Jim’s here today and we’re working on a few professional issues. I told him not to book me from 3:00 central time until about five because I had to watch the Kennedy Center memorial service for fellow Buffalonian Timothy J. Russert.
The service was beautifully done, save the audio cutouts that will probably get someone fired, along with a lighting guy. The remembrances were funny and tear-inspiring from his friends, colleagues and son.
We served in NY State government at the same time and I’m sure we passed each other in the halls but he was the Governor’s counselor and I was a 22 year-old kid in my first after-college job.
He did work for Governor Cuomo. The last night of one year’s six-month Session I’d been up for two weeks with about 5 hours sleep per night. Eating pizza that we paid for and I was also covering for a bunch of people who said, “Dee will stay ’til the end, she’s single and only lives a couple of blocks away.” When I went for a review and raise I was always told, “but you’re single and the guy who is your junior by two years has a wife and two kids and he only has to manage 250 bills less than you.”
But that was the eighties and hopefully it has changed. So after two weeks eating junk food and staying up all night… It was customary for the Governor to address the Senate and Assembly chambers upon annual adjourment. There was five minutes left for the year and, exhausted, I slogged down one of the beautiful (and now restored) staircases and it was just me and the Gov! All I could think of to say was “Good night, Governor.” He replied the same. No aides, no entourage (mine was home asleep). But I always traveled with an entourage, don’t know about the Gov….
So Mr. Russert was of the 2nd floor, and I was from the fourth floor and for one year in an attic with an office mate I grew to love. We’d occasionally spend lunch at the toy store buying stuff for us and for his kids, of course. We did purchase and strategically place plastic ants on food for the annual staff picnic. Hey Dennis and MG! Their kids are in college now.
Those were some heady days and while Mr. Russert was a big dude, I learned a lot and got to write many pieces of legislation that affected 34 million New Yorkers. That made me take a big breath before submitting anything for action.
My thoughts and prayers go out out to his wife and son, and his dad, Big Russ. The Buffalo Bills and Sabres will be missing a big fan so need your assistance in the years to come. Check out Pam’s recent comment for where to find Beef on ‘Weck. And y’all need to go to Anchor Bar for some original Buffalo Wings.
I looked for a Rolling Rock here and couldn’t find one. Not even a PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon, for neophytes) and would have hoisted it in his honor. Guess I’ll have to call the family in upstate NY to do that task.
Your Buffalo girl, Dee
Cooking with Dee 