Today we are proud to attend the commencement ceremony at Rowan University, where our son Andrew receives his Masters Degree in Mathematics.

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Ball point pen on graduation program

Graduations are special events.

Ball point pen on graduation program

Not just because hundreds of people are forced to sit still for me to draw, but because it recognizes all the hard work and achievements of the graduates.

Ball point pen on graduation program

Congratulations to my very bright niece, Sarah who graduated High School last night. A dedicated student, Sarah is a member of the National Honor Society, Scholastic Honor Society, and World Language Honor Society. She will be attending Washington College in the fall majoring in Biology.

Bravo Sarah!

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Today we have the difficult task of saying goodbye to our faithful companion Bernie.

We rescued Bernie 12 years ago from an owner that couldn't care for him.

A well behaved, lovable Yorkie that always wanted company. Named after, then center fielder for the New York Yankees, Bernie Williams.

He will be missed.

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Happy Anniversary
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Ball point pen on paper

Today is my son Andrew's 21st Birthday. Andrew is a senior at Rowan University finishing his undergraduate degree in Mathematics. He will be studying abroad in Rome Italy this summer and plans on applying to graduate schools upon his return.

Apart from his scholastic career, Andrew plays the guitar and bass. Working from my home studio, I've had the privilege to see and hear bands form and practice in my basement. He and his mates have played gigs at the famed Jersey club The Stone Pony, where some of the biggest names in music, including Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Cheap Trick, Joan Jett, Elvis Costello, Peter Frampton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Patti Smith have graced the same stage. He is currently playing bass for Dan Wythoff performing gigs in New Jersey and in and around Philadelphia. Andrew also writes music reviews and conducts interviews for the on-line music magazine Praise For Wallflower.

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Above left: Andrew playing at the Stone Pony

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5" x 7" Oil on canvas

If an idle mind and hands are the devils workshop, then my grandmother Alice Burke should be canonized as a saint. This weekend marks her 95th Birthday and this oil sketch of her busy hands is my gift to her.

Born Alice Kopidlowski the same year that World War I broke out. She lost her father at an early age and had to drop out of school in the third grade to work in a button factory. She met my grandfather during The Great Depression and they eloped in 1932. She made up for the lack of formal education with hard work and determination. At 95 she still reads a newspaper cover to cover every day. In her day she could sew a dress without a pattern, make a slip cover for a worn couch, wallpaper a room, change a broken window, cook a great meal, make toys out of household items to amuse her grandchildren, boost a kids ego by purposefully loosing a thousand consecutive games of checkers without ever seeming board.

Growing up I never saw her sit and eat a meal until everyone was fed. She couldn't go away on vacation without hotels offering her employment. At 95 her failing legs have made her do what her nature never allowed, sit down. But her lack of mobility doesn't stop her from doing for others. In her night stand she keeps a pad to record the foot size of every family member and friend, and hardly a get together passes without a gift of crocheted slippers.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

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Ball point pen on the morning newsprint

My Father, Joseph R. Roibal Jr. or Jose to his friends, served in the US Navy during the Korean War. While serving a long tour at sea, a virulent strain of streptococcus running throughout the ship led sick bay to run out of antibiotics. An infection settled in Joseph's kidneys, leading to his medical discharge from the Navy, eventually to total renal failure, and after many years of dialysis, to his early passing at the age of 57.

If the above seems like a small footnote, that's intentional. He never let that monumental event define who he was. A first generation American, he was a strong man in body and mind, a hard worker, tough as nails on the outside, but a loving caring guy to the core....I miss him.

The post Veterans Day appeared first on Larry Roibal.

There is no bigger news item than our daughter Alyssa Graduating from South Plainfield High School tonight. A member of the National Honor Society, National Arts Honor Society, National Scholastic Society and Girl Scout Silver Award recipient, Alyssa will be a freshman this fall at Rutgers University, New Brunswick majoring in Journalism.

Congratulations Alyssa!

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