Socially Speaking
With Athena

We are at the point where we don't know whom to believe. On the television they report great crowds of people, not only on Thanksgiving morning, but on what they now call Black Friday at the stores. That may well be true in the city and in other places, but I have had reports that Roosevelt Field was not crowded until after 3 p.m. and then not that badly. Happily, there were a greater number of folks in the stores right here in town and that is not only a smart way to shop, but good for everyone's wallet. I was sorry to hear of the stores opening on the Thanksgiving morning with all their very special sales. It will not be long before our traditional holidays will only be "big sales" days. I always thought of these holidays as family days and when you think abut it, if you don't go to buy at those sales, they will not open on holidays and will have the same sale the next day. Perhaps I am only talking into the wind, but think about it.

The Garden City Branch of A.A.U.W. is still enjoying and learning about art in their ongoing "Tours of The Louvre" under the chairmanship of Joan Stafford. It certainly beats the delays and crowds you would encounter if you flew to Paris and you can discuss it with your friends who are touring with you in this group.

Carol Rudy is chairing the Great Decisions Study Group for this same organization. They will meet every other Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Garden City Library. You would need a copy of the Foreign Policy Association's book "Great Decisions - 2008." The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 30th in the small meeting room downstairs. The first topic will be "Iraq-end-game." Get in touch with Carol at 101 2nd Street, Apt. #C-12, Garden City and perhaps she can still get you in. This one sounds very interesting as does the Louvre Tour. I hear that Jean Afflerbach, Ann Reinzelman, Stacey Young, and Lawrence McGuire are among their new members.

Carole Rilling, co-chair of the A.A.U.W's Garden City Branch Social Bridge group, has been named one of the "Women of Distinction" in West Hempstead. This award is given by Assemblyman Thomas Alfano to honor and acknowledge women in our community for their progressional, volunteer and unsung efforts in our neighborhood and State. Congrats Carole.

Speaking of bridge, which we do so often in this town, the Dinner/Bridge at the Garden City Country Club will be held on Wednesday, December 5th and the Ladies Luncheon Bridge will be held at the same club on Thursday, December 6th. The Garden City Seniors Duplicate Bridge Club will host its Christmas Dinner, Bridge, and Social Cards (you don't have to play duplicate to go - just your foursome). Fran DeAngelo is taking reservations for the December 10th party in the amount of $30 per person for members , $40 per person for non-members at her address. 206 Brompton Road, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. The date is December10th so be quick about it. You have a choice of beef or chicken. It will be held at the Garden City Casino.

Happy birthday wishes to to Maureen Fraser, who will be celebrating her special day on the 3rd of December, and to Louise DeNoia, who will do ditto on the 8th of December. May both of the happy celebrants have a wonderful day, a great year, and many more Happy Birthdays to enjoy in good health and much happiness.

Shirley Jessen had a wonderful one woman Art Show this past month at the Garden City Library and she was greeted by many of her friends and neighbors at her reception this past week. Good for you, lady.

And now, it's count-down time until the big day December 25th. You have twenty-four shopping days to get everything done so save your time, energy, and money and shop right here in town. We have something for everyone on your list. See you shopping and next week, of course.