The Winthrop-University Annual Tree Lighting will be held on Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m. The Mineola High School Singers, under the direction of Ms. Meg Lavin, will perform songs of the season.

Light refreshments will be available in the main lobby following the lighting.

At 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 there will be a Public Hearing at the Village Hall, 155 Washington Avenue regarding a proposed local law to establish real property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters.

At 7:30 p.m. there will be a regular Board of Trustees meeting. The public is invited to attend.

On Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. the Village of Mineola Annual Tree Lighting will be held at the Mineola Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue. You are invited to join in caroling. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served as Santa is welcomed.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reminds us not to buy credit card loss protection insurance.

"Telephone scam artists are lying to get people to buy worthless credit card loss protection and insurance programs. If you didn't authorize a charge, don't pay it." The Federal Trade Commission advises that you are only liable for up to $50 for unauthorized charges.

To be better informed as to how you might protect yourself from credit card fraud and identify theft, the Trade Commission has available for free, Credit, ATM and Debit Cards; What To Do if They're Lost or Stolen, Fair Credit Billing and ID Theft; When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name. The FTC's toll free number is 1-877-382-4357 and its website is www.ftc.gov

Water Bills in the distant past had interesting categories. A Nassau County village's 1917 water bill had the following potential charges:

* First faucet

* Washtub (not more than three)

* Bathroom

* Water Closets

* Hose BIB Lawn Sprinkler

* Stable

* Extra Stalls

It is estimated that in 1995 alone, $1.43 billion of monies intended for "charities"...ended up in the pockets of fraudulent solicitors."

Some organizations in their solicitations (by phone or in the mail) will include phrases such as tax exempt, "tax ID number" and "keep this receipt for your records." None of these phrases mean that your donation is tax deductible, to the contrary, you would be well advised to "find out more" about this alleged charity before making a contribution.

One of the "newer" fundraising approaches is the guaranteed sweepstakes. All you have to do is "donate" X amount of dollars and you are "guaranteed" to win merchandise that has a minimum value of Y (which just happens to be in excess of the amount of your donation.) This is possible, you will be told, because the "charity" buys in bulk, but we (the charity) is almost out of the item you want. To hold the merchandise you will be requested to make your donation by credit card.

You get caught up in the moment and you are about to give a stranger on the phone your credit card information. Don't - always refuse high pressure requests for your credit information. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that...if you believe an organization may not be operating for charitable purposes or is making misleading solicitations, contact the Attorney General's Office."