From the archives: Today is 11-11-11 and she's in . . .11th heaven

This article was originally published in Newsday on Nov. 11, 2011

The number 11 has always loomed large in Tara McGovern's life. She weighed an impressive 11 pounds when she was born - on Nov. 11.

Many consider today, 11/11/11, to be auspicious; none more than Tara, who turns 11 years old.

For her birthday, she's getting a Yankees jersey and a necklace, both bearing her favorite number.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime event," Tara, whose family lives in Holbrook, said yesterday of her birthday. "It's a very lucky day and I feel very blessed ...I told my mom we have to play the lottery."

The symmetry of 11/11/11 has attracted a lot of fuss worldwide. Wedding halls across Long Island have been booked for more than a year. Wedding chapels in Las Vegas are expecting a marathon day.

"This is by far our biggest day of the whole year," said Ty Johnson, who works at the Viva Las Vegas chapel, which has 200 weddings booked today instead of the usual 35 or 40.

Even Hollywood is cashing in, with the horror film "11-11-11" being released today.

Numerologists assign great power and meaning to the number 11, although opinions vary widely on what that power and meaning is.

Ellin Dodge of Phoenix, who has written seven books on numerology, sees only an upside. "If you're thinking of getting married on 11/11, you're going to have a very prosperous and healthy life," she said.

Marie Drewes is one of four residents of the Plattduetsche Home Society nursing home in Franklin Square who will turn 100 this year, but she's the only one born on Nov. 11, 1911.

A German immigrant, Drewes came to New York at age 16, working as a nanny. She outlived her husband, who died in 2000. She did not have children and has no surviving relatives, but is expecting a dozen guests today for her milestone birthday.

"We'll have a big cake and balloons," said Pat Pinho, who works at the home. "She's getting her hair done."

Tara McGovern will celebrate at home with 11 friends.

"I didn't do it on purpose," she said. "It just worked out that way."