Socially Speaking

With Athena

For those of you who missed attending the dedication ceremony for the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building recently, you missed a wonderful afternoon. The building was in very sad repair a few years ago when Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi started the movement to restore it. Let me tell you, it is a gem and well done, too. Attending beside Mr. Suozzi were Theodore Roosevelt (who repeated the same speech he gave at the original ceremony), Harvey Levinson and his wife, Garden City Mayor Peter Bee along with the Mayors of a number of our neighboring towns and some Rough Riders, bands, and a lovely group of volunteers in period costumes from Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Mr. Suozzi arrived in costume and on horseback. When asked if he might do that for one of our town meetings or functions, Mayor Bee said he just might come in riding. I can't wait, Peter. The building is lovely and it was worth the wait.

Our folks are traveling as usual and bringing back reports of their trips and how much better things are here than there. In fact, Marye Heston is just back from a month in Arizona visiting her daughter and friends, as well as sightseeing and she reports that the temperatures were mostly over 100 degrees so no complaints from us when we are only in the 90's. She had a great time and yet is happy to be back in town.

The Garden City Pool was a really good deal and judging by the crowds recently just about everyone was taking advantage of the water and the breezes. Some of those enjoying recently were: Betty McCarthy, Joe Urban, Helga Otte, Barbarå and Jack Nothel and Norma Takach. It was great seeing her recover from her recent illness and she was welcomed by all her friends. You are looking good, Norma - keep up the good work.

Lucille Tilits is doing well after a few trips in and out of Winthrop University Hospital. You have been missed Lucille by all of your bridge friends and everyone looks forward to seeing you out and about very soon. ðDo make sure you send her a get well card as they tell folks that you care and it helps them too.

The monthly Luncheon/Bridge at the Garden City Country Club was held on Thursday, July 17th, a hot and humid day. There were twenty-five tables in play following a delicious buffet luncheon and it took a long time before a Small Slam was dealt, bid and made by Dorothy Schladeter and Jane Krull in 6 spades. Enjoying the afternoon were: Elizabeth Dunleavy, Julie Fehler, Marye Heston, Grace Murphy , and Paula Bega. Bridge Chairlady Muriel Urbån announced that the next Bridge would be held on Thursday, August 21st and to be sure to make your reservations.

Happy birthday wishes go to Agnes DiChiara, who celebrates her special day on the 24th, to Marye Heston who blows out her candles on the 29th, and to Laurie Hazlet, who brings in August by doing her celebrating on the 4th of August. May all of the ladies have a wonderful day, a great year and enjoy them in both health and happiness with many more to come.

A Garden City couple celebrated their 55th Wedding anniversary recently and they did it in real style. Frances and Eugene Drum of Garden City and West Palm Beach celebrated their anniversary in April with a whirlwind tour of Italy and they are still in celebration mode as they will embark on a relaxing cruise to Canada with the whole Drum clan, including nine grandchildren in the near future. May the happy couple and their family continue to enjoy their years together and many more happy anniversaries.

The Garden City Retired Educators Association is sponsoring a Bridge/game Luncheon to benefit the Melinda Bengels Scholarship Fund For the L.I. School for the Performing Arts. This will take place Tuesday, September 16th from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Westbury Manor on Jericho Turnpike in Westbury. Barbara Smith is taking the reservations and for more information you may call her at 516-747-2015.

If you are looking for something different for both you and the children, Old Bethpage has it on August 2nd and 3rd. Its a Historic "Baseball" Tournament with teams from throughout the New York area competing with 19th Century rules and wearing uniforms of the time. What more could you want.

See you at the pool!