The March 21 meeting of the Pinelands Regional Board of Education ended on a highly emotional note.

Board Vice President August Daleo had missed the February meeting with what was described at the time as a health problem. He now took the opportunity to describe just what that problem was.

“I gotta tell you – it’s a little emotional, so, so ah,” he started, pausing for a moment to gather his thoughts and perhaps hold back tears. “I’ll be all right. I got through the worst part.

“So, on Jan. 29 I had a aortic dissection. I’m lucky to be alive.