Once again, recent issues in and around our community have encouraged tremendous activism from our organization and our Plainview-Old Bethpage neighbors ranging from supporting the Society to Preserve Underhill in their effort to preserve 50+ environmentally significant acres on the Underhill property, remaining active on the "No Mall" coalition that has thwarted attempts at development of the Cerro Wire property for several years, actively campaigning against the introduction of "big box" retail chain stores such as Home Depot in Plainview and being instrumental at the forefront of the coalition opposing KeySpan's proposed plan for a 250-megawatt power plant on Spagnoli Road. We shall also see through to fruition this fall, a manned Town of Oyster Bay Community Center in the parklet on Haypath Road. The center is a part of a total parks improvement project through the Town of Oyster Bay. We proposed the center to the Town of Oyster Bay through the SEA Fund Bond on behalf of, and in conjunction with, our local Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Center group who have rallied for a permanent home for years.

In our continuing effort to keep our community abreast of all local issues and as informed as possible, the Concerned Citizens of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community is pleased to host our "Second Annual Community Forum" on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Plainview Public Library, Lower Level Meeting Rooms.

This year's panel includes our own Plainview Water District which always remains in the forefront of all issues pertaining to the conservation and preservation of our water supply; the LI Neighborhood Network whose executive director, Neal Lewis, has proposed and diligently pursued to passage, the 48-Hour Pesticide Notification Law and the Nassau County Police Department-POP Unit Officers from the 2nd and 8th Precincts.

Topics will include: A report on the status of the Exxon/Mobil litigation regarding the MTBE spill at the corner of Manetto Hill and Old Country Road, the Water District's legislative initiatives in response to this threat to the environment and a report on water quality, Organic Lawn Care Alternatives and Pesticide Free Gardening tips, updates on the 48-Hour Pesticide Notification Laws and a report by the POP Unit Officers on community safety and their efforts toward the preservation of our peaceful surburban community.

It takes the effort of a community to muster the sustained support and vigilance to preserve the environment for generations to come. We hope that all residents will avail themselves of this opportunity to learn about and become more involved with these and other local issues. After the final presentation, please plan to stay on for refreshments while our panelists remain to answer questions. We look forward to seeing you on Aug. 19.

For additional information please visit us on the website at concernedcitizenspob.org or call 433-6001.

Carol Meschkow

President, Concerned Citizens of the

Plainview-Old Bethpage Community, Inc.