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Life Lessons from the Storms We Endure

November 12, 2024 by Gary Cardillo

Throughout the years of writing these newsletters, I’ve often shared my love for the summer months and all the activities that occurred during that time of the year. While my father loved the fall, I wasn’t nearly as enamored with it as the fall brought to a close my favorite time of year and was the precursor to the harsh winter weather yet to come. Having moved to Florida twenty-five years ago from New York, I felt God gave me a reward to enjoy the season I loved most on a year-round basis. Like many, I envisioned myself boating, golfing, and going to the beach whenever I wanted. What better way to enjoy the quality of life I always dreamed of? As for hurricanes, what hurricanes? I encountered them before; how much worse could they be in Florida if we ever did get one?

It was September 2001, and we were in our home for a year when we encountered our first storm. Not having the sophisticated meteorologist and radar we have today, I noticed it was getting breezy and had no idea what was on its way. A friend of mine said, “Are you ready for Gabrielle?” I replied, “We never met; who is she?” Sensing my ignorance, my friend replied, “Get ready; you’ll meet her in a few hours.” Little did I realize I would be trading in hors d’oeuvres for hours trying to lower the Bahama shutters we had. That was nature’s way of spoon-feeding me the storms that were yet to come.

Having lived on the water most of my life, I vividly recollect Hurricanes Agnes and Gloria years later impacting Long Island, where yachts of all sizes were strewn over the island beaches. While it was a very sobering reminder of man’s weakness in contrast to nature’s strength, those experiences paled by comparison to the destructive forces we’ve encountered since moving to Florida 25 years ago.

It seems like yesterday when Hurricane Charlie impacted our area, and we stood in disbelief, seeing many of our homes and communities lying in ruin. I initially thought this was something we were only supposed to see on TV, not experience first-hand, as camera crews, National Guard troops, Florida’s Governor Jeb Bush, and other responders descended on our area. It was also our first encounter with the Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore, who, after all these years of visits to our area, may want to consider a permanent residence! Perhaps it is like a boxer getting a punch that sends him to the canvas but has the heart and desire to pick himself back up to continue the fight, and that is what we did.

Since then, we have encountered a host of other hurricanes and tropical storms, including the recent back-to-back hurricanes of Helene and Milton, and through it all, I am overwhelmed by the resiliency of our community, our neighbors, and our restaurant and store owners who have picked up the pieces and are forging ahead.

I have found that through these storms, there are many life lessons to be learned. Unfortunately, there will always be those who plan for Armageddon and clear out store shelves of the basic necessities or take enough gas to get them to the moon and back, never considering the needs of others. For most of us, they are a sobering reminder of what is important in life. We have built stronger bonds with friends, neighbors, and loved ones in their time of need. We’ve given our time and treasures to help our communities recover and supported the local businesses that have served us so well throughout the years. There was never a thought of repayment for our efforts, we were in this together.

We all get wrapped up in our day-to-day lives where we count on tomorrow to get together with friends or make the call that is long overdue. I’m as guilty as it seems, like years pass like months and weeks pass like days, only to have these storms put life in a different perspective. My most vivid reminder of the importance of our relationships was during Hurricane Charlie. Since we were all without power, we came out of our homes seeking relief from the heat and humidity inside and found ourselves catching up with friends and neighbors for the first time in months. Unfortunately, once power was restored, we returned to our homes and resumed our way of life, where we offered a simple wave as we passed.

Some may feel it is time to turn the page and start a new chapter in their lives where these storms no longer take a physical and emotional toll on them, while others feel the quality of life Florida affords more than offsets the infrequent storms that impact our areas. To me, the lessons are learned from the pause we are forced to take during our efforts to recover.

We often think of Thanksgiving and the holidays that follow as the time of year to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received. It is also the start of a season that beckons us to be more compassionate and giving to our loved ones. While the holidays are full of promise and merriment, the storms we endure create lasting bonds, almost like those that have served together in war. We set aside our differences and give of ourselves in service to others. Isn’t that what a life well lived is supposed to be about? Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a storm to get us back on track and bring out the best in us.

While the aftermath of these storms has left many of our streets looking like Spooky Walks littered with debris and ghost-like ships that occupy some of our area parks, the appearance of Halloween costumes and soon-to-be Christmas decorations are our reminder of the enjoyment we receive from these simple pleasures life affords us. However, our recovery together, especially this year, has created a more robust community bond far more valuable than anything we could have imagined.

-Gary Cardillo

The Power of Music

September 29, 2023 by Gary Cardillo

For the past month, I’ve been desperately searching for something inspiring to write while recovering from rotator cuff surgery. It’s not how I envisioned spending my summer, but I’m far from unique, as almost everyone I meet has undergone the same surgery at least once! I guess it is somewhat like a rite of passage, although given an option, I would like to have passed through something more pleasurable. As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, there is always a silver lining to every challenge we face. For me, it is twofold, with the first being a reprieve from my wife’s ever-growing honey-do list, which appears to be gaining interest. The second has been a bit of a challenge, as I’ve tried to reflect on other things that would bring enjoyment now that I’ve been forced to limit my outdoor activities.

Taking time away from the computer and the endless paperwork to read a good Nelson DeMille novel is entertaining and gets my creative juices flowing. His books are full of history and suspense, and the ever-present sarcastic wit of his iconic character, John Corey, someone my wife will tell you, resonates with me. However, even more inspiring to me is music.

Every generation has its favorite recording artists and songs, and while some may disagree, music is a language that touches the soul. It’s perhaps one of the last avenues where people can communicate with each other and where emotions and beliefs can be expressed often without fear of a harsh response. Music makes my heart sing, and I find it takes you on a journey through your life. Most people I know can tell you where they were or what they were doing when a particular song they heard hit the airwaves. While listening to music at home or on a road trip is gratifying, there is nothing like seeing your favorite songs performed live.

Today, you hear terms like “Cover bands,” “Tribute Bands,” and, to some extent, “Impersonators.” It was explained to me, “Impersonators dress like the artists. Cover bands perform the songs but often add their creative interpretation to the music, while Tribute bands have a higher level of audience expectation. It is a full-on symphony and tribute to a great composer or composition.” Vocally and instrumentally, the music is played as close to how the original artist recorded it. To be able to play note for note and vocalize with similar accuracy, I find not only entertaining but captivating.

Todd Pitts is a name you may not recognize, but this gifted musician is akin to the Rich Little of Music, where he has founded not one, but ten tribute bands that pay homage to those recording artists that have touched our lives in one way or another. I first heard Todd’s band, “The Alter Eagles,” an Eagle’s tribute band he founded, play at the Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater. I was amazed by how close this talented group of musicians duplicated the vocals and instrumental work of the original Eagles band. Not only did they play each song to perfection, but they were multi-instrumentalists as well. However, despite his success, Todd’s story is a winding tale of a young man’s dream that was derailed, and it took years for that desire to be fulfilled.

Influenced by his mother, an accomplished singer, Todd and his brother started perfecting their vocal skills, paying close attention to the inflections in how each song was performed. Instrumentally, Todd admits he is self-taught, learning to play by ear. Humbly, he classifies himself as “utilitarian,” or in other words, “A singer who plays guitar and drums,” an understatement if you ask me. Todd tells of how they formed a band and were performing from Thursday through Saturday at a local bottle club, an after-hours club in the Tampa area; however, on the final night of this run, he crashed his car in front of the Curtis Hixon Hall in Tampa, ironically the venue where he saw his first concert featuring the band “Rush” four years prior. His music career would take a detour and a dream delayed. For the next 11 years, Todd would serve as a combat paramedic in the U.S. Army in one capacity or another in what he describes as the “Straight Leg Infantry.” During that time, he was stationed for two years in Berlin and eventually transitioned to the mechanized unit out of Fort Polk. He continued his medical specialty, transitioning as a dermatology tech, helping treat patients in various hospitals.

In 1992, Todd entered what he described as “The World of Corporate America,” where Lanier employed him and sold copiers and fax machines. After that, he joined the tech world selling computers with 3-D modeling and effects capabilities. Todd recounted how these systems were used to create Pixar and Jurassic Park animation movies. As with many of us resigned to pursue a career more out of necessity than desire, it appeared Todd was inevitably destined to follow the same path until open heart surgery in 2001 was the awakening he needed. He decided to follow his passion.

In one of my previous newsletters, I mentioned that as a young teenager, we formed a rock and roll band and envisioned ourselves as the next Beatles, as I’m sure most kids did then. The thought one day we’d be playing in front of an audience was a thrill beyond our young imaginations. Of course, reality set in, and our careers were short-lived. However, I gained an inexpressible appreciation for those who can capture the performance of the original artists in such a way that it takes us back to those special moments in our lives. As I’ve gotten older, I find there is a time when we are the most creative, and if not acted upon, it seems to pass. For some, it lasts longer than others, which I find astounding when I think of the number of songs Paul McCartney and John Lennon penned in a relatively short time. Todd summed it up best: “It’s about applying creativity to life.” That time came to Todd 14 years ago when he wanted to recreate the tracks of the original artists as close as possible. He recounts that they performed only 15 shows in the first year, and by the second year, it had expanded to 35. Today, they perform 140 to 150 shows per year. What started as an Eagles tribute band has now grown to 9 additional tribute acts that pay homage to Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Simon and Garfunkel, The Bee Gees, The Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller and America. Todd’s wife Chandra, who mixes the sound for the band at each show, added, “While our shows have expanded, so have our loyal fans. Each 4th of July, we are the featured band at the historic Daytona Beach Band Shell and have played to audiences approaching 20,000.”

While the number of shows has expanded, and their audience has grown, Todd said their greatest joy and satisfaction comes when looking out from the stage and seeing the smiles and emotions across each face in the crowd. He recounts witnessing a couple during their Simon and Garfunkel show where they closed with the song ”Sound of Silence.” “They were sitting in the front row, and as they moved closer to each other, you could see the emotion that came over their faces….it turned out it was their wedding song.” He tells of their Bee Gees tribute show they performed in Sun City when the crowd of 700 started singing back to the song they were playing. Todd said, “We stopped singing, and the crowd took control of the experience.” “And then you have a young girl in tears as we performed Desperado during our Eagles tribute show.”

Todd summed it best when he said, “Music is very honest and brings you back to those special times in your life.” I often think, in the world in which we live, perhaps music isn’t just a way of escaping some of life’s challenges for a brief moment or two but may be one of the best forms of communication we could have with each other where all our differences are put aside, and we can enjoy the best life has to offer……. together.

To view all their upcoming tribute events, go to www.ClassicTributeslive.com, but book your evening to remember early, as they sell out fast.

-Gary Cardillo

Hurricane Ian and The Art of War

November 1, 2022 by Gary Cardillo

It seems like yesterday when Hurricane Charley came ashore and devastated our area. Call it complacency or just lack of experience, but I haven’t come across anyone who thought that storm was going to take a right-hand turn into Charlotte Harbor and create the devastating damage that it did. Perhaps it was due to having a Governor whose brother was the President of the United States at the time, but the speed at which our area was back on its feet was miraculous, and one that was well-documented in the media. The community came together and with the help of a master planner, our city came back better and stronger than anyone could have imagined. What struck me most was the heartfelt compassion so many had who came to our rescue. Those who tried to gouge, or take advantage of us were quickly dealt with, while others came from all over the country to lend their support.

Our friend and insurance agent was Bill Martin, who owned the State Farm Agency in Punta Gorda at the time. I remember seeing him manning the makeshift State Farm command center that was set up in the Publix Shopping center parking lot in Port Charlotte. People were searching for answers on what to do, still somewhat in shock from the devastation that came upon us almost without warning. Watching Bill handle each person with such style and grace was like having your security blanket. You couldn’t help but feel his sincerity that we would get through this together. For us, it was a seamless transition, as the field adjuster who came to our home was equally caring and conveyed that same feeling that we would be well taken care of, and we were.

Having a home 15 ft. from a seawall doesn’t give you much hope if a storm surge is in the forecast, and just like Charley, we weren’t expecting to come back to a home with Hurricane Ian either. Fortunately for us, we were spared however, our sense of being in good hands was to be short-lived.

Most would agree, Hurricane Charley, inflicted more damage to our area than Hurricane Ian. Perhaps it is due to newer building codes or after going through one hurricane we protected our homes and businesses much better, but overall I think for the exception of some, most fared a bit better. Having dodged a bullet of sorts, I felt based on our past claim experience with Charley, this would be handled with the same compassion. Unfortunately, Bill had retired and the field adjuster we had this time had an agenda. It was very apparent from the outset his goal was to help us as little as possible in recovering from the loss we incurred.

I’ve never been an ambulance chaser and don’t believe in cheating the system to claim things we are not entitled, but when you don’t put in for claims and still get increases in your premiums, it is a hard pill to swallow when in your time of need you are treated like the adversary.

Having been a Realtor for 18 years, we’ve helped many clients over those years navigate inspection reports and repairs so they can enjoy a smooth closing. We’ve learned a great deal from inspectors and contractors alike, and the difference between a repair and replacement. So you can imagine my frustration when our insurance field adjuster went on our 18-year-old roof and after surveying all the broken tiles said, “This can be repaired.” When I asked him about all the loose tiles he missed he replied, “Let me know if you see anything and I’ll add it to my report.” Anyone who knows me, knows I don’t like heights. Unless my roof was the height of my dining room table I wasn’t going to climb my roof to point out all the tiles he missed….thus began my “Art of War.”

Sun Tzu’s, “The Art of War,” is a philosophy that war should be avoided and if it can’t it should be fought psychologically and strategically to minimize loss or damage. Having worked in cut-throat industries in New York City, applying the principles of Sun Tzu’s approach would be the last thing I would have been taught to consider. Do I take the field adjuster’s ladder away and leave him up on the roof so he can see all the damage the roofers who did go up on the roof point out to me? Do I toss him up a stronger pair of glasses? Maybe I even ask if he’s even done this before? I’m sure those approaches wouldn’t work in my favor, but when your insurance company tells you that you need a repair and the suppliers for roofing materials they gave you say “Your tile was discontinued a “long, long time ago,” you realize you have to fight for yourself. So like many, I now have to fight my battle with contractors I have little or no experience with, and for someone who doesn’t know where to turn, this can be frightening.

How do you know which roofer is being honest with you and not just looking to gouge the insurance company, when all you need is a repair? What about all the other damage to your pool cage or other items that were destroyed? It starts with having a good insurance broker who can guide you through the claims process. Then if you aren’t fortunate enough to get an adjuster who is keeping your best interests in mind, you have to get as many opinions and references as possible before signing anything. Whatever you do, don’t sign over your benefits, otherwise known as A.O.B., and not to be confused with New York Congresswoman A.O.C.

A.O.B. is the acronym for “Assignment Of Benefits” and some people have unwittingly fallen victim to signing these over to a third party, who can be a roofing contractor or someone claiming to be working in your best interests. For those of you unfamiliar with the process, by signing over your claim benefits you are now on the outside looking in as all decisions and reimbursements will be going to the third party. You are no longer in control of your insurance benefits or reimbursements. In Florida, you do have a 14-day rescission period in which to cancel that agreement, but it is best to seek the advice of an attorney or your insurance broker before signing anything. Some people will automatically engage the services of a public adjuster to fight their battles. I look at this as more the last option than my first. Public adjusters on average will make ten percent of the total claim. If the insurance company doesn’t reimburse you enough to cover their “commission” you are on the hook. If you have a deductible of $5,000-10,000 and you have $60,000-100,000 in damages, and the insurance company is only looking to cover the cost for damages and nothing more, you could be out of pocket another $6,000-10,000 on top of your deductible. Another thing to consider is the contract you are signing with a roofer. Are you bound to them regardless of whether they get enough money to complete your roof repair or replacement, or are you responsible to make up the difference? Questions you need to ask aside from getting a quote and an estimated time of completion to complete the job are 1. Is there a cancellation period in the contract should I decide to terminate this agreement? 2. Am I bound to you if the insurance company is unwilling to agree to your estimate?

While I’ve been sharing my experience with a roofer and an insurance company that seems more concerned with their interests than helping us through this time, there is a reason many of you may be experiencing what we are. Ask any insurance broker how many questionable claims for new roofs were submitted years after Hurricane Irma impacted Florida. They’ve shared with us the weather-related causes we just didn’t experience, but that it was cheaper to pay the claim than battle in court. As a result, insurance companies are now insuring roofs for less time than the projected lifespan from the manufacturer. On average, an insurance company will insure a shingle roof for 10-15 years, a tile roof for 20-25 years, and a metal roof for 25-30 years before requiring you to replace it to continue coverage. The question becomes, “Is the insurance company looking to “repair” when you need a replacement, knowing in a few short years you’ll need to incur the cost of replacement yourself?” The important thing to keep in mind is to get several estimates from respectable contractors who have good reviews and standing with the Better Business Bureau. For those living in the general area, you can always reach out to the Charlotte Desoto Building Industry Association otherwise known as the CDBIA. They are comprised of local contractors, lenders, and related trades and services that can give you guidance and resources when needed. While none of us want to wait for a prolonged period to get our homes put back together, don’t feel pressured to sign a contract until you’ve thoroughly researched the company and the contract. Our understanding is you have up to a year to file a claim, but check with your insurance broker to verify the details of your policy.

Despite going through a major storm for the second time in 18 years, we are safe and just like last time, our homes and our community will come back better than before, and we’ll all grow a little closer to each other.

-Gary Cardillo

A Different Kind of Spring

May 28, 2020 by Gary Cardillo

Most will find from our monthly newsletters that I tend to look at life through my years as a youth. It was a special time when you could savor the simple things life had to offer and take those exciting moments and defeats a bit more in stride. Of course we didn’t have families to support, financial responsibilities to meet, and those never-ending deadlines that collectively seemed to have stolen those precious moments of reflection and appreciation from our lives. We just savored the simple pleasures of life, oftentimes taking them for granted. I always considered myself a “summer kid,” as my fondest recollections revolved around summers spent outdoors at our home on Shelter Island, New York.

After what seemed like an eternity being confined indoors due to harsh winter weather, I couldn’t wait for spring to arrive with the awakening of its colorful plants and trees signaling summer was just around the corner. It was like watching a black and white picture come to life with color and air that smelled so fresh and clean. Once again we were outdoors looking forward to endless hours of bike riding, the start of the little league season, and a host of other outdoor activities along with those special holidays of Mother’s Day and Easter.

This year we are experiencing a different kind of spring, and one not so different in some ways from those I experienced as a child. While we are starting to “awaken” from the “confinement” we’ve experienced over the past few months and resume our “physical” connection with friends, I think we are doing it with a greater appreciation for our home life, our families and the friends who make our lives so special.

During these past few months, I’ve seen couples taking walks hand in hand, families bicycling and kayaking together, neighbors celebrating cocktail hour on the quiet streets in which they live, and with joyful amazement, I watched a group of couples from the condos across the water from our home dancing on the lawn and docks to songs from years gone by. There is no doubt in my mind, while we are experiencing a very different chapter in our lives; our inherent desire to be socially connected and enjoy the simple pleasures life affords us has not changed.
Whoever thought we would be using Facetime, video chats and Zoom to satisfy that innate desire to stay visually connected? Could this be a forced reset of sorts we all needed? For me it has been a welcome change from the constant drone of political opinions and divisiveness the media feeds us each day. It has also been a wonderful time to reflect on what is important in life and to explore those interests or hobbies we’ve been too busy to pursue.

While we are adjusting to our new way of life in how we live, work and play, I find myself saying “History has a way of repeating itself,” and I’m not going to squander the lessons learned from this reset. I am going to savor my times with friends and family, along with the blessings I received, with a renewed appreciation long after the challenges we currently face have passed. I also feel our community will be the beneficiary of this renewed personal connection with each other. I sense more of a community spirit as we look to support those local businesses fighting to stay alive while doing their best to serve the community. Like many I speak to, there is a pent up desire for people to embrace their communities and each other during this time with a spirit of “We’ll get through this together.”

In an article I recently read by internationally acclaimed speaker and bestselling author John O’Leary, he describes a conversation he had with his grandfather during lunch twenty years ago that changed his perception of the meaning of success. With vivid detail he recalls his grandfather’s question, “Do you know why they call my generation the “Greatest Generation?” It isn’t because we survived the Great Depression…. It’s not because we served in World War II…..It’s not because we came home and built the most productive society in the history of the world. They call us the Greatest Generation because we never forgot all the lessons learned along the way. The Depression taught us to value the little things and to live within our means. The war taught us what real evil looked like, what real sacrifice looked like, what real heroism looked like.”

John continues, “The Greatest Generations conception has much in common with the situation we find ourselves in now…. The collapsing markets and soaring unemployment witnessed by my grandfather evolved into the practice of appreciating the little things, living within their means, and taking nothing for granted.

Likewise, we have the opportunity to shift into this mindset for the long haul, instead of shifting back to the over-scheduled, over-extended, avaricious society we found ourselves in before we were rocked by shelter in place orders.”

He concludes by saying, “Although the journey forward remains unclear, the Greatest Generation reminds us that what defines a society during adversity is not only how they respond in the midst of it, but whether they afterward apply the lessons they’ve learned from it.“

This is just one of the many lessons I’ve learned and one I remind myself that “All is well.”

-Gary Cardillo

Sweet Summertime Memories

August 16, 2019 by Gary Cardillo

Those Sweet Summertime Memories We’re Reliving Today

When I sat down to write this month’s newsletter I thought to myself, “What can I possibly write about for August? It is the only month where there isn’t some kind of special holiday we look forward to celebrating.” With summer quickly coming to an end in a few short weeks, for the first time in a long time I was stumped.

The Beatles - Live At Shea Stadium, August 23 1966

I looked back to those fond childhood summer memories where we waterskied, sailed, golfed, fished and road our bikes all over the island we lived on. We camped out with our friends recounting stories of the adventures each one of us had taken. One particular recollection of us sitting around the campfire was of our friends just returning from seeing the Beatles performing live at Shea Stadium in New York. We stayed up most of the night wanting to hear more about a group that went on to impact all of us more than just with their music.
I remember watching a couple of friends of mine learning how to fly in their small Cessna planes. I couldn’t imagine what it was like soaring to such spectacular heights, but wasn’t going to find out as one of my friends who did get his license loved to take people up and perform one of his stall maneuvers that usually left his passengers glad they were back on “terra firma!”

And who can forget owning a Volkswagen Beetle, which at that time was supposed to be the most fuel efficient car on the road? I can still recall their unique sound as if there were crickets in the exhaust pipe. One memory I’ll never forget were the puzzled looks on the faces of the gas station mechanics asking my mom how she could have possibly stranded herself by running out of gas!

We rode to the beach on the tailgate of our parent’s station wagon, (something Child Protective Services would have our parents thrown in jail for doing today), made miniature wooden boats out of Good Humor ice creamsticks we found in the sand and tied our kites to the end of our fishing poles to see how high we could fly them. Of course those were usually one way trips as rarely could we ever fish them out of the trees.
Our parent’s peers were like extended family members to us and so were some of the dinners they collectively made together. In fact to this day we still enjoy making recipes from an Italian cookbook one of those special friends created.

As I look back on those times I realize everything goes full circle and the things we enjoyed then many of us are recreating today. This summer alone we have friends who have been following the Rolling Stones who have been touring the country. That in itself amazes me to think a group we heard as kids are still performing today. Some have gone to France and ridden their bicycles on parts of the same course as the Tour de France. Others have gone to Italy to take cooking classes, making many of the same recipes found in our friend’s cookbook. And remember that story of our friend who would scare people to death in his plane? How about jumping out of one and skydiving your way to a marriage proposal?

However, it wasn’t until recently when a dear friend of ours said she would love to buy a Volkswagen bus and tour the country that brought me back to those days of “Peace, Love and Rock n’ Roll,” that could be summed up in one word…..“Woodstock.”

It’s hard to believe this summer marks the 50th year celebration of an event that was much more than an outdoor music lovefest. While it had its political overtones with many of the bands addressing the unpopular war in Vietnam, racism and violence, similar to what we experience today, it was the first event of its kind that left a lasting impression and influence not only on our generation, but generations to come.

In an article earlier this month by John Barry for the Poughkeepsie Journal (New York), he wrote, “Woodstock that the 1969 festival created was this hope for a better life-a better world, a more compassionate world; and it came at a time when things were very dark.”He continued by writing, “Woodstock still stops people in their tracks, turns heads and evokes a we’re-all-in-this-together spirit for divided times.”Sound familiar?

This weekend our community and those around the country will be celebrating Woodstock’s 50th anniversary with great music tributes in a variety of venues. Personally I’m looking forward to seeing those attending these events reliving part of their history, dressing up as they did back then, singing to the music we still love to this day and celebrating the things we share in common. While we may be older, have a little less hair (or none at all), a little more weight and a few more wrinkles, it’s not too late for us to put on our tied dyed shirts, hop into our “Volkswagen buses” and with that same “free spirit,” sense of adventure, enjoy our last few weeks of summer.

-Gary Cardillo

The Power of Music

Hurricane Ian and The Art of War

Sweet Summertime Memories

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