As the year was ending some board members of my civic association suggested we survey the community to discern the awareness of the civic association and the learn the concerns of community members.  We met and developed a survey draft and cover letter.   We printed the copies at Minuteman Bellerose  (Thank you Scott Levine and Fred Morante.)  We called for several volunteers who agreed to distribute the survey last month door to door.  I've already received a number of responses back via email, fax and mail.

Not sure if it's worldwide but I did break my own record.   Last Thursday I was in 9 Zoom meetings in one day. Some were long and some were short.    I looked online but couldn't find any numbers for Zooming in one day. What's your record?

Wednesday was my 80th Birthday! 80 is a nice (yes nice) round number which I have been mulling daily throughout my 80th year.  Rather than be daunted by it, I am proud of it and hear myself proclaiming my age often.  Why not? It is what it is.  A number. A mile marker (thank you Erin McKenna and Guy deBoer for the annual ride) along my life journey.  Who knows what’s ahead?

Last weekend we were having dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the City. It was good to be back.At the table next to us were a man and woman. But there was something wrong. They didn’t speak to each other and made no eye contact. The woman couldn’t avoid looking in my direction and I caught a few weird glances from her. But the man only cast his stare into the distance.

A.O. Scott, NYT film critic, and Questlove, “Roots” drummer and Oscar winning filmmaker, have recently wrote about their collections of records, toys, CDs, books, memorabilia, etc.    

  Liza Minelli’s words stumble; Gaga leans over softly and whispers in her ear “I’ve got you”; Liza responds “I know you do”.     Can’t we focus on that exchange instead of the Will Smith/Chris Rock mess?  Let’s do it.  

Did you ever have a teacher that left a lasting impression? Last week, one such teacher I had senior year in high school just popped into my mind, Mr. Higgins. And just thinking about Mr. Higgins made me smile.   

Last week’s commentary noted the milestone Shelly and I had reached during the past week and how we planned to celebrate last night. Our daughter of many talents arranged the parking and dinner reservations (Serafina); Marisa joined us too. (The) Tina (Turner Musical) exceeded expectations. Just outstanding, especially the musical performances. Nkeki Obi-Melekwe channeled the star the portrayed.