Big Boy #7 (Summit St.)Executive Manager, Kathy Vaughn became a grandmother on October 15th, when her daughter, Kim, gave birth to a baby girl. Autumn Renee was 6 lbs. 14 oz. and 20" long.  Congratulations!
Big Boy #17 (Alexis Rd)Executive Manager, Dave Nelson, became a first time daddy on Friday, January 18th!  Jade Elizabeth came into this world weighing 8 lbs. 9 oz., and was 21 inches long.  Jade's mom is Tasha Carr from Big Boy #21 (BG Wooster).

Big Boy #14 (Secor Rd) Relda Hill celebrated her 40th birthday on January 9th.
Holiday Inn French Quarter saw 25 year employee, Bonnie Cranker retire on November 30th.  Jamie Slee gave birth to Mackenzie Merritt on October 17th. Mackenzie weighed in at 6 lbs. 12 oz and was 19 3/4" long. Brother Bradley is adjusting to his new sister. Matthew Yockey, son of Amy Yockey won 2nd place in the Martin Luther King city wide essay contest, he is moving on to the finals in May in Columbus. Good Luck to

was called up to active duty with the Army National Guard in October and is stationed in Fort Knox. He hopes to be home in the spring. Pam Gwozdz joined the banquet staff as assistant manager, replacing Sebastian while he is on active duty.  The new Director of Sales is Bruce Lingsweiler, who joins us with many years of sales experience, and we are excited to have him join our staff.  Marissa Moran also joined the French Quarter staff over the holidays as the Assistant Food & Beverage Manager.

Big Boy #5 (Heatherdowns)Saw long time Barbie Beasley retire on January 6th, after 43 (!) years of dedicated service.  A retirement party is being planned for her on February 23rd at the French Quarter.

(by Colleen Schiavone) The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Monroe, Michigan celebrated the holidays by having a luncheon and gift exchange on December 21, 2001. Santa herself showed up...Darlene Haut is not just a clown at parties, she also plays Santa, and on this occasion gave everyone a festive holiday hat.

The hotel provided the main portion of the meal; delicious ham, scalloped potatoes and salad, with the employees filling in with their favorite dish, desserts and wonderful Christmas cookies! It was a fun luncheon and we look forward to making it an annual tradition.

(by Ann Lawson) The Holiday Inn Express in Perrysburg had another adventure with their Priority Club money that they received for the months of June, July and August of 2001. The adventure began when the entire front desk staff and Mary (Helge--their GM), went bowling at

Interstate Lanes. We ate and bowled our hearts out, with Terry Dusseau even beating me during one game. When we finished we realized we had money left over, so upon Mary's suggestion, Maricarmen Westmark and I went shopping at Giant Eagle.

The result was a Thanksgiving Turkey for every employee at our hotel! We really appreciate how the staff works extra hard to sign up new Priority Club Members and look forward to seeing what they choose to do next  time.