Socially Speaking
With Athena

After the snow, sleet, and ice of last week, we really did not need the icy rain of this past week-end, but it came anyway. Indeed, we were luckier than these in the Mid-West and those up the line into Maine. It all reminds me of the year that the song "White Christmas" came out and boy was it popular. You could not go anywhere without hearing it and although the song really had no effect on the weather, we did have a very snowy winter. So, just in case, just hum it softly, no words please.

The ever popular Monday Matinee at our library was on last week with another popular golden oldie and enjoying the afternoon were Carol Countryman, Dorothy Candietti, Helen and Emil Gentile, Doris Stewart and a number of gentlemen, who all enjoyed the film "The Four Feathers." There is room for more people and it is a great way to pass an afternoon in winter for any other season of the year).

Clara Clark came down from Connecticut with her daughter and a group of friends from Panhellenic joined her for luncheon at the Cherry Valley Club. Some of those included were Blanche Muller, Jean Corvington, Edie Cox, and Cynthia Klemenger as well as from the Cathedral Women. It was good to see them enjoying each other and very good to see Clara again and looking so well.

Christmas greetings have also come in from Ruth Hummel and Margaret and Brick Howe to their friends in town. You can take them out of Garden City, but you can't take Garden City out of them. The folks at the Garden City Country Club had a busy time of it last week, what with the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead's Board enjoying their Christmas luncheon there and among those enjoying the lunch and the day were: Charlotte Mitchem, Prem Chauhan, Betty Pupke, Carolyn Kaiser, President Marye Heston, Bea Mercandante, and many others.

The very next day, same place but different Club - The Homemakers held their annual Christmas Luncheon and among those attending were: Irene Christie, Barbara Flanagan, and Norma Tahkh. How do these ladies keep up with it, but since they are all so active they get used to the fast pace.

Thursday, the Women's Club of the Garden City Country Club held their annual Christmas Party and again many of the same cast of active people were in attendance in spite of the poor weather. Margaret Maguire, Maureen Fraser, Ernie Zarone, Jill Brizzi, Jennie Papas, Dorothy Candiotti, Linda Christie, Joyce Clark, and Jeanne Rohrbach were enjoying the food, the music, the prizes and each others company.

Birthdays are always festive times but none more so than those celebrated around the holidays. The Cedar Place Group, all of whom celebrate together; at this time of the year include: Florence Beach, Mary Margaret Carroll, Carol Simonetti, and Nancy Vincent, so a great big Happy Birthday to all of you. Dr. George Rivara will be celebrating his special day on December 25, Joe Impara will celebrate on December 24, and Dot Imgram (way up in New York State) will celebrate with family on December 26. How about that for timing? May they all have a wonderful day and a great year with plenty of happiness and good health and many more years to come.

Happy Wedding Anniversary wishes go to Helen and Emil Gentile who will celebrate their 55th Anniversary on December 21 and may they also have a wonderful day and many more years of wedded bliss in which to enjoy health, happiness and many more anniversaries.

And now with only three more days until Christmas, I would like to share a poem by Faith Baldwin with you titled "Christmas

Eve."

The snow is full of silver light

Spilled from the heavens' tilted cup

and, on this holy tranquil night,

The eyes of men are lifted up

To see the promise written fair,

The hope of peace for all on earth,

And hear the singing bells declare

The marvel of the dear Christ's Birth

The way from year to year is long

And though the road be dark so far,

Bright is the manger, sweet and song,

The Steeple rises to the Star.

May the spirit of Christmas and Peace on Earth. Good Will to men be with you all through this week and through the new year. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

See you for the New Year!