Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 18, 1992                   TAG: 9203180288
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PEOPLE

"There was no love greater in my life than my love for Judy Garland," Rooney said in a CNBC interview with Dick Cavett set for broadcast today. "She was `my girl,' and in my heart we belonged together."

Rooney began his show business career in 1921, at the age of 1 1/2. Among his wives were actresses Ava Gardner and Martha Vickers.

Sartorial incorrectness can be politically correct, says a Des Moines, Iowa, radio personality who is leading a push to exhume the leisure suit. "These things are not biodegradable, so it's irresponsible to throw them away," said WHO Radio personality Van Harden. "Our motto is, `Save the environment, wear a leisure suit.' "

This month, the station will sponsor its third annual leisure suit convention, featuring a style show and awards in several categories, including best use of gold chains and "Most Flammable."

Ed McMahon, a retired Marine Corps colonel who soon will retire as Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" sidekick, is lending his name to a shelter for homeless veterans in Tustin, Calif.

"We should always support our fighting men, both in peace and in war. God bless them on this St. Patrick's Day," he said Tuesday before a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ed McMahon Veterans Shelter.

Stan Windhorn, a shelter spokesman, said the non-profit American Veterans Assistance Corp. hoped to open more shelters named after McMahon across the country. He said McMahon was chosen for his "endless work on behalf of vets across the nation."