
Celebrating the original Ford Thunderbird
from 1955, 1956, and 1957
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Recent Events

In Memoriam
Larry Kelly
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It is with great sadness we announce the passing of long-time member Larry Kelly on March 30th, 2023.
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Larry and his wife Karen joined CTCC back in the summer of 2005. During their time with the club, they have hosted many club events and club tours. Larry was always there to help a fellow club member in need and brought laughter to many at all events. His laugh was infectious to all.
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The Officers and Directors send their sincerest sympathy to Karen. Larry was a wonderful, kind and funny man and will truly be missed by all of us.


Klairmont Kollection
Thirteen CTCC members joined a handful of Lincoln club members on April 5. Really, the only way to describe this collection is “WOW”. The huge, two-story building contains rooms with a total of about 300 cars of all shapes, sizes and years, plus hundreds of pieces of memorabilia on the walls and in separate rooms. We walked through room after room of cars. It is a place that requires several visits to absorb it all. Mary Keil and I happened to witness the moving of a car which was a delicate ballet around other cars. After we were totally overwhelmed with all things automotive (and other things – think slot machines, etc.), we gathered at La Villa Restaurant where we experienced really good and fast service from one over-worked waitress.
Those CTCC members in attendance were Dan Anderson, Barb and Joe Esdale, Art Hahl, Peter Hauser, Len and Mary Keil, Barry Konigsford, Ken and Josh Smizinski, Bob Sroka, Len Vinyard, and Liz Werth.
DUDES & DIVAS DINNER
It was a sunny crisp Sunday, March afternoon as 21 members arrived at Colletti’s Italian Restaurant for the Dudes & Divas Dinner. Our host Karen Kelly greeted everyone as attendees mingled around the room sipping on adult beverages and catching up with fellow members. Eventually everyone sat down to feast on the restaurant’s fine Italian cuisine. We all sang Happy Birthday to Barb Esdale who was celebrating her birthday that day. After dinner, Karen Kelly ordered cannolis for everyone to enjoy in honor of St. Joseph’s Day. A wonderful time was had by all. A big thank you goes out to Karen Kelly for hosting the event.
Those in attendance: Mike & Laura Cielenski, Joe & Barb Esdale, Gail Hascek & Mike Detty, Karen Kelly, Len & Mary Kiel, Rose Kovalenko, Dan & Melinda Pritchett, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Bob & Barb Sroka, Liz Werth and Jim & Jane Wilson.
Annual Holiday party
– by Laura Cielenski
The Annual Holiday Party was held on December 3rd at the Alpine Haus Banquets in Westchester. Forty-seven club members came out on a cold December night to celebrate. The festivities began that evening with hot appetizers and drinks as members were able to mingle before dinner. Following Happy Hour was a delicious dinner which consisted of soup, salad, Pork Tenderloin, Beef and Chicken along with potatoes and carrots. To finish off the meal was Apple Strudel and coffee.
After dinner Ken and Kathy pulled names for the door-prizes. Everyone went home with several gifts. Many thanks to Ken & Kathy Smizinksi for planning the party, obtaining the wine and many of the door prizes. A fun night was had by all.
Those in attendance were: Dan & Karen Anderson, Gina Bakakos, Bill & Jane Balogh, Sean Bickerton, Mike & Laura Cielenski, Joe & Barb Esdale, Art Hahl, Gail Hascek & Mike Detty, Peter & Katie Hauser, Larry & Karen Kelly, Len & Mary Keil, Rose Kovalenko, Sandy Kraatz, Marylu Kramer, Steve & Alexandra Kramer, Dan Mrozek and Arlene, Dan & Melinda Pritchett, Bob & Barb Sroka, Gordon Gluff and Mary Ziemba, Madeline Zambon, Mike Pavlak, Ron Pavlak, Lloyd & Joan Schellin, Ken & Kathy Smizinski, Len & Irene Vinyard, Bob & Sue Wenderski, Liz Werth, Tom & Alice Wolfe and Kami Woody.