Dear Friends and Family,

2024 was a roller coaster ride for our family.

As many of you know, Rich was diagnosed with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm in mid-January via an "accidental finding" on an MRI. He endured 10 hours of surgery and 9 days in the ICU. After a few additional less traumatic medical issues, Rich truly began to recover fully in July, 6 months after his surgery with the return of energy and appetite. He returned to his hybrid work schedule at Jedwards International and began booking concerts for him and Susan again.

Rich and Susan moved to a senior independent living community (Center Communities of Brookline/ CCB) in April. CCB is part of Hebrew Senior Life ( a non-profit) and is affiliated Harvard University. They had been planning a move and found out that there was an apartment available on the day of Rich’s surgery. With the help of a ‘starving artist’ from Club Passim, they launched a massive down-sizing effort, unloading 17 books of books, several large pieces of furniture and lots of other stuff before their move.. They are now settled in a 14th floor apartment with views of the Boston skyline. Susan likes the fact that exercise and yoga classes are an elevator’s ride away. They enjoy Brookline and the fact that the Green Line (Boston subway line) stops across the street.

Rich’s situation brought their musical activities, including Susan’s songwriting and guitar lessons, to a screeching halt for months. When the dust cleared, Susan decided to take a new direction with her music. Knowing her fellow songwriting group members benefited from community college music classes, Susan found the Music Concentration program at Bunker Hill Community College. She enrolled in September, taking 1 class + a performance credit (i.e. Choir) at a time and even sang in the Christmas concert. Even though being decades older than the students and some faculty, she is enjoying the experience.

Susan continues her consulting work with History Behind the Scenes (HBTS). Right now, her team is working on two projects for the Texas Historical Commission (THC), one in theTexas Panhandle and one in San Antonio. She traveled to both sites in 2024. Hard to believe HBTS has been with the THC for 13 years.

The rest of the family is doing well. Andrea and Bobby continue their artistic careers. Follow them at www.andreakleine.com, and www.bobbyprevite.com. Hilary, Sword (16) and Ben (14) moved across the Hudson River to Saugerties NY. Hilary is still Vice President at Donate Life America. Jared and Seema remain in NYC and continue their work as an attorney and art history professor. Vishnu is now 14 and Sunny is 11.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and better times for 2025.