The CTCC Holiday Party Tale

Chandler's Resturant in Schaumburg saw one of the largest gatherings of CTCC members in recent memory, as we celebrated the Season together on Saturday, 12/8/2007. Members came not only from Illinois, but also from Indiana and Wisconsin, making this truly a tri-state event!

photo caption: Members are buzzing with holiday spirit at the annual CTCC Holiday Party. More pictures from the event are at the CTCC9.com Photos Page.

Prior to dinner, we found our place-tags, thoughtfully created from Motorcraft oil filters by the Smizinski family, and sociaIized to the Holiday tunes that Bob Hoge was playing on his accordion/synthesizer. Our tables were decorated with centerpieces made by Liz Werth (comprising wrapped packages with M & Ms in goblets and ornamental form) and small squeezable flashlights donated by Bob Hoge.

Dinner saw us eating either chicken or beef entrees and assorted other comestibles. Once we were through dining, Ken Smizinski acted as emcee and, after we had done a "straw vote" about CTCC holding a Regional Convention in 2009 (results to be announced at a later date), called out names for the numerous door prizes that were donated for the party. The Bert Eisenhour award for 2007 was then awarded to Bob Hoge in recognition of his many recent contributions to CTCC.

The final item on the agenda, before Bob resumed his musical activities, was Bert's auction of an ErtI/Precision 100 1:18 die-cast 1957 Thunderbird (the ErtI company had used Pete Ekstrom's 1957 'Bird as the "star" attraction for its impressive display at the Intemational Model & Hobby Expo in Sept. 2001). The ErtI model was won by Steve Davajon; his $100 winning bid will be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Then the group, having filled its collective stomach, went on to more socializing, with people dancing, taIking, and imbibing until it was time to go home.

Participants: Jim and Elaine Axelsen, Otto and Judy Bruggenthies, Bob and Marcy Burhop, Steve Davajon, Bert and Jane Eisenhour, Pete and Lisa Ekstrom, Gordon Gluff with guest Mary, Mary Ann Graziano and Paul Ureche, Joel Greenberg and Annie Luginbill, Art and Gail Hascek, Laura Hascek and Mike Cielenski, Bob and Helen Hoge, Larry Johnson, Len and Mary Keil, Larry and Karen Kelly, Joe and Sandy Kraatz, Pete and Marylu Kramer, Paul and Ursala Mounts, Dan and Joan Mrozek, Perry and Cynthia O'Kano, Dave and Mary Jane Osborne, Jerry and Pat Peterson, Dave and Marian Pogorski, Lloyd and Joan Schellin, Gary and Debbie Smithe, Ken and Kathy Smizinski, Bob Sroka and guest Denise, Bill and Bonnie Thelen, Len and Irene Vinyard, Bob and Sue Wenderski, Bill and Liz Werth, Joe and Jeanette Wintz, Tom and Alice Wolfe, and Joe and Madeline Zambon.

-- Annie Luginbill