By Gert Hendry

As I sit here writing my column it is Veterans Day and I am thinking of those who sacrificed for us and those who are still keeping our shores safe, one in particular comes to mind. My young grand nephew Lt. Commander John Hahn in the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in Ft. Wadsworth Staten Island, and a veteran of the Persian Gulf Wars. He is now protecting our water ways and being kept very busy, proudly doing what he is qualified for.

Boys and girls mark your calendars for December 6th at the colony at 2:00 p.m. "A Season of Miracles" presented by the Pushcart Players. A collection of holiday tales from different cultures set to music. These stories reflect the spirit of the season, love, kindness, generosity, magic laughter and beauty. Try to attend, it will put you in the mood of the holidays and inspire you to be the good persons you are.

Saturday Dec. 6th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. $5 admission a perfect hour to spend and then continue on with whatever other plans you may have. Bring a friend, a sibling or just come on your own. It will be worth your while. Another activity planned for you and the benefit of the whole community - so mark your calendar and purchase your ticket early - right now - at the Cooperative Office.
Also mark your calendar for the Friday December 12th Teen Dance from 7:30-10:00 p.m. More on this later.

Back to November dates - Try to attend Nov. 23rd 5:00 p.m. the Teen Mass at St. Edmunds - a soup dinner will follow at the Hall - a donation of $3.00 or canned food are requested. Everything collected will be given to Father Perry's Parish at Our Lady of Refuge. They are in need of our help - a chance for you boys and girls to benefit by going to Mass together with your peers and doing a Thanksgiving good deed. You will feel so good doing it - try it - you'll like it.

CYO Girls Swim Team practice will start on Tuesday November 18th at Far Rockaway High School for girls 11-14 years old. Call Chris Stokes 718-318-0160 or Donna Muorio 718-634-6672 for information. New swimmers are always welcome.

Do you ever stop and think if you have a special gift? Perhaps you are a good student - that is a gift. You may be special in sports, music, dance or writing. Are you a natural leader? Use that for good results. Are you a loving caring person? This is a gift that you can share in many ways. Somewhere along life's lane you will find that we all have a gift we were unaware of. Whatever gift you feel you have, share it properly.

For instance, a gift of physical abilities should never be used to bully or dominate someone else. The gift of humor should never be used to make someone feel bad. Search for your special gift. There is one there in you. Just recently, a teenager driving an SUV under the influence of drugs ran into two runners out for a jog on Long Island. He killed one and seriously injured the other. He is 19 years old and being held on bail, for killing a much loved school teacher 29 years old and her 32 year old friend who was seriously injured and hospitalized.

The old familiar word Drugs is the culprit and cause of this horrific accident. Is it worth it to impair your mind and the lose control of your facilities? The sad part of drugs is the fact that there are people involved who are in the business world.

Recently, a multi millionaire Manhattan real estate mogul appeared in court to face drug charges after being busted with a cache of pills and Cocaine, Oxycontin pills and Xanax. It is up to you boys and girls to be on the alert and just think before you become involved with any kind of drug. I'm cutting my article short, for the deadline fast approaches. Due to illness and the desire to fulfill my duties closing with this for you to think about from my calendar 1938 - some words of wisdom.

"You are the reflection of the people who have loved and raised you" (Don't let them down)

Be Well & God Bless