In-Person Events
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Summer 2024 Scor! In-Person Events
Check out 7 distinct options for players of all levels and preferences. Can't wait for a summer full of community, friends, & music!
We'll send out all the details on Scor! E-News. If you're not already getting it, sign up! Plus you'll get free string tips and invites to free classes, too!
Final Application Deadline: June 5
June 5 is the application deadline for 2024 Scor! Summer Events. If you still wish to come after this point, please contact us to inquire whether there are any openings left.
What if there was a musical place for adult string players where...
- people gather together to form real community, build friendships, and enjoy smiling faces and close-knit camaraderie?
- you belong with others at your playing level?
- you receive top-quality instruction from national experts to bring your playing to new heights?
- you feel encouraged & inspired, and experience breakthrough & transformation?
- you can fulfill or resurrect your musical dreams?
- without hindrance or fear, you joyfully play music together?
- you enjoy natural beauty in a sought-after vacation area?
- you can have some good old-fashioned fun?
What if that place is waiting for you this summer?
Scor! is now better than ever! We're going big this summer, doubling our offerings by adding brand new events. Now you can choose from 7 distinct events for players of all levels and preferences. In fact...
Scor! is now offering the most comprehensive slate of opportunities for adult string players in the nation.
Gather. Learn. Play. Belong. Heal. Feast!
Music Vacation, here I come!
Music, friends, & fun!
Look forward to playing together in ensemble this summer! Reunite with old friends & make new friends as you experience music in the supportive & encouraging Scor! community. You'll enjoy relaxing & connecting with others like you, plus you'll learn, grow, and be inspired!
Join us on the Mountaintop
Finger Lakes NY
Make music and enjoy your Mountaintop Experience at our peaceful, inspiring mountain retreat in Canandaigua NY, nestled in the bucolic Finger Lakes region of western New York State (pictured). It's worth the trip! (See questions about travel below.)
Where will Scor! events be held?
In Canandaigua, in the western New York State Finger Lakes Region
Canandaigua (can-an-DAY-gwa) is a jewel in the nationally recognized Finger Lakes Region of NY, known for its 5 large finger-shaped lakes. Wineries & breweries abound, in addition to a variety of dining and shopping experiences, outdoor recreation, historic atmosphere, and loads of summer fun!
Scor! 2024 Events
June-August 2024 in the Finger Lakes (Canandaigua, near Rochester NY)
Join other people just like you from all over! We'll start with an evening cookout on Tuesday, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Music making begins Wed morning and goes through Saturday. Plan to rest up and TRAVEL BACK ON SUNDAY.
Practically Baroque: June 25-29, 2024 (Tues - Sat)
One-time opportunity. The application deadline has passed. Inquire whether space is still available.
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass. Perfect for amateurs & advanced players. (Now accepting participants at the General and Performance Level.) Dive into Baroque style & enjoy Baroque ensemble. Hone practical skills like stylistic bowing, sound, & ornamentation that will have you sounding authentically Baroque on modern instruments. In addition, get a Handel on Baroque style, and get Bach to work. (I couldn't resist.)
Travel in on Tues June 25 . We'll start with an evening cookout, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Afterward, travel back on Sun June 30. (P.S. We were sad to learn that the Bach Cello Suites Workshop is no more, but we welcome former attendees to come enjoy!)
Scor-chestra National Reunion: July 2-6, 2024
The application deadline has passed. Inquire whether space is still available. (New & returning participants all welcome at all events!)
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass. Perfect for many amateur players & enthusiasts. (Accepting participants at the General Level; formerly called "General Week") Dig into ensemble playing, learn & grow, elevate your ensemble skills, have fun playing with others, & be inspired. This event will be held twice, so choose which dates work the best for you! Travel in on Tues July 2. We'll start with an evening cookout, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Afterward, travel back on Sun July 7.
Musical Leadership Intensive: July 9-13, 2024 (Tues - Sat)
Application deadline has passed. Inquire whether space is still available.
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass. Especially for Accomplished Players & String Teachers. (Accepting participants at the Performance Level; formerly called "Performance Week") Fine tune your chamber playing & musical leadership and elevate your playing in any ensemble. Travel in on Tues July 9. We'll start with an evening cookout, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Afterward, travel back on Sun July 14
Scor! Basic Ensemble Reunion: July 16-20, 2024 (Tues - Sat)
The application deadline has passed. Inquire whether space is still available. (New & returning participants all welcome at all events!)
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass. Perfect for the earlier player. (Accepting participants at the Basic Level; formerly called "Basic Week") Immerse yourself in ensemble-playing, shore up your FUN-damentals, and gain confidence to fulfill your ensemble-playing dreams! Travel in on Tues July 16. We'll start with an evening cookout, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Afterward, travel back on Sun July 21.
CelloWell: July 23-27, 2024 (Tues-Sat)
The application deadline has passed. Contact us to inquire whether space is available.
All Cellos. (This is not the only event for cellos. Cellists can alternately choose to attend and benefit from ANY OTHER EVENT this summer.) (Accepting participants at the General & Performance Levels.) Play cello, learn cello, talk cello, breathe cello. Hang out with cello friends and learn from celebrated cellist, pedagogue, and well-known string music publisher Cassia Harvey. Play in ensemble, master techniques, explore a well of resources. Be inspired to Cello Well! Travel in on Tues July 23 . We'll start with an evening cookout, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Afterward, travel back on Sun July 28. (P.S. We were sad to learn that CelloSpeak has shut its doors, but we were inspired to create an opportunity just for cellists... come enjoy!)
Scor-chestra National Reunion: July 30-Aug 3, 2024
The application deadline has passed. Inquire whether space is still available.(New & returning participants all welcome at all events!)
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass. Perfect for many amateur players & enthusiasts. (Accepting participants at the General Level; formerly called "General Week") Dig into ensemble playing, learn & grow, elevate your ensemble skills, have fun playing with others, & be inspired. This event will be held twice, so choose which dates work the best for you! Travel in on Tues July 30. We'll start with an evening cookout, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Afterward, travel back on Sun Aug 4.
Freedom Strings Retreat: Aug 6-10, 2024 (Tues-Sat)
One-time opportunity. The application deadline has passed, but we still have space available. Contact us!
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass. (Accepting participants at the General & Performance Level.) Want to play with a church band, a rock band, blues or jazz band, or in a folk setting? Do you freeze without sheet music, or wonder what to do? Learn how to play in any setting, develop a good ear, and enrich your musicianship. Become unchained from sole dependence on sheet music, play by ear, read lead sheets, learn applied music theory and harmony, and try making stuff up in a setting that could not be more encouraging. Find the freedom to soar to new heights with your playing. Travel in on Tues Aug 6 . We'll start with an evening cookout, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Afterward, travel back on Sun Aug 11 .
Fiddle Fingers Workshop: Aug 13-17, 2024 (Tues-Sat)
One-time opportunity. The application deadline has passed, but we still have space available. Contact us!
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass! Perfect for most amateur players & enthusiasts. (Now accepting participants at the Basic & General Level.) Want to learn and play fiddle tunes with friends, improve your fiddling technique, or learn to sound fiddley from a classical background? Learn fiddling style step by step, and fiddle fantastically in no time. (Yes, we'll have sheet music!) Travel in on Tues Aug 13 . We'll start with an evening cookout, & get to know each other in a casual, relaxed environment. Afterward, travel back on Sun Aug 18 .
There's a place for you at Scor!
Come to the week especially for your level & area of interest! This means you'll feel right at home surrounded by others at your level who share your musical interests, with music & instruction tailored just for you! This way you’ll have the best possible musical, learning, and community experience.
What's my level?
Each week is designed for a specific level and area of interest. The events are described above, and indicate the levels accepted. You can find out what level you are here! (We are happy to help you figure out which level & event is perfect for you. Just ask!)
Which event is for me?
Depending on your level & interests...
Transform your ensemble playing at any level! Ensemble-focused events are offered at each level. They are Basic Ensemble Reunion, Scor-chestra National Reunion, & Musical Leadership Intensive. If you don't know where to start, start by coming to the ensemble event dedicated to your level! Or, choose from 4 more events for special areas of interest... all cellos, Baroque, Fiddling, & Freedom.
Where can I find more info?
Schedules, price, faculty, venue info, meal info, program, etc.
There is a lot of info available throughout this page, and on the Play & Stay Page. Also, you can simply click the button by the event listing (above) and you'll find 5 pages worth of event-specific info!
Where will Scor! events be held?
In Canandaigua, in the western New York State Finger Lakes Region
Canandaigua (can-an-DAY-gwa) is a jewel in the nationally recognized Finger Lakes Region of NY, known for its 5 large finger-shaped lakes. Wineries & breweries abound, in addition to a variety of dining and shopping experiences, outdoor recreation, historic atmosphere, and loads of summer fun!
Where's Canandaigua?
Canandaigua is situated in western New York State, about 35 minutes southeast of Rochester, 1.75 hours east of Niagara Falls, & almost 6 hours northwest of New York City.
(Flying? It's Rochester NY - ROC.)
Go the Distance!
What about the trip?
Will people come from all over? Absolutely. Last year's Scor! participants came from Ireland, Canada, AZ, OR, ID, TX, MO, CO, GA, FL, AL, MD, VA, DC, OH, TN, KY, IL, MI, MA, CT, PA, NJ, & NY. Some prefer to fly while others drive, even long distances if needed. The event schedule is designed to accommodate travel from far away.
Is it worth traveling from far away? Hands down yes! 2023 and long-time Scor! participant Pat says "This was the best Scor! ever." You won't want to miss out on this ideal musical vacation. You won't find an environment of relaxed camaraderie, top-quality instruction, and musical fun like this anywhere else. While Scor! may be farther away, it's more customized, more special, and more worth the trip than ever.
Will I be able to rent an instrument if I can't bring mine on the plane? Yes, we work with The String House (in Rochester NY), a fantastic local string shop, to provide you high quality rental instruments.
What about the Venue?
Nestled in the hills of the bucolic Finger Lakes Region, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Canandaigua, is a gorgeous retreat we call Reflections. From stunning sunsets over the glassy pond to eagles soaring on mountain thermals, it is a place of inspiration & rest - indeed, a place of Reflections (pictured below). Breathe in the fresh mountain air, feel the gentle breezes, enjoy the scenic views, and escape from the noise and demands of the world. Time for a music vacation!
What's the application process?
Here we explain our new application process & address some common application FAQs.
Included!
In-Person Scor! includes...
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Lots of fun ensemble playing!
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Group instructional classes to help you improve
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Relaxed time to connect with others
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A vacation experience in a fantastic area at a beautiful retreat
What's new?
These things have changed from Scor! events in years past...
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Instead of participants of each level coming all at once, each event is designed with certain levels in mind, so that YOUR WEEK is dedicated to YOUR LEVEL. That means...music you're comfortable with, instruction tailored just for your level, and an unbeatable customized experience.
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The venue... is BEAUTIFUL! You'll be able to enjoy a serene, relaxing natural environment while still being a short drive away from anything you need.
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Events are LONGER, which means... more time for ensemble playing, more opportunities to improve, more relaxed community-building time, & more worth your trip!
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Great Location... we are in the renowned Finger Lakes Region of New York State, a hot spot for tourism, wineries, breweries, history, unique dining & shopping, and beautiful natural surroundings... Music Vacation, HERE I COME!
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No more traipsing around with your instrument! You'll have a home spot in ensemble that's always there and always yours. You won't have to switch rooms or buildings for various rehearsals, making your experience simpler & easier.
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We have a more robust application process that ensures you'll attend the right week for your level and area of interest, and makes sure all your questions are answered and needs are taken care of. Apply --> Chat --> Acceptance --> Payment. (See application process FAQs above.)
What's the same?
These things are the same as Scor! events in years past...
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Lots of FUN MUSIC-MAKING! Ensemble playing is the main thing!
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FRIENDS! You'll experience plenty of camaraderie, and get to meet lots of people who love music just like you!
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LEARN & GROW! You'll learn a ton playing with others, be equipped to become a better player technically & musically, and build your abilities and your confidence!
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Encouraging can-do atmosphere, supportive environment, inspirational!
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TOP-NOTCH Knowledgeable, experienced, supportive faculty!
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Tailor-made exclusively for adult string players. (No kids or teens!)
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Smiling faces, fun meals together, close-knit camaraderie. It's "back to normal"... 2019-style.
Staying Healthy at Scor!
Health Protocols & Policies for In-Person Events
Get lots of great tips on staying healthy both at Scor! and while traveling (from experienced travelers!). Check out our health protocols & policies, and find out more about the environment at In-Person Scor!.
Should I plan to leave early?
What? And miss the best part?
You have traveled all the way here. You've put forth all the effort of planning and investing in yourself. Why sell yourself short? Would you leave a lovely restaurant meal or treasured vacation before it was over? Don't think so. You'd milk it! Or would you leave your plane flight before it was over? (Not recommended! : - ) We know you're the kind of person that doesn't give up, and finishes what you started. So why miss out on the final hours of camp? You'll want to milk every bit of your Scor! experience, and get your money's worth. Plus, you won't want to miss out on the best part at the end of Saturday! Plan to stay and travel back on Sunday!
Questions About In-Person Scor!?
Find out the answers below!
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What is Scor! offering now?
We have in-person events going on this summer as well as an ongoing Membership plus occasional courses designed to help you learn & improve, and have fun with music from anywhere!
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Where will your in-person events take place?
At our home base in western New York State: Canandaigua NY, near Rochester NY.
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Can I come to an in-person event if I've never attended Scor! before?
Of course. We welcome new attendees. Anyone is welcome to apply!
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What is the location like?
The events will be held in a quiet residential setting about 15 minutes southwest of the town of Canandaigua. It is a beautiful rural setting with a pond, woods, and scenic views. It is only a 5-15 minute drive to several closeby restaurants, lodging options, & activities.
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Will there be lodging available?
Yes. There is a wide variety of local B&Bs, hotels, and lodging options available from 5-15 minutes away from the event location. We have provided a list of lodging possibilities on our Lodging Options page, and you can find the lodging that suits you.
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What is the application process like?
When applications open, you'll be able to apply. The earlier you apply, the better chance you'll have to get in. Because we have a very limited capacity, we expect to fill up rather quickly. (We'll review all applications to ensure level-appropriateness and will consider overall instrumentation.)
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Should I leave early?
Would you leave a prize vacation early? Or a haircut? How about a restaurant meal before it's finished? You want to get the most out of the experience, and not miss out on the best part, right? Plus, why not get your money's worth? Stay through the end of the program on Saturday, then plan to leave on Sunday (or later, after enjoying this beautiful area)!
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What are your health policies?
Please see the button above to access our Staying Healthy Page.
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Will people come to the Scor! National Reunions from all over?
Absolutely. Last year's Scor! participants came from Ireland, Canada, AZ, OR, ID, TX, MO, CO, GA, FL, AL, MD, VA, DC, OH, TN, KY, IL, MI, MA, CT, PA, NJ, & NY. Some prefer to fly while others drive, even long distances if needed. The event schedule is designed to accommodate travel from far away.
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What airport will I fly into?
Greater Rochester International Airport in Rochester NY: ROC
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How far is the airport from the Scor! Venue?
About a 45-minute drive.
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Will I be able to rent an instrument if I can't bring mine on the plane?
Yes, we will work with the String House, a fantastic local string shop, to provide you with quality rental instruments.
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Is it worth traveling to the Scor! National Reunion from far away?
Hands down yes! 2023 and long-time Scor! participant Pat says "This was the best Scor! ever." You won't want to miss out on this ideal musical vacation. You won't find an environment of relaxed camaraderie, top-quality instruction, and musical fun like this anywhere else. While Scor! may be far away, it's more customized, more special, and more worth the trip than ever.
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Should I wait to come until Scor! comes to my area?
Nope. This is the Scor! location for everyone. We have no current plans to come to your area. This is the time, this is the place! (As the last few years have taught us, you never know if you'll have the same opportunity again... the future is always uncertain.) Come on over and join us this year! You'll love it. It's worth the trip.
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What if I'm not able to attend the In-Person Scor! Events?
We'll be offering occasional FREE LIVE CLASSES, so stay tuned! You'll receive notice of those classes over email. We also invite you to check out our ongoing Membership, offering musical learning, monthly playing classes & fun musical experiences, and plenty of camaraderie. Click on the header or footer for Membership, or on the yellow button at the bottom of the page. Also, we'll notify you by email as we offer courses that help you improve your playing!
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Will you have Scor! events at any other location?
We will not be having Scor! events at any other location. If you wish to attend a Scor! event in person, please make plans to travel to the Rochester NY region! (The Finger Lakes are a beautiful, prime tourist destination in the summer!) It simply isn't possible at this time to include other locations. Why? Touring all over the country in a motorhome for 6 months each year to put on events is a HUGE commitment & investment (to put it mildly). This model was conceived and built in a different world, and after everything that has happened in the last few years, both nationally & personally, unfortunately we are unable to continue that approach. Too many things have changed. Our health situations are different. There is much that is unstable and unpredictable.. Fuel costs have skyrocketed. Supply chain issues plague & threaten the viability of motorhome travel. Areas we have traveled through have destabilized. And many of our past facilities have breached contracts, gone out of business, not allowed us to return, changed rules & regulations, and increased prices astronomically. Plus, many of our clients still feel hesitant about coming to an in-person event. It's hard to predict exactly how things will be in the future, so although we wish we could include additional locations, we have no current plans to do so. Our current location, these home base events, are worth traveling for! We came to you for many, many years, so now you have the opportunity to vacation to a beautiful area and enjoy!
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What about my credit?
If you still have a credit from a 2020 camp, please contact us to determine what is possible.
Question?
Just ask!
Get a Glimpse of Home Base
Take a Casual Video Tour of Reflections
Beautiful New Digs!
Scor! New Home Base
We are in the process of renovating a rehearsal room, creating new office space, and putting together a new home base for Scor! in a beautiful rural setting in the Finger Lakes area of western New York state. We'll enjoy a focus on ensemble playing & camaraderie, while relaxing in a serene natural setting. Enjoy more pics below!
The In-Person Scor! Experience
Make music with newfound friends in ensemble, participate in unique & amazingly informative instructional sessions, and meet our incredible experienced and knowledgeable faculty. It's a learning, growing, fun, exciting, educational, inspirational experience you won't want to miss! Instruction is tailored especially for adult string players like you at your level by national leaders in the field of adult string education.
*Judy says , "The Scor! experience was absolutely perfect for me. You are wonderful musicians & gifted teachers. The program was interesting & engaging. Thank you for inventing a super experience for adult learners!"*
Musical! Scor! is packed with instruction, ensemble-playing, & musical fun. Nurture your technical skills and musical sensibilities and enjoy playing with others like you at your level. Be inspired by the quality teaching & performing of our first-rate faculty. Enjoy a diverse experience with lots of playing opportunities, transformative instructional sessions, relaxing community and camaraderie, beautiful faculty performances, and more! A first-time camper writes, "Scor! was a delightfully challenging and satisfying learning experience for me...Scor! has energized my musical soul."
Fun & Inspiration! We take our quality instruction seriously. But we also have loads of fun! Shed that pressure of always having to get it right and enjoy learning and growing with your peers. Let your hair down for a few days and take in the Scor! experience: meaningful, transformative, enjoyable, challenging, fulfilling...and just plain fun. A long-time camper says of Scor!,
"Positive encouragement in a non-threatening, low stress environment that brings out the best musician in each of us!"
Friends! Scor! is full of friendly, excited, and enthusiastic people who are immersed in musical and personal growth. Meet others with similar interests; enrich your life through wonderful new friends. As one camper describes:
"Taking up the cello as an adult was a kind of isolated pleasure until I discovered Scor!. Experiencing a community with the same interest and with such an incredible level of enthusiasm and friendship has been wonderful."
For you! You will love and treasure your Scor! experience, specially designed for adult string players like you. "I hardly know where to start. Scor! has truly changed my life." writes one long-time Scor! camper. "Scor! is the most supportive and encouraging environment for the adult string player on the planet." says a faculty member. If you immerse yourself fully in the Scor! experience, we're confident that you'll share the same story!
The building Scor! is truly a labor of love--by campers, founders Kyle & Beth Bultman, donors, faculty, board members, volunteers, sponsors, and more! This has resulted in the one-of-a-kind Scor! 'flavor' or 'vibe'... As a recent multi-year camper puts it,
"The atmosphere at Scor! is unique and powerful. First-timers catch the spirit immediately. Scor! deserves the support of everyone who loves music & people."
Want more info on the Finger Lakes Region?
Canandaigua NY: Vacation Destination!
Credits
How can I use my Scor! credit?
Get all your credit questions answered at our Credits Page.
20 years, over 100 events
Below are photos from 2018, our 100th event year.
Scor! has a long history of producing in-person events. Over the last 22 years, we have put on 126 Scor! Camps! We look forward to seeing you at our Scor! Events this summer!
What is going on with Kyle?
In answer to your questions...
Kyle endured a prolonged illness & hospitalization last year. He is doing much better and has had a remarkable recovery, gaining back much of his previous strength. Some health challenges remain from his ordeal, and he continues to work on gaining more stamina & endurance. Some who know us have been asking for more about our story. You can find it here...
