What a magical time - seeing Peter Hammond’s beloved son Sam - who drove in from Iowa in a van and whom you see here eating pierogi at Veselka. I first met Sam, now 21, when he was 3 months old, when I remember holding him in my arms. Peter then decamped to Iowa where Sam’s mom was from & where Sam grew up. But determined to give his son New York City, Peter brought him back to Manhattan and Brooklyn virtually every year from when Sam was about 3 yrs old to 14. It worked: his love for this city is now palpable. First time I’ve seen him since then. A golden soul like his father. So much laughter and love. Unforgettable evening.