Socially Speaking
With Athena

The dogwoods are out and have you noticed that most of those blooming are of the pink variety? While we still have white ones, they are in the minority but this has nothing to do with the fashions of the day. It has to do with the dogwood blight that started a number of years ago and was called - lower branch die back. We lost many of the white variety then since, it did not effect the pink ones as much, we now have them in profusion. If you still have white ones this is what you should do: Trim out the dead branches and DO NOT BURN THEM but have them taken away. They do not know if the disease is airborne. Then you feed the tree heavily and water it heavily with a soaker hose if possible. That should help your white trees and do keep it up - don't stop after a few treatments. This is shaping up as a green year and that in itself can only help our environment.

The geraniums were blooming on top of the pink tablecloths and even the covers that held the playing cards were tied in pink tablecloths and the covers that held the playing cards were tied in pink ribbons. It was Geranium Bridge time at the Cathedral House and the Cathedral Women do it up in style. The prizes were delightful and the winners happy even though there were some who complained that they never got good cards - which is all too true in many cases. Enjoying the afternoon were Blanche Volz, Charlotte Mitchem, Marie Scott, Joan Kuster, Dorothy Hedwig, and Arlene Grecco. Adele Riley was especially happy as she was one of the winners of the Lucky Bucks and that puts a smile on a winner's face.

This Sunday is the 20th Annual Young Artists Competition winners time to shine at the Long Island Choral Society's Spring Concert. This concert will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation's Church on Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset at 4 p.m. It will be Sunday, May 20th and is always a lovely afternoon of light spring music. Tickets are $20 at the door.

Our Garden City folks are always doing something to help both good causes and the arts and Mary Jane and Thomas Poole are no exception. They recently chaired the elegant reception and dinner at the Nassau County Museum of Art and all those who attended got to enjoy dining amidst the priceless art work in the galleries.

When the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick held their annual Emerald Ball at the Marriott Hotel, who would be there but our very own Maureen and Cummin Clancy. Now - would you be expecting anything else?

Happy birthday wishes go to James Capra, who will celebrate his special day on the 19th of May, and to Check Vasoll, MIchael Balboni, Jack Morrison, and Helen Fearn. Helen will blow out the candles on her cake on the 21st of May and we wish for only good health, much happiness, and many more birthdays to come for one and all of the Celebrants.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Mary and Filippo Balboni and to Betty and Henry Bangert who will be celebrating their anniversaries the middle of May. May they have many more years of wedded bliss in good health and much happiness.

You can tell that spring is here as the tables and chairs are starting to come out on Seventh Street and folks are enjoying a cup of coffee or lunch al fresco as they watch the passing scene. It was a great idea that has caught on and I do believe that Dick Benack had a lot to do with it when he was Mayor. Thank You!

Don't forget to get your reservations in for the "Heart of The Home" on June 6th sponsored by the Garden City Unit of the

American Cancer Society. Send your check in the amount of $40 for the Kitchen Tour or $60 if you wish to do Breakfast at the Garden City Country Club plus the Tour to American Cancer Society c/o Mrs. Kathleen Sweeney, 130 Euston Road, Garden City, New York 11530. It's always a stellar event and right here in town, and it's such a worthy cause.

And now, share Spring with all who pass by and plant some brightly colored pansies where those who walk by can see and enjoy them and share Spring with one and all.

See you next week!