mom's 50th

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A Compilation of Memories For Randee, April 4 th , 2013

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With the help of her friends and family, I was able to give this special booklet of memories to my mom for her 50th birthday. Thank you to all who contributed! Enjoy!

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Page 1: Mom's 50th

     

A  Compilation  of  Memories  

For Randee, April 4th, 2013

Page 2: Mom's 50th

      The Mother.

It took me a little bit of time to decide what I was going to get my mom for her birthday. She wanted a GoPro video camera, of course, which was $400, a bit out of my price range. I considered a few other things, a few days of juice cleansing, a new piece of jewelry, some camera equipment. But they all seemed so typical, and if anyone knows my mom, it’s a known fact that she is anything but typical. I then got to thinking about all the different chapters of her life, most of which I’ve only heard in stories because I was either non-existent or too young to remember. My mom has done so many things, in so many places, with so many people, and from what I know about her, there’s no doubt she’s touched the lives of each and everyone of those individuals. So, I decided to contact them. I wanted to hear their favorite things about my mom. What their favorite memories with her are, why she is such an important woman in their lives. I thought I would get a few responses, from the people who know me and who have had recent interactions with my mom. Little did I know that just minutes after pressing send, my inbox would be flooded with tons of stories and reasons why my mom made an impact on so many different lives, many by people I’ve never met, even more by people I’ve never heard of. This book is a compilation of reminiscences, but above all, a way to send love and appreciation to my mom, a truly remarkable woman who will forever remain infamous for her obsession with Billy Joel and wearing her children’s underwear on her head. For me, to choose one memory is nearly impossible. She’s made me mad, and upset, and happy, and annoyed, and proud, and excited, and so many other things, but I don’t think anyone makes me laugh the way my mom does. I think back to the times she used to drive me to school, stopping at every stop sign so perfectly, refusing to drive again until the sign told her to “go.” Or when she runs around the house (I can’t even say “used to” because even at her old age she still does it) with salami and other food products resembling the male anatomy between her legs. She’s inappropriate and rash, but overall loving and caring, even though she’ll do anything to avoid showing it. I love you with all my heart mom, and hope you look at this birthday as a way to be proud of all you are and all you’ve accomplished. You know on the inside I’m saying every curse word you’ve ever taught me, but to write them down wouldn’t be kosher. You da best. Love, Kaitlin  

Page 3: Mom's 50th

     

Allison Glenn Fine: “Your mom and I were best friends when we started kindergarten. My best memory of Randee is that she and I went to the bathroom together and we started playing house in the bathroom...we got in a bit of trouble because we were gone for so long, and were not allowed to go to the bathroom together again . But we were the best of friends in school until I moved to California when we were 9!”  

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2. Liza Coppola: “Your mom is the bravest photographer to shoot on “manual.” We had so much fun stalking Tom Cruise, Josh Duhamel, and Adam Brody in Greenport when they were here to film “The Romantics.” One day we landed Adam Brody in Starbucks and set him up for a shot. Mom is fun and adventurous and someone I would like to spend more time with. To Randee, 50 ain’t nuthin’! It’s all about attitude (and what you are wearing!) Love, Liza.”

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3. Andrea Pickerell: “We had a get-together at our house New Year's Eve and your mom was saying how she was bummed because she had to work the next day and did I want to go with her. I hesitated at first because we'd have to leave early the next day and I'm so not a morning person! But when I found out we'd be going to Morton Wildlife Refuge over in Noyac, I didn’t need much convincing. It’s one of my favorite places ever...So anyway, we leave the next day around 8 am, it's freezing, and we're the only ones on the ferry, but of course being with Randee made it a fun and wacky adventure, and I’m pretty sure we Instagrammed everything along the way! We got to Morton and it was just amazing, especially since your mom had never been there. She was like a little kid in awe of all the birds and the fact that you could feed them from your hand. We spent over four hours walking around, exploring, and feeding the birds, and it was truly a magical day.”  

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Diana Divello: “First I can't believe your Mom is turning 50, and second, every time I have been in your mom’s company has been a special memory. So I will share two... As you remember I was your family’s real estate agent and I sold your parents the house you live in now. When I first met your mom her criteria for the house was "I want new, I want Victorian,” and after we looked at about 20 houses and, mind you most of the time you kids were with us, we walked into your house now which is a 1958 cape cod style, your Mom just stopped and said “I love this house I have to buy this house!” And she did! So the next time we went your Grandma came to look at it so she could have time inside alone with Grandma she let me take you kids outside and do flips and handsprings on the lawn. (Not at all the way a real estate agent should behave lol). But I knew she trusted me with you guys and what a great decision she made in choosing your home. My second was when she gave me the honor of photographing my wedding. She is just one of the most loveable, fun people I know and I am so happy that my cousin Mario introduced me to both your Mom and Dad. I know this is long but use it as you wish. She is very lucky to have such a beautiful, thoughtful daughter. XOX Diana. P.S. Please give her a big happy birthday hug and kiss for me!”  

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Kristina Ruth Foster: “I know your mom because she is my school's photographer. My best memory of her is how she gets even the shyest of 3 and 4 year olds to smile by making crazy sounds and silly faces.”  

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5. Rose Mazzei Anasagasti: “I just remember the first time I really got to know your mom was during all of those grueling talent show practice sessions where Gina and Julia were putting on a jump rope performance with some other girls. And then I found out you guys are my friend JoAnn's neighbors. I remember once your mom across the road looking at us like we were nuts. It was January and we were in the garden! She was like, "What are you doing?" We were picking arugula in January!!! One of the mildest winters we ever had.”  

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7. Matthew Daddona: “There are innumerable memories, but one that I go back to frequently is when you accompanied our class (4th grade? 5th?) to a performance of The Lion King on Broadway. It was not so much the details of this trip that stuck out, but a small purchase you made for me during intermission. While all of the other kids were browsing t-shirts, mugs, and towels, you bought for me a leather-bound journal with a Lion King insignia etched on the front. I wouldn’t use this journal for years because I was afraid of ruining it (back then leather meant something “posh”), but in middle school I finally decided to use the journal for its intended purpose; my first entry was about this trip and how such a small buy signified how much you believe in what I enjoy. In short, I’m grateful for you always having listened, questioned, and provoked artistic discussion. And I’m grateful for this and every memory.”  

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8. Lori Post Katz: “I remember your mom listening to Billy Joel 24/7.”  

Karen Fay Matthews: “We spent many nights sitting on a smelly couch in some music studio while listening to our boyfriends (future husbands) playing in their band. We went to their shows, gave our thumbs up and listened to them endlessly. My most favorite memory of your mom is the photo she sent to me of you as a baby with Matthew. I still have it; it was and still is the most beautiful picture of a brother and baby sister together. Love it!”  

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Page 9: Mom's 50th

     

Erin Schultz: “1. Surviving the Suffolk Times and Denise Civiletti: "I need you to be an ambassador of good will!” Invading an editorial meeting with high school job shadow kids; Stalking Tom Cruise; Escaping the office with lunch and wine. 2. The road trip up-Island to Lenny's gig 3. The crazy doctor situation! 4. Adventures with North Fork Patch: Meeting Peter Tork; sailing with the sailing snobs; Clamming with Charlie; Christmas tree hunting. 5. Thanksgiving craziness with the Daddonas! -- Randee, thanks for making my introduction to the madness of local journalism not only tolerable but also hilarious. We packed a ton of laughs into such a short period of time-hope to have a ton more. Happy 50th!”

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Valerie Tirelli Hallock: “I remember the evil chicks Randee got for you guys…and her almost burning the house down and causing chick-o-side by placing a heat lamp in with them in a PLASTIC BUCKET in the garage. Thankfully all the chicks and house were saved. I also remember her making you (Kaitlin) always clean the chicken coop. There was this one really evil, nasty rooster that would try to attack everyone. He would chase me to my car and your mom would crack up. Until one day she was in my passenger seat and the thing was stalking her and wouldn’t let her out. She had to climb out the driver’s side and we ran screaming into the house. That little effer stood by the front step staring us down through the dining room window. I can remember waiting inside the front door when I had to leave because evil rooster was waiting there to eat me. She would come out of the house and scream at it so it ran away, but the minute it saw me going to my car it would beeline back. And the best photo ever of my three kids was taken by Randee. It was when they were all young and innocent. (Except for Matty, he was just young lol). Happy 50th Randee!!!”  

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Olivia Daddona: “My favorite memory with mom was when we were all in the car in North Carolina and it was at a drive-thru zoo. Mom spilled the container of food on me and made the huge creepy animals eat it from my body while we were in the car.”  

Julia Daddona: “One of my best memories of mom was when our whole family went on the duck boat in Philadelphia. We had those whistle duck beaks and it was really funny and we were all cracking up. There are definitely a lot more funny memories and all of them are when mom is having a lot of fun and laughing with her friends and family.”  

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Carol Szynaka: “I have many fond memories of Randee. I live on Calves Neck Road because of her. I was listing the property next door and Randee kept saying this would be a good property for my family and me. I think she convinced me and we bought the house. We thought the Daddonas would be good neighbors and we were right. Real Estate is a demanding business and doesn't allow for much time to make plans especially around the summer holidays. Randee has always graciously invited us over for BBQs and shared her family, friends, and food with us. Recently my husband Mark was hit by a car and Randee came right over and offered to take Sean the following day when he came off the school bus. I was exhausted and it was a big relief knowing Sean was in good hands. A talented photographer, Randee has helped me in my real estate business photographing houses, and gave me a lovely birthday gift of three seashell photographs that I have hanging in my bedroom. When I think of Randee I think of a good friend who is talented, stylish, and can always make me laugh, the best way to describe her is a good friend. Happy Birthday Randee!”

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Page 13: Mom's 50th

     

Jean Vecchione-Palladino: “So, I remember your mom from when she was dating your father. Your dad is my husband’s first cuz! Anyway, I always liked your mother because she always called it the way she saw it...very honest and funny! Mom was perfect for Lenny! I realized she never changed after not speaking with her for many years because life gets in the way and when I saw her she was the same honest, warm, and funny as always! Happy 50th Randee!”

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Wendy Gullish: “Your grandmother Starl had a name for your Mom. It was Mary-Margaret. All Starl's children were and are beautiful, but Randee had a wispy innocence about her. Jill was always screaming and hanging on the legs of a father figure she came across no matter where we were and who he was. Lori always very much her own person. She was independent and feisty. But the angelic Randee, otherwise known as MM (Mary-Margaret) one never really knew what she wished for until she attained it. Many years have gone by since I have seen the now turning 50 year old Randee. I ask myself how can that be? Just a flash of time and five children of her own, happily married to her Lenny and a professional photographer. Wow, Randee!! Maybe not a funny story, but simply amazing that so pure and innocent a child, always knew what she wanted in life, and now, proudly has it all, and really not so innocent. I mean that in a good way of course. Happy Birthday MM.”

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Page 14: Mom's 50th

     

Samantha Jeffrey: “I would like to say my favorite memory of your mother is this one: See the curtains hangin’ in the window, in the evenin’ on a Friday night. A little light a-shinin’ through the window, lets me know everthing is alright. Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, GOING DOWN HIGHWAY 955555555 Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, GOING DOWN HIGHWAY 955555555 See the paper layin’ on the sidewalk, a little music from the house next door. So I walked on up to the doorstep, through the screen and across the floor. Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, GOING DOWN HIGHWAY 955555555 Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, GOING DOWN HIGHWAY 955555555   Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom. July is dressed up and playing her tune. And I come home from a hard day's work, and you're waiting there, not a care in the world. See the smile a-waitin' in the kitchen, food cookin' and the plates for two. Feel the arms that reach out to hold me, in the evening when the day is through. Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, GOING DOWN HIGHWAY 955555555 Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, GOING DOWN HIGHWAY 955555555.”  

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Page 15: Mom's 50th

     

18. Michael Daddona:

“My favorite memory with mom was when me, Julia, Olivia, and Kait were trying to hug her and she chased us hitting us with all different things and she beat me down to the floor with a shirt.”  

Page 16: Mom's 50th

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20. Andrea Nahmias-Kravitz: “I met your mom back in 1979. We were 16 years old. Unfortunately we met after our 16th birthdays so we weren't at each other's Sweet 16s. We were leaving Lawrence HS at the end of the day and I happened to notice this girl wearing a Billy Joel concert shirt. Since we were both rabid Billy fans I approached this stranger (ha, Billy reference) and said, "Hey, you like Billy Joel? So do I!" We were like conjoined twins after that! We hung out together the whole summer and became fast friends. Even though I haven't seen your mom and dad in a long time they are very special to me. There's so much to share about our friendship.”  

Heather Cusack: “Omg...so many memories; I love your Mom, she is so talented and always has an amazing sense of humor; She made me and Desi so welcome in your home; like family, at a time when I truly needed that; and when ever I see her she is making the news with her talent/camera/all that and the mom to 5 lovely people! Happy Birthday, Randee; welcome to my decade; and here’s to another 50!”  

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Mart Hartmann Hughes: “I fondly think of your mom as being a super talented and giving person! I first met her when my son Carson and Julia were in the 2nd grade together and she did this wonderful project of photographing each of the kids and put the pics all together in a booklet. I thought that was super sweet and we still have it! And I can always count on her to donate a beautiful print to my annual fundraiser! My husband, Scott recalls the time that she came down to the Marine Lab to photograph an event with a bunch of politicians. With all the seriousness at the event, my husband was relieved that he could just hang with Randee and have fun! Happy Birthday to your dear mom!! Mary & Scott Hughes.”  

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Zachary Smith: “I've only known the Daddona family for a little over 2 years but I've accumulated a lot of memories already. The most iconic of Randee was when the Daddona kids went into their parents' room to demand one kiss from their mother. Randee gave her version of kisses by chasing the kids around the house and whacking them with throw pillows. I've managed to sneak in a few hugs with Randee over time, and I always enjoy how she pretends to hate it.”  

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Shani Hermann Contreras: “1. Your mother was my BFF when we were young! She was always thinking of things to do like collecting shells, decorating them, and selling all of our creations on Brighton Beach Avenue. People would really buy all of those shells!! 2. We all hung around together. Your aunts Lori and Jill, plus Gina Malmoli. Well, there was a big argument (don't remember why) but I guess we weren't talking. When we all made up your mother said, “Oh! The gangs all back together!!" 3. Randee and I would take my sister in the stroller to the Brighton Beach Baths. 4. Speaking of the BBB, Lori, Jill, Gina and I were dancing/singing to the song Mockingbird by James Taylor and Carly Simon…Randee dressed up as the mockingbird because she was so tall and danced around the stage flopping her wings!!! We taped so many feathers on her! 5. We used to play Spud in the parking behind seacoast towers. There was this old lady with no teeth that used to yell at us. I am sure there are so many more memories! Whenever I think of your mother or see her beautiful face on Facebook, she just makes me smile. Randee was a true friend and I still love her dearly.”  

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Hillary Raskin: “I met Randee over the phone. She had a big voice, solid, confident, with a chatty ease. From the beginning we talked like best friends. Months went by and one day she appeared in the offices of the paper with a pie in hand. There stood this short blonde, not at all the image I had of her. But she totally encompasses the voice, as the person is just the same, solid and confident, and chatty. I am so glad to have her on the other end of the phone, and out there in the world bringing back images, and pies. Thanks for being my friend too.”  

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Gianna Volpe: “Unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of knowing your mother for that long, but I must say that as a young news photographer I look up to her very much, love her spunky never-stop energy and lovely smile and admire her work!”  

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Julie Lane: “I first met Randee when she came to work for Times Review Newsgroup. Our first assignment together was an interview I did with an attorney in Greenport who served as a mediator between couples contemplating divorce. I was used to photographers coming in, grabbing a few pictures and leaving. Not your mom. She settled in for the interview and at one point I paused in my questioning and she jumped in with a question. I was at first taken aback, then realized her question was excellent and also enabled me a brief respite before I had to come back with more questions. I quickly learned that working with your mom meant having a real partner on an assignment and found her energy and commitment to the job compelling. She is a terrific photographer and a true photojournalist who not only provided great pictures for my stories, but also came up with story ideas. She's a bundle of energy, intelligence and warmth and I am lucky to call her a friend.”  

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Lori Guyer: “I first met Randee when she stopped by my little shop on Peconic Lane. She told me that she had recently moved into the area and introduced herself. I instantly knew that I would love this woman. She was creative, funny, super energetic, loved her family & friends. She has a great heart and she lights up a room when she walks in. HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY RANDEE!!”  

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Jean Osmer: “Your mom actually took some beautiful engagement pics of my daughter Erin and her then fiancé Jordan- I had seen an album of her beautiful “pastelly" pictures of different children and some beach scenes- I was so impressed! To this day (it was approximately 7-8 years ago), they are some of my favorite shots of my daughter- in sepia tones, love them! She is now a fitness model- and has changed some- but her innocence and young love was captured by your mom. I also have to share that Michael was a little kindergartner of mine- and I used to see all of you at St. Pat's church, I would say- what a wonderful sweet family. Your mom remains to share her wonderful photography talents on Facebook- I enjoy her work and her sense of humor! Happy birthday, dear Randee.”  

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Katherine Schroeder: “Although I haven't known your mom very long, I have some fun memories of her. Randee and I are sometimes assigned the same photo shoots for different newspapers, and I've taken some very funny pictures of her at work. She might stick her face into a group shot that I am in the middle of taking, or squat in the roadway during a parade, unafraid of the giant truck coming right at her. I have pictures of her atop a fire truck ladder, lying on her back in the wet grass at a baseball game, and running the Greenport Waiter race (with her camera, of course). I always know that if I run into Randee, I will end up smiling and laughing.”  

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Brady Rymer: “One of the first times that I got to know your mom was when she came over to our house to photograph the family for a cover of Long Island Parenting magazine. She was a hoot! Posing Gus, Daisy, Bridget & I all in the row boat, wading in the cold water, getting us to laugh…especially Gus & Daisy. I think tellin' 'em fart jokes & displaying other silly tactics to get us relaxed, happy & free. Randee knew what she was doin'! The family portrait that she snapped that day is one of my favorites ever! It captures all of the love and joy that we feel for each other as a family. I'll always be grateful to her for that photo. And always have the wonderful memory of us all actin' super silly down by the water! Happy 50th Randee! Keep on lookin' like yer 25 and actin' like yer 5!!! xxoo Brady & the gang.”  

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Stacey Altherr: “I met Randee at work. She was often the photographer on the assignments I covered on the East End. � My fondest memory was a story we reported, but unfortunately never ran, on the East End homeless population. We followed this one homeless man into the woods in Riverhead where he lived, and Randee put him at such ease that he allowed us to take pictures of him in a tent reading his bible. I wish that story ran, especially because Randee's pictures were so warm and telling of this man's plight.”  

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Erica Paige: “I have such great memories of your mom from when we were little girls! My sis and I played with Randee, Lori and Jill every day until my family moved to California. Two of my favorite memories about your mom are: 1. Randee, Lori, and my sister Allison were passengers in the back seat when Jill and I, who were about 3 years old, stole the car, a large sedan, and began to drive away into the streets of Brooklyn- Jill at the pedals, me behind the wheel with your mom, my sis and Lori screaming as we headed into traffic. Jill would remember if anyone else was in the car but a truly hysterical memory from our childhood. 2. Visiting your mom and her sisters in Cedarhurst. Your mom loved Billy Joel and I think over the course of my visit taught me the words to every Billy Joel song. I still know all if the words. Wish her a happy birthday with tons of love from me!”  

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Donna Messinetti: “All I can say about your mom is that she is the most real person I know! I admire her talents, ambition and the ability to balance everything in her life. She's also done an amazing job with her children.”  

Giulia Rovito: “I’m gonna have to go with the time we went running at 6am and then she would scream at us for making sandwiches in your kitchen approximately 15 minutes later when we were tired of running.”  

Meredith Proulx: “Even though I've only met her like twice, I would say my favorite thing/memory is when I met her and she was just the classic Long Island Mom - hilarious, witty, and honest. She has such a youthful soul and her photography is amazing!”  

John C. Ross: “Randee is a pleasure to work with. She is friendly with a sardonic sense of humor-but always focused on her photography. I am slowly working on my third book and I hope that I can keep Randee involved to keep my food looking as good as it can be. All the best on her 50th birthday.”  

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Christina Psarakis Galante: “Well let’s see…I met your mom in high school and I remember going to her sweet 16 at Serendipity, it was so much fun. When she was dating your dad, I remember tying this red string (I got from I think it was from my raggedy Ann wig) on each of there wrists and they wore them until they fell off.”

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Liz Glasgow Rothafel: “Got a good one... In high school we all went to mom’s house for Halloween in Cedahurst. There were cans of shaving cream and lots of eggs. We all went out. Our other friend Michelle decided to throw a egg at car really big mistake, out of the car came one of the toughest girls in our grade and Michelle nearly got beaten up we all ran away but that's one memory I have of your mom and high school!!!”  

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Timothy Winters: “Embarrassing us at Mil Ball? Drinking at Sophies? IDK!”  

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Arline Reiner: “My first-born, a perfect child, talented teen, a fantastic mother, and my best friend.”  

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Lenny Daddona: “When I first asked you if we could go out sometime, you asked, "When?” The next thing I remember is trying to look good for our first date, which was a double feature movie on Monday October 13th, 1980. I walked you home. It was chilly, and it smelled of October. We held hands. We spent more time together quickly. I would buy you donuts with colored sprinkles from the school cafeteria. We became Lenny and Randee, and I have been loving you for 33 years. Happy birthday, my beautiful friend.<3”

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Karen Catapano: “Your mom was sent on a photo shoot to my farm years ago. �I remember being worried that the goats would be hard to photograph from the other side of the fence but your mom had no thoughts of that! She climbed right in with them and began clicking away - they were jumping all over her - chewing on her equipment and she was loving it!”

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Sue Messinetti: “I remember discussing with your mom (when you were very young) what a remarkable girl you were going to be. Well, it seems that we were right (as mothers usually are). She named you “My City Girl” with a big smile on her face.”

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Mimi Roa: “Of course you remember how your mom never locked the front door so anytime anyone could just walk in. I had stopped by with Alex and Mario; you guys were having a play date...more like your mom and I were having the play date. Well, we walk in and there is your mom folding laundry with underwear on her head. Looking and acting as natural as always. Needless to say I placed one on my head and we left them on, even when the delivery boy came to the door, we wore those tightie whities. I'm sure you heard the Man-EE story too. That was a funny one. Your mom was collecting freight at the cargo area of the airport and I tagged along and it was hot and smelly and we were in the cargo facility with nasty ugly workmen and there were two specifically nasty guys. So of course we just had to make a song about them called "Man-EE Man-EE two obnoxious buddies". Your dad even liked the song.”

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45. Eileen Duffy: “The first time I met your mom was at a Brady Rymer kids' concert at Martha Clara in 2006. I was taking pictures for the band and Randee was there with her (way more awesome) camera. We started talking and she lent me, a stranger, her super expensive Canon telephoto lens and said, "Have fun." � I then got her work at The Suffolk Times and now Edible. She *always* says yes.”

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Elizabeth Baranowski: “Getting drunk on cosmos at the old Lawrence house that she blamed me for when she was the one mixing the drinks...Then her sending me to McDonald's to get food for twins and Julia and telling me to get 20 cheeseburgers...”  

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47. Fran Daddona: “Wine and great fresh produce provided by our own Martha Stewart Daddona-Loving Thanksgiving!”

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Kelly Hunstein: “One special memory of you is a difficult task to come up with and put onto paper. I feel like I have shared so many visits, memories and conversations with you that choosing one would not give all of the others enough credit. I don't recall the first time I met you...maybe it was at our store or at the school for something with the kids. But once we started chatting here and there and getting to know one another, I knew you had a craziness about you that was unique and I wanted to know you better. You are intelligent, crazy, absolutely gorgeous, talented, inappropriate, real, crazy (I know I already said that, but it's worth repeating) hysterically funny, original, full of love, never a quitter and always willing to help someone who needs it. I admire your qualities and have had many, many, many laughs getting to know you and Lenny and your five kids. I remember when I first realized you had FIVE children! I felt overwhelmed FOR you! But you handle it and you power through and you have done and continue to do a beautiful job...you have five living pieces of proof! So, I'm still unsure of how to choose my most memorable experience with you, but the night at Pepi's for dinner probably ranks up there pretty high on the "memorable" scale. That was embarrassing and totally fun all at once! Randee, we hope you enjoyed your 50th birthday and felt the love from those around you. We have thoroughly enjoyed all these years we've had the privilege to get to know you. You are a beautiful person, an absolutely AMAZING photographer with talent not often seen, and a friend that I love dearly, even when large spans of time pass and we don't chat. With lots of love and wishes for many more years of laughter, Kelly and Dave.”

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49. Dayna Porter Strauss: “Your mom is best friends with my mom Barby Porter. So your mom is way, way older than me. Lol. You were born when I was probably still in high school. So when I was younger my memories of your mom were all boring because I always just remember her being old and with your dad Lenny. But years later she talked me through my entire twin pregnancy. My twins are 8 now but she had Olivia and Michael 2 or 3 years before so I'd call her all the time with questions... Mainly to ask when the babies would come out already. But we've had lots of family occasions over the years... Thanksgiving was always in a restaurant...Eww! Xoxo.”

50. Alexander Kraebel: “Matt’s uncle.”

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We love you, momma. Happy birthday.