April with its richness is here even though the world and national scene seem possibly more discordant than they did two months ago. We also feel the sad impact of our diminished numbers as listed below. The Vermont Country Store catalog reminds us that springtime is slow to arrive in Vermont so one watches closely for signs it is near, such as plumes of steam rising from the sugarhouses. (Remember how it was not until May the trees would burst green in Hanover?) “It is a time when our spirit is renewed, our troubles seem smaller and our faith that goodness will prevail is restored.” Signs—budding, blooming trees and flowers—are evident now in Delaware as is the arrival of the migrating birds plus nesting activity. Anglers crowd the heavily stocked trout streams here. (Pete Henderson: Were you able to get in your annual salmon fishing trip?) Baseball is back too, with the Mets in first place. Think that will last?

April 23 was a highlight day as Boston area classmates gathered for the annual spring luncheon hosted by Jack Doyle and Betty Brady. Dick Mount regaled the group telling of his cross-country quest to play a set of tennis in the capital city of every state to raise money for youth tennis. He told also of hiking 26 mountains in New England, A to Z, as a fundraiser. Dick donated 150 racquets to youth tennis plus some equipment. Attendees were M.J. and Bruce Alexander, Karen and Mike Gorton, Iris and Bob Fanger, Marilyn and Jack Doyle, and Stan Bergman.

Dick Aberle continues to do well recovering from back surgery at his retirement village in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. It has been a concerning, caregiving six months now for John Levitas, whose wife, June, is in a care facility due to strokes.

Bill Cassell proudly reports that daughter Samantha ran the Boston marathon in 3:27.

Sadly, we report the passing of Neal M. Allen, John D. Bassette Jr., Louis Bierly II, Weston Bruner, Elias “Mike” Ellovich, Scott Gerrish, Frederick Hawkins, Thomas Hughson, James Magavern, and Alvan R. Schwartz, M.D.

—Ken Lundstrom, 1912 Marsh Road, IL Apt. 132, Wilmington, DE 19810; (919) 641-5219; ken lundstrom@yahoo.com