I haven’t posted to my blog since January 2020 — before COVID-19 changed our lives — partly because of the pandemic and partly because of issues with WordPress. Fortunately, both issues are receding into our rear view mirrors. So I’m pleased to send a catch-up to reconnect!
Mom
The pandemic was really challenging for my mom, Helen. She has been living at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown now since February of 2019. Fortunately, the protocols instituted campus-wide by MV and especially in the Health Care Center insured all the resident’s safety. Although there were a handful of positive cases among the staff, no residents tested positive for the virus. She received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine in March.
I was able to visit her for two restricted time visits in March, and in May I was able to visit and take her off campus for an afternoon drive around Lancaster County (including a trip to Wegmans) and a dinner out with the Gingrich, Reiser, and Haake families.
Although she’s had great care throughout this difficult time, her day-to-day life has really become monotonous. Show-up visits are now possible again, and she also loves phone calls. Please reply to the post email and I’ll share her contact information for visits and phone calls.
Tim
Like so many people, Tim lost his wonderful job at Renny & Reed in the city when the pandemic shut down Manhattan. He’s been working per diem for Monica Chimes Florals and we’re hoping his opportunities will expand as weddings and social events make a huge comeback. His amazing designs are the envy of many!
Masters & WSW
In June, I finished my eighth year at The Masters School. In the fall I’ll return to begin another four-year rotation with a new group of advisees in the Class of 2025. I will continue to teach String Ensemble, Chamber Music, and Public Speaking — hopefully fully in person once again in September.
My Westchester Symphonic Winds shut down after our final rehearsal on March 2, 2020. We cancelled five live concerts and more rehearsals than I can count. I set up a Zoom account for the band and encouraged social interaction via group calls through the summer of 2020. We met for two masked, socially distanced outdoor rehearsals in August 2020, and produced two webcasts in November 2020 and February 2021 to share some recorded performances and raise funds for our local food banks and our home venue, Tarrytown Music Hall. We restarted small group indoor sectionals for vaccinated members only in April. In May and June, we held outdoor rehearsals in a circus tent at The Masters School for the full ensemble, starting with masked/distanced rehearsals and eventually moving to “normal” rehearsals by mid-June. We finally moved back into the Music Hall for final and dress rehearsals in late June, and performed to a grateful capacity crowd on July 4 at Caramoor. It was both exhilarating and a huge relief to be back on stage performing once again.
Fire Island
For the fifteenth summer, Tim & I continue to getaway to our rental house on Fire Island. We feel very fortunate to be a part of this supportive community, which has become an important part of our lives May to September.
Neiman & Marcus
Our boys are four years old now and continue to light up our lives with their love.
Looking ahead
Tim and I both hope you are safe and healthy, and look forward to hearing from you.
Shameless plug: my next WSW concert is Sunday, November 14 at 3:00 pm at Tarrytown Music Hall. If you are local, I hope you’ll consider attending!
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