Vera Parisi, Nancy McDermott, Marilyn Mott, Carle Witkowsky, Dot Lynch and Ellen Kurz, known as the pool tree ladies (they always met at the Mineola pool under a certain tree) enjoyed lunch at the Jericho Diner.

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Bob and Eleanor O'Sullivan partook of a midday meal at the same eatery. Eleanor is a recently retired school nurse from the Mineola School system.

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We're glad to report that our elderly neighbor, Blanche Paris, is back home. Blanche fell while walking in her garden and suffered a broken hip. She underwent three months of rehabilitation. Her many friends at the Leisure Club and the neighborhood welcome her home to Garfield Avenue.

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Dr. Mike Giuliano and wife, Marion, were up from Port Charlotte, FL. They also have a home on Jackson Avenue. Mike, a retired dentist, was active in school affairs and once ran for the school board. He was also an active member of the K of C. He was an avid golfer and he and Marion love dancing and take in all the activities in their new Florida community.

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Former Williston Mayor Carl DelVecchio attended the village's unveiling of the new millennium clock on New Year's Eve. Williston has a handsome street clock at Dartmouth and Willis Avenues.

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Ray Haller, the insurance man, has become president of the Williston Park Chamber of Commerce, succeeding Dr. John Geager.

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Steve Martone is a busy man. He works for the Town of North Hempstead, often assists John DaVanzo in his endeavors, and works at Jaclyn's Card Shop helping owner Jack Coughlin. Steve lives on Evelyn Road.

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That delightful lady Tilly McPartland was in the office taking out a subscription for a friend. She and her husband, Noel, live on Wellington Road.

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Recently, the Wolff Tones appeared at the Nassau County Inn. The singing group takes its name from the Irish Protestant leader who led the uprising against the British in 1798. Tone's group was called the United Irishmen and was a wonderful example of Catholic and Protestant cooperation in the fight for freedom against England. The revolt failed and was ruthlessly suppressed. Their memory lives on in Irish history and song.

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Deacon Richard Raad serves at the Holy Name of Mary Church in Valley Stream. His parents, Richard and Charlotte Raad, live in Mineola.

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We have gotten mixed reviews regarding New Year's Eve. Some, like the Davenport Press, had a banner night and others, like Eleanor Rigby, also report a busy evening from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Others, however, say it was a dismal disappointment. In general, it seemed that the more that was charged, the poorer the establishment did. The public did not fall for those places that tried to hit up the people for big bucks. There was a place in the midwest that would fly you to its hotel on a private jet, meet you with a limo and drive to the hotel for a three-day, three-night stay. They supplied you with a valet to unpack your clothes and presented you with an upscale watch. All for just¬are you ready for this¬$100,000 a couple. My bet is that they had few takers.

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Cheers for Randi Cleaners as owner Artie Epstein collected coats for the homeless during the Christmas season. He collected 1,452 coats which he cleaned at his own expense and distributed to needy children.

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Lou Gagliano of Beebe Road jogs every day no matter how low the temperature.

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Dunkin' Donuts was supposed to open on Jericho Turnpike where the old bagel store was located. The hold- up is strictly with the company as the village approved the opening.

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Dorothy O'Keefe and family will soon be moving to Aberdeen, MD. They are selling their home on Jackson Avenue and moving into a six-bedroom house on a half acre of property.

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Has anyone spotted a black squirrel? We have one in our neighborhood and I was wondering if there were others. I have never before seen a jet black one.

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Former Mayor Ed Smith of Birchwood Court has been appointed to the County Assessor Review Board. Ed's term will last for two years.

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We are living longer and longer. In 1000 the average life span was a mere 30 years. In 1900 it was 45 years and today it's 77 years. Many say that soon people will be living about 100 years on average.