Celebrating the original Ford Thunderbird
from 1955, 1956, and 1957
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Recent Events
Colletti’s
Karen Kelly planned another wonderful get-together for a Sunday dinner at Colletti’s on February 22 nd.
Twenty-two t-birders came out and enjoyed each other’s company and delicious food as we all celebrated Len Vinyards 90th Birthday.
Thank you, Karen, for planning this outing. In attendance were: Mike & Laura Cielenski, Joe & Barb Esdale,
Gail Hascek & Mike Detty, Len Keil, Karen Kelly, Rose Kovalenko, Steve Kramer, Dan & Melinda Pritchett,
Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Bob Sroka. Len & Irene Vinyard, Liz Werth and Bob & Sue Wenderski.
PIZZA PARTY – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Submitted by Laura Cielenski
The Pizza Party/Election of Directors Meeting was held on Sunday, April 19th at Pop’s Pizza and Sports Bar in Roselle. Twenty-nine t-birders came out to enjoy some great pizza and conversation. Ken held a brief meeting to approve the 2026 Budget and to discuss the upcoming events. Treasurer Jim Wilson talked over the Budget after which a motion to approve the 2026 Budget was made by Kathy Smizinski and seconded by Irene Vinyard and was approved by all. Bob Wenderski discussed the day trip in June which has been changed from The Geneva Observatory to the Johnson Wingspread Estate in Racine. More details will be confirmed in May. Ken mentioned the Mt. Prospect show at the end of July and the picnic at the beginning of August. A discussion was had about what day to have the Annual General meeting in September. Due to Football on Sundays and the crowds at Alley 64, the meeting will be moved back to Thursday late afternoon. Ken also said that a Fall Day Trip will be planned by Lloyd & Joan Schellin. Before the meeting ended Ken said that there were 3 director positions up for election. He mentioned that Len Vinyard, Lloyd Schellin and Mike Cielenski were willing to stay in their positions. Ken opened the floor to nominations, there was a motion to keep Len, Lloyd & Mike on as Board of Directors by Bob Wenderski, it was seconded by Rose Kovalenko and all approved. After the vote, the meeting then adjourned.
Those in attendance were: Mike & Laura Cielenski, Kirk Forgue, Art Hahl, Gail Hascek & Mike Detty, Len & Mary Keil, Karen Kelly, Rose Kovalenko, Sandy Kraatz, Marilu Kramer, Steve Kramer, Dan Mrozek, Dan & Melinda Prichett, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bob & Sue Wenderski, Jim & Jane Wilson, Tom & Alice Wolfe and Madeline Zambon.
Apple Holler and Wingspread Tour
By Liz Werth
Sunday, June 28, was a beautiful day for a drive in the country. Twenty-one CTCCers met at 10:30 am at Panera Bread in Gurnee, IL. The patio was the gathering place for us. Bob Wenderski handed out detailed instructions and turn-by-turn directions. The group, in 4 classic T’birds, 2 new ‘birds, 1 Morgan, 1 VW bug, 1 Mustang and 2 daily drivers, lined up and departed at precisely 11 am. The 31.5-mile drive to Apple Holler was mostly on two-lane country roads. Several cars got separated from the group and made their way there on the highway. Apple Holler, in Sturtevant, WI, is an 80-acre farm. In the main building are a restaurant and several other rooms containing a gift shop, bakery items, jams, jellies, pies, etc.
We were back on the road at 12:45 pm heading to our next stop, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Wingspread Estate in Wind Point, WI. The group managed to stay together on this 25.8-mile leg of the trip. Once parked, we gathered by the front entrance for the group picture which was taken by the docent who then talked to us about the history of the building and the SC Johnson Foundation. We moved to another room and watched a video featuring the Johnson children. We then had an opportunity to explore the unique building on our own, finding small bedrooms, narrow hallways and stairways, a 125-foot-long pool and a magnificent Lego model of the estate.
Following our exploration, we caravaned 4.8-miles to the Reefpoint Brew House on the Lake Michigan waterfront in Racine, WI. Three members did not join us for our delicious late lunch. From there, we all made our separate ways home. We thank Bob and Sue Wenderski for organizing and leading an excellent tour.
Taking part in the tour were: Bob & Sue Wenderski and their friends, Ron Geibel & Jaime Seeber, Kirk and Jan Forgue, Joe & Liz Fox, Gordon Gluff, Peter Hauser, Mary Keil, Karen Kelly, Dan & Melinda Pritchett, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Liz Werth, and Jim & Jane Wilson.
Mt. Prospect Cruise Night
By Liz Werth
The Mount Prospect’s Bluesmobile Car Show was held on Saturday, July 25. The weather was ideal and we had a great turnout: seven classic ‘birds and five other show cars. Twenty-five people enjoyed each other’s camaraderie and the delicious pizza and soft drinks provided by the club. Once again, a good time was had by all.
Annual Picnic
By Laura Cielenski
It was a cloudy, rainy and windy day for the Annual Picnic on the Schellin Farm. 23 club members came out for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. Everyone gathered around in the pole barn and enjoyed appetizers. Members later enjoyed Fried Chicken, corn on the cob, baked beans and many salads were served with scrumptious desserts to follow. “Thank You” to our hosts Lloyd and Joan Schellin who made everything possible that day.
Those in attendance: Lee & Gina Bakakos, Bill Balogh, Mike & Laura Cielenski, Gordon Gluff & Mary Ziemba, Gail Hascek and Mike Detty, Len & Mary Keil, Karen Kelly, Rose Kovalenko, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bob Wenderski, Liz Werth, Jim & Jane Wilson.
