It was shortly after 4:30 when I came in from the garden and Thema said, Arlene Burch had asked her earlier if she was going to the retirement dinner that evening for the former EKW retirees. "I would like to go" she said but don’t like driving down alone at night." "Why don’t you give her a ring and maybe they would have room and you could ride along with them from Kendall." So she did and they did have room but said, "Isn’t Bill, coming? Spouses are invited also."
Well I had not had my afternoon siesta and was not looking for a long evening out, but then she is the best wife I have ever had, so I decided to take a quick snooze and go along with her.
Serving was suppose to start at 6:30, we were late by about ten minutes, the place was packed with present and past teachers and their spouses. It was after seven o’clock before the signal was given to retire from the bar room to the dinning room.
They were just able to get all of us into the one large dinning room, three of us even having our own private table. A chicken dinner with mashed potatoes , gravy, mixed vegetables and cranberry sauce was served plus coffee and your choice of a soft drink. This was topped off with a large serving of cake.
George Vukich gave a sort humorus essay on formation of committee that ended up with suggestive names such as RAPE, SCREWED, HERPES.
Following the meal, Edith Gustafson, President of the Royall Education Association, opened the program for the evening by introducing: Superintendent Art Keenan, to present plaques of appreciation to the four retiring teachers. Supt. Keenan said, "it was great that so many former retirees are with us tonight along with the present teacher to witness the passing of the torch from those who had served to those now hired to replace them"
Then some of the teachers hired to replace the retiring teachers said a few words in behalf in appreciation of that teachers service. I had not come well prepared and did not get the names of those doing the presentations. My apologies to the presenters for not getting their names.
The first presentation was to, Carol Bradley for her 32 years as librarian in the Kendall and Wilton Schools.
Carol responded to the presentation and gift by telling of her first years here and how Loretta Birkholz and daughter had helped her find her husband, Everett. She also said that one of the interesting aspects of the library work was the fact that one time when she was arranging cookbooks she glance through them and found so many recipes by local people.
John Monty was next and related how after he had retired the next season he went back part time as a substitute person. For those of us present we will not forget his story about the "crap" he had to put up with. Joe Vitcenda, about Johns age, told about some of his and Johns earlier escapades as young teachers in the system. He also offered his congratulations.
Rita Kueppers, taught for 24 years, in the EKW District, but wanted a bit of time to do other things with her life therefore retired. She told about a vacation that she and her husband had taken to Hawaii not to long ago. (It is then I wished I had brought my tape recorder along), for she keep the audience laughing for nearly 20 minutes telling about their adventures and all of what she said seemingly ad-lib. A talented story teller.
Last but not least was Lucille Hemerley, who taught in West Allis for five years and 35 years here in the Kendall, Wilton area. It seems that one of her favorite stories she told to children was the Pooh Bear stories. So arrangement were made to have one of the teachers, Rachel Crnwskiy (2nd Grade teacher)dress up in a Pooh Bear outfit and come and give Lucille a big Pooh Bear Hug.
All four retires expressed sincere appreciation to the community for all their support and caring during the years they served this area.
When Thema suggested going, I was not really that enthused. However, I am glad that I went along, it was a fun evening.
Bill Weber - Reporter
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