Your hometown… The pandemic has caused us to re-think many aspects of our lives. For me, it has also left time for reminiscing and rediscovering some of my favorite things.

I grew up in Elkins Park, a quintessential suburban neighborhood in Cheltenham Township, about 10 miles north of Center City. It was a great place for a kid to be a kid. We had our choice of fields close to home that we could run around in, play baseball and shoot some hoops. And, when we got tired of “competitive” athletics, we could always wreak havoc by riding our stingray bicycles or skateboards recklessly through the quiet streets.

For a small community, we were fortunate to have three drugstores to choose from: Farber’s, Entine’s and the Susan Pharmacy. Mr. Farber, the pharmacist, was a kind, patient man who indulged me as I spent (what seemed like) hours foraging through his selection of model cars. I would always leave with one in my arms (and the requisite Testors glue), so I guess Mr. Farber didn’t mind if I camped out in the store for a while. And, of course, I would satisfy my chocolate fix by purchasing a Kit-Kat or Hershey bar with the model car. My room was filled with all types of model cars–a dusting challenge for my mom.

Entine’s Pharmacy was just around the corner from Farber’s. I could never understand why there were two drugstores in close proximity, but they each seemed to have their favorite customers. From a competitive standpoint, Entine’s had two attractions for kids that Farber’s did not–a soda fountain and “Rex.” Rex was a gorgeous, gentle collie who would roam the store. I would pet Rex from head to tail for good luck each time I came in to order a chocolate coke at the soda fountain.

Nearby was the “commercial corridor” of Elkins Park, located on Old York Road between Church Road and Spring Avenue. Several revered Elkins Park businesses lined this bustling strip, including the Chuckwagon, John’s Seafood and (last and least) the Ripplewood Bar, affectionately known as the “Rip.”

We were blessed with two fine eating establishments. The Chuckwagon was a cafeteria-style deli which featured favorites like corned beef, salami and tongue sandwiches (for the adventurous). Obviously, no one had heard of cholesterol back then. The best thing about the Chuckwagon was the “fixins” table in the back of the restaurant, fully stocked with crispy dill pickles and coleslaw. Rumor has it that some of the neighborhood kids would sneak in the back door and help themselves to the treasure trove. John’s Seafood, a nondescript, no-frills takeout shop, was famously known for its delicious french fries. To this day, I think John’s french fries (served in a Chinese takeout container) were the best I ever had in my life.

The Ripplewood Bar was a quaint little gathering place for the neighborhood dignitaries, such as “Kelly the bum,” to discuss world events and play a little pinball. For some neighborhood folks, the Rip was an oasis; for others, it was an eyesore. Enough said about the Rip.

Finally, my reminiscing would not be complete without a shoutout to Ogontz Junior High. High up on a hill (literally), this striking edifice was originally the home of Cheltenham High School (go Panthers). I have many fond memories of playing pick-up basketball in the appropriately named “pits,” located in the lower level of the school, and performing in the orchestra at concerts in the grand auditorium. Sadly, some years after Ogontz closed its doors, the entire building was destroyed by fire. The former site of Ogontz is now a lovely 11-acre park named, affectionately, High School Park.

So, as the Bon Jovi song goes, “Who says you can’t go home”…even if it is only in your mind during a pandemic!

The end of the OFFICE dynamic?

Anyone who has seen “The Office” can relate to the myriad personality types you may have to work with in an office setting. The pandemic has at least temporarily ended the typical office structure, as most of us have been hunkered down at home in front of our personal computers over the past 11 months (has it been that long already?). Some thoroughly enjoy being apart from their colleagues, and others are literally climbing the walls from social deprivation.

No matter which category you fall into, we have all interacted with memorable coworkers at one time or another in our quest to climb the corporate ladder. At the risk of generalizing, I have attempted to give you a flavor for some of the common “office” personalities you might encounter once we finally return to our offices. Any Resemblance to Actual Persons, Living or Dead, is Purely Coincidental.

The Martyr – This individual is indispensable to the operations of the business. The Martyr is the first one to arrive at the office (usually before sunrise) and the last one to leave. Another sign of an office Martyr is the deluge of emails you receive from them at 4:10 a.m. or 11:55 p.m. If the Martyr were to take a job elsewhere, several extraordinary things would happen. The remaining employees would freeze solid and find themselves incapable of continuing their daily tasks. The business would quickly grind to a halt and the world would come to an end.

The Comic – This individual perceives himself as a mix of Will Ferrell, Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Pryor and The Three Stooges. In fact, the Comic is extremely obnoxious and annoying. The Comic will often play juvenile practical jokes on his coworkers, which make him as popular as an ingrown toenail. Colleagues often wonder if the Comic does even 15 minutes of real, actual work during the day (credit to “Office Space” for the quote). Despite this fact, the Comic just celebrated his 25th anniversary with the company. I guess somebody high-up in the corporate hierarchy either has a poor sense of humor or is completely oblivious to the suffering of the office peons.

The Popular Clique – Remember your high school days?  Maybe you would rather forget them. My first memory of high school was the cliquishness of the student body; second is the awful cafeteria food. From the start everyone seemed to join forces with a smaller group of students with shared interests and attributes. The most disliked group was—by far—the popular clique. These were the cool students who seemed to always have 10 to 20 fellow students hanging outside their locker, each a wannabee member of the clique. Unfortunately, you cannot escape your high school days once you enter the workforce. The popular clique is alive and well in the office environment. In my opinion, it is always preferable not to be part of an office clique and instead go your own way (credit to Fleetwood Mac).

The Teacher’s Pet – Also analogous to your school days, the teacher’s pet is one of those individuals who is universally despised. If your coworker is a teacher’s pet, you will undoubtedly understand what I mean. The teacher’s pet is consumed with pleasing the boss, whether it is treating them to Starbucks coffee in the morning or a smoothie in the afternoon. The teacher’s pet will always make it a point to sit next to the boss at a staff meeting and echo the bosses’ comments. Quite often, the teacher’s pet will take on the characteristics of a Martyr (see above).

This barely covers the multitude of interesting personalities you may encounter in the office. Suffice it to say that you may regret not pursuing a psychology degree (or at least a minor) during your Drexel years!

As highly motivated Drexel students, you are constantly thinking about your careers and future accomplishments. An integral and gratifying aspect of your career will be participating in professional organizations. In my many years as a tax specialist, I have found professional organizations to be extremely beneficial in helping me accomplish my career goals.

To start with, these organizations will help you establish a place in your professional “community.” For example, the Tax Executives Institute (TEI) is a national tax organization for in-house tax professionals with local chapters throughout the country. I had been a long-time member of the Philadelphia Chapter’s State and Local Tax Committee and attended monthly meetings for years. The Committee consists of highly respected, well-known tax accountants and lawyers from the Philadelphia area. Over time, I got to know the committee members very well and became a regular part of the greater Philadelphia tax community.

A huge benefit of joining a professional organization is the opportunity to network with colleagues who have similar backgrounds and interests. In fact, one of the greatest benefits of professional networking is exchanging experiences and ideas that will help improve your job performance.

A truly rewarding outcome of networking is that you will make lifelong friends. Based in Washington DC, The Council on State Taxation (COST) is the premier state tax organization in the country. COST has over 600 members, representing most of the largest companies in the United States. While working in private industry, I had the privilege of being on the Board of Directors of COST for nine years and an active member for over 20 years. During that time, I attended many COST events at delightful locations and met fellow tax professionals from all parts of the country. I also had the fantastic opportunity to speak at COST conferences and tax schools. As my mentor, Paul Frankel, once told me, when you join COST you make friends for life. He was right on the money. I met one of my closest friends at my first COST meeting in Lexington, Kentucky… 30 years ago!

Finally, participating in professional organizations is important to becoming a well-rounded expert in your chosen field. It is obviously essential to develop technical skills and deep knowledge of the subject matter, but the close relationships you develop through professional organizations will clearly increase your value to your employer.

I have been very fortunate to belong to several outstanding professional tax organizations over the years, and it has positively impacted my career and network. I highly recommend that you consider membership in a professional organization a priority as you begin your career.

You will not regret it!

Based on my observations, I would imagine most people’s careers are not linear. In fact, you will experience many ups and downs, twists and turns and times when you seriously question if you are on the right career path. Many of us have childhood friends who knew exactly what they wanted to do at an early age. Sometimes you decide to follow in your mom or dad’s footsteps, particularly if they are happy with their occupation and they make a comfortable living.

I believe this is the exception rather than the rule.

As I look back on my days at Drexel University, I was really quite clueless about my future career path. I majored in accounting because I had always been a good math student. Unbeknownst to me, financial accounting does not require significant math skills. At one point during my pre-junior year, I lost interest in accounting and nearly changed my major to psychology. The work assigned to me during my co-ops did not excite me, but I stuck with it and graduated with an accounting degree and a full-time position with my last co-op employer, a regional public accounting firm. As an associate, I enjoyed the camaraderie of public accounting and had an opportunity to experience many different areas of accounting, including tax return preparation.

I became interested in state and local tax during my second job with a privately owned business, where I was responsible for preparing and filing the company’s sales and use tax returns, in addition to various general accounting duties. This was something I had no prior experience with, but more or less learned on the job. I started preparing the monthly tax returns by using the “SALY” method (Same as Last Year) and eventually learned how to analyze and research hundreds of transactions to determine their taxability. After this new and challenging experience, I was ready to find a role where I could be fully dedicated to state and local tax and grow my career. The rest is history.

When I graduated from Drexel, I had little knowledge of state and local taxes, let alone the great variety of career opportunities available to me. Fast forward, I have happily spent my entire career in the challenging field of state and local taxation. My professional experience has included many years with a global chemical producer, several large public accounting firms, and most recently, municipal government.

My first experience with teaching began when I volunteered to participate in LeBow’s UNIV 101 capstone course. At the time, students were required to give a 10-minute “personal pitch” presentation to the class on their career plans and goals. Instructors would invite several industry professionals (mostly Drexel alums) to join their classes and provide feedback on the students’ presentations. I thoroughly enjoyed being back at my alma mater and the opportunity to interact with students in the classroom. It was a random cup of coffee with Professor Dana D’Angelo that completely opened my eyes to what would become my true passion — teaching. During our coffee chat, Professor D’Angelo saw how excited I was about my UNIV 101 experiences. She suggested I become an adjunct instructor of UNIV 101. The idea of teaching had never crossed my mind until that moment, but I was definitely intrigued by the suggestion.

I’m forever grateful for Professor D’Angelo and that informal coffee chat that led me to my true passion. I began by teaching UNIV 101 and later on created a basic state and local tax course (TAX 360) which I have been thrilled to teach to undergraduate LeBow students for several years. In fact, some of my former students have joined the state and local tax profession!

I feel very fortunate to have fallen into two careers that I find infinitely enjoyable and rewarding.

So you see, sometimes it takes a few twists and turns before you end up on the right path.

Always accept an invitation for a cup of coffee — you may be pleasantly surprised!

My interest in music began at an early age. I’m not exactly sure why, but at the age of five, I became enthralled with arguably the greatest cellist of the 20th century: Pablo Casals. I think it was the rich, sonorous sounds that attracted me to the instrument. I was transfixed by Casals’ technique.

Although I was a small child and the cello was quite large, an instructor at the Settlement Music School decided to take me on as a beginner student. This instructor was none other than Marcel Farago, a virtuoso cellist and composer with the Philadelphia Orchestra for nearly 40 years. I will never forget how patient he was with me and how we sometimes played duets during practice.

I enjoyed playing in my elementary and junior high school orchestras, although I never considered myself an accomplished classical musician. When I was about 10, my musical horizons were broadened (along with millions of others) when I first heard The Beatles. At the time, I started buying “45” records at the local record shop and played them over and over and over again until the grooves wore down. I think my mom got to know the songs as well as I did…from a distance. I gleefully recall Magic Carpet Ride, Midnight Confessions and All Day and All of the Night as being some of my favorites.

As the years went by, I often wondered whether I would enjoy rock and roll as much when I got older. In fact, music has clearly withstood the test of time for me. I enjoy it just as much today, if not more!

It all started with The Beatles and quickly expanded to other British bands of that era, in particular The Rolling Stones. I am a devout Rolling Stones fan and will not waiver from my adulation of their blues-based rock and roll. Some of my favorite Stones songs, among many, are: Sympathy for the Devil, All Down the Line, Wild Horses, Sway and Moonlight Mile.

Back in the day, when a new Beatles or Stones album was released, it was truly an occasion to celebrate. Fans (myself included) would happily line up at the record shop to procure a copy of their latest vinyl album. Some local radio stations actually played the new Beatles or Stones record on the air, from beginning to end.

Speaking of vinyl albums, I can still feel the excitement of removing the cellophane to admire the album cover artwork and read the liner notes. The creativity behind such album covers as Big Brother and the Holding Company’s “Cheap Thrills” or Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” enhanced the listening experience.

My childhood friend Mark Small and I were miles ahead of our other classmates as we thoroughly explored such artists as Frank Zappa, Jefferson Airplane and Jimi Hendrix from Mark’s living room stereo (volume turned up to the max, of course). One fine day, Mark called me up and excitedly invited me over. He had just purchased The Beatles’ latest record, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (He beat me to it). We listened to the album several times, being completely fascinated by this extraordinary collection of musical styles. In my view, Pepper’s might be the most influential record of my generation. I would highly recommend you listen to Pepper’s uninterrupted, from beginning to end, without checking your cell phone!

During the pandemic, having the time to re-experience my favorite music has been a godsend. From the stinging slide guitar of Duane Allman, to the exquisite harmonies of the Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills, Nash (and sometimes Young), to the snarling bluesy vocals of Mick Jagger, to the thunderous drumming of Ginger Baker, music will always be a huge part of my life.

It’s only rock and roll…but I love it!

As most of us have been stuck in our homes for quite a while, I thought it would be enjoyable to go on a virtual trip to some of my favorite areas of the country. Let’s begin at the West Coast (or “Left Coast,” as some say) and then make our way back to Philadelphia.

Some years ago, I flew out to San Francisco to attend a business conference in Sonoma — a gorgeous spot in the heart of California’s wine country. I rented a car at the airport and headed North through the city, toward the Golden Gate Bridge. I was in absolute awe as I made my approach to the breathtaking red-orange bridge. Here I was, driving over the most iconic bridge in the country, which I had only seen in photographs and films until then. And, as luck would have it, the weather was crystal clear, and I was able to enjoy a spectacular view of the bay. This was obviously a step up from the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge.

Heading east, I would be remiss if I didn’t make a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Once again, a business conference brought me to this attractive city, surrounded by beautiful open space. New Mexico’s state capital is well known for its panoramic views and pueblo-style architecture. Santa Fe is home to many museums, among them The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to one of America’s most significant artists. Also not to be missed is the landmark Santa Fe Plaza, which features Spanish, Native American and Mexican art and jewelry.

The next stop is probably my most favorite U.S. city of all: Chicago. Referred to as the Windy City, Chi-Town and the City of Broad Shoulders, Chicago has something for everyone. First and foremost, Chicago is one of the most architecturally significant cities in the world. The skyline is absolutely awe-inspiring. Downtown Chicago, referred to as “the Loop,” contains hundreds of important high-rise structures in a variety of styles. If you do visit Chicago (I would avoid the winter), it is mandatory that you take an architectural boat tour.

Adjacent to Chicago is the Village of Oak Park, famous for its many Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes. This should definitely be part of your itinerary. And finally, you must make a reservation at Shaw’s Crab House and order Shaw’s seafood platter. This is nirvana on a plate, with griddled garlic shrimp, sea scallops and a crab cake. Of course, you must wash this down with a frosty mug of Goose Island beer.

After leaving the Midwest, I would highly recommend a visit to the charming Southern port city of Charleston, South Carolina. Probably the most amazing thing about Charleston is that strangers on the street will strike up a conversation with you, and you immediately become best friends. Charleston has so much to offer and is full of history. Charleston’s historic pastel antebellum houses (Rainbow Row) are best appreciated by taking a long walk down its cobblestone streets. Make sure you also meander through the Battery promenade and Waterfront Park, which overlook the Charleston harbor. If beaches are to your liking, you should take an excursion to Isle of Palms or Folly Beach.

Finally, if you are a foodie, Charleston is the place for you!  Some of my favorite restaurants in Charleston are Husk, Poogan’s Porch, Slightly North of Broad  and Blossom. My mouth is now watering for a lobster roll — the Charleston version of a cheesesteak. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with any of these choices.

I think that is enough virtual traveling for now, and we should head back to the City of Brotherly Love. I hope I’ve given you a fairly accurate impression of these wonderful places! After COVID-19, consider taking a break and traveling to these amazing spots!

On many occasions, when I introduce myself as a Senior Revenue Policy Analyst for the Philadelphia Revenue Department, I see the other person roll their eyes or give me a weird look. There is a good reason for that. For most people, tax is something to be avoided (no pun intended), somewhat like going to the dentist.

To be specific, I have spent most of my career specializing in state and local taxes. If you are considering tax as a career, and I hope you do, you will typically start out as a generalist. This means that you will get exposure to different forms of businesses (corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and so on) and various types of taxes (federal, state and local). In other words, you will get a little taste of everything tax has to offer!

Similar to your college experience, it might be wise to select a major as you advance in your tax career. I actually fell into my chosen major, state and local taxation, relatively early on in my career. After graduation, I worked for a mid-sized regional public accounting firm in Center City. As an associate, I gained experience in many different areas – general accounting, compilations, reviews and tax return preparation. During tax season I recall hungrily (yes, hungrily) taking a client’s tax return information from the “returns to be prepared” basket. For me, preparing individual tax returns was much like completing a complex jigsaw puzzle that required researching how the pieces fit together. This was my first exposure to taxes, and I enjoyed it from the start.

You might also want to consider a sub-specialty, which may increase your value to a firm’s tax practice. For example, if you decide to major in state and local taxes, there are many niches to think about. For example, you could specialize in sales tax consulting, property taxes, tax policy, audit defense or credits and incentives. By concentrating in one particular area of tax, you become the “go-to” person who is always in demand for your expertise.

Most tax professionals have undergraduate accounting or general business degrees. Those who are serious about long-term careers in tax will attend graduate school to earn a Master’s in Taxation degree. And in the state and local tax world, it is quite common for professionals to have law degrees. There are a great many career opportunities in tax, including positions in public accounting, private industry, law firms, government and tax-focused think tanks.

So, what do I enjoy most about taxation? I’ve always been fascinated by how politics and the economy influence tax legislation. Tax policies are constantly evolving to keep pace with changes in the economy. And politics clearly play a significant role in formulating tax policy. There is never a dull moment in the tax world. In practice, you are constantly being challenged by new and intellectually stimulating issues.

One thing is for certain, taxes aren’t going away anytime soon. There will always be a need for skilled tax practitioners. As a former student of mine eloquently stated when asked why we needed state and local taxes: “to buy stuff.” Yes, taxes pay for public education, infrastructure, social services, police and fire protection and many other essential government services.

So don’t be bashful, consider taking the plunge into taxes!

I’ve always been a huge film fan (some say fanatical), but the pandemic has allowed me to re-visit many films which I hadn’t seen in quite a while. I thought I’d briefly review of a few of my favorite films and hope you have an opportunity to enjoy them. Each is a different genre of film. All of these films have had a profound impact on me, to the point where I’ve watched them all many times. Don’t forget the popcorn!

David and Lisa (1962)

This poignant look at mental illness among institutionalized young adults is a truly a gem. The Frank Perry directed film stars Keir Dullea as David and Janet Margolin as Lisa and was filmed on location in the Philadelphia area. “David and Lisa” is impressive for its sympathetic portrayal of the main characters and gradual development of their loving relationship.

“David and Lisa” is the story of self-discovery and growing attachment between an emotionally disturbed young man and woman. Interestingly, Dullea and Margolin had very little acting experience prior to this film, but both gave memorable performances. It was unusual for a film to address the subject of mental illness in the early ’60s, but Frank and Eleanor Perry (the film’s screenwriters) — in their feature debut — treated this semi-documentary with maturity and discretion.    

Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

From the esteemed British director David Lean, this gripping wartime adventure film is a must-see. The universally acclaimed film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. Without any hesitation, I would consider “Bridge on the River Kwai” to be among my top 10 favorite films. The wonderful international cast includes Alec Guinness, William Holden, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa and James Donald. This superbly directed and acted film includes some of the most memorable adventure scenes ever to appear on celluloid — in particular, the long and torturous march into the Burmese Jungle, led by Major Warden (Jack Hawkins) and Lieutenant Commander Major Shears (William Holden). The ending is absolutely spectacular.  

Blow-Up (1966)

“Blow-Up,” a British film directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, presents a snapshot of London in the Swinging Sixties. I thoroughly enjoy British films, and “Blow-Up” is a great one.  This mystery thriller film follows a day in the life of Thomas (David Hemmings), a young fashion photographer who takes his craft seriously. Although Thomas is immediately unlikeable, we are instantly drawn into his unconventional world. The film’s visual images, from Thomas’ photography studio to his Rolls Royce convertible to the scenes in the park, are unforgettable. And let’s not forget the music, which was scored by jazz legend Herbie Hancock. The film also features a scene with the Yardbirds, a famous British rock group of the ’60s.  

To say that “Blow-Up” is ambiguous is an understatement. This film is not recommended for viewers who seek a clear resolution tied up in a neat little bow.

Cape Fear (1962)

I am a huge fan of suspense films, especially those directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Cape Fear, directed by J. Lee Thompson, is one of the best of the genre. Many of you are probably familiar with the remake, starring Robert De Niro, but I find the original to be more gripping and raw. (I generally don’t care for remakes.) Max Cady (Robert Mitchum) is a pathological ex-con who holds Sam Bowden (Gregory Peck), a lawyer, personally responsible for being sentenced to eight years in prison for rape. Bowden had served as a witness in Cady’s trial. Cady begins a campaign of terror against Bowden and his family, which will seemingly continue until he gets complete revenge.  Mitchum gives an unforgettable, creepy performance as the despicable Max Cady. The film also features excellent performances from Polly Bergen, Martin Balsam and Telly Savalas. The chilling Bernard Hermann score adds to the suspense, which ratchets up as the plot progresses.  

With a lot of chaos and turmoil in this country and around the world, sometimes it can be nice to lay back, relax and enjoy a good movie.

At the beginning of 2020, who would’ve thought that we would be living through a pandemic that would severely disrupt the lives of everyone (with the possible exception of hermits)? When I left my office at the Municipal Services Building in Center City the afternoon of March 17, I expected to return to work in a few weeks. Boy, did I miscalculate! Here we are at the beginning of August, and it appears I will be working from home for the foreseeable future – along with many others in my circle.

I will admit there are a great many advantages to working from home. I do miss the social interactions with my co-workers, particularly coffees and lunches with colleagues and friends at the many great restaurants in Center City. I’ve vowed to treat myself to a lobster roll at Luke’s Lobster when I finally return to the office! As an adjunct professor at LeBow, I truly miss the excitement of the campus and my personal interactions with outstanding Drexel students. I keep telling myself – this is not forever, and we WILL survive this crisis and be much stronger for what we have endured.

Although it is easy to dwell on the negatives during this anxious and challenging time, I have learned that it is much healthier to have a positive outlook. I work for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Revenue in the tax policy group. Given the City’s bleak fiscal situation, I am extremely grateful to have a wonderful, intellectually stimulating job. I am also able to work from home during the pandemic and be just as productive as if I were in the office. There are of course times when I feel isolated from my colleagues, but that sense of isolation is somewhat mitigated by technologies such as Zoom, FaceTime and the old fashioned phone call. What if we didn’t have access to technology at a time like this?

Working from home clearly has its benefits. From the start, I established a daily routine during the workweek, and I am committed to sticking with it. Since my commute into the office has been reduced from one hour to one minute (at most), I have started my day earlier – meaning that most days I have time for a leisurely breakfast. I am no longer concerned with delays or cancellations on my Regional Rail line, as I now walk to work. My commuting expense has dropped to zero.

In addition, I have saved money on professional business clothes and accessories. My normal workplace attire during the summer has been a comfortable T-shirt and shorts. Occasionally, I will change into a dress shirt when I have to participate in a formal Zoom event. Shaving is optional.

On those days when the temperature doesn’t approach three digits, my workday is broken up by a long walk through the neighborhood. For lunch and dinner, we often dine al fresco on the patio of the casual “Liss Bistro.” Finally, the pandemic has given me an opportunity to uncover old (and new) concert videos available on YouTube. In fact, I recently discovered an awesome band – Haim – which I had never heard of before the pandemic. Staying at home also offers you the opportunity to binge-watch Netflix series, such as Designated Survivor. It is quite addictive.

So you see, working from home during a pandemic isn’t so bad after all. Stay healthy and wear a mask!

Memories! I have many fond memories from my five years at Drexel in the mid to late 1970s!

Back in the day, there was no commuter rail tunnel. I would take the Reading Railroad train (now SEPTA) from my Montgomery County home to Reading Terminal (now Jefferson Station). I’d depart the train and hop on the Frankford El, which took me to 30th Street. Yes, I became a seasoned commuter, like most Drexel students on campus at that time. As evidence of how much things have changed from a student life perspective, there were only five dorms on campus – Myers Hall was the “new” dorm. Imagine that!

On my walk from 30th Street, I would pass Cavanaugh’s Jailhouse. From my recollection, which might be a bit hazy, the Jailhouse was a rather bare-bones bar where Drexel students (those of age, of course) would imbibe Rolling Rock beers after class (and sometimes before). Cavanaugh’s was a rather nice, sit-down restaurant adjacent to the bar. Drexel students couldn’t afford to eat there, of course.

Heading up Market Street, past the landmark Firestone tire center, I would finally arrive at my Drexel “home.” Matheson Hall was the predecessor to Gerri C. Lebow Hall, but there is absolutely no comparison. Matheson fit right in with the orange brick motif of the rest of the campus and did not have a Starbucks. Surprisingly, the thing I remember most is Matheson’s commuter lounge. Tucked away in the basement, it was a refuge for me and my fellow commuter buddies between classes. The lounge had a number of comfortable booths, and I seem to recall some classic vending machines in the vicinity. We commuters spent many hours there, mulling over our futures as CFOs.

On Ludlow Street, behind the iconic Main Building, the first food truck in line was the milkshake guy. To this day, I believe my daily cravings for the best vanilla milkshake ever were the direct cause of my high cholesterol. And speaking of refueling after a painful economics lecture, let’s not forget the Dragon’s Den cafeteria in the Creese Student Center – home of the Dragon Burger. Maybe Shake Shack should bring back the Dragon Burger? The Creese Student Center was the hangout at the time (there weren’t many options)…I’m glad part of it still exists.

Basketball! I’ve always been a huge basketball fan. I’m fortunate to have witnessed the 76ers win their last NBA championship in 1983.  Drexel’s basketball teams are always competitive, and I look forward to seeing a men’s and women’s basketball game at the DAC every season. When I first arrived at Drexel, the basketball teams played at the Armory. Yes, that’s right, the DAC was constructed during my years at Drexel. And this was long before the Rec Center. I fondly remember playing pick-up games in the DAC before my commute home. Finding the restrooms was always a challenge, as you had to take a long journey down one (or was it two?) flights of steps and risk missing half of basketball game. Go Dragons!

Social activities at Drexel were much more limited than today, as most students did not live on campus. However, fraternities and sororities were clearly a big part of campus life. On the weekends, I would religiously attend frat parties with my buddies at TEP. Two things stick in my mind about those parties – live bands and Saturday Night Live. SNL made its debut in 1975, with a cast that included John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radnor, Dan Aykroyd and other notable comedians. SNL was so popular that at 11:30 p.m., while the frat party was in full swing, a group of partygoers would congregate around the TV to watch the show!

To say that Drexel is an entirely different place today is an understatement. But despite all the changes over the years, I still get that same warm, comfortable feeling as I walk up Market Street toward G-Hall…the former site of Matheson Hall.