EMP-50

I am going cover what didn't make it into the last edition first. Some will be a bit dated, but all good stuff:

My personal favorite SMS message was from Scott Kell when he relayed "I was whacked." Though Scott was on the cover and in a center spread for Telephony Magazine (what happened to the trademark faded and frayed blue blazer?) representing the leadership team of his past employer, the entrepreneurial bug has bit and Scott is working on a number of different projects. He is loving life, as if this is a surprise. He, his wife and kids are all doing well, and they have moved back into their newly renovated home. UPDATE: Just as the weather was getting gorgeous, Scott launched his new company. There go those lazy summer days. Wait, this is Kell we're talking about. I'm sure we'll see him out and about.

Jane "Jane, Jane (Ott-to-be)" Karpinski had a most memorable evening on Feb. 9 when her kitchen was sprinkled with roses and Pete Ott asked her to marry him. Needless to say she said "yes" and is absolutely floating. She has already started planning her August ceremony. A toast to Joan and Pete — all the best to a truly wonderful couple!

	Holly and Scott Barnhart EMP-50 with their bundle of joy, Williard John Barnhart

Scott Barnhart and his wife, Holly, announced that "on March 26, Willard John made his debut. He weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce and was 20 inches long. He looks like his daddy." Holly writes that she and Scott are getting in the groove of parenthood.

Stephanie Ruyle, Maja, Michelle Gile, Rochelle Michalek and I had dinner together in N.Y. a few weeks ago. Then, when Reggie Walker was in-town and did the drive from Itasca to have an "early night" with Scott Kell and myself — we went from bar to bar talking about how we were going to do something or the other. Honestly, I just don't remember anything more than sending Reggie off at 1 a.m. Though he might be "class president" — he still doesn't get that when you tell Kell and me you want an "early" night — we think you mean early morning. Reggie is doing well and is learning to enjoy more — he is off to March Madness and let's see if he shows up to the NYC trip. If only I could Doug Yakola and Carrie Wismer EMP-52 report that they are doing well and recently returned from another exciting vacation. This time they traveled to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. They also had the opportunity to meet up with Bernie for lunch and Doug gave a talk at Kellogg focused on turnaround efforts.

Roland Wikstrom is back. Welcome, Roland — we missed you! Roland and Yvonne, with big brother Taje, welcomed Ava Grace into the world on Dec.30. The family was living in Connecticut for the winter, and they are all looking forward to moving into their newly renovated Manhattan apartment in June. On April 22, Bill O'Connell was given the great honor of becoming Ava Grace's godfather.

Brigid Mattingly hosted a party in honor of the Kentucky Derby. The hostess served a never ending supply of mint juleps and champagne. We had the chance to catch up with John O'Connor, Jane Karpinski, Michelle Gile and very late party hopping Sam Coady. Kevin "Itchy" Icchpurani was scheduled for an appearance, but, had to leave the country suddenly. Kevin shares that he has been working out and has "new pecs." Kevin, there are many nightstands waiting for photos.

Scott Kell, Sam Coady, Michelle Gile, Robert Thomsen and I enjoyed sushi and cocktails with Bernie during reunion Friday before going over to enjoy a few beers at Nevin's.