The annual “Parish Area Picnic” will be held on March 2, in the Alice Hall at Zephyrhills City Park on State Road 54.  Beginning at 11:30 a.m.  Bring your own table service, dish to pass, something to drink and your smiles.  Please bring guests if you wish. 

Larry Lewis has retired, so you will need to put up with John Piseski, the West Amboy kid.  There will be some great entertainment this year and some door prizes, so please join them for another super day of fellowship.  Call or email John  813.782.1008 or jpiseski@...

Chuck Williams recently flew down to Florida to spend time with his children, Amanda and Jessie in Altamonte Springs.

Tammy and Mark Baum recently flew to Dulles, Virginia, spending  the weekend with their daughter Stephanie. While there, they toured the Civil War battlefield in Manassas, Virginia.

Luz Marina Zender flew to Arnold, Maryland on February 5, 2009, to attend a memorial service for her 51 year old cousin, Billy Smith of Rockville Md, who passed from a unexpected illness.  In attendance was her oldest sister Magen Lovern and her husband Dan; her middle sister, Leslie Monsalve-Jones who flew in from New Mexico.  The family gathered at the home of Helen and Tigre Monsalve, her parents on Saturday.  Family and friends from Virginia, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania and Maryland enjoyed eating Tigre's Latino cooking, fried oyster, Rockfish, oyster shooters and Maryland Blue Crab cakes.

The weather was cold on all days, accept on Sunday, the day of the memorial service.  The temperature rose to the middle sixties and the sun gleamed down on the service. Luz Marina cousin, Billy, leaves behind his brother, Ronny Smith of Pennsylvania and his sister, Cindy Smith-Jones of Bowie Maryland.  I have been blessed to have known Bill for 51 years and will cherish all the fun time we shared together.

Sunday, February 8th, Evelyn Stelmashuck and Nancy Bookheimer co-hosted  a surprise birthday party for Bridget Swartz .  This party had a slight twist in that all the gifts were for the yet to be born granddaughter, Lily Rose.  Those in attendance were - Aubryn Stelmashuck, Gretchen Sayer, Verna Henderson, Joy Oliver, Eleanor Kinney, Kitty Lutz, Janet Clerkin, Sharon Robbins, Kay Perham, Mary Lou Guindon, Mary Houghton, Anne King, Kathy Migdal, Susanne Heagle Sue Townsend, Lillian Harter, Linda McNamara. Bridget had great fun in opening the lovely gifts.   Grandma and Grandpa Swartz will be sure the gifts arrive in  Rochester for Mom, Carrie,  Dad, Jeremy and Big Brother Dylan Wells in time to welcome Lily Rose on February 26.

Connie has invited her Chet and Gretchen Sayer enjoyed lunch at Nesticos  with their daughter Connie Shovlin on Tuesday, February 10.

Frances Covey dropped me a line --  “Congrats to Don and Nancy.. the place looks beautiful.. Hope to get together with them during one of our summer visits north.”

The Parish Town Historical Society monthly meeting was held on Wed. evening, Feb. 11.  The PTHS will be participating in the Parish Irish Days with a booth selling calendars and will be marching in the parade.  You are invited to all meetings but especially  the April meeting (the second Wed. of the month) to join in the round table, sharing your story of growing up in Parish, the past and now.  There will be a spring walk at the Pleasant Lawn Cemetery on Sat. May 30

The Valentines Party held at the Parish Dining and Activity Center for our seniors was a huge success.  The room was aglow with pink, the Parish Kids Club enjoyed making rosebud (kisses) centerpieces for the occasion.  Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal (including the make your own sundae), a very active gift auction and the “famous couples” bingo.  There were a number of new guests that enjoyed a fast paced couple of hours.  814 Rider Street has become a great place to mingle with friends and get out of the house.  The site is now managed by me (Mary Lou Guindon), and we would love for you to join us on any Mon., Tues, or Thurs. from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with lunch being served at noon.  Call and make your reservations at 625-4617.  See the menu online at http://parish-hastings-pres.parish-ny.com/OCOSeniorNutrition.htm.

The Greater Parish Area Chamber of Commerce has announced a date change for “Parish Irish Days” it will be held on  March 14-15!!!  The parade will be held on Sat. March 14 beginning at 10 a.m.  with vendors and activities taking place after.  If you would like to participate contact Dan Dalin, president at 625-4955.

To make this column interesting and informative, we need to hear from you, email information to guindfam@... or call 625-4575.

Blessings and Peace be with you,

Mary Lou Miller Guindon/'75
315 625 4575