Gerrit's band releases debut album

Twenty Eight, a five-man rock band featuring Gerrit on guitar, has released its debut album, Road to October.

The 12-song CD is available at the band's shows, or as a digital download from iTunes or Amazon.

The band's web site appears to still be under construction, but it also has a MySpace page that streams selected songs from the new album.

The band members hail from the Cape Cod area and, as its web site shows, has a busy schedule of performances booked through the summer.

Christine exhibits at HS art show

A couple of examples of Christine's work were included in the 2008 Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Art Show.

The 26 dragons forming the alphabet were created in Drawing class earlier in the school year. The Gumby scene was done in Airbrush this term.

Promotion at Saratoga YMCA

Pat writes from Saratoga: Mary just accepted the position of "Youth and Family Sports Director" at the YMCA of Saratoga. We are thrilled about her new position. It is really a BIG move up for her.

Mary was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Children's Museum a few months ago. Congratulations!

Stephanie advances in karate

Stephanie continues to advance in her karate training. This month she was promoted another belt level. Her new belt is "camoflage."

See earlier photos of Karateka Stephanie

Four score and more

In celebration of Daniel/Dad/Grandpa/Great-Grandpa's 80th birthday on April 7, 2008, family members gathered the following Saturday, April 12.

In addition to Daniel and Lorraine the gathering included Dan & Julie, Kathy & Ted, Brien, Kevin & Kathy; Genevieve, Vivien, Patrick, Shanna, Kevin, Christine and Andy. All enjoyed a fine feast at Tombolino Restaurant in Yonkers.

Here is some (rather dark) video of the festivities:

And here is a slideshow of more photos from the restaurant, plus the after-party that began on the new patio of Kevin & Kathy's home, then moved indoors as the pleasant evening started to turn cool.

(You can also go to this album and choose slideshow, or click on individual photos to see them in larger size and make copies.)

Christine receives confirmation

In a service April 6 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Westfield, Christine was confirmed by the Rt. Rev. George E. Councell, bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey.


(Photo by Cathy)

Christine was one of 17 young-adult parishoners confirmed. After the service there was a reception in the parish hall where each confirmand received a certificate and a gift of a prayerbook from their pastor, Rev. Andrew Hamersley, and congratulated by the bishop.

Afterward Christine was joined by her parents, brother, godfather Uncle Doug, Aunt Lisa, cousin Becky, Aunt Cathy, cousins Christopher and Stephanie, grandparents Hugh and Dolores, and boyfriend Matt, for a celebratory luncheon at a Westfield restaurant.