The ninth annual Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore April Fools Race benefiting tutoring programs for area residents came in like spring this year—a little slow on the starting blocks, but run in beautiful weather and finishing with a kick. Racers from all over New England and as far away as Minnesota participated in the festivities to help commemorate the contributions of past volunteers Dot and Erl Nord.

We are especially fortunate to have an extraordinary combination that made this year’s event a rousing success. Special thanks to The Clark Group and Tower Laboratories, our title sponsors. Their generosity reached new heights with their sponsorship, which included the Backward Mile race. AAA Refrigeration answered the call with a Silver Sponsorship this year. Thanks also goes to sponsor Essex Savings Bank.

A huge thank you goes to Race Director Elizabeth Steffen, who again worked very hard this year to make this event a success. We greatly appreciate the generous assistance from First Selectman Norm Needleman, the Town of Essex, Essex Police, Essex Parks & Recreation Department, our office staff and our many race volunteers.

Finally, thanks go to all our racers and all those who brought spring to the race and the cause of literacy.

John J. Ferrara,

Executive Director

Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore, CT, Inc.