Party Animals

John Wilson Quintet

Bus Stop at Fifth and Aiken, Monday, September 17, 9:22am. What a gorgeous day. If this weather’s a result of global warming, bring it on! My 71D bus, packed to the gunwales with riders, rumbles by. Taking the hint, I elect to walk the mile or so to Bellefield Hall. After class I scoot over to the Student Union for the Fall Fling. It’s a not-to-be-missed opportunity to relax and mingle with old Osher friends and meet new ones.

I’m standing there minding my own business, talking to Yousseff Ragheb, when behind me someone says, “Don’t believe a word he says.” It’s Rick Taylor. Geez, you’d think Yousseff could figure that out about me without Rick’s help. I remember reading some of his short stories in a Shifren writing class. Boy, I’d love to have Rick contribute something to the blog.

I find a seat at a table with the Burke’s. Last week I’d nearly tripped over Dave when I backed into him while attempting a Tai Chi exercise. Unruffled, he righted me and smiled when I proffered a “Whoops, sorry.” Dave and wife Marilyn are longtime Pitt Alumni Association members. That’s them talking to Vivian Lawsky–blue top, black pants, back to the camera.

Yeah, lots of new faces here, and a generous sprinkling of instructors, too. It’s good to visit with George Shames again.  George is on the mend after a recent operation.  His recently published novel, “The Company of Truth,” is reviewed by Jane Fraser, President, The Stuttering Foundation, as “a good read and a truthful portrayal of the human and clinical challenges of those who stutter.”

The quintet is playing a Charlie Parker bop anthem. Excellent. Handling the tenor chores is John’s worthy colleague, Jim Guerra. Jim took over as chair of the Jazz Department at Duquesne when John retired.

The food is plentiful and tasty, the room’s festive ambiance percolates with spirited conversation, and bubbles with smiles and laughter. My kinda party.

Thanks Bernie.

Len Z

P.S. If you spot yourself, let us know which pic via email:

rulen.2@gmail.com

and we’ll send it to you as an email attachment.