Once again we start off with sad news as January comes to a close with the passing of Tom Richmond on January 29 th . He was waked at Fairchild’s on Monday followed by Mass at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church on Tuesday. He will be missed by the regulars at the Monday Matinee series at the G.C. Library and by all his friends here in town. Tom’s pleasant manner in introducing the movies and in greeting those who attended had a charm that was his alone. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Sally and to his daughter, son and all of his family in their time of sorrow. Tom and Ellie Marshall, another movie regular who recently passed away, could well be discussing the old movies that they loved.

Some of our more fortunate residents have returned form warmer climes of Palm Springs and Hawaii with tales of warm weather, lovely vistas, and delightful experiences. Miriam and Dick Benack loved Palm Springs and the southern part of California that they enjoyed recently while we were having all that snow and cold. They had a lovely time and we are happy to have them home again. The same is true of Anita and Joe Frey but they went a little further - to Hawaii - where Anita attended a conference on education and presented a paper. After that it was sun, fun, and rest for a couple of weeks. Now that’s what I call a wonderful winter break on behalf of both couples. Welcome home to Anita and Joe. I hope that both couples brought home some of those balmy breezes.

I’m sure that the Veterans Memorial upgrade and consolidation has the support of our American Legion post. While it will take time to get it all together and off the ground, Cyril Smith, a Vietnam Veteran, was the force behind it. The Memorial that had been in front of the Doubleday Building was saved through the actions of the William Bradford Turner Post but they never thought it would be placed first in “The Yard” and then behind the Historical Society house. Turner’s name is honored on the marker at St. Paul’s School and he is honored as our first (and I believe only) Medal of Honor winner from WW 1 every Memorial Day by the Post that uses his name.

Speaking of our Veterans, Joe Keating, our Legion Post’s Chaplain, has suffered a second stroke so take a minute to send him a get well card at 5 Warren Blvd. Garden City South, N.Y. 11530. It will certainly cheer him up.

The ladies of our Legion Post are busy, too. Sarah Iannacone, Girls State Chairlady, and her committee will be interviewing six girls from the junior class of G.C. High of which two will be selected to attend Girls State at SUNY Brookport. The interviews started this past week. This is a wonderful experience in how our country is goverened. Good for you, ladies.

Alice Brown, Mary Dewar and Anne Marie Smith will be hostesses for the Reader’s Circle at the G.C. Community Church on February 9 th . What a nice thing to do during this cold winter.

Happy birthday wishes go to Helen Roberts, who will be celebrating her special day on February 7 th . May you have a great day and a year filled with good health and much happiness with many more years to come.

Carol Rudy is the AAUW Chair for its Great Decisions group whose topic on Wednesday, February 10 th will be “Halting Atrocities in Kenya.” A DVD on the subject will be shown in the parlor at the Wyndham. Joan Stafford will be the hostess.

The same group will be seeing “Impressions in the Countryside,” “Paris Under Siege” and “The First Exhibition” on Friday, February 12 th at 1:30 at the GC Library. Sal Catania will be presiding at a Teaching Company Series on “The Impressionists.” Sounds like a nice way to learn and enjoy at the same time and maybe meet both old and new friends

This seems the best time to bring back a great and easy suggestion. Sprinkle a box of baking soda on your steps and walk to aid traction on the ice. It won’t hurt bricks or cement and it is even safe for your floors if you should bring it inside with you. What more could you want, so easy and economical, too.

Stay warm, stay dry and I’ll see you next week.