The AARP Tax Assistance for Seniors continues at your library until April 11. Income tax advisors are at the library every Wednesday from noon till 4 p.m.

The Mineola Board of Zoning and Appeals will hold public hearings on Tuesday, March 20, at 8 p.m. at the Village Hall, 155 Washington Avenue regarding the following applications:

313 Coolidge Avenue

Application for a variance for a second floor addition with insufficient front yard and side yard setbacks.

259 Horton Highway

Application for a variance to legalize two family dwelling which is in a one family zone and cellar entry stairs with insufficient side yard setback.

257 Jerome Avenue

Application for a variance to maintain a six foot high closed construction fence in side yard.

How many times has a telemarketing call disrupted your dinner or the quality time you spend with your family?

It is estimated that 300,000 telephone "solicitors" call more than 18 million Americans every day and regretfully, seniors are commonly targeted by telemarketing fraud.

Senator Michael Balboni supported a new law that can stop many telemarketing calls to your home. This law becomes effective April 30.

You must have your name added to New York State's "Do Not Call" registry. Once your name appears on the registry, telemarketers have 30 days to remove your name from their calling lists.

There are three ways to register:

1. Call New York State Consumer Protection Board @ 1-800-NYS-1220

2. On-line at: www.consumer.state.ny.us

3. Contact Senator Balboni's office, 873-0736 or 166 E. Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, New York 11501.

Irish Night will be held at your library on Wednesday, March 14. There will be music and entertainment which features dancers from The Donny Golden School. The festivities start at 7 p.m.

If you would like more information please call the library at 746-8488.

In the spring of 1900, Nassau Hospital (now known as Winthrop-University Hospital) was completed. It was built on a six acre parcel that was purchased from Nancy Wright for $3,000.

Miss Perrigo, a nurse, took care of the patients during the day with the assistance of an orderly and a student nurse, Mary Pearson was "in charge" at night. Eight patients were admitted the first day (March 31) that the hospital opened.

Mr. Bill Lee drove the horse drawn ambulance until 1909 when an automobile ambulance was donate by Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge.

The "Planetarium", erected in 1971, is among the best equipped in the United States featuring the largest public-use telescope in the New York City area.

There is a full schedule of shows throughout the year.

Youngsters under 6 are invited to special presentations on Saturday mornings and adult education courses are available in astronomy, meteorology, and navigation except in the summer months.

If you would like more information please call, 1-631-854-5555

Nearly 48,000 people died from colorectal cancer last year, yet early detection makes it one of the more treatable forms of cancer. That's why it is important to learn the facts about prevention and life-saving screenings. People can learn these facts and participate in a free at-home screening by attending Winthrop-University Hospital's "Perspectives in Health" lecture on Tuesday, March 20. The program, "Colorectal Cancer: What You Should Know-It can Save Your Life!" will be held at the Winthrop Community Outreach Center, located at 101 Mineola Blvd. in Mineola. It will begin with registration at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 7 p.m.

Frank Gress, MD, Chief of Endoscopy at Winthrop, will discuss the causes of the disease, polyps, and recent studies regarding diet. Participants will learn about the different types of screening, who should be screened, and how often. Free hemocult screening tests will be available for you to take home.

Admission is free but seating is limited. Please call 663-8300 to make a reservation or for more information.

On Friday, Feb. 23, the Village hosted a Family Night for our residents and their guests at the Community Center.

Musical entertainment was provided by Gerry Hanson and his talented daughter, Kate. All those in attendance were treated to an evening of dancing and musical games with every child taking home at least one prize. This was a great night for families to socialize and rid themselves of "cabin fever."

Volunteers Colleen O'Shea and Jen Presta did a wonderful job with the balloons and serving the refreshments. Mineola is very fortunate to have teens such as these girls who give of their time and energy to promote community spirit.

Special thanks also goes to Village employee, John Lodigkeit, for all of his help in setting up, assisting throughout the evening and performing the clean-up.

I've learned when one harbors bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.