Greenport was a great whaling port in the 19th century. Portuguese vessels used to run between there and the Azores. One such Portuguese sailor was Manuel Claudio. Over the 16 years he served on shipboard he finally made enough money to leave whaling and open a restaurant. Today, Claudio's which opened in 1858 is the oldest same family owned restaurant in the Northeast.

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Jack Levin, the owner of the Soundview Inn in Greenport, is quite a fellow. Jack is a vigorous 92-year-old gentleman who works every day and plays golf with his brother Arthur three times a week. The Soundview was made famous by Nelson DeMille's Plum Island. Jack is ably assisted by his daughters Ellen Wiederlight and Rachael Murphy. Rachael runs their excellent restaurant. Betty Biby is the other member of their personable staff. The Levin family was instrumental in the founding of the Southold Synagogue where the family is still active.

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While out that way it is worth a trip to see the Horton Point Lighthouse and Museum in Southold which was commissioned by George Washington in 1798.

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At the last pool board meeting among the speakers were Mary Carr Fragiacomo, Tina O. Bayley and Anne Frey. They had many questions to address to the pool manager Dan Kopetic and to Kyle Teemsma. The pool still has problems with people eating in the wrong places and a general sloppy attitude on the part of some of the members. Excessive noise is also another problem. On a brighter note Danny Correia of the staff is always so helpful.

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Eileen Higgins, Teddy McCormack, Marion McCormack and Mary Fitton were among others enjoying breakfast at the Jericho.

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John DaVanzo and daughters Mary and Terry also breakfasted at our favorite diner.

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Good to meet Pamela and Mike Elefonte. Mike bought the house on Marcellus Road previously owned by his father-in-law Paul Senft.

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Father Tom Murphy of Corpus Christi rooted home the Mets in their 2-1 victory over the Cubs. He should go more often.

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Interesting man to talk to is fireman Steve Stovarik of Florence Rd.

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Among those banking at Fleet recently was post office employee Mary Gorry and Rich Raad.

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One of the sharpest dressers around town is Bill DeLuca of Emory Rd. with his handsome white jacket and captain's hat. Hey Bill where do you keep the yacht?

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Bill and Ruth Stuart of Staff Managers lunched at the Seacrest.

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Mary Jane Berman of E. Williston holds literary discussions at Barnes & Noble.

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Arthur Egner of White Rd. has joined the Police Academy.

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Dolores Collins and Mom Bertha of Raff Ave. had breakfast you know where.

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Oldest son Richard and his wife Laurie along with Grace and me had a nice chat with Nelson DeMille and his wife Ginny recently. Nelson has written Plum Island, The Gold Coast, The General's Daughter, The Lion's Game and eight other novels. He is one of America's top writers.

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Laura Blake who always makes everybody feel welcome at O'Donnell's Irish Pub often eats breakfast at the Jericho.

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Lou and Pat Santosus vacationed in North Carolina at a house right by the ocean.

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Jim Paterson, an old time hockey player, is part of the North American Thunder Hockey team which is touring Australia where it is now winter. Jim who lives in Mineola and who is the State Farm agent will be touring with a lot of top players from Sweden, Finland and Russia. Jim is a rugged man of 64.