Return to K-1 Micros

Attendees: Bob & Susie Barker, Ron & Barbara Bellows, Brad & Carol Johnson, Tom Mason & Sue Ellen, Tom & Barbara Sands, Bill & Edna Mae Serchak, Bill & Ann Shely, Lynn & Joan Shrader, Hugh and Ann Trumbull, Ron & Sue Turner.

REMARKS:  Our fourth Company K-1 Reunion was at the invitation of Bill & Ann Shely, St. Charles, Illinois. It was planned to take place in two locations: Chicago, Il and Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin. Bill Shely owns and operates a business in the Chicago area – All States, Inc. - and was able to use his business contacts to arrange several special events for us. He planned the second part of the reunion to take place in Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin – on the border with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There, he owns a couple of cottages with room enough for all the K-1 attendees.   

In preparing this report, I extend my gratitude to Ron Bellows who provided a number of the photographs taken during the Chicago phase of our reunion (Part 1) and all the photographs with captions from the Land O’Lakes portion of the reunion.  (Click Here for Land O'Lakes - Part 2)

Bill

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Program: K-1 Reunion in Chicago & Land O'Lakes (August 2009)  (Bill Shely’s Original Posting)

1. Day one:  Sunday, Aug 23rd

Arrive Chicago-O'Hare or Midway-or by auto

Stay at a downtown hotel ~$150 daily

2. Day two: Monday 24^th (Options)

Lunch at the Hancock Building 95th floor

Double-decker bus tour

Lake Michigan boat tour

3. Day three: Tuesday 25th (Options)

Visit to Shedd Aquarium

Cubs game (if in Town)

4. Day four: Wednesday 26th (Options)

Visit to our daughter’s farm, St. Charles IL (40 miles west of Chicago)

5. Day 5: Thursday 27th

Depart Chicago to  Land O'Lakes, WI (350miles-6 hours by car )

Flights to nearest airports are available (Rhinelander and Central

Wisconsin are 50-100 miles away).  There is a small airport in Land O'Lakes so smaller charter planes is an option

Extra cars from Chicago may be provided.  It is an enjoyable auto trip; stop often and eat at least once, enroute (Interstate highway for all but 60 miles.)

6. Land O'Lakes (on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan state line)

We can provide rooms for all attendees.  There are several adjacent houses (Cottages) and we would love to have them all used. All have the necessary bedding, plumbing - in varying degrees.  It would be fun for us all to stay together.

Another option: there are several second rate motels nearby

Length of visit in Land O'Lakes is open…

I recommend 4 days. (Departure on Sunday the 30th or Monday the 31^st)

Optional trips while in Land O’Lakes include:

Lake Superior (90 Miles)

Casino (15 miles)

Haunted house (7 miles)

Bond Falls (15 miles) etc. 

A day or two on the water providing the weather is nice can be great.

Pontoon boats and canoes are available.  Fishing is a big time issue.

Guide services are available.

Hiking

I can also promise you a GREAT jeep ride.

Dress is casual at all times including Chicago.  In Land O’Lakes, my sister always tells friends to bring a bathing suit and warm jacket.     

FYI: Bill Serchak attended Michigan Tech University in Houghton, MI about 150 miles north, 1952-54.

Day 1

Following everyone’s arrival on Sunday, 23 August, we assembled for our welcoming dinner at Mike Ditka’s restaurant…

                       Mike Ditka

Michael Keller Ditka is a former American football player, coach, and television commentator. A member of both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame, he was the 1961 UPI NFL Rookie of Year, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro tight end with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League…

Born: Oct 18, 1939 (age 77) · Carnegie, PA

o    Height: 6' 3" (1.91 m)

o    Net worth: $30 million USD (2016)

o    Spouse: Diana Ditka (m. 1977) · Marge Ditka (m. 1961 - 1973)

o    Children: Mark Ditka (Son) · Matt Ditka (Son) · Mike Ditka III (Son) · Megan Ditka (Daughter)

o    Education: University of Pittsburgh

Quotes

You're never a loser until you quit trying.

I mean, when you've had a problem in your past, whether it's attributed directly to high cholesterol or not, you want to lower your cholesterol. You want to eat healthy. You want to feel healthy. You want to have a little more energy.

I mean, when you've had a problem in your past, whether it's attributed directly to high cholesterol or not, you want to lower your cholesterol.

Success isn't measured by money or power or social rank. Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace.

Ditka's Chicago

Ditka's Restaurant, located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast between Rush & Michigan, is a Chicago Landmark. Ditka's has a decidedly understated sports motif, white linen table clothes, hardwood floors, intimate leather booths & rich mahogany wood accents.

Chef Tom Kenny presides over the menu with passion & expertise. Known for Chops & Steaks including the signature dish "Da Pork Chop" along with a wide variety of fresh, sustainable seafood and contemporary American classics. The lunch menu is full of wonderful fresh salads & sandwiches including the "Best Burger in Chicago", the Fridge Burger. Service is approachable & friendly in a comfortable atmosphere. Don't be surprised to catch sight of ‘Da Coach’ himself.

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Day 2

Day 3

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long (1,010 m) pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It is located in the Streeterville neighborhood of the Near North Side community area. The Navy Pier currently encompasses more than fifty acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants, family attractions and exhibition facilities and is one of the top leisure destination in the Midwest, drawing nearly nine million visitors annually. It is one of the most visited attractions in the entire Midwestern United States and is Chicago's number one tourist attraction.

…and a special surprise appears on the big scoreboard, all arranged by Bill Shely to our delight!

                        End of the Chicago phase of our reunion (Part 2 to follow)