With Athena

The first month of 2009 is over this week and I hope you have all kept your New Year's Resolutions so far. Many of you resolve to get all your thank you notes out and I do hope you have followed through with this one. You might think it is old-fashioned but it is a wonderful gift of thoughtfulness to thank those who have given you a gift during the holidays. It is one thing to say "Thank You" when you receive the gift, but it has so much more meaning when you put pen to paper and say it that way, too. In this matter, the ladies of the Garden Department, of the Community Club of Garden City, have asked me to thank Village Arborist Mike Didyk and his team of pruners for the Greens they donated to the Club's greens day and to Superintendent of Recreation Mr. Ocker, who sent us Mari Hill as a speaker. And, yes, both gentlemen received hand written notes of thanks also.

The ladies of the Garden City Casino held their first Lunch/Bridge this past week and they had a very nice crowd in attendance. Enjoying the afternoon (if not always the cards) were: Trudy Anderson and her daughter Carol, Frieda Stark, Marie Kelly, Marye Heston, Louise Butler, and Gwen Duff among many others.

Rosemary McCarthy, Chairperson of the Americanism Committee of the Community Club, presented Professor Robert Block on "Islam and the West" - a hot topic in these times and it, too, was very well attended. The more we know about things, the better informed we can be in making our judgments. Rosemary has been doing a great job with the information and variety in her programs. Good for you. Your fellow members appreciate all your hard work.

Kerriann Gambino and Tricia Byrne are co-chairing the Garden City Unit of the American Cancer Society's Phantom Ball, which as you know will not happen on Saturday, May 2nd. The prizes look great and all you have to do is send in your check. There is a pre-announcement out now so if you get your checks in by February 25th your name will be included on their invitations.

The first week in February will be a very quiet one as we do not have any B-days or wedding anniversaries to announce but there will be some next week. However, this will mark the 21st Anniversary of this column and we all have Valentine's Day to look forward to. Remember folks - the gift does not have to break the bank. It should however be thoughtful. Now that's not difficult, is it?

We do have some of our usual sad news and that is the passing of Clara Clark recently in Connecticut. Clara and her late husband George were active in the Cathedral of the Incarnation. Couples Club. Clara took a very active part in the Women's Group helping on the Geranium Bridge, as well as the Antique's show and their other philanthropic events. Clara also served on the Board of the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead and was active there also. She left Garden City following the passing of her sister Helen Fields and her husband George Clark to be near her daughter who lives in Connecticut. Her many friends have fond memories of Clara and she will be missed by all who knew her.

The folks at the Garden City Casino celebrated Chinese New Year's last week - I think it was the year of the Ox, but I could be mistaken. If you heard any dragon's snorting, you now know where it was from. They had a special buffet dinner and a group that performed the Dragon Dance and from what I hear, it was a wonderful event and a big success. Janet and Bruce Littlejohn attended so you can get the scoop from them.

One of the things that I have seen missing is the ball that indicates the ice is okay for skating at the Garden City Golf Club. When my children were growing up, that was a favorite spot for parents and their off-springs to go in the evenings or on the weekends to enjoy the skating (which was free, courtesy of the club) on Lake Cornelia and then to sit by the fire to get warmed up. Perhaps it has not been cold enough for the thickness of the ice or I have just missed it. However, one family remembered that Iceland Skating Rink is still open and they took their daughter there to introduce her to ice skating. After a few rounds, confidence was achieved and plans have been made to return. Trips to the beach - yes in the Winter - are also delightful. At Jones Beach they have a Nature Center where children of all ages can learn as well as have fun. I put these ideas forward for those who are looking for family things to do. Even the parents can learn and enjoy.

See you next week.