EMP-35

Hello to everyone in EMP-35! Happy New Year or should it be "Happy Tax and Baseball Season?" We have a very impressive and informative column from EMP-35 to begin the spring season. Everyone seems to be happy, healthy and employed.

Mike and Carol Wilcox are sorry that they could not see more of EMP-35 classmates during December and January, but they wish all of EMP-35 the very best this year! Mike says all is well in general with the family, and his family wishes the same for everyone reading this column. Mike was promoted to general manager of UOP Solutions and Services in August.

Bob Strickland writes from the Sunshine State that his health plan (Healthplan Southeast Inc. in Tallahassee) has merged with VISTA Healthplan in South Florida. VISTA is the surviving organization. With this came a restructuring at the senior management level and Bob was promoted from vice president, network development, to the position of interim executive director. Bob says he has three to six months to prove himself so that new title can become permanent. He says, "So that's what's new with me. My best to EMP-35!"

Princess Grace and the Queen Mother: Tricia Bergeron EMP-35 and daughter Gracie got dressed up for her seventh birthday party in February. The party had a princess theme, hence the tiaras and ball gowns.

Tricia Bergeron writes to us, lonesome for the Chicago winters. "Ours is a case of no news is good news," she says. Tricia is still employed at Thomas and Betts. David is working part time at the Orvis fly fishing store. "To David," writes Tricia, "this is the equivalent of heaven on Earth!" Gracie is excelling in first grade. Tricia has been accused of having picked up a slight Southern accent! But she is certain that everyone would agree she has always been easily influenced (wink, wink). She is always happy to send the latest in family "mugshots" to any and all who would be interested. "My best to everyone in EMP-35. Remember there's always an open door and clean guest room for any EMP-35 classmates who want to make a pilgrimage to Graceland. Cheers, y'all." What Southern accent?!

This is worth a feature story in Kellogg World! Mike and Lisa Bock have started a business to help people in Berlin, El Salvador, earn a living and also rebuild their local infrastructure. They DO NOT draw salaries from the business and are using this as their own family-based outreach to help other people. Blanchard Court Bags, founded by Lisa Bock, started out as a hobby. Initially, making the different tote bags and purses was something she did for fun. However, after experiencing interest from the public and moderate sales success, she decided to pursue the idea further. One day while visiting with a co-worker, Mike discovered the opportunity to work with people in El Salvador. Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, Iowa, was seeking work for a sewing center that the church helped fund for their sister parish just outside of Berlin. Seeing this as a wonderful partnership, Lisa has made three trips to El Salvador since March 2002, bringing with her all the supplies and materials needed "to get people sewing." These individuals are now creating beautiful bags made from unique fabrics, which will be sold in the United States. Blanchard Court Bags is paying the sewing team a fair wage for their efforts and will send the profits back to Berlin to be used for educational support. For more information, you can go to their Web site at www.blanchardcourtbags.com.

Barbara McKenzie tells us that the County of Cook has relocated her to a downtown office. She is now at 69 West Washington, Ste. 2600, telephone 312.603.8950. Email is the same.

Jim Schwarz has moved to Deerfield, Ill. He and his family are happy in the new home and neighborhood.

Paul Zoba and family are well and wishing everyone a prosperous year!

Roneida Martin is a frequent contributor to this column and, as it has been noted before, she is the busiest woman in the world, "with nothing to report!" Roneida is entering the second year of her business, The Martin Marketing Co. Inc. Her consulting firm offers business development and marketing strategy services for small businesses. She has added a new dimension to its practice in November ó Internet-based marketing strategies. Internet services include one-on-one consulting, workshops and e-books. Roneida says being a business owner is terrific. Each day is exciting and fulfilling. Her son Christopher became a teen-ager in December and Roneida believes "the best years are at hand." Husband Sherman continues to work for HP, serving clients in Detroit and Chicago. "All is well in the Martin household!"

Park Oliver is still trying to get money out of those Microsoft chain emails.