"We were so surprised that Ciara was the first Mineola baby for the New Year," stated new mom Peggy Feron. Born at Winthrop-University Hospital on Monday, Jan 8, Ciara Ann Feron is the town's first new baby for 2001. Mineola residents Edward and Peggy Feron beamed with pride as they spoke of their new daughter's arrival into the world.

"Peggy had a doctor's appointment in late December and we were told that she could give birth at any time. I kept joking to my friends that our baby might be on the front page of the newspapers," Mr. Feron stated. "When we passed New Year's, we never thought our baby would be the 'first.'"

Ciara, a perfect bundle of joy, arrived at 5:03 p.m., weighing 6 lbs., 10 ounces, and was delivered by Stephen F. Ullo, MD. She was an easy delivery for mom, who was admitted to the hospital at 2:30 p.m.

"Everyone at Winthrop has been so great," Mrs. Feron exclaimed. "And giving birth at the New Life Center made me very comfortable. The room was beautiful and the care was excellent."

Mr. Feron, originally from Floral Park, and Mrs. Feron, originally from Bellerose, looked long and hard before they moved to Mineola a year and a half ago. They had investigated various areas, especially school districts and were thrilled to finally find a house in Mineola. They've been quite happy with the community.

Mineola's newest resident will also be welcomed into her family by big sister Julia, 19-months-old; paternal grandparents Vinny and Carol Raimo of Floral Park and maternal grandparents Tom and Mary Welch of Bellerose.

Through the First Baby Contest, a number of local businesses generously donated prizes to be awarded to the family of the first Mineola baby born this year. The Feron family will be enjoying the following:

* Breakfast for two at House of Pancakes, 145 Hillside Ave. in Williston Park

* A necktie for Dad, compliments of Foresto's Men's Shop, 309 Willis Ave. in Mineola

* A roll of processing from Galaxy Photo & Camera, 150 Mineola Boulevard in Mineola

* A one year subscription to the Mineola American

* A pair of baby crib shoes compliments of Stride Rite, 426 Hillside Ave. in Williston Park

* Dinner for two at the Davenport Press Restaurant, 70 Main Street in Mineola

* $10 credit on any purchase from Mineola Glass & Mirror, 90 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola

* $10 gift certificate for Willis Hobbies, 300 Willis Avenue

* Ear piercing and a pair of 14 karat earrings from Herricks Jewelers, 2449 Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park

* A roll of film free with processing and a mini-poster from Ron's 60 Minute Photo Center, 250 C Jericho Turnpike in Mineola

* $25 gift certificate for Gensel's Gallery, 550 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola

* A haircut for Mom at Tres Belle Hair Design, 200 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola

* A scatter rug for baby's room from Harry Katz Floor Covering and Appliances, 450 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola

* A clock radio for Mom from Mr. Jay, 294 Hillside Ave. in Williston Park

* $25 merchandise credit for Tsontos Furs, 260 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola

* $10 merchandise certificate for Create-A-Frame Inc., 156 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola

* $10 worth of free cleaning at Randi Cleaners, 300 Jericho Turnpike in Mineola

Congratulations to the couple.