We congratulate President Bush on his re-election; and we commend Senator Kerry on his hard-fought campaign. The country should now unite behind the president for the difficult struggles ahead.

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Four local lads, Dinny Keg, Tom McPhillips, John O'Hara and Paul O'Hara with their band "The Dinny Kegs" performed at the Irish American Center for the Children's Hospital of Crumlin, Ireland. The $5,000 raised goes to the hospital for the kids who have cancer. Maryann Ferron of Precious Gifts is the sister of John.

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City cop Tom Rudolph is very disappointed there is no hockey. He, like me, has become very involved in football both professional and college.

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Lots of kids came trick or treating at our house, including 11 of the 13 children of John and Kathy Dougherty.

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Lou and Pat Santosus enjoyed a two-week tour of Ireland where they touched Dublin, Waterford, Cork, the Rings of Kerry, Cashel, Limerick and even the Aran Islands. Yes, they both kissed the Blarney Stone.

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Before we had mayors, Mineola had presidents. The first president was John Buhler elected in 1906. As we get ready to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2006, we list his successors: Joseph Smith, Edward Schmidt, Frank Krug, Warren Seaman, George Schmidt, William McCarthy, David Helme, Phil Krug and then our mayors, Harry Asher, Edward Schmidt, Joe Nohowec, TomWilson, Cliff Williams, Stanley Krause, Edward Smith, Ann Galante, Robert Hinck Sr., John Colbert and Jack Martins.

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Arline and Terry DiBenedetto of Garfield Ave. are patrons of Charlie Munders Hardware Store.

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Justin and his dad, Richard Gensel are good customers of the Maximum Getty Station on Herricks Rd. I knew four generations of that family, including Justin's grandfather Robert Gensel and his great-grandfather, who was the founder of Gensel Furniture. That handsome landmark building will soon be gone as Gensel will move to a new location near Paneras Bread.

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John Collins, former director of communications at MHS, lunched at Jonathan's.

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The Hudson Diner after a one-year struggle is gone. This landmark diner on E. Second Street has had a long but not a successful time in the 60 years of its history. Located on Hudson St., it has been called the Silver Diner, Matt's and several times the Hudson. No one has been able to survive.

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Jan Daly of Arlington St. plays on the winning football team at Nassau Community College. Jan is also on the lacrosse team. His proud mom is Laura Blake of O'Donnell's Pub.

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The Cuttin Club Hair Stylist has published and is selling a book Cooking for Connor, which contains all-time favorite recipes. All proceeds go to a fund "A Cure for Connor." Book can be purchased at the Cuttin Club in Williston Park and a number of book stores.

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Artie Hawkins was born in British Guiana but he and his wife Sheila have lived on Garfield Ave. for more than 40 years. Artie loves sports and fishing.

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Larry Minchella, owner of Eleanor Rigbys, has retired from the fire department. He was a NYC fireman and was involved in the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Larry will be able now to give his full time to the restaurant. By the way, Bob and Pat Hinck enjoyed dinner at Rigbys.

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That was really terrible about the kids smashing the lights on the monuments at Memorial Park. All were between 12 and 14 and the deed was caught on the surveillance camera.

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