Chuck Peek to speak at Norris Foundation Heritage Breakfast

Chuck Peek

McCOOK, Neb. -- The oratory of Chuck Peek will highlight this year's George W. Norris Foundation Heritage Breakfast.

The Rev. Peek, an Episcopal priest, college professor, poet and speaker, will be featured at the traditional Heritage event, scheduled Friday morning, Sept. 25, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Heritage Senior Center.

Tickets, costing $10 each, are available in advance at the McCook National Bank, the McCook Chamber of Commerce office, or from Leon Kuhlen of the Norris Foundation.

Having spent some of his childhood years in McCook, The Rev. Peek became impressed with the prowess of early day McCook leaders, including Gazette founder Harry Strunk and Senator Norris.

His Heritage Breakfast speech is titled, "A Son of Wild Jackasses."

During the speech, Peek declares, "Intelligent life in the universe walked the streets of McCook ... in the person of ordinary people ... and of noted figures." In the words of Alvin Johnson, Peek goes on to say, "My early schooling interfered very little with my education."

Maggie Repass, secretary of the George W. Norris Foundation, will be the Mistress of Ceremonies, The program will also feature Allison Tolliver, a high school junior, who will sing "God Bless America" and "How Blest Thou Art."

The Rev. Clark Bates, pastor of the McCook Christian Church, will give the invocation. Pastor Bates and his wife, Dawna, are well-known for their portrayals of George and Ellie Norris.

Also planned during the busy Heritage Breakfast will be a Norris Quiz and, possibly, an appearance by RC and Susan Keith, representing Sen. Norris hometown in Ohio.