The majestic Chateau Briand was the scene of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce's "We are Mineola Night" with almost 200 people in attendance. Firemen Walter Crosby and Scott Strauss were honored for their heroic work saving lives on September 11, 2001. The others honored were Bill Henrichs, Al, Steve and Ken Ford, Dr. Ron Nagelberg, Teresa Richards, Deputy Mayor Louis Santosus, Virginia Hendricks and Bob Geeher. Among those we had a chance to chat with were Dick O'Callaghan, Mary Ellen Williams, Rose Buglione of the school board, Bill Henley, Mayor Colbert and all the village trustees, Jack and Karen Grayson, Karen Martin, Bob McBride, Jerry and Muriel Mehlman, Jack and Anita Baker, Chamber Vice President Carmela Bernacchio, Gary Katz and Nancy Portegese Bauer. Teri Ranfone, who organized the affair, Peter Golobin and President Manny DeFreitas kept the evening moving smoothly and made sure everybody had a good time.

* * * *

George and Louise Tyminski of Raff Avenue recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. They have lived in the village for 50 years and have two children, George and Carol.

* * * *

Joe McCarthy of Latham Road and Helen Nagler of Hausner Place enjoy the Mineola Pool and like to go to dances. I have known Joe a long time and remember when we used to play softball together when we were younger.

* * * *

Neighbor Ellen Kurz tells us that former Beebe Road resident Mildred Ridgeway recently celebrated her 98th birthday at her home in North Carolina. A gala party was held with 32 family members and friends in attendance.

* * * *

Dr. Lyman Purcell, a longtime Mineola physician, is now 102 years old.

* * * *

Police Officer Goulet of Andrews Road can be found walking his big friendly airdale around the park area.

* * * *

Mayor Colbert doesn't fool around when he had a new roof put on his house. Thirty-one men from Reality Roofing did the job in a single day.

* * * *

Thought I brought my favorite team the Islanders luck when I saw them beat red hot Vancouver 2-1 only to see them lose a week later 3-2 to the Chicago Black Hawks.

* * * *

On Dec. 10 Connor Smith, son of Peter and Karen Smith of Beebe Road celebrated his 6th birthday along with his sister Nicole who is seven months old.

* * * *

Also celebrating a December birthday, the 7th to be exact, was David Miller, owner of Partymaker Rentals on Main Street. Dave lived most of his life in the village and ran for school board three different times. He used to attend village and school board meetings regularly and generally had comments. Some may even remember his mother Rebecca who was very active in Congregation Beth Sholom when Maurice Speier was rabbi. Dave and his wife Dorothy live in Garden City.

* * * *

John Spellman, village attorney, likes to shop at Peter Andrews.

* * * *

A new Walgreens is being built at the corner of Jericho Turnpike and Nassau Boulevard in Garden City Park.

* * * *

Charminade Brother Richard Hartz is the man who skates daily through the west end streets. He is the school's German language teacher.

* * * *

Two more of those handsome 12th Street clocks, like the one in front of the library, are coming. One will be on Jericho Turnpike and the other will be installed on Main Street.

* * * *

Our Christmas lights, courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce, look terrific thanks to the hard work of Marilyn Dore-Pignatoro.

* * * *

When it's night the two memorials in the park, one for the Veterans and the other for the victims and heroes of 9/11, really look impressive as they are surrounded by lights.

* * * *

The other winners of the Corpus Christi fund raising drawing besides me were John Panuliano, Mary Daraio and Louis Gallo all of Mineola.

* * * *

Senator Chuck Schumer and County Executive Thomas Suozzi enjoyed lunch at La Cisterna.

* * * *

Roseann Peritore of the Mineola American celebrated her birthday Dec. 19. In on the fun were hubby John and children Sal and Stephane.