Julie honored by Girl Scouts for volunteer work

At the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey council's annual Volunteer Recognition dinner, Julie received the Thanks Badge in recognition of her "selfless volunteerism over the years and her lasting commitment to the mission of Girl Scouts." Above, Julie stands with two other award recipients. Behind her are the executive director and two board members of the council.

The award citation noted that Julie has been a troop leader, Service Unit Manager for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, nut-sale manager, religious award liason and recording secretary for the service unit, "and much more." She also served on the committee that guided the merger of three councils into Heart of New Jersey.

In addition, Julie and the other members of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Service Unit team received the President's Award as one of the outstanding teams in the council.

"With a service team comprised of over 25 volunteers, this team spends countless hours planning various activities throughout the year to keep the girls engaged in Girl Scouting," the citation said.

A spring stroll in NY for Gen, John, Beatrice

One of New York's most fabulous families was spotted in Central Park enjoying Saturday's beautiful spring weather. Six-week-old Beatrice looks to be riding in style - and snoozing in the fresh air.

Of birds and blossoms and a beautiful April day

Look closely at this robin and you'll see water droplets on its feathers. This fellow enjoyed hopping in and out of the spray from a lawn sprinkler at Birch Street headquarters on this gorgeous April day.

SPRING has finally really truly broken out here in New Jersey and environs. Dan says: "After a long, snowy winter and a cool, dreary early spring, this wasn't just any sunny-and-70-degrees day. It felt like perfection.

"Hyacinths! Azalea buds! The neighbor's magnolia tree against a spectacular blue sky! On a bicycle ride around the neighborhood I saw high school and Little League baseball games, a full playground, joggers, strollers, gardeners, someone washing a boat in a driveway."

"Over the land is April," added Robert Louis Stevenson. "Hear you the songs of spring?" Yes, Bob, we do.

Marie now writing for web-designer site

Marie on the "About" page at CSS-Tricks

Marie is now a member of the staff of CSS-Tricks, a web site that provides tutorials, tips and other information about CSS, a language for formatting web sites.

For the past few years, Marie has been operating her own blog about blog design, called codeitpretty.com.

She started editing and writing for CSS Tricks in late January. She continues to work from her home office.

Marie writes: "CSS-Tricks is one of the world's most popular websites about front-end web development. I learned so much about what I do from CSS-Tricks, so it's very exciting for me to be part of the team."

Chris, Steph & Cathy on band trip to Disney: Photos

Cathy has put together this great selection of photos from the Hilliard Darby High School music trip to Disneyworld in late March.

Senior Christopher, freshman Stephanie and chaperone Cathy were all on the trip. Looks like a great time!

(If the photo album isn't displayed above, click here)

Dolores takes part in NAN Assembly

Dolores and Hugh traveled last month to Troy, Mich., where Dolores took part in the National Association of Needlearts 2015 Assembly. Above, Dolores gives a lecture during the opening reception on the judging of embroidery.

One of the awards presented at the event is named for Dolores, and is given to "an original entry that demonstrates creative use of color and design in any medium."

Above, the ballroom of The Somerset Inn is converted into an exhibit hall for The Exemplary, NAN's annual needlework showcase. "We filled it with marvelous embroidery from all over the country -- plus a few from Canada," Dolores said.

During their trip, Hugh paid a visit to the Henry Ford Museum. Naturally, there's a Model T on exhibit there, along with many other auto specimens (not all made by Ford). The Hot Dog Mobile (below) is just inside the entrance. But the museum also includes collections of Americana and objects connected with U.S. history.

Easter greetings and gatherings

Hugh and Dolores played host to some family members for Easter Brunch in the dining hall at their Oak Crest community in Parkville, Md.

Julie, Dan and Christine were visiting from New Jersey and were joined by Doug, Lisa and Liz. They spent the rest of the day relaxing and talking at Hugh and Dolores' apartment and then at Doug and Lisa's house.

The previous evening, Julie, Dan and Christine joined Hugh and Dolores at the Easter Vigil service at Trinity Church in Towson.

Cathy, Christopher and Stephanie celebrated Easter together at their church, St. Patrick's in Dublin, Ohio. They sent along this photo with Easter greetings to all.

Please share your Easter stories and photos

Happy Easter to all