With Athena

Now that everyone has returned to school (Grades 1-12 and college) and you have settled down to fall cleaning and club work, I have a wonderful idea for folks of all ages and for the children. It's the Long Island Fair held September 25-28 at Old Bethpage Restoration Village. It will have a full schedule of old-fashioned entertainment, including potato sack races, cross-cut sawing competitions, jugglers, dancers, mimes and musicians. You can also see livestock, exhibits of food and crafts, a flower show, and even stop by the local "phrenologist" to have the bumps on you heads read. There will be peanuts, candy apples, cider, and a host of other goodies to nibble on. Take a chance on a hand made quilt and also take a guess on the weight of the Giant Pumpkin. The Historic Village buildings will also be open to visit and you may also find a Temperance Parade. What more could you ask for?

There will be a Fall Plant Sale on October 3 rd and 5 th at the Garden City Community Church so if your plants did not make the transition from the summer outdoors to life in the house, you can pick up something nice to replace them. Nothing lives forever, especially plants, so don't feel badly about getting rid of those who you know will not make it and try something new and different.

This coming Wednesday it will be coming up Red, White and Blue for the members and guests of the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead as they hold their first General Program meeting of the 2008-2009 season. The program will be Linda Russell doing Campaign Songs of the 19 th Century. As this is an election year, this will give you an insight into what was going on in the 1800's, as well as who was running for office at that time. Thanks for the program go to Kathleen McCormick and Ruth LaBosco while Phyllis Dima and her committee will provide some terrific refreshments. This will take place at the Garden City Casino at 1:30 p.m. The Community Club held its annual Friendship Luncheon recently to begin its season. It was a hugh success due to the efforts of Co-Chairladies Margaret Goldsmith and Betty Pupke and their hard working committee.

Happy birthday wishes go to Herb LaTaille, who will be doing his celebrating on September 28 th. Many happy returns of the day (my isn't that an old fashioned phrase - an oldie but a goodie) to you, Herb. May you have many more in which to enjoy good health and much happiness.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Mimi and Richard Meismer and also to Ernie and Tony Zarcone, who will be celebrating their 55 th wedding anniversary as September winds down. May both of the happy couples have a great day and a year filled with all best wishes and many more years of wedded bliss.

I hear that the September Bridge this Sunday, given by the Ladies Auxiliary of our American Legion Post, has been fully subscribed so if you missed it you have only yourself to blame. Marilyn Camp has done her usual good job as has Rose Forgione , who handled the reservations. President Joan Nedelka has much to be proud of. Unfortunately, the Senior Center only holds so many bridge tables and that is why they have to hold the numbers down. What a pity as they do so much good for our Veterans with the money they raise. Watch for their next event and be prompt.

By the way, speaking of house plants as we were in this column, now is the time to bring them indoors so they have time to get used to the climate indoors. Even if you had them on a screened-in porch, they must be washed off with clear water and sprayed with insect killer (including under the leaves) and thinned out if they are crowding the pot or transplanted if you want to a bigger pot. Place them where they get the same light they had outdoors and you will have a happy plant.,

Have fun and I'll see you next week.