With Athena

There is nothing like travel to broaden you. It does not mean that you have to go far for this to happen. In f act, a trip into New York City will do it in spades. The majority of people you see on the Long Island Railroad and on the subways or buses in town are toting rollaway suitcases large enough to accommodate them on a two week vacation, a backpack big enough for a week away from home or a pocketbook large enough for a three day weekend. Sometimes they carry several of these. They are not going on a vacation but simply to work or a day of pleasure in the big city. In this way they take up room enough for at least two people and you know why the trains are so crowded. It's because of how much folks carry. One wonders why they need so much STUFF but it tells you why the proliferation of STORAGE UNITS are doing so well. They all bought into the slogan " DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT" started by the folks at American Express.

There was a big and exciting party recently on Kilburn Road. The occasion was the christening of Michele and Paul Dryland's newest grandchild who came all the way from Ireland, along with two siblings and Mom and Dad, the Dryland's daughter and son-in-law. It gave the whole family a chance to meet and greet the newest addition to the family (the baby slept through most of it) as well as to connect with each other in the wonderful way of family and friends. A good time was had by one and all.

Book groups have been increasing in popularity with each passing year so, in order to give you a heads up on the newest book for the Reader's Circle at the Garden City Community Church, it will be 'How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill. The discussion will follow lunch at 12 noon in the Church Parlor. The Lunch will be provided by hostesses Nancy Fardelmann, Marion Levins, and Eilie Marshall. The date will be August 11th giving you a chance to read and finish the book. Sounds interesting to me.

Happy birthday wishes go to Marge Heston, who will be celebrating her special day on July 18th. Here is hoping that she had a wonderful day and will enjoy good health and happiness in the year to come.

Unfortunately we learned of the passing of Gemma Impara, a long time resident of Garden City. Gemma's passing marked a long illness and was attended by her husband Joe and her son. She was active in so many organizations in town, including the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead where she served on the Board of Directors; a General Program Chairlady of the Garden City Branch of A.A.U.W., the Women's Club of Garden City, and the Italian-American League. Her love was opera and she especially loved Wagner's Ring Cycle. If you asked her to tackle something for any of these groups, she was always pleased to do so and did a great job. Several of her sisters lived here in town but they predeceased her. There was a Mass at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church for her filled with her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed.

This past week a group of ladies went to Washington, D.C., to represent our local D.A.R. Among those attending were Janet Littlejohn and Isobel Smith, both very active in the organization. They were there to work and not to see the sights and they did a great job and brought back a lot of news for our local group. Good for you, ladies.

The folks at the Garden City Country Club held their monthly Ladies Luncheon-Bridge this past week the first Small Slam of the day was dealt, bid and made by Rosemary Brown and Athena Philippides. It was Athena's lucky day as she was also the winner of the monthly door prize. Lightening did not strike in the same place that day or anywhere near it as there was no Grand Slam again. Enjoying the afternoon were: Peggy Mumm, Judy Radocy, Agnes LaCorte, Irene Christie, Ada Kane and Irma Grambol. Bridge Chairlady Muriel Urban would like to inform all players in both the Dinner/Bridge and the Ladies-Luncheon Bridge that the dates for the Dinner-Bridge in August will be Wednesday, August 12th and that a Pan Am Tournament on the usual date and the Lunch-Bridge will be held as scheduled on Thursday, August 20th. Do get your reservations in.

Before you know it, summer will be half over and we are all hoping for warmer weather for swimming.

`See you next week or at the pool.