Community Club Hosts Authors

Julie Fehler, Community Club president, with guest speakers Lyn and Arthur Drobin and general program chairman, Ruth Collins

On Wednesday, January 3, the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead welcomed authors Arthur and Lyn Dobrin to their general program at the Garden City Casino. The Dobrins shared stories of their time spent serving in the Peace Corp. in Kenya, Africa in the late 1960's. They are co-authors of "Seeing Through Africa," a book about beauty, guns, writing, travel, food and how differences can be bridged through a concern for the lives of others.

The Dobrins first came to Kenya in 1965 as volunteers with the Peace Corp. They fell in love with the people and the beauty of the area and have been back more than a dozen times. They described how unprepared their village was to house a married couple when they first arrived, and the primitive living conditions they endured until a proper place was found for them.

Lyn admitted to feeling intimidated at first since the appearance of a white woman in the village was very rare and she received many curious stares. She won their hearts over, however, when she prepared a batch of potato pancakes and began distributing them for free. Everyone loved the pancakes and Lyn was accepted. She immediately formed a womens' club where she taught sewing and cooking to the native women. Her stature rose even more when her son Eric was born.

Jacqueline Hennelly joined Lyn and Arthur Drobin and Ruth Collins

The group was surprised to learn that Arthur and Lyn saw no wild animals because the area of Kenya they lived in was fertile farm land and the animals were domesticated. It wasn't until they went on Safari that they witnessed the legendary wild game of Africa, and for many years they conducted safaris for their American friends.

The Dobrins' journeys introduced club members to the many friends they've made in Kenya and the beauty and peace they encountered there, as well as the serious problems their friends are now facing as they deal with a population explosion and the devastating effects of AIDS and malaria, epidemics.

Dr. Arthur Dobrin received a master's degree in human relations from NYU and a doctorate in social welfare from Adelphi University's School of Social Work. He is professor of Humanities at Hofstra University's New College an co-founder of the Long Island Interracial Alliance for a common future. He is leader emeritus of the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island.

The Drobins, surrounded by school children on a recent trip back to Kenya

Lyn Dobrin continues to write about food and travel, while working as director of public relations at Hicks Nurseries in Westbury. She is also actively involved with Adelphi University's breast cancer awareness program.

Prior to the lecture, Julie Fehler, president of the Community Club, conducted a short business meeting during which the minutes of the previous meeting were read by recording secretary Geraldine McHugh, Carolyn Kaiser gave the treasurers report. Jacqueline Hennelley was then asked to introduce the speakers. Marjorie Maher and Joan Kuster were in charge of general arrangements, Jo Krawczyk and Josephine Cotugno greeted members and guests at the door. Phyllis Dima and Ruth Labosco handled hospitality and Grace Murphy decorated the tea table.

For more information on the Community Club, its vast array of programs, trips and fine arts classes, and how you may become a member, please call their office at (516) 746-0488 on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.