Damari and Ed got to chaperone and attend the PA State Thespian Festival where Nic helped to participate in many of the events as International and State Thespian Officer.
Macy hit the Hamilton ticket lottery so she and Anthony were able to catch the show.
From the Scotch'n'Soda Theatre Facebook page post:
We'd like to introduce you to our Managing Director, Samantha Fallacaro. She's a junior Biological Sciences major with concentrations in cell biology and neuroscience. As Managing Director, she is in charge of keeping track of contracts and licensing for all our shows. Additionally, she creates the next fiscal year’s budget and makes purchases on behalf of the org.
Outside of S’n’S, Sam enjoys singing with CMU Chorus and Singers and occasionally tap dancing. She also loves to spend her time obsessively watching and talking about Star Wars and jamming to some tunes on her guitar. Fun fact: her favorite musical is In The Heights!
Nic and the Pennsbury Concert Choir performing the music of Sir Karl Jenkins in the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall!
Ed participated in a student investor education event at work and as a result made the official office Twitter feed.
After 9 years of hard work and fun in Scouting, Nic achieves the rank of Eagle Scout.
Once an Eagle, always an Eagle!
Ed (Past Grand Knight) volunteered at the annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest helped by his local council at Holy Trinity Church in Morrisville.
Sam once again on the Dean's list with High Honors in her Junior Year at Carnegie Mellon University!
From Damari's Facebook post:
My new Read poster at work. One of my top favorite musicals paralleling some of my life. I cherish the days of hanging out with my cousins in Washington Heights. We had so much fun together! The music, the dancing, the dreaming, the struggle of finding home. Love In the Heights!
Nic and some other Hello, Dolly! cast members sing the National Anthem at the PHS Girls Basketball game. Click on the image to watch (and excuse Teddy for barking throughout the filming!).
Click on the image to get to the video.
Nic as Cornelius Hackl in the PHS performance of "Hello, Dolly!". Yet another awesome musical by some amazingly talented kids!
It was also Nic's last PHS musical after so many years!
Here's a compilation of Nic's performances in "Hello, Dolly!" For more videos see his YouTube channel "Nic Fallacaro" at this link
Nic working as an International Thespian Officer (ITO) helped to set up a Leader Diversity Grant and was mentioned in an article in
Dramatics magazine.
Click on the image to read the article.
Sam continuing her love of singing at CMU with the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic and Chorus.
After some chest pains that didn't seem like anything more than gas, Ed went to the doctor, followed by a stress test showing some issues. After a cardiac catheterization the verdict was 5 major blockages that required a quadruple bypass. Thankfully the surgery was successful and the hospital stay short just before the pandemic hit. Faith, family, and friends helped us all get through it! The cardiologist repeatedly said that it usually doesn't go this way, so we are counting our blessings!
Nic and Damari were able to get away for a bit and went to see "Hello, Dolly!" at the Kimmel Center with some PHS friends.
Teddy keeps Ed company on his many recovery walks. Who would have known that a walk to the corner and back would be such an accomplishment!
Nic traveled to Rochester, NY to perform in the American Choral Directors Association Conference. He auditioned and received a solo part in one of the choir arrangements.
Catch Nic starting at 00:23
Nic was part of an interview by the Pennsbury School District Superintendent regarding college careers. Click on the image to see the video.
Click on the image to get to the video.
Nic starts at 11:31.
Somehow we blinked our eyes and Sam grew up on us - hard to believe she is 21! So proud of the young woman she has become.
Some various shots taken during the April quarantine when we began to realize this is going to be a while. Ed started his quarantine beard, but it didn't last.
Damari keeps Ed company on his many recovery walks. The walks were getting longer, and the recovery was going well, even though the wound was giving us a tough time with healing.
Scouting continued, even in the quarantine, with virtual Scout meetings via Zoom. Here's Ed connecting with the boys while hosting a game being broadcast from the TV - doing whatever it takes to make things continue.
We made a video to send to Vincent since we couldn't be with him this year to celebrate his birthday. Click on the image to view.
Nicolas authored an article in Dramatics magazine online edition highlighting a fellow thespian.
Click on the image to read the article.
Somehow this guy is now 24 and a school teacher!
PHS Chamber Choir members perform virtually during the pandemic.
It's been over 25 years since Ed and Damari worked in the same office space together, but thanks to the pandemic, here's there new shared office setting.
Nic may not have been physically in school, but he still worked hard every day - here’s an ITO video he helped to put together as he continues to serve.
Joining other PHS Seniors with signage in front of the house commemorating Nic's last year at PHS.
Nicolas is heading off this fall to Drexel University's Pennoni Honors College at the Lebow College of Business minoring in Theater!
Nic as ITO set a goal with a friend to establish an International Thespian Student Leadership Council, and they made it a reality with thespians from around the world participating!
Here’s Samantha and her friends in S’n’Sings, a virtual collaborative musical performance! Members individually recorded themselves singing vocal parts, which were then edited together to create a cohesive performance. S’n’Sings highlights the immense talent of her and her friends at Carnegie Mellon, as well as celebrates what they can create when they come together – even in the time of a pandemic.
Watch for Sam at 2:33 in the video!
One of Nic's final PHS Drama performances as he performs "It All Fades Away" from Bridges of Madison County
Nic sang this "Thespy" at the PA State Thespian Conference and was awarded a “Superior” rating and will go on to perform it at the virtual International Thespian Festival in June
Quick compilation of Nic's performances at Virtual Dessert Theater 2020
Entire performance - some places to scroll to for Nic:
Opening Skit (beginning of video)
1:07:33 - Senior Production Number - "Play" from Neverland
2:01:48 - Nic awarded "International Honor Thespian" Honor Chord
From Ed's Facebook Post:
Yes, that’s me you may see walking briskly through the neighborhood - 11 weeks post quadruple bypass, and just nursing some nagging wound issues that result from “poor healing” as the surgeon put it, so some days are less fun and more painful than others, but no complaints, still here to breathe in the fresh air, love my family and friends, and return to work (telework of course) with my great colleagues. If you see me I am a bit slower, and a bit thinner, and some days bearded (my less intense video conferencing days) but still moving along clearing the mind through walking. No offense if I don’t stop or get too close if our paths come close to crossing - afraid I’ll be “at risk” for some time to come. Stay safe and well everyone!
During Public Service Recognition Week, Ed's job honored teachers, and Anthony was one of those who were honored.
When Nic went to his first Thespian Conference back in middle school he had aspirations for two roles in his future, one as STO (PA State Thespian Officer) and an even more ambitious hope to become ITO (International Thespian Officer). One thing for sure, when he wants something he cares about deeply he will work hard to do everything he can to succeed. For serving in these roles as well as all of the work put in at the high school thespian troupe he earned the blue and yellow International Honor Thespian chords, as well a stole for his leadership, for graduation. This represents the over 1800 hours he devoted to drama, which helped him become the performer, leader, and fine young man he’s become. So proud of you Nicolas for this and all of your accomplishments!
Matt South surprises Damari with the designation of Honorary Thespian in Troupe 830!
Nic was interviewed by Dramatics Magazine in an article titled "Five Questions with Nic Fallacaro". The link to the print article appears below, and the video interview is available on YouTube (link to the left).
The future Dr. Fallacaro’s (PHD, not MD) first published research article with an author credit - Congrats, Samantha!
Yes, we now have light sabers!
The annual PHS POPS Concert is a fun event, and in 2020 it was celebrated virtually.
The PHS Senior Academic Awards were conducted virtually, with Nic being awarded the International Thespian Award, American Choral Directors Association Award, the Vocal Music Silver Medal, and also the Joanne Levin Memorial Scholarship.
The kids helped Ed celebrate some milestones in his recovery with a cake inscribed with "Heartfelt Congratulations" as a result of Ed's follow-up cardiologist visit where the doctor declared him a "normal" patient once again with perfect bloodwork results, and a great prognosis.
Excited to say Nic earned a superior on his Thespy (International Thespian Excellence Award) for his solo of "Try Me" from the musical She Loves Me. Way to end your senior year!
Behind the scenes of the International Thespian Festival are 6 International Thespian Officers. Nic alone put in over a thousand hours. He got to work at, and traveled the US to several other state festivals. He advocated for the arts in a week long arts event in Washington DC, meeting with his state representatives and other politicians. He even got to ride the secret train to the Capitol. In LA he met and escorted Megan Hilty to the Thespians Go Hollywood event. He went to Disney and learned leadership from their tops leaders. Nic coordinated leadership workshops for ITF and the ever fun Kahoot event in addition to other behind the scenes stuff. He had the honor of presenting one of two nationwide scholarships to a fellow PHS friend and thespian. He was proud to meet so many people from all over the world. He did all this in addition to all his acting in musicals and drama, singing with the chamber choir, his State Thespian Officer and Drama President duties, being on the Principal’s Advisory Committee, being a Sports Night Captain, runner up in Falcon Idol, attending three dance classes a week and weekly voice lessons, working on an Eagle project (and becoming an Eagle Scout), oh yeah and being a NHS member graduating with honors. It’s an experience he has learned so much from and is proud to have been part of. We are so proud of his drive, determination, and how he carries himself with respect and kindness towards everyone. Congratulations Nic!
Here are some of the practice videos. Dance has continued via Zoom, and this is Nic's senior year. Top is the "Boys" number, second is Tap IV, and third is Ballet IV.
Want to not only learn how to dance, but develop of love for it -
Downstage Center Dance Studio is the place to go!
With the uncertainty of a physical graduation ceremony PHS honored the 2020 graduating class via video.
First big bike ride for Ed with the new plumbing after surgery - all went well!
Finally, a physical graduation ceremony with masks and social distancing. Nic's graduation was live-streamed and recorded - see link to the left.
Nic's last dance recital as a student at Downstage Center Dance Studio. It's amazing how far he's come as a dancer thanks to his hard work and efforts, combined with some great teachers and mentors at his studio that encouraged him while teaching him so much.
Want to not only learn how to dance, but develop of love for it -
Downstage Center Dance Studio is the place to go!
From Damari's Facebook Post 7/5:
It’s PHYSICALLY back to work tomorrow, going to be a tough day moving everything back to school and wearing a mask all day. I am going to miss working from home and my two coworkers, Ed who is usually videoconferecing and Teddy my personal security. But I will most definitely miss my office window, my commute, dress code, working my preferred office hours, my zumba break, and my personal restroom LOL. We have changed this room several times since March 13th to accomodate Ed and me working from home. All I know is now I know why I need such a large desk at work!
Sam moved back to Pittsburgh (actually Squirrel Hill) to her off-campus apartment to start her senior year at Carnegie Mellon University.
Teddy resting on National Dog Day. He's been inseperable from Ed ever since the quarantine began.
From Ed's Facebook Post:
After 6 months I still have some healing issues but overall still doing well. Today I was able to eat one of the two foods, (french toast) that mentally bring me right back to the ICU for some reason - I guess it was among my first meals post-op and must be mapped in my mind to the trauma. Gluten-free cinnamon raisin french toast (bread courtesy of Happy Mixer, highly recommended to my GF friends, or anyone as it’s so good you won’t even know it’s GF) was incredible, and Damari’s bacon was the perfect salt to the sweet. Luckily I was able to enjoy without the mental anguish. Not sure if I’m ready to conquer trying the second food quite yet (grilled cheese). Sometimes the mental struggle with all that’s gone on gets real and is triggered by the simplest things. At least this was a good start to the day...
Maybe it's just because we're home and board to death that we noticed this deer that lost its way and was roaming the yard for a while. Luckily it found its way after about 30 minutes.
Ed gets the fire pit going.
Great photo of Anthony and Macy on a sightseeing trip in August.
After dinner games with Anthony and Macy visiting.
Nic's reaction to our new Ring doorbell camera.
A new first day of school photo for Anthony, this time as a teacher (full time sub) at Quarry Hill to begin the fall semester. Yes, "Mr. F" is our son!
Anthony also returned to school as a Graduate Student at West Chester University where he was accepted into the MBA program.
For the first time in a long time Ed dressed up for work. He was conducting a job interview panel, so it was a week of wearing ties.
Anthony returned to Edgewood Elementary (where he went to 5th grade when we moved to Yardley) as a 5th grade long term substitute teacher through December. We're now recognized by others as being related to "Mr. F", which is a great honor as he is well-loved!
Halloween 2020 was conducted at a distance. Damari and Ed sat at the fire pit in the driveway with a table set up at the sidewalk with individual bags of goodies for the trick or treaters. A socially distant holiday for sure!
Somehow our puppy is now 12 - although he acts very much like an 84 year old these days - it sucks getting old!
Courtesy of our friend Lucas, our JibJab Halloween video is at this link.
Missing you, Luke, throughout the pandemic!
Sam was invited to apply early to the University of Pennsylvania's PhD Program and found out just before Thanksgiving that she was accepted! She will be studying in the Cell and Mollecular Biology graduate group studying developmental stem cell and regenerative biology.
Dr. Fallacaro coming soon!
Curb 1, Ed 0 - Dragging the leaves on a tarp, Ed misjudges his foot placement on the curve, and down he went. Minor shoulder and hip bruises, but the ankle rolled, and the ligaments tore, so it was about 6-8 weeks of the boot and no walking/running/biking for a while. Also was the leg that was worked on during the bypass, further complicating things (of course).
From Damari's Facebook Post:
On a brisk after school/work walk before dark with Nicolas Fallacaro 2.7 miles of priceless conversation. #covidpositivity
Not our usual big Thanksgiving crowd, but much love and gratefulness for having the 5 of us together to celebrate!
We celebrated Nic's 19th Birthday with the help of the Birthday Lawn Bandit as well as with a car parade with some good friends!
And, of course, here's Lucas' JibJab greeting - link
Here's a link to Nicolas' virtual show yesterday with the Drexel University Co-Op Theatre Company. As background, the show was written by a younger student and performed by members of the group. The group of shows yesterday were focused on having to wear a mask but not necessarily for COVID reasons. It was fun to watch Nic have some fun with this, and he had a big box of props including green screen and tech equipment to let him film from home. The editing was good, and it's definitely got the feel of a children's book. Glad Nic is continuing to provide us with entertainment!
Damari loves singing with this group - here's the PCC's Virtual Winter Concert. You can see Damari in the center square in her red hat and scarf!
Nic's home base during the pandemic is our basement, serving as his home office/dorm room/virtual hangout with friends. The space got an upgrade with a new desk setup and some new equipment.
Just a few shots of Christmas - here's Teddy right after participating in the "Pet Parade" virtually during Ed's holiday party at work.
Anthony and Macy's Christmas Tree
ssIt's a quiet New Year's Eve but we're grateful for all the good that came to help get us through the year, especially the love of our family and friends. We snacked on plenty of treats thanks to Macy, and Ed made some freshly ground coffee with Anthony's gifts - check out the link to see some of the brewing videos!