Rosemary Brandenburg: I'm in Atlanta decorating a Sony film through March, it's great to be back at work after the COVID break. Sending best to everyone coping with illness and economic difficulties in these trying times.
Ned Brokaw: I want to pay tribute to my remarkable freshman roommate, John MacIntosh (aka Apple), who passed away this summer. Founding father of the Lewis Legion, ultimate deadhead, late night record enthusiast, orchestrator of great gatherings, loyal friend. He will be dearly missed.
Bill Carlson: Barb and I are finally retired and not working - it's GREAT that we're both free to travel and vacation but we are instead hunkered down in NJ practicing safe quarantining! Meanwhile, our oldest, Matthew, is now a Captain in the Air Force stationed in South Korea. Like everyone else the virus has limited his ability to travel and site see. And our daughter Maya finished a 2nd semester junior year abroad in London that was cut short by the virus. Like probably everyone else, she is working on her senior year classes while at home with her favorite parents - UGHH (that's what she said)! We are doing what it takes and staying healthy while looking forward to better times.
Carol (Dietrich) Spence and Jim Franchek are happy to announce their residential relocation to the shores of Lake Michigan in Ludington, Michigan. “During the pandemic while everyone was locked down, we found and bought a house on the internet and surprise, it is wonderful. We welcome all passing boaters as well as classmates who find themselves in the area.” (See photo below.)
Peter DiStefano: What a crazy year! But I have grown fond of my Star wars mask. My kids are all spread out but did manage a week-long canoe trip with my Eagle Scout son in the Adirondacks - during a hurricane. My wife and I (and black lab) are rattling around our house here in Southborough, MA and I have to say I enjoy working out of the home office. Enjoying some very cool drug discovery and collaborations with my biotech company, though continually having to come up with creative ways to keep money coming in the door. Looking forward to seeing classmates at a future reunion - if the coast is clear.
Juliet Farlow Hunter: I live on Nantucket Island with my husband, Bill. Yikes 35 years on an Island. My daughter is a senior at Mount Holyoke College but stuck at home at the moment. I would love to see Kenyon alums on island when it’s safe! Nantucket is the place where so many people eventually pass through and spend a little time. I am a real estate agent with Maury People/Sotheby’s Brokerage although spending less time at work more in the art-room. I'm hoping to travel a lot more when the travel doors open and it’s safe! Best to all!! Mobile is 508-325- 2580 text or call or email to say hello!
Louis Fox: A joyful reunion in Bozeman, Montana after 40 years: Louis Fox and Gary Snyder '79.
Anara Guard’s poem Respite earned first prize in the California State Poetry Society's annual poetry competition.
The Awakenings Review, a literary magazine that Robert Lundin established in 2000 at The University of Chicago, is still publishing the work of writers and poets with mental illness. Robert said he routinely gets international submissions but was thrilled recently in receiving a short story by a writer from Russia. "It feels like a tiny sliver of détente," he said.
Jim Logan: Life is good in the Carolinas. It has been great to connect with so many on social media and find some following our live stream and subscribing to my YouTube Channel: Bishop Jim Logan. I continue to lead a growing independent congregation in Charlotte and cover pastors and churches globally. My wife and I will travel to Liberia in November to visit churches I cover there.
Warren Martin: I am retired living in the greater Columbus, Ohio area with my wife Paula. We have two dogs, Winston & Gus. I have written and published a book called Winning in the 21st Century: Business Principles & Processes That Really Work. It is for CEOs and business owners on how to operate a consistently successful business. It is available in Ebook and paperback through all the major distributors.
David McGue: For the past year, I’ve been volunteering at the Las Vegas Cooperative Extension, having completed 80 hours of instruction to become a Master Gardener. I’m on several committees, giving tours of the grounds, as well as planting, pruning and harvesting. Since Covid, much of our community outreach (and our own continuing education) has been via Zoom.
Wade (Woody) Newman: I am very busy at my job of 15 years as Director of Human Resources for The Nobu Restaurant Group. Uta and I are surviving this pandemic in all kinds of imaginative ways.
My poetry books are available on Amazon. And my daughter's very sophisticated young adult novel, Color Me In (Natasha Diaz) is now available in paperback on Amazon. I am working on my next poetry volume. Be well everyone.
Mike Ryan: Moving from Miami Beach to Denver so I can be close to family and ride out Covid in 2021. Would love to hear from any graduates in the Denver area and catch up.
Susan Tobin: When the Franklin County, Ohio courts reopened and landlords resumed evicting tenants, I was hired as a mediator. My role is to assist landlords and tenants reach agreements to either pay and stay or move out. Covid has exacerbated systemic problems of low wages, and lack of affordable health and care and housing. Many tenants facing homelessness were healthcare workers who lost jobs or had reduced hours. Many are single parent families with children attempting to learn remotely. I hope our country addresses problems highlighted by covid. I also look forward to the day we can safely be with family and friends. Stay safe classmates!
Chris VandenBerg: Parent of R. Oliver VandenBerg ’20! Jim and Marcie Steen had graciously offered their home for graduation weekend and the VandenBerg clan invasion. Instead we had Oliver and his girlfriend living with us for 5 months which my wife reminds me was a gift. Love to all during this wacky time! Remembering our friend “Apple“ ‘78 and appreciate all the gifts of friendship from our time at Kenyon! Best, Chris
