A VERY HAPPY OCCASION. Yes, it was a happy occasion when Emmet F. McNamara celebrated his 100th birthday August 30 starting with a Mass of Celebration at St. Patrick’s Church in Bay Shore. The church was packed and a number of visiting priests, Bishops and Monsignors participated in the service where a message from the Pope was read. Themass was followed by a cocktail reception at Southward Ho where guests enjoyed a delicious light buffet. It was a full house with family and friends of many years having a great time honoring this outstanding man who has given so much to his community. As the invitation stated: “Grow old along with me…the best is yet to come.

THE LOSS OF A FRIEND. Merritt Thurlow and I have been friends all of our lives, so when I heard that she had died in her home in Tacoma Park last week, it was very sad for me and for all of her many friends and her beloved family. Merritt was a very special person. She was always “up” and interested in others. She was smart, talented and caring—a great wife, mother and friend. See her obituary on Page 7C.

Emmet F. McNamara MORE SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS. Jane Kane celebrated her special day September 5 and enjoyed dinner with her family at Southward Ho. And Mary Ellen Sullivan celebrated at the Parkwood Café with her family last Saturday night. The very best to these great gals.

REMEMBER WHEN Nikki-Jay first opened way back when? The original owner was Annette Trezza. We’re sorry to have to tell you that Annette passed away Sept. 12, 2009. The current employees were able to attend the services and many of the past staff members were there to pay their respects.

AND DON’T FORGET on September 23, the Babylon Busy Women will host a tea at the Babylon Public Library for prospective members. There will also be a fabulous speaker, Jim Ryan, a motivational speaker who will give a talk on “Life Is Not a Dress Rehearsal.” Please bring your friends, neighbors and co-workers to this free event.

OUR VERY BEST WISHES FOR A QUICK RECOVERY go out to Anita North who is recuperating from surgery in her West Islip home. Anita is a former president of the Babylon Busy Women and has worked long and hard for many other organizations in the area. All the best to the best of the best.

THE WEATHER DIDN’T COOPERATE, but John and Lynne Halpin had a great time anyway during a recent visit to John’s mother Rosemary Halpin, at her Oak Beach home. Theylive in Lafayette, California and returned there Sunday.

IT WAS FAMILY REUNION TIME at Fran and Bob Pasch’s last week. Their children, Leslie Woods and her children and grandchildren, Denise and Peter Pasch and family and Robin and Greg Mayor and family all spent the day and had a great time getting together.

THE SEASON IS COMING TO AN END and local clubs are still holding events. The Long Island Yacht Club held its popular annual Labor Day brunch and toga party out near the tikki bar. And the Babylon Yacht Club held its popular beefsteak party Saturday night. Therains came, but not until the part was almost over. Everyone had a great time and praised the food, especially the homemade hors d’ oeuvres.

ANOTHER GRADUATE. Joy Torrey spent last weekend in Shannock, Rhode Island, with her son Rickey. She attended the graduation of her grandson, David, during her stay.