Socially Speaking
With Athena

The election is over and things are much quieter now without all the phone calls (most automated) to get you to vote for them or to give money. Now we can get back to normal - or can we? I have heard that a few weeks ago Santa was in attendance at the Roosevelt Field Mall with children on his lap telling him what they wanted for Christmas and having their pictures taken with Santa. Time was when Santa came in the morning of Thanksgiving Day in a parade sponsored by Macy's - it still happens - and then the kids were taken in to tell Santa what they wanted. I know things are not good for many of the stores, but bringing in Santa to get folks into the stores just goes against my grain expecially when it is so early. Give us a break and don't take the magic out of Christmas for the children just to make a dollar.

The Garden City Historical Society held a talk on Tiffany and the Gilded Age last week to a really full house. It was a wonderful lecture and a very appreciative audience. Among those in attendance were: Suzie and Bob Alvey, Julie Fehler, Connie and Ben Klemanowicz and Isabel Smith among many others. Brian Pinnola , President of the Historical Society, should be congratulated by one and all for his programs. This Sunday it will showcase its Annual Art Show at the Historic House so don't miss it. It starts at 2 p.m.

The Friends of the Adelphi University Library held their art lecture with a speaker from the Metropolitan Museum of Art last week to hear all about the Greek and Roman collection. The speaker was wonderful and enjoying the afternoon were: Sally and Tom Richmond, Paula Riga, Elizabeth Miller, Julie Fehler, Marge Maher, and Lou Tice.

This Sunday the L.I. Choral Society will perform the Brahms "Requiem" in German at the Cathedral of the Incarnation at 4 p.m. Don't miss it.

Here it is the middle of November and the Chamber of Commerce's Calendar of Events has not reached us. I do hope it comes soon as it should be out in September. It's so important in setting dates and clubs need this information.

The Garden Department of The Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead will be presenting a program featuring Mary Smith of Feldis Florists on Wednesday, November 19 th at 1:30 at the G.C. Casino. It will feature the making of five holiday arrangements for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve. Chances will be available for purchase that will give the happy winners a beautiful centerpiece for one of the holidays. And just in time, too.

Happy birthday wishes go to Joan Jordan , who celebrates her special day on the 16 th of this month as does Bill Polon on the very same day. Mary Polak will be blowing out the candles on her cake on the 17 th of November. All our good wishes for a wonderful day with a great year to follow go to all the celebrants. Dale Anderson will do his celebrating later in the week on the 20 th of this month and all those greeting wishes go to him on this very special day for Dale.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Stephanie and Mike Balboni as they celebrate their special day, along with our wishes for more happy years to come with good health and much happiness.

Sally Richmond has planned a wonderful program for Friday, November 14 th at the G.C. Library at 10 a.m. on "Great American Music - "Broadway Musicals" by Bill Messenger. He will lead us through the evolution of the verse/chorus songs and the ragtime years, 1890-1917. Do join us - guests welcome - and put a spring in your step as you leave. Good show, Sally.

We were all sad to read of the passing of Brick Howe . He and his wife Margaret were long time members of this community and active all their years with us. Our prayers and thoughts go to his wife Margaret, his children, and his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.

And now, our thought for the week as the holidays approach: If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip. See you next week.