Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert was the guest speaker at the Mineola Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The mayor had been scheduled to speak last month but had to cancel because of illness. However, the mayor was in fine spirits, often displaying a sense of humor and thanked the businesses of Mineola for their contributions to the community.

The mayor made light of the fact that he was hospitalized last month, saying he entered Winthrop-University Hospital 18 pounds ago. "They also put a scope down and found out that the mayor was no longer a tin man, that he really has a heart," Colbert joked.

The mayor has been a resident of Mineola since 1984. He said he came here because his wife would not move to Dutchess County. "She said if you want to marry me, you have to move to Mineola so I packed up my two children and we came down here," he said. "I didn't know a soul."

Colbert later became village trustee in 1989 and then five years after that, he became mayor. "I have to say the change in Mineola is really not my doing. I happen to be a mayor but it is the doing of a village board in which I have chaired," he said, also giving credit to former mayors, including Ed Smith, who was also at the chamber meeting. "We will continue to keep Mineola the pride of Nassau and New York State."

He praised the job being done by recently hired Deputy Village Clerk Teri Ranfone, who is the immediate past president of the chamber. "Teri has brought so much to the Village of Mineola and so much to the chamber of commerce," he said.

Mineola, the mayor said, should have the feel of being a community. He mentioned the village's plans to plant more trees on Jericho Turnpike. He assured the businesses present that the trees would be kept trimmed. "It does give you an effect," he said, adding that trees give the community a sense of warmth.

The mayor also mentioned a project to reconstruct the bridge on Mineola Boulevard. "The next phase is to make this bridge once and for all straight," Colbert said, adding the new bridge has to be higher and wider. "The new bridge, I think, will be even more pleasant because we're still going to keep Second Street and Third Street open, which was a big concern."

It is important that Second Street remain open because it is the main entrance into the emergency room for Winthrop. The new bridge will still have a pedestrian crossing on the inside and sidewalks on both sides.

The mayor also mentioned a downtown revitalization project that will affect Main Street, Willis Avenue and Mineola Boulevard. Construction, he said, will take place sometime in the spring.

The mayor also discussed the master plan, which, he said, is being headed by former Mayor Bob Hinck. The master plan, Colbert said, will focus on historical values as well as aesthetic values of the village, not only for 2000, but also for the year 2050. "The plan that we're now drawing up is a plan in which we will be able to follow through not only for the businesses but also for the residents," he said.

On the subject of crime, the mayor said if there is any problem, business owners and residents should not hesitate to call 911.

On the financial status of Mineola, the mayor said Mineola has an excellent fund balance with over $500,000 in it. He also said the village has an AA bond rating. "We closed our budget year on a very positive note," he said.

Chamber of Commerce President Manny DeFreitas wasn't present at the meeting. However, he had good reason. His wife Margie gave birth to a baby boy, Emmanuel Joseph DeFreitas III. The baby is the couple's first and was born at Winthrop-University Hospital. The entire chamber gave Manny a round of applause and expressed congratulations even though he was not at the meeting. Scott Fairgrieve announced that the plans for the Mineola Mustang Run, which will be held on November 19, are progressing. The Mustang Run has already raised $24,000, which will go to benefit local organizations. The Mustang Run is currently looking for volunteers. Because there will be a lot of runners this year, volunteers are needed to protect the safety of all involved. Carol Ann Harrigan of First Presbyterian Church in Mineola announced that she became a grandmother for the first time. Also, she is engaged to be remarried. The chamber also wished her congratulations. The County Seat Kiwanis is sponsoring a fund raiser on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. at Sheridan Lanes. Proceeds raised from the family bowling day will go toward the Pediatric Trauma Center and Pediatric Lyme Disease. For more information, call 741-8740.

Parent and Child Education Program (PACE) is offering courses for those who would like to communicate better with their children. In addition to PACE, The Long Island Children's Museum and The Junior League of Long Island is sponsoring the course, which is being offered free.

The schedule for the six-week course on the following dates at PACE, located at 302 Willis Avenue in Mineola, and The Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) in Garden City:

* Monday, Nov. 6 from 8-9:30 p.m. at PACE

* Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10-11:30 a.m. (with your children) at LICM

* Monday, Nov. 27 from 8-9:30 p.m. at PACE

* Monday, Dec. 4 from 8-9:30 p.m. at PACE

*Saturday, Dec. 12 from noon-1:30 p.m. (with your children) at LICM

If you are interested in learning more about parenting courses offered by PACE, contact Carmela Bernacchio at 294-PACE (7223).

Being in front of the chamber also allowed Mayor Colbert to recognize some of the people who have given their time and efforts to make Mineola a better community.

Electrician Angelo Aragona was honored for numerous hours he contributed for the betterment of events that have taken place in Mineola such as the fair.

Current Village Clerk Lou DiDomenico was honored by Mayor Colbert for 25 years of service with a certificate from the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipals Officials.

Also, former Mayor Ed Smith was honored with a lifetime achievement award for helping the chamber of commerce and the village form a bond.

The mayor also presented a Mineola flag to Carmela Bernacchio and Chef Angelo to display at all chamber meetings.

Finally, Teri Ranfone and Carmela Bernacchio presented an award to Mayor Colbert for his years of support of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce.