We have a gem in our community - a special and unique person who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on April 18, 2008. She is a centenarian with a sunny and loving disposition. And an amazing memory: She can tell you of events that took place more than 95 years ago.

I first met Julia Gilsenan at a wine and cheese party several years ago - and I was instantly charmed. Emboldened by her outgoing personality, I began to ask her about events that took place when she moved to Roslyn as a third-grade student.

She first attended the Heights School, Julia said, noting that grades four through six were taught in several storefronts opposite the town's old fire station. High school classes were held in a converted garage that Julia thinks is now a restaurant. A new high school building, long under construction, was completed in 1926, just in time for her graduation with the Roslyn High School Class of '26.

After high school and until her retirement many years later, Julia worked for various real estate and financial companies in the area.

The many activities that kept Julia happily occupied during the passing decades included volunteer work for the American Red Cross. Julia recalls knitting scarves and socks for soldiers who fought in World War II and she fondly remembers filling "care" packages that were shipped to them.

In addition to knitting for the Red Cross, Julia says she sewed her own clothing and even made prom dresses for her nieces. She also is an accomplished artist and her lovely paintings adorn the walls of her home in Roslyn Heights.

In her youth, Hempstead was the region's main shopping district. One got there by taking the Tooner Trolley, which started its daily run in Port Washington, as Julia remembers it, running through Roslyn and ending at Mineola, the last stop. There you picked up a bus to Hempstead, she recalls.

As you might guess, Julia's family is planning a great 100th birthday celebration.

Happy birthday, Julia, from your neighbors and friends!

Marguerite Galano