65 HAPPY YEARS TOGETHER. Mary and Jim Grover celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at a family dinner party held for them by their children at Southward Ho last Friday. Special surprise guests were their grandchildren, Mary and Jim have four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Jim was our distinguished Congressman for 14 years. LOTS OF BIRTHDAY PLANS FOR THE MAHLMANN FAMILY. Kara Mahlmann, daughter of Cathy and Jim Mahlmann of Walbridge Avenue celebrated her eighth birthday last week and hosted a party for her friends at the ice skating rink in Hauppauge while her brother Paul played his violin for a concert at the rink. And, afterwards, they enjoyed a trip to Disneyland in Florida with their cousins where they had a wonderful time.

WE TOLD YOU SO. The response was so terrific at lunch during restaurant week in Islip, we learned that our exclusive report last week was true yes, the Lake House will now be open for lunch. Looks like another scoop for the Beacon.

WE NEED MORE PHONE CALLS. So, if you were born between 1920 and 1925, call your Congressman Peter King at 516-541-4225 and ask him to vote "yes" on legislation calling for the restoration of extra benefits denied to this group of citizens, many of whom are World War II veterans. They deserve the small sum of money all others get to help them live out their lives in decent conditions. I hope you'll do it today.

YOU'RE INVITED to the annual business meeting of the "Busy Women," but this isn't like any ordinary business meeting. It will be held at Elizabeth Karoly's Garden at 4 p.m., May 17, and the new slate of officers will be announced. And, bring a tine tea cup, tea sandwiches, scones, jam, cream or some fancy cookies. (We will know who makes the best cookies in town!) If you have a large tea pot, it would be great. Guests are most welcome and remember, just bring something you like. Nothing is mandatory, however. Call Elizabeth at 631-225-9741, or Lois at 631-587-1589. Come and enjoy a fine afternoon with friends.

WE WERE SORRY TO HEAR that Bill Picken passed away last week after a long illness. He was married to the late Ann Dowd Picken who died several years ago. They had four children. Bill was a very accomplished sailor, especially in the Star boat class he was an avid racer and won many sailing awards some years ago. Bill's father, Bill Sr., was also an enthusiastic sailor and was the founder of the Bay Shore Yacht Club.

ANOTHER LAWYER FOR CONNECTICUT. Elizabeth Warren, a senior associate with the law firm of Kelly, Drye, and Warren of Stamford, Connecticut has been notified that she has passed the Connecticut State Bar, which she took in February. Ms. Warren is a graduate of Babylon High School and received her bachelor's degree from Hunter College in New York City and her law degree from Brooklyn Law School. She has been a member of the NYS Bar since 2001.