With Athena

Christmas is over and the wrapping papers and ribbons have been cleared away. Any regrets would be only that you over indulged too much and would like to settle your tummy. Here is a story that might help you. 'The Meaning of the Candy Cane." Many years ago a candy maker wanted to make a candy that would symbolize the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus. The hard candy was shaped like a "J" to represent that Jesus is our rock of ages. The candy was made of white to stand for the pureness of Jesus. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins. So the next time you see a Candy Cane take a minute to remember the real meaning of Christmas. As a reward to your tummy, the candy cane is made of peppermint and that is not only a refreshing taste, but it helps to settle the tummy. Enjoy.

A week ago, the members and guests of the Ladies Bridge at the Garden City Casino enjoyed an afternoon that started off well but then the fat snowflakes came and most left early. Enjoying the first party of the afternoon were: Doris Forster. Agnes Rimmel, Blanch Muller, Sue Hall, and Mary Allis. Two ladies had other reasons to be there - Kris Harder started the play at a table until the regular player arrived from a previous appointment. Now that was a nice gesture and just like her. Florence Beach was also there and she was celebrating her birthday with friends at the table. Too bad that had to be cut short. Hope you had a nice day and will have a wonderful year. The ladies all went home in a Winter Wonderland.

Judy Radocy led a group of members of the Senior Women to the Hempstead Country Club where they enjoyed a lovely luncheon and were entertained by Tom Wagner and his musicians. What a way to celebrate.

The ladies of the community Club held their Christmas Party last week also and it was held at the Garden City Casino. They had good food, good conversations, and games and singing to make it a very festive event. Among those attending were Grace Murphy (who plays a mean piano), Mary Polak who did the leading of the singing), Arline Palmer, Louise Abatabile, Marge Goldsmith, Karen Reiter, Margaret Arcese. President Marye Heston greeted all the members and to in particular. Alida Callaghan, a member since 1958, came all the way in from Babylon and from the look on her face, she had a wonderful time greeting all her friends. Marge Quinlan was up from Florida for three weeks to visit family and friends and she met many of the latter at the party. It was great to see her and to know that we are often in her thoughts. Good to see both of these ladies. Lets face it - that's what Christmas is all about.

Ruth Hummel could not be back in town as she now lives in New Hampshire, but she does keep in touch with us via the Garden City News and often writes to friends to share her thoughts on things. She also was very happy to hear about the Consignment shop at the Historical Society House as Ruth was very active in the same type of shop that benefited the Garden City Library. That was called the Garden City Exchange. We think of you too Ruth.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Helen and Emil Gentile who celebrated their 56th anniversary on December 21st and to Ruth and Bill Buschmann, who will be celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary this month. What wonderful milestones and both couples deserve all our best wishes for a wonderful year and many more filled with health and happiness. Congratulations to both couples.

The Garden City Branch of A.U.W. will be starting off the New Year with the showing of "Anthony Adverse" at 1:30 at the Garden City Library and following it up with more great American music, The Broadway Musical at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 9th also at the Garden City Library. Sally Richmond is chairing both. Great job Sally.

Bea Mercadante is taking reservations for the Community Club Thursday, January 22nd Mid-Winter Bridge from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the Garden City Casino. Proceeds go to their scholarships and other philanthropic activities and the fee is $18 per person. Bridge cards will be provided but you may play a game of your choice. Checks should be made payable to the Community Club of Garden City. and Hempstead and sent to Mrs. Mercadante at 48 Main Avenue, Garden City, N.Y. 11530.

Taxes have been around longer than you think. During the administration of George Washington and John Adams, 1791-1802 taxes on alcohol, carriages, sugar, tobacco, auctioned-off property, corporate bonds and slaves were part of our fiscal policy.

Happy new year and a healthy one

See You Next Year