Annual NIRG Picnic

By John Emmering

Early Sunday Morning July 29^th found a group of dedicated Northern Illinois Region officers , directors and members gathered on the lawn of Timmermann’s Ranch in Island Lake eagerly setting up the dining tent in anticipation of the annual summer picnic. After driving up to the ranch on a beautiful morning in their Ford V-8’s the crew was ready to put the picnic into motion.  After a cursory review of tent assembly procedures, the workers went into action, and soon stakes, poles and canvas came together.  In no time the tent stood ready for activities.

Forming lawn chairs into a circle the early arrivals waited for more participants to arrive and greeted each new Ford V-8 and its occupants as it rolled onto the ranch.  With clearance to park on the grassy area, the arriving V-8s formed rows off the entrance road and before the last car arrived there were three rows with nineteen early Ford V-8 automobiles at the event.

With lawn chairs setup in the shade members of the NIRG had an enjoyable time of conversation, catching up on events of the summer.  Plenty of soft drinks and water bottles were on hand for thirsty picnickers.  The kids and grandkids in attendance got a thrill from watching the horses galloping around the Timmerman’s track.  As noon approached our volunteer cooks Bob & Cathy Sochacki assisted by their friend Mike began to fire up charcoal grills in anticipation of cooking the hamburgers, bratwurst and hot dogs on the menu.  The club really appreciates their help this year, as they have helped for several years in making the picnic a success thorough volunteering their grilling talents.

There were lots of great side dishes brought by members they were set out in a buffet line.  Soon the meat was finished, and a double line formed with hungry guests choosing their favorite main dish, sides and desert.  The group gathered under the tent at the tables provided and dug into a delicious picnic lunch. John Scheve and Ken Bounds were busy selling 50/50 tickets, collecting $436.00.

Prior to the 50/50 drawing president John Emmering had words of thanks to our cooks, Bob, Cathy, and Mike, our hosts Art & Carol Timmermann, who were out of town this weekend and Elaine Braun, who has been our liaison with the Timmermann’s.  The picnic was dedicated to our faithful member Don Braun who always enjoyed these events.  Don passed away during the past year and he is missed.

Ciena Gilday  picked the winning ticket for the lucky 50/50 drawing winner, Tom Zulas who took home the $218.00 jackpot. Attendance was high this year with just under 50 members, family and friends on hand.  After what was a very enjoyable event, clean up began as we concluded festivities.   The dinner tent team assembled once again with Ken Bounds directing the proper technique for folding up the tent. The canvas was tucked into it’s storage bag once again.  This year’s picnic marked the 51st year of out Northern Illinois Regional Group and we hope for the opportunity to return to the ranch for this event again next year.