I normally don't write profiles. I guess because, outside of the subject's immediate circle, there are relatively few whose stories are compelling enough to be worthy of the attention of the general public. With that qualifier, allow me to introduce: Albert Capraro, Lindenhurst High School Class of 1961, Bicentennial Designer of the Year for 1976, and personal designer of choice to none other than First Lady Betty Ford. I'd say his story has mass appeal, wouldn't you?
Better to Be Early
Let me begin by saying that I have been to several concerts at the Jones Beach Theatre – probably about three or four over the course of my concert-going life. As a rule, we try to make a point of arriving about a half-hour or so prior to show time. Of course, between the opening acts and the “fashionably late” arrival of most artists, if the show kicks off within an hour of the scheduled time, it's a rarity. Still, it pays to beat the rush. There's the security checkpoints, the climb to the nosebleeds, and the effort to find a halfway decent parking space to consider.
Ah yes...the parking space.
The Simple Things
I recently attended the wedding of one of my brothers up in Washington, Vermont – Population: 1,057. Considering that the town's one general store sells assorted clothing with the slogan, “Where in the World is Washington, Vermont?” (or something to that effect), I wasn't quite sure what to expect on this, my first visit there.
I was fairly certain it wasn't going to be anything like the traditional weddings we've grown accustomed to here on Long Island. That hunch was confirmed when we received the invitation, requesting us to attend their outdoor ceremony on a hill, followed by a reception in a barn. Yes, that's right - a barn.
Breaking the Barriers
I recently took my first vacation in nearly a year, traveling up to beautiful Saratoga Springs with my parents for the annual Jazz Festival held at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center, for those unfamiliar).
I love music, to be sure, but jazz...not exactly at the top of my hit parade.
Hurry Up and Wait
Have you ever noticed that any time there's some kind of family gathering, it generally takes the women present approximately three hours to say goodbye?
Seriously.
Farewell for Now
Lillian Nolin, columnist, editor and news writer for South Bay's “Neighbor” Newspaper is retiring after 33 years at the paper and 65 years in the field of journalism. How grateful am I that my brief time here overlapped with hers. How fortunate am I to have been exposed to a true “original,” in every sense of the word.
The Male Shopper
I recently received one of those forwarded e-mails concerning how much easier life is for men than women. The list must have contained 25-odd examples, but the one that stood above the rest went something like: “Men can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24th in 25 minutes.”
A truer statement has never been made.
A Final Rose
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article in tribute to my Uncle Al. It was published on November 16th. On Sunday, November 20th, Uncle Al passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. A copy of my column hung on the bulletin board in the hospital room.
Of Roses and Ballroom Dancing
People often ask me where I find the inspiration for my weekly columns. Often, I will write about a person of great significance to me, a recent memorable event, or sometimes just a random thought that seems at once entertaining and/or newsworthy. And then there is this column, written by special request, for my Uncle Al.
Talking with Donnie Baseball
It’s difficult to narrow down topics to discuss when faced with interviewing a celebrity of that caliber. You naturally want to ask everything that comes to mind, not knowing when you might have such a chance again. Luckily, I think I remained fairly calm and collected, not wanting to come across like an over-eager, star-struck fan (which I was, I absolutely was).
My Wildest Dream
I met Don Mattingly. No, let me elaborate… I didn’t just meet him; I interviewed him, one-on-one, for a solid fifteen minutes. Don Mattingly, one of my favorite players of all time, a living legend. And I did it while working for this very newspaper.