The next meeting of the Village Board of Trustees will be on July 12 at 7:30 pm at 155 Washington Ave. The public is invited to attend.

The "Family Night" festivities on June 30 were enjoyed by all.

On July 15 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., we will be holding an adults only party. Music will be provided by RPM D.J.'s. Please bring your own snacks.

Please support the members of our swimming team. On Monday, July 17, at 6 p.m. at our pool, we will be competing against the team from Williston Park.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a serious condition that can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. That's why it is important to know about new methods of diagnosing and treating these conditions.

Edward Kowalski, M.D. will discuss the various causes of hypertension and the most recent treatment guidelines. There also will be a review of new diagnostic techniques as well as new medication.

This presentation will be held on Tuesday, July 18, at the Winthrop Conference Center, at 101 Mineola Blvd. Blood pressure checks and registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Admission is free but seating is limited. Please make a reservation by calling 663-8300.

Included in this year's New York State budget is a plan called "College Bound" that aims to cut the costs of achieving a college education. Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell said this program will hike the minimum Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award, expand current TAP income limits to benefit more families and students, and make tuition costs tax deductible.

A college education is critical to succeeding in today's technology-driven workplace. These proposals are intended to help keep a college education within the reach of more New York families. For many families, TAP awards are often the only way to bridge the gap between personal savings and the rising cost of college tuition.

The College Bound legislative package marks the first increase in the maximum TAP award in 10 years, and also includes a full New York State tax deduction for college tuition.

* An increase in the maximum TAP award to $5,000 per year. This would apply to incoming freshman and sophomores and to all students beginning with the 2001-2002 academic year;

* Increasing the minimum awards to $500 from the current $275;

* Phasing out the cap on TAP grants, currently 90 percent of the maximum grant, to SUNY students over two years; and

* Raising the income limits to $80,000 of taxable income, allowing more families to qualify for TAP.

Caring for a loved one who has a chronic or acute illness is often physically as well as emotionally draining. Feelings of isolation and frustration can sometimes overwhelm the caregiver, making it difficult to manage daily responsibilities. Research has shown that those who have access to a supportive environment are better able to cope with the stress of these situations.

In an effort to provide reassurance and encouragement, Winthop-University Hospital's Women's Health Services is offering a free Support Group for Family Caregivers. The group will run for six consecutive Wednesdays on the following dates: July 26, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. Sessions will be held at 222 Station Plaza North in Mineola, Suite 509, from 4:30-6:00 pm.

The group is professionally co-led by a registered nurse and a certified social worker. It is coordinated by Women's Health Services, part of Winthrop's Institute for a Family Care. Sessions are free, but space is limited. To register or for more information, please call 1-888-533-WOMEN.

The summer vacation doesn't have to mean a vacation from learning.

An interesting web site that will help bridge the summer gap in learning is www.scholastic.com.

When you visit Scholastic's Homepage you will note that there are sections for "kids" as well as parents.

The "parents section" will be of assistance to parents who want to participate in learning with their children.