For the Herald & Review

BILL AND SUSAN SEAFORTH HAYES: In the 1950s and '60s, Bill Hayes was known as "the voice of Oldsmobile." He sang and danced with Greta Gray and Florence Henderson as he advertised the automobile. He later became a soap star with his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, on "Days of our Lives."

Bill Hayes was also a substitute professor at Millikin University in 1966 for a short while. When he was there, he sang with the Jazz Lab Band. He has also starred in many shows at the Little Theatre-On the Square in Sullivan.

We saw in the Herald & Review that Bill and Susan were coming to Springfield in February for a signing of their book, "Like Sands Through the Hourglass" and to star in the play "Love Letters." So my wife, Laura, and I drove over. It was a wonderful couple hours.

Bill and Susan Hayes were introduced to about 125 people waiting for them. They were so gracious talking to the group. He even sang a song to the group. They talked about 20 minutes, then answered many questions, mainly about their years on "Days of Our Lives." Then they started signing books. They took the time to greet each person, shake hands and have a picture taken if the person wanted one.

Two people had elderly mothers who couldn't make the trip to the store, so the Hayeses talked on the phone to them. Susan made the comment, "If it weren't for you fans, we would be nothing."

I had a cassette recording of the old Oldsmobile tapes and played one for them before giving Bill the entire tape. Bill sang along with the tape for several of us waiting in line. When it came time for him to sign our book, he drew a music score and wrote the notes to "come away with me Lucille in my merry Oldsmobile," to Jerry and Laura from him.

He talked to us about Millikin and Decatur and Oldsmobile. We had a pictures taken with them. They were so kind and gracious. We stayed for the entire book-signing. When it was over, we asked Bill if he would pose with me and our 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser. He did.

We sent them copies of our pictures by way of his granddaughter, who owns the Fire Fly Grill in Effingham.

We are enjoying the book so much. He was born near Chicago, so another "Illinois boy makes good."

This was as close to a famous star as I have been, and he was so kind and gracious. We bought their book and a beautiful CD. He's now 82 and still a wonderful singer. He and his wife are so much in love.

- Gerald L. Marietta, Decztur

CHUCK NORRIS: My celebrity is Chuck Norris, star of the TV program "Walker, Texas Ranger."

Three years ago, I attended the graduation of my grandson at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. The graduation was held outdoors on campus, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Since my stepdaughter is on the faculty, we had seats up close. She told me who was sitting behind us. I didn't recognize Norris, not thinking of seeing a celebrity. His twin daughters were also graduating. The girls' grandmother was there with Norris and his wife.

My daughter, Margaret Weber, asked him if he would pose for a picture with me. WOW! I never thought about asking him to autograph the program.

- Hilda Price, Decatur