These great memories were rekindled on Friday, September 29, 2006, through an Al’s Pals, as the Senator’s former staff members are affectionately called, reunion held at d.s. Vespers Sports Pub & Eatery (www.at-the-edge.net) in Belleville, Illinois. This business is owned and operated by Mary Dahm-Schell, a former Washington, D.C. staff member, and her husband, Keith Schell. If you’re in the Belleville area, do yourself a favor and check out this fine establishment.
At this event, I engaged in many great conversations with people that I knew and with those whom I met for the very first time. Persons traveled from the Washington, D.C. area, Chicago and Springfield, Illinois, and a few other places within the Midwest to attend this event. There were many hugs, kisses, pictures taken and fond stories shared. The moment the guest of honor, none other than Senator Dixon, and his lovely, kind and sweet-spirited wife, Jody arrived, they were given a standing applause. The Senator and Mrs. Dixon made their way through the crowd and happily greeted everyone.
Some of the highlights of the evening included the Senator’s eloquent speech and the viewing of two tapes. All those in attendance seemed to enjoy these moments as well as the entire reunion just as much as I did. As the evening came to an end, everyone was still in high spirits, and glad to have had the opportunity get together for such a grand occasion.
Although it has been fourteen years since I’ve walked the halls of the Hart Senate Office building, I can honestly say that I’m thankful and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated, positive and genuine people in my professional career. I gained a lifetime of knowledge in just five short years. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am today without having had this opportunity. I will always cherish the memories of my time working on the staff of Senator Alan J. Dixon. The Senator is one of the greatest politicians to have ever graced the halls of Capitol Hill.
Jody Dixon (Senator’s wife), Ann Callahan (Wife of Senator’s former WDC Chief-of-Staff,
Gene Callahan), Me and Britta Brackney (WDC office) in background talking with
Charlie Smith (WDC office)
Jimie Wheeler (Chicago office) in background, Senator Alan J. Dixon and Mark Schell
(Brother-in-law to Mary Dahm-Schell) clapping hands
Joanne Whitley (Former Secretary), Maria Petaros (Chicago and WDC offices),
Me and Barb Buscher Jacobsen (WDC office)
