Aside from my continued joy at spending a 39th Christmas with my wife, Randi, the high point of the Yule season in 2013 was my receipt, in the mail, of a beautiful 63-page book with a glossy cover displaying a wonderful picture of our former president, Jim Birney, and his wife, Bobbie. It is titled An Old Folks Garden of Verses: A Celebration of Life, Love and Longevity. In addition to several bits of explanation and acknowledgements written in prose, the book contains more than 50 poems, written by Jim. They are touching and completely relevant to life, loving and longevity. It is magnificent. I don’t know whether or not Jim will sell copies but if he will, buy one.


Nob Hovde usually gives a blowout Christmas party. It must have been great because he did not give one this year and people were angry with him for not doing so. Nob is “feeling great” and is looking forward to welcoming Clift and Joan Whiteman to Naples, Florida. Bob and Joan McIlwain, Joan Mauk and Randi and I enjoyed a farewell dinner with Clift and Joan in late December prior to their departure. They have lived in Vero Beach, Florida, for several years and have moved to Naples. We shall miss them.


E. Fauver sadly reports that Skip is now wheelchair bound and cannot travel long distances.


Bob Kilmarx warns all who use computers to be aware of scam artists who prey on the unsuspecting. A plea for (financial) help from a stranded friend whose credentials have been stolen by the perpetrator is currently common.


More about “Sak” Sarokin and Dave Steinberg in the next column.


Recent deaths are Ted Bamberger on October 27, 2013; Walt Fisher on October 30, 2013; Dick Healy on October 14, 2013; George Partlow on September 30, 2013; Charlie Peskin on July 21, 2013; Ken Sutherland on September 28, 2013; and Woody Smith on October 25, 2013. Rest in peace, gentlemen.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03 @gmail.com