We received a note about a birthday party held for Frances Pascussi. It reminded us of notices we read in the 1880 issues of The East Norwich Enterprise. It is the sort of notice that generations later tell historians about what was going on in the heart of the community. In some ways the small stories from the community are often more important that the front page stories that come and go over the years.

On Saturday night, Dec. 16, Frances Pascucci of Oyster Bay celebrated her 85th birthday at a surprise party hosted by her daughter Joanne Pascucci. Fifty friends and family members attended the celebration, which was held at Il Piatto Restaurant in Oyster Bay.

The evening's entertainment was provided by The Big Cloe, comprised of the area's finest musicians, whose mix of blues, rock, and calypso had everyone up and dancing.

Mrs. Pascucci had been invited by her daughter Joanne to go out to dinner that evening, and when she walked into the room to shouts of "Surprise!" she was very shocked and overwhelmed, but extremely happy, said her daughter.

She had a great time talking to everyone. The party was a reunion of sorts since it brought together many family members who hadn't seen one another in a few years.

The evening passed all too quickly and everyone had a hard time saying good night. "I've never had such a wonderful birthday party," Mrs. Pascucci said.

"I will always remember this as one of the most special nights of my life."

Historians, years from now - take note!

- DFK