Heard It On The Grapevine

A PERFECT SETTING FOR A PERFECT PARTY. Thank you, thank you, and more thanks to Fran and Bob Pasch for allowing the “Busy Women” to borrow their beautiful home last Sunday afternoon for their annual Scholarship Benefit Cocktail Party. The weather cooperated beautifully, no snow or ice to contend with, and “the gang was all there.” The dining room table looked fabulous with its beautiful floral centerpiece (donated by Keyser’s Florist) and gourmet dishes of every description. Mohammed’s big platter of shrimp was a big hit with everyone and all of the food was delicious. Many thanks to Gemelli’s, the BabylonMeat Mar ket and to everyone who generously donated. Of course our Mayor Ralph Scordino was there and Trustees Alice Vanderveldt, Kevin Muldowny and Debbie Basile were on the scene. Chatted with our bartenders Dick Freeman, Joe Vanderveldt and “Packy” McGinness. Saw Nancy Swan, Jean Ramsay as “the lady in white” (she looked terrific as always) who came with Olive Lazio, mother of our former Congressman Rick Lazio, Marilyn Winters, “Rinn” Robinson, Molly Blue, two of our favorite couples, Dr. “Mitty” and “Mac” Beyers and Marie and Bill France and the always elegant Mary Jane Young. Everyone worked so hard our Party Chairman Margery Fuhrmann, our President Nancy Newton who’s doing such a great job for the group, and of course the gals in the kitchen who passed the endless supply of hors d’oeuvres and sandwiches including the intrepid Anita North, always so helpful and hard working. Claire Meirowitz did a yoeman’s job at the door and on and on. At 6 p.m.., it was time for the Mayor to pick the winning ticket for the baskets of cheer this year’s winners were two lucky ladies Libby Orr and Mary Rinklin. It couldn’t have happened to nicer gals. Everyone agreed, the party was a huge success, and that means that the tradition will continue and scholarships will be awarded in June to two deserving Babylon High School students.

WE BROKE OUT IN SONG singing “Happy Birthday” to Dick Freeman and Shirley Skeffington who share the same special day, February 19, the day of the party.

AND SPEAKING OF SHIRLEY, she celebrated her 85th in grand style. It all started on Saturday night when her five children and their spouses and her grandchildren honored her with a sumptuous birthday dinner at the home of her daughter “Sassy” Allers and her husband Lester. Even son Ted came all the way from his home in Houston with his children Meghan and Ben. Close friends enjoyed the “sit down” gourmet dinner prepared and served by the Skeffington children and grandchildren. Everyone went home with a “goodie” bag, and they’re still talking about the very special evening. To top it all off the whole family celebrated again at a brunch party on Sunday. We send our best wishes for many, many more to one of Babylon’s best.

HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE. Chatted with Jackie and Jim Bruccia at the ‘"Busy Women” party who are back from a Florida trip where they had dinner with Carmen and Ray Accettella in Stuart where Carmen and Ray spend the winter months. They are both doing fine and send best wishes to all of their friends “up north.” (We hear that Ray, always the generous host insisted on picking up the check.)

PLAUDITS TO THE BABYLON VILLAGE ROTARY AND PRESIDENT TOM KANE for their generous donation of $350 to the Babylon American Legion. Ron Lasley, Village liaison for the Legion tells us that the funds will be used to buy 25 phone cards with 100 minutes of talk time each for our servicemen and women. Now the lucky ones will be able to keep in touch with their loved ones at home.

“BUSY WOMAN” CLAIRE MEIROWITZ has been busy these days. Claire and co-presenter Natalie Aanover held a workshop for more than 70 registrants at the International Association of Business Communicators, Long Island chapter meeting. Their interactive presentation drew enthusiastic comments, and they’ll take “the show on the road” to other organizations. Then, last month Claire organized and ran a pre-retirement workshop for former colleagues at the State University College at Old Westbury, and there’s more she was named to the board of governors of the Editorial Freelancers Association as its membership.

AND DON’T FORGET to call 631669-8164 and reserve a spot for the Conklin House for next Sunday’s program of Irish tales and songs. Irish refreshments will be served. do it now.