Washington Crossing, PA to North Brunswick, NJ -- 30 miles

We woke at 7:15 am, and got ready for our last day of biking. Lenny and Evan drove down to the Park & Ride lot to see if anyone else had showed up to bike with us. They came back, and we left our house at 9 am. We stopped in Princeton and saw Charley Mauser inside a church where we were using the restroom. Charlie is the husband of one of Lenny's patients. Today was the first time that Lenny told Lorraine to pedal slower, so that we would not arrive at the Berkowitz's home too soon. We stopped at Amish market to waste some time. 

When we reached Lenny's office, there were balloons and friends there to greet us - Bill, Deb, Billy and Richard Goodheart, as well as Michele Russo (Lenny's C.A.), Dr. Krystine Biesaga (who covered Lenny's office while he was gone), and Dr. Annie Grimaldi. We felt very welcome! We chatted with them for awhile, then left to bike the last 5 miles to Bob's house. As we turned the corner onto the Berkowitz's drive, everyone was gathered on the lawn and cheered! Lenny said the cheering made him feel so excited and proud, but not quite deserving of all this acknowledgement. Many photographs were taken of Lenny and Lorraine with different groups of people.

Bob then gave Lenny a heart-warming introduction. Lenny acknowledged people from the college, the Berkowitz's, all the supporters and Lorraine for completing the journey despite all the obstacles. He told everyone about our journey and then answered questions. He said the lessons of this trip were (1) Living simply clearly distinguishes what is essential and what is luxury. It also points out how wealthy we are beyond the basics of life. (2) Service was another theme that kept coming up. There is no way we could have completed this trip without the service of hundred of others. It brings into focus the fact that service is the cause and foundation of civilization. He then asked people to pledge to the scholarship fund, and gave the following reasons: (1) We have completed 5000 miles for this cause. (2) We all have great abundance beyond our needs. (3) To honor Dr. Berkowitz for all he has contributed to this profession. (4) This scholarship will continue to serve others long after our lives have come to an end. 

After the talk a number of people, including Dr. Thom Gelardi (the founder of Sherman College) and Kathy Berkowitz, said that they were inspired by the talk. He said he wished that the students, faculty and administrators could have heard the talk to see what inspiring and committed members of the board of trustees we have at Sherman College. We were then treated to a delicious buffet luncheon. Jerry Hardee, President of Sherman College, awarded us an engraved plaque and engraved watches for our contribution. We really enjoyed talking to everyone! Annie Grimaldi offered to bring our bikes back to the house in her van and we gratefully accepted. Lorraine's parents gave us a ride back in their car. It was a wonderful journey but we sure were glad to be heading home!