THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 72 theconnectionsnj.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 My business partner, John, settled into the Starbucks in downtown Portsmouth, NewHampshire, to take a short break and check his messages before making the short drive to his home in York, Maine. A couple was seated at an adjacent table. The man spoke to John in a southern accent, “Are you from around here?” John responded that he used to live around the corner. Turns out the couple was visiting and wanted some local information on things to do. John called attention to the southern accent and asked, “Where you from?” “We’re from Arkansas. I’m Mark Pryor. I spent a couple terms in the US Senate.” “I know who you are. I’m a politics junkie.” They continued to talk. Eventually, Senator Pryor asked John what he did for a living. John explained that he had spent most of his career in agriculture including running a large cotton company, which took him to Arkansas frequently. John continued, “In fact, I have a crazy Arkansas story to tell you. When I had some business problems there, I was introduced to a sheriff there, by the name of Bobby…” Pryor interrupted and completed John’s sentence with Bobby’s last name, “…May. I know him well.” On separate occasions, they were invited to Bobby May’s residence. While seated at the dining room table, May told them about his work for Bill Clinton in organizing the local area for Clinton’s first presidential run. May went on to show them the same artifacts and a sword mounted on the wall. He also detailed his clandestine negotiations, on behalf of the Clinton administration, with Muamar Qaddafi’s regime; the perpetrator of the Pan Am flight 103 bombing that took the lives of 270 people over Lockerbie, Scotland, on December 21, 1988. It was incredible that Arkansan Mark and Mainer John found an intersection in their lives through a chance meeting in a Portsmouth coffee shop. Perhaps even more bizarre was the identical experience they had with Bobby May and a little-known part of a dark period in our country’s history. For over thirteen years I’ve enjoyed presenting factual stories with unusual connections, all true. I look forward to continuing that tradition. If you enjoy this column, you may want to check out my debut novel, Elusive Links, a fictional connection story, taking place in 1492 and 2002. It should be published the week of November 15th by Amazon Books. Up to date information can be found at danarosenberg. com (note my middle initial). Some people may find the connections in Elusive Links farfetched. However, if you’re a regular reader of this column, you might have a different perspective. Fact and Fiction By Dan Rosenberg “Random“ Connections The holiday season in the city is a frenzied time of year with so much to see and do. The city literally glitters with holiday displays and lights that make window shopping – and gift shopping – an experience to remember. The city becomes a magical place filled with hope and excitement. Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Christmas in NYC is the Rockefeller Center tree. Ceremoniously lit the week after Thanksgiving, the tree can be viewed from all sides of Rock Center between 48th and 50th Street across from 5th Avenue. It draws huge crowds, especially after sundown, and it never fails to awe. After the tree, it’s time to see the famous store windows on Fifth and Madison Avenues. Begin with Saks Fifth Avenue, which usually has a theme to its fashion windows, then head uptown to ogle at the jewelry displays at Harry Winston, Cartier and Tiffany, whose building façade is wrapped up and glowing in its iconic blue bow. Finally, at 59th Street, Bergdorf Goodman never disappoints. It is definitely worth walking a block to Madison Avenue to catch the displays at Barney’s and Hermes, even if it is freezing cold. If you are not with children, consider warming up with a cocktail in the elegantly decorated lobbies of The Plaza Hotel or The St. Regis. Those with children will delight in the food hall located below The Plaza where hot chocolate, coffee, and sweet and savory snacks can be had. For those looking to purchase gifts at a more practical price range, there are several outdoor holiday markets where you can shop, dine and enjoy the holiday spirit. The Winter Village at Bryant Park is magical, with an array of clothing, accessories, crafts, toys and other shops, dining options and even a skating rink. Opens: October 28, 2022. The Union Square Holiday Market, well known for its artisan shops, is loaded with foods for holiday cooking and gifting, and an array of gifts ranging from jewelry to leather goods. Opens: November 17, 2022. The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle is similar to Union Square but slightly smaller, with more of a street fair feel. For some funky and unique gifts, check out Artists and Fleas at Chelsea Market (other locations in SoHo and Williamsburg), a pop-up bazaar representing over 30 local artists and craftsmen who display their work. Bronx Zoo Have a great family time soaking in the immersive light displays, the custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows, a holiday train, ice carving demonstrations, and costumed stilt walkers at the Bronx Zoo. Opens – November 18, 2022-January 8, 2023 Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards An indoor-outdoor light and music show featuring more than 2 million white lights. Opens: End of November 2022. Finally, the Grand Central Holiday Fair, located in Vanderbilt Hall inside Grand Central Terminal, offers one-of-a-kind gifts from more than 70 vendors and is not to be missed. Opens: November 14 – December 24, 2022 If these are not enough lights for you, a ride to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn will exceed your expectations with its elaborate, professionally mastered home displays. The entire neighborhood, but especially between 11th and 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th Streets, is lit up with jaw-dropping light displays and draws nightly crowds throughout the month. Opens: December 1, 2022. As they say, “only in New York!” Wishing all The Connections’ readers a happy, healthy and glittering holiday season! By Jill Stolz Illuminated Holiday Fun in NYC – A Perfect Family Outing After the tree, it’s time to see the famous store windows on Fifth and Madison Avenues. Begin with Saks Fifth Avenue, which usually has a theme to its fashion windows, then head uptown to ogle at the jewelry displays at Harry Winston, Cartier and Tiffany, whose building façade is wrapped up and glowing in its iconic blue bow. ADVENTURES FAMILY
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