strokes. Dr. Elizabeth J. Wirkowski, director of Cerebral Vascular Disorders, will provide an overview of strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The discussion will include identification of symptoms, risk factors, risk factor modification, and the standard treatments that are available.

This program commences at 9:30 a.m. and continues to 11 a.m. If you are interested in attending, please call 663-3916 to make a reservation.

On Saturday evening, Feb. 13, I attended the Annual Blue and Gold Dinner of Cub Scout Pack 246 at Corpus Christi.

Cub Scout Pack 246 serves over 80 boys and their families. Pack 246, under the leadership of Cubmaster Larry Werther, is a very active group. Parents graciously give of their time and talents in the many activities of Pack 246.

A family in Mineola suffered a terrible tragedy. Carpenter's Union Local 7, a wonderful group of big-hearted people, decided to do what they do best - build. They added on a room for the family.

The union workers donated their time and talents.

The members of Carpenter's Union Local 7 are to be commended for their humanitarianism and spirit of volunteerism.

The Mineola Community Pool is still hiring lifeguards for the 1999 summer season. All applicants must have current CPR and First Aid certifications and also be Nassau County certified. If you are interested but don't have one or more of these certifications, please call Kyle at 746-0750 ext. 227 and she will be pleased to assist you. Also, call Kyle for applications.

What does it mean.

On Wednesday, March 10, at the Winthrop Conference Center, 101 Mineola Blvd., Dr. Magdalen Hull will speak about the diagnosis and management of pelvic pain.

Admission is free, but since seating is limited, please call 663-8805 to reserve your place at this 6:30 p.m. program.

Voter registration for the March 16 Village Election will be held at the Village Hall, 155 Washington Avenue on Saturday, March 6, between noon and 5 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call the Village Clerk, Brian S. Ridgway at 746-0750 and he will be pleased to assist you.

Nassau County's water supply comes from aquifers. Precipitation recharges the aquifers.

The rain that fell on Thursday of last week will not reach the aquifer that supplies our water needs for 50 to 100 hundred years.

The wells in Mineola are 350 to 500 feet deep.

Our residents use an average 2.3 million gallons of water per day. In the summer, oftentimes the water usage increases to 5 million gallons per day.

When one brushes their teeth and leaves the water running, one half of a gallon of water on average is consumed.

The public's awareness of the need to conserve water has resulted in more than a 10 percent reduction in gallons of use per day.

If you want to know more about conserving water, please call the Water Department at 746-0751.

The Mineola community is in full swing for the winter season with both youth organizations using the facility. Both the MAA and PAL are using the center for their winter clinics in baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse. In addition to these groups, the Village invites all residents to the center for Open Basketball. Basketball takes place on Fridays from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Anyone participating in Open Basketball must possess a Village of Mineola Leisure Pass or be the guest of a pass holder. On Friday, Feb. 26, a group of Village employees will be joining a group of Williston Park employees to play in the Mineola Athletic Booster Club "Bigger Event" Basketball Game. The event will take place at Mineola High School, beginning at 7 p.m. I, along with Williston Park Mayor Joseph Connelly, will be leading the charge as this group takes part in this second annual fund raiser. They will be playing against a team of former NBA and NFL players. Come out on the 26th to cheer them on and to support a great cause. The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a District Free Throw Shot Contest at the Village Community Center on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Winners from different councils will compete for the District title and an opportunity to move on to the regional part of this tournament. All are invited to attend to cheer on these talented youngsters.