Garden City was hit with its own bad news this past week when it learned of the passing of Kay Thompson. Kay lived in Garden City for many years and raised her family here. She wa active as a member of the Board of the G.C.PTA at Stratford School and again at the High School. She encouraged others to become active also and when some of her children went off to College and her parents became in need of more care she took them into her home. Kay also took a job at the G.C. High School and worked there helping students for many years. She had several medical problems lately and passed away at Winthrop-University Hospital on Friday, January 22nd. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Charles, and is survived by her children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them in their time of sorrow and also to the many people whose lives she touched here in town. Kay will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In the more sad news category: Lucinda Beneventi Findley’s daughter called to say that her mother is very ill. “Cindy” visited Garden City last fall for her fiftieth high school reunion and asked for the prayers of her Garden City friends for her mother.

There were three large bridges in Garden City last week that kept all the ladies very busy. The first was the Jan. 19th Casino Lunch Bridge where they had a packed house. Attending were Joan Jordan, Harriet Carotenuto, Georgene Harrison, Ellie Singer, Helen Schneider, Ruth Brown, Dee DeVries, Barbara Flanagan, Florence Beach and many others. The first small slam was made late in the day as has been its habit - no Grand Slam was made that day.

The following day on the 20th, the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead held its annual Mid-Winter Bridge also at the G.C. Casino. They also had a sell out crowd of which you will see more shortly. They held it to 37 tables and again among those attending were: Gail Vitale, Ann Amore, Jane Cox, Ellie Singer, Betty Bangert, Janet Castles and Mary Kavazanjian. Again there was no grand slam but there will be news of the small slam winner shortly.

Not to be outdone this past week, the Ladies Lunch/Bridge of the Garden City Country Club was held the very next day on the 21st. They too had a full house and among those present enjoying a delicious lunch were Joy Losgar, Ada Kane, Florence Dieterich, Mary Gagliardo, Marie Kelly, Barbara Wilson, and Pat Dolan. The first small slam of the day was made in 6 hearts by Joan Cowie and Pat Fontain and again - no grand slam. The winner of the monthly door prize was Anita Gordon. Bridge Chairlady, Muriel Urban announced that the Club would be closed for the month of February and nearly the whole month of March and that the next bridge would be held on Thursday, April 15 th . All the ladies enjoyed their Valentine candy early.

This column marks the 22nd anniversary of the Socially Speaking column and February is coming up fast. With it you should be aware that the little cupid with the bow and arrow is hovering just about now so do get your loved one something to show that you care. Valentine candy, flowers, perfume, but especially a lovely card that expresses a love that you share. There is enough sorrow in this world and not enough love. Don’t Delay - do it today.

The Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Anne 1077 will be holding its February Bridge/Luncheon on Thursday, February 18th at the Church of St. Anne on Dartmouth St, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. A check in the amount of $20 per person made payable to CDA Court St. Anne 1077 includes lunch, beverage and dessert and should be mailed to Joan Evans, 132 Wickham Road, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. You can play bridge or bring your own board game or just gather with friends and enjoy a day of fun. For more information call Joan at 294-0868. Sounds good to me.

Stay safe - stay well and I’ll see you next week.