I always struggle with beginning a column, especially the first one of the new year, reporting on the loss of another beloved Ocean Pointer. Ted Kern died peacefully on Monday, Jan. 8 after a lengthy but heroic battle with cancer with his family by his side. Ted, of course, grew up summering at Ocean Point with his dad and mom, Dick and Ann, and his siblings, John and Dave.

My recollections of Ted growing up at Ocean Point were that of a happy, upbeat, funny, thoughtful and kind individual. He was always so willing to lend a hand to anyone in need; Ted was the best kind of friend to all and a person that you were really fortunate to know. He was, as one Ocean Pointer commented,” one of the good guys.” Ted was that person who you could go without seeing for a period of time and when you eventually did catch up again it was as though you had spoken to him yesterday.

 Ted, like many of us in our teens, worked summers and it was at Ocean Point one particular summer that he met and eventually married the love of his life, Ginny. When Ginny was our AD, Ted was constantly there by her side assisting in whatever job needed to be done. All of Ocean Point will miss him but take comfort in the many happy memories we hold of him.

Our sincerest condolences to his wife Ginny, his children Sam, Grant and Jennifer, his brothers John and David, his sisters-in-law Sharon and Sue, his mom Ann and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14 at the Congregational Church in Cumberland, Maine at 1:30 p.m.

At this time the Kern family would like to express their heart-felt gratitude to the Ocean Point community for their amazing outpouring of love and support during Ted’s illness.

Shortly before the holidays we began to experience a dramatic decline in temperatures that culminated in what was termed a “Bomb Cyclone.” The blizzard dropped 12+ inches of snow in most areas followed by a severe blast of cold arctic air lasting many days. On a brighter note a warm up is expected over the upcoming weekend.

Sue Goodrich captured the beauty of the storm and recently posted her pictures on the blog, thank you Sue. Julie Brown also has a beautiful photo of sea smoke. We are all so appreciative of these photos taken by our “year -rounders” as it is a constant reminder of the beauty of the area.

Bruce Lewis took his weekly ride to Ocean Point after the storm and reports that despite being completely snow-bound everything was fine. Bruce and long time Ocean Point friend Ginny DeCesare meet up weekly throughout the year for some good conversation and reminiscing of Ocean Point days gone by. Ginny will be heading south soon to visit with family.

Bruce’s granddaughter Abby swims competitively for American University in Washington and is headed to Sarasota to train for her upcoming season. As a freshman Abby recently placed third in a national meet. Congratulations!

Jean and John Webster’s holidays were spent in St. Louis visiting their daughter Kim and son-in-law Michael. Both of Jean and John’s granddaughters were home for the holidays, Ava from Tulane and Grace from Elon. They celebrated with Michael’s extended family and, according to John, had a wonderful time eating, singing and enjoying some holiday cheer!

John and Kelly Hankinson, along with their daughters Audrey and Kate, spent their holiday with John’s brother Jeff and family and then ventured into New York City to see a performance of “Wicked” at the Gershwin Theatre.

All of New England is anticipating the upcoming Patriots game on Saturday and we will certainly be cheering for our team.  However, in all fairness, I know there are some Ocean Pointers rooting for their team as well, best of luck to all participating teams in both divisions.

Have a happy and healthy new year and a great week!