The modern use of the word mentor:
A trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person

Without others to follow & learn from, life would be so much more challenging

FYI: Father Day is Sunday (public service announcement)
My Father turns 82 on Saturday – simply amazing.

I see my Father daily in my mind.
I attempt to channel him when I can.
He created a wonderful family and life for the Nelson clan w/ my Mom.
Not the perfect family; they do not exist
My Father is the most trusting, honest, hard-working & loving man I know.
He shows this thru his daily activities & how he takes care of Mom & my brother and sister.
He still mows the Lions Park in Merrifield, MN + fixes furnaces & anything else their church needs.
He runs around w/ a bunch of other 80 something men, who have lived full lives & raised families of their own.
Dad will take in information, process it & then carefully word or make a response
I am still working on being like that
I am too quick to respond
Character flaws – I have plenty of them

Mentors share experiences, so others can skip the many potholes life has in our paths
Obviously we need or will learn from them & move as per each our own ways

To agree to disagree ~ it is part of the process
Communication is key

I love my Father & am thankful he is still amongst us
Happy Birthday Dad
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I happen to know that a lot of people from the LGBT knock themselves out so the rest of you have memories that last a lifetime or @ least a few days, given the way some of you parlay/play your weekend.
Please acknowledge & thank the people you see along the parade route, the rally, the Pridefest, The two dances
They are ALL volunteers ~ including my office
For 12 months they work w/ the city to get better places & situations
NYC is not easy
Permits & assorted things make this very challenging for Heritage of Pride
This may be the last dance on Pier 54
There are plans to tear it down and build a new one (and we all know its long overdue)
The parade is shorter in length ~ so no excuses!
The Rally is in Central Park!
For complete info: http://www.nycpride.org

This is a long ass newsletter, so take your time.
Please come to Stonewall on Monday the 20th & The Ziegfeld on the 23rd ~ something different + fun.
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I was in Southold Long Island this past weekend w/ a friend.
I am allergic to shell fish & do not drink alcohol.
Southold & Greenport are in the middle of wine country & sea food ~ I still gained weight
I spent some of the time to get my head on straight (never in this lifetime will that happen btw) it was raining buckets, so no beach time. Still got color thanks to Future Tan on Greenwich.

I came home Sunday night & found that a longtime friend & business associate had past away.

This is from Bob Ponterelli:
As many of you know my dearest friend & business partner, Stephen Heighton, passed away this past Saturday.
It would be impossible for me to thank each of you individually who have sent me messages of support for me & of your love for Stephen. I will be forever grateful.

There will be a gathering of Stephen’s friends to honor & remember him.
Monday, June 20, 2011 from 7 – 9pm.
Elmo Restaurant on Seventh Ave between 19th / 20th Street)

Condolences, thoughts & prayers to Bob, Stephen family & friends & their staffs of their businesses

Bob & Stephen opened the original Crowbar in the early 90′s ~ where legends were discovered & born
Barracuda is a landmark, elmo is where we ALL go & Industry is one the places in Hells Kitchen where they continued to bring something fresh & new to our community

Stephen actually lived in my building in Chelsea, so I was fortunate enuff to see him fairly often ~ his warmth & quick smile always enhanced my day.
He celebrated life & his enthusiasm was inspiring
Rest in Peace

x
Mark