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VISITORS: I've prepared these words, images and songs for this month's Men2Men gathering in Brentwood. We meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 8-9:30 AM on the sacred grounds of the Sisters of Saint Joseph 1725 Brentwood Road, Brentwood, NY 11717 . We begin with a complete cafeteria breakfast. Contact me if interested. Together, we will be exploring various ways we experience "G-d"..."as we understand God"...as the Third Step of Alcoholics Anonymous presents it. Is there a "G-d"? Yes...this could be included in those BIG QUESTIONS I describe later as being "above my pay grade" ...But,as I've tried to simplify my mind, I've become comfortable with 2 "proofs" or "evidences": the amazing intricacies of my body the cosmic majesty of our universe ...these are enough for me... What is an experience of "G-d"? There are Many Ways to Experience God – Richard Rohr April 9, 2022 / Brian Legate A very little bit of God goes an awfully long way. When another’s experience of God isn’t exactly the way I would describe it, it doesn’t mean that they haven’t had an experience of God or that their experience is completely wrong. We have to remain with Francis’s prayer: “Who are you, God, and who am I?” Isn’t there at least ten percent of that person’s experience of God with which I can agree? Can’t I at least say, “I wish I could experience God in that way”? What characterizes anyone who has had just a little bit of God is that they always want more of that experience! Could it not be that this Hindu, this Sufi, this charismatic, this Jew has, in fact, touched upon the same eternal Mystery that I am seeking? Can’t we at least give one another the benefit of the doubt? I can be somewhat patient with people who think they have the truth. The problem for me is when they think they have the whole truth. The mystic probably represents the old shibboleth, “Those who really know don’t speak too quickly. Those who speak too quickly don’t really know.” +Adapted from Following the Mystics through the Narrow Gate… Seeing God in All Things (Recording). Source Expanding Our Images of God Great Mystery and Great Intimacy - Center for Action and Contemplation Friday, December 13, 2024 Richard Rohr explains how experiencing God can be both scary and alluring, and ultimately wonderful.    In his book The Idea of the Holy, scholar Rudolph Otto (1869–1937) says that when someone has an experience of the Holy, they find themselves caught up in two opposite things at the same time: the mysterium tremendum and the mysterium fascinans , or the scary mystery and the alluring mystery. [1] We both draw back and are pulled forward into a very new space.   In the mysterium tremendum , God is ultimately far, ultimately beyond—too much, too much, too much (see Isaiah 6:3). It inspires fear and drawing back. Many people never get beyond this first half of the journey. If that is the only half of holiness we experience, we experience God as dread, as the one who has all the power, and in whose presence, we are utterly powerless. Religion at this initial stage tends to become overwhelmed by a sense of sinfulness and separateness. The defining of sin and sin management becomes the very nature of religion, and clergy move in to do the job.   Simultaneously, with the experience of the Holy as beyond and too much is another sense of fascination, allurement, and seduction, a being pulled into something very good and inviting and wonderful or the mysterium fascinans . It’s a paradoxical experience. Otto says if we don’t have both, we don’t have the true or full experience of the Holy. I would agree, based on my experience.   Mysticism begins when the totally transcendent image of God starts to recede, and there’s a deepening sense of God as imminent, present, here, now, safe, and even within me. In Augustine’s words, “God is more intimate to me than I am to myself” [2] or “more me than I am myself.” St. Catherine of Genoa shouted in the streets, “My deepest me is God!” [3]   To spiritually know things on a deeper level, we must overcome this gap. Then, ironically, we’ll know that Someone Else is doing the knowing through us. God is no longer “out there.” At this point, it’s not like one has a new relationship with God; it’s like one has a whole new God! “God is my counselor, and at night my innermost being instructs me,” says the Psalmist (Psalm 16:7). God is operating with us, in us, and even as us.   The mystics are those who are let in on this secret mystery of God’s love affair with the soul, each knowing God loves my soul in particular; God loves me uniquely. We are invited into that same mystery. All true love gives us this sense of being special, chosen, and like nobody else. That is why we are so joyful in the presence of our lover, who mirrors us with a divine mirror.   Source Opening Questions...   Let's begin by considering these three questions (as well as others that arise from them) AND then added your reflections to the appropriate place on the handout. What is an experience of G-d? How have you experienced G-d?   Has this changed over time? If so, how?   Has your experience of G-d changed your behavior? In what ways?   [At the meeting, we'll allow enough time for journaling and then sharing on these three questions.] My story...or, how "as" is saving my "ass"... "Evidences for my faith..." I'll start with an Amy Grant song (below) that expresses my developing experiences of "g-d". They have emerged from what I like to call an increasing number of "evidences for my faith". .. ...faith that there is some form (or formless) prime mover, higher power...intelligence..."G-d" as you understand "G-d"... These "evidences" are showing up as messages on license plates or their frames...texts and emails...things that show up in my search results (often while looking for something else)...words and songs people share...experiences in spiritual traditions that are different from my original "tribe"and, most especially,...those that are emerging from within me...from that deep place...in my inner being...I'm especially grateful for this inner connection...inner relationship... HOW I'm responding to these evidences is helping develop heretofore under-utilized TRUST muscles... "Everywhere I go I see your face...hear your voice..." Amy Grant - Everywhere I Go (Live Music Video) (04:26) "WHERE" is "G-d"?... Rabbi Heschel was a champion of social justice and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King . He also advocated for peace . With my present understanding of the nature of "G-d", I would revise his gender pronouns so they are more inclusive...more representative of the true nature of "G-d". "As" is saving my ass About a year ago seeing the “as” in this verse opened up a new phase in my relationship with all three participants: G-d, myself and my neighbors .    A chief way this new insight helped me is I became more aware of times I was practicing self-care and times I was not. A major cause of my suffering was from the anxiety I was causing myself trying to get answers to big questions...questions that I came to label as "being above my pay grade." I began to see that my “unanswered” questions, including those about why G-d allowed suffering, were causing me anxiety. SO, I was faced with a choice…continue suffering as I sought “answers”…or let go and trust the trust of other people I trust…(a topic for another discussion) I was invited to practice a new form of self-care ... Replacement Therapy When I become aware of these troublesome thoughts, I replace them with the “simpler”: "what’s the next loving thing I can do…for myself and for my neighbor?"    This practice of paying attention to my thoughts - a major part of mindfulness techniques - is captured in this visual:   NOW, I'm practicing taking better care of myself by listening more to my body and its messages so I'll be better aware of when I need to rest…to let stuff go… ...and, conversely, when I need to get up and take care of something - especially, things I've been putting off. Love Triangle...self...neighbor...G-d... REPEAT...     Step 11: Sought through PRAYER & MEDITATION to increase our conscious contact with "G-d" Bill W.: Conscious Contact - Trailer (02:57)   [from the transcript] Again, we're back to the 11th step, prayer and meditation. I think it's a brilliant, brilliant message. He said to me later. "I never understood the 11th step." I said, "What do you mean you wrote it?" He said, "No, I didn't write it. It came to me as an inspiration." And that's because I think his own ideas of the spiritual pathway to long-term sobriety changed and expand on that over the years. Bill was a good meditator. He understood the role of spirit in a person's life. He was open-minded. Click here, for more about this project plus a link to the full 60-minute conversation. [from the webpage] As a beta tester for the Stepping Stones Online Archive of the National Historic Landmark home of the Wilsons in New York, Stinnett has had “the privilege of knowing the coffee shop Bill Wilson as opposed to the podium Bill.” Jay’s research into Wilson’s personal correspondence provides him with a fresh perspective on Bill Wilson’s spiritual journey. Music for our journeys of experience... First time they played it...   Blind Faith - Can't Find My Way Home - London Hyde Park 1969. (06:08) And from that same show... Blind Faith - Presence of the Lord (05:55) #music #Men2Men #SistersOfSaintJoseph #Brentwood #faith #experience #G-d #12Steps #BillW #BillWilson #JimiHendrix #JamesThurber #AmyGrant #Empedocles #AbrahamHershel #neighbor #mindfulness #trust #prayer #meditation #SteppingStonesOnlineArchive  #JayStinnet #AAStep11 #AAStep3 #BlindFaith

Hello! This post was originally part of the one about our son John's current explorations in China and Tibet to continue his studies in traditional Chinese medicine . For much of his life, John has followed paths of healing. Eileen and I have learned much from him and are so grateful. I decided to "prune the garden" of the original longer post and move these Dead Chinese Sunflowers into this separate "bed"...for the benefit of folks who aren't passionate followers. "There's a Grateful Dead song for every occasion..." ...So says longtime friend Steve Bermont. We surfed together around the country and was my Volkswagen repair mentor...as he calls it "playing with cars." In some posts, a particular song emerges as I listen to my Muse and tell the story. In this case, "China Cat Sunflower" provided a lot of the initial motivation to celebrate John's adventures in the Orient... Grateful Dead - China Cat Sunflower by Jam Bands Video (04:56) Not your father's Fillmore... You decide which is real and which is an illusion... Dead & Company - China Cat Sunflower into I Know You Rider - 3/29/2025 - Sphere, Las Vegas (15:36) Jacksonville's China Cat Sunflower Festival Jacksonville’s Grateful Dead Festival | 30th China Cat Sunflower Weekend (Aug 8–10) - Hanging with the Hunns (07:37) Here are stills and footage from this year's festivities: China Cat Sunflower Festival: Honoring Jerry Garcia & Jacksonville’s Deadhead Family - Hanging with the Hunns (1:05:59) " What began in 1995 as a heartfelt tribute to Jerry Garcia has grown into a beloved tradition — the China Cat Sunflower Festival — bringing together generations of Deadheads, music lovers, and families for a celebration like no other." (from the documentary's description) Of course, the tie dye rack featured a sunflower tee: And the Next Generation of Deadheads: Meet "B-Star" (Brenda Star Walker) - the amazing leader of the pack for 30 years... Starting at 55:34, her segment of this documentary includes: --the Dead and Tibetan Buddhist monk's sharing multiphonic chanting (see more below) Click here for more. --giving a massage to Mickey Hart --buying artwork from Jerry --a time the Dead stayed at her house --her personal answers to 3 questions about the band that she poses to people: Do you remember the the first time you saw the Grateful Dead with Jerry? Do you remember the last time you heard the Dead with Jerry play? Do you remember where you were when you heard the news that Jerry had died? She "stole" those earrings... (((: #John #JohnTittmann #China #Tibet #TraditionalChineseMedicine #GratefulDead #sunflowers #DeadAndCompany #Fillmore #TheSphere #ChinaCatSunflowerFestival #BrendaStarWalker #Buddhism #TibetanMonks #MickeyHart

Hello! I'm creating this post because Janet Rudolph's guided labyrinth bathing event that was planned for Monday at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Bellmore NY was cancelled because of the upcoming nor'easter. Meet Janet... The Magic of the Labyrinth by Janet Maika’i Rudolph - Feminism and Religion (June 29, 2022) Labyrinth at St. Francis Episcopal Church Bellmore NY - Open every day This labyrinth is located on the grounds of St. Francis Episcopal Church as part of The Garden at St. Francis, an organic garden that donates produce to local food pantries. If you park in the church's parking lot just off Bellmore Avenue, walk back into the grounds away from the road and find the labyrinth at the furthest extent of our property next to the fence line. No appointment necessary – the public is welcome to visit during daylight hours. For information about guided Labyrinth walks, please send us an email. SOURCE: Worldwide Labyrinth Locator Soundtracks for walking these Earthscapes... In the next number, our protagonist is wrestling with major life choices - ones that could be helped by time spent navigating the wisdom of the labyrinth... RIDING AGAINST THE WIND - Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band In this next mournful ode, the singer laments a choice he could have made... Asaf Avidan - In a Box II - The Labyrinth Song (04:38) "The Labyrinth Song" "Evening rises, darkness threatens to engulf us all But there's a moon above it's shining and I think I hear a call It's just a whisper through the trees, my ears can hardly make it out But I can hear it in my heart, vibrating strong as if she shouts Oh Ariadne, I am coming, I just need to work this maze inside my head I came here like you asked, I killed the beast, that part of me is dead Oh Ariadne, I just need to work this maze inside my head If only I'd have listened to you when you offered me that thread Everything is quiet and I'm not exactly sure If it really was your voice I heard or maybe it's a door That's closing up some hero's back, on his track to be a man Can it be that all us heroes have a path but not a plan? Oh Ariadne, I'm coming, I just need to work this maze inside my mind I wish I had that string, it's so damn dark, I think I'm going blind Oh Ariadne, I just need to work this maze inside my mind For the life of me I don't remember what I came to find Now tell me princess are you strolling through your sacred grove? And is the moon still shining? You're the only thing I'm thinking of The sword you gave me, it was heavy, I just had to lay it down It's funny how defenseless I can feel here when there's nobody around Oh Ariadne, I'm coming, I just need to work this maze inside my heart I was blind, I thought you'd bind me, but you offered me a chart Oh Ariadne, I just need to work this maze inside my heart If I'd known that you could guide me, I'd have listened from the start Somewhere up there there midnight strikes, I think I hear the fall Of little drops of water, magnified against the barren wall It's more a feeling than a substance, but there's nobody around And when I'm in here all alone, it's just enough to let me drown Oh Ariadne, I was coming, but I failed you in this labyrinth of my past Oh Ariadne, let me sing you, and we'll make each other last Oh Ariadne, I have failed you in this labyrinth of my past Oh Ariadne, let me sing you, and we'll make each other last" For Further Discoveries... Who was the Ariadne in Asaf Avidan's ode? Greek Mythology: Story of Ariadne (03:32) Another of Janet's Passions: The Sacred Feminine Women's HERstory Month: SHE Speaks... (March 2025) [from this post] Janet Rudolph  - a friend who includes among her offerings one that I've enjoyed - guided labyrinth walks  - will be part of an April 28-29 symposium celebrating matriarchal and matrilineal spiritual traditions. I'm already registered...JOIN ME! Janet will be presenting her SheSpeaks! films along with time for QandA and discussion on April 28th from 3:00-4:30 Eastern time.  Come Walk with Me... After my monthly Men2Men circle on the sacred grounds of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Brentwood , I paused to walk their labyrinth...Since Janet had already decided to cancel Monday's walk. These holy grounds also include a Cosmic Walk, organic farm, beehives...and soon, affordable housing... FYI - Here's a link to the first of three Cosmic Walk posts. It contains links to the other two. Entering... Labyrinth 1 of 2 ENTERING @ Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood, NY (07:29) Emerging... Labyrinth 2 of 2 EMERGING @ Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood, NY (07:17) #music #JanetRudolph #labyrinth #SaintFrancisEspiscopalChurchBellmoreNY #BobSegerAndSilverBulletBand #AsafAvidan #SistersOfSaintJosephBrentwoodNY #FeminineSpirituality #CosmicWalk

After checking out these instruments, click here to return to the main post for the West Hempstead Music Scholarship Fundraiser where you'll see all the other instruments we have. PROJECTOR Item #90: Projectia Black/White Projector Screen for Concert Light Show or to Show Films. LIKE NEW NEVER USED MICROPHONES Item #58: BP Microphone Dynamic #DM 410 with case Item #67: Shure Microphone PG-48 Item #70: Two Fairchild Microphones Item #71: Sam Ash Dynamic Microphone Item #91: Set of two Microphones in box Item #96: Shure Receiver/Microphone Power Kit AMPS Item #6: Dean Markley Practice Amp Item #61: Rockman Guitar Ace Wireless Amp for Concert (by Tom Sholz) Item #93: Grate Amp Power Block with case FOOT PEDAL Item # 60: Electric Guitar Foot Pedal PS-100 Item #62: Zoom 505 Guitar Foot Pedal Item 64: Korg Foot Pedal Item #65: Dareelectro Foot Pedal Item #92: Zoom Guitar Pedal GFX 707 Item #97: Yamaha Bass Pedal Item #98: M Gear Base Pedal in box. BRAND NEW MIXER Item #30: Numark Mixer with Dual CD Item #59: Boss DR-110 Mixer (Dr. Rhythm) STANDS Item #46: Silver Music Stand #1 with case (Artistic Productions) Item #47: Silver Music Stand #2 with case Item #50: Gibraltar Drum Stand Brand NEW in box Item #100: Saxophone Stand for Alto/Tenor Item #101: Trombone/Trumpet Stand Item #102: Guitar/Bass Stand Item # 103: Saxophone Stand Item # 104: Universal Instrument Stand Item #105: Triple Instrument Stand CASES Item #49: Roadrunner Road Case for Mandolin Item # 55: Bass Road Case "Nothing but Hammond" DRUM MACHINE, LAPTOP, RECORD PLAYER Item #76: Yamaha Electric Drum Machine DD-55 Item #75: HP Laptop Model TPC-C126 ( 15.6" Laptop 465GB HDD 4GB RAM AMD E2-7110 1.80 GHz CPU Radeon R2) Item #34: Ion Wooden Record Player TABLETOP DECORATIONS Item #81: Firm Prop Fake Instruments: French Horn & Trumpet #microphone #amp #mixer #stands #cases #RecordPlayer #laptop #DrumMachine

After checking out these instruments, click here to return to the main post for the West Hempstead Music Scholarship Fundraiser where you'll see all the other instruments we have. BANJOS Item #1: Harmony banjo 1960's Item #2: Kent banjo 1960's GUITARS Item #8: Ibanez Acoustic Guitar with case Item #17: Silverton Acoustic Guitar with case (BRAND NEW - plus extra strings, guitar strap, picks, chord book) Item #74: Harmony Acoustic Guitar 1960's Item #77: Brazilian Giannini Guitar with case 1960's RARE Item #87 Kay Acoustic Guitar 1960's Item #106: Epiphone Acoustic Guitar D-100 #guitar #banjo

After checking out these instruments, click here to return to the main post for the West Hempstead Music Scholarship Fundraiser where you'll see all the other instruments we have. Item #4 : ERHU Chinese Opera Fiddle (snake skin) with case Item #5 : Oscar Schmidt Auto Harp Item 13: Leon Aubert Viola with case Romanian made Item 14: Skylark Violin with case Item #15: Lark Violin with case Verona Stratavarian Cello (we have the bridge that needs to be reset) Item #18: Maharaja Electric Sitar (brand new in hard case plus includes soft case from India and extra set of strings) Item #56: Chinese Zither with stand & case 1960's (slight wood damage) Item #88: Oxford Upright Bass 1 (4/4 full size. With soft case & bow. A few dings) Item # 89: Oxford Upright Bass 2 New 4/4 full size. (with soft case & bow) #fiddle #AutoHarp #viola #violin #cello #sitar #zither #UprightBass

After checking out these instruments, click here to return to the main post for the West Hempstead Music Scholarship Fundraiser where you'll see all the other instruments we have. STICKS & BRUSHES Item #72: Various Drum Sticks & Brushes DRUM SETS Item #82: Cannon Aqua Blue Drum Set (4 drums, 1 cymbal, set drum sticks) Item #83: Sounds Percussion Black Drum Set (4 drums, 1 cymbal, set of drum sticks) Item #84: Coda Dark Blue Drum Set (4 drums, 1 cymbal, set of drum sticks) Item #85: Slinderland Silver 3-piece Drum Set (3 drums, 1 cymbal, set of drum sticks) Item #86: Ludwig Brown Drums (3 drums, foot pedal, set drum sticks, NO BASS DRUM) OTHER PERCUSSION Item #37: Pair Red Maracas (made in Cozumel, Mexico where Brian bought them) Item #38: Pair Green Maracas made in Mexico Item #39: Pair of Wooden Maracas made in Barranos Item #40: Single Fire Stick Maraca Item #52 CP #1 Conga Drum Item #53 CP #2 Conga Drum Item #69: Small Green Tambourine Item #78: Hand Drum from Israel Item #79: Remo Percussion Hand Drum Item #80: Handmade Wooden Drum #drum #DrumKit #maraca #tambourine #conga #sticks #brushes

After checking out these instruments, click here to return to the main post for the West Hempstead Music Scholarship Fundraiser where you'll see all the other instruments we have. SAXOPHONE Item #7: Henri Lavelle Tenor Saxophone with case Item #10: Buescher Alto Saxophone with case Item #11: EM Winston Soprano Saxophone with case Item #22: Conn Soprano Saxophone with case (made in Boston) CLARINET Item #26: Bundy Bass Clarinet with case (acquired 1981 from Brooklyn) Item #26: Bundy Bass Clarinet with case (acquired 1981 from Brooklyn) Item #41: Bundy Clarinet with case Item #42: Buffett Clarinet with case (made in France) Item #43 Special Signet Clarinet with case (made in France) Item #44: Revere Clarinet with case FLUTE, RECORDER, PICCOLO, PENNY WHISTLE Item #21: Jean Baptiste Flute with case Item #28: Artley Flute 1 with case Item #29: Artley Flute 2 with case Item #31: Yamaha Piccolo with case Item #32: Yamaha Tenor Recorder with case Item #33: Yamaha Soprano Recorder Item #35: Aulos Soprano Recorder Item #36: Yamaha White Recorder Item #45: Gemeinhardt Flute with case Item #63: Hohner Recorder Item # 94: Penny Whistle (Sesame Street) HARMONICA Item #9: Roadhouse Blues Set of 5 in case NEW Item #68: Bandmaster Chromatic Harmonica - Key of C VERY RARE Item #95: The Chromonica by Hohner with case MISCELLANEOUS Item #73: Selmer Clarinet Road Case (no instrument) #saxophone #clarinet #flute #piccolo #recorder #harmonica #PennyWhistle

After checking out these instruments, click here to return to the main post for the West Hempstead Music Scholarship Fundraiser where you'll see all the other instruments we have. Item #20: Yamaha PSR 620 Keyboard Item #48: Casio Keyboard Item #51: Wilson-Ross WR5488 Keyboard Item #54: Yamaha Keyboard Item #57: Pro Line Keyboard Stand #keyboard #KeyboardStand

After checking out these instruments, click here to return to the main post for the West Hempstead Music Scholarship Fundraiser where you'll see all the other instruments we have. MUTES & MOUTHPIECES Item #99: Mutes & Mouthpieces for Trumpet & Trombone INSTRUMENTS Item #3: Jean Baptiste Trumpet with case Item #12: Besson Tenor Trombone with case Item #19: American Standard King Trumpet with case Item #23: Jupiter Conn Trumpet with case Item #24: Olds Trumpet with case Item #25: Bach Trombone with case Item #27: York Trombone with case #trumpet #trombone #mute #mouthpiece

FAMILY & FRIENDS: Jim Duffy , one of my brothers-in-law's, is celebrating 70 circumnavigations around the sun. His immediate family asked for contributions to a book of our memories. Since it will be print-based, here's a QR code you can scan to read it on your phone or computer: Scan to read this tale of Jim... JIM, It's my hope that you really enjoy your 70th birthday book... Since your first-born - Mike - is teacher of English. I'm starting with this meme: His younger brother Glenn is an electrical engineer and plays sax and keyboard...COOL! BEGINNINGS ... JIM , Here's an early memory of the country hospitality you and mate Debbie offered to us city kids... Our son JOHN: "This is why I came here..." And "70" will get you some classic rock for an alternative Sunday morning at your home in Massachusetts... This first 1970 song could be a love song for you and Deb: [Verse 1: Terry Kath] "Oh, my reasons And my ways Keep on changing From day to day And as I grow It becomes so clear Why I'm here" [Verse 2: Terry Kath] "It's all here For you and me The beauty of life Someday you'll see And then you'll join in And sing along And you'll understand why I sing this song" [Chorus: Terry Kath & Peter Cetera ] "Let me tell you now I do love you, oh I do love you, oh yeah I do love you" [Verse 4: Terry Kath & Peter Cetera ] "Well I'm talking bout life (And living) And the beautiful earth (And giving) Talking about the natural things We've had since birth (That's loving) Well I'm talking about a walk in the country About an angel's sweet charm The smell of her perfume And they're both coming on" Chicago - In The Country | Live at Tanglewood (19 70 ) (06:51) "Us Long Island Tittmann's said: "We're gonna leave this city, got to get away..." Canned Heat - Going Up The Country 19 70 (02:44) DOES A BEAR...IN THE WOODS? Speaking of canned heat... ... JIM , I know you liked camping and hiking...We'll, I " BEAN there. too..." Another classic from the filmmaker I call my adopted "RABBI". .. Blazing Saddles the Camp Fire Scene (01:00) "I'm just following the tracks..." Alan Jackson - Beer: 10 (Lyrics) (04:10) LATER IN OUR FAMILY'S SAGA... I encountered Darth on my walk today...In funnier circles, he's known as "Dark Helmet" ...another classic from my "RABBI" ... Mel ... When he's not conquering worlds, he's got a side business doing circumcisions... DARK HELMET Makes His EPIC Entrance in Spaceballs! (03:40) FOR THE SEPTEMBER SEPTUAGENARIAN... The Best of Andy Huggins | Full Video on our Channel! (02:56) FOR THE COUPLE...NOW...SITTING ON A PARK BENCH... Jethro Tull - Aqualung (Official Music Video) (06:45) MAY THE PIECES ON YOUR CHESSBOARD GET UP AND TELL YOU WHERE TO GO... In Eileen's tale for your book, she mentioned you played chess... Happily remembering this phase of our parenthood... COMEDIC INTERMISSION Classic W C Fields' Line - Lost and Found (00:30) Joe Walsh more fun being 20 in the 70's than 70 in the 20's (00:43) Another from my RABBI... History Of The World, Part 1 - Collecting Unemployment Insurance In Ancient Rome (02:12) HOBBITS PLAYING CHESS ON MUSHROOMS... The Lord of the Rings - A Short Cut to Mushrooms (HD) (03:51) "When the men on the chessboard get up and tell you where to go. ..and you 've just had some kind of mushroom and your mind is movin' on..." Jefferson Airplane -White Rabbit (02:28) JIM, bringing your son Mike - an English teacher - into our "lunchroom" conversation... When he not grading papers, you can find him playing his guitar...like in this local Massachusetts winery. Might also find him in Middle Earth... Here's where he's been and where he'll be... Mike Duffy Music - Facebook And on special occasions, you might find your two sons gigging together: 2019 Facebook photo #music #humor #Jim #JamesDuffy #Deb #DebraDuffy #MikeDuffy #GlennDuffy #MaeWest #Chicago #Tanglewood #CannedHeat #CozyCoupe #MelBrooks #rabbi #BlazingSaddles #beer #bears #beans #WCFields #CampFire #DarthVader #DarkHelmet #Spaceballs #AlanJackson #AndyHuggins #septuagenarian #JethroTull #chess #mushrooms #LordOfTheRings #Hobbit #JoeWalsh #JeffersonAirplane #GraceSlick #

Hello and welcome to the West Hempstead Music & Theater Scholarship Fundraiser page. Here you'll find information about how you can support this event at our Fundraiser event as well as all throughout the year. " HELLO MUSIC & ARTS LOVERS" GIANT Musical Instrument Fundraiser on 5/31/2026 SUNDAY FROM 2:00 - 6:00 AT THE WEST HEMPSTEAD AMERICAN LEGION, 734 WOODLAWN RD. W.H. WE WILL BE HAVING A GIANT CHINESE AUCTION 100 + INSTRUMENTS , RECORDS, MUSIC AND MORE ALL MUST BE SOLD CHANCES ARE $5.00 $10.00 $20.00 CASH, CHECK, VENMO CAKE, COFFEE, WILL BE SERVED LIVE MUSIC YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN, WE WILL CALL YOU LOTS OF GREAT INSTRUMENTS AT A GREAT DEAL FOR MORE IN CALL BRIAN BARRY 516-426-2356 bbarry1@pride.hofstra.edu KARL RIESTERER 516-315-1312 karl282@aol.com HOPE TO SEE YOU About the Annual Fundraiser An annual event since 2006, our NYS -registered not-for-profit program (Long Island Creative Arts, Inc.) donates 2 scholarships each year to graduating West Hempstead High School Seniors who apply and will be pursuing college studies that include music, fine arts, or the performing arts. 1. The Joshua L Brandon Memorial Music Scholarship. -- 2 per year @ $250 ea. 2. The James and Ethel Barry Memorial Town-Gown Scholarship. -- 2 per year @ $250 ea. Annual Application Process The Applications for each Scholarship are available at the West Hempstead High School Guidance Office from September 1st to May 1st of each school year. Contributions Gratefully Accepted ALL YEAR Donations are accepted 12 months a year and can be paid directly by check to the James and Ethel Barry Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Joshua L Brandon Memorial Scholarship Fund- both set up at Jovia Financial Credit Union since 2005. -- 50 West Boulevard East Rockaway, New York 11518. 2026 Fundraiser This year adds something new - an opportunity to bid on musical instruments - both at the upcoming event as well as beforehand The following neighborhood folks have stepped up to support this year's community-building event: Riesterer's Bakery West Hempstead (hosting all our committee meetings PLUS coffee & sheet cake at the event) Scouting America Troop 240 has been great at moving the items and getting them ready for this fun event. Allstate Insurance Agent Robin Poirier, West Hempstead, NY American Legion Cathedral Post 1087 734 Woodfield Rd, West Hempstead, NY 11552 Rescuing Families, Inc of Franklin Square (Pricing) 2025 Scholarship Fund Committee --Brian Barry, co-chairman --Karl Riesterer, co-chairman --Ron Paracha, volunteer coordinator with Scouting America Troop 240 --Maureen Wareham (keeping us all on point) --tOM Tittmann (website) --Ed Marks (Ed has offered to play guitar and piano for the live event). --Ken White Scholarship Beginnings... Here's a 2007 LI Herald article about what inspired Brian Barry to begin this annual memorial. --Please take a few minutes to read this heartwarming story of friendship. It'll highlight the kind of person Brian Barry is... For the love of music and theater - LI Herald Sept. 23, 2015 [from the article] Barry, a Bay Park, East Rockaway resident and educator, with the help of the then-West Hempstead School Superintendent Carol Eisenberg, established the Joshua L. Brandon Memorial Music Scholarship In November 2005. The award gives one graduating senior $300 each June, presented at Senior Awards Night. In order to be considered for the annual scholarship the student must have a letter or recommendation from one teacher, be in good academic standing, and must write an essay explaining their involvement in the local community and school — as well as their activities in music, art, film, acting and the performing arts. The student must also be going to college or university at a two or four year program majoring in music, art, film, communications, fine arts, performing arts, theater, literature, or any related field. A committee made up of educators, community members, and friends of the late Josh Brandon reads the applications. A vote is made and the majority vote selects the winner each year. 2026 Fundraiser Date: May 31, 2026 2-6 PM Location: American Legion Post 1087 Woodlawn Road West Hempstead NY 11552 Party Atmosphere: There will be refreshments and live music...So, come out, bring a family member or friend and enjoy a fun evening that supports our graduating seniors. Payment: Cash, check or credit card For Info: Brian Barry 516-426-2356 Karl Riesterer 516-315-1312 --> We have drum sets, basses, clarinets, violins, keyboards, saxes. flutes and many more instruments. Browse links below for full selection. AT THE EVENT: ALL INSTRUMENTS MUST BE SOLD...Lots of great deals and bargains. BEFORE THE EVENT: A. Please call Brian Barry (516-426-2356) if you're interested in making him an offer on specific items. Be sure to give him the Item # and description. This info is in the links below. Payment and Pick Up CASH...CHECK...VENMO CATEGORIES (click links below to view instruments) Brass (trumpets, trombones, mutes, mouthpieces) Guitars, Banjos Keyboards Percussion (drum sets, conga, tambourine, maracas, sticks, brushes) Strings (violin, viola, fiddle, bass, sitar, auto harp) Woodwinds (Sax, Flute, Clarinet, Harmonica, Piccolo, Recorder, Penny Whistle) Musical Equipment (Projector, Microphone, Amp, Foot Pedal, Mixer, Stands, Cases, Record Player) #music #BrianBarry #WestHempsteadHighSchool #RiestersBakery #WestHempsteadAmericanLegion #WestHempsteadScoutingAmericaTroop240 #WestHempsteadAllstateInsuranceAgentRobinPoirier #RescuingFamiliesOfFranklinSquare #WitchesBrewCoffeeHouse #BarnesSorrentinoFuneralHome #MaureenWareham #EdMarks #tOMTittmann