Two Fires, Two Coasts, One Unshaken Spirit: Stepping Up to Help the Jewish Community In Rutherford, NJ

by Dr Dennis Augustine

According to reports, an early-morning blaze has reduced the 100-year old synagogue of Congregation Beth El Chabad of the Meadowlands in Rutherford, NJ, to ashes—destroying its seven sacred Torah scrolls and leaving Rabbi Yitzchok Lerman, his wife, and six children without a home or possessions. Miraculously, they escaped unharmed.

For my wife and me, it feels like déjà vu all over again. A few years ago here in San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley where Cecile and I live, Chabad Almaden was devastated by a similar fire. But thanks to the determination of our Brooklyn-born Rabbi friend—Mendel Weinfeld—then in his early 20s—who rallied the community, and with early donors like us, they rebuilt. In that case, heroic firefighters saved their Torah scrolls.

Though I’m not Jewish, my wife is—and I’ve grown deeply connected to her traditions and the communities that live them. Rutherford’s loss is personal—it’s close to Hoboken, NJ, where I grew up, and where my sister Josie, my brother Stephen, and their families live. I simply felt compelled to help and we donated to the Beth El Chabad Capitol Fund to help them rise above the ashes and Rebuild.

Hawaiian Luau at Rinconada Hills – A Perfect Farewell for Zach

by Dennis Augustine

Last evening, Cecile and I capped off an incredible week hosting our nephew Zach with a spectacular Hawaiian Luau right here at Rinconada Hills in Los Gatos — and we were thrilled to introduce him to our dear friends. He even got to dance with one of our friends (Marleen).

Set on our clubhouse lawn under the soft glow of tiki torches, the night was everything a traditional luau should be — a joyful feast for the senses. We savored appetizers and a full Hawaiian buffet starring a whole Kalua pig, while the Tiki Mai Tai bar (plus wine & beer) kept the island spirit flowing. The evening pulsed with live Hawaiian music by Na Leo Pumehana, and a handsome, thrilling Tahitian fire dancer—a real hit with the ladies, and even a children’s activity center for the keiki.

As we strolled home along the quiet trails of our gated community, we were greeted by an auspicious full moon — mahina piha. In Hawaiian culture, it’s a symbol of abundance, renewal, and spiritual strength. The goddess Hina, keeper of the moon, is believed to shine her wisdom and blessings on such nights.

A magical ending to a week filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Note: See Video Clip of Tahitian Fire Dancer

From Generation to Generation: A Friday Night of Light, Love, and Many Blessings

by Dennis Augustine

In the flicker of candlelight, we were reminded of the faces of those we love, the hands that raised us, and the generations to come.

We eagerly anticipated spending time with our beloved daughter Michelle, our wonderful son-in-law Kyle, and our precious grandchildren Lyla, Emmy, and little Gus. The visit exceeded our expectations and brought even more joy.

Nonnie Cecile outdid herself with a delectable home-cooked feast. Oven-baked eggplant, chicken Caprese, seared asparagus spears, a refreshing mixed greens salad with olives, and a delectable fresh berry crisp tart were just a few of the dishes that tantalized our taste buds.

We were also delighted to have our beloved former Filipina-American nanny, Norlita “Lita” Kaspar, join us. Lita, who once cared for Michelle and Jason, had the wonderful opportunity to meet Michelle and Kyle’s beautiful children. She brought one of my favorites: Filipino beef steak—thinly sliced, marinated in a lemon-soy sauce with sautéed onions, served with white rice and pansit noodles. This dish holds the love of her family of ten siblings.

The house was filled with laughter, art projects lovingly taped to the fireplace mantel, and the joyful energy of three little ones.

Since it was Friday evening, we decided to welcome Shabbat together. Lyla and Emmy helped light the candles, and with sweet voices, they sang the traditional blessings over the flames and the challah. Family, food, faith, and the enduring love that spans generations—this night will forever be etched in our hearts.

Happy Birthday, Nisha – A Celebration of Joy, Kindness, and Community

by Dennis Augustine

We were deeply touched to receive a heartfelt invitation from Paras to celebrate his wonderful wife, Nisha’s, birthday. He shared a quote from Nisha, which beautifully encapsulated the essence of the celebration:

“Nisha always says that a party is just a room until it’s filled with people she loves.”

Our paths crossed with Nisha at a Diwali celebration (Festival of Lights) at the Rinconada Hills in Los Gatos last year. She radiated warmth and joy, gracefully dancing to Bollywood tunes and making her way over to our table to introduce herself. Nisha was actively involved in helping our neighbors and friends, Aniket Singh and his wife, Sphoorti Patil, who were the organizers of the event.

This past weekend, approximately 50 guests gathered on Nisha and Paras’s beautifully renovated, spacious lower-level deck. The adults were delighted with Indian buffet, while the kids couldn’t resist the pizza. Although Cecile couldn’t attend, she graciously assisted me in selecting a beautiful pink orchid plant for Nisha, which was elegantly placed as a centerpiece at the table I shared with other familiar guests.

After dinner, Paras invited everyone to take a group photo before we sang “Happy Birthday” to Nisha. Just as the party was coming to an end, he made a heartwarming announcement: they were donating 40 snack bags to “LifeMoves,” a homeless organization in Silicon Valley. This beautiful gesture truly reflected the spirit of the celebration.

Pink orchids symbolize kindness, joy, and the ability to appreciate beauty in life and share it with others. Nisha and Paras embodied these qualities, making this special event truly memorable for all.

Dinner at Al Castello – “The Castle” of Italian Cuisine

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I had dinner with our foodie friends Sarah and Bill at Al Castello Ristorante Italiano in San Jose — which, in case your Italian’s a little rusty, means “The Castle.”

At 6:45 pm the restaurant was packed, and we got front-row seats to the open kitchen action. Our waiter, Arturo, and the whole crew were friendly, fast, and fun — you could tell they enjoy what they do.

They kicked things off with warm house-made bread for the table (big points there), and while everyone else dove into their pasta dishes, I went rogue and ordered the fresh grilled ahi special — perfectly cooked — with a side of penne tossed in olive oil and a hearty, comforting cup of minestrone soup.

The dessert menu looked dangerously tempting, but since we were all comfortably full, we went with our usual fallback: Dairy Queen swirl cones to cool the palate.

Verdict? 4.5 out of 5 stars. Great food, great service, fun atmosphere. Next time I’m going back for the pizza — and maybe I’ll finally leave room for their incredible classic Italian dessert dishes.

4th of July Celebration in San Jose—Parade, Pedals & Patriotism

by Dennis Augustine

Bill and I biked 20 miles round trip to experience the energy and heart of San Jose’s Rose, White & Blue Parade & Festival—and it was well worth every pedal stroke!

The day kicked off with a car cruise featuring vintage classics all gleaming with pride. Then came the main even—a colorful, free, family-friendly parade that celebrated San Jose’s rich cultural diversity in full style.

We saw first responders, Vietnamese and U.S. military veterans, Miss Vietnam California, a graceful Qigong Academy that also specialize in martial arts and self cultivation. They were dancing with a golden yellow dragon. It represents inner power, good health, add spiritual growth.

Colombian dancers, and community groups from all walks of life. Local leaders like San Jose’s Mayor Matt Mahon’s staff were on hand as was Senator Adam Schiff waving the American flag from a chauffeur driven convertible.

Just before noon we grabbed a front-row sidewalk seat at Luna’s Mexican Restaurant on the Alameda and enjoyed some delicious fish tacos while the festival continued to roll by in full color and rhythm.

A perfect way to celebrate the 4th—with wheels, heart, and heritage, kids and adults alike

A Sacred Heart: Pope Leo XIV's Video Message Released from the Vatican of Love & Compassion to All Creeds

by Dennis Augustine

Yesterday morning, during a peaceful bike ride through Saratoga, California, I felt an unexpected pull to stop by Sacred Heart Church and School. The outdoor space was quietly alive with beauty, I noticed decorations going up—assuming they were primarily for graduation season, I took several photos to share with my sister Josie in New Jersey—a devout Catholic—and continued on my way.

It wasn’t until later, I realized the deeper meaning of my visit. Today is the first Friday of June—a day deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition that I was raised in, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Christ. Unintentionally, I had stepped into a sacred moment.

To Catholics, the Sacred Heart is a symbol of divine love: a love wounded and unyielding; pierced, yet burning with mercy. But its message reaches far beyond Catholicism. It resonates with anyone who has ever loved, has ever experienced love, heartbreak, forgiveness, or hope again.

In a video released by the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed the prayer intention for June, which is to foster compassion in the world. This aligns with the traditional Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart, which emphasizes love, mercy, and empathy. This message serves as a reminder to all of us to reflect on the importance of compassion in our daily lives, regardless of our religious backgrounds or beliefs.

A heart that walks with the weary, welcomes the forgotten, and transforms suffering into compassion—a heart that is open to all seasons and all people. In these challenging times, it is a heart that is truly remarkable.

May this reminder, wherever we may be on our spiritual journey, inspire us to lead with love, to lift others up, and to let kindness be our daily devotion—a core value that I have encountered in various religious teachings and teachers I took the time to study and interact with over the years.

Early Birthday Cheers for our Son Jason at “The Hero Ranch Kitchen”

by Dennis Augustine

Since we’ll be traveling later this month, Cecile and I decided to celebrate our son Jason’s birthday a bit early. We chose The Hero Ranch Kitchen in historic downtown Saratoga as the perfect setting.

We chose to dine on the outdoor terrace. Jason ordered a hand crafted Old Fashioned and opted for the seared scallops as his entree. I indulged in a cold, citrusy Hazy IPA and Cecile and I shared their signature burger, and savored a refreshing and vibrant beet salad.

Our attentive waitress noticed our special occasion and, in a delightful surprise, brought us a complimentary ice cream dessert adorned with a birthday candle for Jason to make a wish.

Happy Birthday, Jason—may this year bring you bold new adventures, quiet joys, and the deep satisfaction of living with purpose and heart. Here’s to all the chapters ahead—and to always knowing how loved you really are.

Whispers of Kabul: A Feast from the Heart of the Silk Road with Good Friends

Dennis Augustine

"Hospitality is part of our faith."

—Afghan proverb

Susan and Nelson Bye, Cecile and I stepped inside Kabul Afghan Cuisine in Sunnyvale, and the world outside softened—replaced by the warmth of saffron rice, and the gentle dance of spices older than memory . We dined on history—slow-braised lamb beneath jeweled rice , eggplant kissed by fire and cooled by yogurt , naan still warm from the oven’s ancient breath .

The flavors didn’t shout. They spoke—in the low, assured tones of a poet who’s told this story a thousand times but still means every word .

And when the last spoon of fragrant rice was gone, we strolled beneath the summer twilight to Historic Murphy Avenue, closed off to vehicular traffic, where Bella Roma’s gelato offered a cool whisper of sweet creamy delight—to compliment a soulful meal.

Celebrating a Legacy of Love & Learning—Happy Birthday to our Friend Noel Olweny in Kenya

by Dennis Augustine

From the moment we met you as our tour guide at the unforgettable Mount Kenya Safari Club, my brother-in-law Joe McAllister from New Jersey knew you had a special spark. And just look at the journey you’ve made since then! With the enduring friendship and support of your long-time friend, mentor, and benefactor—you’ve earned your master’s degree in land management at Egerton University, and have become a powerful force for good in your community.

One of the most meaningful collaborations between you and Joe is the creation of the Selina McAllister Computer Classrooms—launched in memory of my beloved niece and goddaughter Selina McAllister who passed away in 2023. What started in Masogo, in the district of Kisumu, Kenya has blossomed into a beacon of hope, education, and opportunity for students across several school districts.

And let’s not forget your amazing work promoting school sports—bringing jerseys, boots, balls, and joy to hundreds of children thanks to donations from family and friends in the USA. That “FIREWORKS OF HAPPINESS” celebration in Masogo, Onong’no, and other neighboring schools says it all!

Noel, your heart, humility, and dedication to uplifting your community are truly inspiring.

Anchored in Love, Carried by Curiosity: A Birthday Salute from Alaska to our son Jason

by Dennis Augustine

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” —Anonymous

Happy Birthday, Jason! We first brought you to Alaska when you were a curious young boy, with your little sister Michelle five years behind you. Now we find ourselves here again — surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and that wild northern magic — and it brings back the warmth of those early family adventures.

In honor of your birthday, we’re sharing a photo essay — favorite moments from your life’s journey. These snapshots beautifully mirror our shared history and the deep joy we feel watching you grow.

You’ve become a traveling man in your own right — thoughtful, well-read, a lover of the world’s flavors and stories. And whether you’re traveling with both of us, just one of us, or charting your own course, we’re always grateful for every shared mile, every conversation, every laugh. Let the pictures do the telling. This one’s for you.

With all our love,

Mom & Dad

A Perfect Pairing: Fine Dining at Toscana & Broadway Dreams Starring Carson Turner

by Dennis Augustine

Last night aboard the Oceania Riviera was one we’ll remember. Cecile and I were fortunate to be chosen from the waitlist for Toscana, the ship’s exquisite Italian specialty restaurant. From the moment we sat down, we knew we were in for something special. The fresh bread centerpiece alone was a celebration—an artful assortment served with a trio of fragrant and flavorful olive oils.

The meal was beautifully prepared and leisurely enjoyed—each course a reminder of how luxurious it can feel to simply savor.

After dinner, we made our way to the Riviera Lounge for Broadway Dreams, a solo show by our talented cruise director Carson Turner. What followed was more than entertainment—it was a heartfelt journey through Carson’s life told through the Broadway songs that shaped him. Raised as an only child in North Carolina, he shared how musicals like Annie, Oklahoma, The Boy from Oz, and The Jersey Boys (my personal favorite) guided his path, even as his father—once a starting quarterback—hoped he’d follow a more athletic route. Eventually, his father saw Carson shine on stage and became his biggest fan.

Carson’s performance was a beautiful tribute to his parents and to the power of the arts. At the end, he urged us all to support arts education—so vital and too often underfunded. And as he often reminded us throughout the cruise after announcing daily activities:

“…If you do nothing else, be kind to one another.”

We stayed afterward to thank him, and Cecile shared that our daughter Michelle had also performed in many of those same shows growing up. Like Carson, neither she nor our son Jason were into sports—but both found joy and expression in music and theater. Jason played clarinet in his high school and college bands, and Cecile herself was a proud volunteer mom producer-helping stage musicals at JCC summer camp under the guidance of director Laural Perelman Cohen.

Wrangell, Alaska: A Hidden Gem Steeped in Layers of History

by Dennis Augustine

After breakfast at Oceania’s Grand Dining Room, Cecile and I stepped ashore into one of Alaska’s most quietly captivating towns—Wrangell.

Unlike the bustling ports packed with tourists, Wrangell greeted us with stillness and sincerity. No chain stores, no cruise ship chaos—just genuine local charm and the echoes of a rich, layered past.

Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and the only one to have flown four flags: Tlingit, Russian, British, and American. Each has left its mark, but the Tlingit people—whose presence here goes back thousands of years—remain the soul of this land.

The town was named after Baron Ferdinand von Wrangell, a Baltic German explorer who governed Russian America in the 1830s. Later, during the Gold Rush, it became a rugged supply town—and though the boom has passed, its frontier spirit still lingers.

One highlight: Cecile and I had our photo taken with a woman in beautiful red and black traditional regalia of the Tlingit, the Indigenous tribe native to the Wrangell area.

Alaska Unfiltered–A Front-Row Seat to Nature’s Majesty of Glacier Fjords

by Dennis Augustine

There is a voice that doesn’t use words. Listen.”— Rumi

We woke early for breakfast in our room, not wanting to miss a moment of what would become the major natural highlight of our cruise—navigating the breathtaking Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords.

Because larger cruise ships can’t access this hidden gem, it felt like a secret passage into Alaska’s untouched wilderness. Cecile and I stood in awe as slabs of ancient ice calved from the glacier, into the water below. Even the smallest shards sparkled like diamonds, floating past us in silence.

With only 1,250 guests aboard Oceania and a remarkable staff of 800 from over 50 nations, it’s easy to feel pampered. But today, the true luxury was outside. Nature herself was the star, and we were just lucky enough to be there to witness it.

#AlaskaCruise #HolkhamBay #NatureInHerGlory #OceaniaCruiseMoments

Waking Up to Haines, Alaska–“The Valley of the Eagles,” & Glistening Glaciers

by Dennis Auguatine

This morning, Cecile and I awoke to the awe-inspiring beauty of Haines, Alaska—From our suite aboard the Oceania Riviera, the view looked like a painting—crisp skies, mirrored waters, and snow-kissed peaks.

Haines, known as “The Valley of the Eagles,” sits at the meeting point of the world’s largest protected wilderness area, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that stretches across the U.S. and Canada.

We explored the quaint downtown and stopped by the Hammer Museum—a one-of-a-kind tribute to the tool that helped shape the frontier-over 2500 hammers on display. Quirky, yes, but absolutely fascinating.

Thanks to the mild weather, reaching 74 degrees, we even enjoyed some unexpected pool time aboard the ship—a rare treat in Alaska! Later, we dined at the Terrace Café.

To top off the day, we attended “Our World”—a vibrant and theatrical celebration of global music performed by the incredibly talented Riviera Production Company. A joyful reminder of how connected we all are through Rhythm and culture.

Happy Independence Day!

by Dennis Augustine

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I find myself pondering the deeper significance of this day. Here’s a poem I wrote to capture the essence of this moment and the challenges we face:

Freedom Ain’t Easy—but it’s Worth Embracing with Love of Country

It didn’t come wrapped in peace—

freedom never does.

It came through storms and stand-offs,

through fire, flaws, and fuss.

It came with boots in mud,

hands stained with ink and blood,

with broken promises and bold dreams

too stubborn to die.

It was never clean or conflict-free—

this road to liberty. It was wrestled for,

fought for, by courageous and imperfect people.

And unless we’re in a battlefield today,

the hardest battle is within—

to live with honesty,

to carry peace,

to walk in freedom

without forgetting those who paid the price.

Freedom’s not just fireworks, cheers, and flags—it’s how we treat the ones we disagree with,

how we show up for each other,

how we keep the promise alive.

So, while fireworks light up the sky

let’s remember:

Freedom is messy.

But it’s ours to carry.

And it’s worth the weight.

Wishing you all a joyous and meaningful Independence Day, my friends and family.

Sittin’ on the dock of the Bay on the Seattle Harbor—with Mt. Rainier Watching Over Us

by Dennis Augustine

There we were—Cecile and I—‘sittin’ on the top of the Bay,” just like Otis sang, legs dangling over the courtesy orange deck chairs on this peaceful pier in Seattle harbor.

We watched the cruise ships roll in, majestic and proud… and then roll out again… Their horns echoing across the water like a call to adventure. Around us, travelers arrived, posed for selfies, leaned over the railing to feel the salt-kissed air.

Above it all, snow-capped Mt. Rainier stood like a silent guardian—serene, watchful, impossibly beautiful. The tide rolled in and out, as seagulls hovered and then landed on the rails like seasoned performers waiting for their cue—then lifting off again. A helicopter buzzed past, a jet climbed skyward toward the horizon. It was all one grand symphony of motion, sound, and stillness.

These past few days, I find myself wanting to hold on to more of these moments… to write them down, tuck them away before heading home. To record the memory of it all—the quiet joy, the shared glances, the rhythm of the sea. Because sometimes, you don’t need to go anywhere to feel you’ve arrived.

Exploring Seattle Aquarium–A Tribute to Puget Sound

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I spent part of our day exploring the Seattle Aquarium, located right on the waterfront at Pier 59. It’s a beloved local institution—ranked among the top aquariums in the Pacific Northwest and visited by nearly a million people each year. Their mission is deeply tied to marine conservation, especially protecting the ecosystems of Puget Sound and the greater Pacific Ocean.

We were especially captivated by the Window on Washington Waters exhibit—a massive 120,000-gallon tank teeming with local marine life.

When I think of Puget Sound, I think of our friend Brian Walsh, whom Cecile and I met on a small ship operated by American Cruise Lines along with our friends Nelson and Susie Bye a few years ago. He was the guest speaker on a weeklong Puget Sound/Salish Sea voyage.

Brian’s a talented photographer and environmental policy professional, and one of the founding members of #WeArePugetSound, a movement dedicated to preserving the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity. The last photo of the sea lions was actually taken by Brian—reminding us how interconnected these experiences really are.

Seattle’s aquarium is more than a tourist stop—it’s an immersive journey into ocean life, and for us, a meaningful return to the stories and people who’ve deepened our appreciation for these waters.

The Fire Within Glass: Our Spiritual Encounter of Dale Chihuly’s Heavenly Masterpieces

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I were absolutely mesmerized touring the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle—a sanctuary of color, creativity, and transcendence. Every room we entered felt like walking into a dream painted in molten glass.

Dale Chihuly, the visionary behind it all, is more than an artist—he’s a modern-day alchemist who transformed the fragile medium of glass into spiritual wonder. Now in his early 80s, with a net worth estimated at $20 million, his influence spans the globe. His Belagio Hotel collection in Las Vegas alone is reportedly valued at over $10 million, with 2,000 glass blossoms blooming across the ceiling of the hotel’s lobby—one of the most photographed installations in the world.

The exhibition in Seattle offers an immersive look into his life and technique, showcasing rooms of floating seaforms, shimmering chandeliers, and riotous garden blooms made entirely of glass. It’s no exaggeration to say this experience moved us deeply—it felt like standing inside a kaleidoscope powered by soul.

We were also treated to a live glass-blowing demonstration from two incredibly skilled young artisans. Narrated by a passionate guide, we learned that it takes three years to develop solid technique and thirty years to become a master. Watching the transformation from glowing molten glass into elegant form was nothing short of magic.

A Seattle Waterfront Stroll, an Artistic Fountain & Epic Sculptures at Olympic Sculpture Park

by Dennis Augustine

Cecile and I enjoyed a gorgeous walk along Seattle’s harborfront, heading from Bell Harbor toward the Olympic Sculpture Park. Along the way, we passed a beautiful fountain crowned by a striking Olympiad-style nude statue—a powerful opening to a morning of art and city energy.

The walk gave us sweeping views of Elliott Bay, ferries drifting across the Sound, and the Space Needle rising proudly in the distance.

At the Olympic Sculpture Park—part of the Seattle Art Museum—we admired a landscape where art and nature merge seamlessly. Most memorable was Alexander Calder’s iconic red “Eagle”, its wings stretched wide against the Seattle sky. And just before arriving, I couldn’t resist a selfie beneath Roxy Paine’s monumental “Molecule”, a swirling tangle of red steel tubes soaring above like a frozen explosion of energy.

A perfect way to blend art, nature, and the rhythm of the city—all with Cecile by my side.