Our recent DAN celebrated docent dedication and achievements; we also honored the memory of Leanne Star, Class of 2011, whose family created the one-time Shining Star Award. Inspired by Leanne’s love of writing, architecture, and “docenting,” the family sought docent stories of memorable tours and unique experiences. Leanne’s paragraph about a special River Cruise was included in the call for submissions. We are including it here in case you missed it.
LEANNE’S STORY: I’m a romantic at heart, so when I learned that a man wanted to propose onboard a cruise I was leading, I was all over it, exchanging emails with him about how we would orchestrate it. As the boat turned by Navy Pier, I asked if anyone had questions. He rose and popped the question, surrounded by photographers because I asked everyone to take pictures of what was happening. Some things are more important than architecture.
A number of stories were submitted, and the winner of the Shining Star Award was Barbara Weiner, class of 2011, classmate and good friend of Leanne. Her “rest of the story” description of the GAR Memorial restoration should be memorable for all of us. CLICK HERE for Barbara’s story which appeared on the Bridge after DAN.
Over the next several months we will showcase all of these stories. It seems appropriate to start with a tribute to Leanne and a story about another River Cruise proposal. Enjoy!
From Tom Stelmack, Class of 2017
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I owe Leanne much gratitude. She was the certifier for my very first and most recent tours. I could not have been assigned a better person for the task. Although being quite detailed with her evaluations, she was very fair, personable, and complimentary.
Oh … and BTW those details became quite helpful when I eventually gave those tours. She created tours with great sophistication, revealing details that marveled the audience. I was grateful and honored that I was allowed to be the docent to take over her Docent Council position. I often remember her as I give these two tours. She was indeed a Shining Star.
From Russ Seward, Class of 2005
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While greeting guests for a cruise in pre-Covid days, four guys accompanied by two gals announced they were a barber shop quartet. Later, one of them returned to the dock asking permission and requesting a spot on the tour where another quartet member could “pop the question.” Granting permission, I responded the best spot would be on North Branch right after boat turns around.
When boat got to that spot, I announced that we were in for a little entertainment. Taking over the mike, the quartet began singing a typical barber shop song in four-part harmony. The hopeful groom-to-be soloed the final verse spelling out his intention. After returning the mic, he strolled over to his intended and got on his knees to ask her to marry him. Through joyous tears, she said yes. As many on boat could not see or hear what was happening, I announced to entire boat that we had just participated in a successful marriage proposal. Loud enthusiastic applause followed.
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CLICK HERE for more stories on The Bridge.
I love these stories. Keep them coming.