This week's column will be published on the eve of a very special holiday; Thanksgiving. It is a time for us to pause and give thanks for the blessings that we enjoy.

Some are not as fortunate and I hope that you will support the efforts of the religious community throughout our great Village in their food drives. Please remember those in need and support their laudable projects.

I, along with all the members of the Board of Trustees, extend to you our best wishes for a safe and festive Thanksgiving.

This past week was a very exciting one. Some of the events that I was pleased to attend were: The Mustang Run, the We Are Mineola Dinner, sponsored by the Mineola Chamber of Commerce and the Corpus Christi Development Fund Dinner/Dance.

The Mustang Run, as it has been in the past, was a huge success. I want to thank the participants, organizers and volunteers that contributed to make it a great event.

The Chamber of Commerce's We Are Mineola Dinner was an outstanding example of the commitment of our fine Village. I encourage you to support our local businesses. Shop locally.

The Chamber of Commerce recognized the following individuals for their contributions to our community:

Edwin J. Kowalczyk - Sergeant, Mineola Auxiliary Police Department

Fanny Cohen - Medipoint International

Edwina Higgins - Humanistic Consultants, Inc.

Grace Jahn - Mineola Historical Society

Louis Palumbo - The Italian-American Civic Association of Mineola

Marty Dawber - Mineola Fire Department

Jeanne O'Rourke - Custom Funding Corporation

Gerry Aiello - Mineola Teachers Association

Manny Carvalho - County Seat Kiwanis Club

Manny Grillo - Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars

Walter Hobbs - Commander, American Legion

Ludwig A. Odierna - Custom Funding Corporation

John H. Hehman - President, Mineola Historical Society

Michael T. Spae - Chief, Mineola Auxiliary Police Department

Gary Katz - Harry Katz Floor Coverings, Inc.

On Friday night, I attended the Corpus Christi Dinner/Dance and had the pleasure of honoring oan Matthaei for her strong commitment to Catholic School Education, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cavalconte, devoted parishioners and Deacon John Reinhart for his dedication to Church and Family Ministry. Again, I would like to congratulate all the honorees and those that spent hours organizing all of these events.

On Friday afternoon I attended the Nassau Citizens Budget Committee Luncheon. The Village of Mineola was again awarded a "Good Government Award with Merit," for both its capital and operating procedures. A "Special Recognition Award" was also conferred for: improved procurement policies to lower costs and new insurance programs that provide greater coverage at lower cost.

This is the fifth consecutive year that our financial efforts have been recognized by the organization. These honors are bestowed on very few municipalities and it was an honor to receive these awards.

I have received numerous communications regarding the recent Halloween Festivities. The tenor of all of these communications was that everyone had a great time.

One of the letters stated; "The 1998 sensational Halloween Party is over - but most assuredly not forgotten. Congratulations to you and your very efficient coordinators who did an outstanding job. Everybody got involved - Boy Scouts, Junior Fire Department, Corpus Christi, Mineola High School students and merchants, just to name a few. The camaraderie was overwhelming. This is the kind of glue that binds the Village of Mineola together."

The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, at the Community Center at 155 Washington Avenue. Caroling and the tree lighting will begin at 7 p.m. and a special guest will be arriving right after the ceremony. The festivities will continue until 9 p.m.

I am pleased to announce that on Friday, December 11, the Village will be hosting its first "Holiday Movie Night" at the Village Community Center. This evening will begin at 7 pm and will be free to all residents who hold a Village of Mineola Leisure Pass and their guests.

That night we will be showing two holiday movies. The first movie will be Mickey's Christmas Carol and the second being Home Alone. A great time for residents of all ages is guaranteed.

Please be advised that with the upcoming holiday season's activities that will take place at the Community Center, Open Basketball will go on hiatus. The closing is effective Thursday, Nov. 26 and will remain in effect until Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999. I hope everyone enjoys the holiday season and looks forward to seeing everyone at Open Basketball when it returns in 1999.