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
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.”
As Valentine’s Day is upon us, we think of it as celebrating the romance of couples in love. Men shower their wives or girlfriends with arrangements of red roses, a romantic dinner and cap it off with a heart-shaped box of chocolates. We reflect on the day we first met and celebrate our love. While I embrace that tradition, I’ve learned that “True Love” isn’t reserved just for couples in love.
One of the sweetest love stories I’ve ever known is not of a husband and wife but of a mother and daughter, and the love they share goes well beyond their bond. Anyone who has met Nanette Leonard and her mother, Adeline Seakwood, knows of their lasting contributions and passion to their chosen professions, community, and friends. Volumes have been written about their storied careers in the entertainment industry, and for someone who just celebrated her 100th birthday, Adeline’s life is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Brooklyn in 1923, she was enamored with New York City’s entertainment industry. Starting as a John Robert Powers model, she went on to appear in several films before taking on the highly skilled position as a production secretary, a title she later had the industry change to “Production Office Coordinator.” The production office was the “brain” that organized a film’s necessary functions. Adeline handled budgets, production schedules, transportation, locations, permits, equipment rentals, billing, getting catered food on set, and communicating with crew members and the actors. From her appearance in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” Adeline worked on numerous TV shows that, included “Naked City,” “The Patty Duke Show,” and “The Defenders.”
She also worked on major motion pictures where she rubbed shoulders with Paul Newman, Christopher Reeve, Michael J. Fox, Farrah Fawcett, Burt Reynolds, and Peter Falk of Colombo fame. She recounts a story of a last-minute script change on the last day of shooting of “Three Days of the Condor,” starring Robert Redford. While Adeline’s role was typically off-camera and behind the scenes, she rushed to the movie set that was in Manhattan to deliver the revised pages. Spectators who were cordoned off behind the ropes wanted to know who the woman was that was delivering the script to Robert Redford, who then picked her up and kissed her. Without missing a beat, Adeline said, “that’s how rumors start.”
Nan an experienced public relations/marketing professional and producer with over 40 years in the entertainment industry began her career at Allied Artists Pictures, serving as Publicity Manager, working on PR campaigns for Academy Award-winning films that included, “Cabaret,” “The Man Who Would Be King,” and “Papillon.” At United Artists, Nan served as East Coast Director of Publicity, mounting PR campaigns on such films as “Raging Bull,” the Bond films, “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” starring Meryl Streep, and has worked with Steve Guttenberg, Marvin Hamlisch, Alan King, Jay Leno, and Redbook Magazine. In the 80s, Nan became Senior Vice President at Solters/Roskin/Friedman, one of the largest entertainment PR firms, where she represented Whoopi Goldberg and helped launch her career. Also included in a long list of celebrities Nan represented are Dolly Parton, Gregory Peck, Frances Ruffelle (“Les Miserables”), and Anthony Crivello (Kiss of the Spider Woman). In 1992, Nanette opened her agency, “Nanette Leonard Public Relations,” servicing a diverse clientele that included two-time Tony Award-winning actress Judith Ivey, Tony Award winner Anthony Crivello, international television personality, journalist, and author, Cristina Saralegui, Michael Uslan (Executive Producer of all the Batman films) and a host of organizations that reads like a “Who’s Who.”
One would think with just a fraction of their impressive resumes I’m sharing, Adeline and Nanette would find contentment reminiscing on their extraordinary past. However, those experiences have provided a foundation for the care and service they continue to give their community and the lives they touch. Unlike the typical daughter taking care of a mother relationship; this is more like George Burns and Gracie Allen; comedian and straight man, with Adeline being the comedian. As I entered their home, I was taken aback by the hundreds of cards, flowers, and balloons from Adeline’s recent 100th birthday celebration. Among all the gifts and early Valentine’s Day decorations was a signed picture from Robert Redford, congratulating Adeline on her special day. Sensing I was somewhat overwhelmed, Adeline grabbed my arm and, pointing to Nanette, said, “You know Nurse Radchet” (of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” fame), don’t you?” I couldn’t help but laugh, knowing this would be one of my most entertaining interviews. Adeline is as quick-witted as Nanette is humble. Each time Nanette would leave the room to answer one of the many calls she received, Adeline would proudly share Nan’s accomplishments and tell me how proud she is of all her achievements and how much she appreciates all Nan does for her. She said, “She’s added ten years to my life.” I would venture to say, “Much more.”
I recall the movie “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” where a man played by Brad Pitt starts aging backward. As each year passes, he gets progressively younger-looking. Adeline and Nanette would be a real-life version of this movie. As long as I’ve known them, they look younger with each passing day. Adeline shared with me a previous interview she did where the radio host asked, “Your complexion is so good; what do you use?” The story goes she looked at Nanette, “who looked back in horror and gave her a “NO, Don’t say it,” signal, and said, “I was going to say because I use Preparation H, a standard application in the modeling industry, but so as not to embarrass Nanette I said, “Dove Soap.” Alfred Hitchcock, too, was mesmerized by her beauty during the filming “North by Northwest,” and said she was “too pretty” to put into a street scene as an extra and put her in an elevator scene behind Cary Grant. On the first take, Grant stood in front of her so she couldn’t be seen. As filming paused, without missing a beat, Adeline whispered in Grant’s ear, “My mother would never forgive you.”
For Nanette, the move to Punta Gorda was an act of love. Having lived in Middletown, New Jersey, for 34 years, Nan was not only relocating her business but leaving friends and organizations she had supported for years. Affectionately she added, “It’s a circle of life. My parents took care of me; it was my time to take care of them.” Nan continued, “My stepdad would often say, “My blood may not run through your veins, but my love does.” For Nan, the move was a leap of faith. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” but she committed to herself that she would recreate the type of life she had in New Jersey in Punta Gorda. Some people take a lifetime to leave a lasting impression on their community and friends; for Adeline and Nanette, very few organizations haven’t benefitted from their love and commitment. For 30 years, Adeline has been a Punta Gorda Civic Association member and is known to all as the “Sunshine Lady.” While the role was considered an Ambassador of sorts welcoming new members, she expanded the role to offer solace and encouragement to the ill and bereaved. Adeline said, “I always write notes to people, letting people know there is someone who cares about them. She continued, “From the moment I moved to Punta Gorda 30 years ago, I wanted to give back to my community, and I’m always forming groups.” She recounted a group of women she formed where one came and said, “I miss my mother,” Without hesitation, I said, “You could have me as Mom #2.”
I always thought of myself as a real summer kid. Growing up in New York I was willing to sacrifice all the other months just to get to the summer season that started with Memorial Day and ended on Labor Day. That’s when I felt the most alive, and it was almost like watching life through a black and white t.v. that just transitioned to color. While my father claimed his favorite time of year was the fall, he would often say, “If you took out January, February, and March you would have perfect weather.” With a puzzled look on my face, I would reply, “You just cut out a quarter of the year like it was nothing.” Then I thought to myself, “I was willing to give up three quarters of the year just to get to my favorite 3 months.” I had to ask myself, “Which of the two of us was really nuts?”
Don’t get me wrong, we had lots of great activities and music that occurred throughout the year, but the fun we had, and the music that played throughout the summer was something very special. I bet my “championship” music trivia teammates, Greg and Toni White would agree “The Twist” by Chubby Checker, “Summer In the City” by The Lovin Spoonful, and the Beach Boys, “California Girls” never sounded better than in the summer months. I’ll even add Sly and The Family Stone’s “Hot Fun in the Summer Time” and what kid wouldn’t feel his summer was just starting when listening to Alice Cooper’s “Schools Out?” It didn’t matter the era you grew up in, the music never sounded better than it did in the summer, especially if the windows in your car were rolled down or you were driving in a convertible on your way to the beach!
When I was young the summer seemed to last a lot longer than it does now. Maybe it was our carefree attitudes where we crammed lots of activities into one day. We swam, water skied, and had endless games of Frisbee and flashlight tag, and those beach parties were second to none. Perhaps it’s me, but did this summer seem to be missing a month? Friends of mine up north are already dreading the end of summer. Stores have already put out their fall and early winter merchandise, and soon they will be experiencing “Tumbleweed Tuesday,” which is the day after Labor Day when it seems like summer came to a sudden stop and the merchants are desperately looking for those last customers seeking to stretch their summer vacation out a few more days. While my northern friends are starting to mourn the passing of summer, those of us living here feel like our summer with its fun activities is soon to get started. Think about it.
When we were under travel restrictions from Covid, many flocked to Florida in an attempt to move to a more desirable climate and lifestyle. Instead of people returning north for the summer they remained here with us. We may have social distanced, but we got creative and put together impromptu potluck dinners on our streets, and figured out how to enjoy each other’s company….from a distance of course. It was as if summer gained a few extra months. Then as life returned to normal many of our friends and neighbors resumed their trek north for the summer where the season was just kicking off, and we settled into the more quiet days of summer, which wasn’t such a bad alternative considering all our area has to offer. With boating, beaches, golf, tennis, pickleball, entertainment venues, waterfront shops, and restaurants why would anyone want to leave? Isn’t this what people are going north to enjoy and from what I hear, it was just as hot up there this summer! With even more activities planned by our local Chambers of Commerce, Country Clubs, and Charitable Organizations in the upcoming months, it seems like our summer may just be going into its second phase as there are a host of activities and events I’m looking forward to enjoying.
As for those who are returning now that summer is in their rearview mirror, I’m sure my music trivia teammates Greg and Toni could put together a playlist for you that would include “See you in September.” The great news is our summer is not over, and as a kid at heart who loves the excitement of summer, I couldn’t be happier.
Through these friendships, we’ve been all over the world from Singapore and Vietnam to Europe and South America. We traveled through the back roads of our great country and journeyed the Intracoastal from Florida to New England. We’ve met politicians and have been to some of the most dangerous locations in the middle-east. “How did you get to do all of this in such a short life span you may ask?” While I’ve experienced some very special places when traveling through our country, unfortunately the closest I’ve gotten to Europe was a road trip to Massachusetts. Sarah Palin may have claimed to see Russia from her home in Alaska, but through the intimate stories told by clients who became close friends we feel as if we experienced these real-life stories and adventures, many of which we hope to take ourselves someday.
Everyone has a story or knows of someone who has a storied background, but when you have the opportunity to spend as much time with clients as we do, their histories come to life in a way that makes you feel as if you went through a time with them. I remember one client who had been in the largest naval battle to this day. He was on a 500 ft. aircraft carrier in the Philippines and to listen to his story of the incoming fire they took, you couldn’t help but feel you were right alongside him. Other clients spoke of Communist regimes they escaped and how their families lost everything they had to come to our country. Others have been in the entertainment industry, some have been writers and still, others have created products that are widely used today. There have been CEOs and those that rose from poverty to creating highly successful businesses, going on to mentor others so they could have an opportunity to better themselves. We’ve also heard countless stories from physicians, who without fanfare traveled abroad to many third world countries administering to those in need, and did I mention a Grammy award-winning Pastor whose lives he continues to touch each day? For those of you whose stories have appeared in our newsletters you know who you are, and how your stories have had such an impact on my life, as have so many others.
We live in a time where the media is focused more than ever on negative news and the things that divide us, not the common ground that can bring us together. When I see thousands of people turn out in mass to simply watch the lighting of a Christmas Tree or eight Clydesdale horses pulling a wagon through the streets of our downtown with two men and a Dalmatian sitting alongside them, I think to myself, “aren’t these the timeless pleasures we seem to embrace, and innately desire to enjoy?”
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.