Wiser With Age

Author: Kelly Carrion

  • NYPD lieutenant talks about becoming a co-author with his dad

    NYPD lieutenant talks about becoming a co-author with his dad


    Jon and Bernard Whalen are a father and son writing-duo who recently released their second co-authored book, “The NYPD’s First Fifty Years: Politicians, Police Commissioners and Patrolmen.†The book includes a look back at the formation of the New York Police Department in 1898 and the heroism, and even corruption, that has taken place within the organization since then. The book signing will take place February 18 in Queens, NY.

    Bernard, 57, is currently a lieutenant in the NYPD and has worked in the force for 30 years. He switched careers from a physical education teacher to the police force many years ago and has not left since. He says he also greatly enjoys writing in his spare time – something he learned from his father, Jon.

    Jon, 79, now a retired English teacher, began his career as a corrections officer at Sing Sing and Auburn prisons. However, he decided to leave that role for his love of English and teaching students. According to Bernard, switching careers was unusual for his father’s time, but he says watching his father follow his passion for teaching encouraged him to pursue his own passions as well.

    Later, Bernard came up with an idea to publish a novel with his dad. In 2000, they published their first fiction thriller, “Justifiable Homicide.”

    Bernard and Jon, or B.J. Whalen, as they call themselves, are working on other novels and hoping to extend “The NYPD’s First Fifty Years.”

    *Jon Whalen could not attend the interview due to health issues.

     

    A woman with short hair wearing red necklace.Kelly Carrion, is a multimedia journalist who believes in the incredible influence storytelling has on people, and how they view the world. That is why she has made it her mission to tell compelling stories about extraordinary people. Her articles have been featured on NBCNews.com, NBCLatino.com, LowellSun.com and Nashoba Publishing. She is a recent Boston University graduate. Follow Kelly on Twitter @kellycarrion12.

  • Daughter of jazz legend, Bertha Hope, remembers her mom’s influence

    Daughter of jazz legend, Bertha Hope, remembers her mom’s influence


    Bertha Hope grew up with a musician father and became a world-renowned jazz pianist herself. She then passed on her love for music to her daughter, Monica, who is a singer and currently recording original material for licensing consideration and hoping for her first CD.

    “It was like passing it on to the next generation,†Bertha told Wiser With Age.

    Monica recalls writing music from the age of 14 and says her mother had an incredible influence in helping her perfect her craft. She says her mother never interfered in her creative process but always had some insight into her work.

    Bertha and Monica perform together occasionally. In late 2014, they performed together when Bertha was named “Living Legend” at the Bronx Music Heritage Center. A clip of the performance can be seen above.

    Monica will be performing in an upcoming show at the Bitter End in New York City with New York Hall of Fame Inductee, Billie Williams on February 7.

    And, you can catch Bertha every other weekend at Minton’s jazz club in Harlem, or the Apollo Theatre, in New York City on May 9th and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on May 10th.

     

    A woman with short hair wearing red necklace.Kelly Carrion, is a multimedia journalist who believes in the incredible influence storytelling has on people, and how they view the world. That is why she has made it her mission to tell compelling stories about extraordinary people. Her articles have been featured on NBCNews.com, NBCLatino.com, LowellSun.com and Nashoba Publishing. She is a recent Boston University graduate. Follow Kelly on Twitter @kellycarrion12.

  • Veteran remembers meeting his wife 61 years ago

    Veteran remembers meeting his wife 61 years ago


    Bob Haupt was drafted to the U.S. Marines in 1951, and for years he traveled the United States to different bases. He was previously in the refrigeration and air conditioning business, which led to his job as a repairman in the Marines. He was stationed in many states around the country – one of them being Virginia. During one of his visits to his hometown, Teaneck, NJ, he met the love of his life, Helen Haupt. Bob would travel every weekend for seven month from Virginia to see Helen. Soon after his service was over in 1953, he decided to marry her on January 30, 1954, and they have been together since.

    Their secret to their 61-year-old marriage? “If you love each other, you can get through anything.”

     

    A woman with short hair wearing red necklace.Kelly Carrion, is a multimedia journalist who believes in the incredible influence storytelling has on people, and how they view the world. That is why she has made it her mission to tell compelling stories about extraordinary people. Her articles have been featured on NBCNews.com, NBCLatino.com, LowellSun.com and Nashoba Publishing. She is a recent Boston University graduate. Follow Kelly on Twitter @kellycarrion12.

  • Comedian Howard Feller Gives Up-And-Coming Comedian Advice

    Comedian Howard Feller Gives Up-And-Coming Comedian Advice


    Born and raised in NYC, Howard Feller, now 60, started writing comedy in his mid-20’s. Throughout his stand-up career, he’s also been a sidekick on “The Jon Stewart Show” and had various roles in films such as, “I Hate Valentine’s Day” and “Awakenings.” Most recently, he’s appeared on the 2014 TV series, “The Following.”

    Here, he gives advice to up-and-coming NYC comedian Gabe Waldman at the iconic Stand Up NY comedy club.

     

    A woman with short hair wearing red necklace.Kelly Carrion, is a multimedia journalist who believes in the incredible influence storytelling has on people, and how they view the world. That is why she has made it her mission to tell compelling stories about extraordinary people. Her articles have been featured on NBCNews.com, NBCLatino.com, LowellSun.com and Nashoba Publishing. She is a recent Boston University graduate. Follow Kelly on Twitter @kellycarrion12.