December 1st, 2024

Good mornings folks,

    The connection that I made nearly a year ago with these bright, young friends from Sicily resulted in their trip to the United States. The past week has just been delightful. They packed in as many events as they could handle within a little over a week, including a trip to Niagara Falls, a day at our store and a hockey game in Rochester. We shuttled back-and-forth between Rochester and Penn Yan. Luckily they were able to stay in Gavin‘s old apartment in Rochester for a few nights so they could "visit some pubs". We went to see the band, Candy Country with our own Ryan Yarmel on bass at the Rochester landmark, The Record Archive. They got a back stage tour of Leo’s Bakery, Deli and Café from none other than the head honcho,my brother Patrick. Then he graciously treated them to their first breakfast sandwich which they promptly devoured. He also gave us some very delicious Italian cookies which we served at the store on Friday. All of this was sandwiched around a great Thanksgiving feast with my brothers and sisters and my children and grandchildren….needless to say, I was in my glory.

     Today they head back to New York, where they will spend a day and then fly back to Sicily on Wednesday. I will miss their bright faces around our house. But within a month, Julie and I will be back in Sicily and we will hook up with them again in fact, I have been invited to Marco’s graduation from Music school in February and I am looking very much forward to it. I have included some pictures of their stay with us, including their great first Thanksgiving dinner as well as pictures from around the store. Today is CYBER MONDAY! Checkout the great offerings the Ryan and Sam have put together. There are great deals on select instruments and accessories plus there are all kinds outrageous specials. This is the best time to buy from Bernunzio’s! So, if you’ve been saving up, take a look at the deals they are offering up.

With peace,

John Bernunzio

At Leo’s Bakery, Deli and Cafe

Chicken wings for the very first time!

At the GREAT RECORD ARCHIVE. with Candy Country

Thanksgiving!!!

The "meet and greet" at the store took up most of Friday…

This young woman drove in from out of town and we discussed banjos for quite sometime. She left with a very nice, Rochester made "Hickory Street"

Sam Snyder employs the great artist, Ken Luk to make a video of a classical guitar.

On our last night together, Gavin Rice drove in to join us for a few leftover chicken wings and perform a few tunes. He always knows how to liven a party.

In one month Julie and I will be in Trapani to reunite with our friends!