Clara Ann Mina Gilmore IT WAS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER for Josephine Rinaldo Smith as she celebrated her 75th birthday at a surprise party given for her by her son Rob Smith at La Bella Palermo on January 28. Over 70 family members and close friends enjoyed the very special evening. Senator Owen Johnson, who graduated from Babylon High School with Josephine, presented her with a proclamation honoring her for her years of volunteer service in a variety of organizations in the community. Josephine was well known in the area for her musical achievements, and she taught trumpet at St. John the Baptist High School for many years and had also played the string bass and was a long-time member of the Babylon Chorale and has been a Board member of the Babylon Council on the Arts for many year. Among the old friends and associates at the party were: Carol Gandarillas, president of BACCA; Patricia McDonnel, president of the Babylon Chorale and close friends Rose Koch who came from Saratoga Spring, George Boehling Joan and Bill Holmes, Jane and Malcom Lewis, Maggie and Al Shaw, Jim Norton and family, Margie Siegel Ewald, Lillith Boxill, Betty Batkay Schlinitz, Ruth Anderson Bronnenkant and Arlene Calabria. Also celebrating his birthday was Josephine’s grandson, Frankie who was feted with a cake at the party. “It was s perfect evening, and we want to thank all of the staff at La Bella Palerma who did such a wonderful job,” said Rob Smith.

AND ANOTHER SPECIAL BIRTHDAY. Best wishes to John Byrns who was born on February 13 and cÅelebrated with his family last weekend. Special wishes for many many more.

THREE NEW MEMBERS have been named as members to the Conklin House Steering Committee Bob Norman, Millard Warren and Denis Riley have been appointed by Mayor Ralph Scordino. They join Trustee Alice Vanderveldt, Alice Zaruka, Bob Pasch, Trustee Debbie Basile, Karen Petz, Mary Ellen Sullivan, Gene Turner,Keely Harris, Linn Rohl, and of course our Mayor. The Committee is responsible for the use, maintenance and management which includes planning events held at the historic old house. They are joined by large numbers of other volunteers in carrying out the events held during the year.

THEY HAD A GREAT TIME. Yes, Alice and Will Zaruka are home after visiting in Ventura., California for several weeks with their son John, his wife Linda and their daughter Stacey. They enjoyed the beautiful weather and love of sightseeing in the area.

GILMORE BABE. EXCITING NEWS IN THE GILMORE FAMILY. Jeanette and Dave Gilmore are the very proud adoptive parents of a baby girl, Clara Ann Mina Gilmore who was born on February 3 weighing in at six pounds, nine ounces. She is the granddaughter of the late Ann Gilmore who lived here for many years and was the highly respected Editor of The West Islip Beacon. “Clara” is Annie’s mother’s name and of course Annie for her grandmother. Dave writes that “she is beautiful and healthy, and we are over the moon.”

WE’RE HAVING A BLIZZARD as we write the column, but spring is on the way. Always one of the first signs is the Babylon Yacht Club cocktail party coming up on March 19 at Captain Bill’s.

LET’S HEAR IT for the Babylon Village Rescue guys and gals. A close friend needed to go to the hospital Sunday during the blizzard. The Village Rescue responded within minutes, even dug a path in the walkway and got the patient to Good Sam right away. These men and women are our unsung heroes we’re lucky to have them thanks for a job very well done.

OOPS WE’RE SORRY. In last week’s issue we printed the wrong time for the Jim Hawkins program of Irish stories at the Conklin House on March 5. The correct time is 3:30 to 5 p.m. Call 631-669-8164.