Memories and pure joy...

What a week of television! I laughed. I cried. I clapped. I even changed one of the MUST destinations on my bucket list from a visit to my mom's birthplace, Montreal, Canada, to Broadway, New York City, my birthplace. (Of course, I hope to live long enough to visit both places.)

The first exciting TV show for me was memories of Bob Hope. Little bits from many of his shows, including those entertaining our troops in World War II, Korea, Viet Nam... and on and on. (How I miss him. Thanks for the Memories!)

Next, while watching a rerun of the Johnny Carson show (which I do every night!) he had as his first guest, movie actor Gregory Peck. How many of you remember Gregory Peck? How many know that he once visited Congregation Ohev Shalom at its former synagogue in downtown Orlando. I remember!

He was accompanied by his French wife of more than 40 years, Veronique. (It was a thrill for me to meet him.)

And there's more! My all time favorite movie is "Singin' In The Rain" starring Gene Kelly (who I adored, as I was a dancer before I became a singer), Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'connor.

That just happened to be the featured movie a few nights ago on Turner Classic Movies. I repeat... I laughed. I cried. I clapped.

WHAT A GREAT WEEK OF TELEVISION! (Oh yes, I also watch two of my other favorite shows... "My 600 lb Life" because it makes me feel thin, and "Hoarders" because my house isn't as messy!)

A Jewish Pavilion Mensch...

I received this email and pass it along to you:

"Kudos to SHIRLEY SCHOENBERGER who agreed to chair the Jewish Pavilion's fall festival (Music Fest) this year.

Shirley has been an active volunteer with the Pavilion and serves on the Friends of the Jewish Pavilion. She participates in weekly Shabbat services at Brookdale Island Lake and monthly at happy hours at Savannah Court. Shirley has amazing people skills and is loved by residents, staff and volunteers.

Music Fest will take place on Sunday, Oct. 15th at 1:30 p.m. at Lake Brantley High School. The all- star musical lineup includes Carol Stein, Michael and Ben Kramer, Barbara Jones, Cantor Jacqueline Rawiszer, Penny D'Agostino, Walter "Sky" Goldstein and Paul Stenzler. They will be performing songs from Broadway, jazz, contemporary and classical music. The couvert is $20 in advance of the concert and includes refreshments and prizes. Register at http://www.jewishpavilion.org/special-events/2017-music-fest/

(Of course I will repeat all this information as the date grows closer.)

And speaking of music...

On Sunday, Aug. 27th at 2 p.m., "The Krooners" will appear at the Congregation Ohev Shalom Seniors program.

"From our hearts to yours" is the motto of the Krooners, a singing group that brings musical programs to many groups and organizations in the Seminole County area."

The entire community is invited to this opening event. There will also be an ice cream social... and it is FREE! For further information, phone BERNY RAFF at 407-767-6763 or COS at 407-298-4650.

(I will remind readers of this fabulous event also.)

More about music...

The Altamonte Chapel's Sunday "Jazz Jams" run from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The next one is on August 27th when super-talent, JEFF RUPERT swings the chapel. Joining him will be more super-talents, namely RICHARD DREXLER on piano, MARTY MORELL on drums, and BEN KRAMER on bass. Also, according to emcee ALAN ROCK, "knowing Jeff, there will be some surprises as well." The requested donation is $10. Also, musicians and vocalists are welcome to "sit-in" second set.

The Altamonte Chapel is located at 825 East SR 436 in Altamonte Springs. The phone number is 407-339-5208.

JCC 39ers Meet and Mingle Mondays...

On Aug. 21st there will be a picnic lunch in the Senior Lounge of the JCC in Maitland, starting at 12:30 p.m.

(Wow, how cool! An indoor picnic! No heat and no ants!)

Shout-Out...

If anyone ever deserved a shout-out it is definitely KEITH, a clerk at the Walgreens Drug Store on the corner of Palmetto and Aloma in Winter Park.

Keith is the kindest, sweetest, nicest, bestest (is that a word?) finest and most proficient person you would ever want to meet... and I met him!!!!

One for the road...

Kitty has decided to have her house re-decorated. When the decorator arrives to give her a quote, he asks her to describe how she wants her house done. 

Kitty says, "I'm going to leave the choice of colors, material and design entirely to you. I only ask that whatever you choose, it must be extraordinary." 

"What do you mean by that?" asks the decorator. 

Shirley Schoenberger and resident.

"I want it done in such a way that when my best friend comes in to see the work you've carried out, she should instantly have a heart attack with jealousy and drop down dead."