On behalf of my family, the Board of Trustees, and village staff, I bring warm wishes to all residents during this joyful holiday season.

Perhaps it would be good for all of us to take a moment from our busy schedules this holiday season to reflect on the past year, to consider the many things for which we can be thankful, and to consider what the next year may bring.

Throughout the year, but especially during the holidays, it is important that we remember our brothers and sisters in harm's way. I ask that we remember the brave men and women of our nation's armed forces who are serving overseas. Please continue to keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers now and throughout the New Year. It is also important that they realize that they have the full support and backing of a grateful nation.

I also ask that during the holiday season you join with me in expressing our gratitude to the many volunteers who serve our community throughout the year. Special thanks are given for those men and women who volunteer their time in the Mineola Fire Department, Auxiliary Police, and Ambulance Corp. and who make great personal sacrifices to protect our families and property. I also wish to thank the many volunteers in our other, less visible community organizations that provide activities and sporting events for our children and their families to enjoy throughout the year. Their personal sacrifices enable all of us to enjoy the benefits of living together as a community.

This past year was a busy one in our village. Together, we began implementing elements of our new Master Plan, considered creating our own police department, celebrated our Centennial Year, and were successful in lawsuits against Nassau County and Waste Management. These presented great challenges, but provided even greater opportunities for our village's future. It is my hope for the New Year that, together, we will continue to work toward making our community an even greater place to call home.

On behalf of my family, Paula, Kaitlin, Vanessa, and Emma, our village staff and the entire village family, I extend warmest wishes to all during this joyful holiday season and for a peaceful and Happy New Year.