[FROM PETER]

Hey to all-

Susan and I have received a lot of advice from you about healthy foods that can also produce weight gain. Evan, my oldest friend who's a surgeon in Connecticut, has reminded me of the inevitable weight loss to come. His medical advice is welcome, but not as much as his ability to make me laugh. It's a great friend when you can happily regress with him to when you were both 14. More than once, a middle school teacher made us sit in front of a class after we were caught passing immature notes back and forth.

Today was a good day for the Heart of Carolina Food Drive. Coordinated by the Food Bank of Central and Easten NC (FBCENC) and WTVD/Channel 11, the event collected food at all Kroger stores. Durham Operations Manager Pete Sloane  and I are pictured with food donor Steve Stroud. He told us that he's a painter and was off work today. He saw the Food Drive on a live noon news report and decided to come right over. When I thanked him for his generosity (9 pre-packaged boxes woth over $100), he patted his stomach and said, "I figure I'm getting along okay so now I can help someone else." The FBCENC covers 32 counties and distributes food to 800+ partner organizations (food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, et. al.). I got involved after meeting Pete Sloan, an all-around good guy and talented manager.

Many of Kim and Stephanie Anderson's friends received a message from Stephanie today, her final note on the CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kimanderson2. Kim experienced severe burns in a 3/10 house fire and has recovered well after great support from his family, friends, and the UNC Hospital Jaycee Burn Center. Check out their story and how the Anderson Family has given back to the Burn Center. As you'll read, music has played a large part in their efforts. The Gladin-Kramers can draw on the Andersons' courage and perseverence in the months to come.- Peter K