With Athena Anniversaries are always nice because they give us time to think back and remember what has gone before, to appreciate what we have now, and to think about what the future holds for us. A wonderful anniversary is coming up this year for Central Park that will be celebrating its 150 th. The Park was begun in 1858 and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The design was changed many times during the construction, much of which was done between 1861 and 1878 with a slow down caused in the 1860's by our Civil War. We all have much to be thankful for as it is a world class park that truly belongs, not only to the residents of New York City, but to the State of New York, our entire nation, and the world at large. It could have been cut up into small parcels that would eventually be taken over by development, but for the vision of a few far-sighted men who thought of not only "the big picture" but what would be good for future generations. This year, of all years, take a trip to Central Park and wish it and yourself a Happy Anniversary.

This year, Sylvia Ebert , a Co-President of the G.C. Branch of A.A.U.W., attended a conference sponsored by The Committee On Teaching About the United Nations. The program illustrated ways of promoting an understanding of our interdependence in relation to environmental and cultural issues. It was attended by 475 people from around the world. What a wonderful opportunity for Sylvia - perhaps she could do a general program on all that she learned there.

The ladies of the Cherry Valley Club held their Dessert Bridge this past week and while it was a cold and windy day, the ladies turned out in force. Enjoying the delicious and wide variety of desserts and the game itself were: Carolyn Kaiser, Anita Frey, Maxine Cunningham, Blanche Volz, Lillian Berryman, Kathleen Mullooly (who took time out from planning her St. Patrick's Day celebration,) and Pat Dolan. A good time was had by all.

Happy birthday wishes go to Donald Muller , who will do his celebrating on March 8 th and to Thomas Bradley, who will celebrate his big day on March 12 th. Many happy returns of the day to these two gentlemen with hopes for a great year filled with health and happiness and many more to come.

Our Garden City Branch of A.A.U.W. is also celebrating its 70 th Birthday as it was started in 1938. Its first President was Mrs. William Todd Campbell who served for the first year and then Mrs. George (Helen) Jochum. Helen and her late husband George lived in Garden City for many years until she moved to Massachusetts to be near her daughter in the early 1970's. So Happy birthday to the branch and its members. I hope you are planning a special party.

The luck of the Irish held for the St. Patrick's Day Parade that came through Garden City this past Sunday when a goodly crowd turned out for it. Next it will be the turn of New York City with its annual March 17 th parade I'm sure that many Garden City residents will watch that one even if only on their TV screen. I'm sure there will be a good deal of Green worn on that day here in town.

Steve Post, a Long Island resident, will be the featured in a program on Sunday, March 16 th at 1 p.m. at Clark Botanical Garden. His talk will be "Samara Moon." The story, set at the turn of the 20 th Century, will follow Naval Captain Hamilton from India to England to South Africa to Ireland and back to India. A donation of $5 to the Garden is suggested and refreshments will be served. It sounds like a good deal to me. Lois Ridgeway, Virginia Musante, and Mary Lou Piffer are all active at the Garden and will probably be able to greet you at this Fireside Chat.

Here is another light thought for you to enjoy as March continues on apace. What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Answer: Frostbite. No, I don't make these up. They come from a friend who gets them from the Internet so don't blame me.

See you next week and remember to get out your green.