Annual NIRG Picnic

By Ken Bounds

On a picture-postcard perfect August 21, members of the NIRG gathered once again at Timmermann’s Ranch in Island Lake for our annual picnic.  These picnics have been an important tradition for the club for nearly 50 years.  The picnic was hosted by Don & Elaine Braun, who have hosted so many club picnics over the years no one can count.  Our venue was again at the ranch owned by the Braun’s long-time friends Art & Carol Timmermann.

There were many members, family, friends, and guests in attendance, along with a number of vintage cars.  We tried to note them all, but probably missed some.  Those we can identify include our hosts, Don & Elaine Braun, Ron Blum - ’40 Fordor, Ken & Carolyn Bounds - ’50 Convertible, Norm Collins and granddaughter Corrinne - ’41 Mercury, Ron Dopke & friend Bernice, John & Robin Emmering - ’51 Fordor, Scott & Nicole Gilday with daughters Reese & Ciena - ’41 Convertible, Pat & Dee Maroney, Michael & Grace Mohawk, Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell & family – ‘53 Lincoln, Gary & Dawn Osborne and daughter Joyanna, Dan & Diane Pudelek with son-in-law John, daughter Catherine and grandchildren Isabelle and Jack, Joe & Delice Serritella, Lin & Pat Stacey – ’42 Sedan Coupe, Stan & JoAnne Stack - ’53 Tudor, Len & Irene Vinyard - ’57 T-Bird, Larry Webb & friend Virgie Burnquist – ‘63 Studebaker, and George & Dawn Zulas and son Tom – ’40 Tudor.   A special guest, invited by Scott, was “Mercury Ed” Suchorski from Muskego, Wisconsin.  Ed owns a super-rare ’42 Mercury convertible, but sadly did not bring it. 

A nice group of members arrived early to set up the club tent and the tables and chairs.  No members were lost in the raising of the tent, which was exciting as usual.  As more members and Early V-8s kept arriving, our good friends Bob & Cathy Sochacki began cooking the feast of burgers, brats, and dogs.  Carolyn and Ken sold 50-50 raffle tickets as groups of attendees renewed friendships and kicked a few tires.  It was great to see Don and Elaine and the Timmermanns provided super hospitality.  There was plenty of fun for the kids too as they played around the grounds.  The highlight for them had to be the horse rides.

It is always amazing to see the number of side dishes and desserts brought by members to the picnic.  With those items and the entrees provided by the club, everyone had plenty to eat.  After the meal and a few “thank-yous” Elaine pulled the ticket of “Diamond” Joe Serritella who took home an extra $133 in the 50-50 raffle.

The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting or examining the cars.  As it came time for members to begin the trip home, many volunteers worked to break down the tables, chairs, and tent and clean up the property.  It was a super day of fun, food, and fellowship.

There are many people to thank.  Our hosts the Brauns and the Timmermanns, Ron Blum for storing and delivering the tent, Stan Stack for arranging rental of the tables and chairs, Joe & Delice Serritella for bringing the paper goods, beverages, condiments, and table coverings, and Bob & Cathy for the cooking.  Thanks to all members who contributed in many ways to make this event a success.