The 2002 Mayor's Halloween Party will be held at the Community Center on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. All Mineola residents are welcomed. There will be music entertainment provided by D.J. Steve Griffin, along with a castle bounce (outside), magician, mime, and balloonist. There will be beverages, snacks, prizes and goodie bags for all the children. Due to limited space tickets will be needed for this event, if you wish to participate you will need to have a 2002 Leisure Pass. Please call the recreation office during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 746-2326 for tickets and or more information for this event. Winthrop-University Hospital will be dispensing flu and pneumonia inoculations at the Community Center for Mineola residents on Monday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call during business hours 746-2326 after Oct. 28 for an appointment. Applause is in order for Asst. Scoutmaster D'Elia of Fairfield Avenue. Frank received the coveted Silver Beaver Award on Oct. 17 at the New Hyde Inn. This is the highest award presented to volunteers in the scouting society, and is only granted to those who have given unselfishly to their community. Scoutmaster D'Elia has served the youth of Mineola, as well as finding the time to serve on a multitude of youth boards throughout Long Island. Active in his church, he and his wife Sue have given countless hours to benefit our village. Hat's off to the D'Elias; we're lucky to have them!

An estimated 203,500 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States during 2002. Research has shown that early detection increases the chances of survival, and that is why it's important to know the guidelines. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Winthrop-University Hospital's Women's Health Forum will present a free lecture, "Early Detection...BREAST cancer" at 101 Mineola Boulevard in Mineola, at the corner of Second Street. Attendees are asked to arrive no later than 6:45pm. For the 7:00 lecture, and to register in advance by calling 1-888-53-WOMEN.

Susana Fuchs, MD, director, Women's Imaging Center, will explain how a combination of monthly breast exams, mammography and ultrasound can detect early stages of cancer, as well as discuss procedures that are performed to diagnose or treat an abnormality. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.

The Long Island Rail Road, as part of its "One-Day Getaways" program, will hold a Fall Foliage Cruise on Oct. 26. You will cruise aboard the "Lauren Kristy," a rear wheel paddle steamer on the Great South Bay.

There will be waterfront dining at the Snapper Inn (broiled fish, chicken parmesan or sliced steak) and a visit to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum.

The cost is $59 for adults and $49 for children ages 5-11.

The train leaves Jamaica at 9:28 a.m. and is scheduled to return at 6:34 p.m.

If you would like more information please call weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1-718-558-7498.

Senior citizens pay half-fare at all time. A reduced-fare Metro Card is available to seniors. For more information please call 718-243-4999.

Senator Balboni reminded me that the National Safety Council reported that last year more than 26 children were killed and 9,000 more were injured in incidents involving school buses.

Please do not pass a school bus when it is picking up and/or discharging students.