On May 24, 2014 a celebration party was held at the Italian Heritage Club of the Mohawk Valley in Utica. It was attended by family and his many friends.
Dr. Jim expounding on his struggle to win his doctorate.
Dr.Jim visiting our table and conversing with Ron.
The framed certificate of Doctor of Education. An impressive accomplishment.
Passing over the dam and part of the Latham water supply shortly after take-off from Albany International Airport.
Cockpit view of our trusty pilot and his dad.
The hanger of Heritage Aviation in Burlington VT. It is an extremely green installation, deriving most of its power from "green" sources. The owner is the founder of the Green Mountain coffee business.
In the foreground is the Toyota Prius that Heritage kindly loaned us to drive to Henry's Diner in downtown Burlington for our traditional Father's Day breakfast.
Lake Champlain view of the Crown Point bridge and part of the Revolutionary War Crown Point Fort. Check the web page for earlier photo essays on the new Crown Point Bridge that crosses between New York and Vermont.
Coming in for a perfect landing on the Albany Airport East-West runway.
On August 12 Russ took Amtrak for a visit. He related his adventure (quite a few hold-ups) on Amtrak but managed to arrive undaunted.
On August 10 Randy took Ron and me on a flight to a local airport for breakfast. At Albany Airport Randy and Ron are looking over a rare sea plane whose owner undoubtedly will fly to a good fishing lake in the Adirondack's or Canada.
Looking down on Emerich Sales on Valentine Road, Charlton. I bought my Toro mower from them quite a few years ago. Note the equipment for sale in the open, exposed to the weather.
The arrow points to the Charlton Tavern, a favorite local eating establishment. The original tavern was destroyed in a fire and has been completely rebuilt. Their best menu item is their "fish and chips" and, of course, their burgers.
On landing approach to the Fulton County Airport, an unattended facility. Randy gives frequent radio updates for planes in the area as he lands.
View of the airport hanger and, on the left, Grandma Millie's Bakery and Cafe - our destination for breakfast. The pastry chefs are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America.
The Fonda Speedway, a 1/2 mile clay oval. Yes, an occasional car has ended up in the Mohawk River - so near the South side of the track.
An aerial view of the Tory Tavern, of fond memory, in Schoharie, NY. The empty parking lot is shocking as a car turns in to the property. At last contact the business had not been sold.
On August 16, 2014 Randy flew Ron and me to Skyway Acres Airport in Dutchess County for breakfast with Peter. From left to right are myself, Ron and Peter in front of the Skyhawk II flown by Randy.
A similar photo with Peter, Ron and our trusty pilot Randy.
A view of the "Tail Winds Cafe", our airport restaurant, in front of the barn. By 1972 the original owner, Doug Cochran, had converted a 145 acre farm and barn to a runway and general aviation facilities.
Peter, Randy and Ron discussing the topics of the day at the breakfast table in the Tail Winds Cafe.
View, on the flight home, of the Mid-Hudson Bridge crossing the Hudson River at the picture's center. The nearer bridge is the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge. Our good friend John Gahan spent a college summer break painting the bridge. It was owned by several railroads - the Central New England Railway, the New York, New Haven and Hartford RR, Penn Central and Conrail. After a fire it was abandoned. In 2009 it became the "Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park".
Returning to Albany International we passed the gigantic CSX railroad yard in Selkirk.
Downtown Albany, NY - capitol of the State of New York on a clear day. Visible are the State office towers, the Alfred E. Smith office building and the Capitol Building housing the New York State legislature.
On Randy and Bobbi's patio everyone is enjoying the dip and corn chips before the main course. Note Pat's dog Brutus anticipating the goodies to come.
Shirley enjoying an entertaining moment with Brutus.
Alex with mother Kris. As evidenced by his shirt, Alex is entering his junior year at George Mason University.
Russ and Alex enjoying the game on the grill counter TV. The smoke is from the fire in the fire pit.
The gang sitting on the fire pit wall enjoying the fire.
Ron, Russ, myself and Randy savoring the very special 40 year Port wine offered by Ron on this special family occasion. The Sandeman Port came in a beautiful wooden box that emphasized the wines rarity and quality.
Original: September 2, 2014; Revised October 1, 2015 - "Latham" water supply per Ron