With Athena What an Easter! While it wasn't as bad as we all thought, both the ladies and the bunny were wearing their fur coats. Not an Easter bonnet in sight on the grownups, but several were seen on some of the young fry. The Easter parade was all it always has been and don't you wonder how many miles per gallon they got. Times are different, but one thing is certain - Spring will be here soon and Arbor Day will surely follow. Did you know that Arbor Day was started 130 years ago in the heartland of America? The idea was simple: take one day a year and plant a tree and it spread across the country and even to other countries in the world. It seems that everyone likes trees and they help us in so many ways. Now, aren't you happy that Garden City is a TREE CITY USA? Be proud!

Corned beef was on everyone's menu recently so the ladies at the Casino Lunch/Bridge were not surprised with the corned beef sandwiches on March 18 th. Many were still wearing their green and even the wait staff had green bow ties. Enjoying the afternoon were: Eda Meglio, Trudy Anderson, Ruth Brown, Rosemary Brown, Connie Lockwood, and Barbara Nothel. Miriam Benack was also there, just back from a cruise to Argentina with hubby Richard . They had a good time and are now delighted to be home again. That's always the way with trips - good to get away and good to come home.

The group at the Cherry Valley Club held their monthly Dinner/Bridge on the 19 th of March. They had twenty tables in play following the buffet dinner (and oh those sinful desserts). The first Small Slam was made by Rosalie Savage and Martina Dudgeon in 6 Hearts. Later in the evening a Grand Slam was made by George and Marion Cordes in 7 Spades. The happy winners of the two door prizes were Marie Casey and Anne Metzler. It was Bailey's Irish Cream. Marge and Les Schnell were there and it was good to see them both and also Brenda Wydler, Michele and Jerry Weisberg, and Barbara and Bill Haynes. April 16 th will be the date of their next bridge.

Moving along in the week, March 20 th, the turn for the Garden City Country Club's Lunch, and Bridge where they had 22 tables in play. The first Small Slam was made by Fran Conza and Maria Tohomaidia in 6 No Trump. No Grand Slam was made, but the door prize was won by Muriel Urban for the first time in many years. The next bridge there will be held on April 17 th so be sure to make your reservations.

But life isn't all bridge, it's also gardening and looking at beautiful gardens. On Sunday, April 6 th at 1 p.m. they will have "The Healing Gardens of New York" by Alexandra Isles at Clark Bontanic Gardens. This film will show you healing gardens in the Bronx, Times Square, and Rikers Island, as well as East Harlem. The fee is $10 for members and $12 for non-members with refreshments following the film. Clark Gardens is on 193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson with parking on the premise.

Happy birthday wishes go to Kay Staniecki, who will celebrate her special day on March 31 st. We are sorry to say that another birthday was missed during the month of March. The lady called, not to say we forgot, but to say that a former resident and garden clubber had passed away. The lady whose birthday was overlooked, and we beg forgiveness for that, was Dorothy Tattersall, who did her celebrating on March 1 st. The lady she was reporting on was Elaine Witkin, who passed away about a week ago. She had been a long time resident and member of the Village Garden Club before moving to the North Shore. May the birthday ladies have a wonderful day and a great year filled with health and happiness. Our prayers go to Elaine's family in their time of sorrow.

And now to give you something to chuckle over. Question: Name the four seasons. Answer: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar. If you included catsup, you were wrong.

Things should be warming up soon so watch out for the flowers. I'll see you next week.