February Activities

Today is Thursday, February 19. I have been quite busy recently - especially for someone who is unemployed.

I saw a request for "ringers" for the Hebrew College cantorial choir - they need more voices for an upcoming concert. So yesterday morning, I went to rehearsal, along with Phyllis Wilner, Hinda Eisen and Dan Nesson - Zamir members all. They've also got Louise Treitman, Charles Osborne (we are singing a composition of his) and Scott Sokol. I don't know if they will continue, but I'm certainly in VIP company! It makes me feel like part of something. It is a very clique-ey/incestuous group - jewish singers. And it gives me a chance to get to know them in a smaller group setting. I do not stand out in Zamir as a soloist or anyone these people know - except for Scott and Louise. Charles has been seeing me around for 20 years, but I mentioned to him that Jody W and I joined the same year, as he's just finished composing a piece in her memory. I also met Lynn Torgove, who is a well known area soloist, and also a student in the cantorial class. She has done workshops with us. After rehearsal Hinda and Phyllis and I went out with Marilyn for lunch. She works at HC as the Registrar.

After that I went into Coolidge Corner to look for some Jewish CDs for my radio show. Found a couple of bargains. Most CDs are so expensive I need to look into alternative means - buying specific songs online or downloading the CDs for less, when available. it's hard to hang out anyplace when you have to keep feeding the meter.

I signed up for an MS Access class - beginner class on 2/23 and intermediate class on 3/5 - just to update my skills and have something to do. I think the total cost was $124. It's hard not to spend money, but at least this is something that could be helpful. I need to keep learning.

Last week I brought Alan to a lecture given by Donna Halper, a well known radio consultant, who I used to know via the Boston Radio List. I dropped her a line a few weeks ago, then found out I had a great oppty. to meet her at the Quincy Library, where she spoke about talk radio and it's history. She is Jewish, in her early 60's, and a bit eccentric, but interesting to listen to. We may be meeting for lunch one of these days. I'd love to help her with her research!