V-8’s & Veterans – Luncheon and Tour

By Ken Bounds

We held our second annual Veterans Day luncheon and tour on Saturday, November 10, to honor our members who have served in the armed forces.  Our thanks go out again this year to Earl Heintz for making the arrangements at Sam’s of Arlington.

Twenty-seven NIRG members and family attended the luncheon.  The food, drinks, and service were excellent once again.  There was a short program to say a big “Thank You” to those who have served their country in the military.  There were a number of door prizes awarded to several lucky winners.  Thank you to those who donated the prizes and congratulations to the winners.  Even though it is late in the year, the O’Donnell’s ’40 Mercury and the Buscaglia’s ’51 Tudor made appearances in the parking lot.

Members in attendance included President and First Lady Dan & Diane Pudelek, Ron & Arlene Blum, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Tom & Judy Buscaglia, George & Betty Cech, Lloyd & Gladys Duzell, Stan Gaynor, Earl & Gene Heintz with daughter Donna, John Judge, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali, Joey Novak, Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell, Art Russell, and Stan & Jo Anne Stack.

After the luncheon, Tom O’Donnell led a group to the nearby George S. Clayson House museum in Palatine.  This house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1873 and has been restored to its appearance from 1890-1900.  The house is rare in that it was built in the Second Empire style, yet is only a modest house – not a mansion which is typical of this style.  Our knowledgeable tour guide took us on a detailed tour of the house which was filled with period items and also contains an extensive library of historical books, photographs, and other records from and about Palatine.

Our thanks to all the members who attended and made this an enjoyable event.