The recent death of Joe LeoGrande reminded me of the first Lions Club formed in Mineola in 1952 in which Joe was a charter member. The first club was the idea of a group of automobile dealers and some of its members were Fred Reese, Rudy Allmang, Sam Volpe, Bill Lynch, Frank Molinari, Jack Morrison, George Powell, Mo Blinder, Sam Decker, Dr. Stan Fried, Ed Smith and this writer.

* * * *

Tina O'Bayley and son, Ethan enjoyed breakfast at the Jericho Diner. Tina and her husband Bill and their other two sons, Charles and Dylan, live on Fairfield Avenue.

* * * *

Trustee Lou Santosus cheered the Mets onto victory over the Reds in a visit to Shea Stadium.

* * * *

Always good to see former village meter reader Pete Roth around town.

* * * *

Past Grand Knight Ed Pnzella likes an occasional pizza from Cugini's.

* * * *

Ed and Lillian Barnola celebrated his birthday with a group of AARP friends at our favorite diner.

* * * *

Dr. Raymond Mehlman and his wife Debbie hosted a surprise 50th wedding anniversary party for his parents Jerry and Muriel at the Davenport Press Restaurant. Among the 30 guests were past presidents of the Chamber of Commerce John Lindner and this writer, along with his wife, Grace. Mr. Mehlman is also a past president.

* * * *

Mike Lane of Albertson has been named account executive for Long Island by the Irish Echo. Mike at one time owned the Wheatley Market in Williston Park. He is past president of the Irish American Society.

* * * *

Joe Mannix, in spite of his illness, continues to be one of the sharpest dressers around town.

* * * *

Ken and Gerry Aiello of Beebe Road are so proud of their first grandchild Emma Lynn Sodeberg now 4 months old. Emma's parents are Christine and Robert.

* * * *

Tony Catalfomo is a new subscriber to the newspaper. Tony and his wife Harriet live on Sheridan Boulevard. He is the owner of JBM Computers on Jericho Turnpike and his son John helps his dad at the shop.

* * * *

Bob Leahy and son Bob of Wisteria Avenue had breakfast at the Jericho. This was one of the mornings when Bob, the father, was not on the golf course.

* * * *

Joe and Marge Wood of Jackson Avenue love to play with their grandchildren of whom there are 12.

* * * *

Whenever you see a private parking area there is always a sign reading "Unauthorized cars will be towed." Yet, I have never seen a car towed.

* * * *

Carlino's Restaurant has some great murals which Diego Rivera wouldn't mind claiming.

* * * *

Miguel Hernandez arrived 10 years ago from El Salvador and got a job as a busboy at the Davenport. Over time he worked his way up and today is a waiter and bartender. Miguel and his wife Corina and children, Araceli, Lissette and Michael, live on Schuster Avenue.

* * * *

Bill Gresalfi and his daughters Margaret and Suzanne lunched at the Jericho.

* * * *

Lou DiVeglio of Beebe Road visited Atlantic City. Hope you hit it big, Lou!

* * * *

We were in London on an August day several years ago and the temperature hit 80. The tabloids blared "London sizzles in the 80s." People in the UK have no conception of our 90-degree days. Speaking of London papers, England has some of the worse newspapers in the world. They are strictly a mix of sex, violence and horse racing. Two notable exceptions are the Times of London and the Manchester Guardian.