Veterans Day (or as we mature folks remember it - Armistice Day) was held this past week at the monument to the Rainbow Division and Camp Mills on Clinton Road by Fire Station #3. It was lucky that it was held there as there would have been grid lock at their usual spot on Seventh St. by the G.C. Library. There were a good 250 people in attendance and that must have warmed the cockles of the veterans’ hearts. Garden City’s Legion Post Commander Frank Nedelka and past commander John Donovan did a wonderful job. In addition to the various Scout troops, the winners of the competition on the meaning of the day, the Nassau County Police Bagpipers, the Color Guard, and the four people in World War I Uniforms, the Post had many of its members in the audience. Among them were Joan Nedelka , President of the Post’s Women’s Auxiliary, Frances Viviani, Pauline Rudkin, Fred Camp, Joe Frey, Jack Mcgowan, Charles Dunleavy, Joe Keating, Marge and Ed Brown, Herb Blauert and many more.

The most touching thing about the day was when a lady leaving the ceremony with her son asked a Veteran from the Post if he served in the Army, Navy, or Marines. Her Dad was a Marine and she brought her son to the services because she wanted him to know what it was all about and to remember all the Veterans who went before as well as those in the present. For me, that made the day!

There will be a Memorial Service for Dorothy Goepfert at 10 a.m. this Saturday at the Garden City Community Church. All of her friends are invited to attend by her son William Goepfert and his wife Cindy .

A nice thing happened to Nita and Woody Johnson . They recently attended the wedding of their Grandson in Annopolis, Maryland. He and his bride were married in the Chapel there and I hear that it was a beautiful service and of course a beautiful bride. I’m sure they will have photos they will be happy to show you. Congrats to one and all.

Kay and Charlie Thompson welcomed a new Grand-daughter into the family via daughter Keri and her husband Mark. The lovely little charmer will join her three brothers who will be very happy to have her.

Marye and Bill Heston had a visit from their Marine Grandson recently. He has served two tours of duty in Iraq and is coming up for a third tour so it was especially nice to be able to see him.

Brad Gustavson will be holding auditions on December 7 th and 8 th in the church parlor of the Garden City Community Church for a new show his Community Theatre will be mounting in 2005. The theme will be based on the church’s 75 th Anniversary and children will be auditioned at 7:30 and adults at 8:30 p.m. It can be a fun event that will be enjoyed by all.

Shirley Jessen was to have her own One Woman Show at Saks Fifth Avenue, but that was cancelled by the news of the store’s closing. However, Shirley will be exhibiting at the Firehouse Art Gallery at One Education Drive, Garden City from January 24 th to February 5 th from 1 to 3 p.m. with an Awards Ceremony at 2 p.m. on the last day. That should start your New Year off nicely.

Saturday, Dec. 4 th will see the ladies of the Presbyterian Church on Chester Ave. and New Hyde Park Road present their Victorian Tea and Boutique. Seatings are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the cost is $12 per person ($10 for seniors). It’s always a nice event and you can be sure to find friends there.

Virginia Kreyer, who recently moved to Virginia, has written her life story in a book titled “Virginia’s Story”. She did have an interesting life (she was an ordained Minister with a husband who was a talented sculptor). Virginia was a member of the Community Church and they might be able to get some copies if you are interested - just call them.

Happy Wedding Anniversary wishes go to Sue and Joe Tess, who will be celebrating on the 14 th of this month and to Stephanie and Michael Balboni , who will do their celebrating just about now. May both couples have many more years of wedded bliss in which to enjoy health and happiness.

Sara (Sally) Morton is another resident who has left our town for the East End. She is now living at Peconic Landing, Greenport and is quite happy although she does miss all her friends. Come back for some visits, Sally.

If you are looking for a group who will keep you in Stitches, Sally Richmond is the gal for you. Her Squares Group knits, crochets or sews and all for good causes. Just call her if your are interested at 248-2484 and join in.

Many in Garden City were sad to read of the passing of Doctor Bernard Castle . He was a very good Doctor of the old school. He took special interest in all of his patients, always started his rounds at Winthrop at 6 a.m., and even made house calls to patients who were unable to get to his office. They don’t seem to make them like that anymore. Wish that they did. May he rest in peace.

Hope you ordered your turkey! See you next week.