It's not often that many of the community's leaders and well respected citizens gather in once place. But on Tuesday, Dec. 5 various community leaders and some members of Mineola's well respected organizations came together at Chateau Briand in Carle Place for the 4th Annual "We are Mineola" Dinner Dance, which recognized several community members for their contributions to the community.

Although the honorees may have come from different backgrounds, a common quality existed in each of them. From contributions of services and time to simply being able to put smiles on the faces of others, these honorees possessed the qualities that were in mind when the dinner was created.

Four years ago, Teri Ranfone, a past president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce and the current deputy clerk for the Village of Mineola had a vision where community members can come together and share in a celebration with all those who make Mineola a better place and all those who possess precious qualities, those of generosity and care. Perhaps these qualities are best represented by Ms. Ranfone.

A flier that was placed on each table at the dinner summed up what the "We Are Mineola" dinner is about. It stated, "The folks that have been chosen as honorees by the Mineola Chamber of Commerce can boast forever that their peers saw them as a truly special person. For as you see, they were not chosen for their wealth, nor their affiliation, their stature in life or who they know. They are special people that care, make things happen, bring special life to a situation and seem to have an unending zest for life and those around them."

Several prestigious organizations were present at the dinner including the Mineola Fire Department, as well as Mineola's veteran organizations such as American Legion Post 349 and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Private Adolph Block Post 1305. Also on hand were Mineola's own Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell, Nassau County Legislature Richard Nicolello and Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta. But the success of the evening can be attributed to the efforts of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, which forged a close working relationship with the Village of Mineola.

Helping Mayor John P. Colbert present the awards were Chamber of Commerce President Manny DeFreitas and Ms. Ranfone. Mr. DeFreitas thanked the mayor for being a part of the evening and also Ms. Ranfone for making it possible. "If it wasn't for Teri, this night would not be possible," he said.

The following are the 2000 "We Are Mineola" award winners and some words about them that were compiled by the chamber:

Mr. Amaral came from Portugal to Mineola with his mother and sister in 1970. He is very active and involved in the Mineola Portuguese Club, having held several officer positions. He has worked for Entenmann's Bakery for over 21 years and at the Mineola depot since 1984. Mr. Amaral attends to his job with the utmost professionalism. His caring ways are most evident to his patrons. Wherever he or his company can help, he is there. But most of all, he truly cares for his community. Joe's life is filled with many accomplishments and credentials. But the reason he is honored is because of all the love he spreads around and how he touches our hearts. Perhaps you have been the lucky recipient of one of Joe's professions of love. He leaves or gives out cards professing love everywhere. When he leaves one behind yet he is nowhere in sight, you are reminded to gently pause and give thanks. Little does Joe know how his simple act can touch a person just in a time of need. Joseph, you are a beautiful person who has touched many a heart. May you never change. Ms. Conlon has served the community as a village trustee since April, 1995 and works tirelessly for the betterment of the community. She has been a founding member of the Mineola Historical Society since its inception in 1988. She worked toward the society's goal of obtaining a headquarters office on Westbury Avenue. Meetings are held at this location and an archive of historical documents and artifacts relative to the community are also maintained there. Ms. Conlon works to heighten awareness of the community when it comes to the rich history of Mineola. She was instrumental in working with the society and the village to create a Historical Preservation Law. Artie has run a successful dry cleaning business, Randi's Cleaners, in Mineola since 1964. However, it wasn't enough for Artie just to be a successful businessman. He also made it his business to help people. He has, therefore, been volunteering his time for the Coats for Kids Campaign since its inception 16 years ago. Each year, he generously cleans hundreds of donated coats that would later be given to children in need in Mineola and neighboring communities. Artie's dedication and outstanding commitment to the needs of the children has been instrumental in expanding the campaign's efforts to all of Nassau and Suffolk Counties as well as New York City. This year, Artie worked with the village to expand the program to include seniors in need of coats. If he has the opportunity to do something for someone, Artie will gladly do it. Diane and her husband Peter were responsible for bringing the Mineola Chamber of Commerce and the Mineola Choral Society together. The chamber soon came to know the couple as beautiful people whose enthusiasm for music and culture was contagious. For several years now, the Choral Society has attended the Holiday Chamber Meeting and shared many beautiful tunes. Thanks to Diane's zest for life, she continued to make sure the chamber and the choral society continues to be a family. Ms. Levison is the public relations representative for the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra. She is the information line for all the musicians and oftentimes their spouses in keeping this major operation coordinated and informed with all of her detailed mailings. Her cooperation and always-pleasant attitude are evident with the camaraderie she enjoys with all of the associates. She is concerned with everyone she comes in contact with and will leave no stone unturned to help somebody if she has the power to do so. Ms. Levison willingly and efficiently gives of her time and energy to her commitments but mostly shows her true devotion to her teenage daughter Melissa. They truly are a dynamic mother/daughter duo. A lifelong Mineola resident and graduate of Mineola High School, Gary joined the Mineola Fire Department at the age of 18. Since then, he has been very active in the department, holding the titles of 2nd Assistant Chief, 1st Assistant Chief and ultimately Chief of the department. Gary is well-liked and highly respected by members of the department and members of the community alike. Gary is one of the founding members of "Operation Santa," a yearly event in which he and other firefighters go door-to-door in costume to bring holiday joy to young children throughout the community. Gary has also been successful in bringing the number of junior firefighters to an all-time high. He has been described as a very loving and caring son and nephew, great friend, neighbor, volunteer fireman and co-worker. Gary has certainly mastered the art of making things seem easy. His unpretentious ways, warm smile and good nature make him stand out as very special. The "We Are Mineola" Dinner Dance also gave organizations the opportunity to honor members who have made a difference. The Mineola Teachers Association honored Teresa Richards and the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra honored Joanne Zappa for their commitment and dedication. In addition, Mineola Historical Society President Jack Hehman honored Village Historian Neil Young for all his efforts in improving the community.