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		From Our Founder by Robert J. Wichlinski  I and my wife Lynnette attended the Miss USA gala held at then-called “Southlake Mall” a few years back.  The event marked the conclusion to a week that was, by all accounts, a huge success in terms of hosting a marquis event in the region that was enjoyed by so many throughout our community and the nation (via the live television broadcast on CBS television). We arrived at the gala around 9 p.m. on a bitterly cold, clear February evening. We checked our coats, proceeded to our assigned table, greeted our table guests, and settled in for a fun-filled evening.  I then excused myself to use the gentlemen’s room. Our company, ON-SITE Computer, provided information services to the event so we were among the few that were provided a pass that afforded access to secured areas at all the Miss USA events, including this one.  For the first time all week I realized the value of the coveted “blue pass.”   As fate would have it, our table adjoined the VIP bathrooms.  Up the escalator, down the hall, through the door and… relief.  If I had not had the pass, I would have been forced to hike across the mall to the public bathrooms. I made my way through the gauntlet of security and slipped into the bathroom.  The facility was “dressed to the 9’s”… linen towels, toiletries, attendant, comfortable seating… the works.  I could scarcely believe I was in the mall bathroom… I felt like I was at a swank restaurant in Chicago. I did not have to queue up because I shared the bathroom at that point with the attendant and one other person.  I went about my business and as I was cleaning up I struck up a quick conversation with a gentlemen who was completing an outfit change.  At first we did not make eye contact.  One of those awkward conversations you have in a public space where you’re conversing with another as though you’re in a confessional… voices, but no face-to-face contact.   At some point I turned around to make face contact and I realized I was speaking with Peter Jennings.  Yep!  I guess the voice seemed VERY familiar to me and the conversation was engaging, but it was not until I made eye contact that the picture was complete and embarrassment flooded in.  “I am SO sorry,” I said, “did I enter a bathroom that I was not supposed to?”  “Heavens no,” Peter responded, “this is not a private facility to my knowledge… and even if it were, it’s a little late now.”  As he completed knotting his tie and I finished up, discussion centered upon family.  When they tell you that his kids meant everything to him, BELIEVE IT!  I shared my concern for the children we left at home with our sitter.  He shared with me that he was departing that evening to meet up with his son out West where he was completing a life experience working a cattle ranch.  I shared the fact that my children were into cattle at our little 4-H farm down the road.  We went back and forth for a few minutes discussing the discipline of raising cattle.  He found it refreshing that given our proximity to Chicago, there was still space to raise cattle.  I was impressed by the fact that he was familiar with the different breeds. We said our good-byes and I invited him to stop by our table… if for no other reason than to confirm our encounter with the members of our table. I proceeded downstairs and enjoyed cocktails and conversation with my wife and our guests.  I made no mention of the encounter to anyone for fear no one would believe me.  But wouldn’t ya  know it, not a ½ hour later, Peter and his personal assistant appear at the top of the escalator, and proceed down and through the crowd and proceed directly to our table.  What a class act!  Peter devoted time to meet and greet everyone at our table… and was gracious enough to let my buddy Mike take photographs of all of us with him.  Peter was patient, kind and understanding… and taller than I expected!  I professed, “you have been in my living room for my entire adult life, what a treat it is to meet you in person.” At the urging of his assistant, he had to run… VIPs to meet upstairs and a plane to catch… but he took time out for us… satisfaction of a simple request arising from a simple conversation.  I will never forget the person or the encounter. He was a man of detail and of substance.  He rewarded those who engaged in detailed, substantive discussion with his presence and his attention.  He also dressed very well.  My wife Lynnette took notice of the shirt that he was wearing and began purchasing the same ones for me (bargain versions, of course) … every time that I wear one with a suit I am complimented… nice lead Peter! I will miss him.  I already do. As always, I can be reached via e-mail at b@219.com
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