The summer wind drifts across the landscape doling out blazing sunlight and cooling twilights to the members of the Herricks Leisure Club. This year’s record-breaking warmth was an especially daunting challenge but we answered by savoring the slower-paced days with a sip of iced lemonade and the ocean breeze that caressed us as we watched the endless waves crest and saunter to the shore.
And when a sudden storm forced us indoors, we had quiet time to recall club activities before the summer hiatus. A celebration at our April 18 convocation focused on the anniversaries of three couples and the birthdays of eleven members, including the 104th of Jo Gleniewicz.
We welcomed guest Julie Chin, who was running for the Herricks school board, as she recounted her qualifications in a narrative laced with humor.
A trip on April 24 to the Renault Winery and Atlantic City was an eventful one. Despite an early bus breakdown, for which we were compensated with a new luxury coach and token gifts, we enjoyed a lavish lunch at the Resorts Casino. The following day Nurse Navigator Karen Janowski of Winthrop Hospital submitted an enlightening report on outreach community services.
Our meeting of May 9 was enhanced by a delicious catered Mother’s Day luncheon. Director Frances Kivatisky thanked Marie Rallo and Tess Fiorentino for arranging this afternoon delight.
When we assembled on May 16, Herricks staffer Helen Costigan briefed us on the Enhanced STAR programs. Our nomination committee introduced Lillian Ciesluk for president and Jo Jozef for vice president. Four wedding anniversaries and eight birthdays were remembered.
A most auspicious occasion took place on May 22 when Frank Di Benedetto was honored as our senior of the year at the North Hempstead Recognition Day Luncheon which was held at Leonard’s. Our meeting of May 23 sported a patriotic flair. Uncle Sam top hats and American flags adorned our dais courtesy of Helene Picchiello in commemoration of Memorial Day. On the holiday itself, our club was well represented at the moving VFW services.
A pleasant surprise added joy to our get together on May 30 when we learned that a new piano was donated to our club by a Garden City resident who, “heard good things” about our organization.
On June 6, we observed a D-Day remembrance and welcomed our guest speaker, county Legislator Judi Bosworth, who presented us with a distinctive citation for our community service.
A rousing escapade to Yonkers Empire Casino, organized by president John Escobar, regaled us on June 12. The revelry continued the next day when we enjoyed a pizza party in a salute to Father’s Day as well as a dual celebration of birthdays and anniversaries for the months of June and July.
Special mention was designated to the 62nd anniversary of the Bunnell’s and the 67th of the Rallo’s, as well as the 90th birthday of Marie Rallo in June and 65th anniversary of the Cosgrave’s among four anniversaries and 21 birthdays in July. Surely, our members must be revered for the longevity of their lives and marriages! Annette Finkenthal also submitted a most interesting discourse on memory.
Our club year was rounded out on June 27 when we gathered at the elegant Swan Club for our spring luncheon which included a filet mignon feast, dancing to the music of our favorite musician Joe Ratto, and warm camaraderie. Our newly elected board was sworn in by commissioner Kimberly Corcoran Galante. A fitting finale to a fruitful year.
And as the members of the Herricks Leisure Club reflect on the remaining sizzling days and sultry nights, we look with anticipation to the onset of the new club year on Sept. 12 and the engaging adventures to follow as we savor the last vestiges of the summer wind. C’mon down!
