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Community Corner

🌱 Mask Mandate For NY State Again + Operation Santa in Mineola

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Mineola.

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Joanne Gallo, Neighbor
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(Patch.com)

Good morning, neighbors! Joanne Gallo here with your brand-new copy of the Mineola Daily.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy, showers around; windy. High: 60, low: 43.

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Here are the top stories in Mineola today:

  1. With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise and the omicron variant spreading, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is reimposing a mask mandate at all indoor public places in the state, which can be waived only if the establishment requires proof of vaccination. The mandate starts Monday, Dec. 13 and runs until Jan. 15, 2022, when the need for it will be reassessed again. According to officials, COVID-19 cases have increased by 43 percent and hospitalizations have grown by 29 percent since Thanksgiving. (Mineola Patch)
  2. A beloved tradition in the Village of Mineola, the Mineola Fire Department will once again be hosting its Operation Santa program. Santa will make a personal visit to residents' homes, either inside or outside, starting Friday, Dec. 10 through Thursday, Dec. 23. Ex-chief Gary Mazur will be taking requests. Residents are advised to act soon by calling 516-830-2770, as dates will fill up quickly. (Mineola American)
  3. Former Garden City Park Water and Fire Commissioner Alan Cooper is challenging the current commissioner of 18 years, Chris Engel in an election this Tuesday. Increasing water rates and stagnation reportedly drove Cooper to run for his old post, which represents Garden City Park and Manhasset Hills, and parts of Albertson, Garden City, Mineola, New Hyde Park, North Hills, Roslyn and Williston Park. (The Island Now)

Today in Mineola:

  • Monthly Chapter Meeting and Island Ride — Mineolamoto. (9 a.m.)
  • INN Holiday Curbside Food Drive — 100 Madison Ave., Hempstead. (10 a.m.)
  • District Council PTA Cultural Arts (Program TBD) @ MS — Mineola Public Schools. (2 p.m.)
  • Holiday Sit-down Dinner Party for Singles 40s, 50s, 60s — 7 in Heaven Singles. (3:30 p.m.)
  • Governor's Comedy Clubs Presents Anthony Rodia — NYCB Theatre at Westbury. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Nassau County Police Department: "Some lucky #NassauCountyPD officers joined 50 deserving kids from the Westbury School District today on a Walmart shopping spree as part of our annual 'Shop with a Cop' event! Thanks to generous gift card donations from the Nassau Police Foundation, the kids got to make their wish lists before pairing off with their police officer buddies for a day of holiday shopping. Some real-life superheroes even showed up to help!" (Facebook)
  • Chaminade High School - Mineola: "Yesterday's Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated by Fr. Eric Fasano '93, the vicar general for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. 'Not only does Mary not run from God in fear when He asks her to take on this incredible responsibility for the whole world, but she instead shows tremendous courage,' Fr. Fasano said in his homily. 'She walks Jesus through His earthly ministry. That's the same call that you and I have.' Student donations for Queen of Peace Residence, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor in Queens, were also presented at the altar." (Facebook)
  • St. Aidan School - Williston Park: "We are busy learning our letters in Mrs. O'Gara's Nursery Class! #staidanschoolwillistonpk #earlychildhood #DRVC #EnrollEducateEvangelize #togetherinlearningtogetherinChrist" (Facebook)
  • Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence: "LICADD Executive Director Steve Chassman, with Jay Oliver, on LIVE with LI discussing the opioid epidemic. https://soundcloud.com/jvcbroadcasting/clinical-dir-of-licadd-steve-chassman-live-on-li-in-the-am-wjay-oliver-12-9-21" (Facebook)
  • Lutheran Counseling Center - Mineola: "So many of us have lost loved ones at this time of year, creating a lot of stress and burdening 'expectations' in celebrating with family and friends. Here is a helpful article, written by LCC therapist, Eden Althaus, LCSW." (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Joanne Gallo

About me: Joanne Gallo is a lifelong resident of Long Island and a writer/editor for 30+ years. After earning a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Writing from NYU, Joanne edited and produced engaging, quality content for a diverse array of consumer publications, from the Johns Hopkins White Papers to Soap Opera Weekly. Raised in the nearby town of Roslyn, Joanne is happy to call Mineola her home for the past 7 years. She loves the arts, dining, gardening and all the natural beauty that Long Island has to offer.

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