Northern Illinois Regional Group Annual Picnic

By Ken Bounds

 For a number of years Art & Carol Timmermann, close friends of Don & Elaine Braun, had offered their property, Timmermann’s Ranch & Saddle Shop in Island Lake as a site for our picnic.  This year we finally took them up on the offer and NIRG members could not be happier with the result.  A large crowd of V-8 families and friends attended the picnic August 1 at the ranch.  We send out a special Thank You to Art and Carol for being such generous hosts and to Don and Elaine for making the arrangements.  We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day for a picnic with bright sunshine, temperature in the low 80’s, and plenty of shade.

The Timmermanns made a large grass riding area on their 17½ acre ranch available for us to set up our tent and park our classic cars.  When we arrived Art was spraying the area for mosquitoes and the Braun’s son had already put up the tent.  Ed Fontana arranged for the club to borrow tables and chairs and Joe Serritella brought them to the ranch.  As participants arrived, long rows of at least 21 Early V-8s and many other classic cars parked in the grassy area.  John Bauer even trucked in two of his tractors with V-8 and 6-cylinder conversions.  Before lunch there was ample time for renewing friendships, kicking tires, and admiring the car show.  Meanwhile, super salesmen Joe Kozmic, Joe Novak, and Len Vinyard were selling 50-50 raffle tickets like their lunch depended on it.

Joe & Nell Kozmic’s neighbor, Bob Sochacki and his friend Mike Sturm offered to do the cooking for us. They did a terrific job with the brats and hot dogs; Bob even furnished the grills.  The club provided the entrée, beverages, plates, and utensils while V-8ers brought dozens of dishes and desserts to share – no chance that anyone could go away hungry. 

After lunch everyone spent more time just hanging out and enjoying great conversation and a super car show.  The Timmermanns graciously offered free horse rides for anyone willing to try.  A few adults and many of the small children had a great time riding.

This year we decided to forego the traditional auction as interest has been dwindling; however, we more than made up for it with a great 50-50 raffle.  Our salesmen took in $350 with the winning ticket for half the pot going to none other than Catherine Pauly, our President’s daughter.  Congratulations!  Before making their way home in their beautiful     V-8s everyone pitched in to load up the tables and chairs, take down the tent, and clean up the property for our terrific hosts.  It was a wonderful day of V-8 camaraderie.

I know we are missing the names of some of the guests at the picnic, so our apologies.  Here are those we do know and the vehicles they brought:  Ben & Ginny Ashley (53 Pickup) with Ginny’s brother, John Bauer (51 8N tractor with V-8 conversion, 50 8N tractor with OHV-6 conversion), Ron Blum (40 Fordor), Ken & Carolyn Bounds (36 Roadster & 50 Crestliner) with guests Chad & Libby Hill (’55 Chevy 210 Wagon) with their daughter and Chad’s parents, Don & Elaine Braun (36 Coupe, 56 Pickup) with sons Tim with daughter Abby, and Tom, daughter & son-in-law Sharon & Gary Deeter and their three children Emily, Sara, & Mike, Tom Buscaglia (51 Tudor), George & Betty Cech (63 Olds Convertible), with son Tom & daughter Cheryl, Norm Collins (41 Mercury) & son David, Ron Dopke (40 Tudor) with friend Norm Lang, Lloyd & Gladys Duzell (35 Tudor), Ed & Roni Fontana, Stan Gaynor with guest Art Russell, Scott Gilday (69 Mustang), Earl & Gene Heintz (51 Mercury), Roger Hunz (51 Tudor) & son Bill, Joe Kozmic (53 Mercury) with guests Bob Sochacki & Mike Sturm, Roger & Betty Meness (51 Tudor), Jack & Jean Nikolich (39 Convertible), Joey Novak (40 Pickup), Steve O’Neill (41 Tudor), Barb Pope, Dan & Diane Pudelek (53 Victoria) with daughter & son-in-law Catherine & John Pauly and their two children Jack and Isabella, John & Barbara Slobodnik & son, Stan Stack (53 Tudor), John & Este Scheve, Joe & Delice Serritella, and Len & Irene Vinyard (39 Convertible).