2015 Installation Dinner

By Ken Bounds

Frank & Phyllis Madrigali hosted our annual Installation Dinner January 10 at Rockwood Tap House in Downers Grove.  As guests began arriving in our private room just before 6:00 pm, they were treated to the piano stylings of our own Ron Vaughan.  The temperature was not as warm as last year, but this year there was no snow to worry about.

The hospitality hour included Hors d'oeuvres and an open bar.  There was plenty of time for conversation  by those gathered, including President and First Lady Scott & Nicole Gilday, our hosts Frank & Phyllis Madrigali and guests, Ron & Arlene Blum, Ken & Carolyn Bounds, Elaine Braun with brother Stan Gaynor, Joe & Marie Dispensa, John & Robin Emmering, John Judge, Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell, Gary & Dawn Osborne, Dan & Diane Pudelek, Joe & Delice Serritella, John & Este Scheve, John & Barb Slobodnik, Ron & Colleen Steck, Jeff Trilling, Ron Vaughan, Len & Irene Vinyard, and Alan & Lois Wall.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal with great service.  After dessert, Scott Gilday, returning for a third term as President, led off the program by welcoming everyone and thanking Frank for setting up the event and Ron for keeping us entertained.  Scott asked for a round of applause as he thanked the 2014 officers and board for their service.  He then introduced the new team for 2015:  President Scott Gilday, Vice President Frank Madrigali, Secretary John Emmering, Treasurer Joe Serritella, Membership Chairman Ken Bounds, Health & Welfare Chairman Phyllis Madrigali, Newsletter Editors Ken & Carolyn Bounds, and Board of Directors:  Ron Blum, Ken Bounds, Joe Dispensa, Gary Osborne, and Stan Stack.  Outgoing board member Tom O’Donnell then swore in the new officers and board with the official oath of office, So Help Me Henry.

The program continued with Scott passing out awards for service to the club in 2014.  Receiving awards were Scott Gilday - President; Frank Madrigali - Vice-President, 2014 Installation Dinner; Joe Serritella - Treasurer; Ken & Carolyn Bounds - Road Chatter Editors, Membership Chairman, Pizza Meeting, Spring Fling, Central National Meet, Lake Geneva Poker Rally, Videos; Ron Steck - Board of Directors, Tour Chairman, Oswego Show, Fall Colors Tour, Eggs & Eights in Batavia and Naperville; Ron Blum - Board of Directors, A Day at the Races, Duals Night; John & Este Scheve - Board of Directors, Tech Talk Coordinator, Christmas Luncheon; Tom O’Donnell - Board of Directors, Valentine's Day Luncheon; Gary Osborne - Board of Directors; John Emmering - Road Chatter articles, Glen Miller Orchestra and Show in Batavia; Don & Elaine Braun - Club Picnic; and Alan Wall - 2013 Service Awards. 

Not present to receive their awards were Stan Stack - Secretary; Charles R Kaiser - Turners Luncheon; Joe Novak - Joint Tour with NORG to Auburn; and Earl Heintz - Veterans Day Luncheon.

After a year off, door prizes were back this year!  With the assistance of a few able helpers, Scott drew tickets to award at least one door prize to everyone present.  The most coveted prizes were vintage Ford prints from our old friend Arlen Olson and a pair of new water pumps from Dennis Carpenter.  Thanks to the many members who contributed door prizes.

After a nice evening of food, drink, entertainment, and V-8 fellowship, everyone made their way home to begin planning another year of fun events.  Thank you to everyone who made this event a success.