Installation Banquet
By Ken Bounds
The Wellington in Arlington Heights provided a familiar setting for our annual NIRG installation banquet on January 10. The serious snowstorm that hit the area over the weekend could not throw a cold blanket over the enthusiasm of the nearly 50 members, family, and friends in attendance. Our thanks go out to Frank Madrigali for hosting the event, to our President Dan Pudelek for providing the program, and to the dedicated staff of the Wellington for providing great service.
Attending were: President and First Lady Dan & Diane Pudelek, Ben Ashley with his brother-in-law, Ron & Arlene Blum, Ken Bounds, Don & Elaine Braun, Tom & Judy Buscaglia, George & Betty Cech with their guests, Don & Beth Drews, Lloyd & Gladys Duzell, Earl & Gene Heintz, John Judge, Frank & Margaret Koeder, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Paul & Joanne Linzer, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali & Mother, Neil & Julie McManus, Joey Novak, Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell, Joe & Delice Serritella, Stan & Jo Anne Stack, Len & Irene Vinyard, Alan & Lois Wall, and Larry & Jerry Webb.
After a terrific dinner, our returning President Dan began the program by awarding door prizes to everyone present. This year we used a different method with numbers being randomly attached to each prize, then corresponding tickets being drawn by those in attendance. Everyone seemed to agree that the process went smoother and quicker. The club extends thanks to all the members who generously donated door prizes. This added a lot of fun to the evening. We also want to specially thank several businesses shown at the end of this article for their contributions and encourage our members to patronize them whenever possible.
With Alan Wall assisting, Dan presented service awards to
those members who provided
notable contributions to the club in 2008.
Those present came to the front of the room to receive their plaques and
group pictures were taken. Several
members who were not present will receive their plaques at a future meeting or
event. Those receiving service
awards were: Dan Pudelek: President, 2008 Installation Dinner, Christmas Brunch;
Frank Madrigali: Vice-President; George Zulas: Treasurer; Mike Heatherly:
Secretary; Ken & Carolyn Bounds: Road Chatter Editors, Membership Chairman,
Grand National Meet, Lake Geneva Poker Run, Veteran’s Day Luncheon; Ron Blum:
Board of Directors, Day at the Races, Fall Color/East Troy Tour, Various Videos;
Don Drews: Board of Directors, Oak Park Show; Joey Novak: Board of Directors,
Tour Chairman, Club Apparel, Ladies Night Out; Tom O'Donnell: Board of
Directors, Spring Driving Tour, Picnic Auctioneer, Motorfest IV, Tech Talks;
Stan Stack: Board of Directors, Health & Welfare Chairman, Ladies Night Out; Ron
Vaughan: 2008 Installation Dinner Entertainment; Alan Wall: 2007 Service Awards;
Tom Buscaglia: Eggs-n-8’s; Bob
Paladino: Pizza Meeting; Roger Hunz:
Arranged Marvel Mystery Oil Presentation; Lloyd & Gladys Duzell:
Garage Tour, NIRG Picnic; Ernie Herzog:
Ed Schoenthaler Tour; Len Vinyard: Picnic Auctioneer; and Earl Heintz:
Veterans Day Luncheon.
After a great evening of food drinks and fellowship, everyone ventured out to the snowy streets to carefully drive home. Thanks again to our host Frank Madrigali and all members who attended and made this dinner a success.
The Northern Illinois Regional Group recognizes the generosity of the companies listed below for donating door prizes that contributed to the success of our installation dinner. These companies provide valuable services in keeping our cars on the road and we ask that you patronize them when possible.
Red’s Headers and Speed Equipment of Thousand Palms, CA - $190
gift certificate
Hemmings Motor News – Really nice three-piece die-cast ’55 Chevy Cameo truck
with trailer, loaded with a ’57 Chevy
Meguiar’s, Inc – Very generous donation of 18 complete car detailing kits
Tyree Harris – Four $25 gift certificates for wiring harnesses
Marvel Oil Co – Six 32-oz. bottles of Marvel Mystery Oil and a t-shirt
Summit Industries – Lexol Leather cleaner, leather conditioner, quick wipes
Mac’s Antique Auto Parts – Two caps, two t-shirts, five magnets
Jamco Suspension – Two $25 gift certificates
LeBaron Bonney Company - $25 gift certificate
C&G Early Ford Parts - $25 gift certificate, catalog
Antique Auto Battery – Gift certificate