1944

we sat next to a couple from Shelter Island at a reception following a funeral. Naturally, we asked if they knew Ben Jones and wife Betty. "Oh,yes," they replied in unison. Then they told us how their daughter had suffered a heart attack five years ago. Guess who was on the ambulance? And they said Ben saved her life, had to restart her heart twice before she reached the hospital! What a wonderful second career Bens had in emergency medical services!

Last summer we kidded him about the current popularity of Benjamin Franklin. Two biographies of the eminent 18th-century American were on the New York Times bestseller lists. By email we asked Ben if he'd noted the new celebrity of his namesake, and told him "walka proud."

His e-mail reply: "I do." But he went on to tell another Shelter Island story. "Years ago my boat, a 32-foot Luhrs, pulled four black men from Plum Gut. With no other boat in sight, it was quite a save. Back on land, the four asked our names. Hearing my full name, they were overjoyed, since it is very popular in the black community!" And, everywhere, Ben.

Eric Barradale is a big believer in stretching exercises. On a visit to New Jersey, he convinced us that 15 minutes of stretching various muscle groups every other day could renew our balance and agility, improve our walking, help us turn our heads better to observe traffic in a car or on a bike, improve our golf swing and other goodies. Been following his advice, stretching by the book for several months. And you know, he's right! Heck, Eric and Joan also keep up a home in Vermont with 200 acres.

As reported by Al Hormel in our 44 newsletter, Dick Lesser stays fit by living on two floors, and when he and Jessie are off on trips, choosing thirdfloor motel rooms. Got an easier way, Dick? With a basement office, Grace and I go up and down three floors right at home! Often. And, it's easier after stretching. Stay well! Stay with it!

32 Fairway Blvd., Monroe Twp., NJ08831; (732) 521-2224 (fax); dtn99@aol.com