15th Annual V-8s and Veterans Luncheon

By John Emmering

Back again after last year’s pause, the annual Northern Illinois Regional Group’s Veteran’s Day luncheon provided a great chance for 21 members, friends and family to gather. The event began at 11:00 Saturday, November 13, and honored all those who served in various branches of the United States Military. With Sam’s of Arlington, the traditional venue for the event no longer in business, the group met at a new eatery The Patio Restaurant in Lombard. Este Scheve made arrangements for the new location, which worked to the satisfaction of those involved.

A s participants arrived they were directed to an ample reserved section of the dining room with several large tables. Finding a seat, those in attendance had a chance to visit for a few minutes until all of the others involved had arrived. The group then placed their orders and returned to the tables to wait for their lunch orders to be brought over. Barbeque ribs and pulled pork sandwiches were popular lunch choices, as the Patio Restaurant is known for their barbeque fare.Este gave a few words of welcome and asked for a show of hands of our veterans in attendance. Those who took part in the luncheon were Ron & Arlene Blum, Ken Bounds, Tom Buscaglia, John Judge, Frank & Phyllis Madrigali along with their guest Louise Engert, Pat & Dee Maroney, Joe & Millie Novak, Tom & Madeleine O’Donnell along with their daughter Lauren Seals, John & Este Scheve, Ron & Colleen Steck, and Len and Irene Vinyard. This 15th Annual Veteran’s Day Luncheon was enjoyed by all and it was great to see this traditional regional group event resume this year.