By Dorothy Daly
“Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” Alas, the members of the Herricks Leisure Club have spent much of the season watching a billowing white comforter unfold upon our world enchanting our landscape but curtailing our wintry pursuits.
Enter our Leisure Club – enabling us to maintain our active lifestyles despite the ravages of the times by offering intriguing activities.
Thankfully, late fall was relatively balmy so a full contingent of members was able to engage in interesting meetings.
Our Nov. 2, assemblage was also informative. We received a financial update from Treasurer Jim Kovalsky, a member illness report from Corresponding Secretary Terry Lanese, voting data from Legislative Chairlady Tess Fiorentino, and the benefits of the shingles vaccine from Director Hilda Escobar. Membership Chairlady Jeanette Kovalsky thanked those who helped her produce the delightful Halloween Party and Vice-President Frank Vendinello commented on the bagel shop that provided today’s tasty repast. President Lillian Ciesluk then conducted a celebration that honored seven November birthdays including Emma Bachor who turned 90.
Yonkers Casino was our destination on Nov. 8 for a stimulating session of fun and games. Our get-together the next day featured a guest, Celeste Belletti, who regaled us with music, song and wit.
Another spectacular event took place on Nov. 15 when we had lunch and watched the show “Fiddler on the Roof” at the exquisite Westbury Manor, organized by Marie Cristello. The festive air continued the next day when our guest Mark Brier entertained us, a talented comedian who combined Jewish and Italian humor. Helene Picchiello wished us a happy Thanksgiving surrounded by harvest décor.
Upon returning from our holiday feasting on Nov. 30, we were apprised of a tax rebate by Fiorentino and received 2018 Daily Planners from the New Hyde Park Funeral Home. Ciesluk spoke of the movie being made in Williston Park with filming at Hildebrandt’s and Gino’s Pizzeria.
On Dec. 6, Rita Ruffini again escorted us to the Empire Casino for a winning day.
At our meeting on Dec. 7, we observed a moment of silence on the passing of our former Treasurer Jo Arato and took note of the fact that this was the Pearl Harbor anniversary. A financial report was submitted and 10 birthdays were commemorated.
A celebration of Hanukkah and Christmas took place on Dec. 14 at the Swan Club. We enjoyed a luncheon and danced to the tunes of our new DJ and his line dancer partners. We all joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to celebrant Christine Di Benedetto. What a wonderful way to welcome the holidays. Our gratitude is extended to Joanne Nelson for chairing this extraordinary afternoon.
Another occasion proved to be a showstopper on Nov. 30 when the third to fifth grade students of the Center Street School serenaded us with carols and violins and presented us with handmade gifts and songbooks.
Indeed, all of these preludes added to the pleasure of our holiday recess and also allayed our disappointment when we learned that our first meeting of the new year had to be canceled because of the blizzard of 2018. But the fond memories of 2017 have enabled the members of the Herricks Leisure Club to cope and “face unafraid the plans that we made Walking in a Winter Wonderland”.
