With Athena

You can almost smell the turkey roasting ( I do hope that you ordered yours) and now it's time to get down to the "good stuff" as in the decision whether to have apple or pumpkin pie. Why not do what I have always done and take the easy way out - have one of each. Have you ever wondered what, if any, dessert the Pilgrims had? After all, they had no food stores or supermarkets handy to buy their food. But they did have the Indians in Plymouth so they had oysters (and not in stuffing), corn, venison, and just possibly cranberries and that was the start of their feast. Included on their menu they had the traditional "bird," the turkey. Not a bad start for their feast and they gave thanks for having made it through the year. In comparison, we have it easy as we can order most foods already cooked, eat out, or purchase many of the items close to table-ready and enjoy our family and friends. But, do remember to give thanks for all that we have and also to give food or money to buy it to those who are in need.

The Auxiliary of the G.C Community Church will start off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tea on December 3rd at the church. As usual they are asking each person attending to bring an UNWRAPPED gift for the Children's Center of the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. This could include infant and toddlers toys, clothing (newborn and up) arts and crafts items (kits/supplies, board games [all ages]), and teenage items: photo albums, caps, scarves, footballs, basketballs, baseball gloves, etc. Not accepted are clothing items in the following colors: blue, black, grey or orange. A really nice way to share.

Garden City had a really nice turnout for Veterans Day and among those attending were: Ellie Marshall, Barbara Seale, Joan and Frank Nedelka, Nancy Fardelman, Sarah and Felix Iannacone, Paulie and Bob Rudkin, Helen and Emile Gentile, Mayor Peter Bee, Trustee Brudie , and many others. Barbara Wilson was presented with an award by Commander John Donovan for her work with the Red Cross during World War II. Barbara was also Women's Tennis Champion for six years at the Garden City Casino.

The Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead visited the Big Apple for a tour of the Waldorf-Astoria that was enjoyed by all, as was the delicious luncheon at Oscar's at the Waldorf. One of the ladies reconnected with Executive Chef John Doherty during the tour of the kitchen as both she and her husband had taken a series of cooking classes with him in that same kitchen. Among those enjoying the day were: Amy Small, Pat Dalton, Prem Chauhan, Bea Mercadante, Rosemary McCarthy and Frieda Stark along with many others. A good time was had by all.

Carol Rilling and Justine Butz are Co-chairing the Social Bridge for the G.C. Branch of AAUW. and the next event will be on Monday, Nov. 24th with Diane Wall serving as Hostess. Bridge is a game that keeps you on your toes and alert and is a good deal of fun besides.

The Art Show sponsored by the G.C. Historial Society will be open on November 22 and 23 from noon to 3 p.m. at the G.C. Historical Society House on 11th Street here in town. Don't miss it as it got rave reviews when it opened earlier this month.

Happy birthday wishes go to Gail Vitale , who will be celebrating her special day on the 27th of this month and this year it will be a very special one as the 27th is also Thanksgiving. Guess we all know what will be on Gail's menu but her dessert will be a cake with candles insted of pie. Happy birthday wishes also go to Gert Perrini , who will blow out the candles on her cake on the 30th of November. All best wishes to both ladies for a wonderful day and a great year to follow filled with good health and much happiness.

Christmas shopping is now coming to the attention of many of you and my tip to one and all for this and any season is to shop right here in Garden City. We have wonderful stores to meet your needs and you save time, effort, gas, and money and our stores are ready to work with you. So many people come to Garden City to do their shopping - why not join them? As the holiday season heats up, I have a thought for the husbands in town. No husband has ever been shot while doing the dishes.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and watch those calories as there is more celebration coming next month. See you next week.