Every great tradition has to start somewhere. On Tuesday, Aug. 22, the Village of Mineola along with the Mineola Chamber of Commerce may have begun a great tradition when they held the First Annual Senior Recognition Day at the Mineola Community Center in village hall.

The day provided Mineola seniors a chance to enjoy each other's company, listen to fine entertainment and have lunch and desserts. Among some of the food donated were pizza, a hero, chicken, hot dogs, cookies and ice cream.

Village of Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert said he wanted a day to recognize all of Mineola's seniors. The mayor then contacted new Mineola Chamber of Commerce President Manny DeFreitas from the Accounting firm of Paternostro & DeFreitas to help coordinate the event with the village.

Even though DeFreitas didn't have much time, he rallied some of the members of the chamber and, together with the mayor, the board of trustees, and the village's staff, pulled off a successful day.

Since Mineola's seniors stay active through clubs such as AARP, the Mineola Golden Age Club and the Leisure Club, the event provided members of all three clubs as well as other seniors to mix together and enjoy lunch, entertainment and pleasant conversation.

"I think the camaraderie between the three clubs and their people and the village is just outstanding," said Dorothy Bedson, who, earlier this year, was named the Town of North Hemsptead's Senior of the Year.

Other distinguished guests in attendance included Chris Gannon, Joseph DiGiorgio, one of the founders of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Tony Bellissimo, Ann Galante, the former mayor of Mineola who is a member of AARP and Bill Pokorny, who will be celebrating his 50th anniversary in the Mineola Fire Department next month. It was also a pleasure for many to see Joseph and Arlene Cavanaugh at the event. Joe Cavanaugh has been recovering from an operation.

Those present from the village included Mayor Colbert, Deputy Mayor Lou Santosus and Trustee Maryanne Warnecke. Trustees Elizabeth Conlon and Linda Fairgrieve were not able to attend the event. Among the staff of the village present were Walter Moloughney, attorney John Spellman, Village Clerk Lou DiDomenico, and Deputy Village Clerk Teri Ranfone, who is also the immediate past president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce.

Besides DeFreitas and Ranfone, other key members of the chamber present who donated their time included First Vice President Carmela Bernacchio, past chamber President Peter Gollobin, Lawrence Jones, Esq., Stephanie Bird, Danielle Lisante, Dr. Gail Stevens, Dr. Anne Forte, Darlene Julich, Michael Pfeiffer, Esq., Lois Hansen and Mosche Schmuelian.

The day began with the seniors enjoying the tunes of John Webber, whose enthusiastic singing and players inspired many to get up and dance. Then the seniors enjoyed the food that was donated by various businesses. Those who donated food included Ian McGregor's, 100 Herricks Road; Eleanor Rigby's, 133 Mineola Boulevard; Carlino's Pizzeria, 204 Jericho Turnpike; Café Rossini, 106 Main Street; Mineola Pizza, 61 2nd Street; Massaro's, 106 Mineola Boulevard; Cugini's, 432 Jericho Turnpike; Radiant Realty, 433 Willis Avenue; Long Island Gourmet, 31 East Jericho Turnpike; Entenmann's, 12 East Jericho Turnpike; Ardito's Deli, 160 Jericho Turnpike; Kucks Deli, 141 Mineola Boulevard; Kentucky Fried Chicken, 139 Jericho Turnpike; Friendly's, 230 Jericho Turnpike; and Karl Ehmer Meats in Ridgewood, Queens.

DeFreitas, who called the restaurants, said some were more than happy to donate the food and dessert. The chamber president and the mayor concluded that without the generous donations of the merchants, the day would not have been possible.

Afterwards, some of those in attendance participated in karaoke with Tom Doherty. Mayor Colbert sang a rendition of When Irish Eyes Are Smiling' surprising many with his singing abilities.

Later, Ralph Caruso, deputy commissioner of the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs for Nassau County, presented Colbert and DeFreitas with citations.

New York State Senator Michael Balboni and New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell were also on hand to pay tribute to the seniors.

Afterward, Mayor Colbert announced the winners of the raffle. Upon entering the community center, everyone received a raffle ticket free. Prizes were donated by Harry Katz Carpet; Scott Fairgrieve, Attorney at Law; Randi Cleaners; the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps; the Accounting Firm of Paternostro & DeFreitas; Kentucky Fried Chicken, Fleet Bank, Radiant Realty and Michael Pfeiffer, Esq.

Colbert and DeFreitas also had the pleasure of announcing that the third Wednesday of every month will be senior day in the village. Local chamber members who wish to participate will give seniors a 10 percent discount on their goods and services.

The day continued as the community center filled with melodies played by the Long Island Harmonica Club. The center proved to come in handy once again. During the summer, the Mineola Community Center came in handy for the Summer Recreation Program, which was held in the center during rainy days. The village took advantage of the center again in holding Senior Recognition Day to provide residents an air-conditioned atmosphere and to shield everyone from possible heat, rain or insect bites.

"The mayor and his assistants and the chamber of commerce did a splendid job. I wish to thank them and I hope they do it again next year," said Mineola resident Lillian Barnola.

DeFreitas commented that everyone was having a good time. "I think we'll do this again next year," the chamber president said. Mayor Colbert agreed and assured everyone that next year, there will be a second annual Senior Recognition Day.