Hi everyone,

Today I’m off to celebrate my birthday in style. My birthday was on the 13th but the wonderful folks at David Harrison Elementary School have planned a belated party today at the school and I can’t wait. I’m very grateful to principal SHAWN DEWITT, librarian ANGELA KNIGHT, and others who have helped make this event happen! Thank you!!!

I’ll read to 4th graders in the library, stroll up and down the halls to stop by each classroom long enough to greet the teachers and kids, and then head for the gym. When special invited guests and the whole student body are assembled, I’ll hand out gift wrapped copies of THE DIRT BOOK, one to a student from every classroom, and read some poems. After that, rumor is there will be cake and cards and singing and one happy old gent grinning through it all. I hope someone will take pictures.

Before the festivities begin I’m to be interviewed for the archives about how the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools got its start some forty years ago. I was one of five founders and am now the only living member left of the group. I need to bone up a bit before the interview!