We are on the eve of a new year and I would like to thank all those that have given of their time and talents in the many organizations, clubs and societies that serve the residents of our village.

The dedication of these volunteers make our village a great place to live. I applaud the efforts of all that volunteer and thank you.

The Tree Lighting was held on Friday, Dec. 3.

The efforts of many made this event the success it was.

The following is a list of those that volunteered. It is my pleasure to thank each and every one of these volunteers and congratulate them on a "job" well done.

Volunteers for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

John O'Shea, Kevin Reilly - Mineola Jr. Firefighters; Edward Barbaccia

Department of Public Works: Jeff Belickis, Rebecca Dries; Tom Rini; Hernando Gauto; Giacomo Ciccone; Lori Gayson; Sean McCrave; Crissy Lee; Frank Temperino; Antonia O'Brien; Javier Palacio; Brian Saks; Matthew Sanderleaf; Girl Scout Jr. Troop #1234: James Valente, Leader Kathleen O'Shea; Chaminade High School Pep Band: Leader Mary Reilly; Michele Badami; Bro. Thomas Cleary; Melissa Beck; Bro. Karl Hornberger; Ligia Feireira; Michael Bonacorsa; Isabel Pinto; Michael Henson; Maggie O'Shea; Brendan Narell; Kaitlin Reilly; Brian Rasmussen; Lauren Rossi; Adam Weiner; Kaitlin Smith; John Danks; Mineola Firefighters: Michael DeMato, Edward Etayo; Gary Mazur; Thomas Liodice; Bill Gresalfi; Brian Pagano; Rob Connolly; Jeremiah Weiner; Tom O'Brien; Cristopher Bonacorsa; Jim Sherry; Manuel Prieto; Rich Kotowsk; Michael Preis; Tom Rich; Benjamin Pucci; Matthew Zayatz; Entenmann's Bakeries; Kevin Boehrer; Roslyn Road, Mineola; Cristopher Carroll; Robert Faderl; Steven Moncada; Edward Wikstrom.

This is the time of the year when we attend holiday parties. The gathering with friends heightens our enjoyment of the holiday season.

Please don't mar the enjoyment of this holiday season by drinking and driving.

Our high school seniors are in the process of considering what they will do after they graduate in June 2000.

Choosing to continue one's education after high school is an important decision; it can also be an expensive decision.

New York State has many programs which "assist" in financing the cost of a college education.

The following is a list of some of these programs:

1. The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides tuition grants to eligible students who attend New York State colleges and universities. Awards range from $275 to $3,900 based on the individual's or family's net taxable income. For financially dependent undergraduate students to be eligible, family income may not exceed $50,500.

2. AID for Part-time Study (APTS) provides tuition assistance based upon financial need to students who enroll for between 3 and 11 credits. A dependent student with a family income of up to $50,550 and an independent student with an income of up to $34,250 may be eligible.

3. New York State Primary Care Scholarships of up to $15,000 annually for a maximun of four years, are awarded to students preparing to enter careers in primary health care. There is a service requirement of 12 months in a medically underserved area for each award recieved.

4. Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship awards are based on outstanding and continuing academic achievement. The award is $1,100 per year for four years.

5. Merit Scholarships provide up to 5,000 annual awards to top graduating scholars of each high school in the state.

6. Federal Stafford Loan Program is available for undergraduate and graduate students based on demonstrated needs. Loan limits are as follows: Undergraduates are limited to $2,625. for the first year; $3,500 for the second year, $5,500 for the third, fourth and fifth years for cumulative total of $23,000 - Graduate students are limited to $8,500. per year, with a total cumulative of $65,500.

7. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan Program is not based on financial need. Loans are limited to the cost of attendance minus student financial aid. However, to be eligible students must first apply for the Federal Stafford Loan.

Should you have questions about any of these programs, please contact the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, New York 12255.