Annual Installation Dinner

Hosted by Ed & Roni Fontana

The annual NIRG Installation Dinner was held January 14 at Giacomo’s Ristorante Italiano in Des Plaines.  50 members and guests attended.  Many thanks to Ed and Roni Fontana for arranging and hosting the event.  We were treated to a terrific dinner and great service.  As a special treat, Roni Fontana and her daughters made delicious homemade Italian cookies for all of us to enjoy.  Entertainment was again provided by the masterful piano stylings of our own Ron Vaughan, as shown in the Photo of the Month.  We all thank you Ron!

President Ron Dopke thanked the 2005 club officers and board members for their service to the club.  They, along with many other members were presented plaques in recognition of their contributions.  Ron also introduced the slate of new officers and the board for 2006 (see list on page 2).

Those receiving recognition were:

Ron Dopke, President, Tour CoordinatorEd Fontana, Vice-President, Christmas Brunch

George Zulas, Treasurer, Club Clothing

Mike Heatherly, Secretary, Tech Talks

Lin Stacey, Membership Chairman

Ken Bounds, Board Member, Eastern National Meet tour, Lake Geneva tour, Picnic Auctioneer

Lloyd Duzell, Board Member

Tom O’Donnell, Board Member, Road Chatter covers, Auburn Motorfest

Stan Stack, Health & Welfare, Board Member, Refreshments

Diane Wrobel, A very special plaque for her 30 years of service as Road Chatter Editor

Norm Miller, Road Chatter Contributions

Earl Heintz, 2005 Installation Dinner

Ron Vaughan, Installation Dinner Entertainment

Alan Wall, Banquet Awards

Bob Paladino, Pizza Meeting

Don & Elaine Braun, Picnic

Len Vinyard, Picnic Auctioneer

Ron Blum, Video Presentations

Jack Nikolich, Tech Talks

After the awards presentations, Ron was surprised by everyone singing Happy Birthday to him as January 14 was his birthday.  All present also signed a birthday card for Ron.

Vice-President Ed Fontana concluded the program with thanks to the restaurant and staff and by the presentation of door prizes.  Special thanks to Elaine Braun and others who furnished door prizes.

Everyone appeared to have a great time.  There was plenty of time to talk and to welcome old friends that we may not have seen in a while.  It just makes us more anxious to get the winter projects done on those great V-8’s so we can be ready for another season of touring.  Spring can’t be that far away!