Zona Gently Turns 40 With Family, Friends

The Water Street Landing patio bar in Lewiston was the scene last Friday night (Oct. 3) when energetic and youthful Niagara County Legislator Jason Zona (well, youthful might not be the word) celebrated his 40th birthday with family and friends.

Now that Zona has reached the age where the idea of weight lifting is standing up, according to one of those turning 40 jokes, we hope that Jason has enough left in the tank to continue his march toward full middle age with the help of his many old and weary friends who limped into the patio bar to pay their respects to the aging but still fiery lawmaker who moonlights as a Niagara Falls Fire Department captain.

Among those on hand to help Jason mark the beginning of his decline were fellow legislators Dennis Virtuoso and Owen Steed, School Board President Russell Petrozzi, and Mike Capizzi, the still very youthful restaurateur (Michael's) who spread his wisdom on night life to the crowd of 60 or so who turned out to pat Jason on the back.

It was a good time, despite the age jokes, and Jason proved affable and cheerful through it all, as did the fire fighters who turned out for the festivities.

Never fear, Jason. As some say, life begins at 40, and I can remember it well. But I think it is also true, as Charles Schultz once said about turning 40, that "just remember, once your over the hill you begin to pick up speed." Maybe that's a little harsh but so is getting older.

I always thought that if you could pick one age to live all your life, it would be 40. You have lived a bit, tasted the good and the bad that life has to offer, and with good luck still have a lot of time left to pursue your dreams if you still have any left.

Just remember, Jason, old friend. Now that you've reached 40 it's officially okay to sleep with your socks on," as someone once said.

We at the Niagara Falls Reporter wish you all the best and many more birthdays. And we hope we're still around for a few of them.