With just a few weeks before the end of the summer, it is still important to keep up your guard against mosquitoes and the viruses they carry. The New York State Board of Health has reported that an additional two Nassau County residents have been diagnosed as probable cases of West Nile virus in Nassau County; one in East Meadow and one in Merrick.

To date, 49 mosquito pools and three birds tested positive for West Nile Virus; eight humans have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Nassau County. Two of the seven cases have resulted in death.

The Department of Public Works, Mosquito Control Unit is conducting additional surveillance in those areas where positive humans and positive mosquito pools have been found by inspecting breeding sites, and when necessary, applying larvicide. The Health Department will continue mosquito surveillance at 42 trap sites located throughout the county.

To report a mosquito problem, please phone the Department of Public Works Mosquito Control Unit at 572-1166, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please be advised that they are no longer collecting dead birds. To report a dead bird, please phone either the toll-free state hot line at 1-866-537-2473, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or the Nassau County Health Department. For additional information visit the county's website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health. The county urges that residents take the following precautions for safety:

• Remove or empty standing water from old tires, garbage cans, pails or any object that can hold water.

• Clean and unclog rain gutters to keep them draining properly.

• Change the water in birdbaths every two or three days.

• Avoid using bug zappers since they also kill beneficial insects.

Best of luck to Megan Kasnicki (daughter of longtime residents Ted and Leslie) who just married Nicholas Palamidessi and had a wonderful wedding this past weekend! The only downside was - having known Megan since she was a child - it made me feel so old!

Beginning Sept. 15, the village will begin issuing Railroad Parking Permits for the year 2008-09. The annual fee is $100 (this equates to approximately 40 cents per day).

Permits may be obtained at the Village Business Office, 351 Stewart Avenue. Residents who already possess a 2007-08 permit will receive a renewal application by mail, which may be returned to the village either by mail or in person. A photocopy of your registration must accompany your application and check. Current permits will be valid through Sept. 30.

During September, the board of trustees meet once a month. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. The Mayor's Committee Report on St. Paul's which was presented at the July 17 board of trustees meeting has been posted on the website along with three appraisal reports. There is also a link that can be accessed in which you can write a comment to the mayor and board of trustees with regard to the report. The village website address is www.gardencityny.net. Copies of the report are also available at the Reference Desk of the library and at the Business Office at Village Hall. I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village's website for information regarding the village's operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. At this time portions of our village website are under construction, we are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause. Also please be aware that I have a village email address and would be delighted to hear from village residents about their concerns - it is as follows: MayorPBee@gardencityny.net.