For the first time ever a local man, John Whelan of Wardwell Rd., was chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the local St. Patrick's Day Parade in Garden City. John, who is very active in the Irish-American Society and Corpus Christi Church, has lived with his wife Mae in Mineola for the past 11 years. Every year they return for a stay in County Clare, the county of their birth. John cut a handsome figure with his top hat, tails and regal bearing, I marched with the large Irish-American Society contingent, along with my friend Mike Lane of the Irish Echo and Dennis O'Sullivan. Eileen Cronin, Sally Cunningham, Patrick O'Brien and Tom Deegan were the aides to the grand marshal. County Executive Tom Suozzi marched with us.

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The Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus also was well-represented in the parade with Kevin Reilly, Bob Teemsma, Jay Monaco, Judge Scott Fairgrieve and Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell spotted with the marchers. Thousands saw the parade which was greeted by Bishop William Murphy. Along the way I spotted Matt and Joanne Duffy, John Kessler, Martin and Mary O'Donnell, Bill VonBlomberg and Mary Danna and Richie O'Shea, the singer of Irish ballads. Also in the many groups were the Corpus Christi School with Dan and Eileen Browne, the Mineola Fire Dept. and Ambulance Corps, MHS Marching Band, Portuguese Dancers, School of Irish Step dancers and County Police with two contingents of horses.

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Among customers at Vincenti's Barber Shop on Willis Ave. are former Corpus Christi priests Father Robert Batule and Father Gerard Gordon.

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The best and busiest contractor in Mineola, Rick Calonita, was getting coffee at a local deli.

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Former Mayor John Colbert and Chamber Vice-Pres. Steve Ford had breakfast together at the Jericho.

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Barbara Thompson, Steve DeFranco, Harold Feldstein and Robert Gordon did their usual efficient job in the 17th election district during the recent primary.

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Three longtime residents of Emory Rd. are Vera and Lou Staiano, 43 years and their neighbor Jean Farquhar, 48 years.

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Assistant Village Justice Dick O'Callaghan, who recently underwent heart surgery said he would have marched in the Irish Parade if the weather had been a bit warmer. On a recent visit with his wife Marguerite to Ireland's County Clare he met Grand Marshal John Whelan.

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Charlie Paterson on a recent Sunday morning at Corpus Christi was helping out at the bake sale being held by the Rosary-Altar Society. Both he and his wife, Sally, are ushers.

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Maria and Dean Stavropoulos announced the birth of their first child, a son James, who was born Feb. 16, 2004. James' dad is the popular cashier at the Jericho Diner, son of the proud grandfather, Jimmy, the owner of the Jericho. Good luck to little James!

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Here's a hit and run in reverse. A young woman I know ran into a car which turned suddenly in front of her seeming to do quite a bit of damage. She was amazed when the driver sped off without stopping. How do you figure?

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The Democratic candidate John Kerry is a Catholic. When Al Smith ran in 1928, he was defeated largely because of his faith. States who hadn't voted Republican since the Civil War voted for Herbert Hoover. When the Catholic John Kennedy was elected he had to first answer many questions. Today, nobody knows or cares what either President Bush's or Senator Kerry's religion is. America has become much more tolerant in the last 70 years.

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The Third Precinct Headquarters on the north side of Hillside Ave. and Mineola Blvd. was formerly the home of the Burkhard family. It was built in 1890 and Nassau County converted it into police headquarters in 1954 and used it until they built the new building just to the east which they use now.

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Harvey Meagher was the first mayor of Williston Park and his large home was what is now Weigand Funeral Home. In 1905 it was the Monticello Hotel and across the rear of the property was a group of stables for the convenience of the guests' horses.

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The pubs that were open did well after the parade. A popular place turned out to be Revere's at 234 Old Country Rd. Rob Roemer, the owner, serves great corned beef and cabbage, Irish bacon and eggs and drinks like Guinness, Killian's Irish Red and Sam Adams. They also carry a full menu with appetizers, soups, salads and many entrees such as turkey, roast beef and steaks. All tasty dishes at very inexpensive prices.