This past week brought the Luck of the Irish for the Parade (the oldest in the United States and the biggest in the world) but it also brought back the cold, the wind, and the First Day of Spring and Winter temperatures all this past week. Just hang in there and those warm temperatures and balmy breezes will return and all will be well. I have the feeling that the Bunny will bring them all with him. After all, I saw my first Crocus and my first Daffodil in bloom and I am putting my trust in the flowers.

A change in the date of the Dinner/Bridge (to accommodate the folks at the Cherry Valley Club and because Garden City Country Club was not due to open till March 3 rd) as well as the absence of many Snow Birds meant there were only thirteen tables in play at Garden City on March 15 th. Of course some folks could have been resting up for the parade on the 17 th, but there was no resting for the first Small slam of the evening for Florence Coffin and Jerry Weisberg when they brought in their bid of 6 No Trump. Enjoying the evening (and the corned beef and cabbage) were Blanche Volz, Pat Weber, Judy Radocy, Agnes LaCorte, Maxine Cunningham, Barbara and Bill Haynes, and Dougal Fraser. Bridge Chairlady Muriel Urban announced that the next Dinner/Bridge would be held on Wednesday, April 5 th and to be sure to make your reservations.

The very next day the Ladies/Luncheon Bridge was held at the same club - Garden City Country Club - and there were 33 tables in play after the St. Patrick's luncheon. The first Small Slam of the afternoon was dealt, bid and made by Joan Kiernon and Helga Otte in 6 Clubs. The luck of the Irish was not present that afternoon either and no Grand Slam was made. The winner of the Door Prize was Elaine Dagle and she could not believe her luck. Bridge Chairlady, Muriel Urban announced that the next Lunch/Bridge would be held on Thursday, April 20 th and again do make your reservations for it.

Avid Bridge players - Arlyn and George Rath were missing from both of these events as they were enjoying a cruise to Central America to see some countries that they had somehow missed on one of their other many trips. I don't see how those world travelers could have done that. They are home now and said they had a great time.

Happy Birthday wishes go to Pat Sheehan, who will be celebrating on the 28 th of March, to John Christie, who will do ditto on the 29 th, and to Kay Staniecki, who will blow out the candles on her cake on the 31 st. May they all have a wonderful day, a great year ahead, and many more in which to enjoy good health and happiness.

We do have one belated Birthday - that of Rosalie Jahelka, who did her celebrating on the 19 th of March and all those Shamrocks must have gotten in the way. Anyway, friends and relatives asked me to say a very Happy 76th to you and many more of them.

Rob Alvey head of the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, has gotten the invitations out for the 2006 Gala on Saturday, April 29 th dinner at Koenig's Restaurant in Floral Park from 7-11. There will be music by the Garden City High School's Jazz Ensemble as well as a DJ and loads of Raffle Prizes. A donation of $75 per person will give you a wonderful evening and help in the work of our very own Bird Sanctuary. Get your reservation in by April 15 th - right after you mail in your taxes.

With Spring around the corner Planting Fields Arboretum is looking for a few good volunteers to lead tours of the Mansion, the Grounds, to work in the Gift Shop and to help out in a truly beautiful place with lots of other nice people. For information: call Katherine Sterner at 516-922-8674. It doesn't take up too much of your time and there are many benefits for you in doing so.

Sally Richmond and Susan Cioni will be co-chairing the Book and Author Luncheon for the Garden City Branch of A.A.U.W. on Friday, April 28 th at the George Washington Manor. This is always on outstanding event so be sure to watch for more details.

Brian Pinnola, President of the G.C. Historical Society has announced a Children's Juried Art Contest, Landmark Buildings of Garden City, and the Society's A.T. Stewart Award. The Art contest if open to all children in Grades K-12 residing in the Village. The art work will be displayed at the Museum from April 8 to May 21 st. What a good way to get our children interested in our village and its history as well as its Historical Buildings that add so much to Garden City.

Have a good week and I'll see you next week.