Subject: Happy Holidays from Alice Madden
From: "Alice Madden" <[email-masked]>
To: "John Podesta" <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:22:00 -0700

Hi John!

Congratulations on the incredibly smooth transition.  The Salazar appointment has created lots of excitement here.  Unfortunately I live about 5 miles from Senator-Elect Udall so I am seen as geographically challenged.  Ah well.  Governor Ritter has offered me a position that I will likely accept:  Climate Change Advisor.  I would love to  continue the fellowship with CAP and have submitted a work plan for 2009.  If you think there is a chance that could work--I will talk to Debbie about potential conflicts.

Also, I sent you a very cool solar-powered flashlight.  The purchase of which helps a non profit started by Tom Vilsak's son, Doug.  Elephant Energy's work is focused on conservation and energy needs in Namibia.
Hoping to come out for the inauguration--would be great to see you but imagine your life is quite full.  Hope you are well and again--here's to an amazing job getting our country back on track.
Our family season's greeting follows.  Merry Christmas!
Alice    

            We hope this letter finds you in fine spirits!  2008 brought lots of change to the world and for our family.   Jack graduated from 8th grade and we were sad to end the era with the CHOICE school community but he loves Fairview and is playing football, baseball and is currently wrestling.  Tom is a junior and has been working as a lifeguard at the YMCA.  He saved enough $$ to buy a 1999 van, of which he is quite proud.  Alice wrapped up eight amazing years at the Legislature and is continuing her work on climate change issues.  In addition to still being addicted to tennis, she has adopted an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" attitude and is now dirt biking regularly with the boys.  Pete is happy at Seagate.  He had a chance to visit his family in Philly last spring after attending Harvard for a week.

            We did a fair amount of skiing and over Spring break-Jack went to Juarez with a church group and built houses.  One of those life changing experiences.  Tom and Pete dirt biked, skied, and looked at colleges.  Speaking of life changing-Pete's company sent him to New Zealand to compete in an Eco Challenge race.  Four days of intense training leading to the final day competition.  After 9 hours and 12 minutes his team came in 3rd out of 40 teams, 4 minutes behind the winning team.  

            Tom went to New Orleans in June with our church to help Katrina victims rebuild.  We rented an RV for a week and hauled our dirt bikes to Taylor Reservoir and biked way up into some amazing backcountry.  We traveled to Chicago for a Donnelly family reunion celebrating Alice's sister Joann's b-day and then up into Wisconsin to Lake Geneva and the Dells.  Had fun seeing Pete's brother David and his family-- Nancy, Mike and Joe--in Madison.

            August brought the DNC.  A whirlwind week. People watching galore.  But best of all, our whole family got to go.  Tom got onto the floor Tuesday night and hung out next to Anderson Cooper.  Alice's sister Laurie, Mike and Beth drove out from StL for Thursday night at Invesco.   Each night was awe inspiring.        Another dirt biking trip in November to Moab-one of the most spectacular places we have ever been.  Tom drove his van, pulling the loaded trailer (terrifying for mom but he did it!).  We even went out to Hey Joe Canyon reliving some of our old Green River canoe trips!

            Alice's Mom and Dad came out for a visit in October which was wonderful.  Her Dad is 90 and made it to one of Jack's football games. 

            Alice turned 50 this December and celebrated accordingly!  Including planning her dream trip to Africa next June which will include building a school in Tanzania.  Christmas will be spent at home.  We are so excited that Laurie and her family will spend it with us!  And, we hope to end the year with some good early skiing.  Let it snow!

      Have a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year,                                                           

Alice, Pete, Tom & Jack

                                                                                "The Van"                                                

 

          Obama at Invesco!!            Our new pup cooling off                           Now 80 lbs!                                    Jack

     Donnelly's in Chicago for Joann's B-Day             Michelle!     Eco Challenge in New Zealand       

               

                         DNC                                       Taylor Reservoir                    With Mike & David @ Notre Dame 

                 

                      Lake Geneva                                                                                      Grandpa