With Athena

Well, we had an unprecedented turnout for our election this past week and I, for one, was very proud. We usually get a small turnout for our Village elections and voting is a very important right that we have in this country. From what I hear, it ran very smoothly. There were many machines and many handling the registration so that all went smoothly. Congratulations to those working the tables, setting things up, and to those of you who turned out. Do keep up the good work - voting is our right and our privilege.

The Christmas Hour of Music was presented by the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead this past December 2 nd and the program was enjoyed by all. The program, which is open to all of our residents - free of charge - started with a eulogy to a club member who had been active in three of their departments - Helene Ehmann . The program was also in honor of the presidents of other clubs who were there enjoying the music and the refreshments that followed. This is a yearly event on the first Tuesday of December so do take advantage of it when 2009 comes around.

That evening (Dec. 3 rd) the G. C. Country Club held its monthly Dinner Bridge. A small slam was made early in the evening by Marion and George Cordes in 6 no trump. Lady Luck did not stay around so there was no grand slam made that night. Enjoying the delicious dinner and the cards that night were Ada Kane, Mary Gagliardo, Marye Heston, Florence Dieterich, Marie Kelly and Pat Dalton. Bridge Chairlady Muriel Urban announced that the next Dinner/Bridge would be held on Wednesday, January 7 th and wished one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

On Thursday, December 4 th the Ladies Lunch/Bridge was held at the same Club and all were dressed in their Christmas colors. The first small slam of the day was dealt, bid and made by Margaret Mullooly and Roberta Stark in 6 hearts. Again - no grand slam, but the winner of the monthly door prize was Nancy Cervini . Bridge Chairlady Muriel Urban announced that the next event would be held on Thursday, January 15 th and to be sure to make reservations. To help you remember, there was a purse size calendar for 2009-2010 as a special Christmas gift for those attending: Irma Giamboi, Peggy Mumm, Gloria Tassone, and Mureen Uzzi.

Melissa LeBlanc and Jeanne Ciaverelli Co-Chaired the Women's Member-Guest Platform Tennis Tournament last month at the Cherry Valley Club and did a wonderful job. Ed Kelly chaired the Turkey Shoot on Nov. 29 th (It was a Golf Tournament - they did not shoot any turkeys).

Happy birthday wishes go to Tom Butler, who will celebrate his special day on the 13 th of December, to Willa Ward, who will blow out the candles on her cake on the 17 th, and to Arthur Hug, who will be enjoying his special day just around the middle of December. May you all have a wonderful day, a great year filled with health and happiness, and many more years to come.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Frieda and Robert Stark who will celebrate their 54 th Anniversary on the 19 th of December. Many happy returns of the day to you both and many more healthy and happy years to come.

Don't miss the Long Island Choral Society's presentation of Handel's "Messiah, Part I" on Friday, December 19 th at 8 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation here in town. What a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the holidays with such a great group singing a classic in the beautiful setting of the Cathedral.

As you read this column, there are only twelve shopping days left until Christmas. What have you been doing? If you have run out of ideas (and I have given you some) here are a few more. You could give a tree in honor of someone to the G.C. Bird Sanctuary. If you call Rob Alvey he will be happy to help you on this one and you don't have to face the crowds. You can also give a donation in someone's name to The American Cancer Society, G.C. Unit, the Helen Keller Unit here in town, or any one of the many groups in Garden City who help people in need. The names, contact persons and phone numbers are listed in the G.C. Telephone Directory, so let your fingers do the walking and help others as you honor a friend or relative. It will make everyone happy.

There are many things that are true in this life and one of them is: It is easier to get forgiveness than permission. This is a season to contemplate and I'll see you next week.