Scene Around

My heart is broken...

Everyone in Central Florida probably remembers the Pulse Nightclub shooting tragedy where so many precious lives were lost.

My friend Eddie Sotomayor Jr. was the first to be shot that fate-filled day more than a year ago. (Seems like yesterday to me.)

The NOOR SALMAN trial ended recently and she was found not guilty by the jury.

(Life goes on... but not for my friend, Eddie.)

Another tragic life lost...

(Actually, six million lives lost.)

I recently watched a rerun of the movie "Diary of Anne Frank" on television.

I felt so depressed and actually frightened because of the anti-Semitism that was at its height (at that time) I was truly sorry I watched.

(Sorry to say, but it seems anti-Semitism is on the rise once again... all over the world and even here in the United States!)

For a change of mood...

There is a wonderful person in town who not only is good at what he does (a periodontist) but is the nicest, sweetest, kindest man ever. I'm talking about Dr. SCOTT COHEN. I may walk into his office nervous about the procedure to come, but his personality makes my nervousness disappear!

And he is skilled at what he does because he makes me look good! (Oh hush!) I'm talking about dental implants, of course. (When I went to the hospital a few months back wanting a face life, I was given a heart valve!!!!) Scott is also a wonderful, loving husband to SARAH, and father to JACOB, 8 and ZACHARY, 6.

(If you want to meet Dr. Cohen you can phone me. I may put you in touch or not because he is sooooo good-looking!)

JCC39ers Meet & Mingle Mondays...

On Monday, April 16th at the Roth Family JCC in the Senior Lounge, there will be a special program, beginning at 1 p.m. It is titled "Baycrest Hospital and Cogniciti Brain Health Workshop." (Sounds truly informative!)

JCC39ers Wow Wednesdays...

On Wednesday, April 18th, Pillars of the Past will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

"Take an in-depth look at many of our earliest leaders from the patriarchs and matriarchs with Rabbi MICHOEL RENNERT." Lunch is included.

RSVP to ROBIN MERKEL at register@orlandojcc.org by the Monday before.

JCC39ers Terrific Thursdays...

"I NEED IT! Directed by ANITA WEINTRAUB starts at 1:30 p.m.

(What? What do I need? Phone me, I'll tell you!)

Actually, it is a wonderful afternoon with a game of dice. (See you there.)

Shout-Outs...

Going to Bagel King in Casselberry? (Get me a bagel with cream cheese, please!)

If you are going, and I suggest you do, there are two fabulous members of the wait staff, JOSH and COLLEEN that you should meet!

Josh is a complete doll and so expert at what he does. Colleen should have been a comic instead of a waitress (though she is a great waitress) but she is guaranteed to make you laugh! See you there... and leave the lox for me!!)

One for the road...

On a recent flight to Israel, the passengers heard this from the pilot:

"Ladies, gentlemen and children. Sholem Aleichem to you all. This is your pilot, Captain Daniel Himmelfarb, speaking. On behalf of El Al airways, my crew and I welcome you on board this flight to Tel Aviv. We will do all we can, God willing, to make sure you have a great flight with us this afternoon. But if, God forbid, by some remote eventuality, we run into some trouble, please keep calm and don't panic. You'll find your life jacket under your seat and if you need to put it on, please wear it in the best of health. Thank you."