Safety Check/Photo Opportunity

By Ken Bounds

On Saturday, May 11, 19 members and 12 Fords with V-8s (10 of them Early V-8s) gathered at Augustino’s Rock & Roll Deli in Carol Stream to take photos of our vehicles and to have them safety checked.  While an appropriately dressed Tom Buscaglia led a team inspecting the vehicles, Ken Bounds took photos before the giant jukebox which is the front of Augie’s building.  Certified vehicle appraiser Frank Koeder provided deeply-discounted appraisals for all who needed them.  Early arrivers braved chilly temperatures and an early shower, but overall the weather was pleasant.

Tom and his crew kept everyone smiling as they went about their business checking lights, brakes, horns, fire extinguishers and other items that Tom felt were pertinent.  Tom did not seem to understand the concept that the safety checks were free and that no money needed to change hands.  Everyone received a check-sheet showing their results.  The photos Ken took were provided to members at the May 21 meeting and just might appear in the 2014 NIRG Calendar. 

Just before lunchtime, Tom B discovered a discrepancy.  Somehow Tom Young’s walker had escaped scrutiny.  Undeterred, Tom pulled out another checksheet and proceeded to put Tom Y and his walker thru the paces.  Everyone got a kick out of the process.  It was really nice to see Tom Young at the event and he was a great sport.

When lunchtime arrived we all enjoyed the delicious deli sandwiches prepared by the skilled hands of Augie’s staff.  After enjoying a great lunch and each-others’ company, we said our goodbyes.

A big “thank you” to everyone who made the event a success.  Participants and their vehicles included Ron & Arlene Blum – ’40 Fordor, Ken Bounds – ’51 Mercury, Tom Buscaglia – ’51 Tudor, Joe Dispensa – ’50 Tudor, John & Robin Emmering – ’51 Fordor, Earl & Gene Heintz – ’63 Convertible, Joe Kozmic – ’53 Mercury, Tom O’Donnell – ’40 Mercury, Dan Pudelek – ’53 Victoria, Joe Serritella – ’41 Coupe, John Slobodnik – ’54 Fordor, and Stan Stack – ’53 Tudor.  Tom Young arrived with two of his sons in a ’65 Olds Cutlass Convertible which is for sale.  Arriving in modern vehicles were our President Scott Gilday, Frank Koeder, and Gary Osborne.