The year 2006 was a significant one in the history of the Village of Mineola. It is the year the village celebrated its 100th birthday as it became incorporated in 1906.

Of course, the big story of 2006 was whether the Village of Mineola would get its own police force. During the year, the village board held numerous public hearings on the proposal to institute a police force. Residents pored over a feasibility study and an operational report that said that the village would get more police protection for less money. At times, the issue was contentious on the village board. On Dec. 5, residents had the opportunity to vote and voted overwhelmingly to reject the police proposal thus putting an end to the most controversial issue in 2006 and in some time in the village.

The centennial celebration kicked off with a concert at Chaminade High School given by the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra with pieces by George Petersen and Carl Strommen. The concert was the perfect birthday gift by the Nassau Pops, which continued its tradition of playing concerts in the summer at Mineola's Memorial Park.

In the Mineola School District, residents supported a $10 million bond referendum for ventilation work at the middle school, windows and doors at the middle school and high school, Jackson Avenue, Cross Street and Hampton Street Schools ventilation and roofs and the renovation of the high school auditorium. Residents of the school district also passed a budget for the 2006-2007 school year so that the board of education did not have to adopt a contingency budget.

In other school district news, longtime principal of the Jackson Avenue School Ida Ayres bid farewell as she resigned her position for the purpose of retirement. Ayres had been principal for 23 years.

The Village of Mineola was successful in a lawsuit against the county, stopping the sale of county-owned land since it was determined the county had not followed the proper procedures. Mayor Martins was concerned that the impact to the village as a result of the county selling off parking fields for the courts was not considered and therefore, he commenced the lawsuit with support from the board of trustees.

In addition, the village settled with Waste Management for solid waste tipping fees the village was unfairly charged for. The carter agreed to pay Mineola $345,000.

There were no changes on the village board of trustees and Linda Fairgrieve and Paul Cusato were both re-elected. However, the Mineola Chamber of Commerce gave thanks to outgoing president Carmela Bernacchio and welcomed in new president Steve Ford, owner of Willis Hobbies.

Among the events held in the village was the Nassau County Firemen's Association Parade and block parade. Mineola hosted the event because ex-chief of the Mineola Fire Department Michael DeStefano was inducted as president of the firemen's association.

The two major centennial events was a gala parade in which just about all organizations and schools in Mineola marched the length of the village. Also, a ball was held at the Jericho Terrace to celebrate the centennial in a formal way. Centennial Committee Chairpersons John DaVanzo, Bob Hinck and Candi Maia received congratulations for helping to plan all the events that made the centennial celebration successful.

Around town, major construction projects took place. The Intermodal Center, a 1,000-car parking garage, was built and opened on the south side of the tracks near the train station. Although the garage provides an abundance of parking for commuters, the downside is that the property has come off the village tax rolls and could attract more commuters to the village.

On a sad note, the village lost many citizens that made the village what it is. To those who passed away in 2006 including Tony Bellissimo, Charles Melvin, Rose Gresalfi, Blanche Paris, Robert DaVanzo, Angie Plaia, the Reverend Thomas Murphy, Frank Rotter and James Rowe and others, we salute you and your families and the impact you had on the community.