Many of you read the story of my grandfathers passing two weeks ago. Since then, as some of you may know, I began teaching the Fire Department in Beloit (and other interested individuals) how to play bagpipes. This is the first pipe band Beloit has ever had, and I am really excited to get these guys marching.

Anyways, after my granfather died, a lot of people were donating money in his name, and my dad mentioned to some people that I was thinking of creating a bagpiping fund in his name. Bagpipes are not cheap, and to encourage more people to learn the instrument, I am hoping to have a fund to purchase a few sets.

Today I just learned that Coldwell Banker Commercial (real estate brokers), are donating $10,000 to start the fund! Looks like the J. Richard Long Memorial Pipe Fund will be a reality.