A Nice Italian Wedding & Mama D's @ Thursday Night

Here my Italian side, the Cuccia's (landed at 1403 York Avenue in 1896) & the Gallopo's (landed in Lido, New Jersey about the same time) gather for the wedding of Phil & Jennie in 1945. Several men who would be there, are not there, because they are still in World War II military service. Everybody looks happy, and knowing 90 percent of the people in the photo, they weren't faking it. Most here, thoroughly enjoyed living and rarely sat down between work and their interests. Most of my endurance and stick-tuitiveness comes from this end of the family.

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On top, in the cutout photo, are Bob Pryor (Dad) & his cousin, Dottie Gallopo (both 16 yrs old).

The bottom cut out is my grandmother, the former, Anna Cuccia with her brother, Joe Cuccia. Joe's nickname was Cheech he played baseball with Jimmy Cagney and his brother Bill on the Yorkville Nut Baseball Club. They also went to PS 158 together. Joe worked with the Long Island Press for many years at Queensboro Plaza. He played centerfield for their softball team. I have box scores. Joe made it to 42 years old as a bachelor, he lived on and off with his sister, my father's family at 1582 York Avenue, then Joe married a very pretty Italian woman named Mary who wrote cookbooks. Joe smoked Guinea stinkers, a long and twisted Italian cigar. They smelled awful.

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Salute to the New York Times City Section ~ May 4th @ 7pm @ 17 Murray Street

May 4th @7pm, mark your calendar for a ~ Salute to the New York Times City Section.

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Famous authors & muggles (like me) are getting together to honor, pay tribute and entertain the amazing editorial staff of the New York Times City Section. Writers published in the City Section will read short pieces and chat about the influence the editors have had on their work & life.

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Saara Dutton (Mama D's Arts Bordello), Sloane Crosley (I Was Told There'd Be Cake), Merrill Black (NYTimes contributing writer) & I, invite the City Section staff & all of you down to "17" located at 17 Murray Street just west of City Hall. That's two blocks from the original Newspaper Row, and three blocks from the original site of the New York Times on Nassau Street.

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Thanks to "17" owner, Joe Fischetti, Chez Joey's restaurant is closing for three hours to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to let these terrific journalists know how much we love the City Section. The section of the paper we grab first every Sunday.

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It's a free show, free food (appetizers), and a cash bar.

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Doors open at 6:30pm and the festivities will start @ 7pm.

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We promise a grand time.

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