Session III Swim Lesson Registration will take place on Aug. 4 and 5 from noon to 2 p.m. Those who have not had lessons yet this summer will be accommodated first. Session III runs from Aug. 8 to 25.

Family Fun Night will be held on Friday, Aug. 4. The festivities are from 8:30 ­ 10:30p.m. Music will be provided by D.J. Jerry Hansen. Bring your own snacks.

Young seniors, male and female, are invited to join, " The Sunrise Lawn Bowling Club" which meets through October on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at 12:30 p.m. at Eisenhower Park, parking field #1.

The Whaling Museum's Atlantic Mutual Galley presents "Splendid Voyage: Life on a Long Island Whaler."

In 1848, the Cold Spring Harbor whaleship, Splendid, left on a whaling voyage to the Pacific Ocean. Her crew traveled thousands of miles and returned to Long Island 29 months later.

The exhibit details the voyage of the Splendid and demonstrates how the whalemen meet the multiple challenges during the two year, five month voyage.

Tickn recent years there has been as increase in awareness and concern about thick-borne diseases. Ticks may carry several different diseases including: Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Lyme Disease is now the most prevalent tick-borne illness in our area. Experts attribute the current spread of Lyme disease to the expanding habitats of the tick that carries it. No one knows exactly why the spread has occurred, but two possible theories are the flight of migratory birds and the increasing deer population. Individuals living in or visiting affected areas, including Nassau County, should be aware of the dangers of Lyme Disease and other tick related illnesses. Ticks are small, blood sucking, wingless insects. A tick is a small (about the size of a pin head or sesame seed) and can be difficult to see. A tick can have 6 or 8 legs, and can be colored tan, red, brown or black. After sucking blood from an animal or human, it will grow to the size of a small pea and is then called "engorged" (filled with blood). The Nassau County Health Department will identify ticks for individuals, hospitals, veterinarians and physicians, but cannot test for disease in the ticks; a fee is charged. Ticks should be sealed in a container with alcohol.

Ticks can be found in any outdoor location with vegetation, even a backyard. However, the more likely spots are

* Wooded areas and adjacent grasslands

* High grass

* Dense shrubbery

* Areas adjacent to salt marshes

Ticks can be carried by a pet, a field mouse or other animal that has been in the above mentioned areas. Ticks attach themselves to people or animals that brush against them in tall grass or shrubbery. Ticks feed by biting the person or animal and do not cause disease unless the ticks are infected.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bite of a deer tick that has been infected with the disease. It is important to remember that a tick bite does not always result in Lyme disease. However, when the tick that is carrying the spirochete transmits the disease to a human, the person must be medically treated as soon as possible.

Because research indicates it takes an infected tick between 24-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease, a check of the body every 2-3 hours to remove ticks will help prevent transmission of the disease. A full body check should be done at home. Pets should be checked regularly for ticks.

The medical histories of most Lyme disease patients indicate that they were unaware of being bitten by a tick. Many have noticed an unusual red skin rash at the onset of their disease that expanded for several days or weeks. More than one rash may appear. The red patches may be warm, but are generally not painful and usually do not itch. Some also experience headaches, fever, swollen glands, malaise (tiredness), sore muscles and joint pain. These signs are important because medical intervention with antibiotics at this point can avoid later serious complications from the disease. Left untreated, the disease can produce complications to the heart, joints and the nervous system. Still later, in the absence of medical treatment or with inadequate treatment, chronic arthritic and neurological problems can occur. Physicians need to take a blood test to assist in the diagnosis.

Antibiotics help in all stages of the disease but the earlier the treatment begins, the easier it is to prevent long-term and serious illness. Because the disease is often difficult

to diagnose and often produces variable symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.

The Lyme disease vaccine is protective for individuals who complete the three dose series. Additional annual booster doses may be needed. Vaccinations should be considered for persons who are aged 15 to 70 years old who engage in recreational or occupational activities that result in frequent or prolonged exposure to tick-infested habitats. Vaccination may be considered for persons aged 15-70 who are exposed to tick-infested habitats but whose exposure is neither frequent nor prolonged. The vaccine is not recommended for persons who have minimal or no exposure to tick-infested habitats. Consult your doctor for information and to obtain the vaccine. The vaccine does not replace the need to always follow all the recommendations to prevent tick bites. Ehrlichiosis is a newly identified tick-borne bacterial disease. It may be spread by several different types of ticks including the deer tick, the dog tick and the lone star tick. Most cases occur from April to October. The illness begins one to three weeks after the tick bites. The most common symptoms of this disease are fever, muscle aches, weakness and headaches. People may also have confusion, nausea, vomiting and joint pain; a rash is not common with this disease. Laboratory tests may show a low white blood count, low platelet count and abnormal liver function. Specific antibiotic treatment is usually very effective. Special laboratory tests can detect recent infection with the Ehrlichiosis bacteria. However the diagnosis may be made based on clinical symptoms and a history of exposure to ticks because these tests are not readily available. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tick-borne disease caused by a Rickettsia bacillus. In the eastern portion of the United States it is spread by the American dog tick. Like Lyme disease, most cases occur in the spring and summer. The illness begins several days after a tick bite. The symptoms of this disease are more dramatic than Lyme disease and usually include high fever, headache, chills and severe fatigue. A spotted rash develops on the hands and feet and spreads over the entire body. As with Lyme disease, early detection and treatment is the best response to limit the severity of the illness. Rocky Mountain spotted fever responds to antibiotic therapy. Physicians must take blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

It is possible to reduce the risk of a tick bite and still continue to enjoy outdoor activities in Nassau County and elsewhere by following these simple precautions:

* Avoid the favored habitats of the tick such as tall grass, bushes and woods. Walk in the center of woodland trails to avoid brushing against vegetation bearing ticks.

* Dress for the outdoors by wearing light colored clothes. Wear long pants tucked into socks or boots. Long sleeves protect bare arms. Do not go barefoot or in sandals. Routinely inspect clothing for ticks.

* Caution! Insect repellent should be used with extreme care. Always follow directions precisely as they appear on the label. Never overuse these chemicals on children, on yourself or on your pets. Not following directions or overuse may lead to overabsorption of chemicals through the skin and cause allergic and toxic reactions.

* Check you children and yourself frequently when outdoors. Children are at greater risk because they spend more time outside and tend to play in the natural habitat of ticks. At night carefully inspect yourself and your children, especially in areas of the groin, waistline, underarms, neck and scalp. It takes at least 24 hours for an infected tick to transmit Lyme Disease. It is essential to check for ticks every two to three hours while outside. A complete check should be done after undressing at home.

* Check pets for ticks too! You can be bitten in your home if a pet brings a tick inside. Flea and tick collars may help.

* Keep grass cut short and remove any unwanted vegetation around your home. The transition area between woods and your yard is an ideal environment for ticks.

*, Check and check again for ticks, especially if you are pregnant. Recent evidence indicates Lyme Disease can cross the placenta to the fetus. If you are pregnant and have been exposed to Lyme disease, it is urgent that you talk to your doctor.

If you discover a tick attached to your skin, promptly, gently and firmly remove it ­ preferably with fine-tipped tweezers. Do not use bare fingers. Do not squeeze the tick as this action could propel germs into your body. If tweezers are not available, use a tissue, paper, leaf, or paper towel.

* Do not apply mineral oil, vaseline, or anything else to remove the tick as this may cause it to inject the microbe into the wound.

* Be sure to remove the entire tick. Get as close to the mouth as possible and firmly tug on the tick until it releases its grip. Don't twist. If available, use a magnifying glass to make sure that you have removed the entire tick.

* After removing the tick, apply an antiseptic such as rubbing alcohol to the site.

* Save the tick in a jar and label it with the date, where you were bitten on your body and your geographic location at the time of the bite for proper identification by your doctor, especially if you develop any symptoms.

* Do not handle the tick.

* Wash your hands immediately.

* Check the site of the bite occasionally to see if any rash develops. If it does, seek medical advice promptly.

These diseases are serious but preventable. Ticks are usually only a nuisance and most do not carry disease. Tick-borne diseases are usually successfully treated when detected early.