Socially Speaking

With Athena

Many times it all comes down to - the glass is either half empty or half full - so I will leave it to you to figure it out when I say that there are only four weeks left until Christmas. Either way, now that you are resting up from Thanksgiving you had better think seriously about getting those Christmas cards written and those gifts purchased and wrapped. It will really be here before you know it. If you are out shopping on this traditional day to get started and get some bargains, you are not only on the right track but you are burning some of yesterday's calories off as well. Good Luck!

Thanksgiving is a family day and whether you made the "big bird," made reservations, or were a guest at someone else's table it was a time to give thanks. Over the river and through the woods is not what it used to be unless you were flying. Miriam and Dick Benack, just back from a trip to London with a side trip on the Channel to Paris where they dined in the restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, gathered Dick's brothers for a family repast at the Cherry Valley Club.

Eleanor Meyer spent the day and the meal at her daughter's and her family in Brooklyn and Jan MacDougal rested up in Shelter Island the week-end before Turkey day and when it came, she took her family out to their favorite restaurant for dinner. Where they ate was not as important as the fact that they were with family. That's the way it should be.

Bill Polon is back from a short stay in the hospital and is doing well. Florence Coffin and Valerie Hegeman are both in Winthrop-University Hospital (at least they were still there at this writing) and let's hope that they are home again in the very near future. Get Well cards would be very welcome.

Cherry Valley Club held their Dinner-Bridge last week and enjoying the evening of good food, good cards (I hope) and good friendship were: Sue Hall, Lillian Berryman, Edie Cox, Georgine Harrison, Suzanne Barnes, and Marge and Dr. Vincent Prestly among many others. Beth O'Neill and Marge Dunne brought in the first small slam in 6 No Trump and Ken Cunningham and Dennis Drissal brought in the first Grand Slam in 7 Clubs. The happy winners of the two Door Prizes were Edith Lauro and Suzanne Barnes and it will help in their gift giving as they were both given a Gift Certificate from Feldis Florists here in town. What could be better? Bridge Chairman George Rivara announced that there would be no Bridge in December or January so watch for an announcement on the next one.

The Garden City Country Club held their Ladies Luncheon Bridge the very next day and there were Thirty Two tables in play following a Hot Turkey Luncheon with all the trimmings (it was only a week before the big day). The first Small Slam of the day was brought in by Florence Dieterich and Blanche Muller in 6 spades. Lady Luck must have been still tasting the Turkey as there was no Grand Slam made that day. The winner of the Door Prize was Gloria Pretzfelder. Bridge Chairlady Muriel Urban announced that the next bride would be held on Thursday, December 7 and to be sure to make reservations.

Happy Birthday wishes go to Gail Vitale, who will be celebrating her special day on the 27th of this month and also to Gert Perrini, who will do ditto on the 30th. May both lovely ladies have a wonderful day and a year ahead filled with health and happiness and many more years to come.

The Garden City Country Club was also the scene for a welcome Dinner/Dance this past week and dancing up a storm (as well as enjoying the delicious dinner) were Ginny and John LoSardo, Ernie and Tony Zarcone, Terry and Dave Melirvy, Maggie and Lou Battista, Bea and Jim Mercandate, Maureen and Duncan Fraser and many others. What a great night it was.

Garden City lost another wonderful lady with the passing of Dorothy Thoet just this past week. Dorothy was very active in the Garden City Community Church and was loved and admired by all who knew her. There was a Memorial Service for her this past Sunday and our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones in their time of sorrow.

Long Island and many folks here in Garden City are mourning the loss of Grossmann's Farm in Malvern. For 84 years they have supplied the best of plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables to the surrounding area along with helpful hints for planting or preparing but as they said - the time has come and by the end of December when all the produce and gift items are gone they will close their doors. They also will be missed by many. Now, where will we get our Long Island Strawberries, corn, tomatoes, and turnips? I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I'll see you next week.