the gates! the gates! That’s the big news in the Big Apple these days. I have heard that many of you will be taking the train into the city to see them, but one of the first to do so was Marilyn O’Brien , who went into the city to see the Alexander Hamilton exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York with friends and since The Gates had opened the day before, they walked over to see this exhibit too. It was a sunny day with a breeze and from their reports the color of the Saffron material was striking and you could see from them as they marched through the park areas just how hilly the park really is. They all enjoyed the Alexander Hamilton Exhibit too and urge you to see it if you go to see The Gates. They will both end along with this month of February.

The old saying was “You can’t keep a good gal down!” That was very true when Doris Stewart took a spill, but showed up to play at her regular table at the recent Garden City Casino Lunch Bridge. Bruises and all, she was a trooper. Among others playing that day were: Lillian Berryman, Irene Sweeney, Pat Weber, and Clara Clark. Marilyn O’Brien was also there and she and Clara Clark made the First Small Slam of the day.

The Cherry Valley Club held their Dinner/Bridge this past week and they had twenty two tables in play following the usual delicious buffet dinner. Bill Buschmann and Bob Forshay brought in the First Small Slam of the evening. There was no Grand Slam made that night, but the winners of the Door Prizes (boxes of fantastic chocolates in honor of the Valentine’s Day just past) were Doris Graham and Howard McCormack . Among the many enjoying the evening were: Miriam and Dick Benack, Joan and Bill O’Connell, Marge and Les Schnell, Marge and Vincent Prestyly, Annemarie Gordon, and Kathleen Mullooly . Of course, Chairman George Rivara and his wife Marilyn were also there and George announced that the next Dinner/Bridge would be held on Wednesday, March 30 th due to a scheduling problem. Reservations are required.

Red was the color of the day at the Monday Movie Matinees at the Garden City Library on Valentine’s Day and it was nice to see so many husbands and wives in attendance for “Girl Crazy”. This Monday you can see the “Barclays of Broadway” with Fred and Ginger and both Sal Catania and Tom Richmond have arranged for March to be a long laugh with the Funny Guys series. Don’t miss it!

Happy Birthday wishes go to Irene Lincks this week-end, to Margaret Loranger , who celebrates on February 29 th, but since this is not Leap Year, she has her choice of February 28 th or March 1 st - either way, she is a winner, and to Mary Gagliardo , who will blow out the candles on her cake on March 2 nd. Doug Dieterich will be celebrating his Special Day on the 1 st of March and we all wish the happy celebrants a wonderful day and a year ahead filled with health and happiness with many more to come.

Garden City lost two long time residents in the past few weeks and they will be missed by all. Genarose Sanzo was a steady at the bridge table either with her husband of many years Richard or with her many lady friends. She always had a smile and a friendly greeting for one and all. She graced whatever event she attended and our thoughts and prayers are with Richard and the family in their time of sorrow.

Jack Renouard also passed away this month and he of course will be remembered for his wonderful conversations during his pool walks at the G.C. Pool. He had many buddies who walked with him and between them, they covered all the national and local news. He had a good word for one and all. The rest of the year he was busy visiting his daughter on the West Coast and her family and his son in Arizona and his family. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Roz and his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by all.

I hope you got your reservations in for the Legion Auxiliary’s 86 th Birthday party on Sunday, March 13 th from 12:30 to 5 at the Senior Center. The deadline is March 2 nd so give Rose Forgione a call and see if you can still attend. They really know how to throw a party in this group so don’t get left out.

The St. Joseph’s Rosary Altar Society will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a dessert Bridge on Friday, March 11 th so call Ann Paulson to see if she can still accept your reservation. I’ll make a bet that Kathleen Mullooly will be front and center for this one.

In the meantime, have a happy while you get ready for St. Pat’s Day.