Longtime Guilford resident Frederick DeKuyper died Sept. 21 from injuries he suffered in a fall. Mr. DeKuyper was a 32-year resident of Underwood Road with his wife, Mary Hundley DeKuyper.

After retiring from a long and honor-filled career as a lawyer, including 20 years as part of Johns Hopkins University's general counsel's office, Mr. DeKuyper found great fulfillment in recent years tutoring third- and fourth-graders in math at Guilford Elementary School as part of the Experience Corps program of the Greater Homewood Community Corporation

Calling it "the most fulfilling job he ever had," Mrs. DeKuyper added, "He really loved it. It was so special for him. He really cared deeply for the students."

As reported in this column, Mr. DeKuyper expressed those same sentiments at a neighborhood meeting in the home of Beth and Mark Felder just last year. With such dedication, Mr. DeKuyper unquestionably left a legacy of inspired excellence and aspiration for high goals to his young charges.

If you are interested in joining the Experience Corps as a volunteer or contributing to it, call Tiffany Sanford at 410-261-0021, or e-mail her at tsanford@greaterhomewood.org.

We also note the passing of Hadley Square resident Mihaly 'Misi' Virizlay, former principal cellist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, composer, international performer and teacher.

Hungarian-born, he came to this country after the Hungarian Revolt of 1956.

A widely recognized talent, he was the recipient of many musical awards, and in his long career was also associated with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony and the Pittsburgh Symphony.

A true bon vivant, he enjoyed good food, wine, laughter and being surrounded by family and friends, along with a passion for music, life, his children and students.

Autumn leaves of crimson and gold are coloring Guilford with fall's flaming tints; richly-hued golden, bronze and purple chrysanthemums are appearing in stately urns flanking doorways. In celebration of the season, graceful wreaths of bright berries and entwined leaves adorn porticos. Many homes have displays of bright orange pumpkins and gourds at the entrances, steps and walks.

In anticipation of Halloween, ghosts, goblins and witches are afoot in the form of fanciful decorations.

A stroll through the neighborhood in cooler temperatures, while observing all these charming touches, is one of Guilford's great pleasures.

Fall's brisk temperatures often bring a taste for heartier fare, and there is probably nothing heartier than a French cassoulet, a traditional peasant stew of beans, sausage and assorted meats. Leslie and Dick Leitch recently held a cassoulet cookoff in the backyard of their home for 100 or so friends.

Dick (who we are happy to learn is on the mend from a stroke he suffered last November) has been holding the cookoffs for several years, both in Guilford and in the couple's former Federal Hill home, as a friendly competition between him and his friend, Len Homer.

They developed a taste for the dish during trips to France with their families. Peasant food it may be, but some of the ingredients as described in food writer Rob Kasper's article on the event in The Baltimore Sun, sounded quite exotic (and expensive), including duck confit, imported beans from France, and even truffle oil.

The winners, voted on by the party-going tasters, were Len, a semi-retired attorney; Gerard Billebault and Gayle Brier, co-owners of Brasserie Tatin (who added the truffle oil); and novice cassoulet cook Jennifer Thompson, who on a whim added dark beer that she said she "grabbed from the fridge."

Kudos to Larry Gibson for yet another outstanding accomplishment. The University of Maryland law school professor has for decades guided his students to gather historical records concerning the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and his early days as a little-known lawyer in Baltimore.

The result is a collection of letters, transcripts and photos on exhibit at the law school showcasing those early years and Marshall's increasing interest in civil rights. The collection was unveiled at a recent reunion of black alumni.

"The documents reveal (Marshall's) diplomacy and his determination to change things," Gibson says.

Election Day is just a few days off and, by now, we have all been saturated with campaign oratory and promises. It's time for the vital decision on our country's leadership.

But let's not forget other local issues, such as Question K on the ballot, to support a $500,000 bond issue for the Everyman Theatre. See you at the polls!

And speaking of civic duty, let's all mark our calendars for the Guilford Association annual meeting, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., at the Second Presbyterian Church Chapel. It's our not-to-be-missed town hall gathering.

But before that, Guilford's ghosts, goblins, ghouls and more will be in Sherwood Gardens for the Halloween Parade, which is scheduled for Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m., rain or shine.

Bring a bag of candy and join in the fun as the youngsters show off their costumes and delight in trick-or-treating.

Happy Halloween!

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