Old Time Charm is not dead in Little Italy

Anytime I feel homesick for NY and NJ I head to Baltimore to get my “Italian on” as I like to say. This morning my friend and our girls headed out to the Italian Bakery Vaccaro,s in Baltimore which is located in the heart of Little Italy (www.Vaccarospastry.com). This little shop is a staple of Charm City, has been there since 1956 and was even featured on Homicide: Life on the Streets. We hardly noticed the rain outside the window while surrounded by the old time charm that is reminiscent of our grandmother’s kitchen. The Bakery is a mix of modern conveniences and art deco décor with dazzling chandlers and plasma TV’s. However it was not the modern flare that overwhelmed me at Vaccaro’s but the warm friendly charm of Nick Vaccaro. Our feet barely crossed the threshhold before Nick whisked my daughter away behind the counter promising her as many pink cookies as she could eat. Being in Vaccaros reminded me of going to Italian Bakeries, Delis and Restaurants with my grandmother as a child. I remember Grandma prattling on in Italian surrounded by fantastic smells of Biscuits and Navali. But it was always the hospitality of these Mom and Pop establishments that I found to be the most memorable. Although Italians are known for their food it is the feeling of welcome that one receives that is the hallmark of these wonderful places. This type of hospitality is akin to the good service that you get at Nordstrom’s—but sadly is dying out in our society. Unfortunately, hospitality has the potential to disappear altogether before it is transferred to my daughter’s generation. Nevertheless, for a brief moment I was transferred back to that old time charm as we warmed our tummies with cappuccino the size of a fish bowl cascading with whipped cream, and discussed life, children, and the world at large. Nick Vaccaro's generosity towards our daughters was not lost on us. When we left Nick’s shop our hands were laden with Italian cookies and cannoli to share with our entire family and plenty of good stories. When you walk in the door at Vaccaros time is suspended as you enjoy the overall experience. It is funny that with all the modern conveniences of today it is really the old time charm and hospitality that resonates with the heart. For a brief moment this charm of Baltimore made me feel like family, and that warms my heart almost as much as the cappuccino on a rainy day.

A Sunday Morning Run to help the Community

Before I went to church yesterday, I went to Severna Park to participate in the 12th Annual Victims Fund Run that was hosted by the State Attorneys Office in Maryland. See the following site: Victims Fund Run Linda was instrumental in getting me to run the 5K race. It was an important event for her, as Linda wanted to do something special for her husband. He had passed away 10 years ago at the age of 28 after being hit by a drunk driver. 10 years after the fact, Linda gathered a group of friends and acquaintances at 7:30AM to run or walk (as they were able) under the name Disco Ducks to commemorate her husband’s life. She told me that her husband had been a runner, so it was a great way to honor him.

The event was a perfect event for anyone looking for a Sunday Morning workout and giving back to the community at the same time. There were beautiful blue skies and many of Anne Arundel’s Finest came out to host, support and bring awareness to victim’s rights. Everything was so meticulously run. The run went along the B&A Trail behind many of the store fronts. There was even a coffee shop that had tables out along the trail. The most memorable event of the day was a group of police officers that ran in formation chanting cadence.

Everyone was warmly welcomed at the finish line and then treated to a buffet of watermelon, oranges, energy bars and huge bottles of water. The icing on the cake was the friendly raffle and award ceremony for the winners. Although the event has a hometown feel it has the organization of a grand event. The Victims Fund Run will continue to grow from year to year. I give the Attorney State Department 2 thumbs up for the fantastic fund raiser and my love to Linda.

The burdens that we carry together become lighter. –Author Unknown

Rich in Cookies

I met Nancy before Mass at All Souls Episcopal Church in DC. She made an impression on me. Nancy commented that she would never be rich but thanked God for all the blessings in her life. The irony is that Nancy is truly rich in blessings. What makes her so rich is the kindness she gives away. After lunch at Open City Cafe on 24th street, Nancy pulled out this big Tupperware filled with cookies. She proceeded to send the dish around the table. It was filled with delicious sugar cookies with a fruit preserve. She also took out little valentines bags and encouraged everyone to take as many home as they wanted. Each cookie was the size of a man’s fist and was tantalizing to the taste buds. One bite made you feel like you were in your Grandmothers kitchen. On the way back to the church, I asked Nancy about her baking. She said that she loves to bake but she and her husband Lawrence are the only 2 people at home and so she gives away her baked goods. That way she can continue to bake. I admired Nancy and her generosity. It made me think about what each of us could give away to show love. What is your ministry? Sometimes it is the simple things. Nancy’s ministry is cookies. She gives away her gifts and changes the world one cookie at a time; And, I dare you not to smile when you are eating one of her delicious cookies.