When I joined the National Trust for Historic Preservation many long years ago, they were conducting a “Barn Again” campaign to restore barns across the country for current use. I was very proud of their efforts, but when I read that the Army Corps of Engineers wanted to replace the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, I was even prouder of them for conducting a survey of the marble and finding that the repair job would cost $65,000 instead of the $2.2 million and worked to change the minds of Congress that it was the better way to go. Many of the senators in Washington joined Senator Webb of Virginia and Senator Akaka of Hawaii and they voted to restore, not rebuild, the monument. After all, the monument was only built in 1932 and they repaired and restored our National Flag, “The Star Spangled Banner,” and there is nothing wrong with age. Just ask any senior citizen and I was even prouder of them.

I hear that Black Friday was better than last year and then saw the photos of the malls and discount centers with the hordes of people and the traffic jams caused by those shoppers. When you understand that by shopping right here in town you will do just as well with less hassle, very good prices, and our stores are even staying open later and some earlier and add free parking, what are you waiting for - SHOP GARDEN CITY. Those stores pay taxes here and even Roosevelt Field is not in Garden City. What a no-brainer!

More folks sent Thanksgiving cards this year than ever and with notes on them. Dorothy Holl sent one from Greenport to say that she and Barbara Wilson, Dorothy and Dave Fisher and a number of other former residents of Garden City are enjoying the HD performances of the Metropolitan Opera at Peconic Landing and they follow it with a Wine and Cheese party in their Club Room after the performances. Just like most of the folks who retire out of town, Dorothy (and the others) also enjoy them. Dorothy is planning a trip to Garden City after the holidays. We will all be happy to see you.

Thanksgiving was family day here in town, and for some of us who went out of town, but it was a day of universally giving thanks for all our blessings. Kay Thompson and her family were together around the turkey and Irene and John Christie were also with family. Irene is only recently home from the hospital and is doing very well with lots to be thankful for. Maureen and Ducan Fraser were also with family and I’ll bet that The Bird was on the menu for just about all of us. Now it’s countdown time until Christmas.

Happy Birthday wishes go to Louise DeNoia, who will be doing her celebrating on the 8th of this month. May you have a great day and a year filled with good health and much happiness, with many more years to come.

While many of us are busy getting ready for Christmas, some are busy planning for future events. Ann Paulson, together with her Co-Chairladies Grace Murphy and Ann Senchyshyn, are already preparing for the Community Club’s only fund-raiser of the year. Their Mid-winter Bridge will be held on Wednesday, January 20th at the Garden City Casino. Flyers will be out as you read this, so get your table together and your check-in. This year it will be a sandwich lunch with dessert, coffee or tea and many prizes. Don’t let this one slip by you! They are limiting the number of tables so you will have more space to move around when changing seats.

Marye Heston had a fall a while ago and she is doing nicely at this time and promises to be back for the Community Club’s Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 16th starting at noon. This party was Marye’s idea and it has really taken off with games and music and good food. This year they can all welcome Marye back into action. Nobody runs a party like she does!

Unhappy news comes at any time of the year and the news of the passing of Mary Alice Doucetter, a longtime resident of Garden City, was received recently. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in the future. Mary Alice was always involved in garden clubs and she was active in many other areas of art also. She was a resident on Washington Avenue and always had helpful tips on gardening for her neighbors. Our prayers and thoughts go to her son in his time of sorrow. She will be missed by her many friends.

Gotta go now to work off the turkey - see you next week.