With Athena We are coming down to the end of summer. With only two weeks to go, it seems that summer has really only started and here we are at the finish line, Labor Day. YES, I know that the real end of the summer solstice is not over until the first day of autumn on September 23 rd . However, for about 98% of us it ends with the Labor Day weekend. School starts, the pool closes, vacations wind down, and work begins. With the first touch of cool weather we will begin to moan for those lazy, crazy, hazy days when we could go for a swim, sip our iced tea, and chat with friends as we make plans for tomorrow. Enjoy them now and, while there will be more of those hazy and warm days in September, school will be open, the pool will be closed, and the pace will quicken for all of us. so enjoy it now!

It’s not as though there is nothing for you to do as many clubs and organizations will be open and running with many options for you. The Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead will start off its 91 st season with its Friendship Luncheon; Joan Nedelka and the ladies of our American Legion Auxiliary will start with their Luncheon/Card Party; the Senior Recreation Center will offer classes to keep you in the trim form you got at the G.C. Pool; and Adult Education will be starting classes. So don’t moan - join them.

The Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence will be holding its Annual Gala on Wednesday, September 22 nd at Carleton On The Park with the proceeds going to help the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Child Advocacy Center of Nassau County, and The Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect. For more information on the Gala call Barbara Kelin at (516) 465-4700. If you want to make a contribution to one of these groups, you may send it to 15 Grumman Road West, Bethpage, New York 11714 c/o Suite 1000. They are all worthy groups and your support in any amount will be appreciated.

Things are still hopping at the pool and recently Eda Meglio was seen looking fetching, keeping cool, chatting with friends and always with her book handy to read between conversations. The lap swimmers are getting in extra laps against the time when they either swim indoors (not nearly as much fun) or wait until next season.

Happy birthday wishes go to Charlie Dunleavy, who will be celebrating his special day on the 21 st of August and again those same wishes go to Ed Palkot, who is celebrating his 97 th day, today the 20 th . Many happy returns of the day to both of these fine gentlemen with wishes for many more to come.

Happy wedding anniversary wishes go to Linda and Bob Wagner who will be celebrating on August 22 nd , to Carol and Bob Sexton, who will be marking their 56 th Anniversary just about now, to Ruth and Nick LaBosco, who will celebrate their 52 nd Anniversary on the 23 rd of August, and to Athena and John Philppides, who will also be celebrating their 50 th plus a few years just about now. May all the happy couples enjoy their special days and also many more years of happy togetherness for many more years to come.

Sal Catania has a new working buddy for the popular Monday Movies at the G.C. Library so if you thought they took a vacation in the summer months, you are mistaken. They are showing a wonderful movie every Monday afternoon and if you get there early, your aisle seat is waiting for you. You will also find many friends there to chat with before and after the movie. Do not keep Sal waiting - he is looking forward to seeing you.

Another lady who is busy working all summer while the rest of us relax and enjoy it is Amy Small, who works on the Yearbook with Regina Dowling for the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead. Amy also writes much of the Garden City Branch of the American Association of University Women’s Bulletin. Those two jobs (in addition to plant sitting for a friend) keep her very busy all summer. These are people who seldom make the front page but believe me it’s a time consuming job and takes a lot of care and dedication. So let’s give Amy and others who work with her throughout the summer a big hand!

See you at the Pool!