American Legion Post 265’s Commander John Donovan had every reason to be proud of those taking part in the Veteran’s Day services at the Memorial on Seventh Street this past week. There was a good turnout even with the gray weather and Robert Pietrzak and Marissa Burdi’s playing of the Echo Taps was beautiful. Among those attending the services were Bob Rudkin, Frank Nedelka, Jack McGowan, Joe Keating, Jim Grey, Joan Nedelka, Sarah and Felix Iannacone, Sue Swainson, Gary Metzler, Donald Burdi, and Mayor Rothschild among many others.

Another well known lady and artist Susie Alvey, held her show at the Garden City Library recently and she had a wonderful turn out for the show and the reception that followed. It as nice to be able to ask an artist about their works and this type of show is the ideal place for that to happen and it makes you appreciate their works all the more. Among those attending were: Lana Noone, Maria Corvell, Chris Adelmann, Doris Hauswirth, and Ruby Gustavson along with many others.

If you can not make the November 22nd concert by the Long Island Choral Society do plan on making their performance of Handel's “Messiah, Part 1” on Friday, December 18th at 8 p.m. in the lovely setting of the Cathedral of the Incarnation. This ”Messiah” is the Choral Society’s signature offering. Advance sale tickets are $18, at the door they are $25 but either way it is a wonderful concert so don’t miss this one.

Don’t miss the Monday, November 23rd Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement class at Clark Botanic Gardens (you might call to see if they still have room (516) 484-8603 - Maria Morgan) you can sign up for their Holiday Greenery Workshop on either Tuesday, December 15th or Wednesday, December 16th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and learn how to decorate your table and home for the holidays. Along with the greens there will be flowers, berries, and nuts and you will be able to take home your own decoration. Fee is $60 for members and $75 for non-members. Again call Maria at 484-8603.

The Community Church’s Auxiliary did very well with their annual fair and Arlyn Rath’s Silent Auction sent some lucky lady home with a full length Mink coat and Edith Gerber helped another lady who was looking for a child’s antique desk. Seems like just about everyone went home happy. The Luncheon got rave reviews and for many who did not get their heart’s desire - it made up for it. See you all next year ladies.

Happy birthday wishes go to Dale Anderson who will celebrate his special day on the 20th of this month. May you have a wonderful day and a great year in which to enjoy good health and much happiness with many more years to come.

Carol Rudy will be very busy chairing the Great Decisions group for the Garden City Branch of AAUW. Their first meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 27th from 10 a.m. to noon in the small meeting room at the Garden City Library. They will examine many diverse and perplexing issues coming up in 2010 such as The Global Financial Crisis, Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Global Crime and much more. You will need the Foreign Policy Association’s booklet “Great Decision’s 2010” so call Carol and order yours today. Wow, These ladies are on top of just about everything.

Do take advantage of all the specials right here in town and save not only money but time also. Why you would go to a crowded mall when you can get just about everything you need right here in town with all our fine and varied shops, I don’t know. Try it and you will see my point.

Whether you are going over the rivers and through the woods to Grandmother’s house or Mother’s, Have a wonderful day. We all have so much to be grateful for no matter what we think and especially when you think of so many other countries and their lack thereof - we can all be grateful for something. so here are my wishes for you - may you be with family and friends, may you have plenty of good food, good health, and all that they provide. Happy Thanksgiving and I’ll see you next week.