IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT FOR THE IRISH at the Irish Pub last Thursday when Judge Patrick Henry’s years of care and concern for the people of Northern Ireland culminated in a fund raiser chaired by his wife Teresa for the benefit of the little girls of the Holy Cross School in Belfast. Most of us have seen the horrifying pictures on T.V. of the young girls walking to school through a phalanx of jeering, spitting, rock throwing neighbors who resented their presence in "their" neighborhood. Patrick has been back and forth to Ireland many times and has made their cause his cause. Fundraising will help with bussing expenses, musical instruments and other incidental expenses. During the evening we heard an inspiring message from Elaine Burns, mother of two of the students and Chairperson of the school P.T.A. and her daughter Leona who spoke from a student’s perspective. But you know the Irish — it can’t be all serious, and there was lots of joy during the evening. We all loved the bag pipers and the great Irish music put everyone in the spirit. Teresa paid high words of praises for her husband — "not Irish, not Catholic, but dedicated to their cause. Of course, the beautiful Henry family were there and lots of friends were on hand to show their support for the cause. It was truly a memorial evening.

WHAT A CELEBRATION FOR THEIR 45TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. Sally and Ted Shiebler of Captree celebrated their anniversary with a memorable trip to Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. They met their daughter Amy and son-in-law Carl David and their children Sarah, 7 and Andrew, 3 in Dublin and traveled more than 3000 miles together. They even took the cross channel Chunnel high speed train from London to Paris. We wish many more to a great couple.

REMEMBER JEANETTE GRAUER? Jeanette and her family lived here in the Village some years ago. She’s now Jeanette Listing and lives in the Florida Keys with her husband and family. Jeanette and her sons Jonathan and David (all grown up) visited with friends in the area recently. Reports are: she looks terrific and is having a wonderful life in Florida.

IT’S A GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY for Donna and Vinnie Ryan. This fab couple celebrated with their children and grandchildren at the Ryan home last week. Even son Timmy who lives with his family in Japan was on hand for the big event. Happy Anniversary to the Ryans and lots more to come.

FROM THE GOOD NEWS DEPARTMENT. Shirley Skeffington has made a great recovery from recent heart surgery at Winthrop Hospital. She’s walking every day, AND is back in the sun for a short time each day at the Babylon Yacht Club where she belongs.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SETTING for a beautiful party for a most worthwhile cause. We’re talking about the Good Shepherd Hospice benefit garden party held last Sunday at the magnificent waterfront home of Aileen Eppig. The lovely volunteers served us delicious hors d’oevres as we sat in the tent and sampled the shrimp, baked clams, sushi, etc. — you name it, they had it. As always Paul Steinberg played his very special tunes down by the water, and as in past years, lots of ladies were sporting hats — Mary Freund, Katie Haberle, Elizabeth Karoly, Evelyn Noonan, Ellen Cromarty looked ever so stylish in their chapeaux. Had a fine time talking with some of the guests: Sister Alice McVey, Mary Leftenant, Rosemary and Helen Fagan, Elaine Smith, Dr. "Mitty" and "Mac" Beyers, and lots more. The hospice honored Charles Spencer for his many years of volunteer work for the organization. Another successful party in our community for a group who help us when the need is the greatest. Thanks to all of the volunteers who keep on giving and of course special thanks to our hostess, Aileen Eppig.

IT’S BEEN A LONG WHILE since the Friends of the Babylon Library were active in the community. In fact, it was back in 1984, but all that has changed now. Talked with Laura Poppe of the Library who brought me up-to-date on the reactivation of the group which held their first meeting in June. Christine Reppeto is the President, and lots of interesting events are on the agenda. On September 28th they’ll be holding a bake sale, but not just an ordinary bake sale. This one "reading with eating" will feature desserts, breads, etc. from novels, serving as an incentive to read and also to bake or cook. Then on November 2nd they’ll hold a book sale.They need members, and it’s only $5 to join, and help serve the reading public in our Village. Stop by the library and check it out — you’ll be glad you did.

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER IN ATLANTIC CITY EXHIBIT. Shirley Wandel, well-known locally for her "beach" family photos, attended the Annual International Convention of Professional Photographers of America held in Atlantic City last week. Two of Shirley’s merit prints were featured in the exhibit.