Just like 1941 is a year remembered for the attack on Pearl Harbor, 2001 will be remembered for the Sept. 11 attacks on America. While there were other newsworthy events in 2001, it seems as if they are all secondary compared with that tragic day. Here is a look at the events that shaped 2001:

In a year that marked various anniversaries, the Corpus Christi Parish celebrated 100 years of existence. Various events including guest speakers, a luncheon and a dinner were planned by the 100th Anniversary Committee in order to mark the occasion. The Corpus Christi anniversary wasn't without some sadness though. In March, the parish's pastor Father Kenneth Winkler lost his battle with cancer.

Also, the Mineola Junior Fire Department celebrated its 25th silver anniversary, making one of the most worthwhile organizations for teens as they prepare for possible membership in the Mineola Fire Department in the village.

Troop 45 of the Boy Scouts celebrated their 80th anniversary. Several former troop members thanked the troop, mentioning all of the important value they learned as a member of Troop 45.

The Mineola School District saw many changes in 2001. First, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Harry Jaroslaw announced his retirement as did Mineola High School assistant principal Mike Terc, director of physical education and athletics Tony Gulli, longtime coach and physical education instructor Bob Young, and Meadow Drive School Principal Dr. Sam Carpentier. Dr. Jaroslaw's position was filled by Dr. Larry Licopoli; Mr. Terc's job was filled by Edward Escobar and Mr. Gulli's job was filled by Ralph Amitrano.

In addition, Mineola High School Principal Jay Lewis left the district to take a job in another district. His position was filled by Dr. Michael Nagler.

Also, Donna Strein was elected to the Mineola Board of Education.

In the midst of Nassau County's financial troubles, County Executive Thomas Gulotta announced that he would not seek re-election. Gulotta points to increasing property values as a major accomplishment of his administration.

In a tight race for county executive, Mineola graduate and New York State Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli is defeated by Glen Cove Mayor Tom Suozzi in a Democratic primary. Suozzi goes on to defeat Republican Bruce Bent to become the next county executive.

Mayor John P. Colbert, Deputy Mayor Lou Santosus and Village Trustee Elizabeth Conlon were all re-elected for another two-year term as they all ran unopposed. Officer Harry Reddan of Nassau County Police's Problem Oriented Policing unit received a promotion to sergeant. Despite the Mineola Civic Association's attempt to have Reddan stay in the 3rd Squad, he received a transfer. His position was taken by Officer John Larson.

The Village of Mineola adopted a commercial vehicle law that makes it unlawful to park commercial vehicles in residential areas overnight. The board amends the law to make it permissible to park commercial vehicles in an enclosed garage overnight, providing the vehicles do not contain machinery or flammable material.

The village made its first historical landmark designations - the gazebo at Memorial Park, the Mineola Auxiliary Police headquarters and the snack stand in Wilson Park.

The village also approved a plan to erect another CVS in Mineola. This one will be put on Jericho Turnpike between Andrews and Emory Roads on the former site of Reese Buick. In the Mineola Fire Department, Mike DeStefano was sworn in as the new chief; Scott Strauss became the first assistant and Jack Gayson moved to second assistant.

The village board adopted a budget that reflected an 8.6 percent increase in the General Fund. Residents witnessed an increase of $1.22 per $100 of assessed valuation.

Resident passed a Mineola School District operating budget for the 2001-2002 school year. As a result, residents saw a tax increase of $3.88 per $100 of assessed valuation. The budget passed by a margin of 841-765.

The Mineola Mustang Run was held again and again, there were record turnouts. The run raised a record $22,000 to be given to various organizations in Mineola. The New York State Department of Transportation unveiled a plan for traffic improvement in Mineola. The crux of the plan calls for the depression of Roslyn Road under the railroad tracks that cross the road. The Mineola School District Council of PTAs unveiled the results of the PRIDE survey which confirmed that there is alcohol and pot use as well as smoking among Mineola teens. The district and the council put together a summit in an attempt to establish possible solutions.

The Mineola Mustangs had a county champion - the girls bowling team, which brought Mustang Pride to Mineola with their appearance in the state championship tournament in Sayville. Christina Schulze set three state records at the tournament.

Mineola's other county champion was wrestler Craig Gunder, who won the 152 lbs. weight class. Other Mineola Mustang notables included

the Boys Wrestling Team, which won the league championship.

Mineola hosted the New York State Little League Championship. The Bronx team, led by Danny Almonte, won convincingly en route to the championship game of the Little League World Series. It was later found out that Almonte was 14, past the required age to participate in Little League. The Bronx team's title was forfeited.