Former Congressman Rick Lazio, left with , left to right, Father Tom Hatmann, Berk Swezey, president of the Babylon Village Republican club and the evening's emcee Steve Markham.

IT WAS A PACKED HOUSE at John Anthony’s for the Citizen of the Year celebration honoring former Congressman Rick Lazio. Steve Markham was a mah-velous emcee with his many jokes and the place was beautifully decorated with red, white and blue centerpieces and balloons. Rick paid tribute to all of the committee and especially his hard working staff. Father Tom Hartmann from the "God Squad" spoke as did Congressman Grucci. Some of Rick’s loyal fans seen about were Diveina and Hugh Leitch, Betty and Jack Oberholzer, Joan Kennedy, Jeanne Ramsay, Molly and Hugo Mascari, Olga Floresta, Evelyn and Gene Nonnon, Judge Patrick Barton and Charlie Spencer—all were hoping that this new banking CEO will run again. We say, definitely yes!

AND ANOTHER LARGE CROWD came out for the Baxter Guild’s luncheon and card party at Good Sam last week. This annual affair where you get to travel the world in military bridge is always a fun afternoon. Joan Manahan always runs the show and gets us all in line for our traveling. All this and a delicious luncheon, too, with lots of prizes, the real winner is good Sam. Kudos to all who worked so hard.

IT’S A BOY for Kathleen and Roderick Bisson of West Babylon. Alexander Roderick was born on May 18 at Winthrop Hospital weighing in at 8-pounds, 12-ounces. Alexander joins a sister Elizabeth Ann who is two and one-half years old. Avon Bisson of Dix Hills, Artie and Denise Flynn of Bay Shore and Dr. Arnold and Theresa Hertz of East Rockaway are the grandparents.

TRAVELIN’ SISTERS. Libby Orr and Shirley Skeffington had a great time last weekend when they drove to Dorset, Vermont for the wedding of Libby’s grandson Tobias Schwendt to Aimee Dill. Tobias is the son of Molly Orr of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Paul Schwendt of Vermont, formerly of Bay Shore. The gals drover back last Sunday, leaving Vermont around noon and reached their favorite table at the Parkwood in time for an early dinner.

LONGTIME WORKERS at the Red Cross Golf Tournament held at Cedar Beach this month, Molly Blue and Fran Pasch. They have been part of the successful team for many years. Readers are invited to submit an item for this column. Please mail your submissions to the Beacon, 65 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, NY 11702, attention: Heard it on the Grapevine. Please include your name telephone number for verification.

SHE LOOKS GREAT! That’s what her Babylon friends said about former longtime resident Molly Post when she visited here last weekend from her home in Cleveland. Molly, an award-winning artist is busy painting and enjoying living near her son Stephen and his family.

AND ANOTHER FORMER RESIDENT Karla Copithorn has moved from her upstate home to Manlius and now lives in a retirement residence in Staunton, Va. Talked to Karla who’s happy in her new digs, especially happy to be near son Fred and his family in Virginia and "Rip" and his family in Maryland. Karla says "hi" to all of her Babylon friends.

IT’S GRADUATION TIME and last Saturday there were lots and lots of balloons outside Village homes and parties in the back yards for the graduates. We went to a garden party at the home of Alice and Joe Vanderveldt with some 100 guests all there to honor Alice’s son Gavin Griffith and her nieces Jackie Auer and Katie Auer. All three graduates from Babylon High School. and, the rains didn’t come, so everyone was able to enjoy the delicious food outside and the kids had fun doing their thing with games, etc. in the yard. It was great to see Joe’s nephew Lee Gilmore who lives in California. Lee has been visiting with his uncle David Gilmore and his wife Jeanette in their Connecticut home.

CUM LAUDE GRADUATE Colin Donnelly, son of Pat and Gary Donnelly of Eagle River, Alaska, graduated recently from Oregon State university where he was awarded his diploma cum laude. Marge Burns of Islip is Colin’s very proud grandmother.