Socially Speaking

With Athena

There has been good news and bad news this past week. The bad news is that Fortunoff has declared bankruptcy and will be taken over by Lord & Taylor. Talbots will only advertise online and not in the newspapers. That is not good for the papers as they are shrinking as we read them. Sears is reported to be considering closing some of its stores.

The good news is that not only will Lord & Taylor take over Fortunoff, but for those interested gentlemen, they have a nice supply of black felt fedoras here in their G.C. store. The most asked question recently was where do we vote in the Primary Election, it's been so long since we had one. The next good news is that the snowdrops are coming up (sign of spring) and the daffodils are up close to 6 inches (it's too early for them) as we still have five more weeks of winter.

More good news - Bob Rudkin is home recuperating following a serious medical problem and is doing well. There are big smiles on the faces of his wife Pauline, his children and grandchildren, and his many friends. Welcome home Bob!

Thanks go to Marilyn Schmachtenberg , Veterans Affairs for our Legion Post here in town, who organized Commander John Donovan, Karen Donovan, Jean Gustitus, Virginia Hassler, Joe Keating, and Joe Krattinger for the December Christmas visit to the Veteran's Hospital in Northport. Now they have plans for a visit in February, too.

Joan Nedelka, President of the Legion Auxiliary, has announced that they will be having their 89 th Legion Birthday Party on Sunday, March 9 th from 12:30 to 5 at the Senior Recreation Center. Rose Forgione is taking reservations at 100 Tanners Pond Rd., Garden City, N.Y. 11530. The fee is only $20 per person and you get a choice of chicken cordon bleu, sliced beef, eggplant parmigiana, potatoes, salad, stir fry veggies, cake, tea and coffee with wine, beer, and soda included. Bring your own cards if you wish to play and reserve early as there are only 20 tables available. Don't miss it - it's the bargain of the year. Checks to American Legion Auxiliary Unit #265.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Madeline and Ivor Buston, who celebrate on the 16 th of this month, to Rosalie and Walter Miceli, and to Monica and Bob Schoelle, who will also be celebrating their anniversaries just about now. May all the happy couples have a great day and a year filled with health and happiness and many more years to come.

Clark Bontanic Gardens has started their winter/early spring series of programs and on Sunday, Feb. 24 th at 1 p.m. they will have Jerry Leeds for a Fireside Chat on "Wind and Watermills of Long Island." Jerry, a local historian, will do a slide show/lecture on the importance and beauty of windmills and water mills on Long Island. Refreshments will be served. The fee is $10 for members; $12 for Non-members. don't miss it.

Today is the last day to order your daffodils from the American Cancer Society at $10 a bunch so do call Eileen at 746-5184 to get yours. Nothing cheers you like a daffodil and you can help a worthy cause too.

Helga Otte and Doris Hauswirth are busy planning for the upcoming CMF Spring Card Party and Boutique on Monday, March 17 th at the Casino. Shopping starts at 11:30, with lunch and cards from noon on. Reservations in the amount of $18 made payable to CMF go to Patrice Giordano, 312 Cambridge Ave. Garden City, N.Y. 11530. For more information call (516) 564-4854. You don't have to wear GREEN, but it can't hurt and you will not be alone.

Kris Harder and the G.C. Historical Society could use a few ladies to help out at their Consignment Shop. Days are Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. Rhonda Gallugi, Bea Maxfield, and Sally Schreier, along with Kris, are only a few of the volunteers that enjoy their work helping the Historical Society. Try it, you will enjoy it. Call Kris.

Valentine's Day is over, St. Patrick's Day and Easter are not far behind so - take down the christmas wreaths!

See you next week.