Santa did not bring the Chamber of Commerce’s Community Calendar and I fear that the Easter Bunny will not do so either and I guess by now it is no longer expected. The word was out that there were some printing problems early in the Fall but nothing since. It is a shame because this is the first year without the Calendar and many residents look forward to getting it and organizing their calendars - especially this town’s many clubs and social groups. Now we wait to see what happens at the Chamber’s President’s Coffee in June. Kay Connelly, who was with the old Long Island Trust Company Bank, started the calendar but it wa a much more simple listing in those days. I and many others hope that it will return in 2006.

The Garden City Country Club started off the New Year on Wednesday, January 4th with their monthly Dinner/Bridge and they had a total of twenty-five tables in play following the Buffet dinner. The first Small Slam of the evening was dealt, bid, and made by Bob Hegemann and Al Urban. Many tried, but none came in with the magic Grand Slam. Enjoying the evening were Louise and Tom Butler, Nancy and John Pastula, Irene and John Christie , Irene Sweeney, Athena and John Philippides , and Lucille and Ed Tilitz among others. Bridge Chairlady Muriel Urban announced that the club would be closed for the month of February and the next Dinner/Bridge would be held on Wednesday, March 8. Reservations are a must for this event.

The Garden City Library certainly has a big year planned and many are the offerings that you can enjoy. One of the biggest is their Friends’ Book Sale which will take place on Saturday, January 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will have many of your favorite authors Nelson DeMille, Danielle Steel, Mary Higgins Clark, and all sorts of subjects too. The price is right too - Adult Paperbacks are only 10¢ each or 12 for $1.00. Since the Garden City Exchange closed, this is their only way to raise funds that enable them to provide all those wonderful programs we all enjoy. By supporting the Friend’s at the Library, we are really supporting ourselves so let’s see you readers all out there on Saturday.

Our Birthday boys for this week are Peter Abatabile and J ohn LoSardo, both of whom will do their celebrating on the 19th of January and also Dick Benack, who will be doing his celebrating the middle of this month. May all these gentlemen have a wonderful day and a very happy year with many more to come in health and happiness.

Again during this past week we learned of the passing of several of Garden City’s long time residents. Fred Rega passed away and we send our prayers to his wife Paula. Frances Robinson also left us as 2006 started. Frances was a member of the Community Club of Garden City & Hempstead for twenty-five years and was always interested, especially in the Art field. In all of their programs. Frances was a docent for many years at the Museum of fine Arts in Roslyn and was also an ardent bridge player. We also lost Tom Barbatsuly , the founder of Barbatsuly Brothers Furriers. He was a grand gentleman from the old school and was always willing to help with any of your fur problems and made good service in all of life as his standard. Our prayers and sympathy go to his wife Tina, his daughter Carol, and to his entire family.

Justine Butz and Carol Rilling are Co-Chairing the Social Bridge for the Garden City Branch of A.A.U.W. and Graydon Vanderbvilt is doing a fine job Chairing their “Great Decisions” group with UN Reform on the agenda for January 25th. Our ladies really get into understanding all of the problems in today world as well as may of its enjoyments. Good for you ladies.

Another good way to start off any New Year is to count our blessings. Many times we lose sight of all the good things because some of the sad things seem to take over. Just here in Garden City we have a Village to be proud of, a large group of volunteers who make all of our lives better, a wide variety of activities open to all in the fields of Art, Drama, Educational opportunities for all ages and interests, top quality concerts, and of course The Monday Movies at the Library (along with all their other offerings). So do count your blessings instead of sheep and participate in as many as possible and enrich your enjoyment.

See you next week!