As I write this, we are getting ready for Labor Day and as you read this it is the beginning of the Labor Day week-end and the closing of the Garden City Pool. It has been an uneven summer, with the usual hazy, hot, and humid days followed by either quite cool days or rain. I think this past week takes the cake with a deluge of rain that caused much flooding in Garden City. Folks were being diverted from the center of town and if you had the luck to own a row boat you would have been in fine shape. The floods did not last long and our town looks as good as ever and we are indeed lucky to have missed what seemed to be a tornado that hit along the south shore. Our village departments did a very good job of taking care of things and I'm sure you all give thanks for their efforts on our behalf.

We talk about Bridge (and play it) in this town so it's no wonder that we should say Happy Anniversary to two of those groups. The Friday Duplicate Bridge Club (I never heard of it till this time - sorry about that) will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year. Rosemary Brown is the lady in charge and they meet once a month (on Friday night) at the Garden City Casino. The Monday Night Duplicate Bridge is also celebrating their 30th Anniversary (my how time goes) and they meet on Monday nights at the Garden City Senior Center and I must say that both groups are doing very well. If you are interested in either you can call for information on joining either one. For the Monday group, just show up on Monday evening at the Senior Center with a partner and you will be welcome. For the Friday night group, just call Rosemary Brown and she will be happy to help you. Happy playing.

Lots of folks have been on vacation these past few weeks but one set of Grandparents here in town hosted their 14 year old Grandson with his very own vacation and they learned a few things themselves. They took him into New York City each day and visited many places such as Ellis Island, Trinity Church and Church Yard, Federal Hall, Fraunces Tavern and Fort Clinton. At the Canal Street Station of the subway they saw a sign for Adelphi University's City facility and on another day, while touring the Tenement House Museum they found copies of Mildred Smith's History of Garden City for sale. Since they are both Alumni of Adelphi they were very pleased. Adelphi is also hosting a Luncheon and Lecture by Thomas J. Donohue (Class of 1965) and President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Friday, September 15th - at Ruth S. Harley University Center on the Garden City Campus. His topic will be "Challenges for the Ethical Business." If you are interested you could call 516-877-3844 for more information. And by the way - everyone should visit those same sights with their Grandchildren along with the trip to the Observation deck of the Empire State Building. They are for all ages.

Happy Birthday wishes go to Jane Nelson, who will be blowing out the candles on her cake just about now. Many happy returns of the day to you and many more to come in health and happiness.

Happy Wedding Anniversary wishes to Frances and John Bermann who will be celebrating their 62nd year of wedded bliss on September 2nd. May you have many more years together and enjoy both health and happiness.

We learned of the passing of Ellery Mann at his home in Florida recently. Ellery was a long time member of the Garden City Community Church and was also for many years, the owner of Food For Thought - a Health Food Shop on Seventh Street here in town. His wife Patricia passed away a year or so ago and his daughters and their families live here on Long Island. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and there will be a Memorial Service at the Garden City Community Church. You can call the Church Office for information on date and time. He was a wonderful gentle man and will be missed by his many friends here in town.

The Senior Center at St. Paul's opened and seniors were invited to see what it looks like this past week. Attending the opening were Sal Catania, Lorraine and Frank Alonge, Don Carrs, Michele Weisberg, Gloria and Arthur Mercante, Doris Forster, and Al Mathers. The feeling seemed to be that it was neat, clean, cosy, but not large enough for many of the larger Senior groups. Access for the handicapped is good. Time will tell how this will suit the needs of many who use the Senior Center on Golf Club Lane as they tend to be larger groups.

Have a wonderful Labor Day Week-end and say a fond farewell to the Garden City Pool until next year.

P.S. Pray for sun this week-end - see your then.