William Randolph Hearst's NY Journal of 1901 had an ad for Green Mountain Vegetable Oil which claimed it was a sure-fire cure for rheumatism, gout, shingles, erysipelas, sores, bruises, face ague, inflammation of the eyes or bowels, swollen breasts, bronchitis, sore throats and piles. The company was located at 38 Courtland Street, NY. Can't figure out how something that great is still not around.

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Maureen O'Connell, our assemblywoman, will speak at the Chamber of Commerce meeting in February. Maureen was born in Mineola on Evelyn Road. When you come to think of it the village has been the birthplace or hometown of several politicians. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy was born here and Senator Balboni lived in Mineola before moving to East Williston. And though Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli was born in Albertson he is a graduate and former board member of the Mineola school system.

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Elsie and Thomas Tramontano have lived on Beebe Road for the past three years along with their 14-year-old son Luis. They are well versed in the languages. In addition to English, Elsie speaks Spanish and Thomas Italian.

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I was recently talking to IHM Sister Ann Walsh while visiting Scranton, PA. Her brother John A. Walsh worked in Newsday's sports department in the 1970s and lived on Lincoln Avenue. John is now an editor with ESPN Sports. Sr. Ann, it turns out, is a friend of Olga and the late Jim McLees.

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Senator Mike Balboni dropped into the Jericho Diner for a quick cup of coffee.

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Jack Ryan of Roslyn Road entertained his friend Irene of New Hyde Park with lunch at the same eatery.

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Lou and Elaine Panacciulli celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary recently. The popular leader of the Nassau Pops also marked his 50th birthday.

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Lou Buttacoli of Holly Avenue celebrated his 30th year as a volunteer fireman.

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Good to see physically challenged Jim Bruno of Washington Avenue tooling around on his electric scooter.

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Chuck Lipshitz of Willis Avenue stopped into the Jericho for breakfast. Chuck works for Alice Jones of Expressions Hair Stylists in the East End.

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Cathy and George Brennan of Carle Place eat breakfast almost every morning at our favorite diner. George worked for the US Post Office and Cathy for the phone company. Both worked at their jobs for 39 years and both retired at the same time 18 years ago. Today they live a rich, happy life together. George says, "You can't beat retirement."

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Just when Reese Buick's old property is in the news Fred Reese passed away. Fred was born in Capetown, South Africa. His dad Augustus, was one of the engineers employed by Cecil Rhodes to build a bridge at Victoria Falls.

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Al and Marion Horner visited Albany for Thanksgiving. Al, a retired postman, says it was a cold eight degrees.

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John and Mary Leonardi of Wardwell Road own Resurrection Press, publishers of religious books.

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Rose Leal has owned My Favorite Hair Salon for 25 years. She and her husband Francisco live on Pershing Parkway. He is the owner of a large junkyard in Queens.

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Bishop John Dunne will celebrate Mass at Corpus Christi for the opening of the church's 100th year celebration on Jan. 21. Bishop Dunne was a parish priest at Corpus Christi in the 1970s.