Patricia Vriesendorp
This year of Coronavirus has been intense. Here in Switzerland we had a quick full shut down for 6 weeks then slowly opened up again. It’s been fascinating to see each country, and even here, every Kanton does it a bit differently. The kids have continued to go to school most of the year which has been easier for us as working parents. Overall we’ve been super privileged having a garden, access to the woods nearby, even able to go to our rustic vacation home in the mountains to ski forthright holidays. Just before Christmas we had to go into quarantine as a family because our oldest son’s class had infections and he became positive. It was a bit strange to have him at meals via FaceTime, and not hug him for a week. Luckily none of the rest of us became positive. My husband has mostly been working at the home office, which allowed us flexibility. My work as a therapist has skyrocketed in the pandemic. Depression and anxiety rates high, and also many struggle with not being able to see families who live far away. Those who commuted an hour on theatrale to me all are online, but most people have been glad to have in person sessions due to the level of isolation. I’ve gotten used to working in a mask, ventilating and keeping distance. I actually have enjoyed our close family time and limited options makes choices and weekends quieter but also more relaxing. Trying to coordinate elderly care for my father a country away has been difficult and heartbreaking. My parents haven’t seen their grandkids in a year! That is the worst part of it all. Still it has made certain priorities clear, and the creativeness and sense of community has been strengthened.
Kim Hardy Kennedy
Hope everyone is doing well, staying sane and healthy through these crazy times. Been reflecting a lot on my time at Kenyon lately as we start the college search for my oldest (he is a 2022.) It seemed so much easier back 27 years ago (actually like 31 years -- how is that even possible?!!)
Michael Leymaster
I finished a challenging 2020 on a high note by getting married to Ruth Friedman on Christmas Day. Those in the region will recall the intense winter storm we experienced the night before. With the use of a space heater, hand warmers, and appropriate libations, we had the most beautiful, snowy, small, socially distanced, outdoor wedding.
Sheila Pierce Ortona
After five years living in wonderful San Francisco, I’ll be moving back to Rome, Italy with my family this summer. Be in touch if you find yourself nearby!
Amy Katz Leaman
After almost 21 years in the legal field (19 of which were in asbestos litigation), I have taken a giant leap and left my job. Yes, I'm doing this in a pandemic, and while training our family's pandemic puppy! I'm hoping to follow my dreams into Jewish libraries and archives, and I have some great opportunities on the horizon.
Alison Grippo
Still wear a mask. Bringing my New York charm to the LA landscape with my fella. Couple of poker trophies later I have moved back into building the internet and am currently trying to transform fashion wholesale. If you're in LA and looking to acclimate back to life post vaccinations hit me up :)
Martina Faulkner
My publishing/multi-media company (IOM) is continuing to grow. We are doubling our family of authors and artists this year, as well as releasing new genres and new product lines to support their work. All in all, it's been pretty amazing, and I've met some incredibly talented people. I've even managed to bring a couple Kenyon folks into the company! (Check out Taylor Wray's ’96 incredible poetry.) I continue with my own writing as well and will have another two books out in the fall, as well as teaching an online course on crafting college essays using the program I developed seven years ago.
Brad Hersh
My wife and I have been busy both delivering and receiving remote education. I've been experimenting with how to teach genetics (with labs) at Allegheny College to a mix of in-person and remote students, and she's been conducting a student symphony and giving trumpet lessons--this year's teaching has required a great deal of creativity and flexibility. Meanwhile our 6-year old daughter has been doing 1st grade remotely and taking double bass lessons via Zoom. Since all that wasn't quite enough time online Stephanie Hartman, Jason Creux, Rob Rogers, Loren Lease, Katy Dettinger, Melanie Silkowski, and I have been gathering for semi-regular Zoom chats.
James Feuer
After earning my Acting MFA in May, I have been invited to sign with the Brogan Agency as soon as I can safely return to Los Angeles. I am also seeking representation in New York and I welcome all meetings!
Michael Rutter
It's been remote everything this year. Remote 3rd grade for our 9-year old twin girls. Remote work (well, my wife has always worked remote... but it's new territory for me). So many remote events (from games to magic to art, to yes, even gymnastics and OT). I've even taken up running (slowly) in the cemetery behind our townhouse. We have a puppy on back order as well as a key part for our broken (for 6-months!) dishwasher. We don't bake bread or knit. Despite the close psychological quarters, we are healthy, reasonably sane, still like one another (most of the time), and count ourselves so very lucky. Best wishes and good health to all.
Amy Burnham Mucha
I'm thrilled to announce the publication of my first picture book, A GIRL'S BILL OF RIGHTS, which came out in February with Beaming Books. Being a published author is a lifelong dream come true, and I couldn't be more pleased! Adding to an already big year, my husband is starting a new job as a Math Professor at Dartmouth, so after twenty years in the South we're moving with our two teenagers to Hanover, New Hampshire.
