With the speed of light the word came back from Sister City Coburg with photos and messages from those who entertained our visitors from that city already in print in their local paper and a note to say how pleased they were to hear from us. The printed messages were from: Miriam and Richard Benack, Barbara and Peter Gall, Robert L. Schoelle, Sally and Hank Schreier and Muriel and Al Urban along with one from the Oberburgermeistr Norbert Kastner. The whole thing from start to finish took just two weeks and was published in the February 20 th issue of the Coburg Stadt and a copy arrived there on February 24 th - in German of course, thanking them for remembering the people of Coburg. A nice way to make friends with other countries - through people contact.

The ladies Lunch/Bridge was well received at the G.C. Casino this past week and enjoying the afternoon were Claire Burns, Irene Sweeney, Pat Weber, Florence Frieda, Valerie Hegeman, and Miriam Benack - back from a bit of R & R in the Caribbean and I must say she had a nice tan. Travel does wonders for most folks and both Miriam and Dick had a good time.

Jackie and Bill Polon did some cruising in that same area and also enjoyed themselves immensely - so much so that they are planning another one but their favorite spot for cruising is in the Mediterranean. It must have something to do with the sea air.

If you are looking for something to volunteer for, there are ample opportunities at Planting Fields both indoors and out. Tour Guides are always needed for the Coe Mansion and the grounds and there is a wide variety of jobs available on Arbor Day, which comes up April 22-23. For information call Katherine Sterner at 516-922-8674. You will love it. Several Garden City people have been volunteering there for a number of years.

As this paper comes out there will only be a couple of days before our local St. Patrick’s Day Parade and 5 will get you 10 that Kathleen Mullooly will either be marching or cheering the marches on. In honor of the day (March 5 th here - March 17 th all over) here is an Irish proverb: You can’t plow a field by turning it over in your mind.

On Monday, March 6 th at 7:30 p.m. at the G.C. Library, Jeffrey Picarello , Director of Public Affairs at Cold Spring Harbor laboratory, will be introduced by Christine Marcin and Jean Schmutz and he will speak about the contributions of women scientists at Cold Spring Harbor laboratory. At the Welcome Desk will be Lauren Clune . The program is the monthly Branch meeting of the G.C. Branch of A.A.U.W. Last month one of their members - Lauren Fiorentino - received a UNICEF award for her outstanding film “World Out of Balance” in front of a large audience at the United Nations Conference. Now that’s something to blow your horn about.

Happy Birthday wishes go to Donald Muller who will be blowing out the candles on his cake on the 8 th of March. May you have a wonderful day and a great year ahead with many more to come.

Ruby and Brad Gustavson founded the Garden City Community Theater ten years ago and it has been going strong ever since. They talked about their experiences in founding and working on it over these past 10 years and, along with Andy Morreale (this year’s producer), they held their audience at the Adult Forum of the G.C. Community Church enthralled. Brad not only trods the boards but he sings a mighty strong bass with the Long Island Choral Society. What talent and since I have fond memories of the Garden City Little Theater from years ago I am happy to have a similar group back in town. Good luck and keep up the good work with your next show. You can catch Brad singing with the L.I. Choral Society on March 19 th in their presentation of Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and in the Mozart “Masses” in the Cathedral of the Incarnation at 4 p.m.

Rose Forgione wants to remind all those who want to come to the 87 th Birthday Party for the American Legion on March 26 th at the Senior Recreation Center to get their checks ($18 per person and made payable to American Legion Auxiliary Unit #265) in to her soon as you would not want to miss this one. 100 Tanners Pond Rd. Garden City, N.Y. 11530.

And now, with Spring coming up on the 20 th of March - it will get here before you know it - please take down those Christmas Wreaths!

See you next week.