26 DECEMBER 1, 2016 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM Thanksgiving Joyous on Many Levels vschneps@ gmail.com Ours was a politics-free Thanksgiving with signs at every plate abolishing such discussions. We were not the only ones. My friend’s family dinner table was set with signs posted for guests reading, “no politics spoken.” Passions ran so high at the election that we all wanted a day off from politics simply to share stories from family and friends. And so we did. My daughter Samantha, who lives near me, made a delicious dinner for 25 that was both picture-perfect and fi lled with so many holidays dishes we all took home “ doggie” bags with enough food to continue enjoying the turkey and fi xings for days! But that’s how my mom made Thanksgiving dinner too. I knew I wouldn’t have to cook for days! But as it has been for years, the day was all about bringing the family together. I never get enough of seeing my six little grandkids, from 17 months to 10 years old, playing together from the moment they arrive, to the cries, “But, I don’t want to go.” The older Yunis/Broner grandchildren I got to hug at a Saturday brunch. Bonding is big for me and I loved seeing 10-year-old Blake carrying little Sloane like a little father! It doesn’t get better than that! Fortunately, there is life aft er eating and I took the kids to see the Rockettes at the majestic Radio City Music Hall in Rockefeller Center where the famous stunningly decorated Christmas tree has been set in place overlooking the ice skating rink. My mom had taken me to see the holiday show and then I took my children and now my treat is to take my grandchildren to a show that has been thrilling families since 1932. Since my girls all take dancing lessons, I knew they would adore the precision dancers’ routines and costumes and the boys, the wonder of the production. I was right! But I think I had the most fun because I felt like a tourist in my own city. The 80-year-old showplace was created by John D. Rockefeller just after the market crash of 1929. He had a long-term lease on the property, and had the vision and boldness to build the complex that he believed would stand as a symbol of optimism and hope. What a wise man he was! He employed over 40,000 people in the height of the Depression, building his “city within the city” and creating a masterpiece of architecture that is a lasting legacy. The job of creating an interior design for the largest theatre in the world -- it has 6,000 seats, as a “palace for the people” -- went over 83 years ago to a relatively unknown, Donald Deskey, who chose “elegance over excess, grandeur above glitz,” said design critics, creating an interior that replicated the elegance of a cruise ship. I just stood in the center of the Art Deco great hall and took in the stunningly glistening crystal chandeliers, the rich carpets, the elegant staircases with gilded banisters. It is now a registered landmark appropriately honored for its interior design. In 1999, a $70 million renovation restored many of the murals and paintings and interiors. Ironically, the hydraulic systems that move the 10,000-square-foot stage was built so well it needed little improvement. The Rockettes perform four shows a day with 80 employed and 36 on stage each show. They sparkled with smiles and costumes that put a smile on my face for the entire 90-minute show. It’s remarkable to me that life has changed so much for me these many decades, but this show is truly timeless! The giant Wurlitzer organ, built 65 years ago, has entertained audiences and while we waited for the show to begin, its melodious sounds entertained us as it has for generations. The show added a 3-D element and I watched Santa in his sleigh pass over my head and throw a boxed gift that I felt I could catch. My favorite scene is the age-old dance of the toy soldiers. Nothing beats their interlocking arms catching each other as the skillful synchronized performers fall down! What a sight! They bowled me over too with their performance. At dinner, we went around the room to ask each family member what they were thankful for -- was it the same at your house? -- good health, family, friends and peace! May this come true for you. Victoria’s Secrets Victoria SCHNEPS-YUNIS tweet me @vschneps
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