Amin Kassem EMP-61 in India wishing the rest of the gang was there

I'll start with Hardy Bhatt, who has been busy receiving awards. He has been recognized as one of the top 25 dreamers, doers and drivers of innovation in government by Government Technology magazine. He then went on to receive the Immigrant Achievement Award by the American Immigration Law Foundation. He then was selected as one of the five finalists for Illinois IT association's CIO Spotlight award. This award is given to the CIO/CTO for leadership and outstanding contributions in the application of information technology. The City of Chicago's IT is in good hands. Graciela went to Bavaria, Andalusia (Spain) and central Portugal with her mom for 17 days. This was her present for her mom's 80th b-day. (The bar has been set!) They had a wonderful time. According to Graciela, every single place was nice and the food was just excellent (especially in Spain and Portugal).

So now we come to Amin Kassem. How does that guy get his energy? He went to India in March on a business trip. He took a day off and went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. He says it reminded him of our trip to China. Along the way he saw just about everything that moves (motorized or otherwise) sharing the road. He wished we were all with him taking notes on the infrastructure.

Rounding out our newsworthy items is none other than Paul Lazarre who, with his wife, Jenny, is excited to share the news of their twin boys Alexander Sudler and Eric Hood Lazarre. They were born on April 30 and are in perfect health. The twins joined brother Max, and the three boys are keeping Mom and Dad busy.

Hope 2007 is turning out to be a great year for all. Miss you all. I'm so nostalgic I'm even thinking about the Allen Center food. Best wishes to you and your families and e-mail me when you are inspired.