Jerry Ryan of Westbury Avenue will celebrate his 84th birthday in May. Jerry was that lay reader at Corpus Christi Church with the deep resounding voice. In his youth he had planned to be a priest but time and circumstances changed all that even though he made it to the seminary. He became a sign painter and was responsible for most of the paper and cardboard signs in Mineola during the '70s. Jerry wrote an occasional column for the Brooklyn Tablet. He was famous as a teller of jokes and tales and even tried his hand as a stand-up comic. Once his children treated him to the dream of his life - a trip to his beloved Ireland.

* * * *

Bill Kaiser of Andrews Rd., referring to the recent village election, says a 3 to 2 split on the village board is a guarantee of a government of checks and balances...Tim O'Brien of Clinton Avenue says he was very surprised by what happened but didn't say who he voted for.

* * * *

Marie Masino of First St. was gazing wistfully at the library work in the park. She, along with Linda Doell and other longtime employees, were among those who lost their jobs when the temporary library was set up on Washington Avenue.

* * * *

Msgr. Edward Tarrant of Corpus Christi has been reassigned as administrator at Maria Regina Church in Seaford.

* * * *

Ilmi Dalipi of White Rd. is the brother of Joe Dalipi, owner of Villa Margherita Restaurant in New Hyde Park.

* * * *

Elizabeth Henley of Mineola spoke on TV when she appeared before the Legislature discussion of the county budget deficit. Ms. Henley is an attorney.

* * * *

Lou and MaryAnn Iaquinto of Mineola and their friends Mr. and Mrs. Babi enjoyed lunch at the Jericho Diner. The Babis live in Smithtown.

* * * *

Liz Morgan and her late husband Bud ate breakfast most days at the famous diner. Liz, who lives in Garden City, likes to shop in Mineola and still enjoys coming to the Jericho.

* * * *

Always good to see upbeat Joe Mannix and wife Catherine at church. Their son Brian, who will soon be ordained a deacon, often participates in the Mass.

* * * *

The new restroom at Memorial Park is being built next to the tennis courts and may be open in time for the Mineola Fair in May.

* * * *

I had a chance to talk to old friends Bill and Fran Dempsey of Latham Rd. Bill is a retired judge of the Family Court.

* * * *

The popular busboy at the Jericho Diner, Julio Quijada, is spending the month of April visiting in his native El Salvador.

* * * *

Tim Sullivan, formerly of White Rd., had breakfast at the diner. He and his wife Peggy now live in Garden City.

* * * *

Had lunch at the George Washington Manor. When the first president toured the Island he stopped for breakfast at the home of Hendrick Onderonk which is now the Manor. Washington arrived accompanied by just one man. The house was actually built in 1740 in the village then called Hempstead Harbor. Onderdonk later bought a grist mill and bake house near his home. On the morning of April 24, 1790, Onderdonk received word that the president would be arriving that very morning. Now plans for President Clinton's visits anywhere are made weeks in advance and he is accompanied by hundreds.

* * * *

Met a most delightful young woman, Bonnie Lou Parente, of Marcellus Rd. She is the daughter of Trustee Lou and Mrs. Santosus. She is a practicing attorney.