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When Did We Stop Laughing at Ourselves?

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Almost two years ago, my wife signed us up as members of St. Andrew’s South Golf Club, as it occurred to her I was spending too much time sitting behind a computer or working late into the evening, and my only outlet was doing yard work. Somewhere along the way, I became my father! I wasn’t doing anything fun in my spare time. Try explaining that to someone who spends half their year bundled up during the winter months, and they’ll think you lost your mind when you live on the water and close to a host of golf courses. Sure, there are more challenging courses than St. Andrews; for years, when asked why I didn’t join, I would tease and tell them that due to the relatively flat terrain of the course, that’s where they used to host the areas Greyhound races. Now before you think, “This guy must be some golfer,” let me tell you this course has gotten the better of me in more ways than one. While St. Andrew’s South may not be hosting the U.S. Open anytime soon, this club is second to none in terms of the people we’ve met and the friends we’ve made.

Golfers have their unique brand of humor. They can hit a great shot and tell you it’s just another of the many great shots they routinely make. And no one is quicker to tease you about the shot you just hit into the water or lost in the trees than the guys in your foursome. This may sound cruel to some, but that makes the sport so much fun, and the guys I play with will never miss an opportunity to celebrate your crummy shot. While there is no shortage of sarcasm, they are equally supportive of the good ones too….or at least they feign they are!

Unfortunately, that fun time on the course ended in April. I was playing in a small tournament with this cast of characters when I tore my rotator cuff, and I haven’t been able to play golf since. For anyone who has had this injury and gone through surgery and physical therapy, I can tell you it isn’t something you would put on your bucket list. Perhaps the most frustrating part of the recovery process is the sleepless nights, but there is always a silver lining with every challenge.

While the rest of the neighborhood was sound asleep, I was entertained by some shows and comedians we grew up watching. Between all the documentaries and infomercials, it was as if they were all waiting for me. There was Groucho Marx, All in the Family’s Archie Bunker, Sanford and Son’s Redd Foxx, Don Rickles, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Rodney Daingerfield, and George Carlin, to name a few. Shows and comedians I hadn’t seen in what seemed like decades not only took my mind off the discomfort I was experiencing but somehow made me realize the stark difference in the things that entertained us back then and how many of those things couldn’t be said today. How did we become so thinned-skinned that we couldn’t laugh at ourselves or gain a better understanding of life’s injustices without going into the frenzy we see today? Can we blame it all on the media?

If you have ever played a sport, you know what teasing happens between your teammates and in the locker room. The nationally-ranked high school soccer team I played on was comprised of virtually every nationality you could imagine. I was one of the few American-born kids on the team, and don’t think we didn’t make fun of each other when we could barely understand what our teammate was saying. We laughed at our differences and celebrated the things we shared in common.

We had friends who were politicians and others whose political opinions differed from ours. Maybe it was a time when we didn’t feel like doomsday was right around the corner and the president our friend supported was in the process of driving the train over a cliff. To this day, we still can discuss our differing viewpoints without the thought of a friendship being compromised. I always felt it was better to listen and learn from other people’s experiences, which made the shows I mentioned earlier so special. While most watched them for entertainment or just a laugh at the end of a long work day, I developed an even deeper appreciation of them during these overnight hours.

As diverse as these shows and comedians were, their performances were all based on some form of social commentary. While we laughed at Archie Bunker referring to his son-in-law Michael as the “Meat Head,” most would agree it was Archie with his narrow-minded personal and political views. Richard Pryor and Redd Fox had us laughing till our sides hurt, but no one painted a better picture of the injustices so many people of color endured regarding their interactions with the police. Eddie Murphy’s SNL skit Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, where he describes gentrification as “A magic trick where the white people pay money, and the black people disappear,” could never be shown on television today.

Don Rickles was an equal opportunity insulter. He made fun of every nationality and race you could imagine. If the celebrity guest or audience member wasn’t quick enough to catch on to his insult, he called them a “moron.” He always followed up with, “You know I’m kidding,” and then would roll his eyes to confirm that person was a moron. Try saying that to someone you don’t know today and see the response you get.

This leaves me with the last three, Robin Williams, George Carlin, and Rodney Daingerfield. No one was more quick-witted than Robin Williams. While we remember him for his rapid-fire one-liners, the diversity of his movies, such as The Dead Poets Society, Good Morning Vietnam, and The Birdcage, often shed more light on many of the social issues we faced then. In contrast, we remember Rodney Daingerfield not only for his iconic role in Caddy Shack but as the one comedian who always made fun of his deficiencies and bad luck. His “self-deprecating” sense of humor that always ended, “I get no respect,” was refreshing in many ways and made us take ourselves a bit less seriously. Unfortunately, like Robin Williams, Daingerfield fought depression most of his life, which was another life lesson so many quietly suffer from today.

I saved George Carlin for last, as he was perhaps the best regarding social commentaries. In an article written by Helbert Enrique Asprilla, entitled “Why George Carlin Is My Dead Mentor,” he reflects on the life of the late George Carlin, who was known for his “thought-provoking, stand-up comedy, tackling topics such as politics, languages, and the human condition.” Asprilla continues by saying, “Carlin offers a wealth of knowledge and insight, challenging social norms and encouraging us to think critically about the world around us. Whether through his commentary on politics and government, his observations on the human experience, or his critiques on authority and institutions, Carlin’s comedy has much to teach us about the absurdity of the world and the importance of questioning the status quo.” In one of his routines, “Life is Worth Losing,” Carlin relates, “We’re all just temporary custodians of our bodies…we’re just passing through, and this is just a stop along the way.” Asprilla concluded, “Carlin’s perspective on the fleeting nature of life can help us appreciate and make the most of the time we have, rather than getting caught up on the trivialities and materialism of the world today.”

 

While many of these comedic icons have passed, the life lessons through their work live on to this day. I’m convinced comedy is not just a respite from the everyday challenges life throws at us but is the antidote we need to put life into a bit more perspective and take ourselves a bit less seriously.

 

-Gary Cardillo

Inspired By The Talent Around Us

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I have often been amazed at the talent all around us, and if you’re like me, you often ask yourself, “How do they do it?” Sometimes those with these unique gifts make it look so easy we think, “I can do that.” I remember when the Beatles first came to the states and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. While many artists appeared years before the Beatles, they were credited with ushering in what is referred to as the “British Invasion.” There was something extraordinary about them that everyone wanted to emulate and ride their coattails to success, including us kids. I was in elementary school then, and my father thought it would be a grand idea for my brother and me to learn the accordion. So periodically, we would bring our accordions into school and play for our classmates.

Unfortunately for me, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Doors ruined my career on the accordion as my classmates didn’t want to hear me play “Fascination,” or “The Volga Boatman;” they wanted to hear “She Loves You,” “Satisfaction” or “Light My Fire.” Despite my father’s urgings, I quickly ditched the accordion for the more popular guitar and later got into a band. My father said I could take guitar lessons only if I continued with the accordion. I guess he wanted to carry on the rich musical tradition of his father, who attained fame as a composer of opera and was the voice coach of world-renowned opera singer Enrico Caruso. After a half dozen lessons, my accordion/guitar teacher said, “It is very apparent you are no longer practicing the accordion. What puzzles me is you can’t play “Little Brown Jug,” which I gave you to learn on the guitar, but somehow you can play “Light My Fire.” I knew I had reached my right of passage and was on a journey with my friends to a musical career as a rock and roll band guitarist. My bandmates and I thought fame and fortune were just around the corner, as we could now tell our classmates we were in a rock n roll band called “The Illusion.” I never realized how fitting that name was until my father, after hearing one of our band practices in our basement, came down and said, “If my father was still alive and heard this trash you call music, he would destroy the instruments.” I guess it was an illusion; we just didn’t realize it at the time. For someone like myself who was pretty much self-taught how to play the guitar, I compare myself to some musicians today who are self-taught and think, “I would have been better off picking up a rake.

To me, nothing sings more to my soul than music from those British Invasion years and the groups who followed them. However, when I hear some bands cover these songs, I want to listen to them played like the original artists who recorded them. Perhaps I have some of my father in me, as he wasn’t so interested in hearing the interpretation as much as how the song was originally performed. Don’t get me wrong; many artists have done excellent jobs covering songs written and performed by the original artist. Still, when it comes to rock and roll, I love to hear it performed as close to how it was originally written. Two groups come to mind where the members were self-taught on several instruments or took their skills to a higher level that went well beyond the lessons learned. They are “The Alter Eagles” and “Mike Imbasciani and his Bluez Rockerz.”

I’ve followed Mike since he was a solo act and so young they had to pass around a hat for people to tip him for his performance. Over the years, this guitar virtuoso astounds me each time I see him. Talented and highly personable, I find it amazing that he can play lead guitar solo riffs without missing a note, all while walking through the crowd and periodically stopping to engage people in the audience in a short conversation. Most people haven’t mastered the art of walking and chewing gum at the same time, yet Mike can hold a conversation with you while entertaining the rest of the audience. And if you have enjoyed the music of Eric Clapton over the years, Mike’s tribute to this famed artist takes you on a historical journey where he masterfully weaves the inspiring moments of Clapton’s career with the music of that time.

Over the years, I’ve learned the difference between a “cover band” and a “tribute band,” The Alter Eagles are a tribute band that vocally and instrumentally sound precisely like the original Eagles. Todd Pitts, the founder of the band, is self-taught on multiple instruments and has an exceptional vocal range. To read the bios of band members Todd McNamee, Ken Custalow, Tim McMaster, Guy Ruvolo, and Michael Beattie, you will quickly appreciate how they execute each song. Equally engaging and entertaining, I’m amazed at how not one but an entire group of individuals can come together with such precision yet make it look so easy and not just on their instruments. Guy slides over from his drums to keyboard, and guitarists Todd Pitts and Ken Custalow take turns putting aside their guitars to move on to the drums without missing a beat, leaving the audience astounded at the talent on display. I then think of my father’s comments and realize he wasn’t trying to discourage us but to let us know in his way that there is a great deal of passion and innate ability that create those pieces that move us, whether it is in the form of a painting, writing or song. I also realize that we are all born with unique gifts.

When asked how we can create the things we do, we often find ourselves at a loss for words in trying to explain what comes naturally to us but would be a challenge for others. I learned that lesson the hard way while building a deck with my son. While my father was not handy, somehow, I picked up an ability to see things and create them. Our son, who was helping me, asked, “Dad, how do you know how to do this? You make it look so easy?” I was at a loss for words and replied, “I don’t know, I just do.” Unfortunately for me, my wife was within close earshot of my response and, giving me “the look,” said, “That taught him absolutely nothing.” I then shared with him that there is often much thought before the project, making the result look more effortless. You have a mental image of how you want it to look, and then you mentally figure out how to accomplish it; almost like solving a puzzle in your mind.”
Recently I read an interview of a musician commenting on Paul McCartney’s success as a composer. He said, “McCartney’s lack of formal training not only allowed him to think outside the box but also kept him delightfully unaware there was a box in the first place.”
While I find music ignites the creativity in me, there are those among us whose special gift or vision inspires us and brings us a particular joy and satisfaction. Even if we can’t duplicate the works they have created, somehow our souls have been touched, and we gain the youthful desire to try. And that is what keeps us young in mind and spirit.

-Gary Cardillo

A Valentine’s Day Message and the True Meaning of Love

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We’ve all come across people who seem to leave a lasting impression on us long after we meet. Some offer a smile or encouraging word during our greatest time of need; others are always there to celebrate our accomplishments. Then there are those rare few that provide an uncommon insight into the true meaning of life. Such people encourage us to gain that deeper spiritual perspective instead of just surviving the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is this one of a kind person I recently met who has left an impression on me that will last the rest of my life.His name is Jerome Kaywell, and to those who know him, his name is simply “Father Jerry,” Pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Now before you think this is going to be a “Sermon on the Mount” as told by me, let me assure you this is not a lesson about religion, but an exciting adventure in life told by someone who has experienced tremendous setbacks, enjoyed success at its highest level, and discovered an inner peace and fulfillment he wants to share with all he meets.
Father Jerry is not the kind of Catholic Priest I knew growing up as a public school kid who went on Thursdays to religious instruction classes. Back then, the brothers and sisters would always keep us in check with threats like, “You don’t want to upset Father.” Going to confession was like taking a trip before a firing squad where you hoped you would get a light penance. The mass Father Jerry conducts is more like a conversation with God who not only seems like a friend, but also appears to have a sense of humor I never knew. 
Over the last few years, I’ve interviewed some pretty amazing people who have given much of themselves to benefit our community. The common thread was that many of those I interviewed were personal friends. Father Jerry was a complete unknown; however, in a few short minutes, I felt as if we were two close friends catching up on our life experiences after not seeing each other for many years.
Father Jerry’s life is well documented, and if you Google his name, there are countless articles depicting his life growing up in West Palm Beach, Florida as a young child, who at age three told his parents he wanted to become a priest and at five started composing his early songs. He studied classical piano and pursued a role as a priest through his seminary studies.

However, it was during those studies, a Spiritual Director and Psychologist noticed his inner restlessness and struggle with the thought of celibacy that suggested he take time out to “live in the world.” It is from here his life takes some extraordinary twists and turns. He has been a religion and music teacher, driven a furniture truck, and with his brother John, formed the Kaywell Brothers Band that toured for two years.

Throughout these journeys, his underlying love for music that began as a child was now taking him on a trip to the music and film mecca located in Los Angeles, California. Soon, he was performing to cheering audiences, which included numerous celebrities, the likes of Billy Preston, and other recording stars of that time. In the early 1980’s he partnered with Dale Herigstad,and they became pioneers in the digital animation and digital music industries. They worked with singers like Kim Carnes, creating TV commercials for major brands such as Honda, 7-Up, American Airlines, Mercedes-Benz, to name a few. The pair won numerous Clio Awards for creative excellence in advertising, design, and communication.
 Father Jerry said, “There was a time when we couldn’t go into a place where one of our commercials wasn’t on TV.” During those ten years in Los Angeles, he was a composer and music producer for film and television. He was credited as keyboardist for the Grammy award-winning album “Let My People Go,” by the gospel singing group The Winans. Life was indeed grand, however in 1985 a diagnosis with cancer changed his life. No longer was the glitz and limelight of LA’s music and television industries satisfying his appetite. He was looking for something deeper and more spiritually fulfilling.
In reading several articles on Father Jerry’s life, I found instances where there was, what many would consider, a divine intervention of sorts that touched his life. Shortly before Jerry’s mother’s death, after hearing of her son’s diagnosis with lymphoma, she had written in her diary a message to God asking Him to “Take my life and spare him.” A week after she passed from a tragic accident, Jerry went into “spontaneous remission.” His Oncologist told him, “Do what you really want to do for the rest of your life, and don’t wait.”  
After two bouts with recurrent cancer in the late 1990’s that left him with a prognosis of only a few months to live, today Father Jerry is not only cancer-free but has composed ten spiritual albums, written two books, and remains an inspiration to others with this dreaded disease. 
Rather than asking questions about his personal life that had been widely documented, I decided to ask him questions that are on all our minds today and what has helped make him such an inspiration to so many others.
Gary: With as creative as you are and how historically conservative the Catholic church is seen, what made you decide to pursue being a Catholic Priest?
Father Jerry: “Growing up, the Adrian Dominic Sisters showed us love, beauty, and encouragement, and that was the kind of vocation as a Priest I wanted to pursue.”
Gary : Has there been a teaching moment that has left an impression on you?
Father Jerry : “It was a teaching from Buddha who said, “Remain with the faith you were born with…. don’t jump around, and we’ll meet at the summit.”
Gary: In our conversation, you have mentioned the term “mysticism” several times, how do you describe its significance to you?

 Father Jerry: “The first time I experienced it, I was 17 years of age, and our family had gotten into a huge fight. I felt God’s presence; he was right there in the midst of this fight. I could see him and felt this inner peace that God knew me thoroughly and loved me infinitely. This mysticism takes you to the inner indwelling God. It used to be ‘pay, pray, and obey.’ Today I am inspired by the love we share with one another.”
Gary: With such polarizing views and media influence we as a society are witnessing today, we are also seeing a generation that seems to be overly sensitive to opposing viewpoints and in search of a “utopia” of sorts. What is your advice to this generation in how to cope and find inner peace?
Father Jerry: “My way is to promote the consciousness that we are One World, One Planet, that we all have red blood and salty tears. It is time for the entire planet to embrace this reality of a global village and share the resources of this tremendous planet in peace and with justice.”
Gary: Coming from such a creative background, what do you find that gives you that sense of fulfillment as a priest with unique creativity?
Father Jerry: “I still have a passion for music and am able to continue being a composer and recording artist during my free time. I have a beautiful recording studio in the rectory.”
Gary: Is there anything you still feel you would like to accomplish?
Father Jerry:  Yes, I want to finish the next album of music I have been working on for the last three years.”
Gary: Joel Osteen once said, “There are many great ideas and inventions buried in our cemeteries that never came to fruition.” Being that you were able to pursue and successfully achieve your creativity at such a high level, what advice do you have for those who don’t have the confidence to do the same?
Father Jerry: “The perennial wisdom is to do what you love to do. Money and resources will always follow. My father always reminded me, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Just keep at it every day and never give up!”
Gary: Any advice you can impart on those searching for the meaning of life and using the gifts God gave them?
Father Jerry: “Refuse to accept the image of God presented to you from a Catechism or a classroom; rather, find God by entering deeply into your own heart and experience. Meaning will follow as a person becomes more and more aware of the Devine Milieu in which we live and breathe.”
Gary: Do you have a message you would like to share?
Father Jerry: “Love is everything, beautiful, happy, peaceful, joyful and blessed.”
As we were coming to the end of our interview, Father Jerry said, “What I admire about this Pope is that he stresses to his bishops, ‘Listen to your people; that is where the Holy Spirit is.‘ It isn’t in the notoriety of the position held; it is in the role of service. Celebrate the unique love that connects people.”
As I reflect on our conversation, I can’t help but think, “Here’s someone most would consider had it all. Fame, fortune, and notoriety were his. Yet what eluded him was the inner mystical spirituality rooted in love and service to others.
I walked away that day with a deeper understanding and appreciation of life’s true meaning, and where the stresses and clamor of the world couldn’t reach. It is Father Jerry’s weekly reminder the outward expression of love we share on Valentine’s Day needs to be celebrated year round. This is not only the greatest gift we could give, but one of the most gratifying gifts we could receive.
-Gary Cardillo
 
For a detailed bio on Father Jerry written by Lew Morrissey for Harbor Style Magazine January 2012 edition, Click Here.

Teamwork Makes the Scream work

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As October rolls around, you see the tents go up in downtown Punta Gorda. The true mystery lies behind the curtains where they are assembling the largest haunted house in Southwest Florida. Since 2010, the Smuggler’s Event team has been orchestrating this popular community festival “Haunting on the Harbor.” This year the fright begins Friday, October 25th.

Sitting down with Kelly Liscum, the Vice President of Smuggler’s, I was able to get a behind the scenes take on this annual event. When creating a 6,000 sq. ft. haunted house, the planning process starts as soon as the event of the previous year concludes. Designing and production is all done by the Event Manager, Jerry Cleffi. Each year the haunted house theme is changed around so you are never walking in experiencing the same thing twice from the previous years. In true Smugglers fashion, this is a family affair with Jerry’s family being his biggest sidekicks in the design and production process as well. Three weeks leading up to the event is when the Halloween magic is implemented and taken off paper and put into production in city square. It’s an “Enter If you Dare” event with lighting, characters, and props that are one-of-kind in our area!

 

Although the Haunted House is more suitable for ages 10 and up, there is truly something for everyone when you come to this multi-day family festival. This year there will be FREE Gate admission, Carnival Games and Rides, Food Trucks, Live Music and Entertainment, Costume contests with over $750 in Prizes for Men, Women, Children, and Groups. Mrs. Liscum said her favorite part of this event is “Getting the first-hand look at the creativity and being blown away by every aspect of the newly designed rooms and themes in the haunted house. It is amazing to see how they have been enhanced and taken up a notch with the fear factor each and every year. However, when I am guided through all the lights must be turned ON “ she said.
Located in the heart of Punta Gorda is one of the things that makes this event that much more special. The Smuggler’s Foundation plays an integral part in our community and is comprised of: The Captain’s Table, Harpoon Harry’s, Laishley Crab House, and Harpoon Harry’s Crab House. Together, they contribute over $100,000 annually back into Charlotte County with a percentage of their daily restaurant sales. Their Event Team is no different in their contributions and this year a portion of the net proceeds from the Haunted House will be contributed directly to Charlotte County Athletics. Each year, they also work with the “Holiday for Hero’s” organization and sponsor a member of our military that has family ties back to Southwest Florida. They then create care packages and send messages of thanks to that military member and their troop. At Harpoon Harry’s, they create a huge banner that gets signed by customers during the holiday season and then sent as a big Christmas Card to their Hero overseas.
As you venture out to celebrate Halloween this year and choose to take the risk of getting a fright at Haunting on the Harbor, know you are also contributing to a company that’s philanthropic efforts are full circle for our community.
Friday, October 25th 5pm-11pm
Saturday, October 26th 5pm-11pm
Sunday, October 27th (Haunted House only) 7pm-10pm
Thursday, October 31st 5pm-11pm
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
October 25th 7:00 PM
Angela’s Café Italiano
October 26th 7:30 PM
Fisherman’s Village King Fisher Fleet
October 27th 10:30 AM
History Park Market Punta Gorda
October 28th 5:30 PM
Charlotte County History Services
October 25th 6:30 PM
Venice Community Center
October 27th 5:00 PM
Grace Community Bible Church
October 31st 7:00 PM
Sage SRQ
PUMPKIN PATCHES
October 26th and 27th
10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Fruitville Grove, Sarasota
October 26th and 27th
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Padgett Ranch, Arcadia
October 26th and 27th
9:00 AM-5:00PM
Hunsader Farms, Bradenton
October 25th
5:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Port Charlotte United Methodist
Daily
Check Site for Times
Grace United Methodist Church, Venice

Don’t be spooked by the real estate market…I am here to help!

Gary Cardillo, Realtor® in Punta Gorda, Florida
Gary Cardillo, Realtor® RE/MAX Harbor Realty 941.916.0939 www.flwaterfrontliving.com info@flwaterfrontliving.com 

St. Patrick’s Day & Our Irish Roots

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As you know, each month we like to highlight the accomplishments of someone who has given much of himself or herself for the betterment of their community. This month we would like to recognize Maewyn Succat. Who’s Maewyn Succat you ask? He isn’t anyone I heard of and most likely isn’t a name you’ve ever heard of either, yet somehow he has impacted our lives in ways you never thought possible. 

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Maewyn Succat was born in Britain and around age 16 (around 400 A.D.) he was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave where he worked as a shepherd. After six years he escaped and returned home and received “a calling” to preach the gospel and spent the next 15 years in a monastery preparing himself for mission work. Once he became a priest his name was changed to Patricius and eventually to Patrick. St. Patrick, as he is known today, was considered a patron saint and national apostle of Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. It is said he used the three leaf shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, however, many years later the fourth leaf was added by the ancient Celts as a charm to ward off evil spirits. While the Almanac says there is no direct record St. Patrick actually used the shamrock as a “teaching tool,” in the early 1900’s O.H. Benson, who was an Iowa school superintendent, came up with the idea of using the shamrock as an “emblem for the newly founded agricultural club.” In 1911, the “four-leaf clover” was chosen as the emblem for this national club program, later known as 4-H.
Many centuries later, St. Patrick’s Day marks the day of his passing, but it is far from the somber religious holiday you would think. It is perhaps the only day of the year that regardless of one’s religious, political or ethnic background we all become Irish for a day. The saying that sums this up best for me is, “Irish today, Jewish tomorrow.” This is in reference to the year round Jewish deli staple of corned beef becoming part of the traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage. And just like New Year’s, there is a camaraderie and revelry on this day second to none. Irish pubs around the world celebrate this day and none do it better than Punta Gorda’s Celtic Ray Public House.

Opened in 1997 by Proprietor Kevin Doyle, “The Celtic Ray,” as it is known by the locals, has continued to evolve and expand from being one of the only places around offering “the quality of imported beers and the atmosphere of a traditional Irish Pub,” to an eating and entertainment destination. As Kevin Doyle, “Publican” so aptly states on his website, “Bars are filled with lonely people. A pub is a very social scene. “You may come alone, but you won’t be for long,” and if you are around this St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll be in good company with hundreds of Irish men and women just like yourself!

Rich in tradition and personality, the bartenders and wait staff at the Celtic Ray take on Kevin’s engaging wit. In fact years ago there used to be a bartender by the name of “Tess.” Tess was a real spitfire. Rail thin, heavy smoker, raspy voice and known for razzing all those who stepped up to the bar.  Years ago, a friend of mine decided to stop for beer. Tess greeted him in her usual manner and in her heavy Irish brogue asked, “What’a ya have luv?” My friend replied, “What kind of beers do you have Tess?,” to which she rattled off several imports. My friend said, “How about a Miller Lite,” to which Tess replied, “What di ya say? ya go on a get the hell outta here.” It was her reply that kept customers entertained and coming back for more. A couple of years ago I went there with our son and saw Kevin and asked if he still kept in touch with Tess, as I heard she returned to her home land. Kevin replied, “She went back to Scotland.” “Scotland?” I questioned, “How’s that working out.” Without missing a beat Kevin replied, “She’s a librarian, and this guy came in one day and asked for a book on suicide. She told him, “Go on and get the hell outta here, you’re not going to return it.” I asked Kevin if he was kidding and he said, “It sounded good didn’t it!” I don’t think you’ll confuse Kevin or his Celtic Ray with St. Patrick and his mission work, but somehow the atmosphere Kevin has created is a place where strangers come from all walks of life leave as friends.
If you are looking to make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember, or just looking to getting in touch with your “Irish” heritage, even if it is for just a day, be sure you make a visit to the Celtic Ray as part of this special day. “You may come alone, but you won’t be for long.”

-Gary Cardillo

About The Gary Cardillo Group

Gary Cardillo, Realtor While most people would like to talk about themselves, Gary and Gail have always put their clients first, and their diverse backgrounds have provided their clients an unparalleled level of service and knowledge throughout the past years.
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