Born and raised in Manhattan, I always considered Jersey City as Mafia turf and never thought I would live here. Music has always been a big part of my family.  My brother Andy was part of Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen in the 1960s, played with the Guys Allstar Shoe Band for 14 years on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion, and now plays jazz with Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks. He has appeared in many shows, some on Broadway, others on TV. 

 

I taught mathematics, first in New York and Caracas K-12 schools and then for 40 years at California State University, San Bernardino. I believe that if math is taught right, students will enjoy it, so I focused on teaching math teachers and worked with the Park City Mathematics Institute, the College Board, the National Science Foundation, and even served 9 years on a local school board. I learned that changing American education is extremely difficult. Still, I had a great time and enjoyed the work. 

 

In 1969 I met my future wife Roni at a wedding where I was best man and she was maid of honor. We married in 1970 and settled in the mountains above San Bernardino. It was a 4000 foot vertical commute in just a few minutes. Raising our son and daughter there gave us wonderful experiences! 

 

After I retired, in 2005, we moved to the Northwest, where Roni’s family lived, but when our kids settled in Brooklyn and Jersey City, we moved east to be close to them and their kids. 

 

I have always loved songs and singing with others whether around campfires, in choruses, or at Pete Seeger concerts. I know I will enjoy North River Sing!