Ruth Labosco, co-chair of general program, our speaker, Dr. Caroline Olko, Community Club president Marye Heston and Kathy McCormick, general program co-chair Dr. Caroline Olko, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Nassau Community College certainly proved the truth of the old adage, "Laughter is the best medicine" when she appeared at the general program of the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead, Inc. on April 1, 2009. Members and guests attending the lecture left in high spirits, feeling much better after than before Dr. Olka spoke to them. Not only did the program contain much humor, but Dr. Olka invited the audience to participate by telling a few jokes of their own and many did just that. It was a laughfest and we left with smiles on our faces.

On the serious side, Dr. Olka described how many scientific studies have confirmed that "Humor Therapy" as it's referred to in the medical community, has helped numerous sufferers of chronic illness achieve a sense of well-being and even experience a reduction in distress and symptoms. We all need a little "humor therapy" in our lives she advised to help ease the stress we face from day to day. To get us started on the path to laughter we were given photocopies of some of the best jokes from the reader's digest "laugh-out-loud" collection. That included a list of comic authors as well, reminding us that Mark Twain once said, "Laughter is the greatest weapon we have and the one we use the least." Dr. Olko suggested we find a few minutes each day to laugh out loud and to share our laughter with family and friends to make every day a better day than the one before. Thank you Dr. Olko for making April 1 st a very enjoyable day for all attending your enlightening lecture.

Ruth Labosco, Dr. Caroline Olko and Kathy McCormick are joined by 1st vice-president Emily Sair Prior to the start of the program a short business meeting was conducted by Community Club President Marye Heston. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by recording secretary Anne Heinzelman and Carolyn Kaiser gave the treasurer's report. Past President Betty Puppke led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition was given to members reaching twenty-five years of active membership. Past President Bea Mercadante then read the slate of officers selected to serve for the next two years and a vote for acceptance was cast by secretary Anne Heinzelman. Our speaker Dr. Caroline Olko was introduced by general program member Anne Marie Smith.

Once again Phyllis Dima and the Hospitality Committee provided a delicious assortment of desserts at the tea hour following the program members and guests were greeted at the door by Lee Amrhein, Sheila Birkenstock and Jennie Catania. Terry Ferrari handled decorations and general arrangements were under the direction of Veronica Witt.

April 1 st was also the day our second annual Silent Auction was held under the chairmanship of Marge Goldsmith. The bidding was active and many lovely items were taken home by delighted winners. Thanks again to Marge and her hard working helpers for a great job.

The Community Club offers a variety of interesting and educational programs, trips and fine arts classes from October through May. To learn more about the club and how to become a member please call our office at 516-746-0488 on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Our next general program will take place on Wednesday, May 6 th, at 1:30 p.m. at the Garden City Casino and will feature Garden City resident and musician Rose Marie Guzzo who will celebrate composer Richard Rodgers as a special treat the beautiful works of fine are created by our members enrolled in studio classes throughout the year will be on display at the annual "Peggy Otto" Studio Exhibit" which will continue on Thursday May 7 th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.