A Night at the Races • Maywood Park

By Ken Bounds

On Friday, March 27, Ron Blum hosted a lucky group of NIRG members, family, and friends at the ever-popular Night at the Races.  This year we were treated to harness racing at Maywood Park in Melrose Park.  The dreary cold snap did not scare anyone off as our group of 28 took advantage of the great package that Ron put together for us.

As everyone enjoyed the buffet dinner, bets were being placed for the first race.  The night got off to a good start as nearly everyone at our table came up a winner when the race was won by a longshot.  We had to move quickly to get bets in for race #2 as it was the race dedicated to the Northern Illinois Regional Group.  Many of us went down to the winner’s circle to have our photo taken with the winning horse Blazing Fury driven by Jo De Long.  Three members of our group were thrilled by the experience of riding in the starter car for the race.  Ron even arranged for three more to ride in a later race.  You cannot imagine how exciting this ride is until you get a chance to take it yourself.

As the evening went on and more races went into the books, it seemed like our group had a lucky horseshoe somewhere.  Several from our group won on multiple races.  John and Robin each bet on a longshot in one race and they both came up winners.

As the race card began to wind down, our group began to make their way to their cars and head home after a really fun evening.  Our thanks go out to Ron Blum for once again hosting a super event.  If horse racing survives in Illinois, we hope to do it again.Attendance:  Ron & Arlene Blum with guest Susan Pestine, Ken Bounds, John & Robin Emmering, Paul Jensen, John Judge, Joe & Nell Kozmic, Joey Novak & Millie Olds, Dan & Diane Pudelek, John & Este Scheve, John & Barb Slobodnik, Stan & JoAnne Stack, Len & Irene Vinyard with son Jeff, and George & Dawn Zulas with son Tom & girlfriend Denise.  We were also happy to have with us as a guest “Tom” who has been the guard for meetings at our building for the last several years.  Our March 17 monthly meeting was Tom’s last as he has taken a different job at the building.