JOURNAL

JOURNAL ARCHIVE

June 2007

What an incredible time I had as I was invited to throw out the first pitch while I was in Chicago June 19th at the White Sox/Marlins baseball game. I had a blast before the game shooting the breeze with manager Ozzie Guillen (he always has a smile on his face and is so fun to talk to). I also spent time with some of the Marlins, including Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez (two future super stars in the game).   I was proud of myself as I threw a strike baby right to Mark Buehrle to start the game!

I was so honored the next day to be the featured speaker for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. The event was located at the scenic Green Acres Country Club in Northbrook, IL and I met so many incredible people and was glad to help raise dollars for so many in need.

My wife and I completed our trip to the windy city with a delicious meal on Rush Street at Carmines Restaurant. The chef was incredible and presented us with a phenomenal dessert that you would have to taste to believe. It was a very special few days in a great city!!!

 

I had a great father's day on Sunday, only wish my father was still alive to share it with me and my family. We enjoyed a terrific dinner at the Chart House Restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Everyone was there, including my wife, two daughters, their husbands and my five grandkids. We topped our delicious meal off with the Chart House's signature dessert - the Mud Pie! I'm going to have to play a little harder in my tennis match tomorrow to burn off some of those calories!

 

 

It was a special day for my on Saturday, June 9th, as I celebrated my 68th birthday in Sarasota, Florida surrounded by my family. I can't believe another year has gone by. I may be 68 but I certainly still act like I am 12.

I feel very blessed to have my 5 grandkids living nearby who help keep me young. We celebrated the evening by going to a Japanese steakhouse where we were all entertained by the chef who prepared the meal tableside. But of course the highlight was having "Happy Birthday" sung to me by my grandkids with an ice cream basketball cake!

 

On Saturday night, I had a great time in Tampa, Florida as I went to see one
of my favorite performers, country star, Kenny Chesney.  I have seen Kenny
numerous times over the past two years and each time I enjoy his show more
and more.  He is an unbelievable talent and his dynamic energy on stage is
unmatched.  I can assure you that if you ever have an opportunity to see him
perform live, you should definitely take advantage of it, as you will not be
disappointed. His show is electrifying.  

With Kenny Chesney and my wife, Lorraine before the show.

Kenny Chesney has also become a good friend in recent years.  I have had the
pleasure of meeting him backstage before and after some if his performances
and he is truly just a regular guy.  He loves talking hoops and sports and
hanging out with his buddies.  He has not let his super stardom change the
way he is as a person.  He is truly a down to earth guy.

With Jon Gruden, the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the concert.

Also at the concert was Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach, Jon Gruden, and many
of the NFL Buccaneer players.  In fact, earlier that day, Kenny worked out
with the Buccaneer team and said he felt ready and energized for his show
later that night because of his great workout.  During the night's show, he
brought Gruden out on stage and they threw a few footballs out to the crowd.
After the show, I had a great time hanging out with Kenny, Jon and many of
the NFL players.

With Bruce Gradkowski, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With Tim Tebow, University of Florida quarterback.

I truly had a great time with my wife and our friends, Art and Donna
Conforti and Lee Wetherington and Diane McFarlin.  We all had a memorable
evening and we look forward to seeing Kenny and one of his spectacular
performances again soon.