The Mineola Fire Department Color Guard began Organization Night by marching into the midst of the community representatives who had lined the community center to witness the ceremonies that would kick off the next governmental year of Mineola.

It was a night in which Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello noted that Spring is a time of renewal and that night there was to be "a renewal of village government in Mineola."

He added congratulations to the honorees, Trustees Warren Brinker, Trustee Maryanne Warnecke and Village Justice John O'Shea, understanding full well the amount of time their job demands from them.

The first to be sworn in was Brinker who was accompanied by his wife Rene when he took the oath of office administered by Judge Alan A. Bergstein.

Afterwards Brinker reaffirmed his commitment to Mineola by promising to keep taxes stable, refurbish the library, advocate for the youth and for seniors, support the DOT grade crossing elimination projects and support the local service organizations.

He thanked the support of his parents and his wife Rene as well as the residents and voters of Mineola. "I assure you that I will not let you down," promised the trustee.

Trustee Maryanne Warnecke was accompanied by her daughter Theresa when she was sworn in by Jacqueline Carway, friend and fellow Girl Scout Leader.

"I humbly pledge to all of you to work tirelessly for the village," said Warnecke.

She stated that the current administration has improved upon the village with improved parking, village hall, Fire Department building, vehicles for the service organizations, pool and soon a new library.

"We are building our future," commented Warnecke.

Warnecke concluded thanking her runningmates, the village staff and her husband Tom, and children Theresa, Charles and Timothy.

Village Justice John O'Shea stood with his wife Kathleen and his three daughters Kaitlin, Colleen and Margaret when attorney John Ryan administered the oath of office.

O'Shea said he has seen many changes for the better over his 14 years as a resident of Mineola.

"I am proud to serve as a village justice here," said O'Shea.

In closing O'Shea thanked all the voters, the village board, the staff of the village court and Acting Village Justice Richard Callahan for their assistance.

Also honored that night was Tim Almeida who received a proclamation for all the work he has done in the village from Mayor John P. Colbert.

Almeida stated, "I have always believed that it is our duty as citizens to be involved." Almeida thanked all who had a hand in awarding him that night and and reaffirmed his service to God, his family and the village.

Colbert read off all the appointments for the upcoming year, as well as announced the dates of all the public hearings and meetings for the upcoming year.

Colbert did so in such a noteworthy manner, Emcee Steve Grosskopf was prompted to comment, "If politics is not kind to you there is always auctioneering."

In closing Colbert congratulated the winners and stated his goal to lead the elected officials in doing their best for the Village of Mineola in the upcoming year.