The Glorious Fourth of July is over for another year but the fireworks were just great down in Washington, D.C. and also the ones down in New York and sponsored by Macy’s Department store. One could enjoy the show with no traffic or crowds to contend with. Here in town you could hear fireworks to the East of us on Saturday and from the South of us on Sunday (which could have come from the Lawrence Beach Club), and even some bursts of firecrackers here in town. Most folks settled for Bar-ba-cue either out or at home and with family. that’s the real spirit of the Fourth of July - togetherness!

In answer to many questions - YES the Cherry Valley Club Dinner/ Bridge is going on through the Summer. George Rivara, Chairman, is enjoying his vacation, but the only information I have for their June event is that Florence Dieterich was one of the winners of the Door Prize.

Happy birthday wishes this week go to Mary Balboni, who will be blowing out the candles on her cake this coming Tuesday, July 19th. May you have a wonderful day and a year filled with health and happiness with many more years to come.

One might think that the ladies “God Bless them”, are the only ones that go in for volunteer work in this town, but you would be wrong and I would like to give you a couple of examples.

George Salem, who is serving as Co-President of the Retired Men’s Club is just one case in point. For sometime, George has been in charge of obtaining speakers on a variety of interesting and informative topics. He has gotten a good response from the membership who turn out in good numbers for these speakers - a sure sign he is doing a good job. While there will be a break for the Summer season I’m sure he is busy lining up more when the Fall season comes around.

I have also heard that a recent tour was so successful that they are looking into a tour of The Cradle of Aviation Museum by Roosevelt Field. Go for it guys, I’ve been there and it’s great.

The Garden City Historical Society has its gentlemen volunteers also. Brian Pinnola has served for a number of terms as the President and has done a fine job. He too, has brought in interesting speakers as well as instituting Open House Art Shows by adult artists as well as by children. They have been well received and have become regular attractions. This has the effect of getting folks into the house, becoming familiar with it and its story, meeting new people, and increasing your membership base. Brian was recently honored by that membership as he turned over the gavel to incoming President Albert Intreglia. The best of luck to both gentlemen and I do think the Historical society is in good hands

There are also those who labor while the rest of us enjoy those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. I refer to those who get the Yearbooks, bulletins and etc, together before the Fall brings everybody back and our season starts. Two of these ladies are Regina Dowling and Amy Small. They put together the Yearbook and the Bulletins for The Community club and with the names and programs believe me, they have their hands full. Congrats to you both for all you do. Ladies like these two are the backbone of our organizations.

Our ladies - God Bless them - don’t allow much to stop them. Anita Frey took a spill and did some damage to her arm and she is now sporting a sling. However, that did not mean that she missed teaching a class at Adelphi. Nothing keeps her down and I’m sure her students appreciated her dedication.

Cucumbers are in season now and they have more uses than you know of. Looking for a new way to clean faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean and it will do a fine job. The shine comes back and you won;t have streaks. It will leave a pleasant scent. It’s not hard on your hands either.

Here is a Summer thought for you: A tourist is a person who travels for days to get a picture of himself standing next to his car. What do you expect? It’s Summer. See you next week.