Wouldn't it be great if Tom DiNapoli became the new Democratic leader of Nassau County? We have followed his career from when he was a wet-behind-the-ears kid of 18 years of age and running for the Mineola School Board. After he was elected he went on to become the president of the board and reached new heights as one of the most honest and diligent members of the NY State Assembly. He would do a great job.

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Pamela and Gregory Kyro of Horton Highway are the owners of the new, beautiful looking hair salon at 44 Jericho Tpke. just in front of King Kullen.

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Patrick Mucci is an altar boy at Corpus Christi Church even though the family now lives in Floral Park. Mom, Pat Mucci, is a teller at Fleet Bank in town.

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Sal Cataldo of Jerome Ave. has renewed his interest in Letters to the Editor. Longtime readers will remember his many observations. His sons, Jim and Sal, are busy with the restaurant equipment business on Herricks Road. The family used to own a restaurant and bar on Jericho Tpke. called Horizons.

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It seems hard to believe that the long-active Brad Ely has passed on. Brad was a real asset to the village. Our condolences go out to his wife Frances, four children and six grandchildren.

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Breakfast at our favorite diner was enjoyed by Gail Stevens, Peter Gollobin and union leader Richard Abondolo.

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Jim Contreras is another fellow who likes the diner. Jim, of Liberty Avenue, speaks no Spanish in spite of his Iberian name. He explains that he was raised by an Italian family and speaks some Italian.

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Clifford Affigne, formerly of Mineola, has become engaged to Anna Cruz of Locust Valley. Clifford is the son of Maryann Guarino formerly of First St. now residing in Oceanside with her husband, Faust.

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Bella Lorcher, formerly of Mineola, died recently. Bella was born in Ireland and was the aunt of Mary Krzeminski of Brown St. Mary is Irish (nee Mary White). She and her husband, Ed, are active in church and K of C affairs.

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John and Cathy Spellman enjoyed a dinner at our favorite Irish restaurant, Glenerin. Glenerin has some great entertainment to go with their tasty Shepherds Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread and Irish Coffee. If you are Irish you will love the place and if not you will still like the place a lot.

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Speaking of John Spellman, who is the village attorney, he was one of those who participated in the recent charity basketball game at Mineola High. Among the players was also Jack Baker who shot a couple of baskets. Jack is 82 years old. He's in good shape having played the game throughout his life.

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Noel and Tilly McPartland are back home on Wellington Road after a great trip to the old country visiting Cavan, Mayo and Donegal.

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There are few more dedicated theater lovers than Corpus Christi Pastor Father Ken Winkler. He gets to enjoy, frequently, many productions both on and off Broadway. Speaking of Broadway, the producers of Mineola Twins claim the word Mineola means "Much Water" in the local Indian language. That's wrong; Mineola means "Pleasant Village."

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Former Roosevelt Ave. resident Walter Weismantel, now of Homestead, Florida, was invited to speak at the local high school about his experiences in Europe during World War II. Walter says the class showed tremendous interest in the subject. He is active in the local VFW.

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Two good, but entirely different Broadway shows we recently enjoyed were Ragtime and Side Man.