M.L.A., recently was honored by the Clinton Presidential Library’s School of Public Service for his contributions in urban planning and development. Gibbs is a noted Michigan landscape architect and urban planner and the author of “Principles for Urban Retail Planning and Development.”
He founded Gibbs Planning Group in 1988. He has consulted on over 400 cities and new towns across the United States, Pacific Rim and Europe including: Alexandria, Auckland, Birmingham (MI), Charleston, Grand Rapids, Houston, Naples, Portland, Santa Cruz and Seattle. In addition, Gibbs teaches a planning course at the Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Executive Education Program and has contributed to five urban planning books. He holds a B.A. from Oakland University and a M.L.A. from the University of Michigan and is a charter member of the Congress for the New Urbanism.

I just had a book of poetry published by Finishing Line Press, “On the Face of Things.” It is a compilation of serious and whimsical poetry. A graduate of The University of Michigan in Music, I now especially love the music of words.

has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the printing and distribution of her upcoming children’s book, the “Animal Store Alphabet Book.” The 30-day campaign will end October 5, 2012, and the printed book, coloring book, poster and other related products will be ready by December 2012.

has been elected president-elect of the Massachusetts Bar Association for its 2012-13 year. Senior partner at Sheff Law in Boston and a North End resident, Sheff is a nationally renowned brain injury litigation expert and specializes in all aspects of personal injury law. In addition, is a past president of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, serving on its board of governors for more than 20 years. He recently was honored with MATA’s inaugural Excellence in Advocacy Award for his representation of children and adults who have suffered traumatic brain injury. Sheff also holds the title of governor to the American Association of Justice, where he has spent more than 20 years working nationally and locally on issues that affect the trial bar.

MFA ’72, is a Detroit native whose exhibit “Reflection in Form” can be seen at Detroit’s Ellen Kayrod Gallery through Sept. 21, 2012. The public is invited to meet the artist at a gallery reception Sept. 14 from 5-8 p.m.

Rubello studied art from an early age at Cass Technical High School and was awarded a scholarship to the Society of Arts and Crafts (now known as the Center for Creative Studies). A keen interest in art history enticed him to travel to Europe, where he earned a bachelor of fine arts degree at Rome’s Academy of Fine Art; he also studied at the Kings Academy of Fine Art in Copenhagen. Rubello went on to receive his MFA at U-M.

As a professor of art, Rubello has taught painting and drawing at U-M, Pennsylvania State University, and Maryland’s Towson State University, among others. His work has been exhibited in national and international exhibitions and included in many public and private collections. In addition, his work has been featured in several issues of The Structurist Journal and his fine art photography has appeared in Black and White Magazine.

is the 2012 winner of The New York Enterprise Report’s Lifetime Achievement Award for the Best
Attorneys for Privately Held Companies. Arnie is a business and trademark lawyer, mediator, public speaker, and author of the blog Legal Sanity. The New York Enterprise Report is a monthly B2B publication featuring “how-to” articles written by business experts to help owners of small and midsize businesses grow their companies.

SPH, ’76, has been named one of 12 international recipients of the Heroes of Infection Prevention Award by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The award recognizes infection preventionists who have reduced infection, raised awareness, and improved the health and well-being of patients, health care workers, and the public. APIC celebrates each hero’s commitment to innovation and success in the face of many challenges. Marlene is director of infection prevention and control at St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island, an affiliate of CharterCARE Health Partners in North Providence.

I have written a new book, which is a bit eccentric, as publishing projects go: I’m giving it away.

“Normalcy—How One Family Made it Through a Devastating Diagnosis: A Primer for Dealing with Cancer” is now available as a free download under a Creative Commons license. Initial reviews have been positive, with several in the fields of oncology, oncology social work and the clergy opining that it will be helpful to people faced with a daunting diagnosis, as my husband, Bruce, and I were with his cancer.

It is free because I do not want cancer patients, family members, or anyone in dire straits to have to purchase it. It is also brief, because I know I couldn’t read a tome at that time. I am also hoping it will result in some fundraising for the research of Bruce’s compassionate and brilliant oncologist, Dr. Rebecca Miksad, and the CureLiverCancers team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School.

To read “Normalcy,” go to www.togetbackhome.com and click on THE NEW BOOK—NORMALCY at the top of the menu.

Please share with anyone you think may be interested, as a patient or family member, or anyone involved in health care, hospice, or the clergy. For more information you can watch this video from the “Meet the Authors” series at Northeastern University.

With love and hope,
Wendy (Chapin) Ford, LS&A,’77

recently published his second book of poems, “Every Possible Blue.” It was released in May 2012 by CW Books. His third book, “This Time Tomorrow,” is forthcoming next year from Waywiser Press in the U.S. and U.K.