2014 Installation Dinner

By Ken Bounds

Frank & Phyllis Madrigali hosted our annual Installation Dinner January 11 at Rockwood Taphouse in Downers Grove.  Thirty-four V-8 Club members, family, and guests came out on one of the nicest days this cold, snowy January to celebrate our new officers and the beginning of a new year of V-8 fun.  All evening we were treated to the piano stylings of our very own Ron Vaughan.  His music provided a pleasing backdrop to a night of enjoyable conversation and visiting with old friends in a warm, spacious setting.

After cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvre, we were treated to a delicious meal of London Broil, Champagne Chicken, or Orange Ginger Salmon along with soup, salad, and dessert.  Following dinner, our returning President, Scott Gilday, kicked off the evening’s program by thanking the Officers and Board for 2013 and by welcoming the new Officers and Board for 2014.  Scott introduced each Officer and Director:  Vice President Frank Madrigali, Treasurer Joe Serritella, Secretary Stan Stack (not present), Membership Chairman Ken Bounds, Tour Chairman Ron Steck, Health & Welfare Chairman Phyllis Madrigali, Newsletter Editors Ken & Carolyn Bounds, and Directors Ron Blum (not present), Tom O’Donnell, Gary Osborne, John Scheve, and Ron Steck.  Midwest Director Ken Bounds administered the oath of office “So Help Me Henry” to the new officers.

Scott then presented Service Awards to members who made significant contributions to the Club in 2013.  Receiving awards were:  Scott Gilday - President; Frank Madrigali - Vice-President, 2013 Installation Dinner; Joe Serritella - Treasurer, Health & Welfare Chairman; Ken & Carolyn Bounds - Road Chatter Editors, Membership Chairman, Pizza Meeting, Safety Check/Photo Op, Lake Geneva Poker Rally, Tech Talk – fuel systems, Videos; Ron Steck - Board of Directors, Tour Chairman, Oswego Show, Rantoul Tour, Fall Colors Tour, Tech Talk – Columbia installation; Tom O’Donnell - Board of Directors, Bacon & Eights, Tech Talk - coil & condenser tests; Dan Pudelek - Board of Directors, 2012 Installation Dinner Prizes and Program; John & Este Scheve - Board of Directors, Tech Talk Coordinator, Tech Presentations, Christmas Luncheon; John Emmering - Road Chatter articles; Joe Novak - Ladies Night Out – Valentine’s Day; Don & Elaine Braun - Hosted Club Picnic; and Alan Wall - 2012 Service Awards.

Not present to receive their awards were:  Stan Stack - Secretary; Ron Blum - Board of Directors, A Day at the Races, Duals Night; Charles Kaiser - Turners Luncheon; Ron Dopke - Turners Luncheon; Tom Buscaglia - Eggs & Eights; and Earl Heintz - Veteran’s Day Luncheon.

Following the program the lively conversation continued for some time as we enjoyed the pleasant background provided by Ron Vaughan.

Attendance: President and First Lady Scott & Nicole Gilday, our hosts Frank & Phyllis Madrigali, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Elaine Braun & brother Stan Gaynor, Joe & Marie Dispensa, John & Robin Emmering, John Judge, Frank & Margaret Koeder, Joey Novak & Mille Olds, Tom O’Donnell & daughter Maureen, Gary & Dawn Osborne, Dan & Diane Pudelek, John & Este Scheve, Joe & Delice Serritella, John & Barb Slobodnik, Ron & Colleen Steck, Ron Vaughan, and Alan & Lois Wall.

Many thanks to Frank and Phyllis for arranging the event, to Ron Vaughan for the entertainment, and to all who attended to make this a super evening.