{Karlton Bontrager}

I apologize to all the readership that have awaited a fresh update. It seems time passes at a rate so fast that I often cannot keep up. Compared to before, my life has become much busier.

In January I learned of a local rugby club, and since then I have been volunteering as assistant rugby coach. Because I don’t yet have any formal training as a coach, I don’t hold specific duties. But I attend practices regularly and help familiarize new players with the sport. We have had many games, some as far away as Long Island, New York and Worcester and Springfield, Massachusetts as well as ones closer to home. I am fortunate to be linked to a good team, as we are a fairly successful and experienced club. Our record is respectable albeit not perfect, so there are aspects of the sport that I can often teach to new players.

Meanwhile, I attend therapy three days a week at the Sargent Rehabilitation Center in Warwick. My special focus is on cognitive therapy, but I am also getting support from occupational and physical therapists. In response to my interest in foreign language instruction, the director created a teaching opportunity for me. I am teaching beginning Spanish to a handful of clients and staff. Our lessons are informal with only a workbook as a guide. Lessons include conversation, grammar, reading, and writing. It’s a challenge for both my students and me.

On a special note, I wish to send out a thank you to all those involved in assisting me to reach my goal to attend the Shake-A-Leg Body Awareness Therapy Program this summer. Your support has overwhelmed me. I received donations of all sizes, and together they covered the fee that the therapy program charges. I am so very appreciative. Your continued encouragement has made this herculean task possible. Thank you to each supporter and contributor. The program begins tomorrow.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.