Christmas Brunch

By Ken Bounds

What a great turnout we had for our annual Christmas Brunch! The weather was nice, if a bit chilly, allowing 43 members and guests to attend this event, held on December 6 this year at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.  Our thanks go out to Stan Stack for setting up and hosting the brunch.  It was extra special to see some of our members present who have been experiencing some recent health issues, especially Dick Alfini, Joe Dispensa, Don Braun, and Judy Buscaglia.

As usual, the food was terrific and of the very best quality.  Members meandered around the piers piled high with every imaginable choice.  Chefs stood by to carve meat, to prepare omelets and other egg dishes, while the chef manning the donut machine stayed busy.  Some chose to start out with the breakfast dishes, such as Eggs Benedict and the like, while others knew exactly what they wanted to do – dive right in to the main course.  Two waitresses kept us supplied with coffee, juices, and champagne while the constant stream of members beat a path between our semi-private room and the food area.  Hopefully everyone left just a little room to sample the huge variety delicious desserts.

Before, during, and after the meal there was plenty of time to share friendship and conversation with fellow V-8ers.  As the festivities wound down to the end, everyone said their goodbyes along with holiday wishes and went their separate ways, some stopping to shop at the adjacent Oakbrook Center.

Attending were:  our Hosts Stan & Jo Anne Stack, President and First Lady Dan & Diane Pudelek, Dick & Dot Alfini, Dave Arnswald, Ben & Ginny Ashley, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Don & Elaine Braun, Tom & Judy Buscaglia, Joe & Marie Dispensa, Lloyd & Gladys Duzell, Ed & Roni Fontana & Guest, Stan Gaynor, Earl & Gene Heintz, John Judge, Garry & Joan Kelly, Frank & Margaret Koeder, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali, Joey Novak, Joe & Delice Serritella, John & Barbara Slobodnik, Len & Irene Vinyard, and Larry & Jerry Webb.

This being the final Early Ford V-8 event of 2009, we want to say thanks to all the officers, directors, and members for making this a terrific year of touring and other exciting events. Keep V-8ing!