Socially Speaking
With Athena

Election Day is over and so is Veterans Day (Armistice Day for us old-timers) and now we can all look forward to turkey day. When we were young we learned all about the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving and I guess we all felt it started there. Well, it did, but it was not a national holiday. Folks were giving thanks for their bounty for many years and the early colonists were no exception. However, while you are enjoying your turkey, think on this. At the end of the Civil War, President Lincoln in his last public address called for a national day of thanksgiving. I was prepared and implemented, the beginning of our national day - Thanksgiving Day. We all have things to be thankful for on that day and every day - all except the turkey.

There was a good deal of toe tapping this past week and even almost humming along at the Adelphi Music Dept.'s presentation of "Direct From Broadway." The singers and actors were very good and well received by the audience. Among the music lovers attending were: Renate Rego-Monteiro, Joan Repetto, Annemarie Gordon, Barbara and Jack Nothel, and Joan and Frank Nedelka. They all had a good time and went away with the songs on the tips of their tongues.

On another musical note, both Joan and Annmarie sing with the Adelphi Chorus.

The literary groups are still going strong. Sally Richmond 's group will tackle Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" on November 28 th for the G.C. Branch of A.A.U.W. Amy Small will be hostess and Alberta Maggio will be co-hostess.

The Garden City Country Club held its monthly dinner/bridge on Wednesday, November 7 th. The first small slam of the evening was dealt, bid and made by Mary Anderson and Tome Dodge in 6 Spades. There was no grand slam made in the evening but among those enjoying the night were: Nancy and John Pastula, Irene and Joyn Christie, Pat Dalton, Marie Kelly, Lucille Tilita, and Athena and John Philippides. Bridge Charilady Muriel Urban wished one and all a Happy Thanksgiving and announced that the next event would be held on Wednesday, December 5 th. Make sure that you make your reservations.

Clark Gardens has the answer to your Thanksgiving floral centerpiece. On Tuesday, Nov. 20 th 11 a.m. - 1, you will have the opportunity of making your very own arrangement under the direction of Jerilyn Dreitlein . Bring your own pruning shears or clippers as all other materials will be provided. A charge of $65 for members or $75 for Non-members will include refreshments.

Happy birthday wishes go to Mary Polak, who will be celebrating her special day on the 17 th of this month. May she have a great day and a year filled with health and happiness with many more to come.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Stephanie and Michael Balboni who will be celebrating just about now. May they have many more years of wedded bliss in which to also enjoy health and happiness.

The Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence held its annual luncheon on Nov. 1 st at Carltun on the Park with Rory Kennedy as the featured speaker. Among those attending from Garden City were: Maureen Fraser, Jackie Polon, Joan Stafford, Ann Senchyshyn, and Muriel Urban, a Director on the Coalition Board. All enjoyed Ms. Kennedy's talk, the luncheon, the raffle, and the afternoon, all for a very good cause.

Now for a tip that may help you avoid the crowds on the holidays. The tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is up and you should be able to enjoy it before Thanksgiving. On the windows along Fifth Avenue, Sak's Fifth Ave. and Lord & Taylor are ready to go. Macy's 34 th St. windows are also ready. The Broadway windows should be ready and open by the 19 th and the tree at Rockefeller Center is in place and being decorated as I write. If you can get into the city before Thanksgiving Day, it will not be as crowded. Enjoy! See you next week.