We have been and will continue to be in contact with the Nassau County Department of Health regarding the West Nile Virus (WNV). The "common house mosquito" is the primary transmitter of WNV. It lives and breeds wherever water accumulates and stands for more than four days.

Mosquitoes that can carry the West Nile Virus usually do not travel more than two hundred feet from their original breeding site. To effectively control these mosquitoes, the cooperation of the public would be appreciated to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites on their property.

The following is a list of what you can do to help eliminate "breeding sites":

1. Remove or empty standing water from garbage cans, pails, children's toys or any objects that can hold water.

2. Keep swimming pool chlorinated and the pool covers free of stagnant water.

3. Clean and unclog rain gutters to keep them fully draining.

4. Change the water in birdbaths every three days.

5. Keep all window and door screens in good repair.

6. Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug lights."

Please report mosquito complaints and sightings of dead birds to the Nassau County Mosquito Control Unit at 571-8707.

If you would like further information, visit the Nassau County website at: www.co.nassau.ny.us

The following is a list of events scheduled for the Village Community Center for the month of May:

Friday, May 19 - Kickball ­ Kids - 7 ­ 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 20 - Basketball ­ Adults - 7 ­ 9 p.m.

Friday, May 26 - Wiffleball ­ Kids - 7 ­ 9 p.m.; Library Movie ­ The Winslow Boy - 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 27 - Volleyball ­ Adults - 7 ­ 9 p.m.

The Mineola Summer Recreation Program will be entering its 13 year and we are looking forward to having another great year. Camp will take place beginning Wednesday, July 5, and end on Friday, Aug.18. The cost of the program is $55 for the first child, $25 for the second child and $20 for each child thereafter. Children are eligible to participate in the program if they are entering 2nd through 8th grade in September. I am pleased to announce that applications are now available for pickup at Village Hall. There is also a medical form that needs to be filled out and signed by a physician. The completed application and medical form, accompanied by a check made payable to the Village of Mineola, must be returned to Village Hall no later than Friday, June 9.

The Mineola Fair will be held at Memorial Park on Saturday, May 20 (Raindate: Sunday, May 21) from 11 a.m. ­ 6 p.m.

There will be a Civil War re-enactment; entertainment throughout the day; animal petting zoo with 25 animals; craft vendors; rides for children and much, much more.

This is a great event and all that attend will enjoy a fun-filled day.

Admission is free and if you would like more information, please call Teri Ranfone, president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce at 812-6299.

The Mineola Choral Society, under the direction of Mrs. Martha Regelmann, will present its Spring Concert on Saturday, May 20, at the Mineola High School. This concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door. They cost $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and students.

The Mineola PAL will be holding Girls Softball registration on Saturday, May 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mineola PAL House.

This is the final registration for girls ages 8 to 15 years old. A $30 fee is due at the time of registration.

Mineola has three senior organizations ­ the Leisure Club, Golden Age Club and the Mineola Chapter of AARP.

Annually each of these organizations select one or more of their members as "Senior of the Year."

This year's recipients were Fay Helme, Dorothy Bedson and Ed and Lillian Barnola. Each of these honorees have made our community a better place in which to live and the Board of Trustees and I thank them for their tireless efforts and congratulate each of them on a "job well done."

The Board of Zoning and Appeals will hold public hearings on Thursday, May 18, at 8 p.m. at the Village Hall regarding the following:

1. 150 Washington Avenue ­ Application for a zoning variance to maintain a two family dwelling in a B-1 Business District.

2. 84 Main Street ­ Application to construct a rear yard addition with insufficient off-street parking.

3. 46 Plymouth Avenue ­ Application to maintain a 5 foot high chain link fence that extends past the end of the dwelling.

The public is welcomed to attend and all those desirous of commenting regarding any and/or all of these matters will be given the opportunity to do so. Please call the Building Department at 746-0752 on the 18 in order that they might advise if any of these cases have been adjourned or withdrawn.

Cancer is a devastating disease that affects the spirit as well as the body. The physical and emotional effects of the illness can leave women exhausted and unable to cope. However, research has shown that women who have access to support services are better able to deal with the stress of this disease. In an effort to aid women who are battling cancer, Winthrop-University Hospital's Women's Health Services is offering a free Cancer Support Group to be held on six consecutive Wednesdays: June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5 and 12. The sessions will take place from 5:30 ­ 7 p.m., at 222 Station Plaza North, Suite 509 in Mineola.

Groups are co-led by an oncology nurse and a social worker. Sessions are free, but space is limited. Please call 1-888-53-WOMEN to reserve your place.

The Mineola Community Swimming Pool is hiring lifeguards for this summer. Season begins June 17 and ends on Labor Day. All applicants must possess current certifications. WSI a +. Please call Kyle @ 746-0750 ext. 271 for applications and interviews.