Carlos Ballantyne writes from the Tibet College in Kathmandu that he was finally awarded his B.S. in 1993, a class record, he thinks. Besides petitioning the College for his degree he's spent time since retiring at age 39 climbing and trekking in India, the Himalayas, and the Californian Sierras. He refers us to the bio on his web page (see hot link on the '64 Web site). A hip injury three years slowed him down, but not my much if you consider that last September he was in Namche Bazaar, a three-day walk from Mt. Everest. If you're inspired by Carlos' example, join him in Nepal - he says he doesn't see many people in our age group. I've heard from Chris Palmer that Bob Cahners (and Jerry Ashworth '63) and families joined Chris and family for Christmas Eve - Bob is national champion in "senior" hammer competition (is that one of those sports with early definition of seniorhood? I thought we were still somewhere in the middle-age region...). His golf game is so-so if I interpret correctly the reference to being thrilled when he breaks 100. The Alliance Review of Ohio reports that Chuck Brown will run in the Republican primary for Stark County Common Pleas Court Judge (is there another judgeship for uncommon pleas?).

In a newsy letter, Paul Brown has written to say that he and Marlene are "semi-retired". Their oldest daughter Shannon is about to make them first-time grandparents; middle daughter Melanie will be married in June and youngest daughter Ashley (17) will leave for college in the fall, at which point they will officially become "empty nesters" (join the crowd, Paul). Paul serves on the Board of Trustees of the SUNY New Paltz Foundation (treasurer and now chair), raising money for scholarships, faculty research and campus improvements. He also serves as chair of the Friends of Sojourner Truth Library. Paul does "behavioral counseling" to businesses, which means (I think) that he helps the companies understand what motivates employees and customers.

Steve Miron is taking Miron Building Products into the 21st Century - animated Web page and all (check it out at www.mironlumber.com ). He mentioned in an e-mail message that he's thinking about "exploring other options" (check out our transitioning web page) so I called to hear about it directly. He's not planning to retire and will continue to operate the family building materials business in New York and Florida, as well as developing and managing commercial and residential properties in New York. He writes, "I am also exploring other investments and new paths as I begin to think about how I wish to spend the next ten years of work". Current interests include politics and social policy, history, wine, cycling, and the future - is there a useful combination of avocations there? He does not play golf... yet. His five children are occupied in such diverse fields as banking, managing a floral shop, and interior design. Steve's wife Stephanie has an antique needlework business.

Gus Buchtel, 2861 Gladstone Ave., Ann Arbor MI 48104-6432; gusb@umich.edu