Sunday, September 14, 2008
Invitations!
Invitations will be sent via US Mail for receipt by no later than October 15. If by that date you have not received an invite, please let us know. RSVP date and contact information will be included in your invitation.
Restaurants
Complete listing of area restaurants may be found here. "Kallal-approved" spots are listed below:
home of "foot-high" pies
3505 George St
Highland, IL 62249
(618) 654-5788
3505 George St
Highland, IL 62249
(618) 654-5788
111 N 3rd St
Greenville, IL 62246
(618) 664-4742
(618) 664-4742
219 N 3rd St
Greenville, IL 62246
Greenville, IL 62246
618-664-4007
111 W College Ave
Greenville, IL 62246
(618) 664-2290
Hotel Information
Super 8 Motel
A small number of rooms have been held for the nights of Thurs Dec 4 - Sat Dec 6 under "Kallal Birthday". Block reservation will expire on 11/21/08.
Other Hotel Options -
Budget Host
Econo Lodge Hotel & Suites
A small number of rooms have been held for the nights of Thurs Dec 4 - Sat Dec 6 under "Kallal Birthday". Block reservation will expire on 11/21/08.
Other Hotel Options -
Budget Host
Econo Lodge Hotel & Suites
VCK Honored Guest at SWECI 70th Annual Meeting of Members
VCK and CMK at 1948 SWECI Annual Meeting in Springfield, Illinois.
On Saturday, September 6, Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SWECI) recognized VCK for his leadership of the organization (1939-1957) at their 70th Annual Meeting of Members, held in Greenville, IL.
VCK addressed the 2,000 member audience, opening with a big grin and the comment - "You know you're getting old when you need to lean on your 73yr-old son to stand up..." He spoke briefly to the membership saying that in recent meetings with the current SWECI Board of Directors, he has been very impressed with their dedication to continuing to explore progressive solutions. He added that this commitment from Directors, coupled with advances in technology, is reason to remain hopeful in addressing the energy crisis.
Following his remarks, VCK received a standing ovation from the packed gymnasium and responded with a cheerful two-handed wave to the crowd.
* UPDATE: Below are remarks as recalled by VCK and captured by KKS *
________________________
About half way through the meeting, the present manager introduced Dad by saying “I am about to do something I have never done before and you most likely will not see again. I want to introduce Vic Kallal who was your very first Southwestern manager and will be 100 years old this year.”
By the time he said 100 years…. the crowd of about 1300 people were on their feet giving Dad a standing ovation so loud I did not think they could hear the last part of the introduction. Dad was standing and Jim prompted him to wave to the crowd, which was good.
Dad was quite shaky, but his voice remained strong and clear. He took the microphone and said: “You know you are getting old when you must lean on the arm of your 73 year old son.”, which got a laugh. Dad did need to hold on to Jim as he spoke. Dad said: “I continue to live on my own. I am able to walk behind a lawn mower for as long as an hour. I wash and hang my laundry outside. I do much of my own cooking, so I am doing quite well.” The he started his speech from short notes he held in his hand.
Churchill said: “It takes courage to give a speech and also takes courage to listen to a speech.”
A man was asked to give a speech. He immediately asked, how long do you want me to talk? If you want me to speak for an hour I can start right now. If you want me to speak for 5 minutes, I will need one month to prepare.
A good speech should have a good beginning, a good ending and a few words in between.
Recently I had the opportunity to visit the co-op office. I was impressed to find the employees so proud of their work and so dedicated.
As in the past there will be many challenges but the technology and talent is there to solve them.
I find it encouraging that the Directors are conscious of their responsibilities and are using the tools available to improve their skills.
In the past 70 years, besides being your manager for 18 years, I was also a sales engineer. I sold to all the co-ops in Illinois. I sold all items necessary for the construction of transmission lines, substations and distribution lines including the meters. So I have always had a soft-spot in my heart for this work.
I gave the manager’s report 52 years ago. May the next 70 years be as interesting and fruitful as the past 70 years.
After the speech there was another standing ovation. Jim held the microphone so Dad could wave again. Jim did not speak. Peggy said Grandpa did a two-hand wave like the politicians.
Note: I respect Dad for stepping outside his comfort zone by making the speech. He was really determined to say a few words if asked to do so. I believe he was pleased with how the day went. His name badge read Vic Kallal - Manager 1939 to 1957. It was a special day for Dad.
- KKS
______________________________________________
SWECI has also featured VCK in the August 2008 issue of their monthly publication The Southwestern. An archived copy of the magazine is viewable online at http://www.sweci.com/thesouthwestern.html.
VCK appears on pages 14-15.
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