What a guy! Biology teacher, succor of the ill, runner, train hobbyist and gardener - that's Lou Gagliano. He started teaching biology at Chaminade High School in 1967. Later he taught in the Great Neck school system, the Middle Island schools, New York city schools and finally at Martin Van Buren in Queens Village. Teaching by day, he became a registered nurse studying at night and has worked at a number of hospitals including Winthrop. Lou became involved with the Mustang Run, first as a runner and later as one of the organizers of this great Mineola race that raises thousands of dollars for many causes. He and his wife Julie have three daughters, Christine Curtiss, Maria Sommo and Theresa Sarandrea. Lou and Julie live on Beebe Road as does their youngest daughter and her husband Mark Curtiss. Lou and Julie have a granddaughter, Jessica. Lou is an avid gardener and spends the warm months in his yard and in the winter he is usually in his basement tinkering with his model trains and his railroads.

Had a chance to talk briefly with Senator Charles Schumer at the conclusion of our great parade. Speaking of the parade, the grand marshal, Beatrice Hubbard, almost 100 years old and a former teacher at MHS, lives in the President Apartments on Mineola Blvd. A number of her former students came from out of town to see her heading the parade.

John Herling is the reference librarian at the Mineola Library. He is also a big sports fan and recently enjoyed seeing the Islanders play the Panthers and the Atlanta team. At the game against the Florida Panthers he saw the Isles win an eight round shoot-out. He and his wife Paula live on Dow Avenue. Another big hockey fan is Jim Howard, who has his morning coffee at the Jericho Diner. Jim and Maureen live in Williston Park.

Judge Scott Fairgrieve introduced me to Michael Alonge and Tom Bocaria, both attorneys who were enjoying lunch at you know where.

Frank and Jo DiPrima are back from Oregon and Georgia visiting their children.

Congressman Peter King used to have dinner at the old Executive Restaurant. John Pavlovich used to own that marvelous eating place on Mineola Blvd. It's the location of Jani's Japanese Restaurant now.

Always good to see Bill Dinkerlacker. He is retired from the NYC Police Department's Emergency Service Unit. Bill and his wife Cindy have lived on Garfield Avenue for the last 11 years.

Old friend Jack Whelan of Wardwell Road was the Grand Marshal of the local St. Patrick's Day parade a couple of years ago. Jack has been ill but still gets around town using his walker. Hey, you can't keep a fighting Irishman down for long.

I have known Dolores Sedecca a long time, having had business with her when she was a real estate broker. She was the Democratic candidate for the Assembly running against Tom McKevitt. Dolores and her husband Richard live in East Williston; in fact she was the first woman to be elected mayor of that village. Nancy Zolezzi is now the mayor of East Williston.

The Jets have few fans more faithful than former District Court Judge Bob Rosenthal. Bob often travels to different cities to see them play and is a longtime season ticket holder. Bob lives on Andrews Road and a few may remember his father who owned a big hardware store called Jack's on Mineola Blvd. Bob is past president of Temple Beth Sholom Chabat and is very involved in all their activities.

Franceen McPoland and Bette Terzi own Patrick's East Side Grille in NHP and both live in Mineola.

Speaking of restaurants, there is a wonderful French place at 82 Hillside Avenue in Williston Park, Oliver Bon Dinant. It's inexpensive and host Antoine makes all feel welcome. The food is excellent and the background of French music is very enjoyable.

Met longtime acquaintances Ed and Alice McGinty at Mass on All Saints Day.

Patricia and Bob Sperling have resided in the area for the past 29 years. She was the secretary to lawyer Tom Ford and Bob was a computer engineer.

Tom and Gloria Pennacchio live on Latham Road. Tom is retired from Astoria Bank and the couple spend the winter months in Naples, Florida.

Our editor Joe Rizza had a well-earned vacation in Las Vegas. No, he didn't win enough to retire on.

Good to see yet another bank on the corner of Hillside and Mineola Blvd., Chase's latest. We also have the new Sovereign Bank. How many is that now - 30? I shouldn't complain as they all advertise in our newspapers.