With Athena

Aren't you happy that the rain this past week and a half was not snow? If it had been, we would still be shoveling ourselves out. As it was, there was plenty of damage due to lost power and downed trees and accidents as well as flooded. We can be thankful that we made out pretty well here in Garden City and I hope that this continues for the rest of the hurricane season. It did put a crimp in the plans of the pool goers, but I heard that most of the children's swim classes didn't skip a beat. For some the rain made the water too cold and they are praying for a couple of warm and sunny days to warm it up before Labor Day and the end of the season comes.

Have you heard that Old Westbury Gardens is expanding? Well they are. They are working on firming down the purchase of an adjacent property - an estate called "Orchard Hill," which is very critical to our Long Island aquifer and they are asking for donations which will bring in matching funds to finalize the purchase. Robert Hussey of Garden City is a Trustee of Old Westbury Gardens and he is seeking your support. If you have enjoyed touring the gardens, visiting the mansion, or attending the Picnic pops, do send a donation to the 2008 Orchard Hill Campaign at Old Westbury Gardens, P.O. Box 430, Old Westbury, N.y. 11568-0430. If nothing else, it's part of our aquifer too. Make Bob happy.

Time is passing so quickly that sometimes we feel that we are standing still. It seems that only yesterday the A.T. Stewart Exchange Consignment Shop opened and then we learn they are celebrating their First Anniversary. The celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 th from Noon to 5 p.m. and they have some very fine Jewelry, Antiques, Collectibles, Furniture and China that you may purchase for the benefit of our Historical House and yourself. Remember that Christmas is coming and you can always start early on your list. Refreshments will be served and you can come and bring a friend. President Brian Pinnola will be on hand to greet you.

Happy birthday wishes go to Barbara Haynes and to Charles Piess and Ed Palkot, all of whom celebrate their special day as the month of August winds down. May you all enjoy a wonderful day and a great year ahead in which you have good health and much happiness with many more years to come.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Michele and Paul Dyrland, to Linda and Bob Wagner and to Sarah and Felix Iannacone who will celebrate 60 years of wedded bliss on the 28 th of this month. What a wonderful record and may all the happy couples have a great year filled with all our best wishes for many more.

Invitations will soon be out for the September Bridge sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of our American Legion Post. It will be held at the Senior Center on September 28 th and a full dinner will be served. Rose Forgione will be taking the reservations so be sure to get yours in early. There is a limit due to the space available at the Senior Center.

If you are a theater lover but hate the trip to the city, as well as the prices, Hofstra University has something for you. If you don't want a full subscription you can get individual ones at $10 to $15 per show ($8 to $12 for Seniors) by contacting John Craford Adams Playhouse Box Office (516) 463-6644 from Monday to Friday 11 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. for ordering procedures. Parking is good.

Adelphi University will be opening their new School for The Performing Arts on Saturday, September 13 th and we can expect a variety of performances being held there starting in the Fall Season and so close to home. We do sit in the middle of a variety of cultural activities that we can take advantage of.

It's now time for young people to start college, go back to college, and also start school or go back to school so its a busy time for both the kids and their parents. School supplies have been out for several weeks and thoughts are getting more organized. Good luck to those off to college and also to those in Grades 1 - 12. Now that this is done, for many it's Fall cleaning time and for them I have a thought to remember. For many, the idea of housework is: "Sweep the room with a glance." See if it works for you. With a week to go - See you at the pool