The Pavilion overlooking the lake at the Wyndham complex in Garden City was the scene July 3 as Grace and I renewed the vows we had taken 50 years ago. Our family and some lifelong friends gathered for the ceremony written and conducted by our daughter, Sr. Annmarie. The musical portion was led by Sr. Patricia Scalese also an IHM Sister, and our granddaughters Tracey, Kimberly and Colleen sang. Among those friends with us were former Chamber of Commerce Presidents John Lindner, Jerry Mehlman and his wife Muriel; Miriam and Carl Mollo, Miriam I have known since I was 12; Maryann and Faust Guarino, Maryann a former Mineola resident; former Town of North Hempstead Clerk John DaVanzo; Florence Salisbury, who was one of Grace's bridesmaids; and David and Dorothy Miller of Garden City. Two of our best friends, Grace and Walter Weismantel were unable to come from Florida due to circumstances beyond their control. It was a wonderful day with dinner following the ceremony at the Wyndham.

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Although English-born Bruce Burns has lived in Mineola for many years on Arlington Street, he still retains the accent which makes him sound like Professor Henry Higgins.

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Rose and Mike Ruscigno will mark their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 8. A party will be given by their daughters and sons-in-law Donna and Jim Doran and Lisa and Dave Eskelin and grandchildren Danielle, James, Vanessa and Kyle at Pomodorino's.

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The recent concelebrated Mass at Corpus Christi Church was in honor of three deceased members. Jim McLees, a church trustee and head usher for some 40 years; Tom Culleeny, longtime church sexton; and Manny Martins who led the Portuguese choir and was founder of the Portuguese Lions Club and a leader in the Portuguese community, were remembered.

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Retired NYC Detective Vinnie Lupinacci of McKinley Parkway, enjoyed lunch at the Jericho Diner.

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Former Mayor Ed Smith always has to stay a step ahead of me. He and Evelyne not too long ago celebrated their 51st anniversary.

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Ruth and Lennie Kazdan enjoy the pool almost daily. Lennie, who is blind, does laps. In the winter he skis. Ruth, of course, was top reporter for the Mineola American for many years and the couple still live on Colonial Avenue.

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Debbie Faller, pool director, notes that the same people who have always used the pool are the ones you see day in and day out, even though the pool is free to all Mineola residents.

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Dorothy Campbell of Saville Road tells us that, oddly enough, it was another lady with the same name who recruited her to join the AARP. She always thanks Dottie Campbell for introducing her to the organization she enjoys so much.

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The greatest pitching World Series of all time was when the NY Giants played the Philadelphia A's in 1905. The series was played over five consecutive days and was won by John McGraw's Giants 4 to 1 over Connie Mack's A's. Giant pitcher Christy Mathewson pitched the first, third and fifth games, all shutouts. Can you imagine a pitcher today working three times in five days? The second game was the only one won by the A's with Chief Bender pitching a shutout and the fourth game was won by Iron Man John McGinity; you guessed correctly, it was also a shutout!

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That familiar figure at the Mineola Library, Harry Tunmore, has been dead just a year. Harry died July 5, 1997.

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Fred Yopp, formerly of Willis Avenue, enjoyed a two-week visit to Italy.

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Man from East Hills, Richard Tellis, has written an unusual book called Once Around the Bases. It tells the story of some 50 men who played in just one major league game before they were cut. One fellow, a catcher, actually tagged out Lou Gehrig as he slid into home.

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JB's Pub will be holding its annual golf outing on Aug. 17 with the proceeds going to the Timothy Crane Scholarship Fund. Timothy was just 10 when he died last month from a disease which affects the adrenal functioning and mental capacity. His younger brother Brian has the same condition but shows no signs of it. Alf promises golf at the Glen Cove Country Club and a great dinner at the pub. The goal is $10,000, some of which will also go for research. Call Alf for details at 248-2830.

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Bob and Ruth Gipp, owners of Mahoney's Restaurant in Williston Park, celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary July 3.

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