In addition to the Mineola, Texas there are numerous "other' Mineolas. They are:

Mineola, Alabama - Monroe County

Mineola, Arkansas - Howard County

Mineola, Georgia - Loundel County

Mineola, Iowa - Mills County

Mineola, Missouri - Montgomery County

The Opening Ceremonies will be held at Wilson Park on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held at 155 Washington Avenue on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Just a reminder, the Annual Tree Lighting will be held at the Community Center on Dec. 7. Caroling will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Santa arriving shortly thereafter. All are welcome to attend. In keeping with one of its most cherished traditions, Winthrop-University Hospital will hold its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, Dec. 3, at 4:30 p.m. The festivities will include a selection of carols by the Mineola High School Concert Singers, under the direction of Mr. Vaughn Fritts. Local residents are invited to join in the celebration as the switch is thrown to illuminate the evergreen that graces the main entrance of the hospital. Light refreshments will be served in the main lobby immediately following the ceremony.

New York State has two programs to assist residents who do not have health care coverage ie., Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus.

Family Health Plus is a public health insurance program for adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who do not have health insurance because their incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid.

Family Health Plus is available to single adults, couples without children, and parents with limited incomes.

Child Health Plus, as the name implies, is an insurance program for children. Depending on your family's income, your child may be eligible to join either Child Health Plus A or Child Health Plus B.

If you have e-mail, you oftentimes will receive a message regarding "Found Money." You do not have to pay a fee if you contact the New York State's Comptroller's Office.

You may call the Comptroller's "hotline" Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1-800-221-9311 or you may write to: State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, c/o Office of Unclaimed Funds, A.E. Smith Office Building, Albany, New York 12236.

The publication (#10050) Medicare & You 2002 is a summary of Medicare benefits, rights, and answers the most frequently asked questions about Medicare.

If you are interested in ordering this publication please call 1-800-633-4227.

Women battling cancer often suffer side effects from treatment that alter their appearance. However, the impact of these changes can be minimized through hair and make-up techniques. Winthrop- University Hospital, in an effort to support women through this difficult time, is offering a free program, "Look Good- Feel Better."

The program will be offered on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hoag One Conference Room at Winthrop, located at 259 First Street in Mineola.

Women can learn how to look and feel their best by getting tips from professionals that will help soften the effects of radiation and chemotherapy through special hair styling, grooming and make-up techniques.

Seating is limited and reservations are strongly suggested. Please call 663-8843 to make a reservation.

The Mineola Chamber of Commerce will be holding its "We Are Mineola Dinner" on Monday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Chateau Briand, Europa Room, in Carle Place.

If you would like to attend please call 746-6322.

The Nassau Pops will be performing in the auditorium at Chaminade High School on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m.

It is always delightful to attend any Nassau Pops Program and I am sure that all that attend this free event will echo my comment.