Prevent Blindness America has declared October "Unmasking Halloween Dangers Month".

To keep your children and/or grandchildren safe, this organization suggests:

* Wear makeup instead of masks. Use mom's hypoallergenic makeup if possible or purchase hypoallergenic formulas. Have an adult apply the makeup and remove it with cold cream instead of soap and water.

* Avoid costumes with masks, wigs, floppy hats or eye patches that block vision.

* Avoid pointed props such as spears, swords or wands that endanger other children's eyes.

* Wear bright reflective clothing or have reflective patches somewhere on the costume if you are going out at night in your costume.

* Carry a bright flashlight to illuminate sidewalks, steps and paths.

* No one should drive while wearing a mask.

* Obey all traffic signals, both as a pedestrian and a driver.

* Younger children should be accompanied by an adult while traveling about the neighborhood.

* Use common sense. Never dart out from between parked cars or hidden corners such as alleys. Avoid streets under construction. Don't trick-or-treat in busy commercial areas or where there is heavy traffic.

* Grown-ups should inspect all trick-or-treat items before allowing children to have them.

* Halloween parties are safer than trick-or-treating at any time.

The Mayor's Annual Halloween party will be held at the Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 26.

Children (Pre K - grade 5) will once again enjoy pony rides, hayrides, castle bounce, petting zoos, and musical entertainment.

The "Official" program for the 1952 Mineola Fair (which cost 15 cents) listed the events for the five day event. A sampling of the events are:

Tuesday, Oct. 9 - Dog Training, Band Concert by Valley Stream High School, Band Concert by Oyster Bay High School, Ox Pulling and Sheep Herding etc.

Wednesday Oct. 10: Band Concert by Malverne High School, Band Concert by Mepham High School, Square Dancing at Dance Pavilion etc.

Thursday, Oct. 11: Band Concert by Hicksville High School, Band Concert by Sewanhaka High School, Fireworks Display etc.,

Friday, Oct. 12: Band Concert by Port Washington High School, Band Concert by Long Beach High School, Band Concert by South Side High School, Veteran's Association Celebration, etc.

Saturday, Oct. 13: Crowning Ceremony 4H King and Queen, Soap Box Derby, Square Dancing, Fireworks.

Sex, drugs and other sensitive issues.... Many questions go along with these topics. How much information is "enough"? Does your child actually know what he or she needs to know? Parents can get tips on specific strategies designed to initiate and handle these discussions at a free lecture presented by Winthrop-University Hospital's Parenting Today program, "How to Talk to Your Children About Sex, Drugs & Other Sensitive Issues" on Thursday, Oct. 25.

The program will begin with registration at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Winthrop Community Outreach Center, located at 101 Mineola Boulevard in Mineola.

Parking is available in the rear of the building.

Ellen Rosenberg, author of Growing Up Feeling Good and Get A Clue!- A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Communicating with Your Preteen will discuss how parents can help their children believe risks are real and empower them to make responsible decisions. A question and answer period will follow.

Admission is free, but preregistration is required. For information and to reserve your space, please call 1-877-559-KIDS.