Village Offices will be closed on Mondays, Feb. 12 and 19. There will be regular garbage collection on both of these days.

We will be hosting, at the Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue, activities on Feb. 21 (Middle School Night); Feb. 22 (High School Night); and Feb. 23 (Family Night).

All of these activities will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

One of our parking enforcement persons while on duty came upon an adult male who appeared to be in need of medical attention. He caused 911 to be contacted and stayed with this person until the ambulance arrived. Thank you Frank.

Friday, Feb. 9 Youth Soccer - 7 - 9 p m.

Saturday, Feb. 10 - Adult Volleyball - 7 - 9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16 - Youth Kickball - 7 - 9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17 - Adult Basketball - 7 - 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 21 - Winter Recess Middle School Night - 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 22 - Winter Recess High School Night - 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 23 - Winter Recess Family Night - 7 - 9:30 p.m.

Parents and guardians of children with asthma can gain emotional support and educational information through a program provided by Winthrop-University Hospital's Pediatric Pulmonary Division. The support program is free.

The Parents' Support group is tailored to aid the parents and guardians of asthmatic children, from infancy to age 18. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Pediatric Pulmonary Division, located at 222 Station Plaza North, Suite 603 in Mineola. The next session will be held on March 1.

The group is led by Kathy McKillop, RN, NP, pulmonary nurse practitioner, who is experienced with asthma management. Parents will learn the latest information on asthma and therapies, and will be give an opportunity to share feelings about caring for an asthmatic child.

Compelled by increasing reports of roadway accidents and near-accidents attributed to the use of cellular phones, State Senator Michael Balboni has drafted legislation which would impose a statewide ban on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone.

The legislation comes as numerous municipalities in New York State and nationwide are considering similar bans.

"Cell phones are a wonderful convenience, and have in fact, helped countless individuals in emergency situations," said Balboni. "But I share in the growing concern about the dangers of mixing cell phones and driving. There are already enough distractions to contend with while driving including traffic congestion, potholes, inclement weather, radios and CD players, or children in the back seat, that we should try to limit as many distractions as possible in the interest of safety.

Balboni's proposal would create a uniform statewide ban on driving while talking on a hand-held cell phone, except in the case of an emergency. The bill, which would supersede all local ordinances, would require motorists to use a hands-free device - those in violation would be subject to fines of $150 per infraction. Also being considered by Senator Balboni and his colleagues is the launch of a public safety campaign stressing the dangers of hand-held phones, and a state income tax credit for drivers who invest in the hands-free cell phone technology.

Balboni's legislation already has the support of Felix Ortiz, a Brooklyn Assemblyman who has sponsored companion legislation in the State assembly. Senator Balboni has also met with wireless telephone industry executive in an effort to craft a bill that protects both the motoring public and business interests.

The call for a ban on cell phones while driving is supported by a 1997 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine which found that driving while holding a cell phone quadrupled the risk of accidents.

"This bill is a common sense approach to roadway safety," said Senator Balboni. "The increasing numbers of accidents attributed to cell phones are a grim reminder that we need to be more diligent, cautious and focused when we get behind the wheel."

Henry C. Woodnut sold his farm in 1905 to the Mineola Park Company, which divided the property into lots. The Woodnut farm bordered Harrison Avenue, Jericho Turnpike, Willis Avenue and Horton Highway.

The advertising brochure stated, "These lots are in a healthy and dry location ... Dry and sandy Cedars, natural drainage, splendid water, good schools, plenty of churches, daily express and telegraph office."

This brochure also included the following: The Mineola Park Company, Offers for Sale, Building Lots 25 x 100 $50.00 and upwards, Splendid Opportunity to buy a future home on time. Terms: One dollar weekly, without interest.

I want to thank the many people who have contacted my office with their suggestions as to the whereabouts of the Oldest Tree in Mineola.