Robert Spiotto as Henry Clay Folger, founder of the Folger Shakespeare Library On Wednesday, April 2, members and guests of The Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead, Inc., attending the April general program at the Garden City Casino, enjoyed a lively and entertaining performance of a one-act play entitled: "Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict" written by Robert Harrison and performed by Robert Spiotto, artistic director of The Community Arts Program at Hofstra University and executive director of Hofstra USA Productions.

The play dramatizes the story of a forgotten Long Island couple, Henry Clay Folger and his wife Emily, who founded the famous Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. in 1932 after spending a lifetime and a fortune collecting Shakespeare books and memorabilia, a collection which included over 95,000 books and manuscripts, 50,000 prints and 250,000 playbills, a minute sampling of which were on display.

Since his retirement from the MTA five years ago, author Robert Harrison has made a full-time career of his interest in all matters pertaining to L.I. and he shared this interest in a lecture preceding the performance. A true Renaissance man, his photographic essay of more than 750 local places of worship has been exhibited throughout the island and his poetry has been published in anthologies and magazines. Now he has created a series of lectures on "Forgotten Long Islanders" that include, in addition to the Folgers, Marion Hollins of Islip, whom he calls the "second greatest woman athlete of the 20 th century and John Montgomery Ward, a baseball player from Babylon, who in the 19 th century "had more baseball records than Babe Ruth ever earned later."

Past-president Marie Scott is surrounded by well wishers. Marie joined the club in 1964 Mr. Harrison became interested in the Folgers and their legacy about 20 years ago when, while researching his own family history, he discovered that not only was Folger his third cousin but also lived in Glen Cove. Over the years he compiled enough research to offer a paper on the Folgers at Hofstra's "Shakespeare and the Millennium" conference in 1999.

40-year member Edythe Cox smiled prettily for the camera But rather than just leave Folger on the written page, Mr. Harrison decided to bring him to life in a play, using Shakespeare's words to explore his passions. He took the concept and first draft to Mr. Spoiotto, who agreed to assume the role of Henry Folger. "Bringing a man to life with Shakespeare's works, showing their impact on his life is quite a challenge", said Mr. Spiotto. But it's a challenge that he succeeds at brilliantly.

Mr. Harrison and Mr. Spiotto are currently collaborating on another venture, a play entitled, "Long Island Dead Poets Society."

Prior to the performance, club President Marye Heston conducted a short business meeting during which the minutes of the prior meeting were read by recording secretary Anne Heinzelmann, treasurer Caroline Kaiser gave her report and Frieda Stark chairman of the nominating committee read the slate of officers for the 2008/2009 year. Director Carol Countryman then led all in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Heston honored members of 40 years by reading their names, thanking them for their service and asking each one in attendance to stand and receive a red rose from past president Muriel Urban. Paula Rega was then asked to introduce speakers.

50-year member Alida Callaghan was presented with a red rose by past-president Muriel Urban Lee Amrheim, Sheila Birkenstock and Josephine Krawczyk welcomed members and guests at the door, Ruth LoBosco and Phyllis Dima were in charge of hospitality, Marge Maher took care of general arrangements, and Terry Ferrara provided the beautiful centerpiece on the tea table. Many thanks go to them and to all the members of the general program department for arranging a very special program. A special round of applause went to Marge Goldsmith and her hard-working helpers who set up the silent auction that took place earlier in the day.

Their next program will take place on Wednesday, May 7 th, at 1:30 p.m., at the Garden City Casino and will feature Garden City dancer and resident Teresa Lovaglio, a former member of The Metropolitan Opera's Corps De Ballet, who will present a lecture/demonstration on dance. All members and guests are cordially invited to come and hear Teresa and to stay for the 75 th annual Peggy Otto Studio exhibit featuring the outstanding works of art created by our talented students and teachers taking part in fine arts classes during the club year.

Actor Robert Spiotto, in full regalia as Henry Folger, with club president Marye Heston and playwriter Robert Harrison For more information about The Community Club, its interesting and informative programs, trips and studio classes and how you may become a member, please call their office at 516-746-0488 between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Robert Harrison and Robert Spiotto pose with newly appointed chairwomen of the general program committee, Ruth LoBosco and Kathy McCormick General arrangements chairman Marge Maher, treasurer Carolyn Kaiser, past president Julie Fehler, president Marye Heston, recording secretary Anne Heinzelmann and 1Marjorie Brown (L) watched as Lavala Rundlett, who joined in 1962, received her rose Eleanor Joseph joined The Community Club in 1949 (Standing)Marge Goldsmith and Marye Heston pose with Muriel Urban and Frieda Stark (seated) as they worked at the silent auction held earlier in the day Mary Heston congratulates Eleanor Joseph on her 59Robert Harrison, arrangements chairwoman Marge Maher, Paula Rega, Marye Heston and Robert Spiotto Marge Maher has been a member since 1964 Eleanor Henning is another 50-year member 1st vice president Emilie Sair applauds as 45-year member Ruth Klapper is honored Geraldine McHugh and Sal Catania look over some Shakespeare memorabilia with Marye HestonA tasty lunch prepared by members of the general program committee was enjoyed by Robert Spiotto, past-president Betty Pupke, Marge Maher, Veronica Witt, Marye Heston, Bob Harrison, Kathy McCormick and Ruth LoBoscoRobert Spiotto and some of the memorabilia on display