Socially Speaking

With Athena

Every day, stories about people or objects are told in museums that are not true. Some are falsehoods while others are just catchy or humorous and they stick in our memories. Curators at the D.A.R. Museum in Washington, D.C. decided to tackle the subject and here is one for you to ponder.

Men posed with one hand inside the vest to save money as the portrait painter gave a discount if they didn't have to do extra work in painting the fingers. FALSE! There is no historical verification for it. Standing with one hand tucked inside a vest or jacket was a popular, dignified pose for gentlemen of the era. It is not likely that Napoleon, King George III, or George Washington were concerned about getting a discount from his portrait painter. But, the story continues because it is catchy. Tell that to the museum docent the next time you hear it.

Carol Rudy, Chair of the Great Decisions study group of the Garden City Branch of A.A.U.W., has announced the subject for their Wednesday, January 30th meeting and it will be IRAQ-END-GAME. It will be held at 10 a.m. in the small conference room of the Garden City Library. They are right on the cutting edge all the time.

The Ladies/Luncheon/Bridge at the Garden City Country Club was held on January 17th and it was an important event considering that both a Small Slam and a Grand Slam was made on that day, the first in a long time.

The Small Slam was dealt, bid and made by Joy Losgar and Jane Krull in 6 No Trump and the Grand Slam was brought in early in the afternoon by Barbara Wilson and Jean Coghlan in 7 Hearts. Ann Comunale was the delighted winner of the monthly door prize. The Bridge Chairlady, Muriel Urban announced that the next bridge would be held on Thursday, March 20th. Please make note of the date on your calender as the club will be closed for 6 weeks for its annual cleaning. Reservations are necessary for this event.

The Monday Matinee Movi continue to brighten our January Days and enjoying one recently were Jean and Walter Tomitz, Gloria Tassone, Maetha Widner, Mary Knox, and Ann Senchyshyn. Don't miss them and you can always pick up a good book to while away the days between movies. Many thanks to Sal Catania and to Tom Richmond for all their work on this project.

Jean Nedelka announced that the Ladies Auxiliary of our American Legion Post is busy planning its Sunday, March 9th Birthday Party for Post #265 so do mark your calendar, Get your reservations in promptly as the Senior Center holds only 20 tables and this is not only a fun day, but a wonderful bargain in addition.

Happy birthday wishes go to Jerry Sheehan, who will be celebrating his special day as January winds down. Have a great day and a good year ahead with health, happiness, and many more to come.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Bea and Jim Mercandante, who will be celebrating on January 30th. May you have a wonderful day with many more years of wedded bliss to come filled with good health and much happiness.

It is always nice to see something beautiful and I must say that a certain painted lady that lives on 9th Street just off Franklin Avenue is looking just great. She has put on an addition that not just compliments her front, but matches it perfectly and her color is as soft as spring. Yes, she is one of our beautiful older houses and she is not only the "real thing" but is coming out more beautiful than ever. Would that this could always be the way things are done. Congrats to those who are doing the work.

Everyone is talking about Easter being so early this year. Well, it is and a friend passed on this information. It will be the earliest Easter since 1913 (I wasn't here then) and it will not be this early again till just past 2089 (I will not be here then either). This information comes from the Book of Common Prayer at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.

Have a good week - stay warm and I'll see you next week!