Rotary of Oyster Bay has regained its championship status as the number one Salvation Army bell ringer in Nassau County. The group brought in $13,565.69 to the coffers of the army.

"For the last two years, Oyster Bay has fallen to second place," said Major Paul Carlino, as he announced the victory. The Oyster Bay Red Kettle campaign will be shown all over the country as the Salvation Army annual report is sent out. It has a picture of Tullio Donisi, Rich Ciechiuch and the Rotary banner in it.

Last year's annual report had a picture of Jack Williams of the Glen Head Kiwanis. His efforts took the "gold" away from Oyster Bay, Mr. Williams has retired and gone to Florida.

Major Carlino said the next highest group collected $2,000 less than Oyster Bay. With the money, he said, the Salvation Army is able to make thousands of people happy through such programs as their Angel Tree, food drive, toy program and emergency disaster services.

Mr. Ciechiuch has just completed three years as chair of the Salvation Army Nassau County Advisory Board. He is a longtime volunteer with the army. Major Carlino announced that he will be honored in a Salute to Volunteers on Oct. 28 at the Marriott Hotel.

Major Carlino tagged Tullio Donisi "the wagon master - the taskmaster - who keeps the ball rolling." That is true. Mr. Donisi organizes members to donate one or more hours to stand at Edwards next to the red kettle. He thanked the members as well as those who gave four or five hours of extra time. "We have an exceptional bunch of 'old-timers'," said Mr. Donisi.

It is a heart warming experience to see people take the time to put money into the slot. Often a parent uses the moment to teach their children to give: you see the child coming over to the kettle, under the watchful eyes of their parents.

"I challenge you to remain number one," said Major Carlino.

As the program ended, Shirlee Gerstein, of the Youth and Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay-East Norwich said, "Thank you Rotary and the Salvation Army, on behalf of the recipients of all your generosity." Ms. Gerstein in her capacity at YFCA is often the liaison between people in the community's need and the community's giving.