THE BRUNCHES

 

MEETING DATES

Watch this spot for the next Dinosaur Brunch date at the SPARTAN DINER

THE NEXT BRUNCH WILL BE
FRIDAY THE 13th of AUGUST
(Uh OH)
at 10 AM

 

Here are photos from our July 2010 brunch.

 

 

 

The July Brunch. Cliff DeBear, Sandy Garry, Arnie Abrams, Dave Pokress, Betty Spinner, a little bit of Stan Green, Joe Fariella, Rod Eyer, Jim Zoltowski, A little of George Cavaliere, Dick Yarwood, Stan Wolfson, Lee Levine, Al Raia, Joe Dombroski and a lot of me, Dick Kraus. (Hey, it’s my camera)

  

 

 

 

 
Joe Fariella, who has been gadding about the country in his motor home, receives a warm welcome from Sandy Garry as he joins the Dinosaur Brunch for the first time in a long while.

Dick Yarwood brings Sandy Garry up to date on his life. Cliff DeBear wants his brunch.

 

Al Raia and Joe Dombroski concentrate on their food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cliff DeBear brings home some sweet potato fries to share with Cynthia.

There must be a special meaning to the message on the back of Joe Dombroski’s shirt that pertains to Dick Yarwood.

George Cavaliere, Stan Wolfson and Lee Levine during a serious moment.


Jim Zoltowski and Dick Yarwood in earnest conversation.


Two former tv cameramen from two different stations who maintained a good friendship even into
retirement; Jim Zoltowski (CBS) and George Cavaliere (NBC).

A newspaper article holds the attention of Arnie Abrams and Dave Pokress. That’s Betty Spinner in the backgro


Stan Green and Joe Fariella exchange pleasantries.

Rod Eyer enjoys his eggs even though he isn’t sharing the moment with Caryn Eve Murray who couldn’t join him, today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dave Pokress found himself on an assignment and ran into fellow Dinosaur Dennis Caruso. No, he wasn’t being booked at Police HQ; at least not this time. They were covering a story about the Veterans’ Administration who were photographing vets registering for benefits. And, of course, Dennis couldn’t pass up this photo-op.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And speaking of Photo-ops....while I enjoy everything about these Dinosaur Brunches, one of the least enjoyable tasks that I must perform is getting everyone to cease their conversations and move around to take the group table shot that opens this page. People who are enjoying their brunches and conversations understandably get annoyed at the intrusion and needless to say, I am the focal point of their displeasure. All I want to do is get it over with so I can get back to enjoying myself. And, just as I am ready to make the shot, I get two clowns doing this! Thanks, Cliff and Joe. I love you guys, but, next month, YOU take the frigging picture.
   

We ran into a bit of a snag, today, when it came time to settle up the tab. Our delightful server, Pat, has to spend a lot of time writing up the check, since everyone orders different items from the menu. Our habit is to take the total, add on a genrous tip of at least 20% for Pat for her wonderful service, and then split the bill equally among those who attended. It usually amounts to under $10 a person. Now, I know that some people only order eggs and toast which is less that $5 on the special menu, while others order something more elaborate. It would be impossible to break it down to: “You had the eggs. That’s $4.95. You had the lox and bagel special. You owe $9.95.” As long as each of us paid $10 or less, with tip, tax and endless re-fills of coffee, it was doable. Today, each person’s share came to $14 and change. That’s not doable. We can’t expect someone who had eggs and toast to subsidize someone else’s elaborate brunch. We talked with Pat and found that several people had ordered lox and bagel platters with extras. This took it off the specials menu and she had to charge more than the regular $9.95, and coffee and juice had to be charged extra. She spoke to the manager and was able to reduce the bill a bit. It still came out to over $11 a person. Sandy Garry and I spoke to the manager and suggested that he work out a special Price Fixe brunch menu for us with a choice of several standard items that would come to something around $8. Then adding a couple of bucks for a nice tip for Pat, the whole thing would come to ten bucks a head. It would certainly simplify Pat’s job, and those who have to leave before we get the check will know how much to leave. I have to speak with the manager of the diner to work out the details. I hope that everyone is comfortable with this arrangement. Now, if you do want something that is NOT on this special menu, feel free to order whatever you want. But, PLEASE, make arrangements to pay your bill separately and please let me know. The same goes if you only want an English Muffin and coffee. Thank you.
Dick Kraus

ALSO, we are looking for your stories for Dinosaur Tales. C’mon folks. I know you have them. I’ve heard some great ones at our brunches. I have started my own epic tale about my years as a Photographer in the US Navy.
It is LONG and will run in installments for the next hundred years. So, please, let’s get some of your stories on the page so you have some variety.

Now, on a very sobering note, I received a message from Tom Maguire’s daughter, Regina. She says that her father isn’t doing well. He is currently at North Shore L.I. Jewish Hospital and there’s talk of hospice. Here is part of what she wrote:

 

“Would you please pass on to those Dad wishes to know of the shape he's in that Dad would appreciate hearing from them. I think the best way to achieve this is to call my Mom on her cell, 203. 964.7029, so that you can speak with Dad or pass on hellos through Mom.

This is a very painful time for all of us Dick. Dad is being incredibly dignified and strong and remains proud. He despises his lack of independence and inability to communicate with ease. It is, therefore, so important for the guys he mentioned to find a few minutes to say hello to him and make him laugh.

We're not being given any time frame for Dad and the Docs at North Shore LIJ are being fantastic in doing everything possible to make Dad comfortable. They have discussed hospice with Mom and Dad but Dad seems to be confident that he can make it back to the Rehab facility. I really don't know if that will be possible as he is having significant problems with breathing. I'm sorry to burden you with passing on this information but I hope that all of his buddies, Dinos and otherwise, will understand that laughter will help and no discussion of impending anything is appropriate.

I'm available at any time to talk to any of the guys if they wish. The only time I'm not answering my cell is when I'm working with customers in our stores. I will, however, call back as quickly as possible. My cell # is 203.984.6664 and my home # is 203.358.9606.

Much xo, Regina”

 

 

Just as an addendum here, at today’s brunch, a couple of Dinosaurs said that they had paid him a visit, recently and said that he looked pretty good, and there was nothing wrong with his sense of humor. That’s encouraging and we all pray that he is regaining some strength. But, if you can spare a few minutes to make a call and share a laugh with him, it would be much appreciated by Tom and his family.

 

Thank you,

Dick Kraus