With Athena Speaking of anniversaries, the Metropolitan Opera will celebrate its 125 th year with a gala on March 15 th, 2009 that will feature stars in costume performing before projected sets and recreating historic moments at the Met from 1883 when it officially opened. The opening night gala for the 2008-2009 season will take place on September 22 nd, 2008. What a treasure and so close to us here in Garden City! Other anniversaries right here in town are the Long Island Choral Society's 79 th season with a performance this past week at the Cathedral of The Incarnation, which is having its own 123 rd anniversary in June. St. Paul's School is 115 this year also. There are still a number of houses here in town that are also in this category and aren't we lucky that we still have this rich history among us.

A number of ladies got a breath of fresh air at the Garden City Community Church's Auxiliary program recently. The program was on flower arranging and five lucky ladies each got to take home an arrangement to brighten their day and, with the rain on the following day, they certainly needed it. Blanche Volz was a winner as was Barbara Haynes, and a guest of Charlotte Mitchem. In addition, there was a delicious variety of cakes and pies along with coffee or tea to put a sweet end to the program. These could also be ordered for pick up on Palm Sunday - what a nice way to finish a holiday meal. Linda Gambardella was the program chairlady, who was very pleased with the wonderful turnout as well as the program.

Carol Rudy is chairing the Great Decisions on March 26 th for the G.C. Branch of A.A.U.W. The topic will be "Russian and Putinism" which will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wyndham. Good job, Carol and so timely.

Joan Stafford will be taking reservations for that same group's Book and Author Luncheon to be held on May 2 nd at the Swan Club in Glenwood Landing. Authors will be Susan Astor, Judith Caseley, and Vivian Farrell. Proceeds benefit Education Foundation and their Legal Advocacy Fund. Save the date and get your reservation in to Joan at 111 Cherry Valley Ave., Garden City, N.Y. 11530 Apt. M28. Sounds good to me.

The Garden City Country Club, open after its winter clean up time, has a number of exciting and tasty menus for the holidays. There will also be a Ladies/Lunch/Bridge on Thursday, March 20 th, the first day of spring. Members and their guests - don't forget to make your reservations.

Happy birthday wishes go to Melissa Bradley, who will do her celebrating on St. Patrick's Day and watching the parade, I would assume, and also to Rosalie Jahelke, who will be celebrating her special day on the 19 th of this month. May both ladies have a wonderful day and a great year filled with health and happiness with many more to come.

The General Program Department of the Community Club had its members tapping their toes recently with a wonderful program on American Music by Mitch Kahn They even got a chance to sing along on some of the songs. Enjoying the afternoon were: Marcia O'Brien, Paula Howe, Rosalie Kelly, Pat Sheehan, Marjorie Maher, and many other music lovers.

Sal Catania's and Tom Richmond's Monday Matinees are really drawing in a great steady crowd with the wonderful films they show and do they bring back memories! They just don't make them like that anymore and somehow being all together in the darkened theater atmosphere (instead of renting a film and seeing it at home by yourself or with only one or two other people) is all part of the enjoyment. No, they don't serve popcorn, but many of the folks stop and chat both before and after the film that makes it all the better.

Garden City lost a wonderful gentleman this past week with the passing of Al Dieterich. Al and his wife Florence and his family lived in Garden City for many years in a house that Al built. Al was retired from the Bulova Watch Company for many years but did a lot of consulting work after retirement. He was low key, but not retiring and was popular with his neighbors as he was always happy to lend a helping hand either in work or in bridge. Our prayers go to his wife Florence and to his sons and his grandson. He will be missed by all.