EMP-59

Lori O'Gorman, Bernie Birt, Amy Schuman EMP-59 and Mo O'Gorman EMP-59 gathered at Ravinia to see Buddy Guy on Aug. 22.

Imagine my surprise to get an e-mail from Jeff Smith from his apartment in Beijing! Taking the GIM trip to heart, he has accepted a short tour of duty for Kraft in Beijing, and he tells me that we did not even begin to go to the best clubs in the town and that we are lucky that we missed certain districts on our trip. He plans to work out there until sometime in the beginning of 2007, and his wife is visiting back and forth.

Now, is it coincidence that Smith's alter ego and partner in crime, Steve Winandy, is also doing a stint in China? Tell me they are not hanging out at Budweiser, doing karaoke and playing quarters every night.

Dave Qu has made some exciting changes as well. He has been named CEO of a healthcare technology company called CellTrak. Congrats, Dave, on your new role.

Caroll Stacklin shares some exciting news: She is acting editor-in-chief for her newspaper now. With a reporting staff of close to 200, Carol is stepping up to the challenge. Caroll and her hubby moved to Lisle recently, and while Carol complains bitterly over the lack of restaurant selection, she is starting to see some advantages to living on a grassy knoll. I just can't believe it! Is Heidi Voorhees the only one left in the city?

Jeff Gordon, a group F maverick, is on a tour of duty for Northrup in San Jose, Calif. While he has said he's been "working his tail off" we were not sure whether to believe him until we finally saw the man. He is more than 75 pounds lighter than during Kellogg! I guess he is literally working his tail off.

Dana Alden has left MacLean Fogg and started his own law firm in OakBrook, Ill. I don't have all the details yet, but I hear he already has a plethora of accounts lined up and is doing very well. In Dana's words, this definitely is not "underwhelming" news, and we certainly wish him continued success!

Connections:

My Group F pals, and an honorary member sitting in for Mr. Gordon, on assignment in California, attended a Cubbies game on Sept. 5. We enjoyed some good company, bad seats and lots of laughs. In attendance were Bob Rossi, Michelle Kabele, Mike Morgan, Katie Bylak, Mark Bernhard and, in spirit, Jeff "I gotta watch the baby" Wilkison!

Amy Schuman did the "Out of the Darkness" 20-mile walk a few weeks ago to support suicide prevention and awareness. She is an amazing advocate and I always want this woman on my team! Great job, Amy!

Lori O'Gorman, Bernie Birt, Amy Schuman and Mo O'Gorman gathered at Ravinia to see Buddy Guy on Aug. 22.

Gals' Night Out: We have continued the theme of "Ladies' Nite" with the EMP-59 and EMP-60 girls. The latest venue, Amy Schuman's home in Evanston, was a fun and relaxing casual get together. We laughed and had margaritas, thanks to Julie Kanak! And enjoyed such a pleasant nite connecting.

Attending the Girls Nite were: Heidi Voorhees, Katie Bylak, Amy Schuman, Lynn Lullo, Caroll Stacklin, Bernie Birt, Patricia Harris, Deanna Segil, Suzanne Thoren, Julie Kanak and Marguerite Fernandez.

Football, anyone? A group of us EMP-59ers purchased season tickets for the Wildcat games. We had a kickoff on Sept. 9 with an oh-so-surprising loss against the national champions at the University of New Hampshire. Joining in the chorus of cheering were: Lauren Reid, Katie Bylak, Michelle Kabelle, Stan Menezes, Marguerite Fernandez and Mark Bernhard. We hope to see some of you out at the games this season!

Weddings:

Pete Stoynoff was married on Memorial Day weekend to his longtime gal! Congrats, Pete — we hear the wedding was great.

Pitter patter of little feet:

Jeff Wilkison and his wife Laura welcomed son Daniel Phillip Wilkison to the world on Aug. 20. Everyone is home and healthy. Congratulations on your new little addition! Here is the information on Daniel: He was born at Evanston Northwestern Hospital (trying to support the alma mater). He weighed 7 1bs., 1 oz., was 20 inches long and had all 10 fingers and 10 toes.