Senator Balboni's Epic + Plan ­ now part of the new state budget ­ raises income limits and slashes deductibles and co-payments by 20 percent. These changes will help to make prescriptions more affordable.

The "new" higher income limits are as follows:

Existing Epic Program: Individual-$18,500; Married Couples-$24,400.

Senator Balboni's Epic+ Plan: Individual-$35,000; Married Couples-$50,000.

Senator Babloni will be sending more information about this exciting new program as soon as it's available.

Our resident only pool will be opening for the season at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17.

A few of our residents will try to use the pool without getting their Year 2000 Leisure Passes and regretfully, these persons will not be allowed entry.

Please don't let this happen to you. Leisure Pass Registration is in full swing and we have issued more passes to date this year than we did at the same time last year.

The hours to obtain your Leisure Passes have been increased to accommodate you, our resident. The new hours of operation are as follows:

Tuesday ­ Friday - noon­ 8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday - 10 a.m. ­ 4 p.m.

If you had a 1999 Leisure Pass, you may apply for a 2000 Leisure Pass simply by mailing in the application and the required information as indicated in the Leisure Pass application letter. If you have misplaced your Leisure Pass Application, please call 746-0750 x271 during business hours and an application will be forwarded to you. If you do not have a current Leisure Pass or need to retake your picture, please call the Village offices at 746-0750, ext. 271, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. ­ 5 p.m. or the Leisure Pass Office at 746-2326, during the hours of operation listed above to schedule an appointment for your application to be reviewed and so your pictures can be taken. No walk-in registration will be accepted. You must have an appointment. Registration will take place at the Village Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue.

To all those who will or have graduated this year, the board of trustees and I extend to each of you our congratulations and success in your future endeavors.

To the graduates' families we likewise extend our congratulations.

The Mineola Summer Recreation Program will be entering its 13th year and we are looking forward to having another great year. Camp will take place beginning Wednesday, July 5, and end on Friday, Aug. 11. 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 second through eighth 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 Historical Society will be holding its Annual Yard Sale on Saturday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their headquarters on Westbury Avenue.

If you are interested in donating items, please call 746-6722 and leave a message.

One of the items available to be purchased at the yard sale is a boat!

Schools will soon be closing for the summer. As I drive around our Village, I have noticed an increase in the number of youngsters riding their bikes.

Regretfully, several of those on their bikes were not wearing helmets.

Please encourage your children to wear their helmets whenever they are riding their bikes.

The Board of Zoning and Appeals will hold public hearings on Thursday, June 15, at 8 p.m. at the Village Hall regarding the following:

1. 80 Sheridan Boulevard ­ Application for a zoning variance to maintain a fence that extends past the face of the dwelling.

2. 146 Emory Road ­ Application for a zoning variance to construct a front portico that encroaches into the front yard setback contrary.

3. 136 Sheridan Boulevard ­ Application for a zoning variance to maintain an exterior cellar entrance that encroached into a side yard setback.

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 15th in order that they might advise if any of these cases have been adjourned or withdrawn.

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. The Village of Mineola will be offering a Lifeguard Training Course to village residents, 16 years old and over. This course will take place at the Mineola Pool during the last two weeks in June. This class is limited to ten students. If you are interested, please contact Kyle at 746-0785 or 746-0750 ext. 271.