Ten thousand people came to the Mineola Fair, according to my unofficial count. Among those who visited Grace and me at our table were Anita Cocheo, Pat and Lou Santosus, Teresa Richards, Christine Pirrone, Amelia Fitterer, Ruth Stuart, Lisa Keogler, Manuela Anastacio, Kathy Garrido, Robert Briwje, Doris Bezmen, Rose and Bob Smith, Joe and Barrie Van Grembergen, Kristine Tramonte, Jennifer Theriot, Tom Egan, Teresa Holliday, Laura Ferraro, Bob Ruehs, Barbara Wilson, Walter Hobbs, Janet and Joel Rubin, Patti [McMahon] Purdy, Frank and Lynn Morehouse, Fred and Lillian Barnola, Arline Cavanaugh, Harold Feldstein, Vincent and Theresa Collins, Robert Rittman, Nick Buttino, Larry and Phoebe Licopoli, Doris Marinaro, Ann Vaz, Kathy Weis, John Carway, Bonnie Parente, Karen Smith, William Krushinski and Rose and Bob Kulfan.

* * * * *

Also at the fair and visiting our table were Jodi Calace, Victor and Victoria Dovale, Helen McLaughlin, Jane Weimer, Tommy, Mathew and Sarah Rudolph, Marion and Nadine Seaman, Neil, Raphaela and Virginia Piloto, Jane and Denis O'Sullivan, Margaret Ehrichs, Mary Konicki, Ed Escobar, Ann Marie Jankay, Ryan Duffy, Lisa Lao, John DaVanzo, Joyce Gorycki, Kathy Behette, Leslie Mackay, Joe and Marge Wood, Kerri and Diane Barnett, Joan and Suzanne Aragana, the Doherty family, Gloria and Chuck Carney, Layne Greene, Ruth Brickner, Tony Rammer, Henry Bayne, Ann Hosek, Cheryl Lee, N. Rios, Elsie Tramontano, Pat and Tom Genovese, Maddy Cegilski, Rob and Diane Connolly, Bruce and Maryann Burns and Kathy Clingo.

* * * * *

Bad news from former residents Walter and Grace Weismantel, who called from Florida to tell Grace that their grandson, Sean DeBevoise, serving in Iraq with the Marines, had been badly wounded in combat. Sean is the son of their daughter, Sandy. Our prayers go out to the family.

* * * * *

With all the talk about Babe Ruth, I had the chance to see him twice. Once as a coach for the Dodgers and when he played golf on a course in St. Albans, where I lived as a kid. I lined up with about 100 other boys, while the Babe sat down and patiently signed every kid's notebook. No, he didn't charge us five bucks for his signature. Ruth loved children.

* * * * *

Our oldest son, Richard, has taken a buyout offer from People where he serves as their executive news editor. He started with this newspaper and then moved on to US Weekly, Entertainment Weekly and then to People. He will, however, not be completely retired, as he will work three days a week on People's website.

* * * * *

When a lady on the radio was asked her opinion of The DaVinci Code, she said, "Please, just leave Jesus alone." I say Amen to that.

* * * * *

Although his family owns Gayson Plumbing and Heating Co., John Gayson is not sitting behind a desk giving out orders, but is working in the field. He lives on Wisteria Ave. with his wife, Christine, and 1-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn.

* * * * *

The best Reuben sandwich I have ever had was at Eleanor Rigby's. Good to meet Pat and Bernadette O'Brien as we left Rigby's. Eleanor Rigby's takes its name from the old Beatles' song.

* * * * *

Hillside Avenue and Roslyn Road is becoming a church corner. At the intersection, we have the new Beacon Church, the Christian Science Church and the East Williston Community Church.

* * * * *

Old friend Lud Odierna is doing a great job as the new mayor of Williston Park.

* * * * *

Wendy [Webster] Moore was having lunch at the Jericho Diner. Wendy lived on Jackson Avenue for 27 years before moving to Levittown. She graduated with our oldest son, Richard, from MHS, Class of '67. She and Richard were fellow members of the acting group.